October 2007
 

Nominating Committee/ Annual Meeting

The next annual meeting of the Association will be held on January 8, 2008.  At this meeting, residents will elect eleven members to serve on the Board of Directors, one of whom will serve as the Association President.  Residents desiring to submit nomination(s) must submit a written request containing the signatures of at least three(3) residents supporting each nomination to:

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

This year’s Nominating Committee chairperson is Rob MacGregor with members Ray Keeler, Bernie Pella and Donna Latremouille.  Nominations must be delivered to the Nominating Committee at the above address on or before December 3, 2007 to be considered at the annual meeting.

Basket Weaving Class

Are you interested in learning to do this quick and simple basket?  The holidays are just around the corner and this will jump start your holiday crafts. If so please contact me – Randy Barrs at 706-799-1262.  We will be having class in the clubhouse on Saturday, November 3rd.  The class will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end approximately 1:00 p.m.  Everyone will leave with a finished basket that you will be proud of. 
 
There will have to be at least 10 people registered before the class will be taught.  The class is free; the cost of the materials is $15.00 and it includes everything that you will need to complete your project.  All of the supplies will be furnished, but I do ask that you bring an old hand towel if you have one. I also ask that a deposit of $7.50 be sent to me or dropped off by Saturday, October 27th to guarantee you a space in the class.  This basket will make a great gift, but I do ask that there are no children under 13 in the class please.  Men ---- you be sure and register ---- if I can weave so can you!
 
Again ---- think about the holiday season and come and learn something that will be quick, easy and fun!  I hope to see you there!
 
     Randy Barrs
     116 Reed Creek Road
     Martinez, Georgia  30907

Association Manager’s Notes… Marianne Petras   

We have a few changes in the people involved in leadership roles in the Springlakes Association.  Billy Adams has accepted the position as Tennis Chair, and with the resignation of Jay Jennings as Covenants Chairman, that position is available.  Committee members for ALL committees are always needed to help guide the challenges facing this neighborhood.  Just call the appropriate chairperson or let the President or any Board member know of your interest.
 
The Board needs to hear from any resident who has an opinion or needs 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.  Because the Board does not meet every week (nor sometimes even every month) please give them 30 days to research and respond.  In this way, you can be assured that your answer is the result of collaborative effort. No individual member of the board  should be questioned and expected to speak for the entire group. 

Clubhouse News…..Cindy Hennigan

The clubhouse is getting busier with the coming fall/holiday season, so please call or email to make sure the date you want and see open on the web calendar is indeed available. There are dates reserved but awaiting signed agreements and payments before they are added to the web calendar.

706-399-5178 or clubhouse@springlakes.org

Thanks, Cindy 
 
The 2008 calendar is ready!

Swimming Pool…...Ed Miller

The pool at the entrance to the neighborhood is an asset to every home in the neighborhood whether you belong or not,  and the pool increases the value of your property. The Pool Committee is looking for ways to encourage more residents to join the pool.  It is a great way to meet more neighbors and socialize.   What could the pool offer that would make you join if you are not already a member?  We want to know!   Please call  Ed Miller, or Bob Petras and give us your ideas.

The pool had another wonderful season.  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 2008 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:
Covenants Committee Chairperson and committee members               
Pool Committee (Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, Activity Coordinator)

For more information call 706 855 7987
 

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE

November 10th 7am– 11am

We will hold the 3rd annual Fall Neighborhood Yard Sale on Saturday, November 10th.  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.   Please place a balloon on your mailbox to show you are participating.

SPRINGLAKES WINE TASTERS

This activity is 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.  More Info>>

Spooky to be Hungry– October 27th

We need your help again with our Springlakes It’s Spooky to be Hungry food drive.
We will stop at every neighborhood home on  Saturday, Oct. 27, between 9 am and 1pm.  Last year you (Springlakes) donated over 2200 lbs of food and $1400!!   We still need volunteers to help with the home pick-up (17+ teams) as well as your donations.  Call Brenda Bland:  706-868-8211 or Cindy Hennigan:    706-855-1030     
Thanks!

Tennis……….Billy Adams

We are fortunate to have 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 who 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 playing and the gate is locked. If you don’t have a key to the courts, contact the Association at 706-855-7987 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 misused.

Social Committee…... Kristi Baker

Picnic
The Social Committee put on a wonderful neighborhood picnic.  Neighbors enjoyed food, canoes, swimming, the reptiles, moon bounce and the awesome DJ.  Thank you Kristi for all your hard work putting this together.
 
Children’s Social Activities
There will be a children’s Halloween drop-in party at the clubhouse on October 31 from 4:30 to 5:30.  Bring a dish to share with the other goblins. Drinks will be provided.  Call Kristi Baker to RSVP
 

Club House Renovation Status

The Club House Renovation committee is busy putting together a plan to renovate the clubhouse.  If the project is approved by the members of the Springlakes Homeowners Association, work should begin in mid February or early March 2008.  When the members of the Committee and the Board of Directors of the Association are in agreement with a plan they feel best meets the needs of Springlakes and is in the best interest of the homeowners of Springlakes, the Board will present a recommendation to the members of the Springlakes Community Association (the homeowners) for a vote as required by the by-laws of the association. The Board will propose to the Association members that a renovation be funded through the sale of property owned by the Association off of Cofield, and possibly Knollcrest Circle, utilization of existing funds, and securing a loan if required. The Board does not support an assessment increase for the purpose of upgrading the clubhouse.

It is the opinion of the Board that a renovation and expansion of the clubhouse would be a significant asset for the homeowners of Springlakes. It would enhance property value, increase the desirability of the neighborhood for prospective home buyers and move Springlakes to the level of newer competing neighborhoods. The Renovation Committee is currently working with the architectural firm Studio 3, which is completing the design work. The Board of Directors in the process of determining the value of the property on Knollcrest Circle that the Association owns. They are also working with an engineering firm and a certified appraiser.

Lake Report…..Terry Bland

Boy, where did the summer go?   Fall is in the air—falling leaves, falling pine needles and falling temperature.   Speaking of falling leaves, please take care to pile them where they will not be washed into the storm drains, ditches, drainage creeks, and/or the lakes themselves.  Heavy rains will wash them into both Spring Lake and Cofield Pond.  Thanks for your cooperation.
 
We are planning to lower Spring Lake’s water level approximately 5 feet this winter to allow residents on the lake time to do repairs.  We plan to begin the first of January and try to have it lowered between three and four weeks.   The weather will be the final determining factor in our schedule, but those are the dates as of now.
 
 Anyway, yours truly has not been on the lake much this year.  It’s been too hot.   I have been content to just enjoy it from afar.  However, I have noticed several boats out on the lake lately.  That looks like a good idea.  Remember my motto and enjoy—A bad days’ fishing is better than a good day at work. 

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. 
We would like to welcome the following families:
Brad & Amy David

• Steven George
• Darrah Skinner
• John & Kelly Gregg
• Michael & Indira Donegan
• Michael & Crete Peters
• Rev. Dan & Carol Brown
• Heidi Padovano
• Calvin & Rosalind Lawyer
• Maria Pullen
• Stacy Bennetts

If you have not received a new directory or know of someone who has not, please call me and I will get one delivered right away.  Thanks so much for the many phone calls informing me of new residents!  It is very helpful and they receive a welcome and directory on a much more timely basis.

Covenants Committee….Vacant

Turnover in every large neighborhood (and Springlakes is the second largest neighborhood in Columbia County) is common.  Turnover is also common in the volunteer positions.  To ensure that all current volunteers in the neighborhood understand Springlakes Covenants, a recent class was held for Board members, chair people and the Covenants Committee to educate these neighborhood leaders on Springlakes covenants.  Now we are actively seeking new members and a leader for this important committee.  If you are interested, or know of someone who the Board members could contact about assuming this roll, please contact one of the Board members.

As fall comes,  please remember there is NO BURNING IN SPRINGLAKES!  While we would like everyone to cleanup their yard, we ask that you dispose of your yard waste in a different manner.
 
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. 
                                          
Coyotes:  Coyotes continue to be spotted in our area.  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!