Journal Notes—November 2020

by Dana Johns, Publisher / Published November 2020

     November typically finds all Americans celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. Hopefully, in spite of the many challenges 2020 has brought, our readers have been blessed in one way or another with close families and friends, good health, jobs, food, shelter, etc., and are thankful for these things.

     It is fitting that in this Thanksgiving month, we are celebrating our fifth annual “Women Making a Difference” (formerly “Women of the Industry”) issue. On a personal note, the person that I am particularly thankful for is the former publisher of the Florida Community Association Journal: my mother, Charlene Yarbrough. Although she is not featured, she is clearly a woman of distinction. She began publishing FLCAJ more than 20 years ago and transformed it with the help of many other people into what it is today. At the same time, she was publisher of another magazine, a fabulous mom, wife, grandma, cook, decorator, Christian servant, and a best friend. How she juggled so many hats amazes me, but that is undoubtedly what she and many of the featured Women Making a Difference do on a daily basis.

     Today’s women are responsible for much of our nation’s success as well as the successes of the many businesses and organizations that they are a part of. It is likely that you know or recognize some of the women who are profiled in this issue. These are women who continue to positively influence the community association industry in Florida. I want to encourage you to say thank you to not only these professionals but to all of the women who strive to serve this industry and make a lasting impact for the good of all community associations across the state of Florida.

     In addition to recognizing these professional women, this issue contains an article on page 60 titled “Strong Communication Leads to Vital Community.” In this article Jonathan Doro with Vinteum Software answers the question, “How do community association board members and property managers maintain strong communication and relationships with residents in an increasingly virtual world?” He provides four strategies to pursue in answer to this question.

     Also, there are several legal articles that address the following issues: tenant discrimination, material alterations, volunteers and community liability, and notices of commencement.

     FLCAJ is thankful for our readers, and we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Publisher