September 2006
 

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT…..TOM COOK

As many of you know, Joe White reluctantly had to resign the duties of Springlakes Association President due to the increased work load that came with a career advancement. Being president is a tough job, and Joe’s competence made it look easy. Our thanks for two years of hard work and best wishes for the future follow Joe.

As vice-president, the leadership responsibility has now fallen to me. This is YOUR neighborhood and YOUR association and I hope to involve you as I try to follow Joe’s successes. Please take note of the following item regarding an upcoming project. Rob McGregor will be heading up this effort, along with the help of others, but the input and approval of neighborhood residents is essential.  

CLUBHOUSE RENOVATION

It is the opinion of the Board that a renovation and expansion of the clubhouse would be a significant asset to the homeowners of Springlakes. It would enhance property value, increase desirability of the neighborhood for prospective home buyers and move Springlakes to the level of newer competing neighborhoods. The Clubhouse is in need of substantial repair and upgrade—inside and outside. The Board of Directors of the Springlakes Community Association (your Home owners’ association) are currently exploring and reviewing options to update the clubhouse. Please understand that the Board is ONLY exploring, examining and analyzing options, NOT proceeding with any major project. In so doing, they are fulfilling their obligation to manage the “common property” of the association. One set of architectural concept drawings were on display at the picnic showing a possible renovation-expansion scenario. This concept would add 700 square feet of interior space and 1150 square feet of exterior space in the form of decking.

The Board is very interested in soliciting your comments. Please let us know what you think and give us your suggestions. Your written comments must include your name and address to be considered.

When the members of the Board agree on a plan they feel best meets the needs of Springlakes and is in the best interest of the homeowners of Springlakes, they will present a recommendation to the members of the Springlakes Community Association (every homeowner) for a vote. This is required by the by-laws of the association. At that time, the Board will propose to Association members that these changes be funded through 1) the sale of property owned by the association off of Cofield, 2) utilization of existing funds and 3)securing a loan if required. The Board does not support an assessment increase (above the annual 5%) for such upgrades.

ASSOCIATION MANAGER’S NOTES… MARIANNE PETRAS

The Board would like to hear from you if you have an opinion or need clarification on an issue. The most effective and proper way to address the Board is in writing. All questions, suggestions and information that would help Board members understand the situation/request should be submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the Board, PO Box 211112, Martinez, GA 30917. This way the Board, as a whole, can give an answer and can ensure you that it is the result of collaborative effort. Because the board does not meet every week (nor sometimes even every month) please give them 30 days to research and respond. No individual member of the board should be questioned and expected to speak for the entire group.

We have a few changes in the people involved in leadership roles in the Springlakes Association. In addition to Vice President Tom Cook stepping into the presidency role, Helen Hurd has taken over the vacancy on the Board. We also have accepted Cindy Hennigan as the permanent Clubhouse manager. All of these positions take a lot of time and we appreciate everyone who volunteers and makes this neighborhood a place we are proud to call home.

CLUBHOUSE NEWS…..CINDY HENNIGAN

Many parties and meetings have been held recently and the holidays are approaching. Call 399-5178 or e-mail the Association to reserve dates. A friendly reminder that rental fees are non-refundable, non- transferable to other dates, and the clubhouse is a non-smoking facility.

The 2007 calendar will be ready soon.

Several LOST and FOUND articles have been collected including a pair of ladies sandals, some boys sandals, a silver peace sign earring, a decoration from India, a very nice piece of jewelry and a white satin square tablecloth. Call if these might belong to you.

Due to recent vandalism and resulting insurance claims for damage to Springlakes commons areas (tennis courts, pool, and surrounding area of clubhouse), the Board has taken preventative measures to protect our collective assets. Video security cameras (without audio) have been installed inside the clubhouse and at the neighborhood common grounds.

POOL…...LOU AND SHEILA PEDRAZA

After two years of working with the pool, replacing the deck, and putting countless hours in, the Pedrazas will retire for the 2007 pool season. Thank you Lou and Sheila for all your hard work! Bill Hennigan has also been hard at work keeping the books for the pool. He has had a change in workload at his “paying job” and will also retire for the 2007 pool season. Thank you Bill for all your trips to the bank! Now we need YOU! The pool is in need of people willing to volunteer to be on the pool committee. The pool stays running because of volunteers. If you are interested in helping with the 2007 pool season, it’s not too early! Please let us know!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Neighborhood is in need of volunteers. Springlakes is kept up by volunteers. We are looking for people who want to make a difference in our community and can help out. Positions that are available are:

• Covenants Committee
• Crimewatch Chairperson
• Pool Committee

For more information call 706 855 7987

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE
October 7th 7am– 11am

We will hold the 2nd annual Fall Neighborhood Yard Sale on Saturday, October 7. The Springlakes Association will advertise in the newspaper and put signs and flyers at the entrances. Residents will be responsible for setting up items for sale in their own yards/driveways, etc. Last year was very successful. If you would like your house to be listed in the flyers, contact the Association at 706-855-7987.

SPRINGLAKES WINE TASTERS…...JEANNE FREIBERT

Open to any adult resident of Springlakes, the wine tasters meet at the clubhouse about four times a year—usually on the third Friday evening of the month. This is a very low key and sociable gathering: all attending bring a bottle of wine and plate of canapés to share.

The next “tastings” will be September 15th and November 17th at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call or write Jeanne at  706-863-0254 OR send an email to jeannefreibert@bellsouth.net

PROPERTY FOR SALE

The Springlakes Board is pursuing the sale of lots owned by the Association. 3 lots are on Knollcrest and a big lot is behind Kestwick Dr East. No lots will be sold without the neighborhood’s approval as specified in the by laws. . If you are interested in any of this property please contact the association at 706-855-7987.

TENNIS……….RON LOTZ

The fall tennis season is about to start and Springlakes will be well represented. The Men’s 3.5 team is returning again this year with Henry Lam as Captain. The team will practice on Tuesday nights from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Play days are Saturdays from 9:00 AM until noon. This year there will also be a seniors 3.5 level team playing at Springlakes with James Hudgins as contact person. Seniors will play on Sundays starting at 5:00 PM and should end by 8:00 PM. This team won first place last year and is working hard to repeat. Let’s all wish these players well; they work hard to be successful.

As many of you have noticed there are trash cans on courts one and three. I go to the courts several times a week to ensure they are emptied but if you are playing and notice they are full please take the time to empty them in the large can just outside the gate. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

We have been fortunate in finding a tennis instructor to help those who need to brush up on their game or learn how to play from the beginning. His name is Mike Moody; Mike has nine years of experience teaching at Newman Tennis Center and teaches groups or individuals. If you are interested Mike’s phone number is 706-651-8229.

Play on our courts has increased significantly over the last year. We have also seen many people that are not residents playing on our courts. These are not public courts; they belong to you and I as Spring Lakes residents. Please help me by making sure that the lights are turned off when you are finished play and the gate is locked. If you don’t have a key to the courts, contact me at 706-868-6647 and I will get you a key. We have spent several thousands of dollars to ensure the playability of our courts and it is in everyone’s best interest to make sure they are not abused or misuse

STINGRAYS SWIM TEAM….MARIANNE PETRAS

The swim team finished the 2006 season on July 1. Ryan and Brittany coached a very good year. We had many individual successes with some of the best swimmers in the area!! However. as a team (that only swims in the summer), we need more members. The more swimmers we have, the better we can do! We would like to show our community pride and win over Jones Creek and West Lake teams. Start thinking NOW about 2007 and keep your eyes out for Swim Team news next Spring!!!!! If you will be between 4 and 18 on June 1, would like to socialize with other kids in the neighborhood, and swim, this is the activity for you! You don’t even have to be an awesome swimmer to make a big contribution. There are no tryouts and you don’t need to know all your strokes—the coaches will help you. Swim meets are on Tuesday nights. Come out and support our team.

COVENANTS….JAY JENNINGS

What a busy nine (9) months your committee has had. I would like to welcome our two newest members to this committee. Their support is certainly welcomed. We have a beautiful neighborhood which all of us should be proud to have people drive through or want to live in. It really takes all of our efforts to help maintain the standards we currently enjoy. If you have questions about our covenants or just want to report a possible violation, please call me at 860-0383 or e-mail me at jenninjj@aol.com.

I recently attended a Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s “Not Just Coffee” event. Part of their purpose is fostering relations between Ft Gordon and Columbia County. BG Randy Strong, Ft Gordon Commanding General, was the guest speaker. He shared a chart that was complied from an informal survey on “Why Folks Live Off-Post in Columbia County”. Cleanliness/Covenants was near the top of the list. People know that enforcing covenants in sub-divisions is beneficial to everyone.

Renovations: Remember that if you plan a project that will alter the exterior appearance of your property in any way, you must receive prior written approval before proceeding. If you have questions or are in doubt, call and ask.

Pets: Cute and sweet, but can be a problem within the neighborhood. Springlakes covenants and a Columbia County Ordnance state that “anytime your pet (dog and/or cat) is outside, it must be on a leash and under the complete control of its owner.” This includes proper pick up and disposal of waste. Call us or Columbia County Animal Control who will come out and issue citations, if required.

Driveways & Curb Appearance: Please try and keep your driveway free of any debris, including wood piles. And please, after cutting your grass, take a moment to trim the grass/weeds growing over your curb. What a big difference this will make!

Golf Cart Safety continues to be a concern. Neighbors really don’t want to have a serious injury or death before people think twice about how they or their children are driving in the neighborhood. REMEMBER - Legally you must be 16 years of age with a driver’s license to drive golf carts. Proper turn signals must be used, stop signs must be obeyed, in the evening lights should be on, and golf carts must stay on their side of the road.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE…... KRISTI BAKER

The Social committee put on a wonderful neighborhood picnic. What looked like we were going to be “rained out” seemed to be one of our most attended picnics ever!! And it DIDN’T rain! Thank you Kristi for all your hard work putting this together.

WELCOME COMMITTEE…...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.

COYOTES

Coyotes have been spotted on Kestwick East and West and Cofield. Please do not leave pet food of any kind out and keep cats and small dogs in over night. If we eliminate the coyotes food source they are more likely to leave!