Weekly Newsletter
Wednesday, August 5
Spotlight a Team Member

Have you been met with exceptional service from an Evergreen team member?
Spotlight a team member by clicking here.
This Weeks Virtual Lifestyle
Events and Updates

Pass the time this week by participating in some of
our virtual lifestyle events.

Check out the clubs and groups section!


Participate in fun Pop Up Trivia games, recipe exchanges, coffee talks, and more on our official Facebook page, Clubhouse At Victoria Gardens.

Click the Facebook icon to the right to Like and Follow our page.
Have you completed your event survey?

To help guide our planning for lifestyle events, we have put together this survey for you and your neighbors to share your interest and personal requirements to attend both informal and ticketed events. Your input is vital so we can balance our dynamic lifestyle programming in these unprecedented times with the safety and health concerns of the community. Now we are hoping our collective efforts will allow events at some scale to start resuming this Fall and Winter.

Click here to get started!
Cooking Corner
Low Sugar Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:

  • 1 and 3/4 cups (218g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 10 Tablespoons (145g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2/3 cup + 1/2 cup (216g or 1 cup + 2.6 Tbsp) sucanat*
  • 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract 
  • 5 ounces (140g) bitter chocolate chips

Click here for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions.

Feel Good Wednesday!

Keep your spirits up and get out to play some pickle ball!

First enjoy the Pickle Ball Parody; I Wanna Dink with Somebody.

It is announced with great sadness we bring you the news that Ms.Remy Pugh, our Marketing and Media Specialist, will be leaving us to pursue other Lifestyles opportunities. Remy has been with us for a little over 4 years and has been a great asset to the team at Victoria Gardens.

Her smile, energy, enthusiasm, and creativity will be surely missed here at the Gardens. We wish her great success. She will be missed! 

If you would like to send a farewell message to Remy email her at RP[email protected].
 
Event Recap
Romantic Dinner for Two
Winners

Congratulations to Eileen and Tom Gwitt, one of our Romantic Dinner for Two winners.

Thank you for participating and we hope you enjoyed your meal.




Health & Wellness

Virtual Workouts




Full Body Fitness




Gentle Yoga
Zumba with Patti

Join fitness instructor, Patti, this Wednesday and Friday for virtual Zumba class. Zumba classes are free to all Victoria Gardens residents.

Click the date below to join Zumba class:




Water Aerobics
Update:

Schedule

Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8:30 am - 9:30 am.
 
Tuesday and Thursday
9:30 am -10:30 am

Saturday
9 am - 10 am

Participants will have the proper space between one another to ensure we are following proper CDC guidelines. 

We have some exciting news to share with all Victoria Gardens residents! All Saturday Aqua Aerobic classes are FREE. There will still be a $3 charge per resident for classes Monday - Friday.

Registration not required.

NEW!
Boot Camp with Kathy

Click here to start your morning Boot Camp with fitness instructor, Kathy!





NEW! Stretch & Strength with Mary

Click here to join Mary's virtual Stretch and Strength class!

Hours of Operation

We are proud to offer Curb Side, Pool Side, and Dine-In (by reservation) service, Monday – Friday, 11 am – 7 pm.
 
We also offer a weekend menu that can be enjoyed curb side or poolside on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am - 4 pm. Weather permitting. For the best possible service and selection, please place your order between 11 am - 4 pm.

Planning to dine-in? Make a reservation by calling 386-785-2700, Opt. 1.

Check out Daily Specials by clicking here, or visiting The Vine Bar & Bistro at myvictoriapark.com.
Celebrate National IPA day at The Vine with $4 bottles and cans all day!
Wildlife of Victoria Park
by John Serrao
Click here to view the new Self Guiding Nature Trail booklet.
Explore a Preserve Nature
Trail Today

Get some fresh air by walking one of the nature trails within the community.

There are two nature trails you can explore, the North and South Trail.
Click the Preserve Photo to the right to find the entrance
Wild Turkey Summer Survey

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would like your help reporting all wild turkey sightings throughout Florida, including rural and developed areas, from June 1 to Aug. 31.

Click here for more information.
Covenants Corner
Safety Tip – from your Community Standards Administrator:
 
From a safety perspective, a blocked sidewalk is problematic for all pedestrians, bicyclists and people who rely on motorized vehicles to get around.

Too often they find themselves forced from the relative safety of the sidewalk into the street because sidewalk access is blocked due to a vehicle parked over-top the sidewalk. Please be mindful of your community and neighbors; don’t park on the sidewalk.
Feeding Wildlife in Victoria Gardens
Did you know feeding cranes is prohibited in the state of Florida?

In the State of Florida it is illegal to feed Sandhill Cranes under Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001. Cranes fed by humans can become aggressive toward people.
In several instances, children have been attacked by cranes. Cranes fed by humans also have been known to damage window screens and do other property damage. This behavior is probably a response of the birds to seeing their reflection, bringing out a territorial defense behavior (scratching at windows or shiny automobiles). Cranes attracted to people's yards for feed are put at risk as they walk across roads. Attracting cranes to urban areas increases the threat of predation (especially to young cranes) by dogs or cats. Further, the cranes' diets, which normally are quite diverse, are disrupted when they eat one food item (such as corn), consistently.
In addition to Sandhill Cranes, the feeding of Alligators and Crocodiles in Florida is illegal. Statute 372.667 makes it a misdemeanor to feed Alligators or Crocodiles. Feeding of alligators causes them to lose their natural fear of humans.
Bears in the Community
Bears will eat anything that is convenient to them, including trash. Residents should secure their garbage cans and any other trash receptacles that may be on their property. 
 
Here are a few tips from the Wildlife Conservation Commission that will keep you safe and bears away from your home: 

  • Secure household garbage in sturdy sheds, garages or
wildlife-resistant containers. 
  • Put garbage out in the morning of pick up rather than the night before. 
  • Clean grills and store them in a secure place. 
  • Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove from the ground. 
  • Remove wildlife and bird feeders from your yard.  

Also, remember that intentionally feeding bears is prohibited and against the law.
 
If you encounter a bear on your property do not attempt to scare the animal away. Instead, get to a secure location and contact the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.


Stay Informed!

Our Community News Section is filled with informative information you need to know.
Lost wedding ring

A Wedding Ring has been reported missing from one of our concerned residents. It was last seen, in the near the pool at the Clubhouse.

If you have any information please contact Nelson Cederberg at 386-873-4005.
Scheduling a Table Tennis Session:

If you are looking to enjoy a game of Table Tennis, call the resident service desk at 386-785-2700, option 1, no later than 3 p.m. to schedule a time to play for the following day.
Fitness Center Update

The air conditioning system that cools our fitness center is currently out of order. We attempted to repair the system last week, however, the issue is still present. The air conditioning company placed an expedited order on the parts and repair. We are working diligently to have the system back in working order as soon as possible. 

Thank you for your patience.
COVID-19 Precautions at the Clubhouse

A clubhouse team member will be checking resident ID cards at the designated entrance area for the pool and fitness center. The primary role of that person is to verify that anyone accessing the amenities are truly residents. In addition to all of the other COVID-19 safety precautions that we are taking, you may notice that we are checking body temperatures for those that enter the clubhouse. After 3:00 pm, guests are permitted to access the amenities and, therefore, we will not have a team member staffed at that checkpoint. Checking body temperatures is one way that we are doing our part to have a safe environment for our residents and employees. However, this service will not be available after 3:00 pm for the pool area. Please manage your own risk and consider your options when enjoying the clubhouse amenities.
The Architectural Review Committee is looking for members!

The ARC is looking for 2 to 4 new members to join 3 current members to serve until the end of the year. In the fall, those who wish to stay on the ARC will be eligible to apply to serve up to two two-years. 
 
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of month at 3 p.m. at the Community Management Office located in Victoria trails. It is possible that the ARC will review projects the week before the meeting.
 
Overall Description:

Be aware of the overall architectural plan of the Association set forth by the Articles of Incorporation, by laws and CC&R's. Periodically review the community standards and design guidelines for approval of the Board of Directors or Declarant through the issuance of supplemental guidelines that may be needed. Review and make determinations for all plans for modifications and alternations with respect to their impact on the aesthetic quality of the area whether submitted by residents, committees, or Board of Directors.
 
To volunteer, submit the volunteer application by August 5th. Board of Directors will appoint new members.

Click here for the volunteer application.
Hurricane Season
What you can do to prepare!

Hurricane Season is June 1 through November 30.

As Hurricane Season approaches please take a moment to review the following:

Home Preparation

  • Owners who plan to be absent from home during hurricane season must prepare their homes prior to leaving by removing furniture, potted plants and other movable objects from lanais, porches and yards or by designating an individual to complete such tasks in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane.

Hurricane Preparedness Plan

It is important to create a hurricane preparedness kit of supplies you can take with you if there is an evacuation. This kit will also come in handy if you're able to stay at home. Below is a list of items you can fill your kit with.

  • Lighters or Matches
  • Batteries
  • Flash Lights
  • Battery Operated Radio
  • First Aid Kit
  • Water

For more information on how you can be prepared for possible storms or hurricanes, click here.

Walking, Jogging, & Biking
 in Victoria Gardens 

Spending time outdoors in our beautiful community is relaxing and enjoyable, especially during this time of year. However, it is important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Walkers, joggers, and those bicycling should look out for things such as wildlife, moving vehicles and other things that can put you in danger while simply enjoying the outdoors. 
 
Be mindful of where you're walking or jogging and always use the sidewalks when available. When crossing the street, always cross at a crosswalk or in a safe area, and be sure to make eye contact with any drivers nearby before doing so. This will ensure that the driver sees you and that it is clear to walk. Whether you're walking, jogging, or biking, wearing reflective clothing at night can help alert drivers that a pedestrian is crossing or is near. It is also a good measure to utilize a light on your bicycle. A white light on your handlebars and a red light on the back of your bicycle will help cars and pedestrians to see you as you approach.
 
If you plan to bike throughout the Victoria Gardens community be sure to wear protective equipment and be mindful of other vehicles that may be approaching. The correct way to bike is to bike in the direction of traffic, never towards oncoming traffic. Also, be sure to make a complete stop at stop signs.
Pet Reminders & Dog Walking Etiquette
In our neighborhood there are easement areas and common areas that make great dog walking places. This is the grass area that is between the street and the sidewalk. This is the only area you should allow your dog to roam and go potty. Stay off of private property! Be considerate of flowerbeds, bushes, etc.

Below are a few important reminders when walking your dog.

  • Always Use a Leash: All dogs should be walked on a leash. While you may believe your dog is capable of going for a walk without one, you can never be too safe. Protect your dog and yourself by ensuring the leash is on and fastened correctly.

  • Clean Up: There are several dog waste disposal trash bags and cans throughout the community. Be sure to clean up your dogs waste and dispose of the bag in one of the community trash bins.

P lease be advised that continuous barking is considered a noise nuisance which prevents quiet enjoyment, comfort or serenity in the community. Notices will be issued to homeowners for non-compliance. Dogs and Cats must be on a leash when outside of the home. No animal is permitted to roam around the community without their owners. You must clean up after your pets when walking throughout the community and on your lots. 
Guard House Procedure
All permanent changes or updates to homeowners’ guests lists may be made by contacting Maureen Philips at the Community Management Office at (386) 738-2112 x101 or via email at

Temporary guests or vendors may be entered by the homeowner by dialing the voice line at (386) 736-4772. 

Click here more information on the Guard House System.
The BrightView Welcome Portal is your one stop destination for submitting and tracking requests for landscape services.

To get started, visit BrightView Hoa Connect and register using the unique community code sent to your private email address.

In addition to submitting requests using the BrightView Welcome Portal, we also encourage all residents to use the BrightView kiosk located inside the Clubhouse.

For additional information click here.  
Victoria Gardens Clubs & Groups
Victoria Gardens Genealogy Club
Weekly Genealogy Trivia

This Week's Question:

1.What are the two common ancestral charts called?

Check back next week to find out if you
answered correctly.


Last Weeks Answer:

1.When recording genealogical dates what is the correct way to list the dates?

A. August 5, 2020
B. 8/5/2020
C. 5, Aug, 2020
D. 5/8/2020

The correct answer is: C. 5, Aug, 2020. Always put the day, month, then year with the month abbreviated.

Victoria Gardens Women's Club

Click here to visit the VGWC page.


Calling all women who work full-time. If you would like to participate in the Victoria Gardens Women's Club Friendship Tree but can only attend meetings in the evening or on weekends, we welcome the opportunity to set up a branch just for you. Great social activities, Zoom programs, and more. Please fill out the form below and write on it that you wish to be in a full-time working group and return it as soon as possible as indicated on the membership form. Join in the fun, education, and activities. Be assured, county and CDC guidelines will be followed for everyone's safety.
Victoria Gardens Camera Club
Victoria Park Events

Contact Victoria Park Lifestyle Director, Justine Tucker,
to sign up for events.

Phone: 386-738-2112
To participate in Victoria Park's virtual events, add the Victoria Park Only Facebook page by clicking the Facebook icon below.