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MAY

 President's Report

SCAM ALERT - National Homeowners Association - NOT endorsed by WHOA or the Clubs

Recently, flyers were distributed door to door in our community from a group calling themselves "The National Homeowners Association". The flyers offer discounts on lawn care and other services. The persons distributing the flyers are implying that they are endorsed by the Clubs and WHOA, which is NOT the case. Neither WHOA nor the Clubs have ever heard of this organization and we do NOT endorse this group.

The flyers have also been placed in mailboxes, which is a violation of Federal law. The Post Office has been alerted along with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, as solicitation is prohibited in our villages.

What is WHOA, What does WHOA do?

Many new residents are unfamiliar with what WHOA does and where the $25 membership fee is spent. We are often asked "Why should I pay an extra $25 per year in addition to my club fees?"

WHOA's most visible activity is to maintain the landscaping at the entrance to our community. The area maintained by WHOA is located on Orangewood Blvd from Gateway Ave northward to the 528 expressway (Beachline). This includes nearly two acres of property, which requires maintenance on a continual basis.

WHOA also works as an advocate for Williamsburg to represent our interests in dealings with the theme parks, hotels, and businesses that surround us. We also maintain close contact with Orange County elected officials such as Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Commissioner Scott Boyd to make sure that our interests are protected.

A couple of examples of things that WHOA has achieved in the past is to keep toll booths from being added to our Hwy 528 interchange, we have also lobbied to keep a Wal Mart from being built right next to our community. We are currently working with the FAA, our elected officials and local businesses to eliminate the helicopter traffic that has been adversely impacting parts of our community. As a result of our lobbying efforts in the past few months, we were able to keep two new helipads from opening in the area and we will continue to work to eliminate all air traffic over our homes.

All of us on the WHOA Board of Directors are volunteers and 100% of your $25 membership fee is spent on landscaping. Our Board members and I donate hundreds of hours of our time each year to serve the community. Please take the time to join us today and help to keep our community a great place to live.

Dealing with Grief: There’s an Elephant in the Room – Free Seminar

Please join us for a free seminar (sponsored by Dr. P. Phillips Hospital) given by John Diaz, Chaplain – Dr. Philllips Hospital. All people need a chance to express their grief. While there is no magic formula for the grieving process, Chaplain Diaz will discuss ways to get you through difficult times. The presentation will be held at the Somerset Clubhouse on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 from noon – 1 PM. Registration is required by May 7, 2012. Call the Somerset Clubhouse at 407-239-6400 to register.

Williamsburg Bus Service – Ridership Has Increased to Record High Levels

Expanded Lynx PickUpLine service in Williamsburg is now available. The service area has been expanded to include the area along Turkey Lake Road as far north as Sand Lake Road. What this means is that the bus will now take you from your home to the Post Office, Walmart, Whole Foods plaza, Dr. Phillips Hospital and the adjacent medical offices.

Since the service area has expanded, ridership has steadily increased and averaged 1.92 passengers per hour during February. We at WHOA have worked hard over the past few months to make this expansion possible. It is now up to the riders to keep the service in place by using it as much as possible.

LYNX ’s PickUpLine 641 operates between 5:30am and 8:00pm Monday through Saturday, excluding Holidays. To make an appointment to be picked up, you must call 1-866-204-2976 at least two hours in advance. The bus will pick you up at your home. The cost is $2 full fare and $1.00 for Youth (18 and under) and AdvantAge (65+) Discount.

2012 WHOA Membership Drive

Our 2012 fiscal year began on February 1. This year, our dues will remain at $25 per year. Thank you to those who have already joined us. If you have not yet received your membership card, please call me at 407-716-6267.

If you have not already joined our organization, please take a moment to do so today. You may pay your dues by using the coupon you received in your Club coupon book or by using the coupon located in this newsletter. We at WHOA appreciate your support!

Our next WHOA Board of Directors meeting will be held on Monday July 16 at 7:00 pm at the Lime Tree Clubhouse located at 5303 Gateway Ave. We invite anyone interested to attend the quarterly board meetings.

Please feel free to contact me at 407-716-6267 if you have any questions or concerns regarding WHOA or our community.

Thank you,

Tom Shoriak

President