Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Area Scalloping is a Fun Day for the Whole Family


A bountiful scallop season has many Ocalans and other Florida residents bringing in their catch limits since the season began nearly a month ago. Folks snorkeling the waters of nearby Crystal River and Homosassa are finding plenty of the well camouflaged gulf mollusks. This year’s scallop season runs from June 25th through September 25th has drawn big crowds of boats to these warm, shallow waters. It is truly a fun day for the entire family!

All that’s needed to go scallop fishing is a boat, driver, fins, mask, snorkel, a net bag and of course, a fishing license (unless you’re a child under the age of 16 or a Florida resident over 65 years of age). Once the anchor is set, jump in and start hunting the tall grass at the gulf’s bottom. The elusive scallops’ shell is well hidden within the grass but with a keen eye, fishermen can spot their bright blue “eyes” peering from their perch. With a deep breath, the angler dives down and plucks the soon to be dish from its hiding spot and places it in the net bag. The practice is repeated until the bag can hold no more or the area is bare from previous scallopers. Once on the boat, the scallops are placed in a cooler of ice to stay fresh for shucking later in the day. The boat is moved from location to location until the limit of 2 gallons per person is caught. When that’s achieved, you’re day of fishing is over.

Shucking and cleaning scallops should be done by an experienced member of the group…it’s not an easy process. But the tasty rewards hidden in these shelled beauties are worth the work! Scallops are delicious in many different recipes…but that’s another topic altogether!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Solar Program Expanded at On Top of the World

As part of its ongoing push for energy conservation, independence and efficiency, On Top of the World Communities has installed solar electric systems to fully power its 8,800-square-foot golf course maintenance building.

Here's golf course superintendent Andy Jorgensen explaining the details of the project.


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Resident Club Showcase: ShutterBugs


The mission of the ShutterBugs is to foster growth, vision, and knowledge of photography. They encourage membership by fellow devotees from novices to pros....and welcome to all residents of On Top of the World to join.

When you join ShutterBugs, learn how to:

· take better photos;

· organize photos on the computer;

· edit photographs using Photoshop Elements, Picassa, etc., and

· display the photos.

Members participate in photography challenges, meet new neighbors, take field trips to capture exciting new places, events, and nature – and then learn what to do with the photos once they've taken them.

ShutterBugs member photos are displayed at Ocala's Freedom Library and at Master the Possibilities Education Center. The great feedback given from those venues encourages members to keep learning and shooting.

The ShutterBugs annual exhibit is held in November. The photos are entered and judged in different categories such as novice, intermediate, advanced, master, and modified, plus a “changing” category. Three top winners and three honorable mentions are awarded ribbons in each category. The “People’s Choice” award is voted on by residents of On Top of the World for their favorite photograph.

This club is all about its members! Meetings are held the first three Tuesdays of the month at 3:00 pm in suite “B” at the Arbor Club Conference Center. A field trip to a venue with good photographic opportunities occurs on the fourth Tuesday of the month.


Photo credits: Doris Mauricio with Mare & Newborn


Friday, July 15, 2011

Get To Know Cammy Dennis!














For the last four years, Cammy has been serving as the Fitness Director for On Top of the World Communities. “This role affords me the opportunity to create, implement and manage programming for the Health and Recreation Fitness Center, The Arbor Club and The Ranch Fitness Center and Spa. Our fitness programs are vast and diverse; from ‘Fall Prevention’ to ‘Power Pump’ we are proud to serve the needs of a very dynamic community” says Cammy. Aging science has become her passion and crusade. She says, “It’s not exercise for ‘old people’ but for all people…we are all aging. My challenge lies in helping people achieve wellness by aging optimally, thereby improving the quality of their life. The reward that comes from meeting this challenge is an amazing gift, I am very fortunate to be a part of such a great team.”

Cammy Dennis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and fitness certifications in both Personal Training and Group Exercise from the American Council on Exercise and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Cammy’s fitness career spans 22 years and includes experience in personal training, group fitness instruction, curriculum development and program management. Cammy is a faculty member of SCW Fitness Education and a contributing writer for the American Academy of Health and Fitness and the International Council on Active Aging.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Lawn & Shrub Care Tips for the Summer!

July is a great month to fertilize your lawn and shrubs according to the Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices and Marion County Fertilizer Ordinance 08-35. Remember when making your fertilizer application you should only apply one pound of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft if using a slow release product and .7 pounds if using a readily available form of nitrogen (water soluble nitrogen). Both types of fertilizer should not exceed three pounds of nitrogen per year. You can view a calendar of lawn and shrub care tips here: http://www.ontopoftheworldinfo.com/candlerhills.php?content=ch-homeowner-maintenance-calendar.php

Crepe Myrtles are blooming now and will keep doing so if you prune off the old blooms. Just remove the spent blooms after they go to seed.

With the rainy season here, be sure to check your irrigation system regularly after thunderstorms to make sure the controls are still correctly set. Often times, lightning can surge the system and create problems with the controller.

Information concerning the BLCCDD (Bay Laurel Center Community Development District) meeting coming up in September will be posted soon. We are planning a great event with contractor giveaways and plenty of useful information concerning water conservation and the hydrology of Florida.