1st Quarter 2003

President's Note 

The staff and volunteers of the Springlakes Association and I, would like to express our sincere thanks to all members of the Springlakes Community for helping in making this community a better place to live. The 2002 annual meeting attendance reflected this community's commitment to participate in their community's governance. This is what makes Springlakes a truly great community. 

Reflecting on the year 2002 I see great accomplishments. The community acquired land for future development, added a pond and even managed to amend the By-laws a source of much bitterness a year before. I hope this year you will extend the same cooperation to the staff and volunteers of the Springlakes Association in achieving the Association goals for 2003. It will be a full year for all the staff and we are looking for volunteers to help us. It is a great way to know your neighbors and help in building a better Springlakes community. 

Please email me if you want to volunteer, have suggestions or concerns. 

Best wishes to you.

DECEMBER 2002 CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Christmas Party was a great time for the neighborhood children to get out and celebrate the holiday season! We had fun making crafts and visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Jay Jennings for all of their help! Thank you parents and children for making this another fun holiday event!

CHRISTMAS DECORATION AWARDS
Congratulations to this year's award winners. It was nice to see a lot of the residents decorate their homes.

Best Decorated/Lights Overall

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lejeune
130 Springlakes Dr.

Best Lights

Mr. and Mrs. Don McCullough
4225 Quail Springs Cr.

Best Decorated

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Packer
239 Kestwick Dr. West

EASTER PARTY
All Springlakes Children are invited to our neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt and Party. Please join your neighbors and friends for a fun party.

WHEN: Sunday, April 20th @ 3pm until 4pm
WHERE: Springlakes Park

**Rain ( CLUB HOUSE) or Shine
** Please come promptly at 3pm, the Egg Hunt will start at 3:10 pm
** Bring a basket or container for your eggs, and your camera
RSVP to Kristi Baker

FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL AT THE CLUBHOUSE
Please join your neighbors at the Springlakes Clubhouse once a month for a Family Fun Social!!!! All residents are invited to bring a "picnic" style meal, and enjoy a family night at the clubhouse. Children Must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your deck of cards, favorite board game, fishing pole and/or tennis racket. Usually the 3rd Friday of the month. FUN FRIDAY!!!!!!

MARCH 21, 2003
APRIL 18, 2003
MAY 16, 2003

If you are interested in serving as the Social Chair person, or would like to be on the Social Committee, please contact Kristi Baker 

THANK YOU!!!

2002 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CLUBHOUSE COMMITTEE —MELANIE VILLEMAIN, CLUBHOUSE MANAGER

· 123 Clubhouse Rentals
· Replaced furnace in Clubhouse
· Replaced Front Door of Clubhouse

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE—CHARLENE RUSHIN, CHAIRPERSON

· Published 4 Neighborhood Newsletters
· Used Private Advertising in Newsletters
· Published New Resident Directory
· Updated and Maintained Springlakes Website

COVENANTS COMMITTEE

· Maintained Active Covenants Committee for Project Review and Enforcement with 8 member Committee
· 88 Project Requests and Violations addressed in 2002

CRIME WATCH AND SAFETY PROGRAM—BYRAN AND JANET DROUIN, CHAIRPERSONS

· Maintained an Active Crime Watch Program
· Utilized "Calling Post" Phone Notification System to advise all Springlakes Residents of Crime Watch and other Important Information
· Hosted Crime Watch Program for Springlakes Residents

GROUNDS COMMITTEE AND GROUNDS IMPROVEMENTS—TOM COOK, CHAIRPERSON

· Maintained all Common Properties
· Re-Graded Pool/Clubhouse Parking Lot
· Completed Phase I of Landscaping Improvements at Springlakes Drive Entrance
· Installed No Solicitation Signs at Entrances
· Completed Landscaping Repairs from Lake Dredging

LAKE COMMITTEE—TERRY BLAND, CHAIRPERSON

· Removed Accumulation of Silt from Weirs at Playground and Footbridge
· Monitored Beaver Activity in Lake and Scheduled Trapper to Preserve Integrity of the Dam
· Maintained Water Level of Cofield Pond
· Made Necessary Improvements to the Dam at Cofield Pond

SOCIAL COMMITTEE—KRISTI BAKER, CHAIRPERSON

· Sponsored Annual Children's Easter Egg Hunt and Party
· Sponsored Annual Picnic with record attendance
· Sponsored Children's Christmas Party including Visit from Santa
· Sponsored Second Annual Neighborhood Luminaria Night on the Sunday before Christmas

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE—BILL NELSON, CHAIRPERSON

· Brick and Stucco Repaired on Matson Entrance Sign
· Tennis Court Fence Repaired after Storm Damage
· Tennis Court #1 Resurfaced
· Enclosed Porch for Additional Storage

TENNIS COMMITTEE— HENRY LAM, CHAIRPERSON

· Men's 3.5 Tennis Team competed in CSRA Tennis Association
· Junior Tennis Team competed in CSRA Tennis Association
· Tennis Court lights Repaired
· Tennis Court Net Replaced

WELCOME COMMITTEE—KAY KNIGHT, CHAIRPERSON

· Continued Neighborhood Welcome Program - 44 New Families Greeted

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

· Developed Preliminary Plan for Tennis court Layout on Cofield Property
· Budgeted Funds for Future Capital Expenditures as per Budget
· Quarterly and Annual Audits Performed by Don Berry & Associates
· Disposition of the Cofield Pond completed
· Successfully petitioned Columbia County for Installation of New Street Light on Springlakes Drive to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety.

2003 GOALS

· 5% Assessment Increase to $152 per Year
· Complete Phase I Civil Engineering Plans to Build Six (6) Tennis Courts, Picnic and Walk Area on the Cofield Property. Secure Bids, Financing and Begin Construction in 2004
· Begin Development of Phase II Plan to Expand the Pool Deck Area and Transform the Existing Tennis Court Area into an Expanded Parking Area.
· Purchase Big Screen TV with VCR/DVD for the Clubhouse
· Update Association and Clubhouse Manager Job Descriptions
· Replace the Association Manager and Evaluate Combination of Association and Clubhouse Manager Positions
· Continue Landscaping Improvements at Entrances
· Evaluate Realtor Home Listing on the Springlakes Website
· Update Springlakes Website
· Issue Updates on Flowing Wells Road Widening Plans and Schedule
· Issue Updates on Speed Hump Petitions
· Publish New Directory
· Publish Quarterly Newsletters
· Re-grade Pool/Clubhouse Parking Lot as Required
· Sponsor Annual Picnic
· Sponsor Children's Christmas Party and Easter Egg Hunt
· Sponsor Award for Best Springlakes Christmas Home Decorations
· Promote Luminary Night the Sunday Before Christmas
· Maintain all Common Property
· Maintain an Active Crime Watch Program
· Maintain Active Covenants Committee and Enforcement
· Continue Neighborhood Welcome Program
· Private Advertisements in Newsletter, Directory and Website
· Maintain Sheriff's Substation in Clubhouse
· Update Mission Statement and Guiding Principles Consistent with the By-Laws and Covenants

ANNUAL ASSESSMENT INVOICES

Invoices for the 2003 Homeowners Assessments were mailed on February 14, 2003, and are due on or before March 17, 2003. 

Assessments are $152.00 per family dwelling unit, $16.00 per residential lot, and reflect a 5% increase over 2002. 

If you did not receive an invoice in the mail, please contact the Association Manager at 855-7987 or email. For residents that are members of the Springlakes Pool, please be reminded that your pool tags will not be issued until your homeowners assessment has been paid.

Clubhouse

The Board of Directors have voted to increase the rental fees for the clubhouse to: $60 for Friday thru Sunday and $40 for Monday thru Thursday. The deposit will now be $150 or $200 depending on whether or not you want to use the TV. 

The clubhouse will now be equipped with a Big Screen TV and will be available to any renter at their event. But if you do not wish to have the TV there during your event it will be removed to the locked storage room prior to the event. It will be equipped with cable for Sporting events and a VCR/DVD player. 

This will be a great asset to the clubhouse as we have many events which people have had to bring in their own equipment for football games and meetings requiring audio/visual equipment. For a children's party you can rent a great movie and have instant entertainment.

For more details on the rental fees/deposit, please visit the Clubhouse page.

Association Manager’s Position

The Board of Directors is accepting applications for a new Association Manager. Sue Lang has served as Association Manager since December, 1995, when the position was first created. She is leaving to pursue a full-time position at The Augusta Chronicle. Anyone interested in applying for this position should send a resume and cover letter to:

Springlakes Community Association, Inc.
Attn: Association Manager Position
P.O. Box 211112
Martinez, GA 30917-1112

All applications should be received no later than March 7, 2003. Sue is available to answer any questions you may have about this position, and can be reached at 855-7987.

Job Description

Reports to: President, Board of Directors
Salary: $500.00/month
Responsibilities:

• Provide Managerial and Clerical Assistance to President, Board of Directors, and various committees within Springlakes.
• Responsible for all daily and accounting functions of the Association including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and preparation of monthly financial reports. Must have a working knowledge of Word, Excel and Quickbooks.
• Attend all Board and Executive Committee meetings. Attendance at other meetings as required.
• Correspondence on behalf of the Association as required.
• Serve as contact for Springlakes, handle phone, mail and e-mail inquiries as received, or direct to the appropriate board member or committee chairperson.

LAKE REPORT

Winter! The cold weather is helping clear up our lakes from the unwanted vegetation. Duck weed has all but disappeared, coon tail moss appears to be retreating, and in Colfield Pond, the algae is clearing up without use of chemicals. We plan on adding sterile grass carp into Springlake to help with vegetation control.

Speaking of Colfield Pond, I’m sure everyone knows it is ours!! Major work improvements to the dam was completed. We still have to plan the permanent grass and must maintain the erosion barriers until it is established. A corridor was cut through the brush leading off of Kestwick Dr. for SL residents to have access to the pond without trespassing on private property. Remember, Springlake community property is limited to only the dam and the access area between it and Kestwick Drive. Please respect the property rights of our residents surrounding the pond. Also, we will need to maintain the ‘No Fishing’ restrictions for a couple more months until the algae clears up to a safe level.

There has not been a lot of fishing witnessed on the lake the last couple of months, and the few who have been out have not been overly successful. But, as I always say, “A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work”. Now is a good time to get your tackle in shape for Spring on Springlake.

COVENANTS

We welcome the New Year and look forward to the warmer temperatures that will allow us to get outside and begin our Spring Clean-Up. Let's all take a look at our yards and use the good weather to tidy up. This means removing trash containers from view, cleaning up yard debris, removing leaves along the curb in front of your house, repairing broken fence slats, and anything that mars the beauty of our neighborhood. The Springlakes covenants require that your air conditioning units maintain low visibility from the street. Please take time to plant shrubs, etc., which will help hide the units and preserve Springlakes curb appeal. This is especially important in areas where there is new construction.

As you begin clearing your lawns from the fall, remember that our Covenants prohibit all outside burning in Springlakes. Violators should be reported to the Association Manager at 855-7987.

Spring is the time for many home improvement projects around the house. Prior written approval from the Covenants Committee is required for any project that will change the outside appearance of your home. This includes tree removal, roof replacements, painting projects, satellite dish installations, as well as room additions. 

Remember to include the Covenants Committee approval process in your time line. The Committee meets the THIRD TUESDAY of every month to review Project Requests and address violations. Project Request forms are available on this website as well as in your Resident Directory.

Crime Watch

As was noted at the January Springlakes Community Association Annual Meeting, we are pleased to report a continuing low rate of criminal activity in the neighborhood. Fewer than a dozen incidents were handled by the Sheriff’s Office in 2002. Residents who are vigilant and report suspicious activity provide a great service to our community and contribute immeasurably to the level of security we all enjoy.

We recently experienced an entering auto (theft) incident and others have been reported in nearby subdivisions. This is a good time to remind all residents to remove valuables and lock vehicles that are parked outside. Do not provide an easy target for would-be thieves!

With spring and warm weather approaching, please remember to use extra caution as you drive throughout the neighborhood. Let’s keep our streets safe for pedestrians and those on bicycles.

The use of recreational vehicles on our streets by children and teens is increasing. Please familiarize yourself with the regulations concerning the operation of golf carts, go peds, and other motorized vehicles such as dirt bikes. Detailed information is provided on the Crimewatch page as well as in the resident directory.

· Drivers of golf carts within our neighborhood are required to be 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Golf carts must have front and rear lights to be operated after dark.

· Go-peds do not have age requirements but must be operated in a safe manner consistent with the rules of the road for bicyclists.

· Dirt bikes are classified like motorcycles, are intended for off road use only and are not permitted on our neighborhood streets.

Keep Springlakes safe! Please remember to report speeding vehicles and suspicious persons to the Sheriff’s Office at 541-2800.

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS

No vehicles (dirt bikes, go-peds, golf carts, etc.) should be operated in the vacant Cofield Rd. property. This property is off limits for recreational use at this time due to liability issues and the potential for injury. This area will be monitored for unauthorized use and violators reported. (This a reminder...residents have previously been advised of this policy.) Violators will be held responsible for any incident on the property.

Residents should be reminded that bicycles, in-line skates, and skate boards are strictly prohibited on the tennis courts due to the damage which they cause to the surface. Maintaining the courts in good condition is expensive and is a cost shared by all residents in the neighborhood. Violators will be reported whenever possible. Great effort is made to provide quality courts and easy access for residents who want to play tennis. Residents: please do not spoil this privilege for everyone by allowing your children to use these courts for riding or skating!

Swim Team

We may still be in the middle of basketball season, but several of people have been busy getting ready for the upcoming swim season. Jennifer Miller is coordinator again this year and there’s a crew of dedicated volunteers who have been working very hard.

Coaches

First, Adam Lewis has agreed to be our coach this summer. Adam did a great job as assistant coach last summer and he’s very excited to be taking on the head coach job. He has lots of great ideas about how to make this a great summer for all the swimmers and their families.

Kathleen Greeley decided to step down so her family can take a well deserved summer vacation.

Adam will be looking for assistant coaches so if you’re interested contact either Jennifer Miller or Adam.

We plan to have evening practices this summer. This should make the team more accessible to more kids and often options for kids who don’t like those 8:30 a.m. practices. Those details will be worked out later.

Summer Schedule

Springlakes has moved to Division 2. This summer we’ll be swimming Jones Creek, Farmington, North Augusta Country Club, Cambridge and Woodbridge. It should be a much more competitive season for us. And it’ll be great to be swimming teams so close to us.

Here’s the schedule:

May 20—Preseason Party (Information meeting for parents) at the Clubhouse
June 3 —Springlakes @ Farmington
June 10—Cambridge-Stevens Pointe @ Springlakes
June 17—Springlakes @ Jones Creek
June 24—Woodbridge @ Springlakes
July 1—North Augusta Country Club @ Springlakes
July 15—Stingray Mania at the Clubhouse

The division championship meet will be sometime the week of July 7. The All Star meet will be July 13.

Directory Ad Sales

The swim team is again selling ads in the Springlakes directory this year and your help is needed.

The team needs to buy equipment like a lane rope spool and cover. Also, they’d like to invest in a PA system so everyone can hear starts and announcements at meets. Also, this summer there are plans for more social events for swimmers and families. Among the ideas being tossed out are Monday night pasta dinners, ice cream parties, and pizza parties. Money from the ad sales will help pay for coaches, equipment and the social events.

Dianne Kirby has graciously volunteered to head up the ad sales. She will be contacting people in the neighborhood with businesses who might be interested. She’ll also be contacting businesses outside the neighborhood.

The deadline to order ads is March 10.

Here’s what you can do to help.

1. If you have a business and would like to take advantage of this advertising opportunity, please contact Dianne or Jennifer (refer to your Springlakes printed directory). Springlakes residents will get first option on ad space. No outside advertising will be sold to businesses that compete with Springlakes residents. (If residents own competing businesses both will be allowed to buy ad space.)

2. If you can help sell ads please do. Even if you only contact your neighbor who is a tax preparer it would be a huge help. It only takes a few minutes to ask and the benefits to both the swim team and the business owner are huge. I think most of us will like to deal with our neighbors whenever possible.

3. If you can’t contact the person yourself, pass the name on to Dianne or Jennifer. Just don’t let us pass up an opportunity to sell an ad (or have our neighbor miss the chance to get his message out) because we didn’t ask. Ads are very reasonably priced and businesses in the neighborhood will get priority.

4. Even if you don’t have a business we encourage you to consider supporting the team by purchasing an ad. It might mention your child, an age group or just say something like:

Example:
Go Sally and Bobby Smith
Love,
Mom and Dad

Families might consider going in together to purchase an ad – the cost would be very small that way.

Other Important Dates to Remember

March 10 - Deadline to order ads for the Springlakes Directory. Contact Dianne Kirby (refer to your Springlakes printed directory) for information

March 26, 27,28 - Bring Swim Team Rummage Sale items to the clubhouse
6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday, March 29 - Swim Team Rummage Sale at the clubhouse
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Change Directory Information

If you need to make changes to your information that was printed in the directory last year, please do so by sending an update with the  following information to Amy Catlett by March 15, 2003:

Name
Phone number
Address
Babysitter
Plant sitter
Pet sitter
Lawn/Yard Work
Would you like to add your email address? 

Please return in one of the following ways:

By mail with your assessment payment
By email at communications@springlakes.org
By fax 706-210-0338
Or drop off at 4211 Quail Springs Circle

SPRINGLAKES OUT TO LUNCH BUNCH

The Springlakes “Lunch Bunch” would like to invite all interested ladies to join us for lunch on the second Tuesday of every month. It’s a great way for new residents to meet their neighbors, and for old friends to catch up. The “lunch bunch” meets at 11:30 am. Anyone interested, please contact Sheila Pedraza (please refer to your Springlakes printed directory) to arrange for seating ahead of time.

Jan. 14 - Ruby Tuesday July 8 - Fr. Market West
Feb. 11 - Ciao Bella (Surrey) Aug. 12 - Applebees (N. Belair)
Mar. 11 – Macaroni Grille Sept. 9 - Evans Diner
April 8 - Rae’s Coastal Cafe Oct. 14 - Cadwalladers
May 13 - Giuseppe’s (Wheeler) Nov. 11 - Poppyseeds (Walton Wy)
June 10 - Logan’s Roadhouse Dec. 9 - French Mrkt. (Surrey Ctr)

WELCOME NEWEST RESIDENTS

As spring approaches and our hibernation comes to an end, let’s be intentional in noticing new residents and neighbors in our community! Why not go out of your way to make these new folks feel right at home in their new home?! As you welcome new residents, please contact Kay Knight @ 860-5766, so that she can ensure they receive the “Official Springlakes Welcome Packet.” It’s a pleasure living in a friendly community.