2011 nov-dec newsletter
TRANSCRIPT
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N O R M A N S N E W S For and by our Residents of Norman Downes Neighborhood
NovemberDecember 2011
You responded.Norman Downes & Normans News!
The people.
Everybody is nice & watches out for each other.
Get togethers at the pool and being close to the
park.
Larger lots & trees.
The people, large lots, trees, pool, lake.
Friendly people, all the trees, quiet.
Sense of community, people walk, kids play.
People from the neighborhood step up to
voice opinions that affect us at City
Hall and school board meetings.
The people are friendly, the wooded lots
and location.
Our neighbors! Everyone is so friendly.We moved in April and feel so welcome!
Beauty of trees, swimming pool, location
in Duluth.
Friendly neighbors, covenant neighbor-
hood, pool.
I love the community feel of the
neighborhood.
Living on the lake.
My neighbors looking out for us.
The quiet nights.
Trees, pool, lake.
The well kept homes and properties.
Our neighborhood is beautiful with all the
trees and wide roads.
My kids have a wonderful place to grow up!
Our neighborhood is growing!
Welcome New NeighborsDaniel & Laura Buchanan 2812
Norwood Way (850) 255-0436David & Theresa Bone2947
Brookshire Way (678) 682-3635Welcome New Babies
Silas Carter, boy, born to proudparents, James & Tara Carter.
Twins Girl, Ava & boy, Liam born Nov.7 toKelly & Kristoff Byrd on Kristoffs birthday.
2011 Survey says, What do you like best?
Mark your
Calendars!
By Dec. 3rd
Respond to
Holiday Party
Dec 10th
ND Holiday
Party
Dec 17th
HOA Voting
Dec 18th
Cookie Exchange
On Dec 24th
Win a Gift
Certificate from
Woodys Nursery
for decorating!
2011
Survey
Continued
Page 2
State of the
Downes
Pages 2-3
In An
Emergency
Page 3
Outdoor
Holiday
Decorating
Contest
Page 4
An Open
Love
Letter
Page 4
No Burning Code Page 5
Lets Play
BUNCO!
Page 4-5
Halloween
Winners
Page 6-7
Community
Standards
Page 8
ND Holiday Page 9
2012 Volunteers Page 10
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(2011 results continued)
Thanks to those 10 percent who voted in
the 2011 surveys! We can do better
though!
Likewise, about 10 percent of the house-
holds in the community were represented at
the Annual Homeowners Meeting. This is one
of the largest turn-outs in years. It should be
a priority to make sure that your vote is
counted because your one vote could make
a difference! We need more than 10 per-
cent!
Next week when the ballots are mailed,
be sure to read the budget, and vote for the
candidates of your choice. The message
boards will be changing monthly as reminders
of neighborhood events and other information.
The suggestion boxes will be reinstalled
shortly, now that the message boards are up
for your response convenience.
All of these are a direct link between you
and your impact on the community and how
Norman Downes is governed. You can email
the HOA directly [email protected] or
call a board member. Get involved and make
a difference!
NORMANS NEWS PAGE 2
FOLLOWING ARE YOUR 2011 SURVEY RESULTS!OLLOWING ARE YOUR 2011 SURVEY RESULTS!OLLOWING ARE YOUR 2011 SURVEY RESULTS!Amenities
1. Lake Norman access
2. Playground
3. Permanent restroom at tennis/lake area
4. Fencing around the tennis/lake area
Activities
1. Quarterly outing for adults
2. Garden club anda lake conservation group
tie vote
3. Craft and Sewing Group
4. Gourmet Supper Club and walking/running
clubtie vote5. Poker club and pot luck block partiestie
vote
6. Bridge Club
Main Things Youd Change
1. Unkempt yards and home maintenance
2. Enforcing the covenants
State of the Downes
Thanks to all who attended our recent General
Meeting! We had about forty relaxed and
friendly neighbors, along with good food and
constructive dialogue! The feeling was (and
is) that having passed the Covenants, we can
methodically continue to improve our commu-nitywithout raising the dues, at least for
2012. This is in keeping with our philosophy
of making measured but steady progress us-
ing volunteer help where possible, and to per-
petuate the spirit and pride of Norman Dow-
nes without excessive expenditures.
We presented certificates and pins to the
many who have contributed to the various
projects this year, including a special guest,
Officer Randy Basset from the Duluth Police
Department (who emphasized the need forclear house numbers!), We also had a slide
show Your Norman Downes, featuring many
of our interesting neighborhood sights and
scenes. We also mentioned the Board candi-
dates, Mark Carter, Bill Smith, and I, who
would fill the vacancies left by (cont.)
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(cont. from page 2) and just a replacement of the
Norman Downes sign boards themselves with
the maintenance free material, along with a
pressure washing of the bricks, which should
serve us well for some time.
The message from this years General
Meeting is to pick (or form) a committee and
get involved, if you can! If you cant, make
your wishes and opinions known with our sur-
veys and emails to [email protected].
And above all, appreciate the neighborhood
we have and feel the sense of our great com-
munity. Thanks!
Barry Smith, president HOA
In An Emergency
Will You Be Found?
Officer Randy Bassett, of the Duluth
Police, attended our Annual Meeting and
was given a certificate of appreciation by
the community.
He had the following request, Please
post your house numbers on top of
your mailboxes where they can be
seen on either side coming up or
down the street; if not on top, on
both sides of the post in reflective
numbers or even better, florescent.
Resident postal service employee, Reggie
Brown, echoes the request. It wouldnt
hurt to take stock of your mailbox at this
time and cut down growth that obscures
the numbers or opening. Some are a bit
unsteady or have doors that need replaced
too. Our carriers, fire fighters and police
are having trouble finding us quickly in
an emergency. Give them some help!
PAGE 3NORMANS NEWS
(State of the Downes continued) Peter Van Arsdale, Su-
zette Reeves, Don Watson and myself. Sam Carr
will be voted in at the next board meeting. I said
I would be happy to serve another term if elected.
We had a basic discussion of community stan-
dards with a handout(see page 8)
which was usedas a starting point. Wed spoke of the need for a
dedicated committee to determine what realistic
standards are and how they can be enforced.
Some things are obvious, such as no outlandish
colors and decorationsin other words, use good
taste and common sense. Other issues are more
subtle. One thing we can all agree on is that we
dont want an outside management company to
hound our neighbors to cut their grass or clean up
yards. We believe we can do our own manage-
ment in a clear and definitive way, without theadded expense.
Communication is a key element in keeping
things going. We had an in-depth presentation
from Rick Austin about our new web site (not yet
live) that will have many ways to make communi-
cating easier in the near future. As more of us
accept and adopt online devices like our cell
phones, well be able to get information and stay
in touch without having to be computer savvy, as
one concern was voiced.
In addition, we had great reports about thelandscaping from Andy Miller (the new landsca-
pers are doing a good job and under budget), the
pool from Peter Van Arsdale (welcome improve-
ments made but ongoing maintenance to be
done), communications and social from Suzette
Reeves (many well-attended events this year),
and the financials ,budget and Board candidates
ballots from Susan Holland (no dues increase and
were doing well). I chimed in on the tennis and
lake recreation area, talking briefly about the
proposed security fences, lake access cleanup, thedriveway gate (to be always open to foot traffic)
and making it a safe and inviting area for kids
and adults to play!
We rounded out the meeting with a discussion
of upcoming projects such as the street and en-
trance signs. We agreed that the approach would
be conservative on the entrances, (cont.)
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NORMANS NEWS PAGE 4
A certificate worth $25 to Woodys
could be yours as the winner of the
Outdoor Holiday Decorating Contest!
Dearest Norman Downes,
Weve had a glorious six months, havent we? When the wife and I first moved in, we were captivated by your
manicured lawns, varied architecture, and mature trees. Since then weve settled into our first home, and weve gotten to
know you better. Behind that gorgeous foliage weve found your confounded sweet -gums and looming pines, but we love
you no less! Among your varied architecture is the occasional wacky structure, but those somehow add to your appeal! And
alongside those manicured lawns are the less-than-manicured ones, such as our ownand all we can do is forgive those
trifles.
For we cannot lie, Norman Downes, we love thee truly. Within a day of moving in wed received the McCabesdelectably moist pound cake and the banana breadhenceforth known in our household as Womble Breadto end all
banana breads. Within a week your welcoming committeethe devoted Cheryl Smith and the charming Suzette Reeves
had brought us a basket complete with embroidered towel, yummy cookies, and fragrant candle. Within a month we rev-
eled in your garage-sale goodness, discovered the gem that is Bunten Road Park, and felt the political turmoil of your cove-
nant quarrel. Oh, what a good first month it was.
They just dont make places like you anymore, Norman Downes. The devastation at the end of Commerce Avenue
tells the whole tale. Deforested, cookie-cutter development is the norm. But youre different. Youre not a development,
youre a neighborhooda real community. We just went to our first Annual Meeting of Homeowners, and now we can feel
it: were becoming a part of your colorful, unique fabric. Although the attendees spanned the spectrum of age, ethnicity,
and opinionwe were brought together by mutual, downright palpable affection for you.
Norman Downes, I only hope that those who couldnt attend love you as much as we do. Were fortunate to belong
to such a remarkable neighborhood, and we vow to show our love through a better-kept yard, increasing our homes curb
appeal, and engaging in community activities whenever possible.
All our love,
Jonathan & Elyse Silver
ATTENTION!!!!! Norman
Downes Homes Association
will not meet in December.
And will change from meeting
monthly to bi-monthly
beginning January 2012.
Please watch for meeting
times to be posted at the
neighborhood entrances.
2686 Buford Hwy 770-476-1705 www.woodysnursery.com
LLLETETETSSS PPPLAYLAYLAYBBBUNCOUNCOUNCOLadies! Are you feeling lucky?
Norman Downes has a Bunco Club
This is our 4th year! Looking for a way to meet some
new people and have some fun? The ND Women's
Bunco Club is looking for some more players. Bunco is
a simple dice game thats all about luck, no skill
needed. We meet once a month, usually on Thursday.
Each month we move around to different locations, our
wonderful host makes dinner and provides drinks andwe start playing around 7 PM and are usually finished
by 10 p.m. The cost is only $10, with a chance of win-
ning much more. Try your luck and come play with us,
its a great way meet some new friends. Never played?
No problem, no special skills needed, we will teach you.
Come give it a try! You could be our next BUNCO
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At this time of year, please be reminded that Norman Downes is within the City of Duluthandburning of leaves and other yard debris is prohibited.
Duluth City Municode Sec 6-7(a) Prohibited: exceptions. No person shall cause, suffer,
allow, or permit open burning in any area located with the corporate boundaries of the
city at any time except as follows:
(2) The burning isfor the cooking of foodfor immediate human consumption in a grill,
barbeque pit or like cooking apparatus or involves the use of a chiminea or similar out-
door fireplace.
(7) The Burning of leaves, limbs and other natural vegetation that may fall on ones own
property, provided that said burning is conducted during daylight hours when prevailing
winds are not in excess of fifteen (15) m.p.h. and the fire is located at least two hundred
(200) feet from the nearest property line. (This disqualifies most lots in Norman Downes!)
May 1st
through Sept. 30th__
There is a total outdoor ban.
PAGE 5NORMANS NEWS
(Bunco cont.)
Queen! In November, we brought canned
goods to help stock the Duluth Food Pantry.
Dec. 15th is the next meeting.Dec. 15th is the next meeting.Dec. 15th is the next [email protected] or (770) [email protected] or (770) [email protected] or (770) 476---579957995799
Cheryl & Barry SmithCheryl & Barry SmithCheryl & Barry Smith
will host the NDwill host the NDwill host the ND
HOLIDAY COOKIEHOLIDAY COOKIEHOLIDAY COOKIE
EXCHANGEEXCHANGEEXCHANGE
Sunday December 18th, 3 to 4 PMSunday December 18th, 3 to 4 PMSunday December 18th, 3 to 4 PM
3308 Leeds Ways3308 Leeds Ways3308 Leeds WaysNo reply needed.No reply needed.No reply needed.
Just bring your goodies and drop in.Just bring your goodies and drop in.Just bring your goodies and drop in.
Please divide cookies in a zippered bag orcovered plate (6 count), for easy distribution
and attach the recipe to share. Take home
as many as you bring! Make one kind, go
home with lots of different treats for your
holiday table! Only homemade cookies,
special holiday treats and bars, please.
Bring a few extra to sample during the
exchange. Coffee and tea will be served.
Call Now!
(678)
643-3092
Licensed Master
Cosmetologist
Master Cutter
Color Specialist
Make-up Artist
Expertise for you!
In your home!
At your convenience!
Norman Downes client
references on request.
It is with regret that we announce the passing of our neighbor, Mary Ann
Paque of 2684 Kenwood Drive. Our sympathy extends to her family.
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NORMANS NEWS PAGE 6
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NORMANS NEWS PAGE 7
A Spooktacular Halloween!
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Proposed Standards for Norman Downes Homes Association
Please refer to the City of Duluth standards and codes which may be found at http://www.duluthga.net. Below is a list of approved standards. Violations
may be brought to the attention of the Norman Downes Homes Association Board by emailing [email protected]. Upon investigation, any serious
violations will be first addressed by issuing a letter to the resident asking that the problem be rectified in a timely manner. If no response is received with 10
days, a second and final request will be issued. If the final request is not responded to within 10 days, the Covenants Compliance Committee may hire con-
tractors to bring the property within standards. Any expenses incurred may be charged back to the owner of the property. Hardship and special situations
are considered case by case. Most often however, minor and temporary violations are resolved with a phone call or face-to-face conversation with a mem-
ber of the Board or Covenants Compliance Committee.
1. The overall property must be maintained in good repair. No broken or boarded up windows or doors are permitted at any
time. Hanging gutters, damaged shutters and garage doors, and missing siding and singles must be repaired promptly.
Porches and steps must be kept in good repair. All fencing and gates must be maintained. No peeling, blistered paint or
unfinished siding is allowed.
2. Paint colorof homes, fences and outbuildings needs to be attractive. No overly bright, fluorescent, or garish colors are al-
lowed. Acceptable paint colors are (to be determined).
3. Lawn maintenanceFront andback yards must be mowed and bushes neatly maintained. Curb and driveway edging is
encouraged. Per the City of Duluth, grass is to be cut on a regular basis and not to exceed 8 in height.
4. Plastic flowers and containers are not permitted on the front side of the residence.
5. Landscaping & gardensVegetable gardens in excess of 8x8 area are not allowed in the front yard. Smaller herb and
vegetable gardens are permitted if kept weed free and cultivated to be pleasing to the eye. No invasive trees or vines may
be planted within the subdivision. Plantings on corner lots and at the entrances must not obscure the vision of drivers seeing
pedestrians.
6. TreesRemoval ofhealthytrees over 12 in base diameter must be approved by the Board unless fallen by natural circum-
stances. Part of Norman Downes appeal is its mature trees. There may be no visible tree stumps seen from the front of the
home. IMPORTANT: Removal of trees without prior HOA approval may incur a fine.
7. No decorativefencing in the front yard.
8. Mailboxes should be made of sturdy material, and easily accessible from the street with numbers clearly marked on themailbox so they can be seen from either side.
9. Signageis limited to house numbers, plus one for sale or rent sign. Any posted signs within the neighborhood regarding
upcoming events and garage sales etc. must be removed directly after the event takes place.
10. Flags and yard artin the front yard must be tasteful and limited.
11. Recreational and play equipment, including tire swings, swing sets,basketball hoops, and soccer nets are not allowed in the
front yard or on the street in front of the property.
12. Tents and hammocks are not permitted in the front yard.
13. Holiday decorations must be removed within 30 days once a holiday has past. Christmas lights (even unlit) must not re-main on the house year round.
14. Debris and other yard waste,including fallen trees must be disposed of in a timely manner.
15. Dumpstersmay be kept on the premises in the driveway for a period of no longer than 30 days unless a major renovation
project is in operation. No dumpsters may be kept on the street.
16. Any new home additionsmust be submitted for approval in advance by the Covenants Compliance Committee.
17. Out buildingsmust be submitted for approval in advance by the Covenant Compliance Committee.
NORMANS NEWS PAGE 8
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18. There is noburningwithin the City of Duluth of trash, paper etc. Open burning of leaves, tree branches and limbs by indi-
viduals associated with storm clean-up and individual yard workis not allowed per Gwinnett County.
At the 2012 Homeowners meeting, several suggestions were made regarding adding the following restrictions:
Compost piles are not allowed to be left on the front lawn.
Burning of leaves and other yard waste is banned due to the smoke pollution as it poses hazard to those with aller-
gies and/or breathing problems. See #18 above.
Above is a list ofpossible compliance standards for Norman Downes Homes. If you would like to be on the com-
mittee that will finalize our community standards, please fill out the sheet on the last page of the newsletter and drop it inthe suggestion box or email your request to: [email protected]
Congratulations to Jeanne Kosmala,Congratulations to Jeanne Kosmala,Congratulations to Jeanne Kosmala,
Mason Elementarys 2011 Teacher of the Year!Mason Elementarys 2011 Teacher of the Year!Mason Elementarys 2011 Teacher of the Year!
NORMANS NEWS PAGE 9
Please contribute to Normans News at [email protected] or put your article
or newsworthy item in one of the entrance suggestion boxes! Many thanks to Jonathan Silver
who designed our holiday party invitation. Your editorCheryl Smith [email protected]
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Your Board Members are Asking for Your Help!
What are your skills and interests?
Yes! I would like to be on this (these) committees. Please contact me!
____ Administration (mailing/filing/scanning/computer input skills)
____ Development & Maintenance (project and work day committees)
____ Communications (newsletter/web/printing/writing articles)
____ Social (neighborhood events and activities)
____ Landscape & Beautification (planting, maintenance & gardening)
____ Lake and Tennis Recreational Area (maintenance and improvement projects)
____ Pool Recreational Area (activities and improvements)
____ Standards Committee (compiling reasonable standards we all can live by)
____ Neighbor to Neighbor (helping other neighbors in the community withmanual labor, carpentry, yard work, home cooked meals and more!)
Tell us your special skill(s): ___________________________________________
Name (please print): _____________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________________
Announcing: Normans News will be issued quarterly in 2012and is going green
to save paper and your dollars for other projects! (Please check your preferences.)
Please deliver future issues by ... Email only Paper only Both
Name (please print): _____________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________
Email:_____________________________________________________________
Please fill out and return to the suggestion/ballot boxes at the front entrances.
NORMANS NEWS PAGE 10