March Madness! Am I right? And then there’s that basketball tourney. Don’t even get me started on April Fools. But here we are, almost finished with the rollercoaster weather and can settle into normal hot and sticky like Cinnabon rolls some kid spilled his Kool-Aid on. Oh Yeah!
March saw our Spring Neighborhood Garage Sale and there was good feedback from the sellers. There was even some healthy curb picking afterwards. But the big event was just a few days ago and what a massive turnout we had for the Spring Fling! I know because I just traveled to the future and saw everyone. James maintained an outstanding pour again and the music was bearable but a little eclectic. Tuba? The food trucks were new this time, but the Bounce House must have had extra air – what a bounce! And the booths! Ed masterfully spun yarns at the HOA Booth (Irish Soda Bread!?) and collections for the meager $25 HOA DUES were through the roof. April Fools. Clearly the hit of the street was not Gerty chasing kids – she does that in her sleep – it was the special surprise for the furry pets. People are still talking about it. If you couldn’t make it out, you missed a dandy. We’ll do it again.
Speaking of low, low $25 HOA DUES, we had our drawing for that special prize and the Dave Kuhl family and the Krumm family are winners! They were already winners, but now it’s in print. Thank you to everyone that has paid your $25 HOA DUES and thank you to the people who are planning to pay their $25 HOA DUES and to the rest of you – jump on the fun train. So far, we have about a third of the neighborhood on board and if you are a glass half full person, there’s more than half left to go so try being a glass third full person. Not easy, is it?
The whole neighborhood appreciates the anonymous monetary contributions for replacing the foliage on both entrances after the great freeze of 2026 tried to blast everything out of good dirt. Several people helped, thank you. It has been said that the cleansing of invasive pests because of the freeze is really a good thing. It is especially good if you like brown trees and leaf free shrubs. I admit, I really enjoyed the temporary separation from the mower, a mutual agreement, believe me. The string trimmer hates me. Also, mutual. But the rain is coming (we hope) and a reunion is eminent.
Remember, you are welcome to come to an HOA meeting at 7:30 pm on the second Thursday of every month at South Seminole Church of Christ on Lake Howell Rd or online via zoom. If you come down, you’ll get your name in the minutes – which are now posted on our website. Spring into Summer!
Author: Wwhoa
From the Desk of Anthony Riley – March 2026
You can tell Spring is coming because of the clear sky and birds…wait – we’re in for another cold front? Well, if you can’t count on the weather for seasons, you know spring is near because the Star Wars spectacle is almost back in the barn. But then again, on that same stretch of road there are three people-size skeletons hanging out from Halloween. Since ghoul day they have been posed as turkey eaters, Santa, Elf and Rudolf, Superbowl fans, Valentines and Olympians. Besides the obvious Drum and Fife for July Fourth, how about Leprechaun and Gold, Fools for April and a recreation of the “Luke I’m Your Father” moment (a misquote) …but that might step on the neighbor’s toes.
Speaking of skeletons, the foliage around this place took a beating (that may not be over) and the entrance décor was not immune. Luckily, we have money in the Budget for that. Where does that Budget money come from you ask? HOA Dues! And there is still time during this 2026 Annual Membership Drive to be included for the drawing. Get those $25 HOA dues in before March 15th!
What else is in that budget? A little something for an outing to meet your neighbors, have fun, and show your strength at the hotdog-eating contest. If we had a hotdog-eating contest. What we do have is the wildly successful Neighborhood Spring Fling coming to King James Ct. on Saturday March 28 at 5:00pm – so massive we will block the street! Peer, peer, peer! We nixed the Ferris Wheel (invented by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr – along with Neo Soul) but we will have the requisite Bounce House, beverage station, live music rehearsal, activities for kids, food trucks, and booths of wide variety. If you have a business and want to set up a booth or a table, give us a heads up at WinterWoodsHOA@gmail.com or tell anyone on the HOA Board. Also, for the first time, we will have a Dog Photo Booth so pets are welcome – even Charlie Girl.
Speaking of the board, we will represent at the Neighborhood Spring Fling not just to panhandle for $25 HOA Dues but also ring the bell for any extra contributions to pay for new (and more) flowers for the entrance, the events and any damages directly caused by Charlie Girl. We also want to meet you, encourage you into participating in a Meet Your Neighbor article and listen to any concerns you may have. About the neighborhood. Maybe you are interested in a Spring article about local birds or wildlife or bats. We are open for business.
Lastly, on March 7th we will unleash the Spring Neighborhood Garage Sale. Advertising works and if you will let us know about your sale with an email to winterwoodshoa@gmail.com , we will help.
Our next HOA Meeting is at 7:00 pm on Thursday March 12th at South Seminole Church of Christ on Lake Howell Rd or online via zoom. And now available: The HOA Minutes! You too can read a synopsis of last months meeting, but it is not as good as the live event. Check Winter Woods Homeowners Association – Winter Park, FL or Facebook.
And since I’m Irish enough: “As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way”.