Communicape - Cape Royale

Transcription

Communicape - Cape Royale
The
Communicape
Winter 2011
“Wintertime is so quiet and relaxing at the Cape. All the guests have
gone and it’s time to relax by the fire with a good book or take a
walk in the clean country air. Count your blessings for the new year
and cherish the people around you. “. . . . . . . . . DeniseHall
FEMA Changes in 100 Year Flood Plain Cause Problems
History
The repairs to the damage of the earthen dam on the south end of Lake Livingston caused
by Ike /Rita resulted in the level of the earthen dam to be raised to 145 feet above mean
sea level (msl). The locks remained at140 feet above msl. Also, in talking with Mark Waters
(TRA Administrator), at 140 above msl the water would go over it banks in the Blanchard
area.
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In Maryland, a bureaucrat decided that because the Trinity River Authority (TRA) raised the
level of the earthen dam on the south end of Lake Livingston to 145 feet above msl, that
the lake could rise to this level changing the 100-year flood plain. This bureaucrat did not
investigate the validity of his assumption. He/she did not discuss this change and the
possibility of it occurring with the entity that controlled the levels of the lake (TRA). Our
local County Commissioners on November 9th 2010 did exactly the same (except for Wells,
thanks), without validating this possibility with the TRA, they approved the new Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance that redefined the 100 year flow plain to a level that can
not be achieved.
What is the impact of this change?
All property owners that have a mortgage on their property may be required by their
lender to purchase flood insurance at a cost of $400 -$1000 a year for an event that will
not occur. This includes all lands on Lake Livingston, including San Jacinto, Polk and
Trinity counties.
What can we do?
Contact you County Commissioners and County Judge asking them to resend their vote on
this flood map until it is further investigated to validate the new flood zone.
Contract Kevin Brady, John Cornyn, Kay Bailey Hutchison. This is a federal bureaucratic
decision that needs to be redefined at the Federal level.
A "Community Forum" to discuss this issue has been scheduled by San Jacinto
County Officials. This is an opportunity for citizens to discuss the changes to the
San Jacinto County Flood Maps.
PLEASE ATTEND AND ASK QUESTIONS. Let’s fill the courtroom!
Date.............February 3rd, 2011
Time.............2-4 P.M.
Location.......Commissioners Court/ San Jacinto County Courthouse
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Cape Resident Linda Walker has been dealing with this issue for some time and wanted to
“ If you get caught up in the Flood
Plain mess and wish to fight the only thing accepted is an Elevation Certificate by a
licensed surveyor or engineer showing all of your property above the 135" elevation. This
should be around $200. If your structures are above the BFE you can file a LOMA (Life
Office Management Association), after you have a elevation certificate, with FEMA to have
your structures removed from the Flood Plain and then you can purchase lower cost flood
insurance to satisfy your mortgage company's flood insurance requirements
share the only remedy she has been able to discover:
It’s that time of year again when we are looking for interested
candidates to run for the Board. Three positions are open.
Hard Job? You bet. But it’s important, and without interested
residents this place won’t run! Think about it. Pick up info in
Cape Office.
Happy New Year to all in the Cape. Let me introduce myself to you as your new
Community Manager, Sandra McQuiggin. My husband and I are homeowners in the Cape for 8
years and full time residents since October 2009. We have 1 amazing married daughter that lives in
Houston and will make us proud grandparents (for the 1st time) this year! We have 2 fabulous
puppies that keep us busy at home. Many of you have met Isaac (our hairless chinese crested) and
Luke (our barking 4 lb Yorkie). They love walking around the marina visiting all the people but do
not understand why they cannot play with the deer.
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My professional experience includes the last 20 years with a Houston based management
company. I have managed large multifamily communities, commercial office buildings, single
family homes and condominiums. I have many skills from interacting with people to administration
and hands on management that I am putting into practice in my new position as your Community
Manager. I have a great passion for this industry and am so excited to have this opportunity in Cape
Royale. I am learning something new every day as I get my 'feet' wet meeting with all the different
committees of our great little 'city'. I am fascinated with how many people are involved everyday
and are sincerely passionate with the growth, integrity and success of Cape Royale. My goal is to
be involved with each committee, to work with them to achieve their goals of 2011. My management
style comes with an open door policy, please come by to say hello and share with me your ideas or
concerns that I may be able to assist
you with. I look forward to a great
year ahead of us.
To all residents and property owners of Cape Royale,
Please, at your convenience, stop by the front office and pick up a copy of the Architectural
Control Committee's (ACC) latest 'Construction Information Manual' (CIM). It will be
available within three weeks. It will also be placed on-line at www.caperoyale.org
(password capepoa)
The manual is for the benefit of ALL residents and property owners. It lists the 'do's' and
'don'ts' for the building of new homes, repairs to a home, landscaping and other projects.
These guidelines are used strictly for the exterior of the property and a permit is required
for these projects. Any interior projects do not require a permit. Everything is covered in
the CIM.
The ACC is sure that all of us who own property here care about the beauty and harmony
of our community.
Thank you and have a wonderful 2011!
The ACC
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Dale Toronjo, Committee Chair, reports that he has completed an inspection of the facilities.
Budget cuts left the Committee a little short of painting funds, but buildings will be spray washed
and worst areas painted. New exterior doors are planned for the kitchen and other areas of the
Club and Civic buildings.
Betty Carroll, Gate Supervisor, has been watching over the Cape for over 15
years. Most of you know her friendly wave and smile as she welcomes you
home. Married for 55 years, Betty reared 5 children – three boys and two
girls. She has eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Betty says she enjoys the people here and that she appreciates the support
she gets from the new Community Manager and the Gate Chair. In the past
there have been some problems with unruly teens, but she says that they’ve
learned that rude, disrespectful behavior DOES NOT get them in the gate!
Betty believes that good treatment = good treatment.
When she’s not guarding the gate, Betty cleans houses. In whatever “free”
time she has, she enjoys crocheting, jig-saw puzzles, and sewing.
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Linda Walker, Chair
The Fall leaves were beautiful this year! What a treat......... now Winter
is here with a bang! All the leaves are down and now comes the chore
of cleaning up. TruGreen will be here only twice a month until March.
I hope everyone noticed the Christmas decorations on the Memorial
Trees..............
My committee of Darnell, Franzi and Pat had lots of fun making and
installing the decorations. Hope to make this a tradition! We have lost
several friends in the Cape over the last year. Think about purchasing
a memorial tree in their memory and make the Cape beautiful.
Contact Pat Gandy at 936-494-5955 for details.
We are planning the 3rd annual Program on Gardening and of course
our favorite garden expert Darnell Schreiber will do the presentation.
This year’s program will be on a Saturday in March. If you have a
garden subject you would like addressed please let me know at
[email protected]
or my cell phone 713-818-1645.
Dumpster Kitties
A letter from Smokie
I guess some of you may be wondering what
happened to me. You were so nice to me when I lived at
the Cape. Many of you brought me food or treats, talked
to me, or picked me up and petted me. I really appreciated
all that.
One day a lady came by to see me. She picked me
up, talked to me, and petted me. That had happened a lot of times before, but I
knew this was different! I was a little scared when she put me in the cage and
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loaded me into her car. I wasn’t sure what was happening, but I’ve always had
faith that if I was nice to people, good things would happen to me.
We rode for a long time. When we got to her house, SHE TOOK ME INSIDE!
She had soft carpet and nice furniture that she let me sit on. I had an indoor toilet
- sure beat those cold, wet leaves at the Cape!
She gave me so much food - and it was so good! I was so used to having
raccoons, foxes or opossums take my food that I tried to eat it all at once. BIG
MISTAKE! I got sick. I was so embarrassed, but JoMama didn’t fuss or scold me
or throw me out – she just cleaned it up and petted me and said it was okay.
The hardest thing was getting a bratty little sister. It was hard on her, too,
at first, but we have worked it out. Would you believe that I have learned to play
with her? We can chase, tumble, wrestle on the
floor, and have fun. I don’t remember if I ever had
fun before. I was too busy worrying about having
food rather than being food for something else,
and having a dry place to sleep. Now I have it all –
wonderful home, warm bed, good food, even a little
sister, but most important a great lady who loves
me. My biggest problem now is which couch or
comforter to lie on!
I wish all the other Dumpster Kitties could find the kind of home I have.
There probably aren’t enough JoMamas out there for all of them, but if any of you
could help any of them find homes it would be so wonderful!
Once again, thank you all for being so nice to me – especially Miss Linda
and Miss Pat Gandy.
Your friend,
Smokie was one of the original Dumpster Kitties and was in
the first group of the spay/neuter project. When the
dumpster area became crowded, she moved over to the
Cape Office where she greeted visitors. She now lives in
the Dallas area.
Smokie
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Fall Fishing has given way to winter doldrums – mostly
We’ve had many interesting stories from the Marina this past year. We’ve had a
“baptizing”, RV squatters, and a few customers who over-indulged their adult beverages.
The latest is a recent story in the day of the marina as told by Lannie Locke:
so just another boring day at the marina?????????????
a man is gassing up -
comes and pays. Out to boat. Back in.
“Valentino is AWOL!”
We look. "He is probably got off the boat and ran home.” We look. He takes off on
foot to his house at the marina. I think - that’s a long way for a Maltese puppy to
run.
Suddenly I hear slight splashing. Valentino has fallen between a boat and its lift.
Only his nose is out of the water. I call, he won’t/can’t come. I run around to the
other side. I leap on lift under the boat, landing on my hands and knees, grab the
dog, and hold him while yelling for the owner.
I can’t get out from under the boat! The owner comes running; I hand
him the dog and then helps me out from under the boat.
I FEEL GREAT
just another day!
Valentino belongs to marina patron Dudley Gray. In appreciation of his rescue, Mr. Gray sent the
following note to Lannie Locke:
“I will be ever in your debt for having been so kind and persistent in the rescue of my little Maltese
buddy-dog Valentino. Were it not for your searching and hearing the sound of his splashing in the
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attempt to climb up on the boat floater air tank he surely
would have perished. I was far away on land, frantically
calling for him and inquiring with everyone I saw, hoping they
had seen him following his nose or chasing a cat somewhere,
to no avail -- when I heard you calling.
God blessed us all and I am so thankful. From now on when
Valentino is in the boat he will have his lifejacket on and be
tethered by his leash which will be secured so we won't lose
track of him.”
REMINDER TO BOAT OWNERS WITH BOATS IN SLIPS: Check your boat from time to
time. Lifts magically lower, ties break, covers come off. Tie up your boat, even
when it’s on the lift. Don’t forget to winterize. Thanks
Rick and Debbie Stuart Co-Chairs
Sunrise and Sunset in the Parks of the Cape
When the weather gets bleak in January and February and the leaves have fallen from the trees in
the Cape, you really notice things like sunrises and sunsets all the more. Okay, maybe you would
rather not notice the sunrises, but it might be interesting to know where the best places to see them
might be.
When you think sunrise, you might think that East is the direction of choice, but so many things
happen at sunrise in the right place, there is so much more to it than what's in the sky. The park on
Kings point offers a great observation lookout with fishing piers and picnic tables for relaxing to
watch and hear the migratory birds wake up in the branches of the trees across the cove while the
morning begins to illuminate the mists sitting low over the water. Be sure to bundle up and be in the
park just off of Lake Grove Drive by 7:00AM. A nice thermos of coffee or hot coco might not hurt
either.
At the opposite end of Cape Royale, the sunsets are best observed from the park in Royale
Greens. This is the largest park in the Cape with plenty of picnic tables, and room for young ones
to run off the last of the days energy. From the lakeside of Royale Greens park, you can see the
day end in a blaze of glory and watch the house lights begin to twinkle on across the lake on the
north shore. Sunsets happen around 5:30 in early January and get later as we move away from the
Winter Solstice. Try to arrive at the park a little early so you can explore the area while it is still
light. You may be surprised at what you'll see there and note some reasons to return when it is
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warmer and you have visiting guests interested in a nice picnic. The park boasts the only publicly
accessible beach in Cape Royale as well as a sand volley-ball court.
Be sure to check out all of the Parks in Cape Royale. They offer something for everyone, but you
really have to visit them to find out what that something might be for you. For official sunrise and
sunset times and weather forcasts, check out http://www.wunderground.com. See you in the parks!
The wildlife committee conducted a census of the deer herd in November, and the numbers
counted were slightly less than last year’s count. That suggests the management program
is keeping pace with the birthrate to date. The count and general observation throughout
the Cape is the herd seems to have increased the number of younger animals.
The management contractor the Cape has used in past years, informed the committee in
August that he was getting out of that business, so the committee is currently seeking
another contractor for the management program. The time period the state allows for
management programs to be conducted will be over before another contractor can be
retained, thus there will not be a program for removal for 2010.
There have been reports to the POA manager concerning landscape damage from
beavers. The wildlife committee furnished names and contact numbers for state licensed
trappers to the POA manager for those property owners who are having such issues.
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Check the on-line Calendar for activity updates
BINGO
Join other Cape residents for Bingo
on the Third Saturday of the month.
7:00 p.m. Civic Room
All Welcome
Wednesdays 1 – 4 p.m. Civic Room To get on sub list call Mary
Masterson 653-8550
Tuesdays 2:30 – 4:30
For more information call Mary Masterson 653-8550.
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THE EXERCISE ROOM IS BEING USED IN FULL SWING AFTER THE INDULGENCE OF THE HOLIDAYS. .
PILATES IS ON TUES @ 9:30 AM AND YOGA FOR WEIGHT-LOSS IS THURS @ 930AM.
The key to the exercise room is available at the Gate 24/7 for age 18 and over.
WALKERS START FROM THE CLUBHOUSE
MONDAY – SATURDAY at 8 AM.
(Not only do they exercise but they help keep
the Cape clean by picking up trash. )
The Cape Royale Scrapbookers meet in the Civic Club Room the first Tuesday of
each month @ 10:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. There’s plenty of room to spread out on
the tables and everyone shares special papers and ideas. Organize your photos and
we will help you get started making beautiful memories for your family.
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Saturday Tennis
Workers, Weekenders, Guests,
SATURDAYS 9:00 A.M.
All Welcome
JOIN THE WEEKDAY TENNIS GROUP MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY 9:00 A.M. AT THE COURTS
PLAYERS WELCOME- JUST SHOW UP WITH YOUR RACKET. YES WE DO PLAY IN THE WINTER!
The Civic Association will have an Art Show Saturday, January 22nd in the Cape Club House.
If you would like to display your art or craft contact Audrey Russell - [email protected] by
January 17th. We'll have wine tasting, punch, tea, cheese and fruit to enjoy while looking
at the work of our many local talents.
Friday, February 11th - CRCA Ladies Potluck luncheon
Saturday, February 19th - Bingo
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH - Gumbo Cook-Off Cape Royale Civic Association is
sponcering a Madi Gras Theme "GUMBO COOKOFF" on Saturday, February 26 at
6:00 at the Clubhouse. Tickets .. . $7.00
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CRCA is working on a new Cape Directory. We want to have it ready
by the annual POA meeting in April. We need everyone's HELP!
If you are a new resident, have not been in the directory before or
have any changes or additions to your address, telephone number
or email address please send the info to Ann Probst [email protected]
We really do need everyone's cooperation!
The Golf Cart Parade was held December
12th. A big "Thanks" to Randy Hall
and Leo Burditt.
Officers for 2011 were elected in the Annual Meeting of
the membership on Nov. 13th:
Commodore – Paul Hoffman
Vice Commodore – Dick Hoffman
Rear Commodore Sailing – Dan Rose
Rear Commodore Power Boating – Dennis Raymond
Secretary – Mary Trimmer
Treasurer – David Green
Governor (11-12) – Del Williams
Governor (10 – 11) – Richard Masterson
Governor (10 – 11) – David Garcia
Past Commodore – Jim Kincaid
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Annual Revognah (‘Hangover’ spelled backward) took place on New Years day with about two
dozen intrepid sailors out in the cool and breezy conditions. About an hour of sailing ensued
with 3 boats chasing down and recovering floating balloons with numbers inside that were
the key to a drawing for prizes back on shore. All enjoyed the brisk sailing as well as the fun
and camaraderie onshore where prizes were awarded and drinks and snacks were shared.
When the winter weather cooperates, as it did this year, this is a spectacular way to kick off
the year!
The 16th Annual Commodore’s Banquet, the highlight of our annual social events, will take
place on Saturday, January 29th, at the Cape Banquet Room . All members were mailed an
invitation, and reservations must be in by Saturday, January 22. Tickets will NOT be available
at the door. Cost for members is $20/person; non-members $25. Reservations and
payment can be mailed to Treasurer David Green at 7014 Newcastle , Bellaire , TX 77401 .
For more information, contact David at 713-668-9894.
For more information about upcoming events and CRBA history and activities, see our website
at www.crba-livingston.com.
From one Cape owner to another, my thanks for the hard work you put in to make the Cape a
more enjoyable place!!
All the best for 2011,
Paul
Tim Tucker, Manager
?
?
when you got your recent bill from the Utility District for stand-by fees? What you
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may or may not have realized was that the bill was for TWO YEARS. This was nothing
the Utility District ever wanted to happen.
Stand-by fees are allowed by the State to utility districts that are less than 100%
developed. (We are approximately 40% developed.) This allows for the maintenance
of lines that were laid when the subdivision was developed and helps make up the
difference between what fees for water and sewage bring in and what it costs to
maintain the facilities. It assures that when the lots are developed, water and sewer
service will be available.
In order to collect these fees, the Utility District has to apply to the State every three
years. At that time any property owner can protest. The State will evaluate the
protest, schedule hearings, etc. and give a ruling. Back in 2009, when the District
applied, one out-of-State lot owner protested, necessitating due process, much paper
work and hearings in Austin. The State does not move quickly! 2009 passed without
a ruling, then most of 2010.
The Utility District really missed the $60,000 income, but struggled by. Finally, after
a cost to the District of approximately $12,000, the State authorized the stand-by
fees for 2009 – 2011.
The bill that you received was for 2009 and 2010 – double what you would have
normally been billed. The Utility District apologizes for this and wants you to know
why it happened. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, patience (and
hopefully prompt payment of those stand-by fees!)

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

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President -- Martha Burditt
Vice President -- Tookie Crabtree
Secretary -- Singa Shield
Treasurer -- Pat Stephenson
Eighteen Hole Chair -- Annie Kellen
Niners Chair -- Nancy Ellis
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We play on Mondays at 10am, be there by 9:30. The niner group plays on Tues at 9:30
If you have not joined this group please call anyone on the list and we would love to have
you join us
.
2011 Officers are (from left) Rick Harvey, Communications;
Bill Truax, Vice-President; Paul Miller, Rules
Chairman; Ken Clark, Tournament Chairman; Don Thiele,
President; and Joel McDowell, Treasurer (Not shown, Rick
Hatfield, Social Chairman
Are you a golfer? Join the FUN(NI)EST GROUP OF GUYS IN THE CAPE. Current membership is
over 80 members with a hope to expand to over 100 members. Dues are $25 per year and
tournaments are every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Emphasis is not only on golfing, but more importantly
on having a good time, social camaraderie, and exercise! To become a member or for more info, call
Joel McDowell (653-4487), Paul Miller (653-5607), Rick Harvey (653-8839), or Ken Clark
CAPE AREA VFD IS
PLANNING THEIR ANNUAL
BARBEQUE FUNDRAISING
EVENT IN APRIL. TICKETS
WILL BE SOLD IN ADVANCE
OR DONATIONS CAN BE
SENT BY MAIL TO:
P.O. BOX 1608 COLDSPRING,
TX 77331.
WE ALSO HAVE A WEBSITE
FOR DONATIONS
CAPEAREAVFD.ORG
CHIEF RANDY HALL WILL BE
COOKING HIS FAMOUS
BRISKET AND SAUSAGE
WITH ALL THE FIXINS TO
SATISFY ALL YOUR TASTE
BUDS.
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CAPE AREA VFD IS A 501 C 4 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SO ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
FUNDS RAISED THIS YEAR WILL HELP US MEET OUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE 10% OF OUR
WORKING FUNDS FOR THIS BUDGET YEAR. THE EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT PROVIDES TAX
DOLLARS TO THE 9 VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE COUNTY, ALSO THE 1ST RESPONDERS
AND LEGACY AMBULANCE SERVICE.
OUR RESPONSE AREA INCLUDES ALL OF HIGHWAY 224 AND MUTUAL AID IS GIVING TO ALL OTHER
DEPARTMENTS AS NEEDED.
OUR NEW TANKER SHOULD BE HERE AT THE END OF JANUARY AND A GRANT REQUEST HAS BEEN
SENT TO THE TEXAS FOREST SERVICE FOR A NEW BRUSH TRUCK TO REPLACE OUR 1997 BOOSTER.
WE WELCOME 2 NEW FIREFIGHTERS TO THE ROSTER, WES VAN OSTRAND AND WES HOLDER. CAPE
AREA VFD BOARD OF DIRECTORS THANKS DAVE BELL FOR HIS SERVICE AND WISH HIM LUCK ON HIS
MOVE TO THE AUSTIN AREA. ROGER LOBAN WILL REPLACE DAVE IN THE OUTSIDE DIRECTOR
POSITION #2.
ANYONE WISHING TO VISIT OR JOIN OUR TRAINING NIGHTS ARE 6PM TO 8PM THE FIRST 2
WEDNESDAYS OF EVERY MONTH.
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CAPE ROYALE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
2010-2011
KENNETH L. (KEN) CLARK - President
[email protected]
JOEL D. MCDOWELL, Vice President
[email protected]
MELANIE MCLENDON - Secretary
[email protected]
SUSAN VAUGHAN - Treasurer
[email protected]
BARBARA MOORE - Parliamentarian
[email protected]
CHARLES J. BUCK - Director
[email protected]
THOMAS C. NEWHOUSE- Director
[email protected]
POA OFFICE (Sandra McQuiggin
653-3233
[email protected]
COMMUNITY CONTACTS
Cape Royale Boating Association
Paul Hoffman – [email protected]
Civic Association
Mary Miller – [email protected]
Ladies’ Golf Association
Martha Burditt - [email protected]
Men’s Golf Association
Don Thiele - [email protected]
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Cape Royale Utility District
Tim Tucker - General Manager
Phone: (936) 365-CRUD
URL: www.cr-ud.org
email: [email protected]
Fire Department
Elgean Shield - [email protected]
Denise Hall – [email protected]
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Next issue after the April Board meeting. Articles and/or pictures
welcome. Submit to [email protected]
Don’t forget to let us know if you change your e-mail address.
[email protected]
Thank you for your Interest
Pat Hitt, Editor
Check out the Community calendar and Board Minutes monthly on the website
www.caperoyale.org password
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capepoa
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