Normans News SPRING 2012 Edition

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FOR AND BY OUR RESIDENTS OF NORMAN DOWNES

Normans News
reasonable assessment yearly, and have an HOA to help oversee our neighborhood business and finances.

OUR CHANGING COMMUNITY

THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS ! Newly elected members Bill Smith, Mark Carter, and Sam Carr make a total of 9 members of the community who will set things in motion for 2012. 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 acThe new members bring fresh tions that will result when property owners are noncompliant. The standards came directly ideas to the Board as well as an infusion of energy, says re from your comments, the survey results, and -elected HOA President Barry the suggestions in boxes, as well as research Smith. Something we all want into what other neighborhoods are doing. and need. Those of you who attended the General MeetWe are hoping to get more ing in November or read the last issue of residents on committees this Normans News had an opportunity to discuss year, so please consider joinand/or see a preview copy of these. They are ing one of the following comavailable now on the Norman Downes website mittees: under the Documents Tab. Landscape Chair Andy Miller; There is a meeting to finalize this document Development Chair Barry Smith; Lake Access Chair Bill on March 12th at 6 PM. The regular board meeting will follow right after at 7 PM. Any Smith; Tennis Facility Chair Mark Carter; Pool Chair Rob interested homeowners are welcome to attend Welsh; Web Site Chair Rick one or both of these meeting which will be Austin and General Mainteheld in the Bunten Park Community Building. nance Chair Sam Carr. The final vote will be put before the residents WRITTEN COMMUNITY for adoption within the next six months.
STANDARDS

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

If Our Dogs Could Talk ! Hello, your Block Captain is Calling! Ladies Night at the Peachtree Home Depot! Walkers Beware New On The Web Upcoming Events Clubs & Socials Forming ND Pet Registry The Presidents Corner (continued from page 1)

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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 someone doesnt do these things and lets the home and property 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

Presidents Corner
Its a pleasure to start the year welcoming our newest board members for 2012: Sam Carr, Bill Smith and Mark Carter who are committee chairs of General Maintenance, Lake Access and Tennis Facility areas respectively. They are joined by our returning Board members Susan Holland (Treasurer), Andy Miller (Landscape), James DeLoach (Secretary), Rick Austin (Web Site Development), Rob Welsh (cont. pg 7)

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

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 results 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, chemicals 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 street drain and our stream. The contaminates foster the growth of salmonella, which last year exceeded 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 tubers know if the bacteria levels are safe (or not) for venturing out on the Chattahoochee River. The National Recreation area along the Chattahoochee 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 database, and a local animal laboratory (BioPetVet By Dion Stewart Lab) analyzes dog waste left unattended in the subdivision. The dog owner is then fined $30 for a Dion Stewart is a Norman Downes resident for the past 7 1/2 years & is Professor of Geology & Environmarble sized nugget left in the subdivision mental Science at Georgia Perimeter College. 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

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 fertilizer, it is raw sewage!

Hello! Your Block Captain is Calling!

Your block captain will be calling to update information for the 2012 Norman Downes Directory &

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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 something 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 coffee, 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 winner, 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!!! Thats Mikey Joe answering questions and our Home Depot instructor in the background. 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 contacting our Home Depot to register, 770-232-0998. And who knows? You might even whittle down that honey do list on your own!

- Cheryl Smith

P.S. This is a pilot program being offered only at the Old Peachtree store in our area. The next ladies workshop is scheduled for March 6th and is on how to install a ceiling fan.

Neighbors Dion & Toby Stewart top left corner.

(Hello! Your Block Captain is calling cont.) They will also request you and your spouses email addresses, not to publish in the directory, but for a distribution of Normans News and other documents from your HOA. We can save a lot of trees, money and time with everyones 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 communication 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!

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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 information:

Home - The home page for the site. About - More information about the neighborhood including a list members. of your HOA board

About -> Documents - Hover over About to see the Documents menu which has documents 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 for an 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 discussions! 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

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

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Ladies Bunco, Mens Poker & Tennis Socials are now being offered! Sign up each month to register and get details. Just give the group coordinators a call if interested in getting on their lists. Bunco now meeting monthly in various member homes, contact Carol Vidyasagar
770 476-5799. The next meeting is Thursday, February 23.

Poker now 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 Holland
770-265-2975. Friday evenings beginning in May (6:30-8:30). Food & drinks following are optional at local Duluth restaurants after. And yes, there will be restrooms located near the courts!

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

WANTED!
VOLUNTEER to ASSEMBLE WELCOME BASKETS for NEW RESIDENTS in NORMAN DOWNES! Email:normansnews

Pamper yourself with Fabulous Hair Cuts Color Make-Up In the comfort of your own home ! ( 6 78 ) 643-3092

@gmail.com Or call Cheryl Smith 770-418-9382

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MARK THE DATE & watch the message boards at the front of the neighborhood for details or call the coordinator. Mar 24-Neighborhood Yard Salecontact Cheryl Smith, sparklechick2@gmail.com April 7Easter Egg Hunt for ages 10 and under, contact Suzette Reeves, suzette.reeves@charter.net

Norman Downes Pet Registry Elizabeth Valenzuelas dog, Halle got out several years ago. After a couple of agonizing days, the dog was located on the other side of the neighborhood . Thats how the Pet Registry began. To help other pet owners locate their pets sooner, and perhaps save days of heartache and worry, Elizabeth began compiling a pet database. Right now I have 45 pets says Elizabeth. I have the owners name, address and phone as well as the pets name, type, color, size, description and breed if known. If you would like a copy or to add your pet(s) to the database, email Lapera1@aol.com or call (770) 476-7131.
To submit an article, email normansnews@gmail.com

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.

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!
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!

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IN THE GARDENAdvice from Pike Nursery for 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 Norman Downes. We are of course ever grateful for the service of leaving Board members Suzette Reeves, Don Watson, 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 Downes. He is also one of those instrumental members whose behind-the-scenes tireless efforts, along with others in our community, helped to author and pass our covenants. In reality, even though we as Board members individually chair certain committees, we cross-over each 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 a key part of our communications! To be able to directly contact your neighbors is vital to keeping the feel and flavor of our excellent community! Here is the highlight list of some of the projects were working on for 2012. These are not necessarily in order of priority, but we consider all of them very important for the continued maintenance and improvement 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 input and expertise to hands-on participation. Dont forget the community standards meeting, one hour before our regular board meeting on March 12th. The time is 6:00 pm at the Bunten Park Activities building. See you there! - Barry Smith

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SEND ME your articles, celebrations, announcements & other newsworthy events. Lets support one another and keep that neighborhood spirit alive ! Cheryl Smith, editor Normans News normansnews@gmail.com 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 set or 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 children 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: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Regarding a cemented area for basketball and/or bikes: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________