Community News Apalachee Heritage

Community News
Apalachee Heritage
The Official Publication of Apalachee Heritage Homeowners’ Association Spring 2013 Apalachee Heritage Community News
Spring 2013
Page 1
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Committee Members
Apalachee Heritage
in this issue...
Architectural Review Committee
Message from the Board.......................... Page 4
The current ARC members are:
Diane Crossman, Becky Hembree,
Oliver Sutton, Terry Tittle and Marietta Tomlin
Invitation to Join Apalachee Aquatics.... Page 5
Community Service Ambassadors......... Page 6
Community News.................................... Page 7
Social Committee
Message from the ARC............................ Page 8
The current Social Committee members are:
Kindell May (Chairman)
Cynthia Gambarota
Property Rental Vote.......................................Page 9
Pool Reminders.............................................Page 10
Tips for a Healthy Spring & Summer..........Page 12
Upcoming Events..........................................Page 14
Community Contact
Information
Project Status.................................................Page 16
Apalachee Heritage HOA
PO Box 1884, Dacula, GA 30019
All board members and committees can be
reached through our community website
www.apalacheeheritage.com
Our Management Company
Atlanta Community Services
Darren Thurmond at
Atlanta Community Services
4485 Tench Rd., Suite 2511
Suwanee, GA 30024
[email protected]
Apalachee Heritage Community News is a publication of KDA Communications. Subject matter
published is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the
publisher of this newsletter. Professional advice should be obtained before making any decision
in which a professional is readily available. Advertisers assume responsibility for the content of
the ads placed in this publication. Material published in the Apalachee Heritage Community
News may not be reproduced without the written permission of KDA Communications and,
where applicable, the Apalachee Heritage Homeowner’s Association.
The information and advertisements contained in this Newsletter are provided for the members
of the Apalachee Heritage Homeowner’s Association as a courtesy only. No representations are
made as to information presented, the quality of the goods or services advertised, or the veracity
of the statements relating to the goods or services. The printing of opinions, information or
advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the Neighborhood of such opinions,
information, goods or services.
770-904-5270
Spring 2013 Contact us today for more information!
678.905.4842 • [email protected]
www.kda-communications.com
Apalachee Heritage Community News
Page 3
Message from the Board
Members from left to right; Jim Foran treasurer, Lawanica Lamb 1st VP, John
Hembree President, Hugh Crossman secretary, and Rommell May 2nd VP
The annual HOA meeting took place on March 5th this
year with an attendance of 50 residents representing 38
properties. Minutes from the meeting are available on the
community web site www.apalacheeheritage.com on the
“board briefs” page. If you do not have access to the web
site a hard copy of the minutes can be provided to you
upon request. The minutes detail the topics of discussion,
as well as, the questions and comments posed by residents.
This year, all five-board seats were up for election since
the bylaw change was passed in 2012. The two new seats
were filled temporarily by Nate Robinson and Rommell
May until the 2013 election. When Gary Gravlin resigned
in January, Jim Foran filled that vacant board seat and the
office of Treasurer. Each of the 5 incumbent board members
submitted their applications as candidates beforehand. We
did not receive any other new applications for the board
prior to the annual meeting. At the meeting, Lawanica
Lamb nominated herself from the floor resulting in a slate
of 6 candidates which would have necessitated holding
an election. At this point, Nate Robinson decided to
withdraw his name from consideration thus reducing the
list of candidates back to 5. No other candidates stepped
forward and the nomination proceedings were closed.
Thus the need for an election was eliminated as there were
just 5 candidates running for the 5 board seats meaning
that without any opposition they would be elected by
acclamation. Lawanica Lamb will effectively replace
Nate Robinson on the board without going through the
process of an election. Therefore, the 2013 board members
are John Hembree, Hugh Crossman, Jim Foran, Rommell
May, and Lawanica Lamb.
Volunteers are needed for all the committees. In particular,
we need residents’ participation in the newsletter in order to
increase the newsletter’s content. We also need volunteers
for the social committee and the ARC. If interested, please
contact one of the Board members through our web site or
Darren Thurmond at Atlanta Community Services.
Have a great spring,
John, Hugh, Jim, Rommell, and Lawanica
Newsletter Ads & Articles
If you or someone you know would like to place an ad in one of our quarterly
newsletters please contact Rusty Oliver at KDA Communications to place your
ad. All Apalachee Heritage residents or referrals will receive a 10% discount.
Rusty can be reached by email at [email protected] or
404-379-6138. In addition, we are always looking for content for our newsletter. If
you have an article, digital photos, or other content that you would like to submit
for a newsletter please send it to [email protected]. Likewise,
if you would like to be a part of the newsletter committee, please send that to the
same email address.
Comm
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The Offi
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Apala
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Summ
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Apalac
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Spring 2013
Invitation to join Apalachee Aquatics
Our neighbors at Apalachee Farms have extended an
invitation again this year to all residents of Apalachee
Heritage with children who would like to participate in a
summer swim program to join them. Please read below for
details and contact information. Enrollment will extend
into the month of May but some age groups may fill up
early so if you want to join you should do so as soon as
you can.
Apalachee Aquatics Now Enrolling!
Registration for Apalachee Aquatics swim team is now
open. Apalachee Aquatics is a swim team out of Apalachee
Farms that is open to non-residents of Apalachee Farms.
We are getting ready to begin our 15th season in the
Gwinnett County Swim League. We are a team of about
150 kids from ages 5 to 18 years of age. Our swim team
offers every team member an opportunity for individual
achievement, while being part of a motivating team
environment.
Our season begins May 13th with after school practices.
Once school is out, our practices take place every weekday
morning from 8:00 to 11:00. Groups will be based on
age, and specific times are posted on our website on the
Practices tab and the Team Calendar tab.
The Gwinnett County Swim League has 6 swim meets
that take place the last Thursday of May, every Thursday
in June and the first Tuesday in July. Three of the meets
take place at home (Apalachee Farms pool) and three
of the meets take place at another neighborhood pool
in northern Gwinnett County. There is usually just one
meet a week and meets can take place on a Tuesday or
Thursday evening beginning at 6:00.
The cost of our swim team is $154.75 for non-residents
of Apalachee Farms. There is a $14 discount for each
additional member of the family. If you think your family
might be interested in becoming part of the Apalachee
Aquatics Swim Team, visit our website, which offers
online registration and more information, at www.
apalacheeaquatics.org. If you have any questions you
may contact [email protected]. We hope
you will consider joining our swim team!
Attention Renters
The Board of Directors would like to remind you that renters are responsible for the maintenance of the property same
as the owners. You can be cited for “Covenant” violations and the property owner will be “fined” for “non-compliance”
issues if they are not corrected. This means, for example, you can lose your “pool and tennis court privileges” even
though the owner of the property has paid the annual assessment. Key cards are deactivated until the property owner
pays the fines and corrects the violation. Therefore, the Board strongly suggests that you maintain the property and
treat it with respect. According to our Covenants, renters are to register with our management company when renting
or leasing a property in Apalachee Heritage. This can be done by contacting Darren Thurmond at 770-904-5267 or
by email to [email protected].
Submit Names of Graduates and their Schools for our Banners
Anyone with a 2013 graduate in the family wishing to include their name & school on our spring banners, please
submit the names no later than April 12th. You can send the names in via email to [email protected]
or via regular mail to Apalachee Heritage H.O.A., P.O. Box 1884, Dacula, GA 30019. The banners will be on display
during the month of May at both of our entrances. You must be in good standing to have names included on the banner.
Spring 2013 Apalachee Heritage Community News
Page 5
Community Service Ambassadors
Submitted by Renee Rafanelli
contributions are not the only donations the program
yields. During the past eight years, the representatives
have served over 25,000 volunteer hours in Dacula and
around metro Atlanta! Over the years, the girls have
served Thanksgiving dinners to nursing home residents,
painted the faces of autistic children, and raised money
for such organizations as the Gwinnett Humane Society
and Relay for Life. They have also escorted Special
Olympics’ athletes, filled food bags for the needy and
delivered Valentines to Veterans.
We are honored to have four Miss Dacula representatives
living in our subdivision. Monica Wolfe (2011 Young Miss
Dacula), Madi Kimsey (2012 Miss Freshman Dacula),
Chiodera Drayton-Smith (2012 Miss Dacula Sweetheart)
and Adriana Rafanelli (2012 Petite Miss Dacula). These
four representatives have contributed a combined total of
over 1300 hours during their 2011 and 2012 reign as a
Miss Dacula crowned representative.
Back row, left to right; Madi Kimsey, Chiodera Drayton-Smith, and Monica
Wolfe. Front row, Adriana Rafanelli
Chances are pretty high you have run across girls wearing
red shirts and blue and white sashes at such locations
as Dacula parks, various school events, Memorial Day
parade, Dacula Christmas tree lighting or even cleaning
up trash in downtown Dacula. They girls are part of the
Miss Dacula pageant program and they are not your
average “beauty queen.” They are “community service
warriors!” The pageant is the sole fundraiser for there
Dacula High School PTSA. In past years, the program
has raised between $14,000 and $38,000! Monetary
Each has earned medals from the President’s Council on
Service and Civic Participation. Mayor Jimmy Wilbanks
recognized the representatives as ambassadors for the
City of Dacula. Their efforts were even recognized by our
Governor. The girls have all graced the Governor’s office
where they were honored with a resolution of recognition
for their community service.
The organization has also earned the Volunteer of the Year
award from the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association,
as well as, the Gwinnett County Commissioners’
Resolution of Recognition for volunteer work.
Congratulations to our Apalachee Heritage girls! Thank
you for going above and beyond to serve and improve our
community!
To learn more about the program visit www.
missdacula.com.
Tennis Court Bathroom Now Open
Now that our so called “winter” is over, the bathroom at our tennis courts has been re-opened. You will need your
access card to get in and the door lock is enabled during tennis hours only – 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Page 6 www.apalacheeheritage.com
Spring 2013
Tennis Tutor Ball Machine Available
The Tennis Tutor ball machine, which was recently purchased,
is available for all residents in good standing to use. In order to
use the machine, you will need to go through a brief 10-minute
instruction session on how to properly and safely use and care for
the machine. Also, anyone under the age of 18 must have parental
supervision to use it. There is a short document to sign which
basically states that you understand how to use the machine, agree
to do so in a safe manner and at your own risk. To set up a short
meeting & gain access to the machine please email webmaster@
apalacheeheritage.com.
Social Committee is Seeking Volunteers
Our social committee does many wonderful things throughout the
year for all the residents of Apalachee Heritage but, unfortunately,
for the most part it is a committee made up of just 2 people on a
regular basis – Kindell May and Cynthia Gambarota – who have
done a terrific job. We all enjoy having the great events like our
pool opening day activities, July 4th parade and BBQ, Egg hunt
and Fall Festival but few want to help with planning and putting
these events together. Would you like to consider helping out?
You’ll undoubtedly find yourself having some fun while doing
so! You will also get acquainted with some new neighbors in the
process and have a very rewarding experience to boot. To become
a member of our Social Committee please contact Chairperson
Kindell May at [email protected] or 770-682-0614.
New Pool Access Cards Will Be Issued in May
We plan to replace all existing access cards in the spring of 2013. Please hold
onto the cards you have now which are the ones that were issued in 2010
and continue to use these cards for tennis court access until the replacements
are given out. The new cards will be issued at the front entrance of the pool.
The tentative dates for distribution will be: Thursday, May 9th - 6 to 8 pm;
Saturday, May 11th - 12 to 2 pm; Tuesday, May 14th - 6 to 8 pm.
Your dues must be paid up to receive a card and we will not be accepting late
payments at the pool while we are there at these times to issue the new cards. In
addition, you must have a current picture ID (Georgia Drivers License) which
shows your proper Apalachee Heritage street address for the card. If your DL
does not show the correct address then you must provide either: 1) a utility
bill or 2) a rental agreement or 3) a bank statement. These must be current and
display your name and the proper Apalachee Heritage address on it. On May
10th the new cards will be activated and your old cards will then be deactivated.
The pool will open on Saturday, May 18th. You will need the new card to enter
the pool then as the old cards will no longer be valid and should be discarded.
Spring 2013 Apalachee Heritage Community News
Page 7
Message from the Architectural Review Committee
Spring is here. It is a welcome season after our cold winter.
With the change of weather comes the time to address
our yards. Please make sure to treat your yards with weed
control. You may want to hire a professional for the job, or
visit the nursery or one of the home stores to do it yourself.
It is also time to replenish your landscape beds. Because
we are in a very natural setting, pine straw and mulch are
the preferred materials to use in landscape beds. Natural
colored stones are also permitted, however, the use of
stones are preferred in the backyard area. White or any
other colored stones are absolutely not permitted.
Please remember to submit an “ARC Request Form”
to the Architectural Review Committee for any outside
landscape changes or any outside construction or painting
projects to your home. The form is available on the
Apalachee Heritage Website.
Another issue that will be addressed this year is fencing.
As stated in our guidelines, all fences must be maintained.
This means if you have a wooden fence, that fence much
be pressure washed and stained or painted. We have a
number of fences in need of paint or stain and in some
cases a board needs to be replaced, etc. The ARC is in the
process of choosing acceptable paints and stains that will
be standard for the community. In the meantime, please
submit an approval form for any paint or stain request to
the ARC.
If you have any questions regarding our ARC guidelines
or covenants, please contact Atlanta Community Services.
These documents are also available on our website.
PAINTING TIPS
It is a difficult decision to choose paint for the outside
of our homes. To make that decision a little easier the
following should help with that decision:
Choose a color that contrasts with the stone or brick on
your home but doesn’t clash with the stone or brick. In
other words, if you have a red brick house, you certainly
would not use a red paint or a garish color such as lime
green or orange.
Remember your front door is the focal point to your home.
The front door should always be painted a different color
than the siding, trim or shutters. By doing this the eye is
drawn to the entrance of the home as it should be.
When in doubt, your paint store has many examples of
exterior colors that complement each other.
PLEASE KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOOD LOOKING
GOOD BY ADHERING TO THE FOLLOWING:
• All lawns must be mowed, weed free and edged.
Edging is something that has been ignored by some
of our residents.
• All landscaping beds must have an approved
landscaping material that is not in a deteriorating
state. Please keep fresh pine straw or mulch in the
landscaping beds.
• Please remove empty pots from the front of your
home as well as hoses and hose boxes.
• Yard ornaments or statues are limited to two in number
and any statue or yard ornament over 12” must be
approved by the ARC.
• Garbage cans must be stored out of sight. DO NOT
STORE GARBAGE CANS IN FRONT OF YOUR
HOME or IN VIEW FROM THE STREET.
• Bird feeders and birdbaths are not permitted in the
front yard.
YARD OF EXCELLENCE
This year the ARC will choose a “Yard of Excellence,”
once a month. The criteria is as follows:
• The lawn must be weed free, mowed and edged.
• The landscape beds must have fresh mulch, pinestraw
or other approved bedding material.
• The lawn must be clean and free of debris.
• The beds must exhibit a higher degree of foliage and
landscape plantings.
• Trees should be shaped and pruned if needed.
• The landscape should enhance the home and the home
itself must be in excellent condition.
• So get those yards looking great this year. A $50
giftcard will be awarded to the winners.
White is still good as a trim color but remember neutral
tones or off white softens the look.
Page 8 www.apalacheeheritage.com
Spring 2013
Property Rental Vote Upcoming
Submitted by Jim Foran
A CALL TO ACTION: YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED!
taken a big step toward promoting true homeownership and
helping to maintain the appearance standards for the community.
Considering the number of homes currently being rented and
our requirement to get “YES” signed ballots from 2/3 of the
homeowners; this is going to be a challenging initiative. But, if
we do not act NOW, it will only become more difficult as more
homes are tenant occupied and as values continue to erode.
After receiving several complaints from homeowners regarding
the growing number of houses being rented plus the issues we
face from some renters, the HOA Board has decided to undertake
an initiative with the objective of capping and/or eliminating
property rental in Apalachee Heritage. We (The Board) feel
that one of our most important charges is to do whatever we
can to help you, the homeowners, preserve the value of your
investment and nurture a strong sense of community within
Apalachee Heritage.
We have struggled through the downturn of the economy that
started in 2008 and have seen significant reductions in the
market value of our homes. There are some early signs that
the worst is behind us as we are beginning to see those values
slowly stabilizing. We now face another issue that is having
a negative impact on our home value. That new threat is the
increasing number of properties that are being rented. We now
have approximately fifty (50) homes occupied by renters and the
number is constantly growing.
Many of the properties have been purchased by corporate entities
with a primary goal of generating a profit from these properties
purchased at “fire sale” prices. This has a direct impact of the
value of your home. Not to say that tenants are not good people
but that as tenants they have no vested interest in the home or
the community. In addition, the landlord owner has no interest in
improving the property but only doing the minimal requirements
to keep the property rented and maximizing their profit.
If the community is successful with this initiative we will have
Spring 2013 To be successful we will need the support and involvement of
all home owners. If you agree with this initiative, please talk to
and get the support of your neighbors. We also ask you to take
a few minutes to respond to an important survey regarding this
subject on our web site at www.apalacheeheritage.com/Surveys.
html. This is a short 10 question survey and so it will not take
long to complete it. It is anonymous and its purpose is purely to
gauge how people feel about this initiative. The survey is totally
non-binding and by completing it you will not be casting a vote.
We value your feedback and need it to determine what the views
of our H.O.A. members are and how we should proceed. This
survey has already been emailed to all homeowners with emails
on file. To access and complete this survey you will need to enter
the password “AHRCsurvey” (it is case sensitive). When done,
click “Finished” in the lower right hand corner. If you click
“Exit” in the lower left hand corner your responses will not be
recorded and will be discarded. You can only take the survey
once.
After reviewing the input from the homeowners, the board will
meet with our attorneys to get additional input and guidance
from them. We want to ensure the covenant is worded correctly
to increase our chances of successfully defending against any
potential legal challenges.
A ballot will then be developed and mailed to all homeowners.
We also plan on having ballots available on May 9th , May 11th
and May 14th when new pool keys are being distributed and at
all social functions during the campaign.
We are recruiting teams of volunteers to carry ballots and visit
their neighbors to solicit “YES” votes. The board is asking for as
many volunteers as we can enlist. Please contact any of the board
members if you would be willing to help with this major project.
Let’s pull together as a community in this effort to protect the
value of our homes and grow our sense of community.
Apalachee Heritage Community News
Page 9
Pool Reminders
Our pool will be opening on Saturday, May 18th this
year. To insure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe
experience at our pool this summer we would like to
remind everyone of our pool rules, behavior policy, and
lightning policy.
We are very fortunate to have as one of our major
amenities a beautiful pool virtually surrounded by green
space. During the summer months our pool is open from
8:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. There will be a lifeguard on
duty from 11:00 am until closing so the first 3 hours are
“swim at your own risk”. You gain entry into the pool by
using your access key card. You must have your card with
you at the pool and lifeguards will do periodic checks. It
is also how you enter the bathrooms. All homeowners in
good standing are issued a card. If you are not current on
your HOA dues you will not receive a card or the card
you have will be disabled and you are not permitted to
use the pool (or other amenities) even as a guest or by
using a “borrowed” card. The other rules governing the
use of the pool are listed below. Our pool is managed by
Aquatic Management Specialists (AMS) and this includes
providing the lifeguards.
POOL RULES
1. LIFEGUARD HAS THE AUTHORITY TO
ENFORCE THE RULES AND ASK YOU TO
LEAVE THE POOL AREA
2. RESIDENTS ARE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR
GUESTS AND THEIR ACTIONS
3. PARENTS ARE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR
CHILDREN AND THEIR ACTIONS
4. NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED AT THE POOL
5. NO SMOKING ALLOWED AT THE POOL
6. NO RUNNING, BOISTEROUS OR ROUGH PLAY
7. NO ANIMALS OR PETS ALLOWED AT THE
POOL
8. NO GLASS IN POOL OR POOL AREA
9. NO
Page 10 ROLLERBLADES,
SKATEBOARDS,
SCOOTERS, OR BIKES ALLOWED IN POOL
AREA
10.NO DRINKS OR FOOD ALLOWED INSIDE POOL
BUT ALLOWED ON DECK
11. IF YOU ARE ILL PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF
OTHERS AND DO NOT SWIM
VIOLATION OF THESE RULES WILL RESULT IN
LOSS OF POOL PRIVILEGES
There is also no diving allowed.
(Please note that rule #5 was changed in 2010 and is
now back to the original guidelines. By popular demand
the pool has been changed to a no smoking area. You
must now leave the pool area to smoke. We realize that
some people will be unhappy with this rule change but
it seemed to be the general consensus that we should not
allow smoking at the pool.)
These secondary rules are also posted at the pool:
FOR THE SAFETY AND
YOURSELF AND OTHERS
ENJOYMENT OF
1) Refrain from spitting or blowing nose in pool
2) Wear proper swim attire when attending the pool
3) You must be 15 years old to attend the pool alone and
be able to swim
4) You must be 18 years old or older to supervise children
5) Use the “Buddy System” and do not swim alone
6) Do not use foul language
7) Please refrain from entering the pool under the
following conditions:
•
You are suffering with stomach illness
•
You have skin, eye, ear, or respiratory infections
•
You have open bruises, cuts or lesions
POOL BEHAVIOR POLICY
In the past, we have had a few instances of inappropriate
behavior at the pool that have interfered with other
www.apalacheeheritage.com
Spring 2013
Pool Reminders
residents’ ability to relax and enjoy themselves. If your
unacceptable behavior at the pool limits other’s enjoyment
and you violate any of the items below then you will be
warned once. If you still cannot control yourself and you
continue to cause a disturbance you will be directed to
leave the pool area. If you refuse to leave, the police
will be called and they will escort you out. If it comes
to that point your pool privileges will be revoked for the
remainder of the swim season. There is nothing about this
that is negotiable & these behaviors will not be tolerated
at all:
• Fighting, loud arguing, abusive language toward
anyone, pushing and shoving.
• Vulgar or indecent acts, profanity, racial slurs.
• Behavior or language that is threatening to anyone.
• Overly loud, rude, boisterous or obnoxious conduct.
• Destruction, damage or abuse of pool property,
equipment, furniture, etc.
This is not meant to be an all inclusive list - simply a guide.
The lifeguard always has authority and discretion in this
area and can deem your conduct crosses the line of “zero
tolerance” in which case you can be directed to leave the
pool area immediately without issuing you any warning.
We must maintain a “family friendly” environment at our
pool where everyone feels comfortable and able to relax
and enjoy themselves.
THUNDERSTORM POLICY
There have been occasions at the pool when the lifeguard
has heard thunder and directed the pool to be cleared after
which an argument ensues from someone not agreeing
with the lifeguard’s order. The lifeguards are there for
everyone’s safety and so that we all can have a good time
and not have to worry. They want you to enjoy the pool.
BUT - when the lifeguard hears thunder and asks for the
pool to be cleared it is in the interest of everyone’s well
being. It is not optional – it is mandatory. Whether or not
what the lifeguard heard was actually thunder is not a
subject that is “open for debate”. The lifeguard’s ruling
is final and you must exit the pool immediately. The pool
policy on thunder is below.
THUNDERSTORM SAFETY POLICY & A LITTLE ADVICE
1. The Policy - We follow the same industry standard
safety policy regarding thunderstorms in the area as
other pools. That is simply, whenever thunder is heard
the pool must be cleared immediately and a 20 minute
Spring 2013 no swimming interval begins. No one is permitted
back in the water until that 20 minutes passes. Every
time thunder is heard again that starts a new 20 minute
time period. So there is no swimming for 20 minutes
from the last time thunder was heard. The lifeguard
has complete authority over this and there are no
exceptions.
2. The Advice - If a thunderstorm hits our area it can
be very disconcerting to be huddled up under the
covered area of the pool while lightning strikes close
by. It can be especially frightening for the little ones.
Additionally, if there is a power failure we have
experienced times where the main gate is locked down
and the exit button and card reader will not function.
We have a battery backup on the gate lock but still
there have been times when residents where basically
trapped at the pool during a thunderstorm and power
outage. So the best advice is to simply avoid getting
into this situation. If thunder is heard you will not be
allowed in the pool for at least 20 minutes anyway. It
might be wise to just head home before the storm hits
and not get pinned down at the pool in the middle of
a thunderstorm.
DUES & POOL ACCESS
As we approach the coming pool season again, being
current on dues will determine whether or not you will
be able to enter and enjoy the pool. Dues were to be paid
on January 31st and considered late after the one month
grace period expired on March 1st. Since we are now
about a month past that deadline, the access cards for
those accounts that remain unpaid are being disabled. If
your account is in arrears and you expect to use the pool,
please take care of paying your dues as soon as possible.
Otherwise you will be turned away at the pool. Save
yourself that hassle and the problem of trying to get your
card re-enabled quickly. It can take a few days to get the
card status changed and the gate lock software updated.
Keep in mind the lifeguards are not there to let you in if
your card is not working. This would be a distraction from
their job and they are not there to determine if you have
paid your dues or not. The same can be said for other dues
paying residents who are at the pool. They are not there to
let you in. It is each individual’s responsibility to see that
their dues have been paid so that their card will be enabled
and working by the time the pool opens.
Apalachee Heritage Community News
Page 11
Tips For A Healthy Spring And Summer
By Pauline Smith of Kachina Trail
Aren’t you all happy the cold weather is
finally behind us? I know I am. For those
of us troubled by seasonal allergies, we
still have some challenges ahead of us.
Many of the same allergic triggers that
can make you feel bad in spring can last
into summer.
Not only do we have to worry about
seasonal allergies, but when the weather
starts getting nice and warm outside,
there are other things that can ruin our
summer time enjoyment. These triggers
can be found outside as well as inside
our homes.
These include allergies from pollen,
insect bites and mold, among other
things.
WHAT CAUSES SUMMER ALLERGIES?
Like spring, the biggest summer allergy trigger is pollen.
When pollen gets into the noses of certain individuals,
it triggers runny nose, itchy eyes, and other allergy
symptoms.
Higher pollen counts usually mean worse symptoms.
Trees usually finish pollinating by late spring, leaving
mostly grasses and weeds to trigger summer allergies.
Here are some of the worst summer allergy offenders:
Grasses: Bermuda, Blue grasses
Insects: Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and
other insects can also cause allergic reactions in some
people when they are stung. Fire ants are also out in the
summer, and their bites can cause life threatening allergic
reactions. Allergic reactions to insects usually cause mild
symptoms, such as itching and localized swelling. But
in a small percentage of people they can lead to severe
allergic reactions, with swelling of the throat or tongue,
dizziness, nausea, and shock. This is an emergency that
requires immediate medical help.
Weeds: Ragweed, Pigweed, Russian thistle, Sagebrush,
Tumbleweed
Indoors: Molds love damp areas, including the basement
and bathrooms. Their spores get into the air and can cause
problems for allergy sufferers.
Grass pollen is typically the main cause of late spring
and early summer allergies. Grass pollen is highest at
these times, although grass may cause allergies through
much of the year if someone is mowing the lawn or lying
in the grass. Contact with grass can result in itching and
hives in people who are allergic to grass pollen.
Dust mites: These are microscopic insects that peak
during summer. They thrive in warm, humid temperatures
and nest in beds, fabric, and carpets. Their residue can
get into the air, triggering sneezes, wheezing, and runny
noses.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SUMMER ALLERGIES?
Ragweed is one of the most common summer allergy
triggers, and usually arrives in August. Ragweed can
travel for hundreds of miles in the wind. Even if it doesn’t
grow where you live, it can make you feel bad if you’re
allergic to it.
Summer allergy symptoms include: Runny nose, Watery
eyes, Sneezing, Coughing, Itchy eyes and nose and dark
circles under the eyes
Summer air pollution can also make allergy symptoms
worse.
Page 12 HOW ARE SUMMER ALLERGIES DIAGNOSED?
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and your allergy
history. He may suggest allergy treatments. In some cases,
he may refer you to an allergy specialist who may do a
www.apalacheeheritage.com
Spring 2013
Tips For A Healthy Spring And Summer
skin test, which exposes the skin of your arm or back to a
tiny sample of allergen. If you’re allergic to a substance, a
small red bump will form. A blood test can also diagnose
allergies.
HOW TO DEAL WITH SUMMER ALLERGIES
Here are tips to help you avoid summer allergy triggers.
1. Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen count is high.
2. Keep your doors and windows closed whenever
possible to keep allergens out. Use an air purifier.
3. Clean air filters in your home often. Clean bookshelves,
vents, and other places where pollen can collect.
4. Wash bedding and rugs in hot water to eliminate dust
mites and other allergens.
5. Wash your hair, shower, and change clothing after
going outside. This will help to wash away pollen.
6. Vacuum often. Wear a mask, because vacuuming can
kick up pollen, mold, and dust trapped in your carpet.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
7. Wear a mask when you mow your lawn to avoid
breathing in grass pollen.
8. Keep the humidity in your house between 30% and
50% to prevent the growth of dust mites.
HOW ARE SUMMER ALLERGIES TREATED?
Over-the-counter allergy treatments include:
Antihistamines, Decongestants, Eye drops, Nasal spray
decongestants (They shouldn’t be used more than three
days.)
TO TREAT INSECT STINGS OR BITES:
1. For a severe allergic reaction, call 911 immediately or
inject epinephrine (adrenaline) if available.
2. For ordinary reactions, apply ice to the bite area to
reduce swelling. For stings you should remove the
stinger.
3. Try a pain reliever, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen)
or Advil, Motrin (ibuprofen).
4. Use a topical cream, such as hydrocortisone, to ease
pain and itching. Calamine creams or lotions also help
with itching.
5. Use oral antihistamines (Allegra, Benadryl, Claritin,
or Zyrtec) for itching, (Always know your history of
medication allergies.)
No matter what the season, it is important to know whether
there are allergens in the air and environment, and how it
will affect you today.
• Keep track of pollen counts, which are controlled by
atmospheric conditions such as rainfall, humidity and
wind currents.
• Pollen counts are generally higher on windy, warm
days and less on wet, cold days.
• Pollen count increases in the morning and decreases
in the afternoon.
So plan your warm weather activities carefully, and have
a safe, happy and healthy spring and summer everyone!
Denise Quinlan, Realtor®
Are you selling Your Home?
As a dacula resident i know the area
and i know the real estate market.
Call me for a complimentary Market Analysis.
Cell: 404-922-2346
office: 770-622-3082
email: [email protected]
www.denisequinlan.harrynorman.com
10305 Medlock Bridge Road, duluth, GA 30097
Spring 2013 5,787 Units Closed in 2012
...That’s 16 homes per day.
Another reason why choosing
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Apalachee Heritage Community News
Page 13
Friday, April 12th
Upcoming Events
Deadline for submitting names of graduating seniors & their schools for banners
Friday - Sunday, April 26th-28th
Spring Community wide yard sale
Thurs. May 9th 6-8pm, Sat. May 11th 12-2pm, & Tues. May 14th 6-8 pm
(tentative)
Pick up new access cards at the pool
Saturday, May 18th
Pool opening day – Food, Fun, Games!
Wednesday, May 22nd
Last day of school for G.C.P.S.
Saturday, June 29th
July 4th Parade & BBQ – at the pool
Sunday, September 8th
Pool closes Page 14 www.apalacheeheritage.com
Spring 2013
Spring 2013 Apalachee Heritage Community News
Page 15
Project Status
Completed projects 2012/2013
Chain off pool parking & add signage
Complete 1/2012
$290
Repair & re-stain playground play set
Complete 2/2012
$637
Install lights on information signs at both entrances
Complete 3/2012
$140
Repair fence in upper Heritage Oaks detention pond
Complete 3/2012
$100
Replace missing manhole cover upper HOC detention pond
Complete 3/2012
$110
Additional signage for playground, pool & tennis parking areas
Complete 4/2012
~$100
Chain off tennis parking & add signage
Complete 4/2012
$95
Pressure wash & re-paint pool deck & bathroom floors
Complete 4/2012
$688
Pass bylaws amendment to increase board to 5 members
Complete 4/2012
$0
Build and install 2 hanger/covers for tennis EZ Drys
Complete 4/2012
$0
Install pole light in tennis parking area
Complete 5/2012
$2,100
Purchase & install 4 tennis court benches
Complete 5/2012
$699
Install parking stops in tennis parking area
Complete 5/2012
$212
Electrical repairs at pool
Complete 5/2012
$170
Clean pool gutters & downspouts and add gutter screens
Complete 6/2012
$300
Replace monitor for pool security system
Complete 6/20/12
$95
Purchase & install 2 cast aluminum benches for playground area
Complete 6/25/12
$420
Purchase & install new 8 channel DVR for pool security system
Complete 6/27/12
$265
Purchase & install 8 “No Smoking/Loitering” signs
Complete 7/27/12
Repair all damage from fire at tennis area
Complete 8/1/12
Replace backup battery for tennis court gate lock
Complete 8/28/12
Interview, evaluate, select & install 2 new board members
Complete 9/6/12
$0
Install shelving on right side of tennis closet
Complete 9/5/12
$59
New fire extinguisher for pool
Complete 9/5/12
$19
Repair cracks on tennis court
Complete 9/27/12
$95
Purchase & install hose reel for pool
Complete 9/21/12
$85
Replace faulty photocell at Dacula Rd. entrance with timer
Complete11/17/12
$110
Replaced defective landscape lights in Fence Rd. entrance island
Complete 11/27/12
$163
Replace 5 dead cryptomerias at upper HOC detention pond
Complete 12/4/12
$0
Replace/repair missing rails & post caps Fence Rd. PVC Fence
Complete 12/10/12
$85
Get bids, evaluate & select new landscape maintenance company
Complete 1/1/13
Install backflow preventer for tennis bathroom
Complete 2/1/13
$800
Replace stolen cigarette butt receptacle at the pool
Complete 3/2013
$49.99
Replace stolen tennis net crank handles
Complete 3/2013
$25.12
Page 16 www.apalacheeheritage.com
$278
$1,750
$35
-$380
Spring 2013
Project Status
Planned/Pending projects 2012-2013
Develop community email list
On Going
$0
Add more video cameras to tennis area system
Future
Unknown
Add more video cameras to pool system
Future
~$500
Consider converting pool to salt water system
Future - 2013?
Resolve vacant lot eyesore on Kachina Tr. cul-de-sac
Future
Unknown
Improve landscaping at entrances - expand beds
2013
Unknown
Replace aging pool furniture
Future
Unknown
Improve landscaping on hill at the pool
Spring 2013
Unknown
Detention pond maintenance
Spring 2013
Unknown
Repair stone work on Dacula Rd. entrance sign
In Progress
Unknown
Add shelving and storage at pool
2013
Unknown
Replace failed circulation pump at pool
Spring 2013
Re-stain trailhead benches, fences & re-paint concrete pads
Spring 2013
Fix wash-out area at Buford City Gas line culvert on yellow trail
2013
BCG - $0
Try to reduce speeding & stop sign violators on Gran Her. W.
2013
unknown
Add security cameras to playground and parking areas
2013
unknown
Install permanent barrier gate at pool parking lot
unknown
$640-860
Top dress mulch at playground
March 2013
~$8,000
~$750
$1050
$250
Join Our Email List!
Our
web
site
URL
is
www.
apalacheeheritage.
com – please go
there and follow the
link to join our email
distribution list – over
190 people have done
so already but we want
more!
Having a fully populated email distribution list would be
such a great benefit to our community but after almost
3 years of campaigning for it we are not even at 50%
at this point. Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of it?
Why wouldn’t you want to stay well informed on what is
going on right here in Apalachee Heritage? Our email list
allows us to do so much so quickly & efficiently and at no
cost, but only if you sign up. Not only can you be kept up
to date on routine things, scheduled events, and specific
points of interest just for Apalachee Heritage residents,
but more importantly this tool also allows us to network
Spring 2013 ourselves so that we are able to communicate effectively
when emergencies occur.
There have been several instances when it has been
necessary to get critical information out immediately
because of public safety issues, lost & found pets, home
burglaries in our area, and more. For example, wouldn’t
you want to be informed as quickly as possible about any
pattern of criminal activity in our area if only to heighten
your awareness to any suspicious activity? Suppose your
pet goes missing – or worse, your child – wouldn’t you
want a fully functioning & immediate communication
network that could go to work to help you in an emergency
like that? This only becomes a reality if you join the
network. If you have not already joined, now is a perfect
time to do so!
You can also link from our web site to our discussion forum
or go directly to the URL - ahforum.apalacheeheritage.
com. This is another potentially helpful tool that is free to
use but since its inception well over a year ago it has been
very under utilized.
Apalachee Heritage Community News
Page 17
Concerning Street Parking
A number of residents
have complained recently
about vehicles that are
constantly parked on the
street. Parking vehicles
anywhere other than in
your garage or driveway
is prohibited by article
7.4 of our Protective
Covenants,
Conditions
and Restrictions.
This is a legally binding set of conditions providing for the
common good of all residents that every homeowner has
agreed to abide by when purchasing a home in Apalachee
Heritage. Not only does a plethora of vehicles parked on
the street create an eyesore which detracts from the look
of our community, it also results in safety concerns and
difficulty in navigating through our streets. In some cases,
vehicles on the street are positioned exactly opposite the
point where your neighbor’s driveway across the street
from you may meet the street, thus making it very difficult
for them to get in and out of their own driveway. When
cars are parked near the crest of a hill or near a curve in
the road it sets up a dangerous situation for going around
the vehicle in an area where vision is already limited. It
is, in fact, illegal to park cars on the street within 30 feet
of an intersection due to safety issues.
Another major concern is also the possibility that a child
could dart out unseen from behind a car parked on the
street which could result in a very tragic situation. Cars
parked in the street also make it difficult for school buses
to get through our neighborhood and to pick up and
drop off students. Emergency vehicles coming into our
neighborhood can also have trouble with vehicles on the
street.
If you are hosting a get together at your home and expect
a lot of guests will be driving, please tell them in advance
to park only on your side of the street. We have had
numerous complaints about gatherings where many cars
were parked on both sides of the street which can make
it very difficult or impossible for anyone to get through.
Page 18 This could be a matter of life or death if an emergency
vehicle was responding to a call in our neighborhood and
could not get through our streets.
In addition to the regulations that are specified by article
7.4 of our covenants, our community’s Architectural
Standards contain the following additional stipulations
regarding vehicle parking:
Parking on the Street
Vehicles should be appropriately parked in driveways or
in garages and not on the street
(refer to Covenant: Section 7.4). Cars parked in driveways
should not hang over sidewalks or
out into the street. The covenant makes provisions which
enable the Board to establish the
following guidelines:
• If there is space available in a homeowner’s driveway
for guest vehicles, then this space should be utilized
before cars are parked on the street.
• Guest vehicles should not be left parked in front of a
home for more than three (3) consecutive days.
• Vehicles that are parked on the street must not be
parked across from each other such that traffic egress
and emergency vehicle access is impeded. This
includes parking behind driveways, making it difficult
to enter and exit the driveway.
Although not directly related to the Covenant, homeowners
should be aware that in the State of Georgia, it is illegal to
park within thirty (30) feet of a stop sign.
In no case, should anyone park within the boundaries of
an intersection.
Please comply with our covenants and move your
vehicle(s) off the street. We intend to pursue this matter
by filing complaints against offenders with Gwinnett
County Code Compliance.
(Both of these documents, our Covenants and our
Architectural Standards, are available in their entirety
on our web site – www.apalacheeheritage.com – in
PDF format.)
www.apalacheeheritage.com
Spring 2013
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Page 20 www.apalacheeheritage.com
Spring 2013