Sept - Sudden Valley Community Association

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Sudden Valley Views
September 2004
Sudden Valley Community Association
Impact fee reconsidered
by Elisa Claassen
Views editor
___________________
Following fervent community
discussion regarding the Sept. 1 building impact fee at Monday’s monthly
meeting of the SVCA Board of Directors, Board Secretary Dee Spreitzer,
who had voted in favor of the fee,
brought it back for reconsideration.
According to Robert’s Rules of Orders, it was determined that Spreitzer
could reconsider. The fee will be collected in the interim, but depending
on a September vote, fees collected
may be refunded, the Board said.
Shenandoah Myrick, a resident
and a local realtor, was one of several
who spoke against the fee which was
passed at the July Board meeting to
be in place on Sept. 1. She said she
represented Timberline Construction.
The Views article had not been clear on
how the impact fee would be imposed.
When Timberline had met with Craig
Ostrom of SV’s ACC on Aug. 25, they
were told the assessment was based
on the date of approval, not the date
of receipt by the office. Timberline
also had not received any letters of
notification, which were supposedly
sent to vacant property owners.
Les Bjorstam, a longtime landowner and representative of vacant
landowners in the Valley, was visibly
upset during his comments. Bjorstam
had asked for time to speak at length
on the topic. He said he could understand the reasoning behind a similar
fee in a municipality, but not in the
Valley and that the post office and
road issues were “nonsense.”
Rob Olsen said he had been
paying dues since 1992 and had been
building spec homes on his lots. The
homes he built and sold now have
new Valley residents who contribute
to the Valley socially and financially.
He said he had already
Vol. 30 No. 9
Flying high
Golf balls were
dr opped fr om
the hot air balloon over the golf
course in August.
The winner was
the person who
could drop their
ball closest to the
pin for a prize of
$1,000.
_________________
See Board, page 4
Correction
The August 2004 Sudden Valley Views article “Three board slots up
for election” was incorrectly attributed. Suzanne Blangsted is the
correct author of the article. The Views regrets the error. Gary Gallant is the current N&E Chair.
Views/KIRA LAROCK
WD10 commissioner nominated for state-wide service award
by Elisa Claassen
Views editor
___________________
Vincent D’Onofrio, commissioner
to the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer
District (WD10) has been nominated
for the Washington Association of
Water and Sewer Districts (WASWD)
Distinguished Service award. Jim Neher, manager of WD10, said the award
will be presented at the semi-annual
WASWD meeting on Thursday, Sept.
16 at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane,
Wash.
This award was established in
the WASWD bylaws for recognition of
exceptional contributions to the community and/or the water and sewer
industry, stated a letter from Todd
Citron, president of the Nominations
Committee for the WASWD to the
WD10 offices.
Citron cited that “the single most
significant public policy issue confronting community leaders in Whatcom
County over the past several years has
been the protection of Lake Whatcom
as the primary source of drinking water
for more than 80,000 residents.
“He (D’Onofrio) participated in a
detailed review of the DNR logging
plans and was instrumental in advancing more rigorous standards for buffer
zones along all classes of creeks in the
logging area,” the letter states. “In his
testimony before the Board of Natural
Resources he effectively presented ma-
Bulletin Board
ACC applications are due
Sept. 30
Applicants needed to serve on
the Architectural Control Committee
(ACC) for new terms beginning in
November, 2004. Application packets
available with description of responsibilities at the Administration office
in the Clubhouse. Applications must
be returned by deadline of Thursday,
Sept. 30, 2004. Please participate in
your community!
WTA wants input for Valley
transit service needs at Sept.
7 Open House
The Whatcom Transportation
Authority is presenting a final proposal for changes to fixed route service
and specifically to Sudden Valley at
an Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 7
at 6:15 p.m. at the Adult Center. WTA
officials and SVCA Board of Directors
members urge residents to attend.
Sudden Valley is proposed to have
hourly service, according to the WTA.
The exact design is to be determined
with residents’ input.
The resolution recommends a
compromise from the initial “cover-
age” and “frequency” proposals written of in the Herald. Frequency refers
to routes which have the greatest
ridership.
“If no one attends, we probably
have a ‘dial-a-ride’ service,” said SVCA
Board member Dan Marantette, who
attended both August Open House
meetings in Bellingham for community
comments. The WTA board, consisting
of nine area elected officials, will meet
Sept. 15 and and consider the input
from the SV meeting.
Those needing a ride to or from
the meeting, may call 360-733-1144 to
reserve transportation before 5 p.m. on
Saturday, Sept. 4. WTA officials told the
Views that a post card mailing is being
sent to the Valley residents inviting
them to attend.
SV Haunt teams needed for
October
Halloween is fast approaching.
New blood is sought to join a fast
growing group of ghouls. “Castle Shadowbane” will be the official haunted
house for 2004. Construction will begin
in September. The castle will be open
three nights this year for youth ages
12 through adults, with a special kids program on Saturday,
Oct. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. Those
interested can contact Kalene
Drummond at 360-733-9868 or
360-201-6154.
Road and bridge update
from Whatcom County-Completion set for October
The Whatcom County Public
Works Department, Engineering
Division, wishes to inform the
public that the following road
will be closed due to construction activities: Lake Whatcom
Boulevard-Austin Creek Bridge
vicinity will be closed to all
through traffic to allow for bridge
replacement operations. The
closure is scheduled for July 13
through
_________________
See Bulletin, page 5
Immediately prior to the Sudden Valley Views press time, Vincent
D’Onofrio passed away at his Sudden Valley home. State-wide commissioners visited his home to present the service award informally a week
earlier. There will still be a formal ceremony Sept. 16 in Spokane. Please
turn to page 4 for more information.
jor community concerns, while recognizing the fiduciary responsibilities of
the Board to the recipients of resources
derived from trust lands.”
“It’s a tremendous honor for me
to be nominated,” D’Onofrio said. “It’s
a wonderful accolade.”
D’Onofrio serves in Position 1 on
the board and has been the district’s
representative in community forums
created to define policy and operational issues associated with logging
in the watershed, with particular
emphasis on timber harvests on trust
lands managed by the Department of
Natural Resources, an effort noted by
the state comissioners.
D’Onofrio moved to Sudden Valley
from California in 1989 to retire and has
been a commissioner since 1999 after
regularly attending the WD10 meetings for nearly 10 years as a concerned
landowner.
“I have been aware of the need
for the preservation of our drinking
water source since we first moved to
the Valley,” he wrote to the Sudden
Valley Views during his candidacy for
the position in fall 2003. “From my
knowledge of the Sudden Valley ACC
guidelines, there is not another community in our watershed that does
more to protect the drinking water of
Lake Whatcom. As a water commissioner, I have fought hard to make sure
that WD10 did everything it could to
help protect the lake.”
In 1999, when one of the WD10
commisioners resigned, D’Onofrio was
accepted to fill the position. He was
elected to that position in 2000 and
then reelected in 2003.
“Vince has served as a strong
advocate on the board for rate payers,”
fellow commissioner Tom Hadd said.
“He has championed equity is-
_________________
See Nomination, page 8
Views from the Inside
Point of Views.........................................................................................
2
Letters........................................................................................................
3
Board Report...........................................................................................
1,4
Page 2
September 2004
Sudden Valley Views
Point of Views
September marks the seasons
For me, September marks a decade birthday
and the occasion to reflect -- between publication
deadlines, so it needs to be done quickly. I had
hoped to determine some fine and interesting
way to spend this birthday, but am too busy with
my face at the computer, ear to the phone, or
running to events.
September also marks the change from
summer to fall, children playing in the pool to
moving to the classroom and fewer golfers on
some of the greens.
Water is such an important thing
Life in a watershed is a challenging and interesting place to be. In the last few years, traces
of mercury and benzene have been found in Lake
Whatcom. In a Aug. 3 article in The Bellingham Herald, a report cited global pollution may be a likely
culprit of these toxins. Some have said that getting
rid of boats, with motors is the answer. Others say
that building around the lake is causing the toxins
as stormwater run-off to enter the lake.
In upcoming issues of the Views, the editor and
any interested community writers, will explore the
history of the lake, its uses and possible outlooks.
One marine repair specialist said that the newer
engines are more efficient and release few toxins.
The fire district is one which uses boats on the lake
to aid in rescues and to put out fires at homes along
the lake’s edge. Historically, I have also been told,
Lake Whatcom has only more “recently” become
the area’s drinking water source. Lake Padden used
to have that job.
Editor encourages busy people to attend a
few local events
I happen to work parts of six to seven days a
week and can understand that many people are
either working for pay or as volunteers more and
more hours. In the month of September, I would
like to urge residents -- of all ages and stages of
“busyness” -- to stop for a moment, take a breath,
get your bearings, and attend a few local events: the
WTA Open House at the Adult Center on Tuesday,
Sept. 7 at 6:15 p.m. is the first one. A month ago,
the Whatcom Transit Authority personnel, as part
of their own long-range planning project, looked
at graphs and charts of area ridership to determine
which areas and which routes were more greatly
utilized. Those going to Western Washington University are in the top group, especially during the
academic year, according to WTA. Sudden Valley
residents have not stepped aboard buses very often
and have had a low ridership and as a result, the
WTA had questioned having regular bus service
to the Valley.
Since the August Views, two Open Houses
were held and Valley Board members and residents
came -- and were heard. As a result, the upcoming special meeting at the Adult Center has been
planned. Those of you who hope to commute to
work via the bus, hop a ride to the mall to shop,
have doctor appointments and errands, or don’t
want to venture out in inclement weather may
want to stop by.
The second “event” is the annual Candidate
Forum sponsored by the Views and hence, the
editor, has the chance to ask questions of the SVCA
Board of Directors candidates: what is their vision
for the Valley, do they have the time to serve in an
unpaid position that can take quite a bit of time
and sometimes elicit negative attention, are they
fiscally responsible? Can they represent different
groups within the Valley -- golfers, young families,
seniors and retirees, vacant lot owners who have
investments or hope to build a dream home?
If you have questions for those who may
help decide about future dues increases, which
buildings get the maintenance funds first,
whether or not to sell
SVCA-owned lots, and
where the Valley may
be in the next year as
well as 10 years, this
may be a good time
to ask the questions for
yourself (I get to do so
first!). Please feel free,
to e-mail me some
questions you would
like to see asked at
<svviews@lyndentrib.
com> by Friday, Sept.
10 to allow me time to
read through them before the Sunday, Sept. 12
Candidate’s Forum from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Dance
Barn (the time should allow those of you to either
go to church, sleep in, or play some golf and still
be able to come).
Congratulations to Vincent D’Onofrio
Water District 10 Commissioner Vincent
D’Onofrio, who is also a Sudden Valley resident,
has been nominated for a state-wide award by
the Washington State water and sewer governing
body. This is a great honor and comes at a time
following participation on a several-year commitment to represent the area on the Lake Whatcom
Watershed Landscaping Planning Committee,
along with resident Linda Marrom. It also comes
at a time when Vince has had some tough health
issues to handle (and which the nominating committee knew nothing about, I have been told). My
congratulations goes out to Vince, as do my wishes
and prayers for his recovery.
Where and who are those ‘good’ people?
Sudden Valley resident Dennis Jones had a
suggestion a few months ago that after seeing
some bickering amongst factions in the Valley, it
would be nice to see public recognition for some
of those Valley folk noted for doing good things.
He offered a few suggestions which I took to heart
and said I would think about.
For those who come to the Candidate Forum,
again I hope there are a “few” of you, I may make a
presentation of my own to a few “good folk” I have
witnessed doing good things in these last few years.
These are the people who may be helping others
in the neighborhood, planning fundraisers, volunteering on committees, starting clubs, attending
Board meetings, or other things. (For those of you
who wish to make a recommendation or two for
this new “honor,” please e-mail me at <svviews@
lyndentrib.com> by Sept. 9. Thank you.)
Next deadline is Thursday, Sept. 23 for October edition
For those of you with letters to the editor,
new clubs, classes, or other items of interest, the
deadline for both advertising and editorial copy
is Thursday, Sept. 23 for inclusion. Best wishes on
your September! Since the August Board meeting
was moved from Aug. 23 to Aug. 30 to allow more
time to work on the budgeting process, I was
told by Board members, some reports may not
be in this month’s issue, including the monthly
Treasurer’s report. The Board story will likewise
be abbreviated. I apologize to those of you who
appreciate more complete coverage.
Sudden Valley Views
Sudden Valley Community Association
4 Clubhouse Circle, Bellingham, WA 98229
http://www.suddenvalley.com
OFFICE 360-734-6430 Administration Offices
FAX: 734-1915
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Pro Shop
734-6435
Golf Maintenance
734-6430, x333
Maintenance
734-6430, x232
Recreation
734-6430, x243
Security Cell Phone
319-8200
Dispatcher (after 5 p.m.)
715-2490
MANAGEMENT STAFF
General Manager
Steve Grieser
Administrative Staff
Kitty French, Kira LaRock
Rosemary Tate
Recreation Coordinator
Bob Barker
Director of Architectural & Land Development
Craig Ostrom
Maintenance Director
Virgil Reed
Golf Superintendent
Bryan Newman
Accounting Manager
Susan Frantz
Security Chief
Lynn Fallis
Golf Professional
Greg Paul
Letters to the Editor
Nightmare at
Gate 9
Impact Fee?
Dear Editor,
We protested the installation of Gate 9 during
the tenure of two previous managers. One was
leaving and the other didn’t care. Little discussion
and we were ignored. We fought to have the run-off
problem corrected and a barrier installed beside
our house. Lights were promised like they have at
Gate 13, but have never been placed.
Gate 9 -- a nightmere we predicted:
1) Speeding cars don’t stop at either of the stop
signs.
2) Drivers “burn rubber” day and night as they
leave the signs.
3) Cars cut corners and run over the grass area
almost hitting the sign.
4) There is a racket of flying loose gravel and a
cloud of dust that settles over our house.
5) Trucks cut corners and crush our decorative
rocks at the edge of the drive.
6) Getting in and out of our drive is very dangerous.
Needed:
1) Close the gate--first choice. Gate 13 is sufficient
and safe.
2) If not, put in high curbs to prevent cars from
cutting the corners.
3) Repair the surface and get rid of gravel and
dust.
4) Put larger rocks along the area back of our house
to prevent parking off Lake Louise Drive (gravel
and dust again).
Lastly, Security should be there -- to give out
tickets and control traffic.
Sincerely,
Robert I. Vance, 211 Polo Park Dr.
Dear Editor,
Please change the name of the ‘impact fee’
to ‘Stop Our Growth Fee’ so that everyone in Sudden Valley knows exactly where the SV Board is
coming from.
Why not also impose the ‘impact fee’ on the
homes and condos already built in the Valley, as
they too, have had a significant ‘impact’ on the
Valley’s roads, parks and other amenities?
I have read the bylaws and, to the best of my
interpretation, the bylaws state that the Board
may recommend levying dues increases and
assessments. However, these must be approved
by the general assembly of property owners
(Bylaws Section 19). Only ‘user fees’ (fees which
benefit specific members) may be levied by the
Board without approval of the general assembly
(Bylaws section 20).
Don’t get me wrong. I like Sudden Valley for
its clean air, clean water, the lake and quality of
life we enjoy here. We should remember, however,
that everyone who owns a lot has the legal right
to build on their property, and nothing in the
bylaws takes away that privilege as long as they
maintain good standing as a property owner and
follow proper building procedures.
The Board’s attempt to penalize owners of
unimproved lots is both poor management and
likely an illegal action.
Michael Morrow
72 Sudden Valley Dr. SE
_________________
See Letters, page 3
Letters Policy
The Views welcomes letters to the editor. The deadline for submittal is the 20th of each
month. Letters should not exceed 250 words. All letters must be signed and carry a Sudden
Valley address or Division and Lot number, as well as a daytime phone number. Any property
owner in good standing may submit up to three letters in each 12-month period. Letters
must reflect the viewpoint of the author and should not contain personal attacks. Writers
are requested to focus on the issue and not the individuals involved. Letters are subject to
editing only for libelous material or statements.
Classifieds and News Deadlines
guidelines and deadlines.
The deadline for classified advertising and
news items for the October 2004 issue of the
Views is Thursday, Sept. 23, at 12 noon.
DISPLAY ADS: For display advertising
contact Mitze Kester at 360-510-6464. The
deadline for display advertising for the October 2004 issue of the Views is Thursday, Sept.
23, at 5 p.m.
Classified ads cannot be published without
evidence of payment. See the Classified Ads
page for size and payment information. Submit
classified ads and payment at the Clubhouse
Front Desk, 2145 Lake Whatcom Blvd., Bellingham, WA.
Property owners are always encouraged to
submit news articles and items of interest, but
please submit materials in compliance with the
Editorial Guidelines
Any item submitted for use in the Views should be an original hard copy which is typewritten
or laser printer output on white paper, faxed, or emailed (svviews@ lyndentrib.com) and single
spaced. Photos are encouraged — either black-and-white or color prints — preferably with a
glossy finish. Photos can also be e-mailed as an attacthment with a medium-high resolution. Guest
columnists should include a head-and-shoulders photo, if possible. Photos will be returned only
upon request, and will be available at the front desk the week after publication. Editorial cartoons
are also accepted. Items not in compliance with the guidelines or submitted after the deadlines
cannot be guaranteed placement. Placement is based on space availability and timliness.
Board of Directors: President Charles Rendina,; Vice-President, Scott Thiele; Treasurer,
Lance Hillengass; Secretary, Denise Spreitzer; Members, Bob Cooper, Leslie McRoberts,
Paul Nuchims, Jon Wolfe and Dan Marantette; N& E Representative: Gary Gallant. ACC
Representative: Ginny Hadd.
-- The Sudden Valley Views is the official publication of the Sudden Valley Community
Association. Published monthly, it has a circulation of 4,000.
Publisher: Sudden Valley Community Association
Editor: Lynden Tribune Print & Publishing Company
Managing Editor: Elisa Claassen, 360-354-4444, <[email protected]>
Advertising Manager: Mitze Kester, 360-510-6464(cell)
The Sudden Valley Views (U.S.P.S. 079-490) is published monthly for a subscription
price of $12 per year by the Sudden Valley Community Association, 4 Clubhouse Circle
Bellingham, WA 98229. Periodicals postage paid at Bellingham, WA and at additional
mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Please send address changes (Form No. 3579) to Sudden Valley Community Association, 4 Clubhouse Circle, Bellingham, WA 98229.
The acceptance of an ad in the Sudden Valley Views does not constitute approval of
the Sudden Valley Community Association. Comments expressed in the Sudden Valley
Views are not necessarily the opinions of the SVCA or its officers or board of directors,
but are solely those of the writers. No non-advertising portion of the Sudden Valley
Views is subject to pre-publication review by anyone but the editor.
September 2004
Page 3
Sudden Valley Views
Letters to the Editor
Fee passed in
haste
Dear Editor,
Thank you for pointing out that the
impact fee has never been an agenda
item. I understand there was discussion at the Town Hall meeting (in July),
but like many others in the Valley our
weekends in summer are committed
far ahead.
The impact fee, often called a‘latecomers’ fee, was pushed through this
Board with unseemly haste and lack
of consideration for Valley property
owner’s rights.
We are not late-comers, having
owned the property our house is built
on for 15 years. We have also owned
another lot for 15 years which is still
vacant. We had intended to build on
the second lot this year as we need a
differently planned house.
We have paid dues and taxes on
the vacant lot for 15 years without any
benefits to the lot nor us. We recently
paid $3,000 to be able to hook-up to
sewer, although we bought the lot on
the understanding that hook up was
guaranteed for the actual cost of work.
Another late-comers fee. We have paid
over $4,500 in dues for a vacant lot and
I do not intend toay another $1,500
impact fee to build on it.
We are not in the Valley as developers and a provision should have been
made to grandfather people in our
position when the fee was introduced.
The Brits have an expression:“I’m in Jack.
Pull up the drawbridge.”It is unfortunate
that sentiment is so often part of the
philosophy in this community.
John and Donna Armitstead
883 Sudden Valley
Div 17/Lot 17
Role of
security in
Sudden Valley
Dear Editor,
In these times when the Whatcom
County Sheriff and the Bellingham
City Police Department are stretched
to the max, should we review the
responsibilities of the Sudden Valley
Security force?
How are we, as a community,
serviced by Security? What would we,
as a community, like from Security? So,
how about a simple questionnaire with
questions: what we like about Security,
what we expect from Security, what
restrictions does the Valley impose on
Security, our feelings about response
time, etc.
Is it time for more dialogue?
Donna Matthews
Div. 8/Lots 9 & 10
Water issues
A letter from the Whatcom County Water District 10 to Steve Grieser, general
manager of Sudden Valley Community
Association.
Dear Steve,
I want to thank you for your outstanding cooperation and understanding which you have shown towards Lake
Whatcom Water and Sewer District.
Having served now for a little over a
year in my position as general manager,
I find it a time to look back on my first
year and thank those that have helped
make it a positive experience. I have
had the opportunity to work with you
on several occasions and have found
you to be very helpful, positive, and
always reflective of the needs of the
Association for which you serve.
In the research I did before coming
to the district, it would appear that the
cooperation between your association
and the district has not always been
what is is today. I appreciate your views
and concerns for your members. Having
served for many diverse boards over
the years, I appreciate your position
and the problems you may experience
supporting the varied interests of the
board members.
As the manager for the district
I look forward to your participation
working with the city and county on watershed and mutual concerns between
the district and Sudden Valley. If at any
time I can be of help personally in any
way, please feel free to call upon me. In
the same sense, if the district can help
Sudden Valley as needs arise, please call
me. Our mutual support can only build
a better community for our customers
and your members.
The WD10 Board specifically asked
that I also pass on their thanks for all
your hard work and cooperation you
have given the district working on the
interceptor project, the lot purchases,
and ongoing ULID assessment issues.
Your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Again, thank you for helping me
have a very successful year.
Sincerely yours,
James F. Neher
General Manager, WD10
Board explains Impact Fee for new construction
by Leslie McRoberts
SVCA
Board of Directors
___________________
At the July 26, 2004 meeting, the
SVCA Board of Directors voted to accept
the report of the Post Office committee.
Because the number of boxes at the
Rotunda is insufficient for the number
of Sudden Valley homes, that all boxes
are assigned and new members can
not get a postal box at the Rotunda,
the Board established the Post Office
committee to find a solution for this
problem.
In the middle of June, the Post Office committee presented a thorough
and well-researched report to the
Board. The members met with local
postal personnel, a representative from
the county, and Fire and EMS staff. The
report, which included six options listing the pros and cons of each option,
was presented at the July Town Hall
meeting. Many short- term patches
have been made in the past, but this
decision taken by the Board will provide
a permanent solution for postal service
in Sudden Valley.
The option which was approved
by the Board will provide cluster boxes
for every resident of Sudden Valley, and
was the preferred option in this report.
Sudden Valley will provide sev-
_________________
See Fees, page 8
Page 4
Sudden Valley Views
Board: Watershed, pollution issues discussed
Continued from page 1
paid a $500 fee with his plans and another $1,500 for a landscape retainer
and didn’t want to pay an additional
$1,500 for this impact fee.
Stephanie LeBlance also asked
the Board to reconsider. She considered the impact fee to be an assessment aimed at vacant property
owners without due process, equity or
fairness. She said they had no knowledge of the vote on the fee in advance
and wanted the membership to be
represented.
Mike Morrow, who said he did
not own any vacant lots, said this type
of issue would be better represented
by going to a general assembly of the
membership.
Chris Weitzel, a long-time resident and realtor, had been present for
both the July and August meetings.
He spoke far beyond his alloted twominutes giving reason after reason for
the Board to reconsider.
“This is the largest financial
impact to hit Sudden Valley. I’m not
opposed on the basis of what is good
for me,” Weitzel said, regarding his
career,” but what is good for Sudden
Valley ... this is not equitable with the
homeowner’s group. They (vacant
property owners) have not impacted
anything.”
At the Jan. 26, 2004 SVCA meeting, Weitzel said he remembered General Manager Steve Grieser looking
at impact fees in local municipalities
and that Grieser had told the Board he
had opposed the impact fee specifically as a revenue source. He said that
Finance Committee members had not
been aware of this when they were
presented with the issue.
Weitzel also questioned Rendina
and the Board according to Section 19
of the SV Bylaws which he said requires
a 60 percent vote of the membership.
He said he was disappointed that the
issue had not been placed on the
agenda and asked, “What does it take
for us to be heard?”
Rendina responded, “I hear what
you are saying.”
At the conclusion of public discussion, more than half of the 26 in
attendance had gone. As the public left
and the scout representatives entered,
one remarked, “It is hot in here.”
WD10
Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer
District (WD10) Commissioner Tom
Hadd said time was of the essence and
asked the Board to consider financially
assisting WD10 in setting up a more
sophisticated sampling system to
draw from the upper Beaver and Austin
creeks at higher elevations to determine at what point toxins may enter
the watershed. Random testing has
been done but has not been thorough,
he said. The location at Austin Creek by
the Lake Whatcom Boulevard bridge
primarily finds toxins which enter from
the Valley, he said.
Several Board members questioned the benefits of the testing. Hadd
said that little information has been
available to determine how Sudden
Valley and other owners and land uses
contribute to watershed problems.The
supposition, he said, tends toward
urban areas such as the Valley, while
grazing cattle and timber harvesting
activities also have a contribution.
A decision is needed soon since
the water district will be talking with
the city and county and sampling will
begin in October. Steve Grieser was
directed by the Board to meet with
Jim Neher of WD10.
In other news:
Board member Paul Nuchims
brought up discussion of the AdoptA-Greenway program which had
been discussed and tabled at two
prior Board meetings. During public
comments, Owen Ward told the
Board that his his neighborhood had
adopted Maple Leaf park in Gate 3 in
February 1999. Today, approximately
26 neighbors pick up trash, spray for
moss on concrete surfaces, and report
any safety or security problems. Presently the ACC has a form for interested
parties and neighbors to complete to
do similar projects. The Board voted
to display their support of this type
of program.
Board member Dan Marantette
urged both the Board and members
to attend the Sept. 7 WTA town house
hearing at the Adult Center at 6 p.m. A
flex dial-a-ride plan and another using
a fixed loop route are under discussion.
The WTA Board of elected officials will
vote on this soon after at their own
board meeting.
• The Board decided to have election
of new officers following the general
meeting in November and the Board
dinner on Sunday, Nov. 7.
• Representatives from the Boy Scouts
introduced themselves to the Board.
Residents have requested that a scout
troop could be formed in the Valley.
While discussion continues at a formal level between the two boards,
GM Grieser said the scouts could be
provided with a space to meet. The
Lake Whatcom Kiwanis has offered to
sponsor the scouts and assist in some
of the costs.
• Discussion of Parks and Recreation
measures were tabled due to time.
• Material was prioritized and approved for distribution to the membership for the annual meeting.
will have time for public comments. A
meeting agenda should be available
prior to that date.
Editor’s note: The editor has
shortened coverage of the SVCA
Board meeting due to space and time
restraints.
• Resolution to pave golf cart paths on
holes #11 and 17 in an amount not to
exceed $9,000 from the Major Repairs
and Replacement Capital Reserves
($8,000 was budgeted so $1,000 will
come from the contingency portion
of the Capital Budget).
• Resolution to replace pond liner on
golf course hole #13 in an amount
not to exceed $28,000 from the Major
Repairs and Replacement Capital Reserves ($30,000 was budgeted).
• Resolution to replace computer used
for Channel 10 in an amount not to
exceed $2,500 from the Major Repair
and Replacement Reserves ($3,190
was budgeted).
• 2005 operating budget was adopted
to be reviewed by the membership at
the Annual meeting. Hillengass said
the only increased fee represented was
five percent, or $25, for wet moorage.
The budget was based on 2,900 dues
payers which is considered a conservative estimate, Hillengass said and did
take into account the combination
of multiple lots when questioned by
McRoberts, the past treasurer. Grieser
said that the department heads were
able to work more items into this
years’s budget which include: keeping the Rec Center open more hours
and funding an ACC assistant on a
permanent basis.
A letter will accompany material
to the membership explaining a fourth
quarter dues change in allocation.
Hillengass said that the GM has only
used $82,000 of the allocated $300,000
thus far, which he has deemed“Project
300,” primarily for the golf course and
Dance Barn.
The following was a letter presented to the Board of Directors at
the meeting. All members present
signed. It was presented to Marian D’Onofrio on Tuesday, following
Vincent D’Onofrio’s death from liver
cancer:
We, the Board of Directors, on behalf
of all of the Members of the Sudden
Valley Community Association, want
you to know how much we appreciate
your passion, conviction and intellect
in the defense of our community and
the Lake Whatcom watershed. Sudden
Valley has standing in the state and
county because of the dedication, skill
and humor with which you present
our unique, and much loved “Village”
to the many boards and committees
that you have been part of or to which
you have ably presented our case, our
vision, and our future.
We dedicate our future in your name,
and thank you.
Treasurer’s motions passed:
GM Report
• Construction has begun on a Teen
Center wall. The Kiwanis has presented
the teens with $500 toward the cost.
• The bulk of Valley roadwork has been
completed.
• Grieser encouraged members to
look at the progress in the Dance Barn
renovations: paint, application of SV
logo, lighting, flooring.
• Current situation on mailboxes -- no
waiting list at the moment due to a
cluster box placement. Roads are being reviewed for renaming, he said.
• Channel 10 will get a new computer.
Some of the Project 300 funds have
been used to give better audio/visual
to the channel.
Member Bob Cooper was excused. The meeting started at 7 p.m.
and ended at 9:45 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 27
at 7:30 p.m. in the Adult Center and
Signed: Charles Rendina, Scott Thiele, Dee
Spreitzer, Lance Hillengass, Leslie
McRoberts, Jon Wolfe, Bob Cooper,
Dan Marantette, Gary Gallant, Ginny
Hadd, Paul Nuchims
September 2004
Vincent D’Onofrio
1935-2004
Long-time Valley resident and Lake
Whatcom Water and Sewer District (WD10) Commissioner Vincent
D’Onofrio died in office on Tuesday
morning, Aug. 31, at his Sudden
Valley home. D’Onofrio had battled
liver cancer for several years, had
undergone surgery to remove part of
the liver and had pursued treatment
in Seattle and additional experimental treatment in Texas in the last six
months. D’Onofrio is survived by his
wife Marian, of Sudden Valley, and one
son, of Bellingham. He was greatly
loved by many and will be missed.
The Sudden Valley Views Editor Elisa
Claassen will present an award in his
memory at the Sept. 12 Candidate
Forum. In addition to his involvement
at the water district, D’Onofrio was
also involved at the First Presbyterian
Church of Bellingham, had been a
member of the ACC, and proudly
served Thanksgiving dinners annually
at the Old Town Cafe. Water District
personnel will begin a process to fill
the vacant position.
Notice
Due to the change of the meeting date from Aug. 23 to Aug. 30 for
the monthly SVCA Board of Directors,
the Treasurer’s report and will not be
in the September issue of the Views.
It will be included in the October
Views.
September 2004
Bulletin: School starts soon
Continued from page 1
Oct. 8 and will occur for 24 hours a day.
Motorists are advised to take the Lake
Louise Road detour route during the
closure to Gate 1.
Gates 2 and 3 can be accessed
from Lake Whatcom Boulevard. Valley
residents can detour from Lake Whatcom Boulevard through Gate 3, follow
signs to Gate 9 and Lake Louise Road to
access Gates 1 and 2. Roads in Sudden
Valley are private and not to be used
by outside drivers.
Questions about the bridge replacement and other county roadwork
can be directed to the Engineering
Department at 360-676-6730. Questions about Valley roadwork can be
directed to Valley Administration at
360-734-6430.
Update on Teen Council activities
August was a quiet month for the
Teen Council since many members were
on family vacations. Communications
co-chair Sarah Drummond reports that:
“We are currently awaiting the fate of a
new Teen Center and should have more
information in the upcoming weeks. So
keep your eyes and ears open for more
details.” The Teen Council welcomes all
incoming freshmen to the Wednesday,
Sept. 1 meeting at 7 p.m. in the Recreation Center. Tune to Channel 10, look
for flyers, or read upcoming issues of
the Views for upcoming events and
meetings.
Welcome to new staff in Administration office
Paula Williams has been hired to
work part-time in the Administration
office through the end of September.
She is also a permanent employee of
the Recreation Center and will replace
Nancy Daly as Bob Barker’s assistant,
according to Rosemary Tate. Lindsay Brandle, who has been working
temporarily with Craig Ostrom in the
ACC division, became a permanent
employee effective in August.
Annual SVCA Candidate Forum
on Sunday, Sept 12
The Views Editor will moderate a
panel discussion of candidates for the
SVCA Board of Directors on Sunday,
Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Dance
Barn. Residents are encouraged to
attend and to ask questions pertinent
to the office. Profiles of the candidates
who applied by Aug. 19 are included in
the September issue of the Views. Any
additional candidates who apply by the
deadline of Sept. 3 will be included in
the October issue of the Views. Views
Editor Elisa Claassen invites the public
to e-mail her questions at <svviews@
lyndentrib.com> for possible inclusion
at this event.
Kiwanis barbecue deemed a
Page 5
Sudden Valley Views
success in August
County jurisdictions.
Pump station work to begin
soon at Marina
Kiwanis board members Doug
Murphy and Roger Waldman thanked
Valley residents and guests who joined
the Kiwanis at the second annual salmon
barbecue at the Adult Center on Aug. 14.
Murphy said the gross sale receipts were
more than $2,100. The net profit was
not yet available at press time. Proceeds
will be given to youth projects in the
community.
Jim Neher, general manager of
the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer
Association (WD10), said that work will
begin soon on rebuilding the WD10
pump station at the Sudden Valley
Marina. Work will continue for several
months by an outside contractor and
include putting power through from
the station to the “tomb” structure
nearby, he said.
Bible study to start
Adventure People walking and
running club starting
Do you know the Valley has a women’s Bible study? It resumes meeting for
the year on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m.
Those interested may sign up for the
study at the September Women’s club
tea or call Suzie Thiele at 360-734-0554
for details. This year’s study is entitled:
“ The Women of the New Testament.”
“Please join us for a great time of study
and fellowship,” Thiele said.
‘Thank you’given to participants
of first British Classic Car Event
Co-sponsors Bruce MacCormack
and Bob Barker wish to thank those
who assisted and attended the first,
possibly annual, British Classic Car Event
in Sudden Valley on Sunday, Aug. 15.
Owners from various car clubs brought
30 cars to the Recreation corridor.
Fraser Valley British Motor Club won
the softball trophy.
City of Bellingham puts initiative
to ban boats
Bellingham City Council voted 7-0
on Aug. 23 to put an initiative to ban
the use of all fuel-powered boats on
the portion of Lake Whatcom in the
Bellingham City limits on the ballot. A
local group, Motorboats Off! gathered
enough signatures, after prior failed
attempts, to bring the decision to local
votership. Supporters of Motorboats
Off! say motorboats contribute levels
of benzene, a carcinogen, and other
components, according to the Bellingham Herald. In July, the Whatcom
County Council passed an ordinance
that will phase out two-stroke engines
on the portion of Lake Whatcom under
its governance. The lake, which serves
as the present drinking water source
for the Bellingham community, is in
both City of Bellingham and Whatcom
Heather Nelson, owner of Adventure Dog, has started a new walking and
running club, Adventure People, which
will meet informally on Wednesdays at 6
a.m. at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve on Lake Louise Road. Depending
on feedback from those interested, the
time may change to 7 a.m. as daylight
hours change.
“Basically, it is an informal gathering of friends and neighbors who want
to get a little exercise and meet other
Sudden Valley neighbors,” Nelson said.
“The goal is to provide incentive to get
and stay fit, as well as to plan fun weekend adventures throughout the year
together.” For more information, call
Nelson at 360-756-1174 or see <www.
adventure-dog.com>.
Local couple to present for museum of history and art
On Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 12:15
p.m., as part of the Tuesday Brown Bag
Programs at the Whatcom Museum of
History and Art, a Sudden Valley couple
will present a program,“Expedition Lake
Baikal.” Local adventurers Heather and
Brandon Nelson present a slide show
documenting their 1,200-mile sea kayak
trip around Lake Baikal in south-central
Siberia. The world’s largest lake, it is as
big as all five of North America’s Great
Lakes put together! They encountered
grizzly bears and gunmen, freshwater
seals and see-through fish, hurricaneforce winds, uncommon hospitality,
and the companionship of a ghostly
deity named Burkhan. Their program
includes some of the 3,000 photographs
they made to document their journey.
Frequently published writers and
photographers, the Nelsons’ exploration of Baikal was chosen as the cover
story for Sea Kayaker Magazine’s 20th
Anniversary Issue.
Invitation to join the Bellingham
Senior Center
Ever consider joining the Bellingham Senior Center in downtown Bellingham at 315 Halleck St. ? Membership
is comprised of 1,400 local residents
who are eligible at 50 years old. Nearly
140 monthly volunteers give 1,500
hours to assist in center operations. The
staff consists of a manager, program
supervisor, custodian and reception
secretaries.
Approximately 25 special programs are available annually from
classes to trips and services:
• Classes: Computer, Music, Wood
Carving, Writing, Crafts, Cards (Pinochle,
Cribbage and Bridge), Quilting, Rug
Hooking, Mahjong, Bingo, Painting,
and Spanish.
• Exercise: Hiking, tai chi, aerobics,
flexibility & balance, bocce ball, ping
pong, pool and dancing (tap, country
line and ballroom).
• Wellness: Blood pressure checks,
blood screenings, massage therapy,
and nail care.
• Trips: Group travel and escorted day,
overnight and extended trips are reasonably priced and well planned.
• Nutrition Program: Balanced meals
are served between 11:30 a.m. -1:00
pm Monday through Friday. Federally
sponsored and on a donation basis for
those 60 and over. Meals on Wheels program is offered to shut-ins. The library
and coffee bar are open daily.
“If you are a senior living in the
Bellingham area, you can’t afford not
to check out the Senior Activity Center,”
said Marian Yunghans of Sudden Valley.
“There is something for everyone!”
Whatcom in Bloom awards given
in public ceremony
The award winners for the year
2004 19th Annual Whatcom in Bloom
Competition will be announced at a
public ceremony on Thursday, Sept.
9 at 7 p.m. at the Whatcom County
Courthouse Council Chambers.
A slide show of some of the year’s
entries will accompany the presentation of the awards and trophies. For
more information about the presentation or the program, call Dana Hanks
at 360-733-6897. The event is cosponsored by The Bellingham Herald
and the Whatcom County Parks and
Recreation Department.
Bellingham School District starts
classes on Wednesday, Sept. 8
The first day of school in Bellingham
is Wednesday, Sept. 8.
Bus Schedules for Geneva Elementary School:
Bus #59:
8:20 126 Polo Park, Blaze Court,
92 Polo Park
8:27
Polo Park Drive and Beaver
Ridge, Polo Park and Polo Park Drive,
Polo Park and Sudden Valley Drive
8:32
SuddenValley Drive and Little
Strawberry Lane, Sudden Valley Drive
and Sudden Valley Court West, Sudden
Valley Drive and Ridgecrest Way, Sudden Valley Drive and Spring Street
8:45
Arrive at Geneva
Bus #11:
8:17
Gate 2 at Sun Mark, Lake
Louise Condos, Suden Valley at Lake
Louise Lane, Valley View at condos,
Grandview
8:20
Morning Beach Drive, Barnview
8:23
Lake Louise Road at Gate 5,
Lake Louise Road at brown fence, Lake
Louise Road at Gate 9, Western Place,
Polo Park
8:35 Arrive at Geneva
Bus #14
8:13
2510 Lake Whatcom Boulevard, 2035 Lake Whatcom Boulevard,
Lake Whatcom and Gate 3
8:16
Rotunda, Lake Whatcom
and Strawberry Point South, 2650 Lake
Whatcom Boulevard, Cherry Lane
8:35
Arrive at Geneva
Page 6
September 2004
Sudden Valley Views
Meet the candidates for the SV Board of Directors
Arthur M. “Mac” Carter
546 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
Employer: Turning Points, Inc., organizational development consultant
Wife: Penny Carter
Children: Katharine Carter
SV Property owned: Div. 36/Lot 7
Sudden Valley activities: Finance
Committee, Infrastructure and Transportation Team (Long-range Plan),
Community Development Team (LongRange Plan)
Education: B.A. and M.S. degrees in Business Management and Organizational
Development
Board involvements: president of Whatcom Macintosh Users Group
Biography:
I am a husband, father, son, a
good friend, an aging athlete, an ocean
kayaker, and an entrepreneur.
My background includes a Masters
Degree in Business and 30 years experience as an organization development
consultant working with leaders in
Arthur Carter
the U.S., Canada and Europe
to develop
healthy, effective, sustainable organizations. I have
also held management roles
in business and
in volunteer organizations.
I am currentlypresident
of WhatMUG.
org, Whatcom County’s Macintosh
computer users club. I believe in the
power of open, honest, and direct communication; personal accountability;
trust and teamwork; learning from
mistakes and driving for excellence.
Essay:
Penny and I relocated to Sudden
Valley a year ago from San Francisco
with a desire to live in a beautiful, lake
community. We love the natural beauty,
friendly people, clean air, clean water
and easy access to Puget Sound. After
settling in, we quickly got involved –
Penny joined the ACC and I joined the
Community Planning process and the
Finance Committee.
Over the past 12 months, my appreciation and vision for Sudden Valley
has expanded greatly.
I see Sudden Valley as a growing,
vibrant group of people of all ages and
diverse backgrounds sharing a deep
appreciation for the natural beauty of
the Northwest and Lake Whatcom. I’ve
also learned our community is facing
real challenges related to growth – the
kind of growth that can easily impact
our environment as well as our lifestyle.
If our growth projections are accurate,
we will witness a doubling of the number of people living here by the year
2015 – roughly 10 years from now.
We all share a responsibility to
nurture and preserve our environment
and the unique character of Sudden
Valley. As the number of families and
homes increases, we will need to find
better ways to support our recreational
programs and facilities like golf, parks,
swimming and trails... they are central
to our collective vision of Sudden
Valley.
We need to do better at partnering with our administrative staff to find
creative ways of dealing with aging
buildings, roads, infrastructure, postal
services, transportation, and longterm maintenance issues. We need to
strengthen our relationship with the
City of Bellingham, Water District 10
and Whatcom County.
In essence, I believe many aspects
of our community need to evolve and
become stronger in order to keep pace
with our growth. Our Board’s role is
to provide leadership, direction and
fiscal accountability. We need a Board
that genuinely listens to members’
concerns and aspirations, educates
us on complex issues, encourages
participation, and engages in open,
candid dialogue to determine what’s
best for Sudden Valley.
Above all, we need a Board that
can think, relate and work together
constructively to address the issues
impacting our future.
Fortunately, our Board has a real
opportunity to build on the progress
achieved in developing our long range
Community Plan. We need to take advantage of this momentum and follow
through to translate this plan into good
policies, strategic decisions and real action to support our viability and growth
as a community.
I would be honored to serve on the
Board. If elected, my intention would
be to strengthen both the quality of
interaction and our effectiveness as a
governing body. I believe we can do
better and I am committed to seeing
it happen.
Margaret Thoreson
Margaret Thoreson
165 Harbor View Dr.
PO Box 129
Bellingham, WA 98227
Employer: Visiting Angels, personal
care assistant working closely with
hospice
Husband: “Mike” Mikal Thoreson
SV Property owned: Div. 22/Lot 251
Sudden Valley activities: none yet
Education: not available
Community involvement: working
with Leukemia Foundation
Biography:
This year, after spending most
of our lives in Louisiana, my husband
Mike and I moved to Sudden Valley.
As a personal care assistant for Visiting
Angels, I help our elderly to function
on a daily basis while allowing them
to retain a sense of personal dignity.
I have a background in merchandising and design and since losing my
mother in 1970, I’ve worked extensively
with the Leukemia Foundation and
United Way.
I was born in Mississippi on the
Fourth of July, and I grew up in the deep
South where courtesy and hospitality
are very important qualities.
Essay:
In a way, as a personal care assistant (PCA), I have been training to
be one of your new Board members
for some time now. If you’re knowledgeable about hospice work, then
you know that PCA’s aren’t in this field
for the money. They are committed
to helping those who rely on them. I
love meeting, talking with and helping
people. I stand up for what I think is right
and moral and I feel that I would make
a significant contribution to our community as an SVCA board member.
Mike and I have recently developed a new website devoted to
gathering thoughts from Sudden Valley Community residents. At <http://
www.pipedesign.com/svideas>, you’ll
find lots of useful ways to let me know
how you feel regarding some of the issues that concern you the most about
Sudden Valley. You can send an email
if you’d like to <svideas@pipedesign.
com>, and I’ll personally respond with
my views on the matters that interest
you most.
I am particularly interested in
provisions for Sudden Valley’s long
term. These are easily overlooked for
immediate needs.
As you can see from my postal
mailing address above, I have a personal interest in making sure we all
have mailboxes in Sudden Valley. Right
now, I drive into Bellingham to pick up
my mail from a post office box, and I
strongly feel that we should have a
mailbox either at one of the gates or
in front of our houses.
Having only lived in Sudden Valley
for a few months, I realize that I have
a lot to learn about why things are as
they are. Are we lacking certain things
because we don’t have the money or
is some of the money that we do have
being spent on other things? Maybe
it’s time that we look “down the road”
to the Sudden Valley that our children
will grow into.
We are growing and we need to
be safe about it! In order for Sudden
Valley
to be a great place to live 10 to 15
years from
now, we’ve
got to start
developing
n e w g a te
sites from
land already
owned by
Sudden Valley; we need
to update
and communicate
our Disaster
Preparedness Plan and we need to
develop new roads while maintaining
our existing ones. If I had to dial 911 in
case of an emergency, I want to know
that I’ll get assistance in the shortest
time possible.
I think that we need traffic lights
installed at our gates. It may not be
apparent now, but with the LongRange Community Plan in mind, we’re
looking at doubling the Sudden Valley
population in the next 10 years or so, so
there’ll be more traffic on our roads and
potentially additional hazards.
It’s time to start thinking about
these thing now and start working with
the county to increase road capacity.
By 2006, Sudden Valley residents
may have to pay substantially for EMS
or ambulance services and may no
longer have WTA bus service. What
an impact this will have on our elderly
residents. How will these changes affect
our property values?
These are some of my concerns for
Sudden Valley and, as your new Board
member, I will listen to your concerns
for our future and I will pursue these
concerns without invoking conflict.
“Simply the Best”
6920 Salashan Pkwy • Ferndale
www.andgar.com
September 2004
John T. Glenn
12 Tumbling Water Ct.
Bellingham, WA 98229
Employer: Bellingham School District,
Teacher
Wife: Laurel Glenn
Children: Sheraun and Rebecca
SV Property owned: Div. 24/Lots 55,
56, 57, 58
Sudden Valley activities: None
Education: Bachelor’s degree in
Physical Education from University
of California-Davis, Master’s degree
in Physical Education from University
of California-Davis
Biography
I have a fair education and degrees
from established universities, critical
thinking abilities, and am environmentally aware and concerned for the loss
of Northwest living quality of life.
What he wishes to accomplish in
the position: maintenance or return
to a quality of life that coincides with
the nature of the Northwest, includ-
Warren J. Johnson
PO Box 29180
Bellingham, WA 98228
Employer: Alpha Technologies, Inc.,
president/chief operating officer
Wife: Sarah Johnson
SV Property owned: Div. 39/Lot 7
Sudden Valley activities: none
Education: B.S. in Accounting and
Finance from Bentley College in
Waltham, MA
Board and committee memberships: The Western Foundation at
Western Washington University, U.S.
Bank Advisory Board, U.S. Chamber
of Commerce (Washington, D.C.),
International Policy Committee, Tax
Policy Committee. Former member
of Bellingham Rotary Club and Bellingham Golf and Country Club.
Essay
My name is Warren Johnson and
I am running for a seat on the Sudden
Valley Community Association Board of
Directors. I would like the opportunity
to serve the community in which I’ve
lived for the past two years and in which
I plan to retire.
My commitment to the residents
and property owners of Sudden Valley
is to communicate openly and honestly
with my fellow SVCA Board members
and community. My integrity is beyond
reproach and I will make decisions for
the benefit of Sudden Valley, not any
special interests.
I support the long-range plan pre-
Candidates
needed
The Sudden Valley Nominations
and Elections (N & E) Committee is
soliciting candidates for election at
the Annual Meeting on Saturday,
Nov. 6, 2004. Application packets are
available at the Administration Office.
The deadline for application is Friday,
Sept. 3, 2004.
Benefit art auction
The 15th Annual Northwest Artists
United Against AIDS Benefit Auction is
scheduled for Friday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.
at 2401 Cornwall Ave. in downtown
Bellingham. Tickets are $35 and include
wine, hors d’oeuvres and an after party
with a DJ and cash bar until midnight.
The gallery preview of donated works
is one night only this year, Wednesday,
Sept. 15 from 6-9 p.m. and is free to
the public.
Evergreen AIDS Foundation (EAF)
is the largest community-based AIDS
service organization north of Seattle
and south of Vancouver, B.C. EAF offers
a continuum of services from outreach
and prevention/education to direct
care and support services for people
living with HIV/AIDS. For more information about EAF or the auction, call
360-671-0703.
Sudden Valley Views
John Glenn
ing vegetation natural to Washington
forests. Elimination of exemptions
that are making Sudden Valley look
like another suburb or renditions of
climes far to the south. A closer look at
financial statements for SVCA and the
use of its monies. Possibly an increase
of dues based on property valuation.
Potential for a school here.
There should be tighter scrutiny
of house sizes built on lots and the
removal of more trees than necessary.
The ACC may need a set of tighter,
possibly more restrictions and less
subjective, sequential steps in making
decisions.
Essay
Sudden Valley has experienced
a dramatic increase of growth with
houses being built in all gates. The
appearance of Sudden Valley has
changed: the trend is toward having
Sudden Valley look like every other suburb or development in metropolitan
areas with no eye to preserving what
is/was a unique living area.
People have come to Sudden
Valley from very diverse parts of the
U.S.A., to what was a sparsely inhabited,
uniquely Northwest living environment. Many of the people came to
this lovely area for its beauty, but have
made changes in the environment that
are reminiscent of the boring suburbs
and areas from which they moved.
Houses too large for some lots, and
achitecturally consistent with banks or
hotels have all but erased every tree and
low-growing native form of vegetation
from those lots.
Firs, Hemlock, Alder, Maple, and
Birch trees have been supplanted in
favor of quaint varieties not necessarily native to this part of the Northwest.
Large expanses of lawn and flower
gardens have replaced low-growing
specials of plant that had given this area
its lush, verdant appearance.
There is no doubt that growth
is inevitable. Wouldn’t it be nice that
an increase
of population
would not continue? But, it
is not realistic.
Containing
and controlling growth is
a key factor.
Having consistently applied
covenants and
guidelines has
surely been
the intent of the SVCA and the previous boards. Those guidelines may not
be appropriate to the current massive
influx of people to this area. It may be
necessary to rewrite portions of the
covenants and guidelines to fit growth,
but also to maintain the quality of life
in Sudden Valley.
All persons here are not necessarily interested in increasing their
property values to make money like
Warren Johnson
sented by the SVCA
Board at the recent
Town Hall meeting
and truly want to
be a part of making
that plan a reality. I
have over 33 years
of experience in
corporate finance
and general management positions
and am currently
serving on a bank advisory board, a
university foundation board, and two
committees with the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce in Washington, D.C.
My education and experience in
accounting, finance and management
and currently as president and chief operating officer of a $300 million global
company qualifies me to represent you
in moving that plan forward. I will be
retiring from full-time employment on
Dec. 31, 2004 after which I will be able
to dedicate the time necessary to fulfill
the obligations of the SVCA Board.
In order to execute a good plan,
however, cooperation and resolve are
required. My work, board, and committee experiences have given me
the opportunity to learn and apply
the skills needed to assess situations,
eliminate distractive influences, and act
on the real rather than perceived issues.
The SVCA Board should not be made
up of powerful or powerless cabals;
but should consist of members with
independent thoughts, having equal
voting rights and who represent the
community that elected them.
I believe that we as a community
should spend money on maintaining
and improving our assets including all
of its buildings, the marina, the parks
and trails system, and the golf course
facilities. Security should be a very high
priority for all of us as well as programs
for the youth of the community. In order
to accomplish all of this, the SVCA Board
must take great care in the conserva-
tion and management of two of its
greatest assets which are cash and land.
All of Sudden Valley’s assets enhance
our quality of life. We should protect,
preserve, and improve them.
I am a supporter of the newly-instituted Forest and Wildlife Stewardship
(FAWS) program. Thinning and limbing
trees to reduce fire danger in the Valley
is foremost on many of our minds. The
additional benefits of new walking trails
and wild bird habitat are suplemental
benefits of this program.
Page 7
developers and builders. Many of us
actually wish to live here for the rest
of our lives, and we would like to keep
a quality of life that includes an environment with trees, space between
houses, and landscapes that blend with
a forested area.
The growth that may occur in the
future could necessitate, depending
on the demographics, consideration
of having a school, or schools, being
built in Sudden Valley. Safety of children
and travel times to schools located
five or more miles away is a concern
that should be addressed. Whether
Bellingham School District provides
schooling or Sudden Valley develops
its own schools will need to be looked
at over time.
I ask for your vote and I will serve
you well. YOU, the ones with most at
stake, will be represented!
Page 8
Lake work is upgrade
by Steve Grieser
SVCA
General Manager
___________________
A community member asked
about construction near Lake Louise.
Construction near any body of water
must be approved by the County. The
rules and regulations which apply may
require the builder to provide mitigation
to protect the lake or stream from runoff
from the property.
If you have questions, you can
contact the ACC officer at the Administration building.
There is work in progress around
Lake Louise to regrade and widen the
trail. Cedar logs, which were laid under
the original trail, are rotting. There are
also places where erosion is causing the
trail to collapse as rain water flows down
hills and into the lake. There will also be
some construction along the Lake Louise
trail to lay electrical conduit between
two Lake Whatcom Water District pump
stations.
Summer use of the Recreation
program is high. Sale of use fees has
increased and there is a lot of member
participation. The weekend this interview was done, there was a barbecue, a
high school reunion, a swim meet and
a classic car show -- all in the central
recreation corridor.
Work on the bridge over Austin
Creek on Lake Whatcom Boulevard
continues and residents are tolerating
the inconvenience. The new, wider
bridge will provide a far safer path for
September 2004
Sudden Valley Views
pedestrians of all ages.
More temporary mail boxes are
being obtained until the first cluster
boxes can be installed in the Gate 2
area. Staff are identifying locations for
cluster boxes at the present time. We
are working with the post office and
Whatcom County personnel for name
changes of possibly eight streets in
this area. Some re-numbering will also
be required where street addresses
contain alpha characters. Residents
whose addresses will change will be
notified by the U.S. Post Office within
two months.
New cluster boxes will be installed
within three months. This will free up
200 boxes in the Rotunda.
The FAWS (Forest and Wildlife
Stewardship) program application has
been submitted for thinning forest in
Division 16 on Sudden Valley-owned
property. We will receive a response
within 45 days. Work will begin as soon
as the application has been approved.
Trees will be thinned and limbed to
enhance the health of the forest and to
reduce fire danger in the Valley.
Wet slips are full in the Marina, but
there are still a few dry storage areas
available. Three new canoe racks are
available at the AM beach, the PM beach,
and at the Marina. For canoe rentals
on Lake Louise, contact the Recreation
Coordinator, Bob Barker.
All vandalism in Sudden Valley
has been down this year, however an
access gate in the Gate 5 area has been
repeatedly vandalized. The long-term
solution is to install a heavy-duty gate
in this location which can be used as
an alternate exit in case of emergency.
This will be completed within the next
two months.
And finally, by the time you read
this article, it will be September and
children will be going back to school.
Please be very careful driving on our
roads and obey the speed limits. Pedestrians and bicyclists should be cautious
Exciting club changes
by Lee Langdon
SV Women’s Club
___________________
The Sudden Valley Women’s Club
Steering Committee is introducing a
number of new ideas this year.
The kick-off event for the SVWC
will be a tea instead of a luncheon.
“We want to enhance the traditional
interest fair. The fair is best done with
no limit on the time people can spend
learning about--and signing up for-interest groups. A sit-down event
limits interaction,”said Brenda Sample,
this year’s president of the Women’s
Club. “In addition, some people prefer
lighter fare,” she said.
“A tea provides several advantages,” Sample said. “The cost of the
tea will be just $5. Since membership
dues of $10 for the year are due at the
first meeting, women can join the club,
meet with each other, join an interest
group and have refreshments for a
total of $15.”
The Interest Fair will begin at 3
p.m. Each interest group will have
a table with a display. Women will
have an opportunity to meet with a
representative who can answer questions and sign them up for the group
or groups of choice.
If you are new to the Valley, or want
to explore new interests, this is the event
for you. There is no better way to meet
others with like interests. The current
interest groups include Bible study,
two book clubs, two bridge groups,
two lunch groups and Needlework and
Nonsense. This year, a writer’s group will
also launch. Additional groups can be
created if you have more ideas. Talk to
a member of the steering committee:
Brenda Sample, Sarah Johnson, Barbara
Swiackey, Yvonne Bryant, Elizabeth
Huthert, Stephanie Stritecky or Lee
Langdon. Also meet Steve Grieser,
general manager of Sudden Valley, and
Wendy Hewitt, director of Blue Skies
for Children.
The next change is the date of the
first meeting. The tea will be held on
the third Wednesday of September.
Meetings are usually held on the second
Wednesday, but because Labor Day is
so late this year, we accommodated
those who use the Labor Day holiday
to end their vacations. Note the new
on our very narrow roads.
If there are any specific subjects
you want covered in future articles,
please call Administration at 360-7346430.
date: Sept. 15.
The calling committee will call those
on the roster from last year. You can also
place a reservation by calling Yvonne
Bryant at 360-676-4544.
The Steering Committee voted
that during the 2004-05 year, we would
sponsor Blue Skies for Children, a local
agency that serves low-income and
foster children in Whatcom County,
and our own SVWC Scholarship fund.
There will be a basket at the registration desk at each meeting to provide
an opportunity for charitable giving
throughout the year.
Look forward to announcements about the new programs this
year, including a Valley-wide bingo
event in November to replace the Art
in the Barn show and a “Chocolate
and Champagne” event in February.
Changes in the luncheon offerings
are also planned.
Some of the Women’s Club’s
traditional events will also occur, such
as Celtic music, author presentation
and book exchange, and using fruits
to make gifts.
Fees: Cluster boxes will be a multi-year program
Continued from page 3
eral covered open-air mail delivery and
collection points near each of the gates,
as well as place smaller clusters in practical locations within the community.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will
maintain personnel at one main postal
facility in the Valley for large package
and registered mail pickup. Cluster box
numbers will be tied directly to street
addresses. The USPS will deliver larger
packages and registered mail directly to
the residence. If no one is at home, the
package will be taken to the Rotunda
for pick up.
As cluster locations are completed
and assigned, residents will have one
single address for all deliveries, whether
through USPS or private companies
such as UPS or FedEx. Some street
names will need to be changed in order
to provide addresses which conform to
Postal Service requirements, county
standards, and provide timely response
from Emergency Services.
Provision of cluster boxes will be a
multi-year program. Gate 2 will be the
first gate area to be converted. Gate 2
residents who currently receive their
mail at the Rotunda will begin receiving mail at neighborhood clusters as
soon as Sudden Valley completes these
facilities and the USPS can schedule
route delivery. This will immediately
free up several hundred boxes at the
Rotunda for temporary use by residents
of other areas. Implementation will
proceed through other areas as quickly
as possible.
Other options which were proposed were rejected because of expense and length of time to complete.
These include home delivery and a
central post office. The USPS has very
specific requirements for road quality
and accessibility for home delivery.
Many Sudden Valley roads do not
meet the minimum requirements and
would require up-grading before home
delivery would be approved.
The cost to upgrade the roads
would be significantly greater than the
cost for cluster boxes, and packages
which could not be delivered would be
taken to a main facility in Bellingham.
A central post office in Sudden Valley
would require every resident to rent a
box. The USPS would not build such
a facility, the cost would have to be
borne by SVCA members, and final
construction would not be expected
for several years.
With the continued growth and
build-out within Sudden Valley, our
infrastructure and services have been
significantly taxed. One such example
is our postal services. Whereas new
residents pay for recreational services
with use fees, the facilities which they
use are becoming stretched to the limit.
New capital funds, not covered by use
Nomination: D’Onofrio deserving
Continued from page 1
-sues in the structure of water and
sewer rates. In addition, he has been
very effective in working with other
Whatcom County leaders in attempting
to protect Lake Whatcom from adverse
effects of logging. He has been a great
contributor to Sudden Valley, the water
district, and Whatcom County in dealing with significant public issues.”
Former Sudden Valley Community
Association Board President Jon Wolfe
wrote on D’Onofrio’s behalf: “Vince has
provided both the Association and the
Water and Sewer District exemplary
service. ...Vince has devoted countless
hours of community service. You would
be hard-pressed to find a more deserving person to be recognized for their
service.”
Additional comments were sent
from Whatcom County Pete Kremen
and Bellingham City Council President
John Watts regarding D’Onofrio’s
service and commitment to area
residents.
During his tenure on the board,
D’Onofrio wrote that he has viewed the
imposed sewer moratorium from 1991
until a year ago as a “great injustice to
all property owners who were being
prevented from exercising their legal
rights to build on their property.”
The second interceptor line became operational January 2003 and the
moratorium was lifted soon after.
In addition to his service with
WD10, D’Onofrio has been involved in
Sudden Valley with the ACC.
fees, are required for replacement and
upgrade of our facilities. For this reason,
the Board voted to impose an Impact
Fee of $1500 on all new construction
which is approved after Sept. 1, 2004.
These funds will be placed in our Major Repair and Replacement Capital
Reserves and will be spent for the
postal cluster boxes and other capital
facilities.
September 2004
Page 9
Sudden Valley Views
Golfers post low scores and high marks -- for donating
Sudden Valley women golfers
combined giving and golf at the 24th
Annual Sudden Valley Ladies Invitational Golf Tournament held on Tuesday
and Wednesday, July 13 and 14. A $1,000
check from club representatives was
presented on Thursday, Aug. 19 to Carol
Brumet of the Cancer Center.
Due to the popularity of this
tournament, a full field of 132 players
came from the Sudden Valley Golf
Club, throughout Washington, parts of
Arizona and California, and a significant
contingent came from Canada.
“The reputation of this tournament
has grown year after year and players
know that this tournament, dollar for
dollar, is one of the premier tournaments to be played during the golfing
season,” Tournament chair Carolyn Gill
said. “Women put it on their calendars
at the beginning of the season and start
calling us months prior to the tournament wanting to know when they can
register.”
Gill said it seemed appropriate
that this year’s tournament theme
was “friendship.” After 24 years of this
tournament’s history, many friendships
have been formed. Yellow roses and
poems were given to participants.
However, the tournament is not
only about women and friends playing
golf together for two days each year. As
the size of the tournament has grown
each year, a member suggested the club
could use this opportunity to fundraise
and help others in the Bellingham community. From that point on, fundraising
has been a big part of our tournament
activities.
“It has never been a question
about whether or not we would do so,
but which agencies to donate to,” said
Women’s invitational successfully foccuses on friendships
by Carolyn Gill
Tournament chair
___________________
Views/ELISA CLAASSEN
Tournament chair Carolyn Gill, left, and co-chairs Jo Jean Kos
and Mary Corinies present a check for $1,000 to Carol Brumet
of the Cancer Center.
Gill along wtih Jo Jean Kos and Mary
Grimes, tournament co-chairs. “Our
donations have always gone to a local
non-profit agency and in past years we
haven chosen to see our funds benefit
work with women and children.”
This year’s $1,000 donation has
been given to the Community Cancer
Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital. It will
help them offer, free of charge, services
to Whatcom County cancer patients
--both men and women-- and their
families.
Brumet said the services include
free breast prosthesis and speciallyfitted undergarments for breast cancer
patients, as well as wigs which can be
expensive for many families not only
worried about healthcare, but about
cost. Support groups and classes are
also offered in the center.
Brumet said she has seen women
come into the center following a masectomy hunched forward, have a fitting
at the center, then walk out with head
held high and shoulders back.
The center has provided services
to the community for the last 25 years,
and added the additional services and
classes nine years ago in the building
adddition.
Security Notes
by Lynn Falus
SV secutiry
___________________
Something that was once thought
of as a minor frustration has grown
to the point where it is now a serious
problem. It is in fact, a problem that
has the potential of turning into a
legitimate disaster.
When an emergency happens,
time is often the deciding factor. A fire
that has not yet broken through the
walls and is therefore, not yet visible
from the road, is the one that might still
be put out before it destroys a home.
A heart attack victim may live or die
depending on how quickly help arrives.
When a prowler is attempting to pry
open a window, the sudden arrival of
a patrol vehicle might keep that person
from entering your home.
Most people probably tend to
think of a house address as one of the
“less important” items on their “need
to do” lists. However, the cold hard
truth is that the existence of this one
insignificant little item could literally
save a life.
As the population in Sudden
Valley increases, it becomes gradually
more difficult to find a proper number-especially during an emergency
situation! We often respond to a frantic
call for help or an alarm only to find
ourselves searching up and down the
street, trying to find any visible number
from which to work toward the one we
need. I have in fact, actually watched
paramedics running between houses
in search of a 911
victim. This is clearly a disaster waiting
to happen.
Please take the time to go pick out
some large, easily readable numbers at
one of the home improvement stores.
Post your address numbers in a way
that makes them easily visible from the
road. The life you save could literally
be your own.
Reed-Jones has organized a Hildegard of Bingen Celebration, free to the
public, with readings and music from
the works of this amazing 12th-century
woman writer, composer, and correspondent to medieval rulers. ReedJones has a Master’s degree in Music
History, and will put that knowledge to
good use on Friday, Sept.17, at 7 p.m.
at the Whatcom Museum of History and
Art at 121 Prospect St. in Bellingham,
when the Hildegard Singers will perform three of Hildegard’s songs.
The musical group, formed for this
celebration, has three Sudden Valley
members: author Reed-Jones, Patricia
Hiss, and Jimie Gregory. Reed-Jones
has even arranged one of Hildegard’s
songs for marimbas, and will perform
it with her group for a lively close to
the event.
A slide show and question-and
answer session will take place the following afternoon, Saturday, Sept. 18
Men’s Invite posts scores
by Greg Paul
Golf professional
___________________
SV author organizes book event
Sudden Valley children’s author
Carol Reed-Jones has a new book,
“Hildegard of Bingen: Woman of Vision,”
for ages 10 and up.
The 24th Annual Sudden Valley
Ladies Invitational Golf Tournament
was held on Tuesday and Wednesday,
July 13 and 14.
It seemed appropriate that this
year’s theme for the tournament
would be based on “friendship.” After
24 years of this tournament’s history,
many friendships have been formed.
The Decorating Committee did an
outstanding job of incorporating the
concept of “yellow” with yellow roses
which symbolize friendship. The committee consisted of Diane Michel, Betty
Lundine, and Christine Flacco. Each
participant was given a yellow rose
along with a friendship poem written,
especially for this year’s theme.
None of this tournament would
be possible without the assistance
from local businesses who donated
gifts and services for a raffle. These
merchants included: Trendwest Resorts,
Pro Golf Discount, Fairhaven Village Inn,
at 3 p.m. in Village Books, 1210 11th
St. in Fairhaven.
“Research for this biography
really took over my life,” Reed-Jones
commented. “Here was a woman who
broke through the stained glass ceiling
of her times. She wrote to emperors
and popes, kings and queens, and told
them what she thought they should
do, not hesitating to criticize them.
She composed songs that are some of
the most beautiful music of her time.
She wrote books of natural history
and theology.
“She was well-known enough
that people wrote to her for advice,
to request a copy of a talk she gave,
or to commission music for a church
dedication,” Reed-Jones added.” There
are books about her, written for adults.
I figured it was time to write her back
into history for children.”
Beautiful Dentistry, and Earhart Jewelers. We appreciate their willingness
to participate and thank each one for
their support.
We also would like to thank all
tournament sponsors, especially tee
sponsors. These sponsorships are
extremely important in underwriting
a portion of the cost of putting on a
first-class tournament.
Sudden Valley has a great group
of women golf club members, and
it makes you feel good to know that
everyone can work together to put on
such a nice event year after year! This
tournament is more than the work of
the chairs, it is the group effort of many
women volunteers, including some
who don’t play in the tournament.
These include the Nifty Niners group
and others. Thank you.
At the end of the day, it’s not about
the golf and the fun with friends, it is also
about recognizing the opportunity to
work together and to help others.
Men’s Invitational Scores
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14-15,
2004
Team Gross Net:
• 1st low gross - Bob Fields & Mike
Fields - 204
• 2nd low gross - Steve Card & Eric
Erickson - 222
• 3rd low gross - Bo Johanen & Roger
Ecklund - 231
• 4th low gross - Stan Zatylny & John
Kupka - 233
• 5th low gross - Steve Swiakey & Terry
Crump -235
• 6th low gross - Mark Coghill & Paul
Gisi - 237
• 7th low gross - Mike Wienkors & Todd
Church - 239
Team low net:
• 1st low net - Tony Louzao & Doug
Bennett - 207
• 2nd low net - Pete Lane & Jan Szubski - 208
• 3rd low net - Eric Mead & Gord
McOrmand - 209-Tie
• 4th low net - Byron Mosdell & Kris
Burnett - 209
• 5th low net - Thom Tschottor & Nick
Newman - 209
• 6th low net - Weldon Paton & John
Iwanson - 209
• 7th low net - Lorne Haakonson &
Bob Short - 213 tie
September golf events:
• Aug. 28 & 29 and Sept. 4 - Women’s
Club Championships
• Sept. 9, 11 & 12 - Electra Koeniger
Cup (for Women)
• Sept. 18 - Stafford Cup (America
versus Canada match)
• Sept. 25 - Men’s team with Uplands
Page 10
September 2004
Sudden Valley Views
Summer winds down in the Valley Rec. department
by Bob Barker
Recreation
Coordinator
___________________
JOB WELL DONE TO SVCA MAINTENANCE
I personally would like to thank
Tripp Williams, Erin Picolet, Paula Williams, and Josh James for a great job
this summer at the Recreation Center.
This crew at the center did an exceptionally good job and deserves a nod
of praise!
I would also like to thank Steve
Gibb and all the lifeguards, especially
Jessany Franklin, for an outstanding
year at the pool where we saw an
increase in community participation
in all our swimming programs and a
tremendous improvement in turnout
for the Sudden Valley Sharks swim team
program. Our swim team won all but
their first meeting against Bayside and
that includes the Summer Championships where our swimmers took seven
of the 10 available high point medals!
We now have a Sudden Valley
Sharks’ Swimming Record Board. In
the championship meet we set 54
new records!
It is my hope that with several
of the members of this crew returning
next summer, our pool programs will
only improve again next season! And
we would like to invite the entire community to come out and watch the
Sharks at our home meets next year, it’s
exciting, fun and the kids love it when
you cheerthem on! GO SHARKS!
• MAIN POOL WILL BE OPEN THROUGH
TUESDAY, SEPT. 7 .
• ADULT POOL WILL REMAIN OPEN
THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPT. 12
HALLOWEEN KIDDY CARNIVAL
PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, OCT. 30
FROM 7-10 P.M.
For more information about the
carnival for kids 12 and under, check
out channel 10 announcements, flyers
posted at Administration, the Rotunda,
Views photos courtesy of RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Summer recreation staff and members of the Sudden Valley shacks enjoyed a safe and successful
2004 season. In the championship meet 54 new records were set. The main pool will close Wednesday, Sept. 8, when students return to school. The adult pool will remain open until Sept. 12.
and Valley Market bulletin boards or
pick a flyer up at various locations in
the Valley.
Rec Coordinator Bob Barker sits at the wheel of the restored
1967 Ford Musting being raffled.
Garden Club begins
another year of service
by Elizabeth Hurthert
Garden Club
___________________
The Garden Club of Sudden Valley
will kick off the 2004-05 season with an
informal luncheon immediately following the program on Monday, Sept. 27.
Join us at the Rotunda at 9:30 a.m. for
coffee, tea and conversation. Whether
your gardening skills are virtually nonexistent or at “master” level, you are
welcome to come.
At 10 a.m. our program topic is
the “Art of Flower Arrangement.” Club
members Blanche Stevens and Ellen
Needham will demonstrate a variety of
styles and show us how to achieve a few
simple arrangements of our own.
The luncheon immediately after
the program will allow guests to meet
other Garden Club members and share
the hints and hazards of Sudden Valley
gardening.
The Garden Club of Sudden Valley
was formed in the 1980s and raises
funds and provides volunteers for the
maintenance of the Sudden Valley
WCA Fall season
The first meeting of the Whatcom
Communication Association (WCA) will
be on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
at Baron and Company at 1319 Cornwall
Ave. in downtown Bellingham WCA
members and the public are invited
to hear a Public Relations (PR) panel
which will include Taimi Dunn Gorman,
Alexandria Todd , Amy Carr, and possibly
an additional presenter.
Those who would like to network
before or after the meeting, are encouraged to stop at Du Jour Bistro which is
downstairs from Baron and Company
and open until 9 p.m.
The WCA meets monthly between
September and May with topics appealing to those writing for fun or
professionally in the community. For
more information,
contact <janeybennett@yahoo. com>
or <bernicesack@ juno.com>. Annual
membership is $20 and can be paid at
the meeting.
Community Garden adjacent to the
Adult Center entrance and the area by
the Rotunda. Past club projects have
included the landscaping of the circular
area outside Gate 1 and beautification
projects at various entrance gates.
The club presents a variety of
programs throughout the year, bringing
in outside experts and members on a
variety of garden topics and concerns.
Garden tours and field trips are also
scheduled during the year.
Please watch Channel 10 for details
about this or other upcoming events or
call Trish Robertson at 360-752-1634.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT SUDDEN
VALLEY’S BIG RED BARN IS BEING
PLANNED:
• Live Band
• Buffet
• Full Bar
• Party favors
Decoration committee and Cleanup committee volunteers will be
needed, so please call the Recreation
Center to help.
NEW CANOE RACKS READY FOR CUSTOMERS
Call 360-734-6430 ext 242 or 243
for information on the rental of these
new open canoe/kayak racks or come
to the Recreation Center to apply and
pay rental fees.
POOL TOURNAMENTS
Friday, Sept.17 is the start of of
the fall pool tournament schedule
--and work toward the 2004 championships to be held on Friday, Dec. 17
and Saturday, Dec. 18. Only those that
competed in at least four tournaments
earlier in the year or will compete in
two of our last three tournaments this
year will be eligible to compete in the
championship
tournament.
Our tournament Schedule is:
• Friday, Sept. 17 - 8-Ball single game
double elimination. Two tables in use.
• Friday, Oct. 15 - 9-Ball ( 2 out of 3
games, single elimination). Two tables
in use.
• Friday, Nov. 19 - Rotation race to
31 points in double elimination. Two
tables in use.
Each of the tournaments will
start at 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. to sign-in and
the tournament will start at 7:15 p.m.
sharp! Scratch Jar in effect, so come with
quarters! Entry fee for each tournament
is $10 per person with 70 percent back
in prizes, except for the final tournament
to be held on Friday and Saturday, Dec.
17 and 18. For this final Championship
tournament we will use both the Adult
center and Recreation Center tables.
Each match will consist of one game
of 8-Ball, 9-Ball and straight pool to
31 points.
Entry Fee for this one is $15 per
person. Winners will be given a place
on the annual trophy to be displayed
at the Recreation Center Trophy Case.
Call the Center for more information
734-6430 ext 242 or 243.
FLEA MARKET ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 18
FROM 10 A.M-3 P.M.
Spaces are going fast and are
limited, so hurry and get yours. As part
of our advertising we will make every
effort to get the word on KGMI 790 AM
radio over the noon-hour classifieds
and if any of you out there have the
time, make a call and let the county
know about our big flea market. The
Bellingham Herald will be advertising
our flea market dates as well as the Echo
publication in Skagit and Whatcom
counties. It will be in the Take Five of the
Herald the Thursday prior to the event
and possibly in Northwest Events.
STAFF AND BACK TO SCHOOL HOURS
ESTABLISHED
Paula Williams and Josh James
have both been hired as year round
part-time employees by the Recreation Center. Two have been hired in
anticipation of changing open times
for the recreation center throughout
the school year. Nancy Daily left our
employ prior to the start of our summer
season. She has definitely been missed
and did a great job for us for the previous two years. I wish her nothing but
good fortune in whatever she decides
to do in the future! Thank you Nancy
for a job well done and come and visit
us when you can.
Our after school hours are 3-6 p.m.
weekdays and will begin on Sept. 8.
September 2004
Sudden Valley Board Members
President:
Charles Rendina
1164 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-676-4257
Vice President:
Scott Thiele
700 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-734-0554
Treasurer:
Lance Hillengass
472 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-527-2992
Secretary:
Denise ‘Dee’ Spreitzer
1534 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-647-7131
• Paul Nuchims
210 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-671-8088
Members:
• Bob Cooper
629 Sudden Valley
Belllingham, WA 98229
360-738-0954
• Jon Wolfe
518 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-676-4424
• Dan Marantette
1423 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-734-8379
N& E Representative:
Gary Gallant
1253 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-647-5050
• Leslie McRoberts
553 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-752-0605
ACC Representative:
Ginny Hadd
1364 Sudden Valley
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-738-4849
Classifieds
SERVICES
PIANO LESSONS
I teach piano to any age, right here
in the Valley. Give Robin a call at
360-647-1127.
NANNY WANTED
Part-time Nanny for 3 days/week at
my home for 2 boys: 3 months and
3 years. Must have experience, own
transportation, and be reliable. If able
to commit long-term, call Annie at
360-595-2234.
BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
Quickbooks certifed. Over 20 years
experience. Will set up Quickbooks
and/or maintain financial records. Call
Michelle at 360-820-0933.
SUDDEN VALLEY SCRAP’N
Archival scrapbook supplies, workshops, crops and gift baskets offered.
Creative Memories consultant. Call
360-756-6002 to host a class!
QUICKBOOKS PRO PROFESSIONAL
Can job cost and customize QuickBooks Pro for small businesses. Give
Shannon a call at 360-920-8673.
360-676-8412.
LEMOINE-MCLEAN CONSTRUCTION
INC.
Remodels. Interiors. Exteriors. Decks.
Fences. Garages. Design Services
available. Phone: 360-738-0281.
HOME CHORES FOR HIRE
Housekeeper, Gardener for hire.
Windows, Laundry, Weeding, Personal Shopper. I do it all! Call Jan at
360-738-3446.
TOM CARILLO’S PAINTING AND WALL
COVERING
Small repairs--Haul unwanted items.
Cabinets repainted. Handyman. Call
360-756-1461.
PETSITTING
Sudden Valley Pet Sitters. Going on
vacation or at work all day? I can
provide all the care your companion
will need in your absence, including
feeding, walking, and all-around TLC.
Licensed, bonded and insured. Please
call for free consultation at 360-7561487. Marlinda Beduhn.
PET SERVICES
ADVENTURE DOG PET SERVICES
Your dog needs exercise! Call Heather
at 360-756-1174 to start your dog’s
trail-running adventures today! See
<www.adventure-dog.com>.
MCLEAN CONSTRUCTION
McLean Construction, 419 Sudden
Valley, Bellingham, WA 98229. Phone:
360-738-0281. House remodelsinterior and exterior. Decks. Garages.
Licensed. Bonded. Insured. E-mail:
<McLeanconstruction@comcast.
net>.
PETSITTING
I know how important it is to be sure
your pets are safe and well cared for
while you are away. I have been successfully providing loving, mature,
responsible home pet care in the
Valley for years. Let me feed, walk,
and play with your companions
DOG TRAINING
Does your dog pay attention to you?
Come when you call? Walk without
pulling? Learn how to train your
dog in a positive, fun way. Private
and group obedience classes in
Bellingham and Sudden Valley area.
Call Linda at Ridgeview Dog Training,
360-595-2131.
while you are away. I have 25 years
animal care experience, including
pets with special medical needs. Call
Linda Larkin at Ridgeview Petsitting,
360-595-2131. Free consultation visit.
Excellent SV references.
TIRED OF RAIN -- TRY TUCSON SUN!
Decorator’s Executive home, 2,300
square-foot 3 BD/2 BA beautifully
furnished, perfect for “2” couples,
walled in yard with fountain, living
room, Az. room, walk to club house
or Green Valley Mall, 15 minutes to
Tucson . 134 golf courses! You will
love it ! Available 10/04-6/05. $80/
day (2 couples/$40 each) 1 month
minimum. Call Brenda at 360-5959158 or <[email protected].
NEED A TEMPORARY HOME?
Are you looking for a temporary
home in the next few month due to
the construction of your new home?
Or are you relocating to the area and
need a temporary place to stay? We
have a fully furnished and stocked
studio condo overlooking the 18th
green in Sudden Valley available from
October through April. Conveniently
located in Gate 2, this comfortable
home away from home may be just
the place you’re looking for. $550 per
month includes all utilities and cable.
Call 360-647-8102 or <mkharlan@
msn.com>
FAMILY OR FRIENDS VISITING?
Family or friends visiting? Winter
rental? Accommodation needed?
Three BR/2 BA condo available. Call
604-272-1885.
BETTER THAN A HOTEL ROOM AND
CHEAPER TOO!
Fully furnished and equipped studio
condo that sleeps four right on the
18th fairway. Enjoy all the Sudden Valley amenities right at your doorstep.
$50/night. $275/week. Two-night
minimum. Longer terms available.
Call 360-303-9083 for reservations.
DELUXE CONDO
Security summary
July 2004
Agency Assist.........................................................42
Alarms........................................................................ 7
Animal Calls............................................................69
Arrests........................................................................ 1
Assaults..................................................................... 0
Burglaries................................................................. 9
House/Welfare Checks........................................58
Citations...................................................................45
Citizen Assist.........................................................342
Domestic Violence................................................ 4
Evictions................................................................... 5
Fire & Aid.................................................................24
ID Checks.................................................................70
Noise Complaints.................................................85
Prowlers.................................................................... 0
Shots Fired............................................................... 1
Thefts......................................................................... 4
Vandalism................................................................. 9
Traffic Stops............................................................80
Miles Driven......................................................... 5,281
CLASSIFIED RATES: $5.50 per month for up to 25 words. $6.50 for 26-40 words, $7.50 for
41-60 words. 61+ words, $1.00 for each additional 20 words. Payment MUST be made prior
to publication. DEADLINE for classified advertising for the October 2004 issue is Thursday,
Sept. 23, at 12 noon. Make checks payable to “Sudden Valley Views.” Please send ads and payment to: Sudden Valley Views, Attn: Classified Ads, 4 Clubhouse Circle., Bellingham, WA 98226,
or deliver to the Sudden Valley Clubhouse front desk. For questions about classified ads, contact
the front desk at 734-6430.
RENTALS
COMPUTER SOLUTIONS FOR YOU
Are you tired of your old cheap computer constantly giving you problems
and wasting your time? If so, All-Ways
Reliable Computers has a solution for
you. We specialize in the repair and design of mid-to-upper-end computers.
We use the latest technologies and
high-quality parts to keep you trouble
free for years to come. In addition to
design and repair, we provide many
other services, so see our website for
details. All-WaysReliable.com. Always
reliable in every way. Call Justin or Joe
at 360-224-0695 or 360-223-8810.
CHILDCARE
Specializing in infant care. CPR/
First Aid. Loving environment. No
over-crowding. Ages 0-4. Very experienced. Reasonable Rates. Excellent
References. Call Fran Becksted at
Page 11
Sudden Valley Views
Deluxe 2 BR Condo on 6th Green,
Lake view. Close to all amenities. Full
equipped. 2 TV’s, NS, NP. $90/day,
$575/week. 2-Day minimum. Call
604-984-0675.
VACATION RENTAL
Studio Condo overlooking the 18th
green and fairways! Convenient Gate
2 location near almost everything;
nicely furnished, fully equipped with
great local scenic views from the deck.
N/S. $50/night, 2 night minimum;
$225/week; double occupancy. Call
for longer stays/holiday rates. Call
360-647-8102 or <mkharlan@msn.
com>.
VACATION RENTAL
Deluxe 3 BR/2 BA condo on 7th tee,
lake view. Closest unit to main pool,
recreational facilities and Adult
Center. Beautifully furnished, fully
equipped. NS/NP. $100/day, $650
week. Long-term rates available. Call
604-988-1959.
good value. Principles only please.
Call 206-383-0340.
RIDGEFIELD VIEW CONDO FOR SALE
FSBO. 2 BD/1 BA, upgraded, with
wonderful lake and golf course view.
$142,000. Call 360-756-8601 or 206909-3436.
REAL ESTATE
FURNISHED CONDO OR HOUSE TO
RENT
Furnished condo or house wanted
to rent for Oct./Nov./Dec. and possibly longer. Our house sold. Our
new house is not ready yet! Call
360-676-9030.
TRAVEL DEALS
Best Hawaii, Mexico, Disney and Vegas
Air/Hotel packages. Call Ken your Sudden Valley agent at 360-738-9241.
WANTED
CONDO FOR RENT
3 Bedroom Condo near everything.
Fully equipped. Deck with Lake
view. N/S. N/P. $100/Day, $625/Week.
2-Day minimum. Longer periods/
non-season rates available. Please
call 360-738-3435.
TRAVEL
CASH BUYER FOR SUDDEN VALLEY
LOTS
Private party will consider lots in any
division that are buildable and are a
Page 12
September 2004
Sudden Valley Views
BUYING OR SELLING YOUR PROPERTY IN SUDDEN
VALLEY , COME TO OUR SUDDEN VALLEY OFFICE @
BUYING OR SELLING YOUR PROPERTY IN
BELLINGHAM, COME TO OUR BELLINGHAM OFFICE @
1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd.
Bellingham, WA 98229
1200 Lakeway Dr. Ste 1
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-733-3700
360-650-1010
Matthew Matulovich
REALTOR OF THE
MONTH
Open 7 Days a Week
Web page: www.sunmarkproperties.com
•
email: [email protected]
Check with our professionals
for buying, selling!
Don Parker
Realtor
John Kelleher
Realtor
Judy Fox
Realtor
Lorne Haakonson
Broker
For all your Real Estate Needs,
360-733-3700 or Fax: 360-647-6028
1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd., Bellingham, WA 98229
or visit our Website: www.sunmarkproperties.com
PRIVATE SETTING
Spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with 2
masonry fireplaces, huge family room, 2 huge
decks and a wonderful floor plan. Peek-aboo view of lake and golf course. Ready for
immediate occupancy! $179,900
GREAT LOCATION
Lake view lot next to waterfront park. All
Sudden Valley amenities. Great Opportunity.
View lots are becoming scarce.
$46,900
George Fedecky
Realtor
Larry Hendrick
Broker
Bill McRoberts
Realtor
Sheila Walls
Realtor
Come on in and enjoy
a cup of coffee
and the view from
our lakeside office.
Azam Nader
Realtor
Benny Ho
Realtor
Paul Bowen
Realtor
On-Site Property Management:
Judy Fox 360-733-3700
LAKEVIEW HOME ON DOUBLE LOT
3 BR, 1.75 BA home with large family
room. Approximately 1500 sq. ft., vaulted
ceiling, built in entertainment center,
custom fireplace, plus free standing wood
stove. Sunny double lot with level access.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Starting $250,000 to $350,000 Pick your lot.
Build to suit.
LAKE WHATCOM WATERFRONT LOT
One of the best lots right on the water. $399,000
NEW CONSTRUCTION
CLASSIC CHALET
5 bedroom, 2 bath, vaulted ceilings, hot tub,
new appliances, heat pump, newer carpets,
2 decks, two living areas. Landscaped with
rock waterfall. $229,900
BEAUTIFUL FLAT LOT
Abutting Lake Louise green belt. Easy
building site close to lake trail. Almost like
waterfront. $75,000
LAKE WHATCOM AND GOLF
COURSE VIEW HOME
GREAT LOCATION
Great Location, Gate 2. Easy buildable lot
near all amenities. Close to lake and golf
course. Natural gas available. $39,000
3 BR, 2.25 BA home. All newer appliances
included. Vaulted ceilings, formal dining,
approximately 2250 sq. ft. Loft Bedroom with
fabulous views. Large family room with free
standing wood stove. $239,900
LAKE AND GOLF COURSE VIEW
Excellent lake and golf course view lot with
level access and slopes down at back. Very
good for daylight basement. This is one of
the very few good view lots left in Sudden
Valley. $114,900
LAKE VIEW
Hard to find lake view property in Sudden
Valley park setting. Great location near all
amenities: golf course, walking trail, boating
and fishing. $99,900
Sun-Mark Properties
Still time to make changes and customize.
Amazing private double lot with views of
Lake Louise, 3488 sq.ft. with 4 bedrooms, 3.5
baths plus studio/office space, wonderful
finishes, w/ cherry floors & cabinets, acid
stained concrete and radiant floor heat.
$439,900
LAKE VIEW
Wonderful lake view property in Gate 1. Easy
building lot w/ utilities in street. This corner lot has
sun all day. $89,900
★ CONDOS FOR SALE ★
VIEW CONDO
2 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Ranch house condo
with views of lake, golf course and mountains.
Unit has been updated, well maintained and
pristine. $132,900
VIEW CONDO
Three bedroom unit close to pool and tennis
court. Large private rear deck with view of
Lake Louise. $139,000
D!
UCE
ED
ST R
JU
RENTAL DEPARTMENT
D!
UCE
ED
ST R
JU
WE NEED RENTALS!
OUR INVENTORY IS LOW.
We have applicants on file, so give us a call.
Judy at Sun-Mark Properties 360-733-3700
or FAX: 360-647-6028
UNFURNISHED HOUSES:
3A Plum Lane: 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath,
garage Rent $850 Deposit $850
332A Sudden Valley Dr.: 2 bedroom,
1 bath, fireplace, on 4 lots with creek
Rent $850 Deposit $850
16 Louise View Ct.: 3 bedroom,
family room, 2-car carport Rent $925
Deposit $925
415 Sudden Valley Dr.: 4 bedroom,
2 bath, 2-car garage Rent $1100
Deposit $1100
10 Beaver lane: 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath,
brand new home, 2-car garage
Rent $1250 Deposit $1250
3838 South Bay: 5 bedroom home
on the lake with dock Rent $2400
Deposit $2400
119 Sudden Valley Dr.: 4 bedroom,
2.5 bath, family room, brand new home
Rent $1475 Deposit $1475
FURNISHED CONDOS:
Center Condo #12: Loft on golf course.
2 bathrooms, water, sewer, garbage
paid Rent $650 Deposit $650
Ridgefield #12: 2 bedroom, 1 bath, lake
view Rent $800 Deposit $800
Ranch House #30: 2 bedroom, 1.5
bath, gas fireplace, gas heat Rent $775
Deposit $775
Lakeridge #10: 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath,
gas fireplace Rent $775 Deposit $775
UNFURNISHED CONDOS:
Ranch House #22: 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath,
all appliances Rent $750 Deposit $750
Valley View #11: 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath,
fireplace, garage on golf course Rent
$850 Deposit $850
GOOD BUILDING LOT
Very good building lot - level access with
slight slope up hill at back of lot. Newer
homes in area. All Sudden Valley amenities
included. $39,900
Pre-Licensing Course
Continuing Education
for Realtors!
1200 Lakeway Dr.
Bellingham, WA 98229
LAKE & GOLF COURSE VIEW
Clean 2 Bdrm plus bonus room with view of
lake & golf course. Close to tennis court &
pool. $149,900
VIEW CONDO
Nice 2 bedroom view condo. Complex has
pool & tennis court. Unit recently had new
carpet & vinyl floors. $134,900
Residential . Commercial . Refinance
Conventional . FHA . VA
Bankruptcy . Low Credit Score
Self Employed, No Income Verification Program
Fixed and Adjustable Rate Loans Available at
Glacier Mortgage Inc.
Call Us: Bellingham Office: (360) 650-1050 | Sudden Valley Office: (360) 733-4109
www.glaciermortgage.com