ashbrook community association newsletter newsletter 2011.pdf · ashbrook community association...

Ashbrook Community Association Newsletter Volume 5 - Issue 6 November/December 2011 Community Resource On The Internet at: www.AshbrookOnLine.com Page— 1

ASHBROOK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Hello Neighbors, Fall is in the air, schools are open again and Halloween just satisfied our sweet tooth. Now is the time to think and plan for the upcoming holidays with our family and friends. Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and I’m sure we all have something to be thankful for. While preparing for Thanksgiving, please think of those that are less fortunate then we are, and contribute to your local food bank to feed the hungry. Then there is that magical time of year that we call Christmas. Although this too is a time for family, take sometime out of your holiday schedule to attend our adult and children’s Christmas party this year. The adult party will be held on Friday December 9, 2011 at 7:00 pm, while the children’s party will be on December 11, 2011 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Both parties will be held at the Community Center. There has been improvements this year with our community center. Just to name a few, the railing around the deck leading to the lake, has been replaced. There’s a new roof on the center and the carpet has been replaced with tile flooring. In addition the grounds keeper has been trying to get some plants in that the deer will not eat. With the approaching New Year, we would like to thank all of those who have given of their time to make Ashbrook a better place to live and a more beautiful Ashbrook. These people do a wonderful job at keeping trash off our roadside that have been discarded from vehicles, and keeping our lakeshores and lake clean. We even had one resident, Monica from Broadreach Drive, organized the neighborhood kids on a cleanup of the tot lot on Broadreach Drive. This is just one of the many things your neighbors are getting involved in. Thanks Monica. If you have not signed up for the email list, please do so. It is a great way to keep informed and enable us to better communicate with our residents. Just go to www.ashbrookonline.com and follow the directions. Please take a moment to think about what you have done to make our neighborhood better. A great way to help us out is join on of our committees. It’s a great way to make new friends and to have a say in what we do. Contact the committee chairs or any board member to join a committee. We could use your help. Thanks you to all the committees for the work that you do for all of us. All of us on the board welcome you comments and suggestions and will attempt to answer any questions you may have. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Wm. Megginson, President

ASHBROOK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION — PO BOX 1648 — MIDLOTHIAN VA 23113-1648 MANAGEMENT COMPANY — ACS WEST INC SUITE 100 — PO BOX 11361 — RICHMOND VA 23230-1361

What’s Inside: Building and Grounds --- 2 Budget News ------------- 2 Zumba Fitness ----------- 2 Architectural Review ---- 2 Treasurers Report -------- 2 Social Committee -------- 3 Brush & Dumping ------- 3 Notices --------------------- 3 Holiday Humor ---------- 4 Holiday Events ----------- 5 Proposed Budget --------- 6 Proposed Budget Cont -- 7 Proposed Budget Cont -- 8 Winter Driving ----------- 8 Corral Storage -----------10 Community Center -----10 Advertisements ----------11 Buying and Selling -----11 Association Contacts ---12 Crime Solvers ------------12

The Ashbrook Community Calendar of Events is available on the community web site. Its a great way to stay informed.

And if you have not signed up for email notifications, you can do that on the web site.

For the residents on the west side of the lake, hopefully you have noticed the new Stop Sign at Shady Banks and Featherchase Drive. For years this intersection was a 3 way stop with drivers on Featherchase having the right-of-way. No More. Please obey the traffic signs & speed limits.

BOARD MEETINGS Mark your calendar’s for the following date’s. December 13th 7 pm March 13th 7 pm January 10th 7 pm April 10th 7 pm February 14th 7 pm May 8th 7 pm MONTHLY MEETINGS: Buildings, Grounds,& Lake Committee- First Tuesday; Social Committee- First Thursday; Board Meeting- Second Tuesday; Architectural Review Committee- Second and Fourth Thursday. If these meetings fall on a Holiday please check the website calendar for reschedule date. We invite all residents to come out to these meetings, and or to join one of our committees.



ASHBROOK DUES & BUDGET NEWS At the October 11,2011 Board meeting, the 2012 Ashbrook Budget was presented by the Finance & Audit Committee, and approved by the Board. You can see the budget online at ashbrookonline.com under the Finance & Audit sidetab. Also at that Board meeting the 2012 ACA annual dues was set at $220. This is the same amount that it has been for the past several years. In addition, ACSWest had furnished the Board with a list of chronic delinquent dues accounts and accounts whose dues had been accelerated for 2011 due to non-payment, and per Ashbrook's rules the Board voted to rescind their quarterly payment privilege. These owners have been notified by letter informing them that the $220 dues for 2012 will be due and payable on Jan. 1, 2012

The hottest fitness craze comes to Ashbrook Community Center. Join us on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. to dance to the Zumba video with the Ashbrook exercise class. Please contact Leigh Anne at [email protected], or just show up.

As of Sept. 30, 2011, we had $82,089 in our checking account, and $19,348 in the money market account, giving us total funds of $101,437. All bills are paid current. The re-roofing of the community center, $5950, will be paid out of our Capital Reserve (Money Market) fund. We hope to finish out this year in a strong financial position, and be able to move some more funds over into the Capital Reserve Fund. Pursuant to our Rules, chronically delinquent owners who have been over 30 days late- pay for 3 quarters in this year, or have had their dues accelerated due to non-payment or being sent to the collection attorney, have had their quarterly-payment privilege suspended for 2012 by the Board. Their $220 annual dues for 2012 will be due and payable on Jan. 1, and if not timely paid will be sent to the collection attorney. At the October Board Meeting the 2012 Budget was presented by the Finance&Audit Committee and approved, and is published in this newsletter. It can also be viewed at our website. Also, at the recommendation of F&A the Board voted to hold the 2012 ACA annual dues at $220. Members in good standing can either pay it by Jan. 1, or opt to pay $55 per quarter, on Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct. 1. Our financial books are always open to members in good standing, and if you want more detailed financial information please contact me at 901-3924 or [email protected]. Thanks, Don MacQueen

Well, here we go again, another year drawing to a close! Your Buildings & Grounds Committee wishes to extend our sincerest best wishes to all of our residents for a happy and safe holiday season. We’ve had another great year, and our goal towards becoming a “Better Ashbrook” is becoming more of a reality. Most recently we’ve put a new roof on the Community Center, had a new floor installed in there, and the installation of the new decks and the roof over the front entrance have created a center that we all should be very proud of. Going into the spring of 2012 we plan to have the amenities in the playgrounds power washed along with the picnic tables in the pavilion and also have them stained to match the decks and main entrance to the Community center. We still meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Community Center and your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Co Chairs: Bill and JoAnn Ruitenberg Board Member: Don MacQueen Lake: Mike Dalton

Architectural Review Committee meeting will be held on the 2nd. and 4th. Thursday of each month at 6 P.M..

Don Heldt, who has been Chairman of the Architectural Review Committee for the past 3-½ years, has recently moved out of state. He also helped with Disclosure Package, Inspections, recycling container distributions, and various other projects whenever needed. We would like to thank him for his dedication and service to Ashbrook, and he will surely be missed. We would like to wish him and Janice the best of success in their new home and new city. Buzz Pulsifer, who has been very active in the Community Association, has agreed to be Chair of the ARC. We greatly appreciate his dedication to this very important committee. You can contact him at [email protected].



It was another great time at the fall picnic this year. We had the Big Boss Man Band play and they were fantastic. A great deal of work goes into planning and putting these events together thus the social committee could sure use a few extra hands. We are in need of volunteers to help make our events a success, even if you can only help for one event that would be great. We have the Kids Holiday event coming up and we could use a few good folks to help take pictures, assist with crafts and manage the treats. Please call or email Hollie if you are available at 639-9686 or [email protected]. Social Committee and Board.

NOTICE: Please do not dump your brush and cut tree limbs in the wooded common areas, the ditches or walking path areas. Please help to maintain the beauty of these natural areas for

everyone to enjoy, and help the ACA to avoid having to use community dollars to remove the debris. If you use Duck Disposal, branches may be taken but must be no more then 4 feet in

length and tied in bundles no more then 12 inches in diameter - limit quantity 4 per pick-up. And as a courtesy they will take 2 Bags of Grass or 5 Bags of Leaves, 30-40 Gallon bags, no heavier

than 30 pounds. Waste Management did not have information on their web site. If you have Waste Management or other provider, please check with them regarding yard waste.

PLEASE REMEMBER, ANY NON-RESIDENTS USING OUR FACILITIES

MUST BE A HOUSEGUEST AND BE ACCOMPANIED

BY THE ASHBROOK RESIDENT!!

A HUGE THANKS TO OUR RESIDENT VOLUNTEERS WHO REGULARLY PATROL OUR MAIN ROADWAYS AND COMMON AREAS TO PICK UP TRASH THAT HAS BEEN THROWN THERE: Carole Beatty, Billy Bell, Dallas Bell, Sue Bunce, Cindy Copeland, Pat Donegar, and Mike Dalton. Their efforts help ensure that our properties look neat and clean. Please help them cut down on the amount of their work by putting your trash in the receptacles and by not throwing it out of your car onto the roadside. Also, HUGE THANKS TO THE FOLKS WHO OPEN AND CLOSE THE PARKING LOT GATES EACH DAY: Mike Dalton, Buzz Pulsifer, and Bill & Jo Ruitenberg. This task is truly an inconvenience, and we appreciate their consistent efforts. PARKING LOTS Please remember that both the Community Center and the Playground Parking Lot gates are closed and locked AT DARK each evening. Any vehicles inside are subject to being towed at the vehicle owner's expense, except those at approved functions.

Notice To All Owners The semi-annual inspection for house power washing violations will be conducted this month. Please take time to look at your house and see if it needs power washing. If it does, please have it done as soon a possible. If it is written up you will have only 14 days to get the work done before the $10 per day penalty goes into effect.

NOTICE TO ALL TENANTS Although you are not yet an owner in Ashbrook, as a tenant you are automatically a Member of the Ashbrook Community Association, and have access to all of our amenities and events. We encourage you to attend our monthly Board meetings, join a committee and become active in your community, and involve your kids in our many children’s events during the year. If your landlord failed to give you our “Tenant’s Handbook” please call Lee Ann at ACSWest, 2827451, email [email protected], and request one. This gives you a general overview of Ashbrook and the Community Association, and some of our rules and regulations which could affect you and your landlord. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact any of the Board members, committee chairs, or ACSWest. We certainly hope that you will enjoy living in Ashbrook.



This will be the last newsletter for the year. How time flies by. Another year comes to an end. From everyone on the Ashbrook Board, ACS Management Company and the many volunteers, we wish the best for this Holiday Season and prosperous New Year.

Your newsletter team has over the years has collected some Holiday cartoons. We hope they can bring a little laughter into your life. We hope you enjoy them.



Ashbrook's Holiday EventsAshbrook's Holiday EventsAshbrook's Holiday Events

Please join us for the Kid's Christmas Party on Sunday, December 11th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Ashbrook Community Center. Santa will be there for free pictures with the kids. Crafts, Snacks, and Music.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Adult Christmas Party will be held on Friday, December 9th at 7:00 pm at the Community Center. Please bring a dish to share. Sodas will be provided or bring your own beverages. Bring a wrapped gift under $10 to exchange.

Please contact Hollie Knight at [email protected] or 639-9686 if you

have any questions. These events brought to you by

your Ashbrook Social Committee.



The Ashbrook Community Association Annual Budget for 2012




— Continued —




Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather. Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

• Make certain your tires are properly inflated. • Never mix radial tires with other tire types. • Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line

freeze-up. • If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold,

rainy and snowy weather. • Do not use cruise control when driving on any

slippery surface (wet, ice, sand). • Always look and steer where you want to go. • Use your seat belt every time you get into your

vehicle. You can find more information on the internet: Search “Winter Driving Tips”


ASHBROOK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 13 THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU 1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator. 2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have. 4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.. 5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway. 6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy. 7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too. 8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather. 9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.) 10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet. 11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms. 12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me. 13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it athttp://www.faketv/.com/)



The Ashbrook Community Center is available to the residents of Ashbrook that are in “Good Standing”. The information below is usually given out when a request for the center is made. A number of residents requested we make this information available.

General Rules— Failure to follow these rules forfeits your security deposit ! 1) Community center hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. 2) Smoking is prohibited everywhere within the clubhouse. 3) NO band, DJ, or outside music allowed. Excessive noise is prohibited in and around the clubhouse. 4) The community center MAY NOT be used for commercial business purposes. 5) At NO time will unsupervised minors be allowed to use the clubhouse. 6) Maximum occupancy rate is 45 people. Do not exceed maximum capacity. 7) Unpaid balances on your HOA account prohibits community center use! 8) There is no parking in front of the community center. You can pull up there to load and unload supplies but then must park in the parking lot. 9) Cleaning of the community center must be done by the end of the rental period. 10) Do not attach anything to the walls- No tape, tacks, stickpins, etc. Rules and Procedures for Private Use 1) To reserve the community center for private use. There is a non-refundable user fee of $75.00 payable by money order only,

and made out directly to Ashbrook Community Association. 2) There is an additional one hundred fifty dollar ($150.00) cash only security deposit which is refundable within five business days following satisfactory assessment, and depending on the condition in which you leave the community center at the conclusion of your reservation period. 3) Fees are due five (5) business days after making a reservation. If fees are not received within five (5) business days, your reservation will be cancelled. If more than one person wants to reserve the community center for the same day, the reservation will go to the person who gets their fees in first, unless reservation times can allow for more than one party. 4) You must sign this contractual form when you make your reservation. Your signature indicates full acceptance of responsibility for the clubhouse and its furnishings while it is under your control. 5) Upon entering the community center, you should inspect for any previous damage. If there is any damage, you must report it to the community center custodian immediately . Otherwise, we will assume the damage occurred during your reservation time and your security deposit will be forfeited. 6) When you have finished using the community center, please clean it; bathrooms need to be cleaned and all trash should be removed from the Ashbrook premises. The toilets and sinks should also be cleaned out with cleaners. Kitchen needs to be swept, mopped, and all trash removed from Ashbrook premises . The refrigerator and freezer should be emptied and wiped out with cleaner along with the microwave, counter, and sink. Any spills, tears or stains should be cleaned, repaired, and reported to the clubhouse custodian. Vacuum the carpet! Any spills should be soaked up until dry. Stains should be removed with cleaner. Any tears or pulls in carpet need to be repaired. Report all damage. *All cleaning supplies are provided; therefore, it is mandatory that you clean thoroughly . A refund of the deposit requires the clubhouse to be fully restored to its original condition . 7) Return thermostat setting to off position in the summer, and turn thermostat all the way down in the winter. 8) Check outside and around the clubhouse to ensure that all trash has been picked up and is taken off premises with you. 9) You are to arrive at the community center promptly at the time scheduled to pick up the key and go over community center rules and procedures. If not, your party will be cancelled and your rental fee will be forfeited. 10) Once you have possession of the key, you are responsible for the community center and all of its belongings until the key has been returned. 11.) The key is to be returned promptly after your party to the community center attendant or the designated representative so that a timely assessment of the facility may be conducted. 12.) Make sure all doors and windows are locked. If left unlocked and damage occurs, you are held responsible and your security deposit will not be returned and you will be held accountable for the additional expense. 13.) Violation of any of these rules may lead to suspension of community center privileges, as well as restitution for damages if in excess of the security deposit.

Since it is either against the county code or Ashbrook covenants to park large vehicles, boats, or trailers on the street or on your lot, there are storage spaces available in the Ashbrook Vehicle Corral. Members in good standing can rent a space for $240 per year, payable @ $60 quarterly. There is a boat rack for canoes and small boats right by the lake at the playground. Spaces rent for $50 per year. Please contact Lee Ann at ACS West, 804.282.7451.



Buying or Selling In Ashbrook Buying In Ashbrook: Set-Up Assessment Billing. Contact ACS West to set up how your assessments will be billed. 282-7451 Review ACA Disclosure Package. State Law requires the seller to provide you with a ACA Disclosure Package prior to closing. The Disclosure Package will disclose information on any current covenant/ARB violations and outstanding assessments fees that may be due the Association which you would become liable for once you close. Inform ACA Of New Telephone Number. Please contact the ACA at 282.7451 so that we may include your information in our database and telephone directory. Moving Out Of Ashbrook: Order ACA Disclosure Package. State law requires you to provide a ACA Disclosure Package for a potential buyer who has signed a contract. As the ACA has two weeks to put together the Disclosure Package, it is recommended that you order the packet immediately after the contract has been signed. Contact ACS West at 282-7451 for pricing and ordering info. Provide ACA With Settlement Statement. For the ACA to begin billing the new owner of the property you are selling, you will need to show that there's been a legal transfer of property by providing the ACA with a copy of your Settlement Statement (HUD). This information is also on the Community Web Site.



ASHBROOK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION PO BOX 1648 MIDLOTHIAN VA 23113-1648 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Board Members: President ------------ Wm. R. Megginson, Jr. 804.317.5005 [email protected] Vice President ------ Sue Herr 804.384.8823 [email protected] Treasurer ------------ Don MacQueen 804.901.3924 [email protected] Secretary ------------ Bill Ruitenberg 804.639.0532 [email protected] Member -------------- Sue Pulsifer 804.744.7823 [email protected] Committee Chairs: Building & Grounds Bill & Jo Ruitenberg 804.639.0532 [email protected] Lake Mike Dalton 804.873.5082 [email protected] Social Hollie Knight [email protected] Architectural Review Board Buzz Pulsifer [email protected] Finance and Audit Angela Day 804.639.7252 [email protected] Safety and Security Wm. R. Megginson, Jr. 804.317.5005 [email protected] Newsletter Wm. R. Megginson, Jr. 804.317.5005 [email protected] Newsletter LD Hickory [email protected] Community Center Rental Ed Rodriquez 804.873.1715 Management Company: Phone: 804.282.7451 Fax: 804.282.9590 Charles Small email: [email protected] ACS West, Inc. Suite 100 PO BOX 11361 RICHMOND VA 23230-1361

748.0660 Securely And Anonymously

ashbrook community association newsletter newsletter 2011.pdf · ashbrook community association...

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