March Lunch & Learn Seminar Focuses on Community Standards
Community Standards, Rules and Regulations was the topic of the March 10th Board Training seminar. Covering a wealth of information related to the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of practical and enforceable community guidelines, industry professional, Kathleen Sutherland, shared with Board members. Time for discussion allowed specific issues to be addressed as well.
Lunch & Learn seminars have been put on hold for the short term in cooperation with Covid-19 guidelines. Some of the Volunteer Leadership Training series are available to watch online at https://ghertner.com/board-member-training.
“Sign of the Times”
With many people staying at home in response to the Coronavirus, one creative resident at Puckett Station Homeowners Association posted this sign at the entrance to lift spirits.
A note to Our Clients and Partners regarding COVID-19
As concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus increase, Ghertner & Company would like to assure our clients that we have put into operation contingency plans that enable us to reliably support the communities that we serve.
At this time, almost all of our employees are able to work from home; this means that those employees who want to maintain social distancing can do so while still serving our clients. This flexible approach to our work arrangements was tested in the days after the devastating tornadoes on March 2-3 when our offices had no power, and we are confident that we can communicate effectively in the future, regardless of any limitations that may be imposed upon travel, etc.
You may contact our accounting and support staff at hsr@ghertner.com or 615-255-8531.
You may also contact your community manager by email: firstname.lastname@gherntner.com (e.g., mary.smith@ghertner.com).
We wish you well in this challenging time.
Spring to do list....for your landscaping!
If you’re feeling ready to shake off the winter chill, chances are your landscape is, too. Help it emerge from the excessively wet weather by performing the proper spring clean-up. This is a break down of what you need to know to help your landscape create that “just right” curb appeal.
Here are some tips to help prepare your landscape so that it will look its best in 2020:
• Certain plants such as ornamental grasses and perennials should be cut back to a few inches above the soil line. You don’t have to worry about getting the timing just right; as long as significant new growth hasn’t yet emerged from the ground, you’re fine to cut back. For shrubs that bloom on new growth, winter is the right time to prune a little or a lot depending on the plant and the effect you want. Be sure to prune these plants before new growth emerges in the spring.
• Not all plants require additional nutrients, but for those that do, spring is the time to do it. Most perennials, groundcovers, shrubs and ornamental flowering plants benefit from a slow-release fertilizer placed under the mulch following site clean-up. Don’t worry about fertilizing ornamental grasses and larger trees in turf areas, which will receive all the nutrients they need from your turf fertilizer.
• Take advantage of the dormant season to coordinate and conduct a planning meeting with your service provider representative. It is important for you to be aware of the schedule of services for the upcoming months. This will keep you informed and avoid any surprises.
• Ask your service provider to provide a property needs analysis or site audit. This report will outline any property deficiencies, safety concerns, improvement needs, etc... along with solutions. This tool can help you identify and prioritize your landscape needs for this season, so that you can plan your funding accordingly. Prepare for Spring prior to its arrival! The value of such planning and performance will pay dividends during busy growing season.
Provided by: Scott Oldham Business Development Manger - LSI
First CAI Meeting of 2020 Engages and Informs
The Community Associations Institute (CAI) of Tennessee provides opportunities for Community Association Managers to learn more about issues and interests affecting Homeowner Associations in Middle Tennessee and across the state. Ghertner & Company encourages its managers to get involved with membership, volunteering and leadership. Jaye Kloss, Director of Compliance and Training for Ghertner & Company, serves as President for 2020. Johnny Mac was introduced as the charity partner for 2020 and over $1,500 was raised in the meeting.
Helping Children and Young Adults Succeed
ABLE Youth enables children who use wheelchairs to learn the basic life skills of living life from a wheelchair and to not be defined by their disabilities. Initially started as a youth sports program, ABLE Youth grew to serve children ages 3-12 and young adults 13-22, to become independent, graduate from high school and continue their education in college or enter the workforce. With the motto, Creating Independent Youths Who Are Defying the Odds, each participant is an example of believing in and becoming accountable to themselves while working hard to learn how to succeed in life. Learn more at www.ableyouth.org
Present at the check presentation are Amy Saffell, Able Youth Director, and Ghertner & Company associates Gina Willis, Stephanie Gray, Jaye Kloss and Catherine Davis.
January Session of Board Training Focuses on Strategic Planning
Over forty board of directors were present for the first Lunch & Learn training session of 2020 held on Tuesday, January 14. Presenter and industry professional, Kathleen Sutherland, shared about the topic of, “Strategic Planning for Community Leaders” to a full room of interested board members, community association managers and associates. The highlight was the brainstorming that took place in small groups that allowed for practical application of the topic and real-world issues faced by communities. Ghertner & Company provided complimentary lunch for all attendees. Learn more by contacting Theresa.Savich@ghertner.com.
December Lunch & Learn Seminar Concludes Year of Training
Several new and veteran HOA board members took advantage of the final Volunteer Training Lunch & Learn Seminar of 2019. The topic, Vision and Mission Statements for Board Members, was presented by industry professional Kathleen Sutherland, Director of Development and Training. Attendees were also able to participate through a Q&A period at the end of the session.
Kloss Installed as CAI President
The Tennessee Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) held its Annual Holiday Gala on Friday, December 6 at the Thistle Farms Café in Nashville. Outgoing President Brent Hogue handed the gavel to Jaye Kloss as the incoming 2020 Chapter President. Jaye Kloss, is the Director of Compliance and Training with Ghertner and Company and has served in many roles with the Chapter. She shares, “I am looking forward to my year as CAI Tennessee Chapter President and working with my Board to grow our chapter.”
Several other Ghertner & Company associates were on hand to celebrates the chapter’s 2019 accomplishments and to support Jaye Kloss as the incoming president.
Consistent Donation Has an Impact on Young Lives
Since 1987, the Our Kids Center has provided support to sexually abused children and their care givers. This year alone, over 900 patients will be given medical, emotional, legal and practical assistance in their time of need. Since 1998, Ghertner & Company has made an annual donation to provide resources to help the Our Kids Center accomplish their mission.
This year Ghertner & Company associates contributed additional funds through fund raising efforts centered around team building activities and vendor relationships that brought the total gift to $2,252.
On December 6, representatives from Ghertner & Company presented the donation to the Our Kids Center team. Present are Jaye Kloss, Janice Tantaris, Sue Fort White (Our Kids Executive Director), Jill Martindale (Our Kids Communication Coordinator) and Kimberly Maynord.
Associates Shine on Tree Planting Day!
In the continuing effort to lead by example, Ghertner & Company team members participated in the expanding of the arboretum at the corporate offices in MetroCenter with a Tree Planting Day! Twenty-five associates brought their gloves, shovels and picks and planted twelve trees throughout the grounds. All of the trees were donated by employees in memory or honor of loved ones or in support of the effort.
Leadership and volunteers from the Nashville Tree Foundation were on hand to offer guidance and information to participants. Ghertner & Company presented NTF with a $1,000 donation to assist them in their mission to preserve and enhance Nashville's urban forests by planting trees in urban areas, identifying the oldest and largest trees in Davidson County, and educating the public about the value of trees. Learn more at www.nashvilletreefoundation.org.
Falls Grove HOA Fall Festival
Residents of all ages and stages of life took part in their HOA Sponsored Fall Festival. Participants enjoyed a chili cook off, lawn games, photo booth, bounce houses, pumpkin painting and lots of delicious food!
The Eighth Annual Vendor Trade Show Is a Success!
A record crowd attended the 8th Annual Vendor Trade Show held on Friday, November 1, 2019 at the Millennium Maxwell Hotel. All Ghertner & Company managed community board members and CAMs (Community Association Managers) were able to network with vendors offering a variety of services like landscaping, pest control, insurance, pool maintenance, legal and financial services.
A new addition to the agenda this year were two Trade Show Workshops that were well attended. The first workshop gave an overview of reserve studies. An update on recent rulings on delinquencies and fines was presented in the next session.
A complimentary lunch was provided as door prizes were awarded throughout the event.
Halloween Team Building Event Raises Over $2,400
Associates gathered on Halloween 2019 for a Team Building event that featured great food, games, costumes and contests. Many got into the spirit of the event by dressing up in costume and participating in a variety of games set up in the training room. The highlights of the day included: a mummy wrapping contest, grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and the Silent Auction of many items donated by vendors and associates. All proceeds will go to the Our Kids Center in Nashville.
Annual Health Fair Informs and Involves Associates
The Annual Ghertner & Company Health Fair took place on October 23rd to promote Associate wellness. Booths featuring fitness memberships to healthy products to activities provided information and motivation to live more active and healthier lives. The Humana Go365 program, the company’s health insurance provider participated with activities and give-aways. Health care professionals were on site to provide blood pressure checks and administer free flu shots. Human Resources and department “Champs” planned, promoted and worked the successful Health Fair event.
Fall Event Builds Community!
The residents at The Villages of Hunters Point HOA in Lebanon, TN, held their 1st Annual Pumpkin Carving Party to celebrate the Fall season. Kids of all ages enjoyed the fellowship and fun of sharing in this event sponsored by the Social Committee.
Legislative Lunch & Learn Seminar Peaks Interest and Discussion
The 2019 Lunch & Learn Volunteer Training seminar series ended with a packed house to hear about the legislative actions regarding Home-Owner Associations. Community Associations Institute lobbyists Martha Gentry and Doug Jones shared with Board members and Community Association Managers about the process of how bills are introduced, changed and passed into law. Emphasis was placed on the need to develop a strategy to protect home-owner values by limiting the number of rental properties, including short term rentals, within a community. Scott Ghertner, Co-President of Ghertner & Company, appealed for Home-Owner Association members to support the CAI PAC to provide resources for dealing with unfavorable legislation. You can learn more or give at www.caitenn.org or www.caionline.org/LACDonate.
Students Benefit from Academy Donation
As part of the “Giving Back” to the community effort, Ghertner & Company presented the staff and students at Abundant Life Christian Academy with a $500 check. This faith-based school, located in Murfreesboro, provides a tuition free education for students in grades K5 through 8th grade. ALCA’s Mission states that, “ALCA is committed to assist our students to discover and fulfill their God-given purpose in the earth, which will in turn glorify God and enhance the lives of many.”. Find out more at www.alccministries.com/ALCA.
Is is Fall yet? How the excessive heat effects landscaping.
We have seen record heat in our area well beyond summer. We’ve all felt its effect on ourselves. But have you ever considered what effect it has on plants and lawns? In our day to day lives we rarely consider how landscape reacts to climate. How we react to excessive shifts in climate is similar to how plants make necessary changes to sustain themselves during these days is vital not only for the community’s beauty but to our budgets.
Here are some signs to look for and tips to nurse our landscaping to sustain thru this season.
• Turf grass will be affected most. Grass will try to jump start their dormancy when a lack of water and prolonged heat radiates. If you have an automatic irrigation system, setting up dual programs to operate will allow the grass to sustain itself until the cooler temps prevail and discontinue any fertilization program. If there is not an irrigation system in place. Also refrain from applying fertilizer and allow the grass to use it’s natural system to protect its health until the cooler weather moves in. There will be some damage to the grass during this period. Once the cooler temps become more regular, have your service provider implement an aeration and over-seed application to fill in these areas affected. So, when Spring arrives new grass will repair the lush appearance of the lawn.
• Trees react to this extreme by shedding leaves in an effort to slow their nutrition process down. If possible, allowing your service provider to install watering bags to help sustain the trees until the Autumn weather arrives and the trees go dormant. Consider an earlier fertilization application to help with the Spring flush of their foliage to combat the early shedding of the leaves. This will help the longevity of the tree’s life.
• Shrubs will show signs of a burnt appearance. Blooming shrubs will be stop the process to focus on enduring thru the extreme heat. They will also be susceptible to insects during this period. Have your service provider make thorough inspections to make sure the shrubs are not being attacked. An additional step is allowing your service provider to spot water if no irrigation system is present will help protect them from damage there is not recovery from. It is better for a budget to allocate for man hours to water than to replace shrubs destroyed during this atypical climate.
• Most of the damage to landscaping will not reveal itself until Spring rolls around. It will be in the best interest to have your service provider complete a site audit to verify if any effects of the extensively long summer heat has taken its toll on plantings. This will help ensure an appealing landscape of our city for the future.
Partner Post provided by Scott Oldham with LSI
Landscape Services Inc