Spring 2020 - Rising to the Occasion

Who would have thought that 2020 could be filled with such unusual circumstances?

Middle TN experienced a tragic tornado, then challenged with a pandemic that has forced us to adapt to a new normalcy in our everyday lives!

Did you know the landscape industry is considered to be part of the Federal Critical Infrastructure as outlined by the Department of Homeland Security and is considered an Essential Service? Maintaining the grounds for facilities and green spaces in which we work and live directly affects our morale, outlook and safety.

On a less serious note, even our landscapes faced adversity in the middle of April with a late hard frost, damaging some of our delicate plants. As a result, many of our plants show signs of stress or minor damage from the late season frost. Most plants will survive the event just fine, but there are some recommended steps that can help in the plant recovery process:

• Schedule a consultation with a qualified landscape service provider to coordinate an inspection of any frost damaged plant material, to get a thorough assessment of what needs to be addressed and develop a strategy to aid in plant recovery.

• Prune or clipping off the burnt new growth. Careful removal of the damaged foliage will help promote new growth during the spring cycle.

• Apply a slow release granular fertilizer near the base of the plant to help with replenishing nutrients that the plants expend while recovering from the frost damage.

• Pinching off damaged blooms from flowering shrubs will help create new stems for which the blooms may recycle themselves and develop new flowering opportunities.

Following these simple tips will help promote the healing process of your plant material, while also promoting the well-being and health of the users of the associated green spaces!

Scott Oldham Business Development Manger - LSI

Zoom Town Hall Meeting - A New Resource

HOA Demonstrates "We Are Stronger Together" Spirit

Tips for Sheltering In

Online Resources for Board Members

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.