Living in the Neighborhood
Yard-of-the-Month — June, 2009
The Landscape & Grounds Committee congratulatesJudson & Tanya
Russell of 313 North Faulkner Way as the June 2009 winner of the “Yard-of-the-Month.” The
Star of Excellence will not have to travel far this month as the Jennings’ (next
door neighbors) were winners last month. This magnificent home with cream
colored siding and blue shutters is highlighted by a well kept yard and
excellent shrub selection. Orange tiger lilies give a hint of color to
the front shrubs. Red geraniums complete the color in planters hung from
the porch railings. The front porch is complemented with hanging fern baskets,
including ferns on either side of the front door. Japanese maples are planted
in the yard. Although one next to the driveway is not very large, this
tree with its red leaves will only become more beautiful each year. The
front porch is lined with rocking chairs as well as a hanging bench swing.
The flowered wreath on the front door invites neighbors with a fresh and
warm welcome.
Do not miss this winning yard as you travel into or out of the neighborhood along
North Faulkner Way!
Each month from May through October, a yard will be selected among single-family homes. However, in July, the selection committee will focus on back yards. [See article on this page.] Please call Judy McLean at 704.895.0940 if you have questions or suggestions regarding this plan.
This home provides a wonderful view while traveling on North Faulkner
Way or while enjoying a picnic in the shade of Ashby Park, just across
the street. The Russell’s frequently can be found rocking on their
front porch. Stop by and introduce yourself!
Congratulations to Judson & Tanya Russell
Back Yard Landscaping?
July Twist to Yard-of-the-Month
The Landscape & Grounds Committee has decided to mix things up for the selection of the July Yard-of-the-Month. So many of our residents have detailed and worked hard on their back yards. In some homes, the back yard is the real showcase of the entire yard. Recognizing this hard work, the committee will judge and select five of the best back yards in our neighborhood in July.
The landscaping and hard work completed to the rear of our homes is not always obvious from the street. The committee would like for you to contact Judy McLean at 704.895-0940 (e-mail at judy@mcleanmarketing.net) by June 19th if you want your back yard to be judged. Selection of the top five yards will be made on June 20th. If you know of a special back yard at the home of a next door neighbor or friend, please request that person to call Judy and be recognized. Ribbons will be awarded.
Let’s all get in the spirit and find our neighborhood’s secret gardeners. You may be surprised! The regular Yard-of-the-Month format will return in August. Please contact Judy if you have other interesting suggestions for her committee.
Caution — Slow — Stop
Keep Our Streets Safe!
Residents of New Neighborhood are reminded that there is a SPEED
LIMIT of 20 m.p.h. along all streets. Obviously,
this limit needs to be even lower in byways and in congested areas, particularly
when children are at play. Near misses are observed on a weekly basis,
particularly along byways.
Also, as covered in previous newsletter articles, there are a total of 49 STOP signs
along our eleven main streets and nine byways – six 3-way intersections,
two 2-way intersections, and 27 other single STOP signs at various locations.
Please observe these STOP signs and follow the SPEED LIMIT. The Davidson Police Department has been requested to patrol our streets in order to catch violators and to provide a reminder to Think Safe! Our children and pets depend on your safe-mindedness and caution.
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. A few years ago, the Association converted all bulbs to the compact fluorescent type (13W) in order to conserve energy and save money on extended bulb life.
Hank Howell, former chairperson of the Townhome Building & Maintenance Committee, changed burned out bulbs himself. As the result of Hank’s recent move out of town, Dave Smith has taken over this task. If you have a burned out bulb over the garage or see a neighbor’s light out, contact Dave at 704.987.1472.
Inspections of all byways will be conducted
several times each month and any burned out bulbs will be replaced as needed.
With the exception of one townhome unit, all bulbs were working as of the
end of May. 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 call Abbott directly or call Jim & Heather Faulkner,
chairpersons for the Townhome Building & Maintenance Committee, at 704.896.3437.
Such repairs are covered by the Association.
Clemens Square Water Feature Problems
The Clemens Square water feature was installed and landscaped by our Neighborhood
Founder Doug Boone. It was installed for the enjoyment of all residents and
has become an attractive focal point of the park. However, as stated in numerous
past newsletter articles, the pond is not meant to be a children’s
pool or play area. The rocks are not all stable and often shift as the result
of water flow. The fountain maintenance contractor has stocked the fountain
with several gold fish and maintains appropriate water plants throughout
the year. These plants are particularly beautiful during the late summer
and early fall.
Unfortunately, as mentioned in at least two previous Membership Meetings, children
continue to be seen playing in and around the water with no adult supervision.
Our plants have been overturned and damaged or destroyed on more than one occasion.
Koi fish, previously kept in the fountain, were killed early last year in an
act of vandalism. On two occasions this year, the water fill line has been used
and left on. This resulted in nearly $200 in water cost to the Association. This
water source has since been padlocked.
The Association cannot afford to continue maintenance of this fountain if such abuse continues. Parents are asked again to firmly remind children that they should not play in this water. [It should be mentioned, that “responsible” adults have also been seen in this water.] Residents along Clemens Place and O. Henry Avenue are asked to pay particular attention to inappropriate behavior during the summer months.
The Council of Stewards will continue to monitor the situation. If problems continue to occur, action will be taken to drain the fountain and convert it to a low maintenance flower or rock garden. This is certainly a maintenance cost issue, but more importantly, it is a safety issue.
Your cooperation is appreciated!2009 Painting Project Delayed by One Week
The fifth phase of a six-year repainting project for Townhomes started in late-May. However, the rainy pattern of weather has held up work by at least one week. Carpentry and repair work will be complete by June 1. Pressure washing will be conducted on the building exterior from June 1 through June 12. Painting will begin on units already cleaned and repaired on June 8. All units are expected to be complete by June 19.
The contractor is Foreman’s Painting Company. Townhomes on the north side of Harper Lee Street are included in this year’s work. Residents are requested to leave gates open to patio spaces as this painting includes the patio walls and doors into the unit and garage. In preparation for this work, residents on north Harper Lee Street are asked to “clean” patios and front porches to provide easy access to painted surfaces. Good clearance is needed for ladders and supports. Please do not rely on the painting crew to move plants and furniture with the risk of possible damage. If you have sensitive plants or furniture that may be affected by use of a chorine solution, please relocate these items during the painting preparation work.
If you experience problems with the work, please contact a member of the Townhome Building Maintenance Committee (Jim & Heather Faulkner, chairpersons) or call Abbott Enterprises direct.
Chairperson Needed for OktoberFest 2009 — NOW!
Time is running out. We are looking for one or two neighbors to chair the event. If someone does not come forward within the next month, a six year tradition in New Neighborhood will likely come to an end. There always seems to be an endless supply of helpers and volunteers, but we do need a chairperson. If you are interested, please contact Dave Smith (704.987.1472) or any other member of the Council of Stewards.
The neighborhood celebrates with a party annually in Faulkner Square. This is a budgeted event supported by the Neighborhood Association.
Newsletter Delivery Volunteers
Thanks go to all of our delivery volunteers! Our May team included Barbara & Tom Doster, Barbara Dillman, Tom Fischer, Anne Jerands, Sherman & Nancy Kahn, Norman Richards, and Dave Smith. New Volunteers are always welcome!
If you wish to volunteer, please call Dave Smith at 704.987.1472 (e-mail davidbsmith@bellsouth.net).
NOTE:
The Council of Stewards meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of every other month in St. Alban’s Church classroom (lower level) at 7:00 p.m. Special meetings are called as needed. Meetings are open to residents. The next regular COS meeting is scheduled on June 24, 2009.
If an owner or resident wishes to address the COS at a regular meeting, please call a COS member about 5 days in advance of the meeting and the issue will be added to the “Homeowner Concerns” part of the agenda near the beginning of the meeting.
