Weekly Newsletter
Wednesday, July 8
Spotlight a Team Member

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

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

Check out the clubs and groups section!


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

Click the Facebook icon to the right to Like and Follow our page.
Virtual Field Trip

Join author Lauren Tarshis, as she takes you on a virtual tour of the Museum of American Revolution in Philadelphia, PA. The MAR is one of the only museums in the U.S. that is dedicated to the American Revolution and the war for independence to the story of how the United States was born.

Click here to begin your virtual field trip!

Feel Good Wednesday
Keep your spirits up during this time by doing things that make you
feel good! The team at Victoria Gardens is celebrating Feel Good Wednesday by jamming out to Journey's Don't Stop Believin', a virtual performance by band-mates and guests.

Check out the video below!
4th of July
Porch Decorating Contest Winners!
Thank you to the few residents who participated in the
4th of July Porch Decorating Contest.

Congratulations to the Cechowski's and the O'neils!

Thank you for your participation.
Cechowski Home
O'Neil Home




Health & Wellness

Weekly Nutrition
The Good Fat: Avocados

Avocado is a nutrient packed vegetable that is low in sugar and high in fat. However, this fat is known as monounsaturated fat, or "good" fat that helps lower cholesterol when eaten in moderation.

While avocados are low in sugar, they have a lot of calories. The recommended serving size is 1/3 of a medium size avocado.

Avocados can be used to make delicious dips such as guacamole and other vegetables dips. Adding avocado to your smoothie can increase the smoothness and creaminess without the taste. You can even add avocado to your brownie mix as a substitution for oil!

Check out avocado toast recipes below:

To learn more benefits of avocados, click here .
Virtual Workouts




Gentle Yoga:
Balance & Resilience





Active Adult Cardio
Zumba with Patti

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

Click the date below to join Zumba class at 10 am:



Water Aerobics

Schedule

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



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

Be sure to bring your pool noodles, hand bar weight, and water bottle.  The price for this class is $3 per session. Please pay the instructor directly.

Registration not required.
Hours of Operation

We're proud to offer curbside and poolside pick up from
11 am-6 pm, Monday - Friday.

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

Wildlife of Victoria Park
by John Serrao
Click  here  to view the new Self Guiding Nature Trail booklet.
Explore a Preserve Nature
Trail Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Stay Informed!

Our Community News Section is filled with informative information you need to know.
Clubhouse Repairs: Front Patio Rocking Chairs
The maintenance team at Victoria Gardens has dedicated their time to making necessary repairs and updates to the clubhouse, courts, pool area. Our maintenance team has been hard at work repainting, repairing furniture, and refurbishing.

Maintenance Technician, Robert Martinez, worked extremely hard to bring our front patio rocking chairs back to life by repairing and
re-staining them. The difference is outstanding and can be seen in the picture to the right.
Extreme Heat & Summer Safety

As the summer heats up, we would like to advise all residents to stay safe and prepare

Things to Remember:

  • Extreme heat events can happen anywhere and may occur quickly and without warning.

  • Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are disproportionately affected by extreme heat events.

  • Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

  • Exposing yourself to the sun or temperatures higher than 77 degrees Fahrenheit does not protect you from COVID-19.

  • Never leave children, adults, or pets in a closed car.

The following tips below can help you beat the heat:

  • Stay cool indoors by using air conditioning, if possible.

  • Contact your non-emergency hotline for assistance finding a cooling center. While at cooling centers, be sure to maintain social distancing, avoid gathering in groups, and wear a cloth face covering to slow the spread of COVID-19.

  • During extreme heat events, choose a cloth face covering that has breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester.

  • Avoid strenuous and high-energy activities.

  • Check on family members and neighbors by phone or text to maintain social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19.


  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.

We hope you enjoy your summer while staying healthy and safe!
Hurricane Season
What you can do you prepare!

Hurricane Season is June 1 through November 30.

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

Home Preparation

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

Hurricane Preparedness Plan

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

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

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

Walking, Jogging, & Biking
 in Victoria Gardens 

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

Below are a few important reminders when walking your dog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Weeks Question:

1.When immigrant entered Ellis Island, who changed the spelling of their last name?

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

Last Weeks Answers:

1.What year did the U.S. start to take the first Census?

Answer : The first U.S. Census was taken in 1709.


2.The British royal family adopted a fixed surname in what year?

Answer: The year for The Royal Family fixed name was in 1917.

Victoria Gardens Women's Club

Click here to visit the VGWC page.
Pickleball
Victoria Gardens Camera Club
Victoria Park Events

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

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