Edgewater Community Newsletter

May 2007

Volume XX Issue 2

Inside this issue:

Message from the

1

President

LakeLife

Town Hall Meeting 2

Egg Hunt Photos

2-3

Pool Party

4

Message from the President by Chuck Martin

Four months have now passed since the current

tion. This is a major undertaking and these

Clubhouse and Rec 5

Board took office and I am pleased at the direc-

gentlemen are doing a considerable amount

tion in which we are heading. All the Commit-

research to bring our 20 year old Documents

Architectural Review 6-8

tee Chairpersons are actively working to im-

up to date.

and Satellite Dishes

prove their areas of responsibilities and Edge-

water Staff members are helping to implement

The Long Range Planning committee has been

Grounds

6

these improvements. It also must be recog-

informed that the City of Huntsville will take

nized that more community members are get-

the lead on the widening of Zeirdt Road. We

Out in the Yard

8-9

ting involved. We are seeing more people vol-

will work with the Huntsville Engineering

Bella Woods

10

unteering each month whether to help trim trees

Group as they design the project. We feel that

or to help hide Easter Eggs. To me this is the

our comments and concerns will be noted and

Tree Trimmers

10

definition of Community.

addressed in the design phase of the project.

As I stated in the last LAKE LIFE, I have 3

The City of Madison, through our City Coun-

Covenants

11-

goals for 2007.

cilman, Mr. Jerry Jennings, has kept us in-

12

formed on the Commercial development at

Clubhouse Gardens 13

1.

Re-start the process of updating and

Zeirdt Road and Madison Blvd. Although the

clarifying all of the Edgewater Docu-

current negotiations are being held in private,

in Need

mentation

any public information will be forwarded di-

Spring Yard Award 13

2.

Long Range Planning; Zeirdt Road

rectly to us. Mr. Jennings has also been a great

Votes Due Now!

Developments

help on the Edgewater Drive project and

3.

EOA Budget

brought the Madison City Engineer, Mr. Gary

Community Corner 14

Chynoweth, to the last Board meeting. Mr.

Architectural Chair, Cameron Handyside, and

Chynoweth was very informative and we ap-

Calendar of Events 14

Covenants Chair, Richard Kowalik, are cur-

preciated his time. The new striping on Edge-

rently working on the Edgewater Documenta-

water Drive with “Turning Lanes” is a test pro-

ject for the City of Madison. This method is

intended to help the flow of traffic and is said

Edgewater Information:

to help control the speed of traffic also.

Website: www.edgewatercommunity.com

My third goal, EOA Budget, has been success-

Office Hours: M-F 10:00 am—2:00 pm

fully addressed and a new budget has been ap-

proved. Geoff Abrams, our Treasurer, refor-

Office Manager: Gloria Franco

matted the budget so that we can easily tell

how much it cost “to just turn on the lights” in

Phone : 256-461-8670

Edgewater. The phrase“to just turn on the

lights” means how much money it takes each

Address : 111 Edgewater Drive

year to maintain Edgewater and the staff of the

Association. By establishing the base costs for

Madison, AL 35758

(continued on page 13)

Page 2

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

Town Hall Meeting June 28 raising dues and fees, or a

boil down to cutting expenses,

Edgewater will hold its first town hall meeting

combination of both.

The first Town on June 28, 6:30 pm at the Clubhouse. This

This is a crucial time for the

Hall Meeting

meeting is the first opportunity since finaliza-

tion of the mediation with the apartments to

community, and an opportunity

of 2007 will be

discuss the impacts of the mediation, and how

for the community to improve

and grow. Please come out

held June 28

the community will respond to these changes.

and show your support.

at 6:30pm at

Since two large apartment complexes, Colonial

the Clubhouse. Grande and Sunlake, are no longer part of the

association, our annual income has been sig-

nificantly reduced. These losses are partially

offset by a one time settlement, an annual lake

maintenance fee paid by the apartments, new

members in Carriage Hill and Steeplechase

West, and increased dues. However, we still

have an approximate 20% reduction in annual

income from prior years.

The community now needs to determine the

path it will take in response to this situation.

There are many options, but they ultimately

Easter Egg Hunt was a Great Success!

By Dinah Williams

Special thanks go to

As promised, the Easter Bunny

more and more residents volun-

Jack and Edith Carrigy

came to Edgewater again on

teered to help. Many thanks to

for rounding up a host

April 7, the day before Easter.

our Egg Hunt volunteers:

Despite the cold weather, the

of volunteers from

community children came out to

Remington Place.

greet him and hunt for eggs.

Chuck De Wabit Martin

Richard and Dee Kowalik

The event could not have taken

Phil and Judy Lindsey

place without the help from the

Jack and Edith Carrigy

many volunteers who contrib-

Dinah Williams

uted their time and effort to

Robert and Janice Bijvout

make it all happen. The hunt

Buck and Rena Bannister

was actually in danger of being

Marcus Ono

cancelled due to a shortage of

Bill and Penny Hastings

volunteers. On the deadline day

Peter and Linda Narbus

for volunteering, Jack and Edith

Linda and Jim Arnold

Carrigy came up with a host of

Melodee Ray

volunteers from Remington

Pete and Eileen Luther

Place. As the day approached,

Chuck Duffy

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

Page 3

More photos on the web at www.

edgewatercommunity.com

Page 4

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

Annual Pool Party is June 9

By Dinah Williams

The band plays

The annual pool party

renting a larger tent to

many popular

will be held Saturday,

provide more shade.

venues in

June 9 from 4:00 pm.

The band, the Lance

Huntsville like

until 7:00 pm. Green-

Almon Smith band,

Lee Ann’s and

brier Barbeque will ca-

The deadline to

plays many popular

ter, and will provide

House of Brews.

venues in Huntsville

purchase tickets

chicken plates, pork

such as the House of

is June 6 sandwiches, chips, po-

Brews and Lee Ann’s.

tato salad, and slaw.

The leader, Lance

The customary ice

Smith, is an Edge-

Tickets are $7.00 for

cream will be provided

water Resident. You

adults and $4.00 for

for dessert. Ice tea,

can read more about

children.

water, and children’s

the band at lanceal-

drinks will also be pro-

monsmith.com.

vided.

Purchase your food

In years past the tent

tickets at the office

area was a little too

from Gloria by

cramped, so we are

Wednesday June 6.

Volunteers are needed for Pool Party

By Dinah Williams

OK folks, the arrange-

ter the party, and to

ments have been

clean up the club-

Lake Path

made, but volunteers

house and take home

are still needed to help

the leftovers. Please

forR emember that the lake path

on the day of the pool

email me at dinahwil-

is for the enjoyment of all

party to make every-

liams@knology.net, or

Edgewater residents. The

thing happen. We

call me at 772-9591 if

path is intended for bikers,

need volunteers to

you are willing.

bring ice chests, pick

walkers, roller

up the icecream, pick

bladers, and joggers.

up the tea and kids

Please be courteous

drinks, help with serv-

to your neighbors on

ing the food and

the path!

drinks, set up the

chairs and put them

back into the carts af-

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

Page 5

Clubhouse and Recreational Facilities Update

By May Hudson

Hello Neighbors!!!

save the surface. So far

them very

that seems to be what is

much!!!

Since I have taken on the

happening. Unfortu-

chair of Clubhouse and

nately, we already had

Our beautiful

Rec Facilities (CHRF) I

many surface cracks and

pool is ready

have found many chal-

they just got bigger. Our

for the season. We have

lenges and opportunities.

quandary: do we fill the

purchased four new um-

One of the opportunities

cracks and resurface, or

brella bases and are us-

of note: we are going to

just fill the cracks? I

ing our old umbrellas so

have a wonderful new

have spoken to many of

we can have more shade

weight room!! We are

our local experts (Sam

for our pool deck. The

expanding the old room

Davis, Bob Wolfe, and

pool has been kept in top

Our beautiful

into what was the down-

Joe Roberts), along with

shape thanks to Chuck

the contractor who does

Caption describing picture

stairs apartment. With

pool is now

or graphic.

Duffy and Terry Tack-

the dedicated work and

tennis court resurfacing.

ney.

open for the

expertise of Dave

The Caption describing have to

board will picture

season! The

Deutch and Tom Rogers,

weigh all the information

or graphic.

There are always pro-

pool has been

the project is moving

and make a decision.

jects to do and items to

along. The “project

We did, however, clean

fix. I want to thank Glo-

kept in top

guys” work Tuesday,

up the weeds, sweep mil-

ria, Bill and Terry for

shape thanks

Wednesday, and Thurs-

lions of pine needles,

helping me with the task

to Chuck Duffy

day mornings, so come

prune, and replace edg-

of maintaining this facil-

and Terry

by and watch the pro-

ing to divert water away

ity. Thanks also to Buck

gress.

from the courts. It took

Bannister for being our

Tackney.

two mornings and I want

in-house HVAC expert.

to thank Patti Kolek,

Penny Hastings, Debbie

Volunteers are what

Fulmore, Bill Hastings,

make this community

Bob Wolfe, and Dave

great!! If you think you

Simpson and Terry

would like to help with a

Tackney for picking up

project, we have them.

our debris at the end of

Painters and flooring in-

Inside Story Headline

the work day.

stallers for the new

One of the challenges is

weight room

our old tennis court. We

Thanks to Jim Franco

are projects

have battled cracks on all

and Chuck Duffy we

that will be

the courts for years.

have a bright and clean

accomplished

About 18 months ago we

clubhouse walkway, un-

within the

cut “stress relief cracks”

der deck eaves, steps and

next 3-5

into the surface in hopes

other various places.

weeks.

that when the courts

They worked Saturday

shrink, the new “cuts”

and Sunday to accom-

May Hudson,

will take the stress and

plish this and I thank

CHRF chair

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

Page 6

Satellite Dishes and Edgewater Architectural Standards

What exactly are they???

Since being elected to the board this year and ac-

thereto shall not have a mounted height that exceeds

cepting the role as the Architectural Chairman, I

4’ above ground level in the area where the dish is

have been working to review both our “Blue Book”

mounted.

and “Green Book” for possible updates and revi-

Said satellite dish must be located in a rear

sions. Our standards are relatively old and many

area of the residence and must be screened from

rules, while appropriate when written, have been

public view by an approved fence, brick wall, or ev-

overcome by time. I hope to have some proposed

ergreen shrubbery of sufficient size to hide the dish.

updates in the near future for the entire neighbor-

Based upon those two sections, the EOA has clearly

hood to review.

defined how and where the community wants dishes

Another task at hand has been to work closely with

placed. HOWEVER, since these rules were written,

Richard Kowallik and the covenants committee to

the FCC has weighed in on the subject. You can

answer questions and complaints about a variety of

view the entire regulation, FAQ, and even legal

issues. In many cases, issues that the covenants

judgments at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/

committee tackles can be directly related to ap-

otard.html#links.

provals (or lack of approvals) from the ARC

(architectural review committee). One of the big-

gest (at least for now) are satellite dishes. Love

them or hate them, they are here to stay. However,

our rules are old and have not been updated to take

into account the proliferation of dishes or new FCC

regulations regarding dishes.

The By Laws (Green Book) state:

No exterior antennas of any kind shall be placed,

allowed, or maintained upon any portion of the

Community, including Residence, without the prior

written consent of the Board or its designee. No

free standing antennas whatsoever shall be placed

on any Residence including, without limitation, sat-

ellite dishes.

The Architectural Standards (Blue Book) clearly

state:

In order to keep this article relatively short (and

avoid all the legal jargon), I’ve tried to capture the

One satellite receiving dish per household may be

key points from the FCC regulation below directly

allowed if application is made to and accepted by

from the FAQ page:

the ARC of EOA. Installation must be performed

in strict accordance to the following specifications:

Q: What types of restrictions unreasonably delay

Said satellite dish shall not exceed twenty

or prevent viewers from using an an-

inches in diameter.

tenna?

Can an antenna user be required to ob-

Said satellite dish or any attachment

tain prior approval before installing his antenna?

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

Page 7

A: A local restriction that prohibits all antennas

able cost or prevent reception.

would prevent viewers from receiving signals, and is

prohibited by the Commission's rule. Procedural re-

Q: What types of restrictions are prohibited?

quirements can also unreasonably delay installation,

A: The rule prohibits restrictions that impair a per-

maintenance or use of an antenna covered by this

son's ability to install, maintain, or use an antenna

rule. For example, local regulations that require a

covered by the rule. The rule applies to state or local

person to obtain a permit or approval prior to instal-

laws or regulations, including zoning, land-use or

lation create unreasonable delay and are generally

building regulations, private covenants, homeown-

prohibited. Permits or prior approval necessary to

ers' association rules, condominium or cooperative

serve a legitimate safety or historic preservation pur-

association restrictions, lease restrictions, or similar

pose may be permissible. Although a simple notifi-

restrictions on property within the exclusive use or

cation process might be permissible, such a proc-

control of the antenna user where the user has an

ess cannot be used as a prior approval require-

ownership or leasehold interest in the property. A

ment and may not delay or increase the cost of

restriction impairs if it : (1) unreasonably delays or

installation. The burden is on the association to

prevents use of, (2) unreasonably increases the

show that a notification process does not violate

cost of, or (3) precludes a person from receiving

our rule.

or transmitting an acceptable quality signal from

So the first item states that we cannot require an ap-

an antenna covered under the rule. The rule does

plication before installation can begin. HOWEVER,

not prohibit legitimate safety restrictions or re-

it is still reasonable to require an application before

strictions designed to preserve designated or eligi-

installation is complete.

ble historic or prehistoric properties, provided

the restriction is no more burdensome than nec-

Q: What restrictions prevent a viewer from re-

essary to accomplish the safety or preservation

ceiving an acceptable quality signal? Can a

purpose.

homeowners association or other restricting en-

tity establish enforceable preferences for antenna

Q: I'm a board member of a homeowners' asso-

locations?

ciation and we want to revise our restrictions so

that they will comply with the FCC rule. Do you

A: For antennas designed to receive analog signals,

have guidelines you can send me?

such as TVBS, a requirement that an antenna be lo-

cated where reception would be impossible or sub-

A: The Commission does not have sample guide-

stantially degraded is prohibited by the rule. How-

lines because every community is different. We can

ever, a regulation requiring that antennas be

provide you the rule and the relevant orders, which

placed where they are not visible from the street

will give you general guidance. (See list of docu-

would be permissible if this placement does not

ments at the end of this Information Sheet.) Some

prevent reception of an acceptable quality signal

communities have written restrictions that provide a

or impose unreasonable expense or delay. For ex-

prioritized list of placement preferences so that resi-

ample, if installing an antenna in the rear of the

dents can see where the association wants them to

house costs significantly more than installation on

install the antenna. The residents should comply

the side of the house, then such a requirement

with the placement preferences provided the pre-

would be prohibited. If, however, installation in

ferred placement does not impose unreasonable de-

the rear of the house does not impose unreason-

lay or expense or preclude reception of an acceptable

able expense or delay or preclude reception of an

quality signal.

acceptable quality signal, then the restriction is

So after reviewing the FCC regulations and discuss-

permissible and the viewer must comply.

ing it with the board, we have come to the following

conclusions:

So EOA’s rules regarding placement of dishes are

Both the Green and Blue Books must be up-

still in effect as long as they do not cause unreason-

dated. FCC regulations supercede covenants.

Page 8

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

Architectural Review nd Satellite

(that is, on the dead side). If you want to return

Dishes (continued from previous page)

your boxwoods and small leaf holly shrubs to a

more likeable condition, take a hand pruner and

We cannot restrict dishes to 20” in diameter; the

snip away at the dead stuff on top and sides.

FCC regulation allows up to 30” dishes under

the new rules.

This would be the perfect time to address the azal-

Edgewater homeowners do not need prior ap-

eas that have completed their spring bloom,

proval to install a dish. HOWEVER, they must

whether frosted or not, by PRUNING down inside

still fill out an application for review and ap-

the shrub--snipping out dead wood in addition to

proval.

the branches that are too long. Azaleas treated

The EOA standards as to dish location are still

with respect enough to allow them to retain their

valid as long as it does not diminish signal or

intended form, rather than becoming pink cubes in

cause unreasonable costs (subjective term,

the spring, will be happier and prettier. After

“unreasonable”). If the dish does not comply,

pruning will come snack time with a nice feeding

we can require the owner to move it at their

of azalea food to prepare for next bloom time.

own expense.

I think we all need to understand that the ARC is

Shopping time - If you didn’t purchase a trunkful

here to help homeowners. We try very hard not to

at the Botanical Garden sale, there is still an ade-

restrict a homeowner from enjoying their property

quate supply at the garden centers. Get some bold

to its fullest nor do we want to present a roadblock.

colors--the pinks, purples and fuchsias are wonder-

However, we are here to apply our neighborhood

ful. Look for one of my favorite leafy presenta-

standards. The application for satellite dishes is

tions, ”Magilla Perilla,” kind of like a coleus but a

still required, but once the application is reviewed,

little louder. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a

approved and on file, the homeowner need never

bother with it again (unless they modify/change/

Out in the Yard by Karen Voelker

Out in the Yard by Karen Voelker

Here it is early May (at least, when this article

was submitted it was early May, but Dinah took

so long to publish the newsletter...well, now it is

late May) and the most visible quality of most of

our outdoor spaces is frost damage! Go figure. If

neighborhood signature plant and have Magilla

you didn’t read Harvey Cotton’s column let me

Perilla in every yard? Or allow yourselves enough

once more address what one is to do to deal with

reckless abandon to plant a package of zinnia

such late season frost. The less done, the better!

seeds or cosmos seeds for fun color or plant your

It seems that frost damage gets the whole nervous

grandchild’s initials in radish seeds so they can see

system in line to cut and shred and destroy be-

them come up and grow into something edible.

cause it is ugly. Most of the damage caused by

And who wouldn’t love some sunflowers?

the poor pruning and ”cutting back” is the real

UGLY thing.

Before flower shopping, be sure you know the sun/

shade description of your garden since that is a

If you wander out to your crape myrtles or maples

main determinant in what will thrive. Full sun is

or small trees, you will be seeing new leaf buds

considered at least six hours of direct sunlight.

popping out. Once those are established as devel-

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

Page 9

Many plants require this amount in order to flower

ger. Get some bright, cute, colorful, creative bird

and set fruit--veggies, fruit trees, roses and crape

houses and feeders to let our feathery friends know

myrtles. Part sun or partial shade would be receiv-

we care. Don’t get Mom flowers for Mother’s Day--

ing less than six hours of direct sun. Azaleas, hy-

get her a finch feeder or hummingbird feeder or just a

drangeas, viburnums, dogwoods and a host of other

cute bird feeder for more hours of pleasure than a

plants enjoy a break from the summer sun; espe-

bouquet or dinner would bring. There is a lot of en-

cially in the afternoon. Full shade would be two

tertainment in watching the characters at the feeders--

hours or less of direct sun--rhododendron, ferns and

those with manners and those without. The bird col-

hostas appreciate this. Many others will do well in

ors and songs will make the yard a more cheerful

full shade, especially if they are receiving filtered

place with a few birds around.

sun through the tops of tall trees. Just bear in mind

oping, you may prune

that if you got set down in the wrong light expo-

Don’t forget to nominate all the great yards in your

away above the new leaf

sure, you could get up and move--plants can’t. You

neighborhood for the Garden Club yard award. Drive

might also be able to get away with a little more

by Mr. and Mrs. Earle’s yard to see the sign that

light than recommended if watering conditions are

could be in your yard.

changed. Bottom line--if you have a full sun gar-

den, don’t bring home impatiens, fuschia, or hostas.

Looking forward to seeing you Out in the Yard,

Look for the plant tags about light, distance from

next plant, and drainage requirement, or ask an

”associate.” (Didn’t they used to be ”clerks”?)

This would be he time to seed for warm-season

grasses,or get sod or figure out how to have less

grass. Look at your lawn critically. Have the tree

roots grown out beyond the cute edging you put

down years ago and are now draining the energy

from your grass so it looks kind of puny? It is rec-

ommended to pull up the edging and increase the

size of the bed with mulch and ground cover or

shallow rooted shrubs. The bald lawn outside the

tree bed makes the yard look ”challenged.”

Get that load of pine bark mulch or pine needles de-

livered to mulch in all the beds before summer heat

comes. I like to use pine straw because, as a mature

woman, it is easier for me to spread it. (Actually it

is easier on my husband to spread it; I am just look-

ing out for his well being.) Pine straw does not

wash on a slope the way mulch does.

It’s about time to start fertilizing warm season

grasses. Use a weed-and-feed to control the weeds

that were missed by the pre-emerge treatments.

Then get ready to buy Dad a new mulching mower

for Father’s Day.

At the Edgewater Garden Club this month we

talked about the need for us to invite birds into our

yards because so much of their habitat is in daner. .

Page 10

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

place often. Summer brought a bevy of butterflies

Bella Woods

and blackberries. Autumn there was the most beau-

B y Vicky Sloup

tiful picture ever painted on the world. In the midst

of bleak winter, the snow had the alabaster purity of

Looking down into the valley where I grew up, it

the snow that falls in God’s country. We named our

was obvious, by the grayish haze hanging in the air

special place Bella Woods because it truly was a

from the smokestacks, the distinctive odors perme-

beautiful place we could dream of and carry with us

ating the breeze, and the maze of railroad tracks

when we were far away and missed home.

running in all directions, this was a factory town.

Spring is truly a rebirth in this place of winter’s dull

days. The snow here is bedecked in a sooty mantle

of black spewed by the belching towers of an indus-

trial skyline.

Spring begins with the verdant sprouts of grass after

the ice and snow are a fading memory. The spindly

forsythia branches give birth to flowers the color of

sunshine. The daffodils, iris and crocuses peek gin-

gerly through the earth. The myriad hues of the tu-

lips add to the kaleidoscope. The resplendent pur-

ples debut in the fragrant lilac and the petite violet.

In my neighborhood, there weren’t many places one

could go to find solitude. So, on one lazy spring

Saturday, my friend and I ventured out to find a

place where we could escape a noisy and compli-

Tree Trimmers

By Bill Hastings

cated world. We walked to the river where we ex-

Edgewater Drive is looking GREAT> Thanks you to

plored the backwaters and found pussy willows and

everyone that came out and helped trim the Bradford

velvety moss-covered stones. Near the dam we

Pear trees. I’m sure our neighbors will be safer walk-

found rocks as smooth and shiny as glass. The river

ing and driving along Edgewater Drive.

was too noisy! Next, we explored an old apple or-

chard where we found wild flowers and apple blos-

Edgewater Tree Trimmers

soms among the weeds. Too close to civilization,

we determined.

Buck Bannister

Bob Wolf

Finally, after walking for

Clarence Bray

what seemed like miles,

Vicky Sloup is a we stumbled upon a truly

Chuck Duffy

Claude Tibault

long time

beautiful place. We knew

Dave Deutch

Edgewater

we had found a special

Glen Diehl

place, peaceful and tran-

resident. She

Bill Hastings

quil, where we could ac-

writes for

Joe Roberts

tually see a piece of blue

John Haskell

several

sky not hidden by bridges

Lyle Needham

magazines and

and smokestacks.

Terry Tackney

We went back to that

Tom Rogers

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

Page 11

This is the number one com-

Covenants

plaint by our neighbors.

By Richard Kowalick

It has been a busy spring. The Architectural Control

The second most

Committee and Covenants have been diligently

common complaint is barking

working to bring a sense of reason and understand-

dogs. There are specific guide-

ing to many issues. Specifically:

lines for pet ownership and

control of noise and animals

We have addressed all “reported” issues

causing a nuisance. More and

concerning satellite dish receivers. Short of printing

more dogs are running loose in the neighborhood and

a list, by residence, of those installations that have

there have been some reports of dogs reacting ag-

been approved or disapproved; we have acted on

gressively when not confined. This cannot and will

every issue. The ARC is developing new guidelines

not be tolerated. Animal control will be called for

that will be in consonant with Federal guidelines for

“loose running” dogs.

use in the future. Once an approval is provided, that

approval stays “with the residence” to preclude any

Covenant complaints are investigated. Reports are

issues in the future.

not issued as to the outcome of the complaint; not

even to the “complainer”. Every homeowner can be

In accordance with Amendment 1 (dated 4

assured that each complaint is processed. It must be

October 2004) to the “EDGEWATER OWNERS

noted that the ARC is the basis for many “issues”.

ASSOCIATION STANDARDS AND RESTRIC-

Many complaints, such as fences; satellite dishes’,

TIONS’ manual dated November 2004 ALL wood

etc. have a basis in the ARC approval procedure and

fence designs shall incorporate posts and rails on

IF approved, although not clearly addressed in the

the inside (owner’s side) of the fence.

By-Laws; may in fact not be a covenant violation…..

so there is no “observed correction” of the reported

Another growing issue and complaint is EX-

allegation.

TERIOR DECORATIONS AND DISPLAYS.

In order to maintain a harmonious neighborhood ap-

Much has been accomplished and Spring Clean-up

pearance, we require a primarily natural landscaping

has been very successful. We have had issues and

décor. In general , artificial flowers, artificial ani-

they have been resolved amicably for the most part

mals, bird baths, and other sculptures are prohib-

through communication and mutual understanding.

ited in areas visible from the front . Each sculp-

We must all be vigilant and patient and not too quick

ture and decoration may be approved for use in

to “throw the first stone”. Of interest, as our

rear areas screened from front view. But, while on

neighborhood expands, we are receiving complaints

this subject, if your residence borders a main thor-

from neighboring residents in other communities

oughfare, such as Edgewater Drive, or is a corner

about our residents and how they object to what they

lot, think about your backyard and what it may ap-

feel are improper activities. We must all be respect-

pear to others driving past. Especially if there is no

ful of each other

fence or shrubbery to screen the area.

AND those around

us.

It is spring and the growing season is upon

us. Please respect your neighbors and maintain

WE always look

your property with good taste and in a manner that

“down” not “up”. If

will make us all proud. Lawns should be mowed

we all looked “up”

and edged regularly. Flower beds should be clear of

we would not see

all weeds. A reminder. Please do not place “lawn

quite do many lawn

refuse bags” and tree limbs on the curb until the

bags and tree limbs

night before your scheduled pick-up for these items.

which are transitory

Page 12

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

at best. If we looked “up” we would see decaying

wood trim and chimney flues; we would see rotting

President’s Update

fence panels, peeling paint and stain on fences, soffits,

(continued from page 1)

trim and even moss growing on roof shingles. We

might even notice “gutter gardens”; you know, gutters the current levels of service provided by the Associa-

that are so clogged that gardens grow in them. We

tion, the Board and members of the community can

might even notice a very tattered and well worn flag

see exactly where our annual dues are being spent.

that has needed replacing for months. We are all way

At the current annual dues amount of $330.00 per

to busy looking “down”. We are all way to busy fo-

household, the Association’s income exceeds the

cusing on “small” issues and not seeing much larger

amount required “to just turn on the lights” by ap-

ones that truly reflect on our community. As

proximately $20,000 this year. It is this $20,000 that

neighbors we must all work together to look “up”.

can be saved or spent on Capital improvements, i.e.

We need to be truly neighbors and mention things to

new pool furniture, re-surfacing tennis courts, new

our neighbors…or is it much more convenient to be

weight room equipment, lake improvements, or secu-

“anonymous”; call in a complaint and require some-

rity fencing. This $20,000 is not a lot of money. I

one else to be the ….., oh well get the picture? WE

believe in the next few months the Board will survey

need to be US. Pick up a plastic bottle in the street;

the community on what the community thinks that

help haul leaf bags; mention to your neighbor that

our priorities should be. We will be looking forward

their fence is listing over the line (because termites

to your responses.

have eaten away the posts). WE need to be

NEIGHBORS and all work together to make our

As I have stated before, I would like to encourage

community the best there is. Let’s “look UP” and not

you to get involved or just meet a new neighbor.

down at anyone or anything.

The better we know our neighbors, the better the

community will be. Please contact me with ques-

tions or comments at cwmartin@knology.net.

Best Regards,

2007 Board of Directors

Chuck Martin

Chuck Martin

Lake Shore

461-4893

President

Richard Kowallik

Lake Shore

464-9272

Vice President

Geoff Abrams

Compass Pointe

830-4802

Treasurer

Dinah Williams

Fox Bend

772-9591

Secretary

Bill Hastings

Remington Place

772-2098

Cameron Handyside

Dunhill

656-1578

May Hudson

Heritage Woods

772-3438

Cecil Moses

Morland Shores

772-0011

Sallie Scott

Dunhill

464-0755

LakeLife

Volume XX Issue 2

Page 13

There’s still time to nominate your favorites for the

SPRING YARD OF THE SEASON COMPETITION

Hosted by the Edgewater Garden Club

IT’S EASY! Nminate as many front yards as you like (including your own) by June 1:

By Email:

EOASpring07@aol.com (Address in subject line; no text messages please. Photo attachments welcome.)

By Mail:

EOA Spring 07/Janice Bijvoet

498 Sussex Drive, Huntsville, AL 35824

By Courier :

Drop in the newspaper box at 498 Sussex, Remington Place

**Please familiarize yourself with EOA covenants and architectural standards**

Caption describing picture

Interested in joining the Edgewater Garden Club?

or graphic.

Contact Janice at 774-2982/bijvoet@aol.com to see what we’re plotting!

Clubhouse Gardens in Need

We have areas such as

the tennis court, gazebo,

By May Hudson

pool, flag pole, club-

Over the years, we have worked very hard to have

house plants and pots. It

lovely gardens around our clubhouse and the adjacent

would not take a lot of

areas. We have a need now for volunteers to devote

time. I am thinking

some time to keeping them in the shape they deserve.

maybe once a week for

For instance, we have a beautiful area by our lake ga-

about an hour in the be-

zebo and play yard. There are plants there that have

ginning seasons and then

been purchased and donated by homeowners. It is a

on an as needed basis. But it would be of a great help

wonderful mix of plants, shrubs and trees. We have

to know that someone is watching out for a certain

other areas like this that need some personal TLC.

area. You do not need to be a member of the Grounds

or Clubhouse committees (although you would be

I know you are wondering why this call for volun-

most welcome) and you can work at your own pace

teers when we pay for a lawn service. Bill Hastings

with a pal or alone.

and I have talked about this also. We have come to

the reality that the lawn service does not act, nor

I have been told that Bill Hastings is going to be

should it, according to the work specifications, as a

looking for some help in the same vein as I have de-

“gardener.” They do weed in major areas, for the lar-

tailed above for the neighborhood entrances. It only

ger picture so to speak. What is needed for our garden

makes good sense to have folks that live in the area to

areas would be someone who is willing to do the de-

be involved in the entrance planting and maintenance.

tails: weeding, replacing mulch that gets onto the

plants, making recommendations of plant replace-

So, there is no lack of places for you to get out in a

ment or addition, making sure that it is watered prop-

garden, our neighborhood garden, that we all admire.

erly, seasonal pruning and removal of dead or dis-

Please consider this request and call May Hudson

Caption describing picture

eased leaves, and etc.

772-3438 or if you prefer you or _{graphic.can e-} m ail me at

maziemail@aol.com.

Edgewater Calendar of Events

June

July

4

Board Meeting

6:30 p.m.

3

Bridge Club

9:30 a.m.

5

Bridge Club

9:30 a.m.

9

Board Meeting

6:30 a.m.

9

Annual Pool Party

4:00 p.m.

10

Dominoes/Cards Club

1:00 p.m.

Investment Club

6:30 p.m.

12

Dominoes/Cards Club

1:00 p.m.

Woodworkers

Investment Club

6:30 p.m.

Woodworkers

13

Moreland Shores Mtg

6:30 p.m.

19

Bridge Club

9:30 a.m.

17

Bridge Club

9:30 a.m

.

28

Town Hall Meeting

6:30pm

24

Dominoes/Cards Club

1:00 p.m.

Community Corner

Dominoes/Card’s Day

2nd and 4th Tuesday of

each month at 1:00 p.m. .

Edgewater Mixed Dou-

of each month from 9:30

Call Judy Lindsey at

bles— “Round Robin”

a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All

461-7069

tennis is played each Fri-

residents are welcome.

day morning, starting at

Call Eve Garriott at 461-

9:00 a.m. If you are in-

0103 or Reba Jacobs at

terested call Sue Chat-

461-9775.

ham at 461-0262 or Jan

Are You Single?

Drewry at 464-8595.

By Kim Cole

Are you a single Edge-

Edgewater Investment

ers meet on the second

water resident? Are you

Club— 2nd Tuesday of

Tuesday of each month.

over 21? Do you enjoy

each month at 6:30 p.m.

If you are interested in

the outdoors, dining out,

at the Edgewater Club-

joining us please contact

and spending time with

house. New Members

Tom Kaeding at 461-

are welcome. Contact

other singles? If so, you

0180,

Sue Chatham at 461-

are invited to join the new

twkaeding@yahoo.com,

0262 or Joe Roberts at

Edgewater Singles by

or Terry Tackney at 772-

489-0781.

Edgewater Garden

contacting Kim at 489-

Club— All enthusiasts

3438, tmtwood@aol.

0971 or

welcome! No expertise

com.

kecole614@yahoo.com.

required. We meet infor-

Community Outreach-

mally in members’

Contact Joyce Bryant

homes. Contact: Janice

694-2004 or 774-7817,

Bijvoet / 774-2982 / bi-

or Donna Brown, 489-

jvoet@aol.com.

3358 or 682-9492., or at

Party Bridge—

Edgewater Clubhouse on

Woodworking— The

ewoutreach@bellsouth.

the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays

Edgewater Woodwork-

net.