tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37400700467710975742024-03-13T13:08:59.599-04:00On Top of the World Communities - Active Adult LivingOn Top of the World Communities is an award-winning, amenity-rich, 55+ active adult community located in the beautiful rolling hills of Ocala. Every home we build receives an Energy Star™ certification rating by an independent testing and inspection agency.
Endless amenities offer an active lifestyle with an abundance of events and activities happening everyday. We are confident that our homes and lifestyle are of the greatest quality and value and we invite you to come see for yourself.On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-29339066751711405472013-03-01T12:33:00.000-05:002013-03-01T12:33:19.828-05:00Springtime in Ocala<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by: Greg Wise</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AG8pj7Gcy6rbO5flDRNYJ5tgLYfErSgQWYHjVLVM180wvjBdTBJRXY99MQLFWyuS2g5jfmmLFto4NdkFYNO-ZK6XGw_GHLckWnb1ztQoHq5TKAk336ZnLt9hnmvL910Pcq3jRZO3_g68/s1600/OO12Final+388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AG8pj7Gcy6rbO5flDRNYJ5tgLYfErSgQWYHjVLVM180wvjBdTBJRXY99MQLFWyuS2g5jfmmLFto4NdkFYNO-ZK6XGw_GHLckWnb1ztQoHq5TKAk336ZnLt9hnmvL910Pcq3jRZO3_g68/s200/OO12Final+388.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2012 Ocala Open winner Yohann Benson<br />of Montreal, Canada.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the golf world, springtime can only mean one thing...it's time for the <a href="http://www.ocalaopen.com/">Ocala Open</a> professional golf tournament! The <a href="http://www.floridaprofessionalgolftour.org/Pages/default.aspx">Florida Professional Golf Tour</a> (FPGT) returns March 13 - 15 to <a href="http://www.candlerhillsgolfclub.com/">Candler Hills Golf Club</a> to present the seventh annual Ocala Open with a select group of professional golfers. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Originally from Montreal, Canada, last year's winner Yohann Benson </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">now resides in Harmony, Fl and is scheduled to return and defend his title. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"It is a pleasure to return to Candler Hills every year. The players enjoy playing this event. Many players have commented that the staff of Candler Hills is amazing and the way that they are treated and the quality of the course...makes them feel like they are on the <a href="http://www.pga.com/home">PGA Tour</a>," stated FPGT Director, Rick Herdershot. He went on to say, "The comments that I hear the most are about the passion for golf the residents of <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/#&panel1-1">On Top of the World Communities</a> have and how they are helpful to pitch in and be a part of this event. That is amazing to many of the players. They truly like playing in the Ocala Open."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playing two groups ahead of the second round leaders on the final day of the 2012 event, Benson went to work clearing a four stroke deficit with a birdie on the final hole giving him a final day 64 and a tournament total -18, 198. Benson stood quietly with the gallery around the left side of the 18th green watching the shot that would make the difference between the win and a sudden death play-off. Needing an eagle on the final hole to tie Benson, Willie Mack III of Flint, Mi., used a sand wedge from 95 yards out but came up short of the hole. The missed shot by Mack III was all that was needed to seal the win and $12,000 purse for Benson.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who is the Real Winner at the Ocala Open?</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQb9pRPrZ6Sn58a3O0c71m4vWrGLrD_ClqDWrKX4ZsovBhsSr-cpQiTUpGcuaOMLkbx5C9XFYpDpTXgzlHluXyRrTjRS7GEZ1yU85cCz6bJ7cSyINC4rnATq8V0LvpTuD2K_0xb3wTFXP/s1600/OO12Final+400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQb9pRPrZ6Sn58a3O0c71m4vWrGLrD_ClqDWrKX4ZsovBhsSr-cpQiTUpGcuaOMLkbx5C9XFYpDpTXgzlHluXyRrTjRS7GEZ1yU85cCz6bJ7cSyINC4rnATq8V0LvpTuD2K_0xb3wTFXP/s200/OO12Final+400.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The winner is...CHARITY!! "Again this year, the official charities that win big with the playing of the Pro-am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 will be <a href="http://www.hospiceofmarion.com/">Hospice of Marion County</a> and <a href="http://iesmarion.org/">Interfaith Emergency Services</a>. These charities are very strong supporters of the </span><a href="http://www.ocalafl.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ocala</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">/</span><a href="http://www.ocalamarion.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marion County</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> residents and we are pleased to be a major support mechanism for these organizations," </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">commented Lynette Vermillion, General Manager of On Top of the World.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DvYJkrkRN-lDw_olGeNgnx7gcY2RwSI8rujC_ahfwwXcepRHNW1MzSnYyJpp2IpZlozmy0ZAG-NrHFr5cIBPGcEXZFy2SqRjStDxnL77a_v8hfrDVjZ6kJq0725EdsnnFQCACKMoNXEr/s1600/OO12Final+399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DvYJkrkRN-lDw_olGeNgnx7gcY2RwSI8rujC_ahfwwXcepRHNW1MzSnYyJpp2IpZlozmy0ZAG-NrHFr5cIBPGcEXZFy2SqRjStDxnL77a_v8hfrDVjZ6kJq0725EdsnnFQCACKMoNXEr/s200/OO12Final+399.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are interested in participating in the Ocala Open Pro-Am on Tuesday, March 12th or would like to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ocalaopen.com/pdfs/2013/9236-Ocala-Open-Sponsor-2013lr.pdf">sponsor the tournament</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, contact Candler Hills Golf Club's director of golf, Matt Hibbs at 352-861-9712 or email him at </span><a href="mailto:matt_hibbs@otowfl.com" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">matt_hibbs@otowfl.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Greg Wise is the Call Center Manager at On Top of the World Communities and the official Ocala Open event photographer.</i></span><br />
<br />On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-71770003790872645822013-02-22T09:11:00.003-05:002013-02-22T09:11:28.607-05:00Keeping it Green: Crape Myrtles<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by Phillip Hisey</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq52KxKA6x_y5aLSdo4sQJSJqdMYCh0K_J07kEDBiF27uzALE6nj5czA-BL1vtWlF_Y6HKlAoDuoDrITrsuquCChkevggbhtO-LO06XTCanTI5rS1LRSF7bNivNKbm8IaPX0BeHZgd8nr/s1600/IMG_8855.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq52KxKA6x_y5aLSdo4sQJSJqdMYCh0K_J07kEDBiF27uzALE6nj5czA-BL1vtWlF_Y6HKlAoDuoDrITrsuquCChkevggbhtO-LO06XTCanTI5rS1LRSF7bNivNKbm8IaPX0BeHZgd8nr/s200/IMG_8855.CR2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A row of crape myrtles adorn the front <br />
entrance of <a href="http://www.masterthepossibilities.com/">Master the Possibilities</a><br />
<a href="http://www.masterthepossibilities.com/"> Education Center</a> at On Top of the World.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now is a good time to trim your crape myrtles! Crape myrtles are easy to grow and produce a large cluster of flowers in many different colors during the summer months.Some plants are trained into trees and others are grown as shrubs. During this time of year, the plant is dormant thus making it easier to shape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why trim crape myrtles? The crape myrtle blooms appear only on new wood so pruning branches produces new growth and flowers along the branch nodes. There are many studies suggesting the proper pruning method but the studies do not show conclusive evidence that one way is better than another. The method I prefer and propose for <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World</a> residents to follow is called "pencil pruning." The rule to this method is to simply remove all branches shorter than the length of an unsharpened pencil. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60l5xmzw7auaGCcsHK59N0AkOFCjESCrhTlCgOi57JQ7mkFOxZXl2utoFeTjqq9O8wSwzT-P0r8WXwlIkeenq3odfWmEFwZ9VxU-9gxbPXP_J_6U628kaIS1EAxr6ZGyv1Je0-EwHcObP/s1600/Crape+Myrtle+Prune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60l5xmzw7auaGCcsHK59N0AkOFCjESCrhTlCgOi57JQ7mkFOxZXl2utoFeTjqq9O8wSwzT-P0r8WXwlIkeenq3odfWmEFwZ9VxU-9gxbPXP_J_6U628kaIS1EAxr6ZGyv1Je0-EwHcObP/s200/Crape+Myrtle+Prune.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will still get blooms and plenty of them if you do not prune the crape myrtle. While trimming the plant will help with new growth and blooms, it is also has an aesthetic function. The pruned plants look better and often times have a better resistance to insects and disease due to increase airflow through the canopy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crape myrtles can bloom all season long. Trimming the blooms after they fade will encourage a second bloom to occur. We have had crape myrtles blooming from summer into the fall months in On Top of the World.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Phillip Hisey is the Landscape Superintendent for <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a>.</i></span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-73307046268883220332013-02-13T14:33:00.001-05:002013-02-13T14:33:38.105-05:00Resident Club Showcase: 100 Grandparents Club<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O3KD4JKRARqrTNz-iiUnGdh0E_wdMo5kieSs__d_JvBnpykX97ddfRud7g1IoG6Zsw9tqRAQ8FmNsDb4nXE88g7QMvqOcsdocBP3hMsx7HrroVXJxkEr5FdeUocRRPqF6YKVBPiin4gm/s1600/Grandparent+reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O3KD4JKRARqrTNz-iiUnGdh0E_wdMo5kieSs__d_JvBnpykX97ddfRud7g1IoG6Zsw9tqRAQ8FmNsDb4nXE88g7QMvqOcsdocBP3hMsx7HrroVXJxkEr5FdeUocRRPqF6YKVBPiin4gm/s200/Grandparent+reading.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the goals of the 100 Grandparents Club at <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a> (OTOW) in <a href="http://www.ocalafl.org/">Ocala, Florida</a> is to help children understand the importance of reading. Club members travel to local elementary schools frequently to read, share and interact with classrooms of school children. The club has a group of "regular" readers who travel to the same classroom once a month and "substitute" readers who fill in when "regular" readers are unable to attend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/roe/">Romeo Elementary School</a> in nearby <a href="http://www.dunnellon.org/">Dunnellon, Florida</a> educates children from kindergarten through the 5th grade. The classroom sizes vary from no more than 19 in the lower grades to 23 in the higher grade levels. The teacher from each of the participating classrooms remain in the room while the club members are reading to the class, creating a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. It brings so much joy interacting and sharing with the children...it's the best part of the club members' adventures!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other goals of the OTOW 100 Grandparents Club is to see that the children of Romeo Elementary School have food to eat for the weekend and ample school supplies for their education. The club is involved in the <a href="http://feedingamerica.org/how-we-fight-hunger/programs-and-services/child-hunger/backpack-program.aspx?convio_source=Y13YDIFGT&convio_subsource=gbackpackprogram&gclid=CMCKhIHks7UCFQyqnQod01YALA">Feeding America BackPack for Kids Program</a> where bags of donations are assembled and distributed at the end of the week to nearly 230,000 (nationally) children a year. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dUzFrisQFIOrSLajUkyVUFi4ONbryrSW-rawFHfa37SCP2x06ItjRJwDqOV0Iy4mG6oLBMeC37m-CJ50BIN7wXZG5_qldPb5zWvPQ0hPyBK1JZu3bqQQY5M_2RvKrYP47h0jsWiFVkvD/s1600/Classroom+for+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dUzFrisQFIOrSLajUkyVUFi4ONbryrSW-rawFHfa37SCP2x06ItjRJwDqOV0Iy4mG6oLBMeC37m-CJ50BIN7wXZG5_qldPb5zWvPQ0hPyBK1JZu3bqQQY5M_2RvKrYP47h0jsWiFVkvD/s200/Classroom+for+Blog.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The club also clip labels from various food items that read "<a href="http://www.boxtops4education.com/learn/WhyJoin.aspx">Box Tops for Education</a>" or "<a href="http://www.labelsforeducation.com/About-the-Program">Labels for Education</a>" which, with enough labels, can provide school supplies to be earned by the school. The 100 Grandparents Club are not the only ones clipping labels...OTOW residents are helping with this endeavor all year round!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romeo Elementary School is very fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals helping them profit from what their club provides...food, school supplies and sharing the love of reading!</span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-40294335179081981182013-02-08T12:46:00.000-05:002013-02-08T12:46:00.353-05:00It's Showtime at the Circle Square Cultural Center<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGEMeAhROR8ir4DqGdcgFcLR9KGeh5H01Ce7XWqxge0YEQqVKWADkuk9sVjJHXsucyCR8jXWczOacjAMcO5D4kJ3XVlsKuWUrnoyqUAM99jqJ_g7w0EDKgmoXFmayYf0yCVS3n4zqCbNI/s1600/CSCC+2-8-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGEMeAhROR8ir4DqGdcgFcLR9KGeh5H01Ce7XWqxge0YEQqVKWADkuk9sVjJHXsucyCR8jXWczOacjAMcO5D4kJ3XVlsKuWUrnoyqUAM99jqJ_g7w0EDKgmoXFmayYf0yCVS3n4zqCbNI/s200/CSCC+2-8-07.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a> boasts the <a href="http://www.csculturalcenter.com/">Circle Square Cultural Center</a> just outside their gates for residents and the general public. All get to enjoy concerts, shows and events. The Cultural Center's February schedule is full of great entertainment as well as a very informative Home Improvement Expo. Here's a short synopsis of what audiences will look forward to this month:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">OPERA NOIR</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, February 10 - 2pm</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://ocalasymphony.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ocala Symphony Orchestra</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and the University of Florida Opera Theatre Worskshop present this production that transforms two operatic standards into staged versions of film classics such as Mozart's "The Impresario" and "Dido!" This show welcomes general admission with tickets at $15 per person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>HOME IMPROVEMENT EXPO</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, February 16 - 9am to 1pm</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Browse through the dozens of<span style="color: red;"> </span>exhibitor booths and visit with experts from a wide
variety of trades in the home improvement industry including; home solar, screen room enclosures, windows
and flooring, the latest in home entertainment, single room or total home
renovation, home security and much more. Numerous companies will fill the Cultural Center with different ideas for enhancing homes and
showcasing concepts for home improvements from standard remodeling and
landscaping to complete reconstruction. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visitors to the Home
Improvement Expo will be treated to giveaways, door prizes and vendor gifts,
along with loads of information and ideas for improving their home.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The
event is sponsored by On Top of the World Communities and <a href="http://www.worldhomeimprovements.com/">World Home Improvements</a>. It's FREE and open to the general public.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaufVfzxjZQyxp3dR45SCS9m51zJsiBQTovaNMuHFKiDwv7hknhzqBRvq3J0YESfn0OoygFSRI1CvaYJf3p0_p7ktI1oGqLHHuhdjQerL_iIMpPVmAuBMj4sJYasc_NrVR792aFZ3TNL8/s1600/7-Bridges-2012-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaufVfzxjZQyxp3dR45SCS9m51zJsiBQTovaNMuHFKiDwv7hknhzqBRvq3J0YESfn0OoygFSRI1CvaYJf3p0_p7ktI1oGqLHHuhdjQerL_iIMpPVmAuBMj4sJYasc_NrVR792aFZ3TNL8/s200/7-Bridges-2012-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>7 BRIDGES: THE ULTIMATE EAGLES EXPERIENCE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, February 23 - 7pm</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #111111;">This is a stunningly accurate tribute
to the music of the Eagles using no backing tracks or harmonizers. </span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7 Bridges</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #111111;"> faithfully re-creates the experience of an Eagles concert from their most
prolific period. The band will feature brilliant hit singles after another while
offering the perfect blend of songs to capture all levels of Eagles devotees with
some mighty Don Henley and Joe Walsh surprises sprinkled into the mix.</span> Tickets for this concert start at $15.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiEVR8dUrglKR-oio6SqRzZv4WJqA1A0kVU__Hdm3m_zkjPS22KtDdk0rdizY4hSo0NXb6OolFdgcDoawJ_JhcI_OhguDu9gI6VFTiUTo4tl19Ngs477BARMJtJ7mMu1x3EvtS6K6vvKz/s1600/IMG_4452+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiEVR8dUrglKR-oio6SqRzZv4WJqA1A0kVU__Hdm3m_zkjPS22KtDdk0rdizY4hSo0NXb6OolFdgcDoawJ_JhcI_OhguDu9gI6VFTiUTo4tl19Ngs477BARMJtJ7mMu1x3EvtS6K6vvKz/s200/IMG_4452+copy.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"THE WORLD HAS TALENT" AUDITIONS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, February 26 - 10am to 3pm</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Active
adults 55+ from all over Florida are invited on stage to audition for the 4th annual
“The World Has Talent” 55+ talent show. </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3740070046771097574" name="more" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Judges from the Ocala business and entertainment community will choose several top acts that will then perform at
“The World Has Talent” 55+ Talent Show at the Cultural Center on Saturday, May 11, 2013 where they will
compete for a chance to win the $500
first place, $250 second place and $150 third place prizes! The audition is FREE and open to the general public.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information on the Circle Square Cultural Center's 2013 entertainment line-up
including times, dates and tickets, visit </span><a href="http://www.csculturalcenter.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.CSCulturalCenter.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> or call
352-854-3670.</span></div>
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-55042378778975654012013-02-01T11:54:00.000-05:002013-02-01T11:54:39.021-05:00Home Maintenance Tip: Side Entry Garage Doors<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by Robert Colen</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuer34eu-kJTdj6o4btBIXOllVyeanklT3Zfhk244lr8J1yz6_3RofdRfjEA419t_pE3oICa4Md-IIakasG_pNs_jPS4QR7Wk7CwdMbQ9LJnL4G4ee0AZzfWUjAZeanwKKMeob4l_IDMu/s1600/side+garage+door+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuer34eu-kJTdj6o4btBIXOllVyeanklT3Zfhk244lr8J1yz6_3RofdRfjEA419t_pE3oICa4Md-IIakasG_pNs_jPS4QR7Wk7CwdMbQ9LJnL4G4ee0AZzfWUjAZeanwKKMeob4l_IDMu/s200/side+garage+door+1.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A home maintenance item that does not get a lot of attention, but certainly deserves it is the side entry garage door. These are the service doors that exit from a garage and usually do not have more than 16 inches of overhang protection from the soffit above. Consequently, these doors are exposed to rain, sun, wind, and other elements. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a result of the year-round pounding that the door gets from the environment, it is only natural that it experiences some wear and tear. If the door is not maintained properly, there is a good chance that the frame around the door will begin to rot. The door itself might get damaged as well. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When a door begins to rot, it can be susceptible to termites. Additionally, once the door starts to decay, the frame can literally start disintegrating allowing water, pests and vermin to enter the garage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a list of my recommendations on </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what you can do </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>EVERY SIX MONTHS</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to protect the side garage door:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXzVDU-UUqveArpt_toeeIJ2mzOhXx267ZFHwKP7PeF_S44eXUnHGa5UEPJJGDguvVMy70va3_4tWatRjUyy48BHZZX5gcqhgdr_0Q5VurRpccmUnmzQ341wXROytlNOr2rDSDwZOQ-tI/s1600/side+garage+door+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXzVDU-UUqveArpt_toeeIJ2mzOhXx267ZFHwKP7PeF_S44eXUnHGa5UEPJJGDguvVMy70va3_4tWatRjUyy48BHZZX5gcqhgdr_0Q5VurRpccmUnmzQ341wXROytlNOr2rDSDwZOQ-tI/s200/side+garage+door+2.JPG" width="200" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do a quick visual inspection of the caulking and paint along the brick mold and at the threshold . The brick mold is the casing around the door frame. You want to make sure that water is not seeping inside and being soaked up by the wood. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the same time you check the caulking, also check the door, the frame and the molding for any discoloration along the bottom. If water is getting into the wood, you will see it start to brown or gray.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During this visual inspection, you will want to check the threshold to make sure that there is no debris build-up between it and the weather strip.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every two years, replace the caulking at the bottom of the door frame. Obviously, if it is cracking or deteriorating prior to that, then go ahead and replace at that time.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maintaining the side door can be very simple and fast. Yet, it is another important facet of maintaining your home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Robert Colen is the manager of <a href="http://www.worldhomeimprovements.com/">World Home Improvements</a> and the warranty manager for <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a>.</i></span></div>
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-64984974868853239532013-01-21T13:04:00.001-05:002013-01-21T13:04:32.359-05:00Generosity Knows No Bounds For Residents, Clubs and Organizations of On Top of the World Communities <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Ray Cech</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmth-YjYi2yZyG9KGAJEokt32gbWj-li2clM3-jXqldIWzDoJ5iQpriEo9O7ooP5emNxDRfAAp6f5azVZPxkxpJrTHzdmsV6kgbO0h9TdW956hN8e8cf8ZfS2AMOGKN7aL3UybLARc0Gu/s1600/MGA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmth-YjYi2yZyG9KGAJEokt32gbWj-li2clM3-jXqldIWzDoJ5iQpriEo9O7ooP5emNxDRfAAp6f5azVZPxkxpJrTHzdmsV6kgbO0h9TdW956hN8e8cf8ZfS2AMOGKN7aL3UybLARc0Gu/s200/MGA.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At a recent luncheon at <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a>' (OTOW) <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/our-amenities.php?f=slider-hr#AP">Health & Recreation Ballroom</a>, Men's Golf Association (MGA) president, Paul East, was pleased to hand over a check for $1,265 to <a href="http://www.hospiceofmarion.com/index.html">Hospice of Marion County</a>'s Development Coordinator, Karen Haven. Ms. Haven accepted the check and spoke about the generosity of OTOW's residents, clubs and organizations particularly the MGA.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Every year, the OTOW MGA contributes to Hospice of Marion County by holding several chicken lunches. At these lunches, members will purchase "mulligans"...usually 2 or more each! With over 170 MGA members, the dollars quickly add up," explains East. "Over the years, our club has donated about $15,000 to Hospice of Marion County, and that's something we're very proud of."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hospice of Marion County is the leading non-profit organization of its kind in the county, and is currently caring for nearly 400 patients. Members of the MGA are generous to a fault, and will often contribute beyond their "mulligans", helping to build the kitty going to Hospice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ms. Haven pointed out that patients come in all shapes, sizes and age groups, from babies to teenagers, to the elderly...and no one needing care is turned away. "On Top of the World residents make up a large army of what I call the three Ts; time, talent and treasures. Time and talent contributed and the treasury of dollars donated," says Haven. She went on to say, "Three of the 24 rooms (each costing approximately $30,000) at Hospice's <a href="http://www.hospiceofmarion.com/legacy-house.html">Legacy House</a> were paid for as a result of the largess of OTOW's organizations and individuals. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Legacy House is a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility with round-the-clock care.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The MGA is an example of the amazing generosity that pervades our OTOW community. Whether it's a golf association, private parties holding 50/50 raffles or a friendly card game between friends and neighbors who contribute a portion of every winning hand, Marion County charities are that much better off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Ray Cech is a resident of On Top of the World and a <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldinfo.com/otowcentral.php?content=otownews.php&back=returnlink_otowc.php">World News</a> writer.</i></span><br />
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-54911835793096554602012-12-26T10:04:00.001-05:002013-01-07T11:18:41.139-05:00Holiday Photo Tip: Turn Off Digital Zoom!<style>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">by Ryan Douglas</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Did you get a new digital camera for Christmas? If so,
please do yourself a favor and immediately turn off the digital zoom option
in the menu.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zoom is useful in framing and composing photos and allowing
photographers to capture images that would be impossible to obtain if they had
to get closer. That said, many consumers are completely unaware of the
difference between optical zoom and digital zoom. It is not complicated, and
with a little knowledge you can save yourself from the future frustration of
low quality images.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Digital zoom is a fairly recent invention added to many consumer
digital cameras. This technology creates an artificial zoom by adding pixels to
the image. This made up visual information usually creates pixelated or blurry
results. If left on, digital zoom information will be permanently added to your
image, leaving the quality permanently compromised. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Optical zoom uses only the glass lenses of the camera to
bring the subject of the photograph closer. This means that with optical zoom
the image quality should be as the same as if there was no zoom being used at
all. This is not a new technology and glass optic magnification goes back to
Galileo’s telescope. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If using optical zoom, and further “zooming” is desired, you
always have the option to crop and resize in your image editing software on the
computer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wishing you the best photo quality in this new year!</span></span></div>
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-85499390026701220382012-12-21T11:53:00.001-05:002012-12-21T11:53:09.063-05:00Lifelong Learning Activities Can Affect Your Health...POSITIVELY!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Ken Colen</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS89b1v-mVw5X9jeU9IgUac3QLZxbEqnNGqq76Ghg0sh_LZ6XDGTbOHolHKXXySC0Fv73oubH2p1jknweDU_kQS80FDSsQkadVZei0_K4gvrwCu39A3-0j3iP3Lh6WU_7MYNCU5vN_Psc/s1600/MTP+Geography+Class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS89b1v-mVw5X9jeU9IgUac3QLZxbEqnNGqq76Ghg0sh_LZ6XDGTbOHolHKXXySC0Fv73oubH2p1jknweDU_kQS80FDSsQkadVZei0_K4gvrwCu39A3-0j3iP3Lh6WU_7MYNCU5vN_Psc/s200/MTP+Geography+Class.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In academic circles, the seventh year is often referred to as the "sabbatical year." This is a time when faculty and staff are given an opportunity to reflect, refresh, do research and come back recharged to continue the endeavor. This past year was <a href="http://www.masterthepossibilities.com/">Master the Possibilities Education Center</a>'s "sabbatical year"...the seventh year of this experiment in lifelong learning. Due to demand, we didn't have a chance to "retreat and reflect." Instead, our "reset" was accomplished while "on the job."</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what happened in 2012:</b><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We moved to a new trimester framework and associated catalog distribution. Quarterly catalogs were replaced with Winter/Spring (<i>Jan-May</i>), Summer (<i>Jun-Aug</i>) and Fall (<i>Sep-Dec</i>) issues.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We published our catalogs two weeks earlier each term than in past years. This allowed an early registration period with more time for you to consider the offerings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We increased class offerings to about 1,200 annually...half of which were NEW.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our roster of students/users topped 7,000.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More programs ran than ever before.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All but one month recorded the "best ever" enrollment totals.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall enrollments were 22,000+.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our "sabbatical year" was a milestone success. With your support, enrollments, suggestions and friendship we did indeed recharge within the learning community we have formed together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our new look and curriculum was inspired by you. We listen to what you want, and if we can lock in qualified instructors, we transmit the idea to reality. Our underlying objective continues to be to gain your confidence as a premier center for lifelong learning and to maintain your support. In a recent nationwide publication, <i><a href="http://wheretoretire.com/">Where to Retire</a> </i>magazine (May/Jun 2012), Master the Possibilities was described as a "stunning success." We are proud of this and challenged to continue with the best in adult education. It is a privilege.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77LgByMqD-vEeOab3fMum0dbIDH0vDFYQxOQRsNXJbqj9yFLd44_Q7Rmhn-CYyToD6PxQ3rRbqpkMmhtUWWhFR6YvgfzmjB-xf1M7IhCDlnxd3vvoQbGcfMdI2Ugi0iBCSCg_GWjN-0o2/s1600/DSC_6163-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77LgByMqD-vEeOab3fMum0dbIDH0vDFYQxOQRsNXJbqj9yFLd44_Q7Rmhn-CYyToD6PxQ3rRbqpkMmhtUWWhFR6YvgfzmjB-xf1M7IhCDlnxd3vvoQbGcfMdI2Ugi0iBCSCg_GWjN-0o2/s200/DSC_6163-32.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every time we publish a catalog (this being our 28th) it represents what we have seen as trending and what you voiced to us. We anticipate as well as respond. In this edition you'll find our largest array of presentations and 50% will be NEW. It is a combination of academic, special interest series, art and computer offerings. Our faculty is credentialed and experienced. Our fees are low...many classes are free. If you reside at <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a> or Stone Creek, you can attend a free class every day that we are in session.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a great time to be a learner. This journey is, indeed, lifelong. It stimulates your mind, opens your eyes to new possibilities, and engages you with others who share your love and learning...and living; "mastering the possibilities" can enhance your life. This is a great experience...welcome to all we do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SEE YOU IN CLASS!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ken Colen is the President of On Top of the World Communities.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-53161960992454082912012-12-13T10:34:00.000-05:002012-12-13T10:34:06.553-05:00How to Shop for Your Grandkids<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by: Adria Byers</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7RJTgxYKkHKlNocsZet9frF8P8NVaFS_TDGaBw9bpsRGicyo8U89TdDAlL82Oh2g370D54Ml7leECfX7dKYqzNCbHs1k5qw_kglHkuaQ-wV_e8VUA6YQywL7QullEvcyxjTK6kcbQpDE/s1600/grandparents+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7RJTgxYKkHKlNocsZet9frF8P8NVaFS_TDGaBw9bpsRGicyo8U89TdDAlL82Oh2g370D54Ml7leECfX7dKYqzNCbHs1k5qw_kglHkuaQ-wV_e8VUA6YQywL7QullEvcyxjTK6kcbQpDE/s200/grandparents+christmas.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may think you know your grandkids' wants and needs but come Christmas time, their wants supersede their needs 10-fold, and they seem to change daily. Kids these days are tech-savvy, TV-watching zombies who only really listen to their friends' advice and their favorite artist's music over and over and over... So how do you get this uber intelligent and picky child a Christmas gift they will cherish rather than hide in a drawer or closet? These shopping tips will help you become the coolest gift-giving grandparent ever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, the age of your grandchild is very important to determining what to get them this year. If the child is a baby or toddler, just about anything you give them will be okay. They won't and can't judge you since they can't really form full sentences yet. But once your grandkid turns five, you better be on your game. Luckily, elementary-aged kids still believe in Santa...well most of them do anyway. So getting them to write a wish list to the big guy will help YOU at the stores! You may need to enlist their mom and dad's help to give you a copy of the list but that should be easy...just be persistent. Most o f the items on this list will be fairly easy to find in stores since most all of them will be from the commercials they see on TV. If you've never heard of some of the items, <a href="https://www.google.com/">Google</a> them. Google is your friend!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW_41Y_xD27S3h4igSUj2IFKyG7rU51q8DkhCWJWvLrfREQIeQ3eCMlXpv6n4ul3vF98Xbmpx1FBuP0bKX8kzDkUQDh0sYklzCYgXm6WzNbJz_aG1Cq9bdRMQkM7wDd5yEmOSBGubvpZb/s1600/christmas+teen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW_41Y_xD27S3h4igSUj2IFKyG7rU51q8DkhCWJWvLrfREQIeQ3eCMlXpv6n4ul3vF98Xbmpx1FBuP0bKX8kzDkUQDh0sYklzCYgXm6WzNbJz_aG1Cq9bdRMQkM7wDd5yEmOSBGubvpZb/s200/christmas+teen.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now the hard part...shopping for grandkids between the ages of 11-18. Expect to spend a lot of money on just one item for this demographic! These kids are all about expensive electronics and clothing. However, finding out what they want is easier because Santa is not involved in the process...you just ask them directly. Again, if you don't know what <a href="http://www.hollisterco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreView?storeId=10251&langId=-1&catalogId=10201">Hollister</a>, <a href="http://www.aeropostale.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=3534619">Aeropostale</a>, <a href="http://www.onedirectionmusic.com/us/">One Direction</a>, and <a href="http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/SiteController/sperry/home">Sperry</a> shoes are, Google it. Google is your BEST friend! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where can you find such items without having to take out a second mortgage? <a href="http://www.ebay.com/">eBay</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a>, that's where. If you haven't had the chance to explore and use these websites, the holidays are the perfect time to get acquainted. Also, if you don't want to navigate crowded stores, traffic or the internet, giving money is the answer. Hard cold cash, <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/personalize/itunes">iTunes music cards</a>, prepaid credit cards and department store gift cards will definitely put a smile on a teenager's face. You can find most of those gift cards at <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/">Walgreens</a> and <a href="http://www.cvs.com/">CVS Pharmacy</a>. It's convenient since you're already going there to pick up your medicine!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whatever you do, don't give them that sweater you knitted for hours and hours as a Christmas gift. According to kids, that's not a Christmas kind of gift. It's something you give the child on a Tuesday in January when it's really cold outside. That's when they'll appreciate your knitting, trust me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow these steps, and you will be the rock-star grandparent those kids will brag about in school. Happy Holidays! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Adria Byers is the Social Media Coordinator for <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a> and its entities.</i></span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-63861682424659130732012-12-06T10:52:00.001-05:002012-12-06T10:52:48.538-05:00COURSE CARE: GOING GREEN WITH SOLAR PANELS<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Andrew Jorgensen</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><photocaption><span style="font-size: small;">Solar panels installed atop the roof of the turf care facility at <br />Candler Hills Golf Club in Ocala, Fla., meet all electrical needs <br />for maintenance activities.</span></photocaption></i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4em;">For obvious reasons, renewable energy continues to warrant significant attention and demand in nearly every industry today. Fortunately, as technology continues to improve and greater efficiency in real-world scenarios are achieved, solar systems are becoming more practical than ever before. In this case study, the method of capturing solar energy for conversion into usable electricity is being utilized with great success at <a href="http://www.candlerhillsgolfclub.com/">Candler Hills Golf Club</a> in Ocala, Fla.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2011, a solar system comprised of 297 photovoltaic panels was constructed atop the maintenance facility at Candler Hills Golf Club. Photovoltaics are a method of generating electrical power by capturing solar radiation and converting it into usable energy. For our system, inverters are used to convert direct current (DC) solar energy captured from panels on the roof into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power building utilities and equipment and charge batteries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 297 solar panels combine to produce roughly 56,000 DC watts of energy and, for our location in central Florida, approximately 90,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year. This is more than enough to meet all of the electrical needs at our facility. Any unused power can be sold back to the energy company because our system is tied back to the power grid through a two-way meter. The system is not connected to a bank of batteries because a storage system is very expensive and not practical for our needs. So if the power goes out, we lose power as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Energy production varies with location and time of year. For our locale in central Florida, the peak season for solar energy production is September through April because the sun is nearly perfectly perpendicular to the rooftop panels, resulting in maximum absorption.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conventional wisdom would suggest that energy production would be highest during the warmer months of May through August, when sun intensity and duration are greatest. The contrary is actually true for two reasons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, the angle of the sun is directly overhead, resulting in much of the solar radiation glancing off the panels. Second, extreme heat causes solar panels to be less efficient, which must be accounted for during the summer in southern climates like Florida.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The panels we chose have an 80% <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/energy-star-comparison.php">energy efficiency</a> rating at 30 years, meaning that in 30 years they will still be producing nearly 45,000 DC watts, or 80% of their original 56,000 DC-watt capacity. The system was designed to produce 115% of our maintenance facility’s current needs, knowing that we will eventually be consuming 100% of what the panels produce as the output efficiency of the panels reduces over time and our energy use increases.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had considered the solar panel system for some time, but the initial cost was significant, which originally caused us to opt against the project. In early 2011, however, our energy provider announced a photovoltaic rebate program that offered a refund for a portion of the cost of the system. Since it is a rebate, funding had to be provided up front to the system installer, with the rebate check from the energy supplier coming later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rebate was dependent on passing a review of the proposed system and building in which the system was going to be installed. Helping us capture the most solar energy is that our building faces due south and has the perfect roof pitch for solar panels. Also, the building is still quite new and the shingles should last another 15 years or more, which reduces ongoing maintenance costs associated with removing the panels for reshingling after system installation. In our case, once our energy provider inspected the system and building, we passed with flying colors and were approved for a rebate of nearly $90,000 toward the cost of the system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This reduced the cost per watt of the system down to approximately four dollars. Today, we are also able to use the system for a 30% tax credit on our company taxes at the end of the year, further offsetting the cost of the system. So, when considering the rebate combined with the tax credit, the total cost of the system ended up being just 40% of the original estimate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Furthermore, we recently had an energy audit performed by the energy supplier. The audit resulted in installing several additional energy-saving mechanisms, including photocells on outdoor lights, timers on motors and pumps, energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, and energy-efficient air conditioning in the offices.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking forward, our system has a payback of roughly 12 years. This means that in 12 years, when everyone else is still being billed for power, we will no longer have to pass on these charges to our golf customers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clearly, it is a way for us to reduce expenses without any adverse effects to course quality. Over the 30-year life of the system, and excluding installation costs, we are looking at a total savings of roughly $200,000 in electrical costs.</span></div>
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<em style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;">Andrew Jorgensen is the</em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;">Golf Course Superintendent for <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a> and Candler Hills Golf Club.</i></div>
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-29959243833627964112012-11-30T09:53:00.000-05:002012-11-30T09:53:40.715-05:00Keep Your Shower Water Tight<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Robert Colen</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, an <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World</a> homeowner came to the <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/our-amenities.php?f=slider-cs#AP">customer service department</a> with the concern that mold was growing in her master bedroom closet. Since On Top of the World has state licensed mold inspectors on staff, we arranged to go out and take a look. Our findings are a lesson on required routine maintenance that most homeowners seldom do.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXjln8_lURKfgHzURdbqUMXaIVMZjUqZ259kfSZ94Oe7FTmnefeIFkCsywqDbEtNZZGvagR3AqdPIRrY5SXXNjViWHMM3wEaSi31vUR8yxzY-_cg_ipFwiHprOM76ZIaY_6852b7kZiEl/s1600/shower+tile+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXjln8_lURKfgHzURdbqUMXaIVMZjUqZ259kfSZ94Oe7FTmnefeIFkCsywqDbEtNZZGvagR3AqdPIRrY5SXXNjViWHMM3wEaSi31vUR8yxzY-_cg_ipFwiHprOM76ZIaY_6852b7kZiEl/s200/shower+tile+3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When our inspectors visited the home, the mold-damaged drywall in the master bedroom closet had already been cut out by the homeowner. However, the mold growing on the inside wall was still visible and the floor inside the wall was still wet. How did the water get in the closet to begin with? Suddenly, it became clear...the master bathroom shower is on the other side of the closet. When we inspected the shower, the first thing we noticed were the cracks in the grout along the bottom of the wall and the corners. That's where the water was coming from! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The shower water was leaking through the cracks in the grout, saturating the closet wall and floor behind the tile and ultimately fostering mold growth. It's known that mold needs moisture to grow so even though the closet wall can be repaired, if the cause of the leak in the shower is not fixed, mold will continue to appear.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWmya75cEYeqx7JUvMH-u6GSWH9lOl3pznUcl3baAKuRq5CpgTh9FgWvKTe0KbjbBwe2yGqiFuGoJZwi3qldj7wy7-cMVprNRQ6pJjuAR-MnqpZ_SPATvPZAIaRDwHxOhYiFxAItlGKCg/s1600/Huntley+II+Guestbath+shower+surround+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWmya75cEYeqx7JUvMH-u6GSWH9lOl3pznUcl3baAKuRq5CpgTh9FgWvKTe0KbjbBwe2yGqiFuGoJZwi3qldj7wy7-cMVprNRQ6pJjuAR-MnqpZ_SPATvPZAIaRDwHxOhYiFxAItlGKCg/s200/Huntley+II+Guestbath+shower+surround+1.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This problem can happen in any home where tile, grout and caulk protect a sub wall. The solution to keeping your shower water tight? We recommend a bath and tile caulk be applied to the corners and base of the tile all around the shower or tub at least once per year. To properly apply new caulking, the old caulking should first be removed. Bath and tile caulking is available at <a href="http://www.lowes.com/">Lowe's</a> or <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/">Home Depot</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So when you're done reading this blog, get up and check the grouting in your shower to see if it needs caulking. It will prevent mold from growing inside your home and it will also save you money!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Robert Colen is the Warranty Supervisor for On Top of the World Communities.</i></span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-74342356480268960152012-11-19T11:52:00.000-05:002012-11-19T11:52:26.927-05:00Biological Age vs Chronological Ageby Cammy Dennis<br />
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Perceptions of aging are influenced by many things. Our thoughts and feelings about the aging process are impacted by our culture, societal views and the media. As we age and contemplate wellness, it is very important to remember that the concept of chronological age is not nearly as important as your biological age.<br />
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Your biological age, which reflects the state of your well being, is a comparison to other people of the same chronological or actual age. Biological age is a reflection of many health considerations. For example: disease risk factors, changes in the physical structure of the body as well as changes in the performance of motor skills and sensory awareness.<br />
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One of the most positive influences on our health, or our biological age, is our lifestyle. People who <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/fitness.php">exercise</a> regularly and make an effort to eat nutrient-rich foods are very likely to have a biological age that is lower than their chronological age. On the other hand, those who are less active or sedentary and do not eat a healthy diet might have a biological age that is higher than their chronological age.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDXJ7BxFlb5PCamivAGHaj4cRYGxIoelonV-qi5QzCCED9nfiYVPB4BJo2XPymGIEqXUwhOVS90DW4a8Xme2JzRkg8_J9BZI4FT8074AsOjVp4MtUuy1jNLyoQyqH-szWgQyEoX0Rrqo6/s1600/Senior+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDXJ7BxFlb5PCamivAGHaj4cRYGxIoelonV-qi5QzCCED9nfiYVPB4BJo2XPymGIEqXUwhOVS90DW4a8Xme2JzRkg8_J9BZI4FT8074AsOjVp4MtUuy1jNLyoQyqH-szWgQyEoX0Rrqo6/s200/Senior+Birthday.jpg" width="200" /></a>Everyone ages, but our lifestyle can make a remarkable difference between our chronological and biological age. A 70 year-old person who is healthy, <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/our-amenities.php">active and engaged</a> might very well have a body and mind that is closer to a 60 year-old person. There are numerous studies supporting the relationship between a healthy physical and emotional state and longevity. Our age, or rather a number, should not define who we are or what we are capable of.<br />
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I continue to be amazed and inspired by the <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World</a> residents who are world travelers, tireless volunteers and competitive athletes. Our birthday will greet us every year, but it's never too late to lower your biological age.<br />
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<i>Cammy Dennis is the Fitness Director for On Top of the World Communities and <a href="http://www.theranchfitnessspa.com/">The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa</a>.</i>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-1742634848402730182012-11-01T12:40:00.004-04:002012-11-01T12:40:50.828-04:00Popular Resident Club Has Successful Yearly Event!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>12th Annual RC Flyers Fun Fly-In • October 6, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by M. Keith Nadel</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJWqInO7yXkcEWNvCIGAZrzZiFU1WZQv80kRfkKZKOSr27qOBdERKMZMixeygpsO1B14EGyg5lxrczFc7pTbc1od5kjbEwg0hE3l3vUf_7VO3LPSMBn2nTEl2zi-CXM47r8lfrcKi20hb/s1600/IMG_8883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJWqInO7yXkcEWNvCIGAZrzZiFU1WZQv80kRfkKZKOSr27qOBdERKMZMixeygpsO1B14EGyg5lxrczFc7pTbc1od5kjbEwg0hE3l3vUf_7VO3LPSMBn2nTEl2zi-CXM47r8lfrcKi20hb/s200/IMG_8883.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Top of the World Communities</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (OTOW) resident run </span><a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldinfo.com/clubsPhotosEtc/rcflyers/index.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RC Flyers Club</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> opened their 12th Annual Fun Fly-In not with planes but with sophisticated helicopters whose dazzling acrobatics made the spectators of this coveted event gasp with amazement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thirty-three flyers and their planes arrived from all over Florida including Orlando, Crystal River, Dunnellon, Eustis, Chiefland, Newberry, Archer, Mt. Plymouth, Deland, Mateo, Morriston, The Villages, Maitland, Clermont, Trenton, as well as the <a href="http://www.ocalaflyingmodelclub.com/">Ocala Model Flying Club</a>. Approximately 30 of the 33 actually flew their crafts, 12 were OTOW RC Flyers Club members and 21 were from other areas.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ8S1YlbGIVtJ39v0BjqdGQBJUOZWbt0OzNWZLF9w_l7dpCgF7hULwdSEh_MEpGfSueIdff8B-WyPF5J_Wpdl8DRoWnhuHkAVISQN9ARlGMfE23o5mBSubbNpJzxuOJRGz4viC55iypi9/s1600/IMG_9013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ8S1YlbGIVtJ39v0BjqdGQBJUOZWbt0OzNWZLF9w_l7dpCgF7hULwdSEh_MEpGfSueIdff8B-WyPF5J_Wpdl8DRoWnhuHkAVISQN9ARlGMfE23o5mBSubbNpJzxuOJRGz4viC55iypi9/s200/IMG_9013.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The windsock located at the <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/rc-airplane-field.php">OTOW RC Airplane Field</a> was a model of decorum...no wind whatsoever. Superior flying conditions; the same for spectators. As atmospheric conditions improved, spectators arrived, the parking crew assigned spaces, planes were exposed and placed on the starting tables. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following their flights, 23 planes were observed by the crowd and judged for the quality of their craftsmanship. Three were chosen for prizes by pilots. The $100 first place prize went to Gary West of the Ocala Model Flying Club who presented a FW-190 (Stuka) with a 102-inch wingspan. The $50 second place award was presented to Jerry Luyck from the OTOW RC Flyers Club who flew a JU 87-DZ with a wingspan of 102 inches. Al Ward of the <a href="http://www.rcacf.com/">RC Association of Central Florida</a> was awarded the third place prize of $25 for his Bronco (OB-10) whose wingspan was 90 inches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entire affair was beautifully synchronized and credited to the acumen of the event chairman, contest director and astute announcer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">M. Keith Nadel is a resident of OTOW and contributor to the <i><a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldinfo.com/otowcentral.php?content=otownews.php&back=returnlink_otowc.php">OTOW World News</a></i>.</span></b> </span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-86806222356100775872012-10-25T13:12:00.002-04:002012-10-25T13:12:32.081-04:00Live, Laugh and Play at On Top of the World Communities<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFS39k2jsxCkIfkyx0L0z8Yo6Bu_aqY_UDELFEoSEjZ6DPDviJb6Uhyphenhyphen_5RdBQF2CLQbRNlKRB8nRJXcwqH5Qm-7wA3Efn_m8sr88DgrENnxc3a4s_BURObJerXxP79MhyDA4-2JOsbinOF/s200/IMG_2039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Enjoy spacious, beautifully furnished<br />accommodations during your stay.</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Visitation Program is the perfect way for prospective new
residents to experience life at <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/index.php#&panel1-1">On Top of the World
Communities</a> in Ocala, Florida. Why settle for just a brief tour when
you can LIVE the lifestyle of a resident for 3 days and 2 nights?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFS39k2jsxCkIfkyx0L0z8Yo6Bu_aqY_UDELFEoSEjZ6DPDviJb6Uhyphenhyphen_5RdBQF2CLQbRNlKRB8nRJXcwqH5Qm-7wA3Efn_m8sr88DgrENnxc3a4s_BURObJerXxP79MhyDA4-2JOsbinOF/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During your visit, you’ll stay in a comfortable and beautifully
furnished two-bedroom villa, with all the comforts of home…no cramped quarters
here. Enjoy spacious accommodations; our villas range from 1,400 to
almost 1,800 square feet and each has a screened lanai. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifXDSa0Ll6NkKpZNI6nywfdYHXNtNPTRK3CDk4h1G62rcc_3rgwHcyQYo1ArWy4euZSFqKSewdX4oo6DraqgiXMWIaHgDzVuuu2ltaXZQlpcBEmWQbmOh9pgo1em26Msq4ZYaQUYU4tKO/s1600/IMG_0342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifXDSa0Ll6NkKpZNI6nywfdYHXNtNPTRK3CDk4h1G62rcc_3rgwHcyQYo1ArWy4euZSFqKSewdX4oo6DraqgiXMWIaHgDzVuuu2ltaXZQlpcBEmWQbmOh9pgo1em26Msq4ZYaQUYU4tKO/s200/IMG_0342.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Take your very own golf cart around the <br />community.</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For your convenience, every guest villa has its own golf cart, the
most popular form of transportation here at On Top of the World, so you may
enjoy exploring the community. Take the golf cart anywhere you choose, to golf,
fitness facilities, entertainment, grocery stores, restaurants, retail and
more. And when you’re ready to go back to the villa, just park it in the garage
and charge it up for the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Top of the World residents fill their schedules with a variety
of activities and interests. During your stay, you can do as much or as
little as you like. Play golf at <a href="http://www.candlerhillsgolfclub.com/">Candler Hills Golf Club</a>, tennis
at the <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/our-amenities.php?f=slider-ac#AP">Arbor Club</a> or card
games at the <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/our-amenities.php?f=slider-hr#AP">Health &
Recreation Center</a>. Visit the weekly <a href="http://www.circlesquarecommonsfarmersmarket.com/">Farmer’s Market</a> on
Thursdays. Attend a life-long learning class at <a href="http://www.masterthepossibilities.com/">Master the Possibilities Education Center</a>. Use
state of the art fitness facilities. Relax with a salon or spa treatment at <a href="http://theranchfitnessspa.com/">The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa</a>. Dance
the night away on Friday or Saturday night at <a href="http://www.circlesquarecommons.com/entertainment.html">The Town Square</a>. Take in
a live concert by top name entertainment at the <a href="http://www.csculturalcenter.com/">Circle Square Cultural Center</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our professional sales counselors will guide you through a tour of
On Top of the World and our model homes, helping you determine which <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/neighborhoods.php">neighborhood</a> and <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/floor-plans-features.php">home design</a> best
suits your lifestyle. Keeping your best interests in mind, they will
assist you in finding the perfect home at a great price. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So begin the process today
of calling this <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/honors.php">award-winning</a>, <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/our-amenities.php">amenity-rich
community</a> your next home and make plans now to <b>enjoy a 3-day/2-night stay
for only $129* per couple. See the </b><a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/visit-us.php">VISIT US</a><strong> page at </strong><a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">www.OnTopoftheWorld.com</a><strong> for more
details.</strong></span></div>
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-36597218921660605252012-10-18T12:29:00.002-04:002012-10-18T12:47:06.104-04:00The Importance of Custom Club Fitting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hu7at6A8vulTgqCIdsEatlIZcfifh7DVrYtMRewJk7lvMzMrApgH8dUYR2RnNr3KCjXaeSl6QxjYEunK17WID-RLpmG1TxIKDCqMuouOt_nEE_nueLYdvGrOGaIid14T4uOBUOu9HWq5/s1600/DSC_0314-106_lightened+player.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hu7at6A8vulTgqCIdsEatlIZcfifh7DVrYtMRewJk7lvMzMrApgH8dUYR2RnNr3KCjXaeSl6QxjYEunK17WID-RLpmG1TxIKDCqMuouOt_nEE_nueLYdvGrOGaIid14T4uOBUOu9HWq5/s200/DSC_0314-106_lightened+player.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a> sports a professional golf team that can assist the golfer with any of his or her needs from apparel to custom fit equipment to personalized group or individual instruction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Custom club fitting is one component of the superior customer service offered by the golf department at <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/our-amenities.php?f=slider-golf#AP">On Top of the World Golf Club</a> and <a href="http://www.candlerhillsgolfclub.com/">Candler Hills Golf Club</a>. Often, a golfer assumes that directional issues of ball flight are caused by incorrect swing techniques. While this is sometimes the case, the more likely culprit is an improper lie angle of the golf club or a shaft flex that needs to be changed. Through the use of the <a href="http://www.ping.com/default.aspx">PING</a> and <a href="http://www.cobragolf.com/">Cobra</a> fitting charts, the golf professional will provide you with the correct equipment specifications to quickly drop strokes off your game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many people believe to increase distance off the tee, they need to switch to a driver with less loft. However, usually just the opposite is what is prescribed for most golfers. With the use of a speed or launch monitor, the golf professional can demonstrate the difference in distance achieved by increasing trajectory on the golf ball. By taking advantage of demo drivers, fairway metals and hybrids the golfer can "test drive" equipment to see what produces the most desired ball flight and distance combination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Putter fitting? This is an area most golfers never think about, but the putter is the club that is used for the majority of the strokes in a round of golf. Let the fitting putter prove what a difference a lie angle and/or length adjustment can make in creating a repetitive stroke.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See how your game can improve by using equipment that was custom fit to your swing motion by visiting a golf professional at On Top of the World Golf Club or Candler Hills Golf Club.</span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-52992078209562429272012-10-11T11:30:00.000-04:002012-10-11T11:50:03.796-04:00Fitness Challenge Champions<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Cammy Dennis</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpDRSMiysUOem-nSlFlBU80mrP-dYbbXQMiMx0EUY1hQMuhF89fSJ0X4MrcyY1rJBA2RinS2X55ZCtkDeD-f0xN0Bq6vf-WtrEt_sWUToSheNctogggNSoWu9Gl4lOLGrbOXHW3eiPF4O/s1600/FitChallenge.12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpDRSMiysUOem-nSlFlBU80mrP-dYbbXQMiMx0EUY1hQMuhF89fSJ0X4MrcyY1rJBA2RinS2X55ZCtkDeD-f0xN0Bq6vf-WtrEt_sWUToSheNctogggNSoWu9Gl4lOLGrbOXHW3eiPF4O/s200/FitChallenge.12.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was overwhelmed with delight as 48 <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a> (OTOW) residents wearing their "Fitness Challenge Champs" t-shirts arrived for a group photograph in celebration of a tremendous wellness accomplishment. This year's Summer Fitness Challenge had 124 participants with 94 reaching their destination goal!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The OTOW <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/our-amenities.php?f=slider-hr#AP">Health & Recreation Center</a>'s Summer Fitness Challenge is a simple one...pick one of three destination options and start logging the miles that are achieved from cardiovascular activity. The destination mileage choices were 150 miles, 300 miles or 500 miles. Five miles are awarded for every 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity completed in the fitness center. The participants had all of July and August to log their miles...meaning the 500-mile champions logged 50 or more hours during the 2 month span! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's how the goal destinations break down on an average weekly exercise duration:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">500 mile goal = approximately 5.5 hours per week of cardiovascular activity.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">300 mile goal = approximately 3.5 hours per week of cardiovascular activity.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">150 mile goal = approximately 2 hours per week of cardiovascular activity.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jack and Jean Hester are relatively new OTOW residents and they both completed the fitness challenge. Jean, who is admittedly a competitive person, chose the longest distance. "I want 500!" were her exact words. Her husband Jack participated in the challenge because she wanted to do it. Jack was slightly less ambitious than his wife and set his goal at 150 miles. Jean said, "The challenge was fun and I got to meet a lot of people." She noted that the fitness challenge helped her to focus and commit to a regular routine and coming to the fitness center for exercise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carolin Packard is a seasoned participant having completed the challenge two years in a row. "I like the motivation of the challenge," she said. Carolin also appreciated the flexibility in the program noting, "because I could choose from any of the cardio equipment, the workouts didn't get boring."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeanette Lind was a first time participant and stated, "I exercised more because of the challenge." She too enjoyed the camaraderie and encouragement of her fellow participants saying, "The fitness center was a great meeting place."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sandy and Don Martin were also first time challengers with Sandy saying, "We are in the gym working out anyway so why not set a goal and earn a t-shirt! The challenge was extra motivation for us."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's no doubt after the success of this year's challenge in participants and goals, next year's competition will be bigger and better!</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cammy Dennis is the Fitness Director for On Top of the World Communities and <a href="http://www.theranchfitnessspa.com/">The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa.</a></span></i></div>
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-22585215784842570632012-10-04T09:36:00.001-04:002012-10-04T09:36:22.282-04:00"Do I need my air ducts cleaned?" <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Robert Colen</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A frequently asked question we hear from residents of <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a> (OTOW) is, "Does our home need its air ducts cleaned?" This question usually arises after an air conditioning technician visits a home for routine maintenance on the unit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past year, we have alerted OTOW residents about the trend of air conditioning contractors who make a living by scaring residents into purchasing unnecessary equipment and duct cleaning. In fact, just this month, we heard from a resident who was convinced by her air conditioning technician that she needed to pay $1,000 to clean "mold" from her ducts. Dennis Hisey, OTOW's State Licensed Mold Assessor and Mold Remediator, met with the homeowner and provided his opinion that she did not have mold in her ducts. Fortunately, we encouraged her to get a second opinion for that particular recommendation and all future air conditioning maintenance or purchases.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nonetheless, the question of whether duct work needs to be cleaned is very serious. The <a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html">Environmental Protection Agency</a> has a report published on its website that states, "Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems." It further states that one of the times to consider duct cleaning is if there is a substantial amount of mold visible in the air supply lines. If there are any doubts on whether you have mold in your duct work, we recommend that a state licensed mold assessor is more qualified to determine if mold is present than the air conditioning guy trying to make a sales quota.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are concerned about dust or mold getting in your air conditioning supply lines, we strongly recommend using the pleated media filter. These filters are readily available at Wal Mart and other local stores. The most important thing we stress to OTOW homeowners is to get a second opinion when an air conditioning technician is trying to sell you a product or service.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5iYdDkZwWvc" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This video, hosted by On Top of the World Communities Warranty Specialist Dennis Hisey, explains the basic maintenance of a heating and air conditioning system for all homeowners. Topics covered are what type of air filter to use, when to change the air filter, how to change the air filter and how to clean the condensate line</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Robert Colen is the Warranty Supervisor for On Top of the World Communities.</i></span></span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-22336816578471841392012-10-01T12:16:00.001-04:002012-10-01T12:16:15.364-04:00Resident Club Showcase: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8begS8vOvKL7lCY4B-69L5hrR7eAtGE_hCXWjtmnLMMGuRMPBY3Kg5JG0KyE9DByDkAXv_21UoSDrDhgUxt-o87jiuMJ0Ao0S7vLdFcGCEFOcc28cryLpxrB52ndNU7VW_thV_GhoiSd/s1600/cert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8begS8vOvKL7lCY4B-69L5hrR7eAtGE_hCXWjtmnLMMGuRMPBY3Kg5JG0KyE9DByDkAXv_21UoSDrDhgUxt-o87jiuMJ0Ao0S7vLdFcGCEFOcc28cryLpxrB52ndNU7VW_thV_GhoiSd/s200/cert.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World</a> Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">volunteer</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> emergency workers who have received specific training in basic disaster response skills and first aid who complement existing emergency responders in the event of a major disaster or neighborhood emergency. CERT </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is made up of On Top of the World (OTOW) residents and is always looking to add new members.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the interests of the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OTOW</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CERT</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is to become acquainted with fellow residents in their neighborhoods and have their neighbors become acquainted with the team members. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently in the </span><a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/neighborhoods.php" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Candler Hills and Avalon neighborhoods</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of OTOW, some of the CERT members took the initiative to go door to door to say hello. The CERT members visited about 30 neighbors in their community and found many of the folks they spoke to were pleased to receive information about CERT and meet the members of the team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The CERT members not only shared information about CERT, but they also talked about hurricane preparedness and offered a 'file of life' card in which the homeowner can record medical information and place it on the refrigerator for responders to locate in case of an emergency. They also determined if in each household there were any special needs such as oxygen dependency, measures to take for a diabetic or any other medical condition. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The team also shared that if there is ever the need for evacuation due to a disaster, long term loss of power or property damage, the <a href="http://www.marionso.com/main.php">Marion County Sheriff's Office</a> maintains lists of people who may need to be taken to a special needs shelter for care during the event. This is a very important step to ensure residents will be taken care of when they are not able to do so on their own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All CERT members go through an array of training such as fire safety, search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Residents of OTOW are fortunate to have this special team available to them for help and care when they need it most. </span></div>
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-62131040397110243722012-09-20T13:58:00.001-04:002012-09-20T13:58:32.860-04:00See What’s Growing Each Week at the Circle Square Commons Farmer’s Market on The Town Square<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5MOiX63qUbT6KSJPt9XuSA0tO2Ytd6vCO3EWsVXTe2B_1BzwE9cR41gnwhlVlyYD6V0X1fvag8Gb080a2hrRU650m5f8atmynDmwA64C6sgynxP-4ANf94HXGbgjs2nxwqx5jgWqozRm/s1600/DSC_0434-56.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5MOiX63qUbT6KSJPt9XuSA0tO2Ytd6vCO3EWsVXTe2B_1BzwE9cR41gnwhlVlyYD6V0X1fvag8Gb080a2hrRU650m5f8atmynDmwA64C6sgynxP-4ANf94HXGbgjs2nxwqx5jgWqozRm/s200/DSC_0434-56.tif" width="132" /></a></div>
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The <st1:street w:st="on"><a href="http://www.circlesquarecommons.com/">Circle Square Commons</a> Town Square, located at <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/index.php#&panel1-3">On Top of the World Communities</a>,</st1:street> is the weekly home of a
<a href="http://www.circlesquarecommonsfarmersmarket.com/">Farmer’s Market</a> offering a wide and appealing array of fresh produce, seasonal
as well as year-round, from local and regional growers. But fresh produce is just one of the many
items you can find! The Farmer’s Market has new items every week including
flowers, plants, fresh baked goods, hand-made soaps, delicious pies and much
more. Plus, the Market features local
crafters and artists displaying creative and unique pieces from charming denim
purses and beautiful oil paintings to wood working creations and framed
photography. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I5Im56ivpuAFy2rur2FSkwdK0zvPaEJ8YHpSFZOrjsxbAboEub56RSH4mVrOh9fmeW9XE26oy9iIrZTPfkZW9QEV4JWqz_977laB0wONdJXUGw6EMfCg9Ln0DkqOFTElUoslmu5Op3yK/s1600/IMG_1336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I5Im56ivpuAFy2rur2FSkwdK0zvPaEJ8YHpSFZOrjsxbAboEub56RSH4mVrOh9fmeW9XE26oy9iIrZTPfkZW9QEV4JWqz_977laB0wONdJXUGw6EMfCg9Ln0DkqOFTElUoslmu5Op3yK/s200/IMG_1336.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The Farmer’s Market also holds the "Flavors of the
Season" cooking demonstrations by On Top of the World chefs every month.
The chefs use farm-fresh produce available at the Market, along with other
ingredients, to create mouth-watering meals. These demonstrations are held from
10:00 to 10:30 a.m. the first Thursday of every month. After the demonstration, patrons are invited
to sample the finished dishes and pick up a recipe card to try at home.</div>
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The
Farmer’s Market on The Town Square has become <st1:place w:st="on">Ocala</st1:place>’s premier Thursday market and it
happens right here at Circle Square Commons!</div>
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-73206600391447966062012-09-13T11:20:00.002-04:002012-09-13T11:20:43.783-04:00Keeping it Green by Phillip B. Hisey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7s-bF3rrY8weGnJtE60H7JNQxCbvju4pdFW0xIQx3VE0nTpUuuCnyZ4d7N1A0ROyo0qgqthO5MuF16Fy30JwVgC_dTgEQIVHfPzjc9BxI9rwqIwd_Ib8YEAzEnpxGC0vKmdjgCHfdxxW/s1600/IMG_8605.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787310396429514002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7s-bF3rrY8weGnJtE60H7JNQxCbvju4pdFW0xIQx3VE0nTpUuuCnyZ4d7N1A0ROyo0qgqthO5MuF16Fy30JwVgC_dTgEQIVHfPzjc9BxI9rwqIwd_Ib8YEAzEnpxGC0vKmdjgCHfdxxW/s200/IMG_8605.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you are following the calendar on the home maintenance tab at <a href="http://www.otowfinfo.com/">www.otowinfo.com</a>, you know September is a good month to fertilize. I like to use John Deer-Lesco 9-0-24 this time of year. This product has a higher percentage of iron to get a green surge but also a higher percentage of potassium to help with root stimulation and growth just before it goes dormant for the winter. This fertilizer will cover roughly 11,000 square feet of turf. Maybe you can split a bag with the neighbor?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Chinch bugs haven't been too bad this year. If you are treating for them, make sure you are alternating pesticide classes to avoid resistance developing in the pest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This is also a good month to apply pesticides for masked chafer grubs, if present. The insects feed on St. Augustine grass roots and many other turf varieties. Inspect your lawn to see if grubs are present. The grass can be kicked around and will roll up like hay if grubs are present. Treating your lawn may kill the pest but some damage may require sod replacement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Also, keep in mind as we begin to go into the fall, you should be concerned with fungus. Fungus is most prevalent when temperatures are between 65 to 75 degrees. These past few months have been too hot for fungal activity. Fugus is preventable; your contractors should be aware of climatic conditions and treating for this pest in a preventative manner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Keep your crape myrtles blooming; trimming the crape myrtle seed heads after they're done blooming will help regenerate new blooms. Good luck this fall!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Phillip Hisey is the Landscape Superintendent for <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a> and its entities. </i></span></div>
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-31143535860924759872012-08-29T11:04:00.004-04:002012-09-05T12:08:07.613-04:00Know Your Builder - Are They Financially Secure?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ky-15IEelh9Ub1WL2L0hpgMfZT8JfRCTQo_gxPQl3Tr0I2A9XaDR37Uj1-GqvZvcLRT2O6XvlJqeBwZTsRIe6Hd3YR4GuLgfv6mgDL_zjJxLec0wsdJDVlcaWHuCKPBhbTnS0Yxi413B/s1600/Old+Time+Photo+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ky-15IEelh9Ub1WL2L0hpgMfZT8JfRCTQo_gxPQl3Tr0I2A9XaDR37Uj1-GqvZvcLRT2O6XvlJqeBwZTsRIe6Hd3YR4GuLgfv6mgDL_zjJxLec0wsdJDVlcaWHuCKPBhbTnS0Yxi413B/s200/Old+Time+Photo+bw.jpg" width="158" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Stability. Everyone looks for it in these times, especially when purchasing a home. Large national home building corporations have a certain allure with multi-state community offerings and widespread brand awareness, but are these companies financially stable in today's market?<br /><br />Know your builder before you purchase and learn about their track record. The developer of <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities</a> has a Florida focus and is family owned and operated. Since 1947 the Colen family has maintained a fiscally sound company which to this day is debt free. It is a company that values its community and residents and strives to maintain home values.<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXsiKOVrRonHQbeGs9qcN7qgY983UQxLyCI7csiTU76bM6tfV4OBKexSO4BZXY5HIml9meAbFPbgWb12aEe8rgKv5Y_NgEeimXQxKboD42AntyoxLf4SBI7jvoHyy8Twy3rp20VjUQYCj/s1600/OTOW-V-Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXsiKOVrRonHQbeGs9qcN7qgY983UQxLyCI7csiTU76bM6tfV4OBKexSO4BZXY5HIml9meAbFPbgWb12aEe8rgKv5Y_NgEeimXQxKboD42AntyoxLf4SBI7jvoHyy8Twy3rp20VjUQYCj/s200/OTOW-V-Sign.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family:arial;">On Top of the World Communities stands strong and will continue to expand, enhance and support its developments well into the future. When deciding where to purchase your new home, choose the builder with fiscal and environmental responsibility whose homes are built with the highest energy efficiency and quality. Choose On Top of the World Communities in beautiful <a href="http://www.ocalacc.com/">Ocala</a>, Florida.</span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-15522133254100615492012-08-24T11:02:00.005-04:002012-08-27T10:14:58.918-04:00Resident Club Showcase: SPCA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqCOOKMLa82Xk3z_2LAJ-CO-zhQS3K9wQtHsGrSrwoaICEl6_dO0jtv6CTLPcjp2_fQ_2LwXEFSbU_TEoIf-qqUOTNFJLAiI9rbE_FEmgH0oemeq0haHmtQcGgLIwrq747z1RjWHY7RTX/s1600/dog_snout.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqCOOKMLa82Xk3z_2LAJ-CO-zhQS3K9wQtHsGrSrwoaICEl6_dO0jtv6CTLPcjp2_fQ_2LwXEFSbU_TEoIf-qqUOTNFJLAiI9rbE_FEmgH0oemeq0haHmtQcGgLIwrq747z1RjWHY7RTX/s200/dog_snout.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5780262223468182370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;">The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is not just an On Top of the World club, it is a service organization dedicated to helping animals in all of Marion and surrounding counties. Although most of the club's members are residents, they also welcome anyone outside of the community to join.<br /><br />The SPCA's hands-on projects include providing pet food for many Meals on Wheels recipients. You will find this group filling plastic baggies with dog and cat food for this effort. The number of baggies averages to about 100 every other week. They are also a point of contact for animals that have been lost or found in On Top of the World. When an owner can't be located, they try to get them adopted. For this to work, they are in constant need of volunteer foster homes. One of their most rewarding projects is working in conjunction with local veterinary offices to offset the cost of medical care for injured pets whose owners are low on funds.<br /><br />Since they do not have a shelter, they make a point of supporting the local animal organizations that do. They received a very generous donation last year so they have been able to do more. They have been using most of this money to help shelters who don't have sources of funding except donations.<br /><br />In the last year, they helped several horse rescue agencies, a wildlife rescue and a bird sanctuary (OWLS), contributed to veterinary bills for local dog and cat rescues, helped support the on-going spay/neuter program for feral cats, donated to a local veterinarian whose project provides food and vet care to animals of the homeless, helped the county animal shelter improve their cat holding facility and helped several programs that provide service dogs for veterans.</span><br /></span></span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-16229612932836941812012-08-14T12:59:00.002-04:002012-08-14T12:59:27.872-04:00Why We Eat! by Larry Robinson<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever looked down to see crumbs all over your lap with a telltale wrapper clutched in your hand and asked yourself, "Why did I eat that?" Or after your second helping of spaghetti followed by ice cream resulting in a horrendously full stomach you've thought, "Why did I eat so much?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many reasons why we over eat and eat when we are not even hungry. The reasons are easy to understand, but the reality of changing these behaviors is very complex. The desire to eat stems from many different signals and triggers. The average person eats 20% of the time from physical hunger and 80% of the time for reasons besides hunger. Why do we eat when we are not hungry? In learning to distinguish our reason for eating, we can address behavior changes that will help us to eat more nutritiously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some of the reasons why we eat besides hunger:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3DW7bDqLVvkHKlCAqmJkCwys9tIn-Gf4Dt2eHh-iTgcFYDl30ria9q4hmL8Cd7Xh5jBXGQSkRusO5CuIT7cuLe4HqWJygHwLHxKKTK-4HEIfWa_q9xTgg4XPKHbIHX57z6uSezusFH7g/s1600/RVIN0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3DW7bDqLVvkHKlCAqmJkCwys9tIn-Gf4Dt2eHh-iTgcFYDl30ria9q4hmL8Cd7Xh5jBXGQSkRusO5CuIT7cuLe4HqWJygHwLHxKKTK-4HEIfWa_q9xTgg4XPKHbIHX57z6uSezusFH7g/s200/RVIN0510.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>PHYSICAL HUNGER AND HORMONES</strong> - The hormones Ghrelin (eat now) and Leptin (stop eating) are your body's on and off switches for your appetite. The problem with that is your brain doesn't get that message from your stomach for about 20 minutes after it's had enough food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>FOOD CRAVINGS</strong> - Cravings can cause you to eat for pleasure, rather than for hunger. Often food cravings are set off by fluctuating sugar levels. Do a "pantry makeover" and eliminate foods that trigger these cravings such as snacks that are high in salt, sugar and fat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>EMOTIONAL EATING</strong> - Food can provide comfort when you are experiencing emotional challenges. Learn to substitute eating with other things you enjoy like reading, talking to friends, book groups or exercising.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>STRESS</strong> - When you are under stress, your body releases the hormone Cortisol. If your stress continues, the Cortisol levels remain high and stimulate your appetite which can result in weight gain. Find ways to gain relaxation and coping strategies for your stress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>LACK OF SLEEP</strong> - When you are sleep deprived, your Ghrelin and Leptin hormone system of appetite does not work efficiently which can increase your hunger. When you lack sleep, you feel sluggish and tired. Your body knows that sugar will provide a "pick me up" so you tend to reach for less healthy food choices in this state. It is important to get enough sleep to keep your hunger and sugar cravings under control.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MINDLESS EATING</strong> - This is like being in "auto-pilot", eating without attention or intention. Most of the time, mindless eating is connected to a "trigger" like watching television, going to the movies, or simply eating because the candy bowl was in front of you. Try to eat with attention and intention making mindful choices about what you are eating and how much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our bodies and brains are wired for survival, safety and comfort. If food has become a way you comfort and soothe yourself, you will have to re-learn new coping behaviors. If food has become something you turn to when you are bored, you will have to find alternative ways to stay busy and entertained. The reasons we over eat are simple, but changing those behaviors is complex. It's no wonder that weight loss is a big challenge for so many. To develop healthier coping strategies that will work for you, it's important to learn more about the connections between your brain and your food choices. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some tips to help you with those connections:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>FIT TIP #1</strong> - Write it all down! Keep a food diary, along with a journal describing emotions that trigger overindulgence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>FIT TIP #2</strong> - Be mindful! Eat with intention and attention. Don't eat in front of the television, in the car or "on the go." Pay attention to your meal. Sit down in a comfortable place, use a plate and utensils and enjoy it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>FIT TIP #3</strong> - Understand the difference between feeling satisfied, full and stuffed. You need to stop eating when you feel satisfied. Eating until you are full or stuffed could very well mean that you have eaten 1,000-2,000 extra calories!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Larry Robinson is a Personal Trainer for </span><a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Top of the World Communities</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-51260853076362542092012-08-01T12:42:00.000-04:002012-08-01T12:42:43.609-04:00It's Showtime at the Circle Square Cultural Center!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiopw_9NM2CWLPtBA2OzUTxiPLeApW9sV7BCA88muC3ztGPgawExPFrZ2JkzrJKZWiyDzWPtHd-tCJCa9728NeREwh_Ow0YsTVcZQlkoivx0ff9n7Uainp6FN70JQuxlieywwcweStG77e/s1600/Queens+of+Motown.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5769103168475303490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiopw_9NM2CWLPtBA2OzUTxiPLeApW9sV7BCA88muC3ztGPgawExPFrZ2JkzrJKZWiyDzWPtHd-tCJCa9728NeREwh_Ow0YsTVcZQlkoivx0ff9n7Uainp6FN70JQuxlieywwcweStG77e/s200/Queens+of+Motown.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 177px;" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Where else can you live and have world class entertainment available just a hop, skip and golf cart ride away? The <a href="http://www.csculturalcenter.com/">Circle Square Cultural Center</a> located at <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World</a> features popular world class performers such as The Lettermen, Willie Nelson, Frankie Avalon, Jay & The Americans and more!<br /><br />On August 18th, the Cultural Center is going to sizzle with <b>The Queens of Motown</b>. This fantastic show stars Karen Durrant. This lady not only sings songs by Tina Turner, but she looks just like her! She is guaranteed to entertain you with her tributes of famous Motown queens Donna Summer, Gladys Knight, The Supremes, The Pointer Sisters plus a host of others.<br /><br /><b>Pete Peterkin's Tribute to Legends of Rock n' Roll</b> comes back to the Cultural Center on August 25th by popular demand. Pete Peterkin is "one of the top celebrity impersonators in the world" as he pays tribute to the legends of rock n' roll history. Close your eyes and you will think you are listening to such famous recording artists of the past and present such as Ray Charles and Chuck Berry. He has appeared on many TV shows including America's Got Talent, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Access Hollywood and many more. Pete impersonates over 50 known recording artists which will make this show mesmerizing!<br /><br />These and many other shows are open to the public with On Top of the World residents receiving discounted ticket prices...one of the many benefits of living at this amenity-rich, active adult community!<br /><span style="font-family: "; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740070046771097574.post-42820017577010219322012-07-24T09:38:00.004-04:002012-07-24T11:27:27.624-04:00Saving Water, Saving Money by Robert Colen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeR-tdsdhQ_uj8GoTRUpW9hu-FkU81VPe-kZObP-tzhJuR6sFMg8Cecn0x-KRMGpxYzgZrdmFGjLtjjC31IPxFHWwnrvnBki8r8tXjEuis13TilJtXGO16a54HG9cR1pNrwz7u1h4vu04/s1600/Water.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeR-tdsdhQ_uj8GoTRUpW9hu-FkU81VPe-kZObP-tzhJuR6sFMg8Cecn0x-KRMGpxYzgZrdmFGjLtjjC31IPxFHWwnrvnBki8r8tXjEuis13TilJtXGO16a54HG9cR1pNrwz7u1h4vu04/s200/Water.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768746001907049746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000000;">"How did I use so much water?" That is the one question heard over and over again when community water conservation audits are performed. <a href="http://www.ontopoftheworld.com/">On Top of the World Communities </a>(OTOW) offers a water conservation audit for all residents. For a small fee, an analysis of where and how much water is being used in the household is determined.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#000000;">The answer to "How did I use so much water?" is almost always the same...the irrigation system. Trained water conservation specialists frequently find irrigation systems for the yard set to run at intervals the homeowner never realized. "We've seen irrigation timers set to run two times per day, every day of the week. That translates to a tremendous amount of water spraying out onto the yard." explains an auditor.<br /><br />So let's do a quick calculation. If an irrigation system is running two times per day, every day, that comes to a little more than 60 times per month. Using an average of 2,700 gallons per cycle or 5,400 gallons per day, that comes out to a whopping 165,000 gallons per month. That is a lot of water and a lot of money wasted!<br /><br />There are many reasons why a timer is set to run so many times per week. One may be the homeowner accidentally set it that way or their landscaper reset the timer. Regardless of the reasons, inspecting the irrigation timer should be something every homeowner should do regularly, especially if their water usage is unusually high. If the homeowner is not sure how to set the timer or wants a refresher course on how to operate it, <a href="http://www.masterthepossibilities.com/">Master the Possibilities Education Center</a> located at OTOW routinely schedules classes to help.<br /><br />Water conservation is vital for decreasing water pollution, increasing energy savings, and creating more efficient use of our water resources....and is easier on the wallet too!<br /><br /><i>Robert Colen is the Warranty Supervisor at On Top of the World Communities.</i></span>On Top of the World Communities, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09580277199434589344noreply@blogger.com1