April 2011 Acorn v3 - Northern Oaks Estates Homeowners Association

Ac rn
The Northern Oaks
April 2011
Vol. 1, No. 1
UPCOMING EVENTS
NOEHA Annual Garage
Sales
Fire Department Deep
Water Rescue Training
TMNG Bake Sale
May 27 - 5:30 PM - Clubhouse
Neighborhood Preview - May 12
Sales - May 13 & 14
May 14 - Clubhouse
NOEHA Spring Clean-Up
Week
May 16-22 - Dumpster at the Clubhouse
NOEHA Board Meeting
May 19 - 7:00 PM - Clubhouse
**Please note the changed date
May 21 - 11:00 AM
Family Night
Tuesday Morning
Neighbors Group
1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month 9:00 AM - Clubhouse
Little Acorns
Playgroup
Wednesdays - 9:00 AM - Clubhouse
NOEHA EASTER EGG HUNT
About 25 children looked for Easter
eggs at our first-ever Easter egg hunt
on April 17. Kids of all ages had a
great time hunting in and out of the
clubhouse on a beautiful spring day.
Many went home with prizes, and
all went home with a basket full of
eggs.
Many thanks to the NOEHA Social
Committee for putting together the
wonderful event!
BOARD REPORT
The 2010 NOEHA Board (L-R): Tom
Paulson, Mike Roof, Cathy Black
Grant, Mitzy Welch, Janis Lillard,
Lou Basso and Ken Baughman.
MEETING DATE: April 14, 2011
NEXT MEETING: May 19, 2011 at 7:00 PM
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Cathy Grant, Janis
Lillard, Mitzy Welch, Tom Paulson, Karen Shelley
and Lou Basso
HOMEOWNERS PRESENT: Meridith Deverman
(Association Reporter) and David White
SECRETARY’S REPORT:
The minutes of the March meeting were reviewed
and approved at the meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Checking account balance
Capital improvements fund
De-silt accounts balance
Revenue
Clubhouse rentals Interest income Total Revenue Expenses
Gas & electric Telephone
Office expense Newsletter
Chlorine tablets Social admin
Clubhouse maintenance
Clubhouse supplies Outlots fence repair Mowing contract Total Expenses 3/31/2011
6,620.36
16,650.00
123,097.25
600.00
72.79
672.79
306.56
33.61
439.72
13.93
850.00
36.00
176.64
113.20
13.35
1,166.66
3,149.67
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Clubhouse and Beach - Cathy Grant
We are awaiting an estimate for beach sand and raking
the beach and volleyball court. The beach license will
soon be filed.
Parks, Outlots and Dams - Tom Paulson
The broken light fixture at the Northern Oaks entrance
sign was replaced, and the weeds at the entry sign have
been pulled. Work will continue on cleaning and
Thank you all for your service!
staining wooden guard rails, creating a sign and map
for a memorial garden at the NOE clubhouse and
maintenance work based on the FOTH Engineering
Northern Oaks and Grand Oaks dams inspection
report.
Social Committee - Meridith Deverman
The committee is getting ready for the Easter egg hunt,
to be held on April 17. Lots of events will follow in May,
including the garage sales, the spring clean-up week,
our second Family Night and the fire department rescue
training.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The following individuals will
NOEHA Officers:
President Vice President
Secretary Treasurer And as your 2011 Committee
Clubhouse & Beach Lakes
Parks, Outlots & Dams
Security & Covenants
Welcoming Social
Association Reporter
(Interim)
Congratulations to all!
serve as your 2011
Tom Paulson
Cathy Black Grant
Mitzy Welch
Janis Lillard
Chairpersons:
Heather Dalton
Karen Shelley
Cathy Black Grant
Lou Basso
Frieda Herron
Lynda White
Meridith Deverman
PAGE 2
PRESIDENTIAL PONDERINGS
by Cathy Black Grant, 2010 NOEHA President
As my toddler tears through the house leaving a path of
animal crackers, sippy cups, Winnie the Pooh figurines and
coloring books in every room she's visited, I realize that the
treadmill of the day has begun. I run
constantly from 7AM until 8PM. If I'm
lucky, I get a wee break for an hour
when she'll nap. If I'm really ambitious,
I'm able to accomplish a load of laundry
during that time. Usually, though, I just
dream about doing it instead. Now,
before you think that this has deterred
me from adding to the chaos, I'm still
committed to my goal of "Four before
Forty"...an age which is creeping up
pretty quickly given the task, so I
imagine that the running will just become
the norm in the years ahead.
Most of us in Northern Oaks have
enjoyed the beautiful disaster caused in
our lives by the noble task of raising a family. Most of you
can relate to my simultaneous sense of wonder and frustration. In particular, my friend and co-board member, Tom Paulson,
who has four children, can relate! I presumed it to be a longshot when I suggested that he serve as our board President for
the 2011-2012 term. To my delight, he accepted the challenge
and was seated as the new President at our April meeting.
Leaving a position always calls for some reflection and my selfreview is mixed. I succeeded at failing and failed at totally
flopping. I spent half of my term holding three positions due
to resignations from the board and standing committees. I'm
well aware that this was more than I should have taken on
given that aforementioned pint-sized distraction. My hopes
were stronger than my wisdom, and so, there were people I
let down who I must acknowledge. To the Covenant Review Committee, I would like to publicly
thank you for your efforts, apologize for not supporting you
more diligently, and appeal to you to continue working with
the board to bring revised covenants, by-laws, rules and
regulations to the community for consideration in 2011.
by Tom Paulson, 2011 NOEHA President
Dear members of the NOEHA community,
At the first meeting of the 2011-2012 NOEHA Board, I
became Association President, so I thought I should take a few
lines to introduce myself for those who do not know me. My
name is Tom Paulson, and I live at 605 Northern Oaks Drive
with my wife of 19.5 years, Michelle, and our 4 children:
Keegan (12), Colton (10), Cooper (9), and Chloe (7). We
moved to NOE 5 years ago from upstate New York so I could
take a position leading the Emissions Aftertreatment Research
group for Caterpillar.
To members of the Board and community who found
themselves waiting on me for responses, articles, and phone
calls, I won't make any excuses. I failed at being the kind of
communicator you are used to. I operate in a mostly silent
world of text messaging and Facebook updates to keep in
touch with the people in my life, and frankly, the
community needed and deserved someone more
available.
That said, however, I am very proud of the work
that was accomplished, the highlight being the
reenergizing of the Social Committee's
determination to bring the community together. Between the "Little Acorns" Weekly Playdate,
Monthly Movie Nights, Easter Acorn Hunt,
Hallowiener Roast, Tuesday Morning Neighbor's
Group and the plans for the Garage Sale, Spring
Clean-Up, Sunday Sessions and Beach Party at the
end of the season, I'd say that if you don't meet a
new neighbor this year, it's your own fault. You
have no excuse for feeling lonely; I certainly gave
up that racket long ago when I realized all that NOE had to
offer.
And on the tougher end, we worked through some serious
issues together as a board; many long nights were spent
determining how to honor both our obligation to our
covenants and our relationships with our neighbors. That is no
easy task; it takes clear thinking, self-control and an openness
to all the wisdom in the room.
I made a conscious decision to let the Board lead itself and
saw my role as that of referee. I steered discussions, but
rarely fought for a personal idea or agenda. I sought the
opinion and wisdom of others. I should have used more of the
advice I received. I still have some emotions to sort
through...a few hurt feelings and a bit of pride to drop. But
on the whole, I know that despite my failings in personal
organization, I served with integrity and honesty. And that's a lesson I can proudly pass on to my current (and
future) wonderful distractions.
My very best regards,
Cathy Black Grant
I spent my first 2 years on the NOE board overseeing Parks,
Outlots, and Dams. In that capacity, I had the privilege to
meet many residents that I may otherwise not have met. It
was an excellent opportunity to make new friends throughout
the community while investing some sweat equity maintaining
and beautifying the grounds.
In my new role as President, I will apply much of the same
philosophy – growing my community network, engaging any
and all residents who seek assistance from the board, and
fairly and equitably leading the NOEHA board in our service
to the community.
PAGE 3
NEED SOME HELP AT HOME?
BABYSITTERS:
Need an experienced, reliable, responsible sitter?
Call or text Allison “AJ” at 265.7171. She lives at
331 Northern Oaks Drive and has an available
reference.
---------------------------------------------------
Savina Fischer has competed the American Red
Cross babysitting course and is currently sitting for
two families with children ages 9 mos to 8 years.
She is a 7th grade honors student and will be 13
years old in July. Contact her at
[email protected] or 634.1737 (Mom Jami’s cell
phone).
--------------------------------------------------DOG WALKER:
Have a dog and no time to walk it? Owen Shipley
can help! Call him at 387.6933 or 202.6569.
Name your own price!
WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
Todd the fox has been scampering around the homes
on Parkview Court recently, answering the question
about why the geese are flocking to the rooftops!
Three turtles have also been seen in the area sunning
themselves on the rare occasion the sun peeks
through the clouds.
A coyote has been spotted several times around the
neighborhood ponds, probably spying on the many
nesting geese.
COVENANT CORNER
If you are a homeowner and do not have the latest
5-2-05 copy of the NOEHA Covenants (the “red
book”), please e-mail [email protected] and a
copy will be provided.
As the weather gets nicer and more of us are
spending time outside, let’s renew our efforts to keep
our neighborhood clean, safe and beautiful for all.
As a reminder, covenant 13 states that: No trash,
refuse, garbage or building materials (excluding
vegetative material for composting) shall be dumped,
stored or abandoned on any property within the
Subdivision. Garbage or trash cans must be hidden
from view by appropriate screening or placed inside
the garage, and not left at curbside more than 24
hours. Large trash items shall not be left at curbside
more than 24 hours. Green or wet vegetation may
NOT be burned. No burning of treated wood as
prohibited by State Law. Grass clippings and dead
vegetation shall not be deposited on or adjacent to
Northern Oaks Estates Homeowners Association
property including lakes, outlots, parks and
roadways.
In addition, keep in mind that Tazewell County leash
and nuisance laws are in effect. Pets shall not be
permitted to run loose in the subdivision.
Remember...your pets are using private property for
their personal business...clean up after your pet!
NORTHERN OAKS ESTATES GARAGE SALES
Neighborhood preview: Thursday, May 12, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Sales: Friday, May 13 & Saturday, May 14, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
If you want to be included on the map, please provide your name, address, phone number
and items to be sold to Meridith Deverman at 20 Parkview Court or [email protected]
PRIOR TO MAY 9.
TUESDAY MORNING NEIGHBORS GROUP BAKE SALE - SHARE YOUR TALENTS!
The Northern Oaks TMNG will be hosting a bake sale at the clubhouse during the garage sales on
Saturday, May 14. Funds raised will be used for additional community events (such as a wine
tasting night, a bus trip or two and more!). If you are willing to bake an item to sell, please contact
Jan Busche at 387.6396.
PAGE 4
FREE CHLORINE TABLETS
Show your Northern Oaks Pride!
These neighbors can provide you with tablets:
Eberle
12 Lakeview Drive 387.6918
Dierker
604 Northern Oaks 387.6176
Johnson
522 Northern Oaks 387.6098
Wehrle
2 Valleyview 387.6403
Does your family have NOE attire to wear
around town? Support the social activities at
Northern Oaks Estates by purchasing some
new threads! Contact Mitzy at 387.6117 to
view the samples and check out the catalog.
The McMorrow family is available at 208.4326 for
tablet maintenance. The cost is $2 per month, and it
gives you one fewer thing to remember!
SAFETY INFORMATION
Local Sheriff Animal Control:
Sex Offender Website:
346.4141
477.2270
www.familywatchdog.com
GROVELAND LIBRARY HOURS
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday Wednesday Friday
Saturday
Sunday
1:00 - 8:00 PM
Closed
1:00 - 4:00 PM
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Closed
For more events & information, join the group at http://
www.meetup.com/NOEHA-Inc
HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE?
A QUESTION OR COMMENT?
WANT THE ACORN DELIVERED TO
YOUR IN-BOX?
The ACORN is e-mailed in full color. If you
currently get a paper copy, you could also be
enjoying it sooner.
Provide your up-to-date contact information,
your questions or your comments to:
[email protected]
Advertise in the Acorn!
Sell your items or services in the NOEHA
Newsletter. 1/6 of a page or smaller ads are
FREE! Ads run as space is available. Please
send the details of your ad to:
[email protected]
OFFICERS:
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS:
President - Tom Paulson - 387.6131
Vice President - Cathy Black Grant - 370.5127
Secretary - Mitzy Welch - 387.6117
Treasurer - Janis Lillard - 387.6710
Lakes
Karen Shelley - 387.6135
Clubhouse & Beach
Heather Dalton - 696.6789
CLUBHOUSE RENTAL AGENTS:
Parks, Outlots & Dams
Cathy Black Grant - 370.5127
Sandee Wedekind - 387.6422
Jan Busche - 387.6396
Security & Covenants
Lou Basso - 678.5687
ASSOCIATION REPORTER:
Welcoming
Frieda Herron - 642.9452
Meridith Deverman - 387.6526
E-mail: [email protected]
Social
Lynda White - 264.4745
www.noeha.com
SPRING CLEAN-UP WEEK
MAY 16-22, 2011
The week following the Annual Garage Sale, NOEHA will be sponsoring a Clean-up Week. A one-ton dumpster will
be parked in the Club House parking lot from May 16 through May 22. Anything that can be put at curbside can
go into the dumpster.
Grimm Brothers Rules for the Dumpster:
Items NOT permitted in the dumpster:
• Yard waste
• Appliances
• Tires
• Pool chemicals
• Pesticides
• Vehicle batteries
Paint cans must be filled with sand, kitty litter or oil dry; this will make the paint solid. This method of disposing
paint also applies to curbside pickup.
Tires can only be disposed at service stations than handle tires. Grimm's recommends Farm and Fleet.
For chemicals or other hazardous waste, you should contact Tazewell County Health Department for sponsored
drop-off sites.
These rules are firm and must be held in compliance, or a penalty will be
assessed by the landfill for improper dumping.