WWW.HIGHPOINTBROOKSVILLE.NET

HIGH POINT COMMUNITYPROPERTY OWNERS, INC.

Telephone 352-596-2397Fax 352-596-5201

12249 Club House RoadBrooksville, FL 34613

Issues, Issues, Issues!This is a time of year that we in the office view with ambivalence. We look forward to the return of all of our seasonalresidents with the energy and vitality that they add to our many and varied activities in High Point. On the other hand,we are disturbed by the numerous comments and complaints about things that have gone on during the time folks wereaway. They seem to feel that all life in High Point should be frozen in time until their return. I’m sorry if that soundsharsh, but it is very disheartening for our staff and Board of Directors and individual club members who work very hard12 months of the year to make sure that everything runs smoothly and developing issues are addressed as they come up,to be subjected to a litany of complaints and even downright abuse at the General Meeting from those who are not present

in the community 6 - 8 months of the year. Some have complained that we don’t do enough to keep them informed while they are away. We always welcome ideas for improvingcommunications with our 1,750 property owners. We have this monthly newsletter, High Point Matters, available on our website,www.highpointbrooksville.net 24 hours a day. The website also contains much additional helpful information about Board Membersand their phone numbers, clubs, activities, our Rules and Regulations, etc. In addition, the folks at the Social Club who do such awonderful job on the bi-monthly High Point Bulletin are happy to mail that to you in your absence for the postage fee of $2.00. Wehave always been willing to mail the minutes of the monthly Board Meetings, containing all motions voted upon by the Board, uponyour request. Going forward, we will make them available on the website as well. All of the information that anyone could possiblywant in their absence is readily available by email, “snail mail,” “Ma Bell,” the world wide web, etc. It just requires a modicum ofinitiative to receive it. For those of you who are concerned about not having enough input, why not volunteer now, while you arehere, to be a member of the By-Laws Committee? Not a single suggestion was submitted this year by any property owner for desiredchanges to our Rules and Regulations.For all of the the verbal complaints and opinions we’ve heard, we had not a single person beyond those already on the Board submittheir resumes for this year’s ballot for members of the Board of Directors. When people were invited to submit their ideas for the useof the former Fire House on the ballot, there were only 21 people who responded in writing, as required. All of their ideas areincorporated in the 2 ballot choices that you will see in your annual voting packet, which is being prepared to mail as I write this. 21people out of more than 1750 property owners cared enough to take the time to jot their ideas down and submit them to our office!Yet there were more than that at the General Meeting who berated and belittled our Board members and staff, or cheered on thosewho did. If you want to influence the decisions that are made concerning our community, there are numerous ways to be involved.Those who merely wish to complain are part of the problem, not the solution. Make sure you fill out and return your ballots whenthey arrive. Voter participation in the past has been disappointing, to say the least. You can make a difference by that simple act.Like family members, we may not always agree, and the foregoing in no way applies to the vast majority of our returning “snowbirds.” We honestly love all of you and look forward to another wonderful High Point “season” with all in residence.

HIGH POINT MATTERSVol. 11, Issue 11 November 2016

NOVEMBER POOL HOURS

Mon. - Sat.9:00 am ‘til 6:00 pm

Sunday10:00 am ‘til 6:00 pm

Water AerobicsSunday-Monday-Wednesday-Thursday

10:30am to 11:30am

Coming up in December:Gingerbread Houses!!

Corks & Crafts by Charleen Scime

Thursday, November 17 at 3:00 pm in the Community Center, thenew season of Corks and Crafts kicks off.

November’s projects will be painted wine glasses for a FallCenterpiece. The cost is $6.00 which includes three wine glasses,paints and brushes. Please sign up in the office or by callingCharleen at 716-435-1419.

DONATION: $5.00 AT THE DOOR

HERNANDO HIGH POINT EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDERS, INCJudie Harriett, President

Last month you saw the financial statements and costs of various parts of our program. But what do you get for yourmoney?

The most important item to you is that when you call 911 for a medical problem we are paged right away. We havecertified First Responders (EMRs) on call and they respond to your home immediately. They are right here in HighPoint, drop what they are doing, out the door, into their cars and into your door within 2 -3 minutes. They’re there inyour home assessing what the problems are, what to start doing for them and starting treatment long before the ambulancearrives which is 10-15 minutes after you call 911 (often the longest 10 - 15 minutes of your life). If you are having amajor problem such as the start of what may be a heart attack or need CPR, they start treatment as soon as they getthere. You don’t have to wait. Even if you have a bad cut or other injury they can start treatment right away. Something

else they provide is support for your family. A major medical problem or injury is frightening to you but also to your family. Our EMRs aretrained in ways to help family remain calm and gather the necessary information the ambulance EMTs are going to need.

We also provide Safety Patrol members who are outside in the streets by your home to help traffic move around the ambulance when it getsthere. People often forget they are supposed to go slow around an ambulance so to avoid anyone getting hurt. As the EMRs arrive at yourhome, later the ambulance arrives and sometimes the curious folks too, our Safety Patrol answers questions with answers that protect yourprivacy and ask drivers to go a different route to avoid accidents.

How many calls will be answered by our EMR’s in a year? During the summer it is still at least 1 a day, even though there are fewer peopleliving here. In the winter when everyone is here it can be many more. What kind of calls do they answer? The 911 folks have a few key wordsto send to us on our pagers to give us an idea of what the problem is. They use words such as Fall/Back Injury, Chest Pain, NearFainting/Unconscious, Breathing Problems, Abdominal Pain, Possible Stroke. If you have a medical alert button type device all they will sayis Medical Alarm or Sick Person. They will often use Public Assist. This means someone has fallen and can’t get up or something similarwhere you might not need or think you might not need to go to the emergency room but you still need help.

My taxes just went up. Doesn’t that pay for the ambulance now? The answer is no. The taxes went up because we no longer have a firedepartment here to answer fire calls. We are now paying for the fire trucks to come here for fires. The ambulance fee is not part of the newfire assessment.

If we have not answered your questions over the last few months, please call me at 352-232-2564 and I will try to answer them. Our EMRsand Safety Patrol are now answering 911 calls Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. We would love to train more EMRs andSafety Patrol to expand that time frame, but we just do not have enough people to do more. Please consider joining us to learn to be an EMRor Safety Patrol so we can expand. If you feel you can’t do that, please support our fund raising efforts so we can provide you with the servicesthe community asked for.

HHP Emergency Medical Responders Auxiliary Update by Joanne Driscoll

We are so excited about our next 2016 fund-raiser taking place for the month of November. Please plan on attending the following:Pancake Breakfast & Tailgate/Flea Market

Place: Community Center & Parking Lot Date: November 26, 2016 Time: 7 am to noon

Tickets for breakfast available at Dime Jingle on Friday mornings or at the HP office for $5.00 per person

If you would like to participate in the Tailgate/Flea Market, please call Loreen at 210-294-1311 for more information or to reserve a slot in theparking lot.

Donated items would be greatly appreciated! We can arrange to pick up these items - please call Joanne at 352-610-9838. We are setting up2 - 3 tables to sell these items for the First Responders.

We hope to see you at this event!

Our next Auxiliary Meeting is scheduled for November 3rd at 10 am in the Board Room at the High Point Community Center.

Thank you, High Point Community, for all your support!!

Publication in High Point Matters of articles by various clubs and organizations does not imply endorsement by management or the Boardof Directors of High Point Property Owners Association. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the officers of the group thathas submitted an article.

High Point Social Enterprises, Inc. (formerly HighPoint Social Club)

Are you a Social Enterprise member (HPSE, Inc.) or a Golf ClubSocial Member? How do you know?

The High Point Social Enterprises, Inc. (formerly the Social Club)has a green membership card for 2016 at a cost of only $5 per year.The 2016 card is signed by the Secretary, Dawn Harrison andPresident, Eileen Willms and sold by our Membership chairperson,Sylvia Pistorious. The 2017 cards will be pink with the newofficer’s signatures. The card provides discounts to the DanceClasses as well as 2 special “Members Only” events during theyear (June and December). Our annual membership drive will bein February of 2017.

The Social Membership of the Golf Club costs $10 and providesyou with social access to the use the Golf Club lounge for eventssuch as Thursday Karaoke and dining and more. You must purchasethe Golf Club Social Membership at the Golf Club.

These are two separate membership cards that are notinterchangeable.

November 11th will be our annual Veterans Day Program. Weencourage everyone to attend for a meaningful event; Army, AirForce, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, USO, RedCross and others. Without all of you, we could not be the nation weare today.

Watch for our flyers and notices throughout the Community Center,on the monthly calendars and in the High Point Bulletin and HighPoint Matters newsletter announcing dates and times for all of ourevents.

Our Nominations Chair, Joyce Senf would like to remind you thatit’s that time of year for annual elections for the High Point SocialEnterprises, Inc. Board. Nominations for President, Vice President,Secretary, Treasurer and 3 Directors will be accepted. Individualswilling to accept one of these positions must have their names in byNovember 4th. Nominations will be accepted at the Novembermeeting, after which time nominations will be closed. If interested,please submit your name and the position for which you wish to benominated at the High Point Office. Voting for these offices willtake place at our December meeting. - Eileen Willms

Lions ClubThe High Point Lions will celebrate 42 years of service with theirCharter Night ceremonies on November 10th. Dinner will be heldfor the members and their guests with past president Stephen Peckpresenting awards to various members for their activities andparticipation in the 2015-2016 Lionistic year.

Thank you to all who attended the October Lasagna Dinner. Onceagain the food was delicious and the entertainment fun. Our majorservice activity for the past month was the Health Fair. Manyresidents attended, gained valuable information, took advantage ofthe retinopathy screening and enjoyed a light luncheon. We areproud to have been of service in this way. The month ended withthis season’s first Derby Night which was a lot of fun.

Our November service activity will be diabeticscreening on November 4th. We continue tocollect used eyeglasses and hearing aids.These items can be placed in the yellow “mail”box in the Community Center.

HARRIETT is 103 years young!!On Friday, October 21, our High Point Dime Jingle regulars were privileged to help long-time High Point residentHarriett Kramer celebrate the 103rd anniversary of her birth! Just imagine all of the changes she has seen in her life-time.Those who know Harriett know that she is the reigning queen of Dime Jingle and as “sharp as a tack.” Congratulations,Harriett! We love you!!!

REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED BY HIGH POINT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Bottled Water and Soft Drinks Available from Lions Club Cooler for $.50

High Point Neighbors Helping Neighbors by Sheila Kirk

High Point Neighbors Helping Neighbors is an Association formedwith the purpose of helping our neighbors in our community, “HIGHPOINT.” This program will be available to residents who haveemergency needs. This Association was founded by Clay and SheilaKirk. We had an Idea to help our Neighbors of High Point and so weformed our Board with the following officers:

President: Jennie SandersVice President: Sheila KirkSecretary/Treasurer: Pat LatshawBoard Member: Ruth Bettis --Gwen Roy --- Jackie Corrie ---GiniSchweigert

Beginning Sunday, November 6, Neighbors Helping Neighbors willhave “Sunday Socials” on the 1st and 3rd Sunday every month. Thesewill be afternoons of fun with an opportunity to meet new people. Seethe menu in the right column on this page. We have plans forfundraising dinners, entertainment shows and more.

Our 1st entertainment show will be Saturday February 25, 2017 withCountry Clay Kirk & Friends. Don’t miss the chance to do good forothers, your neighbors. Be a big part of helping others here in ourcommunity. And support our show.

This is where we in High Point can make a difference. Rememberthere are people in High Point, including some who are reading thisarticle, that need help. H.P. Neighbors helping Neighbors can helpyou.

We walk by Faith not by sight! GOD has a plan. Help your Neigh-bors! Our group is trying very hard to make this work. We know thereare people in High Point that need our help and we are asking all HighPoint people to climb on board and help us with this journey. It’s notjust our journey. No one should have to travel this road of life alone.We will protect the privacy of everyone who asks for a helping hand,so don’t be afraid to ask for yourself or someone you may know.

Our next meeting will be November 15, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. Pleasecome and see what we are about and maybe you will want to come onboard.

If you are a High Point resident in needof help or know of someone who is,please call us to see if we are able toassist. Call Jennie Sanders at 716-864-9025 or Debbie Wagner 610-864-6669

God Bless each and every one of you.Remember God has a plan for all of us.

HPNHN

SUNDAY SOCIALS

Helpful Phone NumbersBulletin Delivery

Sylvia596-6006

County Sheriff Non-Emergency #

754-6830Information Booth

Animal Services

High Point Office Fax352-596-5201

Republic Sanitation1-800-282-9820

Nursery DaysHarry & Anna Franciscus

596-1601Lions Med Equip

Tony Albano596-7435Mo Gay

413-388-0882 Adult Protective Svcs.1-800-962-2873

High Point Travel ClubBy Trey Jordan

The Travel Club wants to welcome all of our returning winter residents.Glad to see that people are starting to make their way back down South!If you are a new resident, come and see what the Travel Club is doing.

We are going on a Mystery Trip the 26th of October which includeslunch and is only $50.00. On November 10, we are going on the St.John’s River out of Sanford, FL. On November 30 we are going toTampa Bay Downs for some horse racing. This trip includes ClubhouseSeating and a Buffet-style luncheon, all for $48.00.

We have a trip to Savannah, GA in March of 2017. This trip is 4 Days,3 Nights, staying in the Historic District of Savannah. We also have atrip to Asheville, NC and Pigeon Forge TN in October of 2017. Thistrip will be 6 Days and 5 Nights. We have flyers on these two trips atthe meetings along with flyers of the many cruise offerings we have foranyone who would like to participate. There are also flyers posted inthe Community Center.

We have a new position, and that is Liaison between the Travel Cluband the Golf Club. Barbara Leach has volunteered to fill this position.So all of you Golf Club people, we now have someone dedicated toaddressing your needs, concerns and suggestions. Be sure to get intouch with Barb if you have any input for us.

Everyone, come on out to a meeting and see what we areup to. We meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each monthat 11:00 am in the Community Center.

Landscaping TipsBy Tom Anderson, Univ. of Florida Master Gardener

“Bedding Plants, Bulbs and Perennials, Vegetables, Bermuda and Zoysia Lawn Fertilizing, Poinsettias and Free Classes”

“A Garden is a Friend You can visit Anytime”- Anonymous

The Pansy, Snapdragon, Dianthus, Cape Daisy, Alyssum and Orna-mental Cabbage are some of the cool season plants that you may use tocreate a display of fall colors in your flower beds according to the Univer-sity of Florida Extension Service. See: Gardening with Annuals in Floridahttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG319

Bulbs and Perennials – Some of the Bulbs that like to get their start incool weather include Amaryllis, Crinum, and Daylily. It is also a goodtime to divide and replant overgrown Bulbs and Perennials so that theyestablish before the cold weather arrives. For additional information go to:Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG029 and Propagation ofLandscape Plants – http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG108

Vegetables – November is a good month to start planting Lettuce, Kale,Cabbage, Broccoli, Beets, and Carrots. See: Florida Vegetable GardeningGuide: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021

Fertilizing Lawns – November is the last time of year for Fertilizing Ber-muda grass and Zoysia lawns. Choose a fertilizer (not a weed & feed)with little or no Phosphorus (unless a soil test indicates a need) and a con-trolled-release Nitrogen for longer lasting results (follow label applicationdirections closely). For more information: Bermudagrass for FloridaLawns - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh007 or: Zoysiagrass for Florida Lawns -http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh011

Poinsettia - The Poinsettia is a native to Mexico and the Aztecs used themin their fall celebrations. The plant’s name is derived from Joel Poinsett,the man who introduced the plant to the U.S. in 1825 when he was the U.S.Ambassador to Mexico. The colorful “flower” is actually a cluster ofmodified leaves called bracts. The true flowers are small and clustered inthe centers of the bracts. Poinsettias are not poisonous although somepeople are mildly allergic to their white milky sap. Poinsettias are onlymildly toxic to Dogs and Cats. Poinsettias this time of year can toleratefull sun in the porch or patio but must be protected from freezing tempera-tures. Water only when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch and re-move any excess water from the saucer because they don’t tolerate soggysoil. : Poinsettias at a Glance - : http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep349 Also, watchfor hornworms on plants planted in the landscape. Hand pick or treat onlyinfested areas with insecticide containing Bt and always follow label direc-tions!

November Free Florida-Friendly Landscaping and Gardening Classes

Wed. Nov. 9 “Compost Happens” 10:30 Spring Hill Library 9220 Spring Hill Dr. – Dr. William Lester and Carmen Bruno (Registration required 352-754-4112 – Free

Composter!!!!)Wed. Nov. 16 “Rain Barrel Workshop” 10:30 AM Spring Hill Library, 9220 Spring Hill Dr. – Lilly Browning (Call Utilities 352-540-6230 for registration. Cost is $55 for Rain Barrel and Hernando Utilities customers receive a $25 rebate.)Fri. Nov. 18 “Scratching the Surface – How to Reduce the Mosquito Population in Your Landscape” 10 AM

Chinsegut Consv. Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Rd., - Lilly Browning and Rene Snow

The High Point Garden Club Fall Plant sale will be held on Saturday Morning,November 12th from 8-12. Lots of beautiful plants at bargain prices.

The November High Point Garden Club meeting will be on Thursday, the17th at 10:30, speaker TBA. Volunteers are needed to Help Put upChristmas Decorations Starting at 8 AM Mon. Nov 28th at the Com-munity Center.

The Garden Club Christmas Party will be held at the Community Centeron December 4th at 1-4 PM. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to pass.

WATCH YOUR MAIL for yourHIGH POINT ANNUAL MEETING

VOTING PACKET!!

Make sure to mark your ballots, carefully following all instructions

and return to the HIGH POINT OFFICE by

1:00 PM ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

This is your chance to stand up and be counted as aHigh Point Property Owner

From the President’s Desk-HIGH POINT MATTERS

As your President, one of my responsibilities is to keep the Membership informed about issues thataffect all segments of our High Point Community. With the recent dissolution of the Fire Department,all remaining assets have been returned to our Membership, from whom those assets originated (ourdonated support).

The question of “how will the facility be used” is a hotbed of controversy. I am going to play “Devil’sadvocate” and share comments the board has received and try to put some of the possibilities intoperspective.

#1) There is a small but vocal segment that would like to maintain a “club-like” atmosphere for small, select party or Clubuses. Again, I will stress, “small, select groups!” Benefit to the whole community? Very little!

#2) As a venue for dinners and social gatherings! The Community Center has a commercial kitchen facility designed forthat specific purpose. There is no need to try to duplicate that! Remember, the fire house does not have a commercialkitchen.

#3) Again, a small but vocal faction want a “Recreation Facility.” Two things immediately jump to mind with regard tothis issue: the cost of equipment and the very significant cost of Insurance for a major portion of a structure used for thatpurpose. There are at least 6 (or more) fitness centers within a five mile radius that those of us who want can and do usefor free (Silver Sneakers) or very little cost. Why in the world would we want to incur the cost and liability to have ourown?

With proper use and planning we have sufficient space for adding amenities that some folks would utilize. Our “sister”community, Brookridge (with many more residents) found out very quickly that when they provided weight and exerciserooms and equipment as requested, those amenities were not utilized sufficiently to justify and maintain their existence!They also have a notably younger demographic than High Point. Food for thought!

While your Board of Directors is eager to hear your ideas and concerns, we have to remind you that we need to considerthe needs of the whole community, not the “special interest groups” that are “appearing, disappearing and appearing againand then again!” We would like to thank everyone who submitted their ideas by the deadline of October 20 and assureyou that each and every submission has been given serious consideration.

High Point Property Owners, Incorporated is a “not-for-profit” corporation governed by Chapter 617 of the Florida Statutesand a Home Owner’s Association governed by Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes.

Your Board of Directors is elected to manage a nearly two million dollar per year Corporation. Many folks don’t realizethe sense of responsibility and importance that this demands. We have to constantly be aware of what is the best decisionto make when it will affect approximately 1760 properties and 3500 to 3800 people.

Those of you who have lived here the longest and have been involved in the numerous activities available to our membershipare very aware of our inadequate office space and the significant lack of secure storage facilities. The possibility ofaddressing those needs now becomes a viable option.

Someone mentioned that we should build a new office complex adjacent to the Community Center. This option would bevery expensive, demand a significant increase in member fees and would only duplicate an already existing building thatwould have minimal comparative costs! While discussing costs, let me remind you that the fire house facility was supportedby our member donations and was not a Budget item for your HOA. Now we (the Homeowners Association) are responsiblefor essentially a whole new property. We have Insurances, taxes, water, sewer, electricity, phone service, normalmaintenance and upkeep, etc. for which we are responsible! I’m sure any reasonably intelligent individual will realize thatan adjustment to our maintenance fees might be necessary. It’s the Board of Director’s responsibility to make the mostefficient, responsible and realistic decisions when it comes to the use of your funds!

The foregoing is presented to encourage reasonable, rational thought concerning the future of our community. Too oftenemotions and “special interests” run rampant and the best decisions for most of our community get trampled on with littlethought of “the best for most.” Your opinions are definitely welcomed. We have encouraged property owners to submitideas they may have and a few have responded. The 2 ideas that have generated the most input will be on the ballot forour annual election in December. Please be sure to return your ballots so the majority of our property owners will be heard.Jim Woolcock, President