The Thorough-Read News Steeplechase Resident Homeowners Association, Inc. 1925 Furlong Run, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 From the Board Chairman Al Cherpak - 770-822-2514 Chairman@steeplechase.org Dan Gustavson - 770-841-6449 Facility.president@steeplechase.org Scott Sherwin - 770-235-5124 Community.president@steeplechase.org Geri Taran - 678-407-0703 Newsletter.editor@steeplechase.org Nathan Byerly - 678-485-7354 Legal.zoning@steeplechase.org John Redmond - 770-962-3663 Budget.operations@steeplechase.org Happy Fall to all our Steeplechase neighbors. Although we are rapidly approaching the end of another great year in our neighborhood we still have lots of upcoming events scheduled. Check out the Community Calendar published in this Newsletter for information on, among other things, the upcoming Community Yard Sale, Neighborhood Work Day, Halloween Bonfire/Hayride/Campout and Fall Open Member Board Meeting. Several items were discussed at the September Board Meeting that we want to make sure everyone is aware of, as follows: First of all, to help the environment and reduce costs to the neighborhood, our Newsletter will be going green. Beginning in January the Thorough Read News will be e-mailed only and no longer sent through traditional mail. As always the entire neighborhood will receive it for the first three months but it will be limited to only Community Members for the remainder of the year. The Newsletter will continue to be available online at www.steeplechase.org but maintain a two-month delay in posting. Klarissa Reese - 770-682-3448 Treasurer@steeplechase.org Nickie Schroeder - 678-580-3947 Facility.social@steeplechase.org Ed Hawkins - 770-962-5191 Swim.tennis@steeplechase.org Cristina Cryan - 678-382-9888 Community.social@steeplechase.org Molly Brooks - 770-546-7459 Secretary@steeplechase.org Kevin Kluesner - 770-962-0852 Webmaster@steeplechase.org Secondly, in another effort to cut neighborhood costs, we are proposing the elimination of the Budget Director position from the SRHA Board. We suggest combining the responsibilities from that position with those of the Legal Director s and creating a new position called Legal and Budget Director. This proposal will be offered up to Community Members for a vote at the November Open Member Board Meeting. Another item that will be put to a Community Member vote at the November Meeting is suggested changes to the SRHA Bylaws. The changes, which have primarily been drafted to update the documentation, are available for viewing on the web site at www.steeplechase.org. We urge all our neighbors to familiarize themselves with these changes, online, and to plan on attending the November Meeting. At that time a presentation will be offered to discuss the changes and answer any questions prior to the vote being taken. Next, the Board is recommending that admittance to the Facility pond, playground and volleyball court be included with Community Membership. Traditionally, access to these areas has been available through Facility Membership only but we feel this change will ultimately increase Memberships across the board. This recommendation does not affect access to the tennis courts or pools which will still be available to only Facility Members and their guests. This recommendation will be offered up for a vote to Facility Members Continued next page
Continued from page one at the November Open Member Meeting. Finally, it s time for all of our Steeplechase neighbors to give serious consideration to running for a position on the SRHA Board of Directors. There is no better way to get involved with our community, share your talents and have a strong voice in directing your vested interests in Steeplechase than by serving on the Board. All of the Board position responsibilities, along with the gifts that are offered for serving in those positions, are published in this Newsletter. Also published is a Nomination Form (on page 4) that lists the current Board Members and their returning status. OK, so that s enough stuff for right now and we hope that all our Steeplechase neighbors get involved and do their share. Remember, we re all in this together and need input, help and support from everyone to succeed. Thanks Al Cherpak From the Facility President Hello Everyone, This month I ll make it short and sweet Please take a moment to review the www.steeplechase.org website Calendar of Events. Some of the upcoming items we want to remember are: Regarding the Workday, feel free to email me (dan@superhotsigns.com ) your suggestions about any items you would like to see included on the Workday schedule. I will do my best to prioritize them and see what we can get done. As always, many hands make the load lighter, so I look forward to seeing that great Steeplechase neighborhood generosity of volunteer help. On November 18 th we have a very important General Membership Meeting. You will not want to miss this one, so please mark your calendars accordingly. Summer is over, and Fall is well along, and Winter is just around the corner and there goes another year. Each year does seem to go by much too quickly. But there is still plenty of time to enjoy the new Volley Ball court, the new BBQ Charcoal grill by the pond in the corner, and if you like to fish (remember it is strictly catch and release ), you can do that as well. Kindest regards, Dan Gustavson Facility President P.S. Someone needs to step up to the plate and assume the Facility President s responsibilities for next year. Pass the word along. 2
Chairman of the Board: Shall be the Chief Executive officer of the Association and shall preside at all meetings of the Association and of the Board of Directors. The Chairman shall have all the general powers and duties which are incident to the office of the President of a corporation organized under the Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code. The Chairman shall be responsible, along with the Legal and Budget Director, for conducting an audit of the financial records of the Association no less than once per quarter. The Chairman shall be a Facility Member and contribute monthly to the Newsletter. Receives 50% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. Secretary: Shall keep the Minutes of all meetings of the Association and of the Board of Directors, shall maintain the membership files, shall have charge of such books and papers as the Board of Directors may direct and shall, in general, perform all duties incident to the office of the secretary of a corporation organized in accordance with Georgia law. The Secretary shall make available a copy of the Minutes of the Board meetings (exclusive of Executive Session) to any homeowner upon request. The Secretary shall preside over all meetings in the Chairman s absence. Receives 50% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. Treasurer: Responsible for preparing an annual operations budget in cooperation with the Community President and Facility President, shall have the responsibility for the Association s funds and securities and shall be responsible for keeping full and accurate financial records and books of account showing all receipts and disbursements, for preparing all required financial statements and tax returns, and for the deposit of all monies and other valuable effects in the name of the Association or the managing agent in such depositories as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall maintain separate accounting records for Community and Facility operations. Receives 100% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. Legal and Budget Director:. Responsible for revisions to the By-Laws, all legal and zoning matters, as well as other such duties as defined by the Board. The Legal and Budget Director shall be responsible, along with the Chairman, for conducting an audit of the financial records of the Association no less than once per quarter. Receives 500% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. Community President: Responsible for the establishment of goals, Ways and Means, preparing a proposed annual operations budget to be submitted to the Treasurer, beautification and maintenance of public landscaping and entryways, communication and coordination with third party contractors, daily management and operation of all Civic functions pertaining to the Community except for issues pertaining directly to the use, operation, administration or conduct of the Facilities, welcoming and contact of new residents, and membership recruitment and contributes monthly to the Newsletter. Receives 50% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. Communications Director: Responsible for all areas of communication to the membership including provisions for local points of contact, production and distribution of a monthly newsletter, updating of directories, and other communication as required. Receives 100% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. Community Social Director: The Community Social Director shall be responsible for seasonal activities and community social functions, as well as other such duties as defined by the Board. Receives 50% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. Webmaster: Responsible for maintaining the Steeplechase website and online accounts, sending neighborhood e-mail communications, posting the monthly newsletter online and monitoring the web service account. Receives 50% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. Facility President: Responsible for establishment of goals, Ways and Means, preparing a proposed annual operations budget to be submitted to the Treasurer, communication and coordination with third party contractors, daily management and operation of functions pertaining directly to the Facilities, welcoming and contact of new residents, and membership recruitment. The Facility President shall also be responsible for dealing with the needs and concerns of Facility Members relating to Facility matters and contributing monthly to the Newsletter. Receives 100% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. Facility Social Director: Responsible for social functions for Facility members, membership recruitment, and communications regarding the Facilities, as well as other such duties as defined by the Board. Receives 50% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. Facility Swim and Tennis Director: Responsible for the organization and scheduling of tennis and swim team league participation and other organized activities as may be deemed appropriate by the Facility Members. Receives 50% off the price of Facility Membership for the upcoming year. 3
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The Fall membership meeting for all Community and Facility Members of SRHA will be held on November 18, 2010 at 7:30 pm in the Facility Pavilion at the pool. The Board of Directors invites ALL SRHA members to attend this very important meeting. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes ahead of time in order to check in with the Secretary before the meeting. This year s meeting is very important, as the Board will be presenting a new initiative to increase membership in the SRHA. As part of this initiative, as well as to bring our By-Laws up to date, revised By-Laws will be presented at this meeting for approval by the SRHA membership. You may review the proposed By-Laws at www.steeplechase.org/. All comments will be welcome at the meeting, or you may email the Legal and Zoning Director prior to the meeting with any ideas or suggestions. Please review the By-Laws online prior to the meeting as we will not be discussing them in detail. You may print a copy to bring to the meeting if you wish to discuss any particular provisions in detail. Most of the revisions are clerical and updates, however there are major changes to the Board positions and the definition of Community Amenities. While the Board of Directors encourages everyone to attend the general membership meetings, the SRHA By-Laws provide that the members may vote by proxy. Therefore, if you are unable to attend the Fall meeting, the ballot below may be mailed to the Secretary or dropped off in the mailbox at 1925 Furlong Run, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043. Best, We look forward to seeing you all at the Fall membership meeting. Nathan Byerly Legal and Zoning Director 5
From the Community President Greetings! As part of a thriving community we all have to accept a level of responsibility regarding the impressions that visitors see. It s so nice to drive around and see the obvious pride that most neighbors take in their homes and yards. However; on occasion there will be neighbors who for one reason or another may have trouble keeping up the outside appearance of their house. Instead of jumping to a conclusion that they may be lazy or disinterested, maybe they have had some personal tragedy, been out of town unexpectedly or something as simple as the lawnmower isn t working. See if you can help them out. Certainly we all appreciate it when our friends help us but what about the people who live around you? We all have a stake in the impression that our yards and homes present to outsiders, potential homebuyers and guests. If you see something that needs to be done, instead of getting upset, take the initiative to see if you can help. Really, just do it. We all need to pitch in and help each other from time to time that s what being a neighbor is all about! And that also goes for any trash you see that you could pick up. If there is something beyond your capabilities, get in touch with the board, we may know someone that can help. Everyone pitching in will go a long way in the ongoing upkeep of our neighborhood. Scot Sherwin Community President The pavilion is available for use of Facility members in good standing to reserve for a special event birthday party, meeting, team party, etc. Pavilion use requires a fee of $35.00 plus a $50.00 refundable cleaning deposit to ensure proper cleanup. If 20 or more guests are using the pool, or if the pool will be used after hours, an extra charge will be assessed for a lifeguard. Community members in good standing may be invited to private events at the pavilion by the host Facility members renting the pavilion. Community member guests and guests who reside outside of Steeplechase are subject to the $1.00 guest fee. 6
Garden Club News & Yard of the Month Although it feels like it s still summer, fall is upon us and it s time to start getting our yards and gardens prepped for cooler weather. A few tips from our friend, Walter Reeves: Fall fescue planting season officially begins! Watering restrictions are still in force in many places so make SURE you have good soil-seed contact. Aerate before seeding, roll afterwards, water when you can. Last chance to apply a weed preventer to bermuda, zoysia and centipede grass lawns to thwart winter weeds such as chickweed and annual bluegrass. You can still get 75% control at this point in the season. Trim back by one fourth any woody plants you ve kept outdoors during the summer, to help them fit inside your home for the winter (Hibiscus, for example). Fertilize newly planted fescue with a high-phosphorus starter fertilizer. The pansy planting season begins now! Plant six-pack pansies eight inches apart, larger plants can be spaced ten inches apart. Cut brown flower stems of purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, daylily and hosta back to ground level. Move patio plants into shade for two weeks before bringing them inside. This will help prevent leaf drop. Drench newly-planted pansies with water-soluble houseplant fertilizer at the rate shown on the label. This will push them off to a fast start. Apply a weed preventer to beds of already-planted cool-season flowers to prevent weed seeds from sprouting. Clean fallen fruit from the ground under pear and apple trees. Remove from the tree any fruit that you don t intend to harvest. Plant spring flowering bulbs, like tulip, daffodil and hyacinth. Old, crowded beds can be loosened and the bulbs divided and replanted now. Finish dividing daylily clumps, irs rhizomes and peony roots. Plant them into a well-dug bed immediately. Raise your mower height one-half inch and enjoy a last mowing of your Bermuda, centipede or zoysia lawn. You can now put your lawnmower to rest for the winter. Remove faded rose blooms. Clip wayward stems back so the plant has a compact form, ready for winter wind and ice. As chrysanthemum and aster flowers fade, cut the plants back to six inches tall. Rake out and replace all of the mulch and dead leaves under roses, red tip photinia and crabapples. You ll prevent diseases on next year s leaves. Review your pesticide storage procedures. Are they all labeled? In a locked cabinet? In a place where they won t freeze this winter? Root cuttings of geranium, impatiens, begonia and other outside plants to bring indoors for the winter. Fertilize pansies again with water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. Switch to a product that contains nitrate nitrogen (Osmocote, Pansy Booster, etc) when you feed in two weeks. 7
From the Swim & Tennis Director Ed Hawkins Thanks to all who donated to my wellbeing during my recovery. As most of you know I had four clavicles fused in my neck (C4-C7.) Please note that we re in the process of patching Court #4. Mark is cutting the cracks out like we did on Courts 1 & 2. Thanks to everyone who has worked on the tennis courts so far. We will need as many people to help again on our upcoming Work day, October 2, not only on the courts but alsop around the area. We all want to keep our Facility up and looking well maintained. Thanks Ed Hawkins CLASSIFIED 8
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From the Board Chairman Page 1 From the Facility President Page 2 BOARD POSITIONS & DUTIES Page 3 NOMINATION FORM Page 4 IMPORTANT MEETING NOTICE & PROXY FORM Page 5 From the Community President Page 6 Garden Club News & Yard of the Month Page 7 From the Swim & Tennis Director Page 8 CLASSIFIED Page 8 STEEPLECHASE CALENDAR Page 9 Advertising Page 9-11 12