Living in the Neighborhood
OktoberFest – In Trouble for 2010?Time is running out. We are looking for one or two neighbors to chair this annual event. There always seems to be an endless supply of helpers and volunteers, but we do need a chairperson. There are also plenty of notes on experience from previous years. If you are interested, please contact a member of the Council of Stewards. A chairperson must be named by August 1 to insure continuation of this tradition. The neighborhood celebrates with a party annually in Faulkner Square. This is a budgeted event supported by the Neighborhood Association. Advance planning is required to reserve park facilities from the Town of Davidson. |
Harper Lee Street Celebrates!
Harper Lee published only one book in her time as an author. She probably felt that it would be impossible to top first-time success, and indeed, she would most likely be correct. Published in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird won a Pulitzer Prize and has become a classic of American literature. The book is considered by most librarians to be on everyone’s “must read” list.
The book was adapted as an Oscar-winning film in 1962 by director Robert Mulligan. Since 1990, a play based on the novel has been performed annually in Harper Lee’s hometown of Monroeville, Alabama. Not only was this to be her only published novel, but Harper Lee has refused any personal publicity for herself or the novel since 1964.
In order to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird, Gary and Lib Simmons hosted a drop-in at their home for Harper Lee Street residents on Saturday, July 10. The party was complete with Southern ham biscuits and plenty of sweet tea. A DVD version of the movie was played throughout the party. A good time and great fellowship was had by all. The only thing missing . . . Harper Lee herself!
Comfortable living in the Old South on a lazy Saturday afternoon! Seated l-r: Ann Marie Trotter, Lib McGregor Simmons, Colleen Hibbard, Jone Coates. And, yes . . . the guys were also there discussing Southern politics in the kitchen . . . Where else?
Editor’s Note: This is your newsletter. Please forward neighborhood success stories (i.e.: human interest items, unusual activities, club accomplishments and milestones) to me for consideration in future issues.
Termite Inspections Begin in September
If you live in a townhome unit, it is time for the annual termite inspection. This process has been changed from October/November to September/October of each year. The Association carries insurance for damage from termites and has contracted with Apex Exterminating, Inc. of Troutman (formerly TermiTech South of Charlotte) for this service. Once a year, an inspection is required to maintain this policy. Inspections include investigation of external areas of each townhome block and an inspection of first floor interior walls, patio areas, and garages.
All townhome residents will receive a flyer in early-September explaining this requirement and the start date of inspections. Apex Exterminating hopes to complete all units within 60 days. The inspection does not involve any actual spraying for pests. It is a termite inspection service only. However, since the neighborhood does have this contract, Apex offers a special to townhome owners for interior pest (ants, spiders, roaches, etc.) control. If interested in receiving this additional service at owner expense, please contact Apex at the number below.
Townhome owners should not take this service lightly. During inspections in 2009, a termite infestation and evidence of minor damage was seen in several townhomes on Harper Lee Street. The pests were exterminated and the Association completed a booster treatment for all units early in 2010. Signs of termite activity include mud tubes by drain pipes under sinks, near washing machines, and at the water tank. These signs may also include small holes in walls and baseboard paint starting to bubble-up. Make sure that you stay protected and call for an inspection appointment when you receive your notice. This is an important service covered by your assessment fees. Thank you for your cooperation.
To add incentive to owners for 100% compliance, the Council of Stewards agreed at the April meeting to assess a fine (following the 2010 inspections) for all townhome owners who do not comply with the inspection within the 60-day timeframe. In addition, owners may be required to pay the pest contractor for actual cost of inspections completed beyond the 60 days.
If a townhome owner does not complete the required annual service, that owner becomes responsible for treatment and all damages incurred in that unit as a result of termite infestation. The owner of the uninspected unit can also be held liable for damages to adjoining units that were inspected.
If you have further questions, please feel free to call the Apex Exterminating office in Troutman at 704.528.8037. Rick “Da Bug Man” will be conducting our inspections again this year. He can be reached for an appointment on his cell phone at 704.902.0172.
Procedure Reminder — Replacement of Byway Light Bulbs
The Association is responsible for replacement of light bulbs in the fixtures above garages in the byways. Light fixtures for casitas with an interior entrance are the responsibility of the owner. The garage fixtures have a light sensor that automatically turns the light on when it gets dark. Several years ago, the Association converted all bulbs to the compact fluorescent type (13W) in order to conserve energy and save money on bulb life.
Dave Smith, member of the Townhome Maintenance Committee, is in charge of tracking and upkeep of this work. Inspections of all byways will be conducted at least every couple of months and any burned out bulbs will be replaced as needed. If you have a burned out bulb over the garage or see a neighbor’s light out, contact Dave at 704.987.1472. Records are being kept to evaluate the cost effectiveness of this approach. If you call to have a bulb replaced and there is no answer, please leave a message on the answering machine. Be sure to give your name and street address. Replacement will occur as soon as possible.
If a fixture is damaged, develops an electrical problem, or has a bad or defective light sensor, please contact Abbott directly at the number listed at the end of the newsletter. Such repairs are covered by the Association.
E-Mail Delivery of Your Newsletter
It is the long-term goal of the Newsletter Committee to eventually provide residents with an electronic copy of the newsletter and to drastically reduce the number of hand-delivered copies. Please send me an e-mail at davidbsmith@bellsouth.net if you are interested in an electronic copy only. Please include your name, street address, phone number, and e-mail address. This action is being taken to streamline delivery and reduce Association costs. If you are a resident owner, but have previously requested your newsletter by mail, please contact Abbott and change your delivery to e-mail and request that Abbott remove your name from their list.
Yard-of-the-Month — August, 2010
The Landscape & Grounds Committee congratulates Dana & Steve Sonnenberg of 174 Clemens Place as the August 2010 winner of the “Yard-of-the-Month.” There are five homes in a row at the end of the Clemens Place circle. The Sonnenberg home is on the far right and unfortunately it stays partially hidden unless you take a leisurely walk in that area.
The Charleston homes are a signature part of our neighborhood and this beautiful grey example is a standout. With the summer heat and sweltering humidity, it’s difficult this time of year to provide good summer color. This home, however, catches the eye immediately with thick white crepe myrtle blooms and bright red rock roses. There’s plenty of additional color in plantings in both the front and side yards. The lawn is well kept and landscaped. The purple plum tree next to the driveway and the unusual Mexican grass all combine with well trimmed shrubs to present a pleasing result.
The total effect and the inviting upper and lower porches display true Southern hospitality. The back yard is also a big part of the total landscape picture. Although out-of-the-way, please make an extra effort to see this winner!
The Star of Excellence hangs proudly at this address. Take an evening stroll to the Clemens Place water feature and take in this view!
Congratulations to the Sonnenberg Family!
Special Thank You for Another Volunteer
In the July newsletter, special mention was made of the extraordinary efforts by Judy McLean for mowing and upkeep of the grass area next to the off-leash dog park. As we might expect, Ed McLean also contributes to this work and the effort is greatly appreciated. Both Ed and Judy take a particular interest in adding value to our neighborhood and community.
Thanks from all of us in New Neighborhood!
Community Garden: A Big Success
Many residents have seen and asked questions about the beautiful Community Garden located in our neighborhood along the gas pipeline to the east of St. Alban’s Church. Since started this past April, participants have been busy growing all kinds of great organic food. Not only have the gardeners been enjoying the bounty, but a lot of the food has been donated to the Food Pantry at Ada Jenkins.
The garden has enjoyed huge success in its first year. There are plot openings expected over the next year. Expansion is also expected within the next two to three years. If you are interested in being a part of this “growing” experience and want to add your name to the waiting list, please contact Erin Burke at ejburke@att.net.
Act now to become a part of this great community experience!
Water Features Are a Neighborhood Plus
The water feature in the park area on Clemens Place and the front fountain on St. Alban’s Lane are both positive parts of the neighborhood charm. Over the past several years, children (and adults) have been seen playing in these water areas. This is particularly dangerous in the Clemens Place pond since loose rocks form the foundation of the feature base. In both areas, children playing in the water in the past have caused physical damage and have destroyed delicate plant life and goldfish that have been introduced to the habitat. The water, although circulated, is not clean.
The Clemens Place water feature has had a good summer. Plant life is abounding and the goldfish appear to be reproducing and thriving well. The current condition of this pond is the best it has been since first developed. We all want to strive to keep it this way.
Several meetings ago, the Council of Stewards voted to post signage at both fountains warning people not to play in the water or climb on the rocks. These signs were put in place in the early part of the summer. Although not expected to be a deterrent for children who cannot read, it does stand as a reminder to all that we want to enjoy these water features with safety and respect. Parents are asked to again caution children not to play in the water at either location.
Newsletter Delivery Volunteers
Thanks go to all of our delivery volunteers! The July team included Adria & Woody Appleby, Barbara Dillman, Shirley & Tom Fischer, Anne Jerands, and Dave Smith. Special thanks go to first-time volunteers Peggy & John Kimbirl.
If you wish to volunteer, please call Dave Smith at 704.987.1472 (e-mail davidbsmith@bellsouth.net).
