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Villas of Wedgewood Townhouse Association Newsletter November 2015

Dear Neighbor,

We hope this finds you healthy and happy as the holiday season approaches. While your family prepares for warm memories ahead, this newsletter will help you and your home be just as prepared for cooler, winter conditions. Inside you’ll find:

. Seasonal Gutter Care 101 . Acres November and December Maintenance Schedule . Winterizing Your Home in 10 Easy Steps . Resident Mailbox Repair Requirements

Before snow and freezing weather arrive, properly winterizing your home is the best step you can take to avoid unwanted troubles. Page 6 features a list of authorized vendors, if you require assistance with any of your home winterizing or maintenance needs.

As always, should you have any questions regarding this newsletter or other villas items, please visit VWTA.org or refer to our board member contact list on page 8.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,

Your VWTA Board

Community Holiday HappeningsNovember 1—25 | Crystal Lake Community Harvest Food Drive Help provide a delicious Thanksgiving meal for area families in need. Food donations now accepted at Harris Bank, CL Bank & Trust, CL Chamber, Health Bridge Fitness Center and Home State Bank.

November 27 | 7pm | Festival of Lights Holiday Parade A parade to remember—families, friends, holiday lights and more takeover downtown Crystal Lake. November 27 - December 24 | Downtown Crystal Lake Gingerbread Fundraiser Vote for the best downtown business’s gingerbread creations with a donation in their Red Kettle collection tin. The business to collect the most donations wins. Funds benefit Salvation Army.

Villas of Wedgewood Townhouse Association | PO Box 1657 | Crystal Lake, IL 60039-1657

ALSO INSIDE

PAGE 2: . New Resident Welcome

PAGE 3: . Important ARC Reminders

. Homeowner Insurance Requirements

PAGE 6: . Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered

. Weekly Trash Procedures

ALSO INSIDE

PAGE 8: . Wedgewood Association Holiday Dinner Invite

. 2016 Villa Board Meeting Schedule

With a number of neighbors joining the community, please help us extend a warm welcome to our newest VWTA residents:

● Jeanne and Jeff McCoy | 970 Plantain Court ● Maxine and Sylvester Furmanek | 696 Wedgewood Drive ● Elizabeth Kellogg | 983 Plantain Court ● Heidi and Fred Fitzpatrick | 941 Wedgewood Drive

As always, members of our Villas Board are available to assist with any questions new residents may have while acclimating to the neighborhood. Please contact Board Secretary Jody Anderson at (815) 353-1196 or assistance. Additional information, including a 2015 resident directory, villas covenants and restrictions, latest projects, architectural review forms, board meeting minutes, latest announcements and more is also available online at VWTA.org.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

conditions. Damage to your foundation, siding and landscaping as well as ice damming can all be avoided by simply ensuring your gutters are regularly cleaned and maintained. Here are 3, key seasonal gutter care tips you should know. 1. Clear Your Downspouts Yard clippings and debris can easily build up at downspout openings. Clearing such items will keep spouts from freezing shut. 2. Clean Your Gutters 2X Per Year A thorough gutter cleaning every spring and every fall will remove any hazardous debris from the troughs to ensure water is properly channeled away from your home.

3. Inspect for Leaks, Damage or Missing Parts Repairing any leaks or

Seasonal Gutter Care 101

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A friendly reminder from our VWTA covenants and restrictions, Article 7.5: The outdoor parking areas within the property or Common Area (including private driveways) shall be used exclusively for the parking of automobiles. No boats, trailers, recreational vehicles, trucks motorcycles, motor scooters, motor homes or other vehicles or property of any kind shall be parked or stored thereon.

Outdoor Parking Reminder

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A friendly reminder that all maintenance of deck floors and stairways, patios, mailboxes (see page 5), garage door replacement and storm door and window replacement is each villa owner’s responsibility. An ARC form is required to be submitted to the Villas Board for any exterior changes, including landscaping, heat tape on roof, windows, etc. The ARC form protects homeowners from incurring further costs due to covenants violations. ARC Forms are 3-part and included in your welcome packet, and once or twice a year in our quarterly newsletter. You can also find the ARC form on our website at VWTA.org (make 3 copies if using it). Any questions regarding your ARC form, please contact Al Jordan, ARC Committee at (815) 685-2026. NOTE: An ARC form must be submitted to BOTH the Villas Board and NW Property Management prior to making any structural changes or additions to the exterior of your unit (it is the only time 2 forms are required).

Important ARC Form Reminder

Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or changing insurance providers, please ensure your home insurance policy meets the VWTA resident homeowners insurance requirements, as outlined below. This information is also available on page four of our Villas Handbook within the documents section on VWTA.org. Homeowners are required to maintain insurance on their unit at all times. Dwelling coverage (type HO3) at full market value is required, with the “Villas of Wedgewood Townhouse Association” named as an additional insured for property coverage on the policy. Owners will be asked by the Board to show evidence of insurance annually that indicates the amount of coverage. Most carriers will supply a dated “Certificate of Insurance” for this purpose. Homeowners are requested to provide acceptable evidence of insurance within the requested due date.

The Board wishes to point out that it is prohibited in interfering with any homeowner’s insurance claim that does not directly impact the Association. Should you have any questions regarding insurance requirements, please contact Al Jordan, Villas Board Insurance Manager at (815) 685-2026.

Villas Homeowner Insurance Requirements

Acres Group Maintenance Schedule

These vendors are authorized by the Association to complete your home renovation projects. An ARC form is required to be submitted to the Villas Board for any exterior changes, including landscaping, heat tape on roof, windows, etc. An ARC form must be submitted to BOTH the Villas Board and NWPM prior to making any structural changes or additions to the exterior of your unit (it is the only time 2 forms are required).

Electricity & Gutter Heating Coils ● O’Connor Electric | (815) 923-4050

Mailboxes, Garage & Storm Doors and Decks ● Handy Home Services | Dan Russell | (815) 347-0507

Landscaping & Snow Removal ● Acres Group | Steve Swanson | (847) 878-7940

Roofing Questions/Concerns* ● Hogan Roofing | Roger | (815) 482-4465 *Please remember, your roof is under warranty with Hogan Roofing. If your roof is inspected by anyone other than Hogan, your warranty will be considered void. For more information regarding ARC forms and authorized vendors, visit VWTA.org.

Association Authorized Vendors

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Service Nov. Dec. CommentsMowing X Performed on Thursday & Fridays (weather permitting)

Policing of Property X Performed weekly during contract

Fall Clean-Up X Performed by end of contract (weather permitting)

Clipping Removal (Bagging) X After each mowing

Granular Turf Fertilization X Four times per season

Sub-Surface Insect Control X Call for homeowner price

Grub Control (Curative) X Call for homeowner price

Core Aeration X Preferably performed in spring and fall

Dormant Pruning of Trees X Phase 3 completed

Deep Root Tree Fertilization X Call for homeowner price

Granular Shrub Fertilization X Call for homeowner price

Deep Root Shrub Fertilization X Call for homeowner price

Dormant Oil Spray X Call for homeowner price

Anti-Desiccant Spray X X Call for homeowner price

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Voluntary Life and AD&D Properly winterizing your home will save you hassle and money once cooler temperatures set in. Expert handymen from Handy Home Services in Crystal Lake shared these 10 steps you can take ensure your villa is winter ready. You can call Handy Home Services for assistance with any of your home maintenance or winterizing needs at (815) 347-0507.

1. Clean Your Gutters This is the #1 way to winterize your home for many reasons. See “Seasonal Gutter Care 101” on page 2 to learn more about proper maintenance.

2. Stop The Draft Slide inexpensive draft guards beneath your doors to keep unwanted cold air out and much needed warm air in.

3. Redirect Your Ceiling Fan Update your fans to turn in a clockwise direction. When set to run on low speed, this will help push warm air near the ceiling back into your living space.

4. Replace Heating & Air System Filters Change your heating and air filters every month or two during periods of high use to ensure your system runs at peak performance.

5. Check Your Insulation Don’t risk losing valuable heat through your ceiling and walls. For maximum heat retention, have insulation levels checked, and be sure attic vents are not blocked.

6. Program Your Thermostat Lower temperatures while you’re sleeping or away from home. The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save up to 1% in energy costs for each degree lowered.

7. Turn Off Water to Exterior Spigots Shut off water to exterior faucets via inside valves. Let the remaining water in the pipes drain outside, and shut off the exterior spigots when the water stops draining. This will rid the pipe of residual water so it does not freeze or cause cracking. Remember to turn off water to exterior faucets if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time.

8. Flush Your Water Heater Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of your water heater. A pre-winter flush will ensure maximum efficiency during winter months.

9. Clean Your Chimney Excess soot can cause creosote buildup in your chimney, which increases the risk of house fire. Have your chimney cleaned to enjoy worry-free fries all winter long. Also be sure to close your fireplace flu to keep the draft out. 10. Caulk Drafty Windows For significant energy savings, caulk around drafty windows to keep the cold air out.

Winterize Your Home in 10 Easy Steps

Voluntary Life and AD&DFrequently Asked Questions Have you visited our website lately? VWTA.org provides additional information regarding everything in this newsletter and more. Here is a snapshot of several frequently asked questions from our site, submitted by Villas residents.

How do the Wedgewood Master Board and Villas Board differ? As a Villa owner, you are part of 2 governing boards: the Wedgewood Association Board (Master Board) and the Villas Board. The Master Board covers all of Wedgewood, including single family. It also covers all common areas and wetlands in the Wedgewood subdivision as well as the private road, Plantain Court, and all Villas parking pads. The Wedge- wood Association is governed by its Board of Directors (Master Board) consisting of 7 residents, each elected for a 2-year term. They have their own website and quarterly newsletter. Northwest Property & Financial Management Corporation (NWPM) has been hired to conduct the day-to-day business of the Master Board. Any questions for the Master Board should be directed to NWPM at (815) 459-9187 x 216. The Villas Board covers your villa property and consists of 5 members, each with a 2-year term as well. The villas covenants & restrictions documents are located on VWTA.org. Any questions regarding your individual villa can be directed to Frank Ciangi, Villas Board President at (847) 280-4208.

When are dues paid and to whom? As a villa owner, you have two sets of dues: one to the Villa Association (Villa Board; bigger bill), and one to the Wedgewood Association (Master Board) payable to different addresses. All Villa Board correspondence as well as the dues assessments go to Villas of Wedgewood Townhouse Association, P.O. Box 1657, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-1657. The assessment must be received by February 15th of each year if paying annually or, if quarterly, February 15, April 30, July 31, and October 31. Payments received after the due date are subject to a late penalty. Any questions regarding the Villa Association assessment can be directed to Dick Moran, Finance Committee at (815) 455-8214. Wedgewood Association assessments (smaller bill) are also due February 15 of each year or may be paid in 2 installments (February 15 and June 15) and sent to Northwest Property & Financial Management Corp., P.O. Box 7678, Carol Stream, IL 60197. Any questions regarding the Wedgewood assessment should be directed to NWPM.

Who do I contact for proof of paid-up dues when selling my unit? There is no cost for proof of paid Villa Association dues, which can be obtained by contacting Villa Board Financial Chairman, Dick Moran at (815) 455-8214 or by e-mail at rmjm8214@yahoo.com. For Wedgewood Association dues letters, contact Northwest Property Management. There may be a fee.

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Resident trash, recyclables and refuse must be placed outside no earlier than 7pm the evening prior to pickup. The day of pickup, empty bins must be placed back inside by 7pm, per city ordinance No. 258.Arrangements with the scavenger service must be made for prompt pickup of large items, following the same guidelines as above.

Weekly Trash Procedures

In an effort to maintain the beauty of our community, our aging villa mailboxes are in need of some TLC. As such, resident mailboxes will be assessed for repairs required to maintain our neighborhood standards, and homeowner notices will be issued if your box needs repair.

Villa residents are responsible for all mailbox repairs as outlined below. This is taken directly from our Villas Handbook, which is also available within the documents section on VWTA.org.

Mailbox maintenance is the homeowner’s responsibility. This includes the painting of the mailbox, Association will

notify the homeowner of a mailbox violation. The homeowner will have 60 days to make repairs. If the mailbox is not repaired, the Association has the right to contract for the needed work, which will be billed to the homeowner. Repair parts may be ordered from Mel Northey Co., Inc. 303 Gulf Bank, Houston, TX 77037. Phone: (800) 828-0302 Fax: (281) 445-7456 www.melnorthey.com.

Resident Mailbox Repair Requirements

This diagram features a mailbox parts list for Villas of Wedgewood residents. These parts may be purchased directly from Mel Northey Company, Inc. via check or credit card. Please allow 3 - 4 weeks for shipping.

Homeowners are responsible for securing needed mailbox parts. Once your parts come in, Handy Home Services is authorized to make mailbox repairs. Contact Dan Russell at (815) 347-0507 for assistance.

1023A Williamsburg Mailbox Parts List

1023A Flag Kit

1023A Door (Includes Door Knob, Latch

& Screws)

1023A 3” Brass Numbers

1023A Mailbox Only

1023A Bracket (Not Visible in Photo, Attaches

Mailbox to Tubular Post)

1023A Tubular Post 5.5’

1023A Base, 2 Piece Wrap Around Tubular Post

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Villas of Wedgewood Townhouse Association | PO Box 1657 | Crystal Lake, IL 60039-1657

Villa Board of DirectorsFrank Ciangi, President.........................................................(847) 280-4208Dick Moran, VP | Financial Chairman...................................(815) 455-8214Jody Anderson, Secretary.....................................................(815) 353-1196Al Jordan, Insurance & ARC Manager..................................(815) 685-2026Ron McHone, Neighborhood Watch Chairman....................(847) 280-4208

Bill Godar, Welcome Committee Chairman..............................(815) 459-7629Sarah Wirth, Truly Social Marketing | Newsletter.....................(815) 355-3908Kim Stephen, Website Developer

Comments & SuggestionsYour feedback is welcome! Comments or suggestions may be submitted, in 100 words or less, to the Villas Association Board.

Please include your name and address and submit to the address below or on VWTA.org.

“Comments”PO Box 1657Crystal Lake, IL 60039

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2016 Villas Board MeetingsThank you to those who have joined us for this year’s VWTA Board meetings. Our final VWTA Board Meeting of 2015 will be held at 6:30pm on December 9 at Home State Bank (611 S. Main Street) in downtown Crystal Lake.

2016 Villas Board Meetings will be held the second Wednesday of every other month, beginning in February, at American Community Bank in Crystal Lake (381 S. Main Street). Please mark you calendars to join us for our back-to-back election and board meetings on February 10, 2016.

● VWTA Board Election Meeting ● VWTA Standard Board Meeting ● February 10, 2016 at 6pm ● February 10, 2016 at 6:30pm ● American Community Bank ● American Community Bank Crystal Lake Crystal Lake

Wedgewood Association Holiday PartyMark your calendar! You’re invited to join us for the 2015 Wedgewood Association Holiday Dinner. A community-wide event, all villas homeowners are invited to attend. We would love to see everyone there!

● December 10, 2015 at Crystal Lake Country Club ● 6pm Reception | 7pm Dinner ● Cash Bar