May 2005 (Second Quarter 2005)

A Note From The President...Joe White

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers of the Springlakes Neighborhood Association.  I would especially like to thank Sheila and Lou Pedraza, Cindy Hennigan, Hank Beitzel, and Julie Kenny for the remarkable job they have done getting the Springlakes pool ready for our summer season.  Everything looks fantastic and they have really put in some hard work.  Be sure to join the pool if you haven't already!  Contact the membership committee to join!

Lake Report…Terry Bland

A new fishing pole: Twenty five dollars --- Georgia resident fishing license: Nine dollars --- A five pound bass: Priceless!! No, I didn’t catch it, I’m sorry to say, but the angler who did sure had a priceless grin on his face. And, yes, he did release her back to the lake. I witnessed a father with his young daughter fishing. She caught a five ounce blue gill. You know, she had the same priceless grin as the seasoned angler when he caught the bass. As you can guess, the fishing has been good this spring. The lake is in as good a condition as it has been in the past five years and our goal is to keep it that way. Please help us maintain it. By the way, the new fence surrounding the park area looks great and really complements that area. Great job Tom Cook! I don’t get over to Cofield Pond too often, but whenever I have, it appears to be doing as well as Springlakes. Thanks to those who have taken charge over there. Well, that’s all I have for this period—Go out and enjoy one of our neighborhood’s prime assets. I am.

Welcome Committee Report…Brenda Bland

This has been a busy year for welcoming new families into the Springlakes community! I want to thank all of you who have called and reported new families in your neighborhood. It has been a big help to me and Joy Cook, who has been assisting me in distributing directories.

We would like to welcome the following families:
Bonnie Hughes
Eric & Shay Meaders and children, Jessica & Anthony
Brian & Christine Bunker
Robert & Beulah Teachey
Hoby & Cile Crozier
Carter & Mindy Murphy and Jack
Angela Brabham
Edward & Susan Huff and Nathan
Chris & Katie Driver and Ethan
Cathy & Charles Brinson and Macy and Mitchell

SPRINGLAKES NEIGHBORHOOD PICNIC

Saturday, August 20, 2005 4-8 PM

Residents are invited to enjoy the swimming pool and dinner together at the clubhouse area. More details will be available later in the summer. You MUST make reservations. If you would like to “buy” a booth, or know a friend who would like to sell items during this time, contact Kristi Baker.

Fee is $10 per booth and proceeds go to the Springlakes Swim Team.

It’s time to join the pool for the summer! 

The Pool Committee has been hard at work so that everyone can enjoy a fun and relaxing pool season.  Residents can join for $275 and Senior Residents can take advantage of our "Over 60 Empty Nest" membership at just $150. This season the pool will be open weekends until the end of September.  We look forward to seeing everyone at the pool this summer.  Please contact Sheila Pedraza if you are interested in joining.

SPRINGLAKES STINGRAYS SWIM TEAM

It’s not too late to join the Swim Team. If you are 18 or younger and would like to socialize with other kids in the neighborhood and swim, this is the place for you! We are fortunate to have two excellent coaches, Rebekah Moody and Sharon Rogers. There are morning and/or afternoon practices, and swim meets are on Tuesday nights. There are no tryouts and you do not need to know all your strokes. The coaches will help you. If you would like to join contact Marianne Petras.

Be Kind to your Neighbors

There seem to be many unnecessary and unpleasant things happening in OUR neighborhood. We ask all residents to keep their eyes and ears open and encourage calls to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department ( 541 1043 ) if anything out-of-the-ordinary, illegal or dangerous is observed.

Some of the problems that “a few” have already caused for the whole neighborhood:

• Climbing the fence to swim in the pool when it is closed.
• Writing graffiti at the pool , club house, playground or on benches.
• Destroying the railing on the footbridge.
• Driving a golf cart illegally (you are supposed to be 16 years old to drive a golf cart). Driving a golf cart carelessly or in a way that could endanger walkers or car drivers.

The Board has met and reviewed these and other acts of vandalism and has taken action to increase security. Please help us all by urging family members to be courteous and neighborly, but alert to situations that require outside help.

Hats! Springlakes Hats!!

Looking for a Fathers’ Day gift for DAD? Would you like to wear a Springlakes hat at your next golf outing? The SWIM TEAM is selling Springlakes hats for only $10 each. If you would like to order one for Fathers’ Day, contact Marianne Petras or Kristi Baker. They will also be available at the neighborhood picnic.

Covenants and Springtime….Jay Jennings

Now is the time that many of us are beginning to think about Springtime projects. Make sure you understand and follow the covenants in your planning sequence. Remember that any project that alters and/or changes the exterior appearance of your home or lot, in any way, must first receive prior written approval before you may start. If you have any doubts if Covenant Committee approval is required for your particular project, call first and discuss plans before you proceed. Below are some common questions about the Springlakes Covenants:

My house is older; is it covered under the covenants anymore?
Article VI of Springlakes Covenants is entitled “Additional Limitations.” In summary it states…Covenants are enforceable for a period of twenty (20) years from the filing date of this Declaration, after which time all said covenants shall be automatically renewed and extended for successive ten (10) year periods. The number of ten (10) year renewal periods hereunder shall be unlimited…Conclusion: Springlakes covenants are enforceable and will be enforced by the covenants committee (including going to court, if necessary.) All residents can be assured that their covenants are being uniformly enforced throughout Springlakes.

Can cars be parked on the street?
Normally, the Covenants Committee will not say anything about this, unless it is creating a safety issue. Cars are permitted to be parked on our streets as long as they are properly licensed. We do not encourage the practice because it detracts from the appearance of the neighborhood. However, once again, if it is creating a safety issue, then we will get involved and quickly correct the matter.

Are we allowed storage sheds and satellite dishes?
We have had a number of issues recently brought to this committee’s attention concerning these particular items. Both are permissible, but there are specific guidelines which must be followed before they can be placed upon your lot. If you are thinking about placing one of these items on your property, please call first to make sure that you understand these requirements.

The Covenants Committee meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at our club house. We are always seeking new members. Please never hesitate to call if you have questions.