Normans News - Spring Issue 2012

8/2/2019 Normans News - Spring Issue 2012

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reasonable assessment yearly, and have anHOA to help oversee our neighborhood busi-

ness and finances.

Last year a committee was formed to develop

a written document clearly stating exactly

what Norman Downes community standards

are, and a set of procedures to follow and ac-

tions that will result when property owners are

noncompliant. The standards came directly

from your comments, the survey results, and

the suggestions in boxes, as well as research

into what other neighborhoods are doing.Those of you who attended the General Meet-

ing in November or read the last issue of

Normans News had an opportunity to discuss

and/or see a preview copy of these. They are

available now on the Norman Downes website

under the Documents Tab.

There is a meeting to finalize this document

on March 12th at 6 PM. The regular board

meeting will follow right after at 7 PM. Any

interested homeowners are welcome to attend

one or both of these meeting which will be

held in the Bunten Park Community Building.

The final vote will be put before the residents

for adoption within the next six months.

OUR CHANGING COMMUNITY

Community Standards

MeetingMarch 12th

www.normandownes.net

ND Face Book

Directory Updates

Spring Neighborhood

Yard SaleMarch 24th

Easter Egg Hunt

April 7th

Ladies Bunco, Mens

Poker & Tennis Teams &

Socials

Normans News SPRING 2012 Edition PAGE 1

FOR AND BY OUR RESIDENTS OF NORMAN DOWNESNormans News

Presidents Corner

Its a pleasure to start the

year welcoming our newestboard members for 2012: Sam Carr, BillSmith and Mark Carter who are commit-tee chairs of General Maintenance, LakeAccess and Tennis Facility areas respec-tively.

They are joined by our returning Boardmembers Susan Holland (Treasurer),Andy Miller (Landscape), JamesDeLoach (Secretary), Rick Austin (WebSite Development), Rob Welsh (cont. pg 7)

If Our Dogs Could

Talk !

2

Hello, your Block Cap-

tain is Calling!

2-3

Ladies Night at the

Peachtree Home Depot!

3

Walkers Beware

NewOn The Web 4

Upcoming Events 5

Clubs & Socials Forming 5

ND Pet Registry 6

The Presidents Corner

(continued from page 1)

7

THREE NEW BOARDMEMBERS !

Newly elected members Bill

Smith, Mark Carter, and Sam

Carr make a total of 9 mem-

bers of the community who will

set things in motion for 2012.

The new members bring fresh

ideas to the Board as well as

an infusion of energy, says re

-elected HOA President Barry

Smith. Something we all want

and need.

We are hoping to get more

residents on committees this

year, so please consider join-

ing one of the following com-

mittees:

Landscape Chair Andy Miller;

Development Chair Barry

Smith; Lake Access Chair Bill

Smith; Tennis Facility Chair

Mark Carter; Pool Chair Rob

Welsh; Web Site Chair Rick

Austin and General Mainte-

nance Chair Sam Carr.

WRITTEN COMMUNITY

STANDARDS

Because we are fortunate to

live in a quiet, mature

neighborhood, we take pride in

cleaning up, fixing up and

keeping things looking good.

But what happens when some-

one doesnt do these thingsand lets the home and prop-

erty slide into disrepair? We

all agree that we want Norman

Downes to continue to remain

a sought after and desirable

place in which to live and raise

our families. Thats why we

voted to remain a covenants

community, continue to pay a


2/8

when I walk through the subdivision, out of respect

to my neighbors. But this year, I have vowed to even

pick up after my dog on my own property. And if my

dog could talk he would remind me... It is not fertil-

izer, it is raw sewage!

By Dion Stewart

Dion Stewart is a Norman Downes resident for thepast 7 1/2 years & is Professor of Geology & Environ-

mental Science at Georgia Perimeter College.

Hello! Your Block Captain is Calling!

Your block captain will be calling to update infor-

mation for the 2012 Norman Downes Directory &

I saw several cartoons that reminded me to be

more conscientious when I let my dogs outside

than I have been in the past. Over 30% of the

fecal coli from bacteria in our local streams re-

sults from dog waste sitting uncollected on

neighborhood lawns and curbing areas. National

studies show that 40% of dog waste is not picked

up, and an average dog produces 250 pounds of

solid waste every year. Rain leaches toxins, chemi-

cals from heartworm and other dog medications,

as well as excess nutrients , out of the dog waste

and takes them directly down the storm drain

and into our streams and into Lake Norman.

There is no water treatment between the streetdrain and our stream. The contaminates foster

the growth of salmonella, which last year ex-

ceeded e-coli pollution in urban rivers. Locally,

the pollution in our waterways have gotten so

bad , there is an Atlanta-based website, updated

daily, that lets would-be boaters, rafters and tu-

bers know if the bacteria levels are safe (or not)

for venturing out on the Chattahoochee River.

The National Recreation area along the Chatta-

hoochee River can now issue you a ticket if you

are walking your dog on a leash, but do not have

poop bags in your possession.

The problem got so bad in a Knoxville HOA that

residents had pet owners develop a DNA data-

base, and a local animal laboratory (BioPetVet

Lab) analyzes dog waste left unattended in the

subdivision. The dog owner is then fined $30 for amarble sized nugget left in the subdivision

streams and lake.

Being proactive now in our own subdivision can

avoid more harsh measures, as the Feds and

State are now imposing, later down the road. I

have been careful about picking up after my dog

IF OUR DOGS COULD TALK, WHAT WOULD THEY TELL US?

Normans News SPRING 2012 PAGE 2


3/8

Ladies Night at the Old Peachtree Home Depot !

Sounds like a good book title, doesnt it? Well, I want to share a little secret with you. You know about

those honey do lists that somehow never get done because your husband is always busy doing some-

thing else?!! I know how to get those items off that list.

The other night I signed up for a how-to class on at the local Home Depot. Wow, did I ever luck out!

I had a demonstration, actual hands-on practice at placing & grouting tile , plus a snack, & Starbucks cof-fee, plus a goodie bag filled with helpful household

items all for free! There was even a drawing for a

microwave oven, a tile-cutting water saw ,(I really

wanted that!) several tile starter kits, as well as some

flowers. Im sorry to report that I wasnt a prize win-

ner, however, Norman Downes neighbors, Toby and

Dion Stewart, were, each winning a plant. Yes, a few

men, like Dion, snuck into the ladies group, and shoot if

all three didnt win prizes!!!

So ladies (and men), if you would like to have a fun

evening, get hands-on practice as you learn a new skill,

and possibly go home with a prize, then consider con-

tacting our Home Depot to register, 770-232-0998. And

who knows? You might even whittle down that honey

do list on your own! -Cheryl SmithP.S. This is a pilot program being offered only at the Old

Peachtree store in our area. The next ladies workshop isscheduled for March 6th and is on how to install a ceiling

fan.


Neighbors Dion & Toby Stewart top left corner.

Thats Mikey Joe answering questions and

our Home Depot instructor in the background.

(Hello! Your Block Captain is calling cont.)

They will also request you and your spouses

email addresses, not to publish in the direc-

tory, but for a distribution of Normans News

and other documents from your HOA. We can

save a lot of trees, money and time with every-ones cooperation. But dont worry if you are

not on the computer yet. There will still be

some printed copies available for those who

choose to opt out. Thank you in advance for

helping us make the switch to paperless com-

munication in Norman Downes.

Walkers Beware

, especially at dusk

and after dark.

Accidents happen in only seconds.

.

Consider a reflective collar for your pet too.

Stay safe!


4/8


Quote of the Day!

Dont say you dont have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were

given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and

Albert Einstein. - H. Jackson Brown

NEW On The Web!

Norman Downes has entered the new century with a web presence! We now have both a web site

and a Face book page that is being used to keep us all informed.

Norman Downes Web Site

The web site is at: http://www.normandownes.net. This site has the following sections of informa-

tion:

Home - The home page for the site.

About - More information about the neighborhood including a list of your HOA board

members.

About -> Documents - Hover over About to see the Documents menu which has docu-

ments such as HOA board meeting minutes, covenants, and others relating to our

neighborhood.

Events - Announcements for upcoming events including fun activities and upcoming

HOA board meetings.

Newsletter- Current and past issues of Norman's News and links to submit an article foran upcoming issue.

Photos - Photos from our neighborhood events and yard contests.

Amenities - List of some of the amenities of our neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Face book - Link to our Face book page.

Message Board - Link to our message board.

The web site has been designed to be easy to maintain so we expect to be able to quickly provide

you with information that you are interested in. If you have any suggestions on how to improve the

web site feel free to let us know by using the Contact Us menu on the web site!Face book

For those of you that use Face book we've also created a Face book page for Norman Downes.

You can access that at: http://www.facebook.com/norman.downes.community

As with the web site, there are photos, discussions, and event notifications on this page. You are

able to post on the Norman Downes wall and comment on any post so feel free to join the discus-

sions!

We're excited that we can leverage our web site and Face book to improve communications for

Norman Downes. We're looking at even more capabilities for the future and look forward to your

participation and suggestions. See you on the web!!! -Rick Austin, Website Development


5/8

WANTED!

VOLUNTEER

to ASSEMBLE

WELCOME

BASKETS for

NEW RESIDENTS in

NORMAN DOWNES!

Email:normansnews

@gmail.com

Or call

Cheryl Smith

770-418-9382

S t y l e s B y A m b e r

Pamper yourself with Fabulous HairCuts Color Make-Up

In the comfort of your own home !( 678 ) 643-3092

Ladies Bunco, Mens Poker& Tennis Socials are nowbeing offered! Sign up each month to register and get details.

Just give the group coordinators a call if interested in getting on their lists.

Bunconow meeting monthly in various member homes, contact Carol Vidyasagar770 476-5799. The next meeting is Thursday, February 23.

Pokernow meeting monthly in various member homes, contact Corey Youngblood(Peachtree Walk) 404-597-0330 or Javier Santos (Norman Downes) 770-418-1042.

Mens Tennis Team, contact Sam Vidyasagar 770-335-6872.

Mixed Tennis Social, contact Carol Vidyasagar 770 476-5799 or Susan Holland770-265-2975. Friday evenings beginning in May (6:30-8:30). Food & drinks followingare optional at local Duluth restaurants after. And yes, there will be restrooms located near

the courts!



6/8

A Big Get Well Wish

goes out to neighbor, Millie

Davis who fell and broke

her leg while playing Bridge

at Bunten Park.

If you like to send a note, her

address is 2954 Brookshire

Way. Your Bridge group

cant wait until youre back!

Norman Downes Pet Registry

Elizabeth Valenzuelas dog, Halle got out

several years ago. After a couple of agoniz-

ing days, the dog was located on the otherside of the neighborhood . Thats how thePet Registry began. To help other pet own-ers locate their pets sooner, and perhapssave days of heartache and worry, Elizabethbegan compiling a pet database. Right

now I have 45 pets says Elizabeth. I have

the owners name, address and phone aswell as the pets name, type, color, size, de-scription and breed if known. If you would

like a copy or to add your pet(s) to the data-base, email [email protected] or call (770)476-7131.

MARK THE DATE & watch the message boards at the frontof the neighborhood for details or call the coordinator.

Mar 24-Neighborhood Yard Salecontact Cheryl Smith,[email protected]

April 7

Easter Egg Hunt for ages 10 and under, contactSuzette Reeves, [email protected]

To submit an article,

email normans-

[email protected]

Ads are $20/issue or

publish in 4 issues for

$75 total.

Size is determined by

available space and may

vary from issue to issue.


Elizabeths sweet dog Halle (shown above) might have

been returned sooner if there had been a Pet Registry

to access for neighborhood pets. What a great idea!


7/8

IN THE GARDENAdvice from Pike Nurseryfor February:

Now is the time to prune roses, ornamental grasses and crape myrtles.

Pansies can be fertilized every 10 to 12 days.

Apply composted manure, mushroom or lime to vegetable beds to prepare them for

planting.

March:

Prune camellias after blooming & then feed with Azalea Camellia & Gardenia Food. Strawberries can be planted.

Fertilize spring-blooming bulbs.

Spray poison ivy and kudzu vines with Roundup.

Fertilize Fescue lawns and sow seeds when temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees.

Divide perennials & cut back butterfly bushes to 1/3 the size you want them to be.

(The Presidents Corner cont. from page 1)

(Pool operations) and I (Development), who together will continue to work for the good of NormanDownes.

We are of course ever grateful for the service of leaving Board members Suzette Reeves, DonWatson, and Peter Van Arsdale! However, were not letting Peter off so easy! He remains one of our

premiere board advisors because of his thorough, in-depth knowledge of the workings of Norman Dow-nes. He is also one of those instrumental members whose behind-the-scenes tireless efforts, along withothers in our community, helped to author and pass our covenants.

In reality, even though we as Board members individually chair certain committees, we cross-overeach others efforts and certainly welcome any volunteers who may want to contribute! And lets not

forget a major force in our neighborhood some 30 strong! Thats right, our block captains! You are akey part of our communications! To be able to directly contact your neighbors is vital to keeping the feeland flavor of our excellent community!

Here is the highlight list of some of the projects were working on for 2012. These are not neces-

sarily in order of priority, but we consider all of them very important for the continued maintenance andimprovement of our neighborhood. Some of these are longer term and others are more urgent issues.

-The community standards meeting & vote start-up, which will last though this summer-Tennis area fencing to help secure & isolate the area as being an integral part of Norman Downes-Tennis area restrooms separate mens and womens-Tennis and lake access driveway repair, culvert replacement and parking lot drainage-Lake access cleanup, building of boat racks, establishing lake use regulations-Website development and the addition of the www.normandownes.com domain-Pool area improvements and addition of regulation signs-Storage shed at rear pool yard-Refreshing of entrance signs and street signs

Now that you know what our current projects are, if youd like to be a part of the process please contact

the board members! We cant do it all ourselves we need volunteers for everything from creative inputand expertise to hands-on participation. Dont forget the community standards meeting, one hour be-fore our regular board meeting on March 12th. The time is 6:00 pm at the Bunten Park Activities building.

See you there! -Barry Smith



8/8


SEND ME your articles, celebrations, announcements & other newsworthy events.

Lets support one another and keep that neighborhood spirit alive !

Cheryl Smith, editor Normans News [email protected] 770-418-9382

What do you think????

Last year, the playground equipment was deemed unsafe and was

torn down. Down the road, we would like to create a safe place for our

children and youths to play, other than the street. The lighting at night is

poor and it is just plain unsafe for kids to congregate in the street. And, our

8 to 15 year olds need a safe place to congregate and have fun in Norman

Downes!

Should we even build a new play area for the younger setor is it an

unnecessary with that great play area in Bunten Park, right across the

street?

Would you like to see some family-sized swings and a cemented

area with a basketball hoop for the kids to play ball? Do we need an area to ride a bike?

The prior survey gave us a bit of feedback regarding play equipment but no one took in

consideration that we already have a nice park across the street. Is that too far to take your chil-

dren to play or do you need the convenience of having play equipment in the neighborhood?

The suggestion boxes and your HOA want to spend your money wisely by providing

amenities that will be used. The suggestion boxes are waiting. Tell us what you think?????

Regarding play equipment for the little ones:

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Regarding a cemented area for basketball and/or bikes:

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