Election Day in South Carolina

November 8 is just around the corner and the country will be selecting a new President along with several other offices.

South Carolina does not have early voting unless by absentee ballot.  Early voting by absentee applies to military service members or family members currently living overseas.

Polls open at 7 AM on November 8 and close at 7 PM.  You must bring an acceptable form of ID to vote such as Drivers License, ID card or Military ID card.

For a list of polling places and other voting information visit http://www.scvotes.org/.

Tricks or Treats This Year?

Halloween is a time for treats, sweets and lots of delicious eats!  While that is a fun and time-tested tradition there are ways to think outside the box when it comes to trick-or-treating this year.  Check out our list of unique Halloween treats!

- Stickers - Halloween themed is best!

- Temporary tattoos

- Small bags of pretzels or gummy bears

- Halloween theme pretzels or erasers

- Stamps

- Bubbles

- Bouncy balls

- Glow sticks or bracelets to wear while out trick-or-treating!

If the typical fun-size candy is more your speed, you aren't alone. The National Retail Federation anticipates $2.5 billion will be spend on Halloween candy this year. The most popular choices? Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats and Butterfinger.

Fall Fun Nearby!

Enjoy the cooler weather and get outside this weekend! Here are some fun Fall activities within driving distance.  Pack a jacket and hit the road!


Steeds Dairy Farm - Grovetown, GA

- Open Saturdays from 10am-10pm
- Open Sundays from 1pm-7pm
- A real working dairy farm
- Family-friendly corn maize during the day and Haunted Maize at night
- Hay rides, jumping pillow and petting zoo


Holiday Farms - Ridgeland, SC
- Open Saturdays from 9am-Dark
- Open Sundays from 1pm-5pm
- Pumpkin patch, jump pad, hay rides
- Duck races, corn grinding, Barnyard Zoo


Clinton Sease Farms - Lexington, SC
- Open Saturdays from 10am-11pm
- Open Sundays from 2pm-7pm
- Pumpkin patch, hay rides and corn maize
- Haunted attractions available at night

Disaster Preparedness

With Hurricane Matthew baring down on Florida and the Southeast, now is the time to ensure you're prepared in the event of a natural disaster.

The most important thing to remember is to heed the words of your local government, law enforcement and emergency division. This includes knowing the latest forecasts and evacuation orders. Don't endanger your lives and the lives of others by not listening to the people around you who are trying to keep you safe.

Ensure you have a safety kit and first aid supplies on hand.  This includes:

- Water - gallons of water for consumption and hygiene
- A three-day supply of nonperishable food
- Flashlight and batteries
- Can opener
- Cell phone chargers
- Weather radio
- Extra cash

First Aid Kit

- Latex gloves
- Burn ointment
- Eyewash
- Bandages in various sizes
- Soap
- Sterile dressings
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, antacid, anti-diarrhea medicine

Ensure all prescription medicines are full and readily available.

What else do you do to prepare for a natural disaster?

Ways to Save on Utilities

Yes the weather is actually getting cooler - which means the air conditioner doesn't have to run as much - a huge money saver!  Did you realize there are other ways to save? And they won't take much sacrifice!  Check them out and see what you can do to save some money each month!

1.  Unplug your appliances. Even appliances that are not in use are using your electricity just by being plugged in.  So check on toasters, laptops, coffee makers, etc. and unplug!

2.  Change your lightbulbs to LED. LED bulbs last at least 5 years and use much less energy!

3.  Reset your water heater's default temperature. Most are set at 140 degrees.  Reduce to 120 and you can save some easy money!

4.  Plan to do several loads of laundry at one time. This way your dryer doesn't cool all the way down between loads.

5.  Let your dishes air dry and skip the heat dry cycle on your dishwasher.

6.  When your phone is fully charged, unplug the charger. It will continue to pull electricity even if the phone is fully charged.

7.  Regularly change your air filters according to the manufacturers specifications - either every month or 3 months.

8.  Keep interior doors open to allow cooled air to flow through the home.

9.  Check all door and refrigerator seals to ensure there are no leaks.

10.  When shopping for new appliances or electronics, try to buy Energy Star rated equipment.

Budget Decorating Ideas

Decorating for Fall doesn't mean spending a fortune on new seasonal knick-knacks or expensive pre-made arrangements. You may have items around your home that just need a little touch to make them Autumn ready!  Here are some ideas.






Mason jar vases - just add some paint in using Fall hues!







Glue or tie some sticks to a plain votive vase to make an awesome Autumn candle holder!







Incorporate plaid scarves into your Fall decor - until it gets cold enough to use them of course!




Don't forget to set the season by incorporating smells!  Make some homemade potpourri by simmering apple, orange, cloves and cinnamon!

Setting Up a Home Workspace

Whether you work from home full time or just need space to get away and write out your thoughts in peace and quiet, a home office is a great addition to any home. A home office can be a designated extra bedroom or a corner of the upstairs loft.  No matter how big your space there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a workspace.

1. Think about your primary activities - will a desktop or laptop computer be necessary? Do you need a landline? Will you need a printer, router, or other space-taking equipment?

2. Ensure there is plenty of lighting - both overhead and lamp light. Take advantage of any and all natural light.

3. Sketch out your room before moving any furniture in. Include windows, electrical outlets, cables and doors or closets. It's much easier to sketch before moving furniture in or out! Try to position your desk where you have a view - near the windows!

4.  Use vertical space to your advantage.  You don't need a lot of square footage for a good office space - take advantage of your walls for filing or storage with bookcases and floating shelves.

5.  Add your own unique touches! Yes an office is for work but it doesn't have to be cold and sterile. Decorate with photos of loved ones, inspirational quotes and plants or fresh flowers.  Make the space somewhere you want to be!

Fall Home Maintenance

A new season is a great time for change - new clothes, new decor, and new ways to prepare your home for the upcoming Fall and Winter weather.  It may seem hard to believe now but the temperatures will drop, the humidity will dissipate and your home will need to adjust to the colder months of the year.  The moderate temperatures make Fall a perfect time to get outside and do some prep work for the following year.

1.  Examine the outside of your home for any visible cracks along the foundation or where piping goes in and out of the home. Use caulk to fill in those cracks where possible.

2.  Check all exterior doors to ensure weather stripping is still in place and creates a tight seal when closed.

3.  When it's time to turn on the heat inside, change the direction of your ceiling fan to pull heat upwards.

4.  It's important to change the batteries on your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. The change of seasons is a good time to do this and easy to remember.

5. When you are done with mowing the lawn for the year, drain the gas from your mower and trimmer before storing for the winter.

These 5 steps can prepare your home and yard for Winter's chill and protect the investment you've made in your home.

What else is on your Fall maintenance list?

Planning for Football, Family and Friends

The countdown is over! It's football season! Whether you cheer for the local team, your home team, or just any team that's playing - football season is a great time to get together with family and friends.

All a party really needs is the fellowship of family and friends but if you do want to get a little more involved there are so many great ideas for football theme food and decor.

A little green and white icing can go along way to making cupcakes into game day dessert fun!

Set up some cheese, crackers and pepperoni in a strategic football shape for a little fun!

Shop at the local party story for football theme decor and plates.

Construction paper and glue can make regular paper bags into fun party favors.

Guest Room Decor

Entertaining is one of the great benefits of being a homeowner. Whether you have good friends from across the country or family visiting for the holidays - a guest room is an essential part of your home. Here's how to extend your hospitality through your accommodations in the best way possible.

Guest Room Essentials:

• Fresh bedding and extra blankets
• Lighting and alarm clock close to the bed
• Trash can
• Fluffy towels
• Space for suitcases or hanging clothes

Nice Extras:

• A creatively display with the wi-fi network and password information
• Candles and matches
• Bottled water
• A luggage rack
• Magazines or books
• Tissues
• Fresh flowers or plant

What do you have in your guest room? Any ways to make them feel extra welcome?

Upcoming Events

Looking for ways to add some fun to your calendar? Now that summer is ending and vacation season is over, many fun programs and activities are back on track!   Here are some fun options that are close by to LongCreek - so mark your calendars!

Starting in September, the Village at Sandhills holds weekly concerts on Friday nights. For more information check out this LINK


Go to a Firefly's game! Here is the Fall schedule.

Farmer's Market from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays near Town Hall on Langford Road.

Big Grab Yardsale September 9th-10th all day! Over 85 miles of deals! Click here.

Back to School!

Goodbye summer and hello new school year! It seems to sneak up on us faster and faster each year but it's time to put the flip flops away and get out the backpacks.  You've survived the tax-free shopping frenzy and are ready to build a new routine to help your kids do their best this Fall.

There are ways you can organize and prepare your home to help with the transition back to school. Here are just a few ideas to make the new school year a stress-free and fun time for the whole family!

1. Use closet space wisely by choosing all your child's outfits for the week on Sunday and hanging them up in a separate area of the closet. This will make picking out clothes for the day one less battle that needs to be fought on those busy mornings.

2. Set up a command center with room for all the school papers, homework assignments and reminders as they come in the house.  

3. Use hooks and baskets to store backpacks and misc school items when your kids first come in the door. Keeping everything in one place will make it easier to find on the way out the door.

4.  Create a homework station somewhere quiet with all the necessary supplies including paper, pens, sticky notes and snack tray!

5.  Pack up lunch snacks and drinks in advance the weekend before.  Use baskets to organize sweets, snacks, utensils and drinks.  The only night before prep needed will be the sandwich!

What do you do to help your child prepare for back to school?

Make Your Home a Healthy Place

Your home is your oasis - keep it healthy and clean with these simple steps.  You'll improve your family's health while saving money and living better!

1. Use door mats on both sides of your exterior doors. This helps to trap bacteria, allergens, and chemicals before they enter your home.
2. Filter your drinking water and be sure to regularly replace those filters.
3. When cooking be sure to use your range hood fan. This will help lower the humidity that mold and bacteria love to grow in.  Similarly run the bathroom fan for 20 minutes after showering for the same purpose.
4. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to pick up more dust and allergens.
5. Potted plants are a natural way to filter the air and remove toxins. Look for Spider Plants, Aloe Vera, English Ivy or Bamboo Palms.
6. Sanitize bacteria hot spots such as door knobs, children's toys, phones, remotes and computer keyboards.
7. Dust with a microfiber or wet cloth in order to trap particles and keep them from spreading.
8. Purchase washable shower curtains instead of curtains made with vinyl that can contain harmful chemicals.
9. Opt for natural cleaning products whenever possible - such as vinegar and water.
10. Open the windows on a nice day. Outside air is much cleaner and will get rid of some inside toxins that float around.

What do you do to keep your home healthy and clean?

Save on Taxes!

The weekly forecast shows triple digit highs as far as the eye can see but the Halloween decorations are already out! It's the awkward transition to fall which also means - Back to School!

Tax free weekends are right around the corner and are a time to take advantage of the tax savings on qualified purchases.

For South Carolina residents the tax free weekend is August 5th through 7th.  For Georgia residents, tax free is THIS WEEKEND, July 30th and 31st.

Visit the links below for a full list of qualified items. Here are a few of the highlights:

- Clothing
- Computers
- Computer Equipment
- School Supplies
- Bath Towels
- Footwear

Does not apply to jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear or items on layaway

For more information click HERE

Blythewood Park

Looking for somewhere to get outside in the cool of the morning or evening?

Try Blythewood Park! Only a short distance from LongCreek, Blythewood Park offers a variety of family-friendly amenities.

The 21 acre recreation facility is located on Boney Road.

The rec complex includes a gym, game room, weight room, arts and crafts room and kitchen.

Outside there are basketball and tennis courts, a playground, lighted softball field and picnic area with shelter.

To find out more visit www.blythewoodnet.net

Summer Lawn Care

With the hot sun blazing down and temperatures not scheduled to dip for many more weeks - it's important to adapt your lawn maintenance plans to accommodate the summer!  Following these tips can help prevent damage and save you money on maintenance.

Watering
- Lawns need at least one inch of water a week during extreme heat
- Water less frequently but for longer amounts of time to encourage roots to grow deeper
- Water early in the day to beat evaporation but not at night which could encourage disease

Mowing
- Don't cut your lawn too short - longer lawns are more resistant to the damaging effects of heat
- Make sure your blades are sharp so the grass is cut and not torn
- Mulch the clippings to create a moisture barrier

MISC
- Don't fertilize in the summer - even if your lawn looks brown - it can burn the lawn
- Place stepping stones in high traffic areas to minimize damage
- Pick up outdoor toys after playing to keep dead spots from popping up

Summer Newsletter Available Online

The LongCreek Plantation Summer Newsletter is now available on the POA website.

Information in this edition includes:

- Lake Management
- Information on the Windermere Club Event
- Cobblestone Park Golf Club
- Incident Reports
- New LongCreek Sign Design

To see the full newsletter login to the POA website and go to Resources - Documents and then Newsletters.

Patriotic Treats and Sweets!

Celebrate Independence Day with flair! Take a look at these simple to make but amazingly patriotic dessert options!  Stay safe and enjoy the holiday!

Berry Trifle

Strawberry, blueberry and delicious angel food cake make this patriotic trifle a sure be winner!

Star Brownies

Use cookie cutters to cut up brownies and then decorate with icing and red, white and blue sprinkles!

Independence Day Kabobs

A simple no-bake dessert requiring just blueberries, strawberries and bananas!

Summer Get-Aways

Getting out of town is a much needed escape for all of us. Sometimes taking that week long summer vacation isn't always possible.  Here are a few ways to get away if even just for the weekend!

Beach Locales:

Beaufort, South Carolina

Located just south of busy Hilton Head Island, Beaufort packs in true southern charm and lowcountry appeal.  Visit historic downtown and spend the day walking into local shops and art galleries.  For more information visit http://www.beaufortsc.org/

Tybee Island, Georgia

Known as Savannah's beach, Tybee Island is a quiet beach town free from the hustle and bustle of most beach vacation spots.  See the famous lighthouse and take a dolphin tour! To find out more visit http://tybeeisland.com/

Mountain Adventures:

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Just a half hour from trendy Asheville, Hendersonville is a quieter cousin to the artsy city. Visit the quaint downtown and find all of the Hendersonville Bears that decorate the space.  Enjoy beautiful views and local farmers markets. For more information visit http://visithendersonvillenc.org/

Blue Ridge, Georgia

90 miles north of Atlanta is the mountain town of Blue Ridge.  Blue Ridge is packed with outdoor adventure including hiking, waterfalls and trout fishing. For a more relaxing source of fun ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.  Find out more at http://www.blueridgemountains.com/

Windermere Club Event

Longcreek Plantation POA is pleased to announce a free event offered by The Windermere Club! 

Saturday, June 18th with a few different activities: 

• 12 noon to 1:00 Meet at the Windermere Golf Clubhouse for a taste of the Club - a sampling of food, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided while you socialize at the Club.
• 1:00-2:00 The Windermere Tennis Pro will offer beginner tennis clinics for kids and adults.If you have played before, join some of the Tennis Club Members for some social tennis games!
• 2:00-4:00 Tennis activities for the kids, more pointers and court action for the adults.
• 4:00-7:00 - Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at the Windermere swimming pool adjacent to the tennis courts.Life guards will be on duty. So come to the club in tennis attire, but pack your swim suit and towel!

Please reply to LCPOA@Yahoo.com to register for this free event!

All registered participants will be given a free round of golf at a later date.

Carpet Maintenance

Carpet is an often overlooked but important aspect of your home's style.  Stained or dirty carpet can set the wrong tone for your home and with some usual maintenance can be avoided. Here are a few tips to keep your carpet looking new!

1. Use mats outside and inside of your doors to prevent some dirt from coming in. This is a first line of defense for carpet care. Try to remove shoes when indoors.

2. Vacuum high traffic areas daily and all other areas on a weekly schedule.  Vacuuming prevents ground in dirt from cutting and tearing at the carpet fibers. Take your time and make sure each area is cleaned thoroughly.

3. If you notice a piece of the carpet coming loose or unraveling - do not pull! Clip with scissors to remove.

4. UV rays from sunshine can distort the color of your carpet and prematurely age the carpet. Close your blinds when leaving home for the day.

5. Stains happen but it's important to react quickly. Blot the stain to remove as much as possible. If a chemical spot remover is needed follow instructions carefully.

Stay Cool!

Columbia is already living up to it's nickname of being "Famously Hot!".  School is out for most kids in the Midlands and the high temps make it hard to find some outdoor fun.  Here are some ways to beat the heat and stay cool in Columbia!

Splash Pads:
There are several splash pads to choose from in the Midlands. Check out these ways to cool off.  The largest splash pad or spray pool as they are also called is located behind the Drew Wellness Center at Drew Park.

Other pads can be found at: Elmwood Park, Heathwood Park, Sims Park, Saluda Shoals Park and Willie B. Caracter Park in Lexington.  Contact the rec departments to make sure the splash pads are on and operational.

Water Parks:
If you're looking for a real water park, check out Palmetto Falls at Fort Jackson. Admission is $9.50 per person and the park is open to the public Tuesday-Friday.  The park features a family pool, water slides, kiddie pool and lazy river.

For a full list of wet and wild ways to stay cool tomorrow check out the blog link HERE

Memorial Day 2016

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending this country - our brave servicemen and women who fought for our freedom and gave us this land that we know today. Please reflect on these series of quotes and remember what was sacrificed for us.

I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism. - Bob Riley

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America. - Bill Clinton

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. - Joseph Campbell

Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened. - Billy Graham

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. - John F. Kennedy

New Ways to Celebrate this Memorial Day

Memorial Day - the unofficial start of summer. A weekend full of family, friends and BBQ.  How about switching up your usual BBQ staples to include some of these fun foods for a crowd?

Grilled Corn. Add some sizzle to this summer staple! Other vegetables you can throw on the grill? Peppers, asparagus and tomatoes!

No good BBQ is complete without seasonal fruits! Use a watermelon to display them.

Cool down with Cucumber salad - cucumber, onions, tomato and italian dressing.

Finish off the celebration with a sweet treat! Strawberry kabobs with marshmallow and brownie pieces!

Keep Your Home's Siding Clean

Longer days, warmer temperatures - a perfect recipe for getting outside and taking care of those chores around the house.  One that can make a big difference in your home's curb appeal? Cleaning your siding!

Pressure washing is often the recommended technique for cleaning the exterior of your home but it can come at a cost. The force of pressure washing can cause water to get behind your siding or even through the mortar in your brick to cause moisture build up in your walls.  Pressure washing can rip window screens or break the seal of your double-pane windows.

So what are your alternatives? Thankfully there are other ways to safely clean your home!

Before beginning - check the manufactures guidelines for your particular type of siding. Before using a cleaning agent test it on an inconspicuous spot and let it sit for 24-48 hours.

The Vinyl Siding Institute recommends using a soft cloth or long handled bristle brush. Start at the bottom of your house and work up - rinsing as you go.

To remove mold or mildew use a solution of 30% vinegar and 70% water.

If you're not into DIY cleaning - contact a company that specializes in "no pressure" washing. Look for warranty or guarantees to ensure you choose someone who will stand by their work.

Have You Signed Up?

Did you know that there's a great way to keep up with what's happening at LongCreek Plantation? From special events to budget documents - there's a wealth of information at your fingertips.  For property owners in LongCreek simply visit the link below and request a login. Your information will be verified and you will be sent a login name and password.  By providing your email, you'll receive community updates as soon as they are available.

So sign up today!  Just click below.

REGISTER HERE

Get the Look!

One of the hottest TV shows around right now is HGTV's Fixer Upper. If you haven't tuned in yet, the premise of the show is all about renovation and restoration.  Chip and Joanna Gaines of Waco, TX, take outdated and overlooked homes and make them look amazing! Check it out when you can.

If you are already a fan you may wonder how you can steal the Fixer Upper look for your own home. Here are a few tips!

1. Decorate your walls with vintage maps, clocks, mirrors and uplifting quotes.
2. Incorporate open shelving where possible - especially in the kitchen.
3. Accent each room with greenery - real where possible, wildflowers are always in style!
4. Use neutral colors with bright accent pieces such as textured pillows or rugs.
5. Group together like items to create fun and functional vignettes.

How do you incorporate your sense of style at home?

Grilling Prep

Telltale signs of spring - the sound of lawnmowers, children jumping through sprinklers and the smell of BBQ wafting over the neighbor's fence.  Before you get your grill out of hibernation - make sure you've taken these steps to guarantee a problem free BBQ season!

Start with giving your grill a good cleaning - inside and out. Brush off any visible debris with a wire brush. Remove grill grates and wash with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry before putting back on the grill.

Check the fuel lines for any signs of cracks or rips. Make sure there are no kinks or bends in the line. Clean off any build up that may have accumulated on the lines. Check the gas tank for any obvious signs of damage.

Don't forget to clean out your grease trap - typically located under the grill. Clean thoroughly before your first use.

Light the grill and let it burn for a few minutes to ensure that everything is working properly. Make sure that all burners are lit and there are no leaks.

Now that you're ready to grill - use a few easy maintenance tips to ensure a great grilling season well into the fall.  Cover your grill to protect it from the elements of wind and rain.  After using your grill let it burn for an additional 15 minutes to burn off any food residue and make for easy clean up.

Spring Newsletter

The 2016 Spring Newsletter is now available on the POA website at www.longcreekpoa.com.  Use your login (or request one if you haven't signed up yet) and go to the main menu. From their choose Resources, then Documents, then the Newsletter category.

Hope you enjoy reading about what's going on in Longcreek Plantation!

Decor Inspiration from the Outdoors

The Spring weather is beautiful! The breeze is sweet and the flowers are blooming! Which means pollen.  Lots of pollen!  If seasonal allergies are holding you back from enjoying the great outdoors there are ways to bring the outside in!  Check out these tips to find out how!

1.  Decorate with plants - the non-allergic variety! Some plants actually improve air quality such as the Peace Lily, Chrysanthemum or Lady Palm.

2.  Use natural materials as accents such as rocks, stone or wood. Collections of sea shells or dried flowers work as well.

3. Take advantage of natural light. Keep the blinds open or use natural materials for window treatments such as bamboo or woven wood.

4. Don't forget your sense of smell - woodsy candles or flowery potpourri are perfect ways to accent your home.

5.  Shop your kitchen!  Use baskets of fruit such as oranges, lemons or limes to create a fresh look in the dining area.

What ideas do you have for bringing the outside in?

Spring Cleaning Made Easy

Spring cleaning may not be everyone's favorite activity but it is an important way to maintain your home and keep its value with minimal effort.

In order to get the most cleaning done in the least amount of time we've provided some cleaning hacks that may just help move quickly enough to enjoy the rest of your weekend!

• Clean your kitchen sink with half a lemon to remove water stains and add a fresh, citrus scent.
• Dust baseboards with dryer sheets to prevent more dust from piling up later.
• Use a rubberband to attach a towel to the end of the broom. Use this to reach high up places and remove cob webs or dust.
• Remove clutter. Simply organizing makes your room feel cleaner.
• Don't forget to clean your dishwasher! Put a dishwasher safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a cycle through.
• Tackle your grimy and foggy shower glass with equal parts of vinegar and dish soap. Spray over glass and let sit for two hours to reveal shiny, sparkly clean! 
• Use glass cleaner to make your stainless steel appliances shine.
• Use a squeegee on carpet and furniture to remove pet hair.

How do you spring clean? Any tips or tricks that work for you?

Hosting this Easter?

Are you hosting friends or family this Easter? Think outside the egg and spice up your usual dinner plans.  Take a look at some unique ways to have a very "hoppy" Easter.

Spring Easter Party

TO: Longcreek Residents

WHAT: Spring Easter Party for you and your kids 

WHERE: Longcreek/Windermere Tennis Center, 107 Plantation Parkway 

WHEN: Saturday, March 26, 2016 TIME: 2:00pm – 4:00pm 

We are inviting you and your family for a fun afternoon of Easter activities. It will include having your kids picture made with a costumed Easter bunny, Easter egg hunt for kids, pizza and lemonade. There is no cost for this event. This event is sponsored by the LongCreek Plantation Property Owners Association. Additionally the tennis pros will conduct fun tennis activities for the kids and adults. 

Please be aware that dress is casual for all activities. 

Please RSVP or reply to wca-president@windermere-sc.org 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO A FUN AFTERNOON!

Spring Door Decor

Nothing says Spring like a brightly decorated door welcoming you in!  Think outside the typical wreath with some unique ways to spruce up for Spring!

Utilize dollar store flip flops for a fun way to adorn your entrance

Rain boots, ribbon and fake flowers make a cheery display

A wreath made from a brightly colored garden hose is a fun twist on an old stand-by

Flower baskets are an easy way to incorporate Spring color

Possible Tax Deductions

Tax time is almost here and though it isn't anyone's favorite time of year there are ways to make it less painful - especially if you're a homeowner.

Besides the more obvious deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes there are other ways you may be able to save money. Always talk with a professional to make sure that the deductions apply to you and that you know how to file correctly. Remember - it can't hurt to ask!

Eligible deductions for homeowners:

- Mortgage Interest

- Property Taxes

- Private Mortgage Insurance

- Medical Improvements (such as ramps or lifts)

- Dedicated Home Office Space

- Energy Efficient Home Improvements

If you've sold a home in the last year you may be eligible for deductions from that as well. Talk with a tax professional and enjoy even more benefits of owning a home!

Spring Gardening - Part Two

So you've come up with the perfect spot for your garden and worked on a layout.  Now...what to plant?

It's a good idea to start with some easy-to-grow veggies that will not disappoint. Some of the best no-fail plants include:

- Basil
- Cucumber
- Summer Squash
- Green Beans
- Lettuce

Of course a summer harvest wouldn't be complete without red, ripe tomatoes.  Tomatoes need plenty of water and sunshine. Stake the plants to keep them from laying on the ground.  Look for disease resistant varieties where possible.

Different plants compliment each other and aide in growth.  Plant corn, beans and squash in the same area. Basil planted near tomatoes helps to repel flies and mosquitoes. Lettuce, carrots and radishes grow well together.

So here at the end of February what is your next step? . If you're growing from seed - begin the process inside where the seedlings will be safe from cold temperatures. If you're looking for rare or heirloom varieties begin placing your orders online.

Planning Your Vegetable Garden - Part 1

If you're ready to start thinking about the Spring - now is the perfect time to start planning your vegetable garden.  It's not too early! A little preparation and planning now will make your planting season go on without a hitch.

So how to begin?

When planning your first vegetable garden don't try to do too much too soon. It's better to have a smaller garden that you can manage then a large garden that is out of control.  The first thing to consider is location.  Most vegetables need about 6-8 hours of sun in order to remain healthy and produce as they should.  Think of a location that will be easy to water and easy to harvest.

Draw out a plan for your garden showing where you would like each item to go. It's not necessary to have a lot of space between plants - just know it will require some weeding by hand in order to maintain.

For some sample layout designs see the links below.

http://www.almanac.com/content/online-garden-planner-old-farmers-almanac

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/vegetable/

Adopt a Highway

Adopt a Highway Clean up Day Saturday, February 6th

We will be meeting at the Boat Ramp on the corner of Longtown Road West and Columbia Club Dr at 8:30am on Saturday morning to clean up our community. If you would like to help out please email Tracy Corson at tlceec@gmail.com so that we have a head count for drinks. Everyone who helps out will receive a coupon/gift card for a breakfast biscuit and there will be a raffle for all those who participate for a gas card. We are more than happy to email teachers or club sponsors to validate community service hours.

Party Prep

Whether you are a serious professional football fan or not, the Super Bowl has gained it's place in the line of American past times.  Friends gather to eat, cheer on their favorite teams, watch the half time show or rate the commercials.

Thanks to Pinterest - we've got plenty of great ideas on how you can make your party a winner!

Need some entertainment for your non-football loving guests? Game Day Bingo!

Personal size snacks - cut down on the double dipping and mess

Fun ways to incorporate retro candy

DIY Decor!