Spring Ridge Online - Newsletter

Aug. 4 ~ 4pm - ACC Application Submission Deadline
6:30pm to 8:30pm - Float Night at Pool
Aug. 5 ~ 8:30pm to Midnight - Adult Pool Party
Aug. 7 ~ 7pm - Recreation Committee Meeting at VC
Aug. 8 ~ 7pm - Pool Committee Meeting at VC
Aug. 9 ~ 7pm - ACC Meeting at VC
Aug. 10 ~ 7pm - Hampton Court II Condo BOD Meeting at VC
Aug. 12 ~ RAIN DATE FOR ADULT POOL PARTY
Aug. 15 ~ 7pm - Conservancy BOD Meeting at VC
Aug. 18 ~ 8:30pm to 11pm - Teen Party at Pool
Aug. 19 ~ RAIN DATE FOR TEEN PARTY AT POOL
Aug. 22 ~ 7pm - Spring Ridge Condo BOD Meeting at VC
Aug. 26 ~ 6pm to 8pm - Concert Series at Pool
Aug. 27 ~ RAIN DATE FOR CONCERT SERIES AT POOL

School Starts Soon - Please Be Careful!!!

In a few, short weeks, kids will be going back to school. Please remember to watch out for children crossing streets and waiting at the bus stops. Please be aware of the speed bumps on Ridgefield Drive by the Elementary School as well as Spring Forest Road. Also, please follow the directions of the crossing guards at the crosswalks near the schools.

For Parents: Remind your children to practice safety when crossing streets and waiting for buses.

For Drivers:Please slow down around the bus stop and crosswalk areas and be courteous to bikers using the bike lanes, especially near the school.

Management and the Board were informed by Frederick County that the bid for construction of the Spring Ridge Fire Station has been awarded. Construction of the Fire Station is tentatively scheduled to begin in September. Look for further details in future newsletters.

Summer is upon us and Management will begin the annual ACC inspection. The Covenants allow Management or the Board to perform on site property inspections. Richard and/or Victor will be out on the property noting any changes homeowners have made to their property, both in front and rear yards. Afterwards, we will be verifying that applications were submitted and structures were built as applied for. The only exception to this is in the case of storm doors that meet the requirements set forth in your documents. The Board has given Management the authority to approve applications for storm doors that comply with architectural guidelines. However, if a storm door has already been installed without having been previously applied for, it will be “grandfathered in” as long as it complies with the architectural guidelines. If you have any other changes that have been made, but forgot to submit an application, please take the time to do so now. We will be requesting applications for any changes that currently do not have one. Visit the SpringRidge website atwww.springridgeonline.com or stop by the Visitor Center for an application. The ACC meets on the second Wednesday of every month and the deadline for application submission is the Friday prior to the meeting. If you see one of us on your property, please keep in mind that we are there to perform this inspection. This walk through will bring the ACC up to snuff, increase your property values, and in general, make your community a better place to live. Thank you for your cooperation.

For Rent: Townhouse @ North Top Sail Beach, NC. Ocean front townhouse, Approximately 45 minutes north of Wilmington, NC. 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8 comfortably, 2 Full baths, Full kitchen, Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, CCTV, Central Air/Central Heat, and Off-street parking. Will rent to families or persons over 25 years old. Pets are allowed for an additional fee. Contact Tony at 301-682-9858.

For Sale: Couch and Matching Love Seat. Both recline, Pastel colored print, Mostly light blue and beige, and in very good condition. Will take best offer. Call 301-695-1255.

For Sale: 98' Acura Integra LS 2D. 5 speed, 4 cyl., 134k mls, Type “R” Wing - Halo head lights, Full body kit, Custom metallic silver paint, Skunk coilovers, Full 2 ½ exhaust plus many more custom upgrades! Excellent condition. $6,595.00. Call JT at 301-514-4200.

For Rent: Dewey Beach Condo. My cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo is available for fall rentals. Pool front, 1 block to beach, ½ block to bay, full kitchen, sleeps 6 comfortably. Walking distance to all the fun Dewey has to offer! Sorry, no smoking or pets. Contact Lisa at lrw1234@hotmail.com or 301-620-7769.

Management would like to remind residents to please report any street lights that are out, damaged, and always on/out. Simply obtain the light pole number (located about 8 ft. up the pole) and call or email Management in the Visitor Center at 301-620-0782 or richard.ag@pmpbiz.com. Management will then contact Allegheny Power to have the street light repaired. Thank you.

The Frederick County Book Mobile will be at the Visitor Center parking lot on Monday, August 14th and 28th from 3pm to 7pm. If you need additional information about Library Services, please call Extension Services at 301-694-1615.

Found: Motorized scooter. Found near Pine Ridge Terrace. If you think this scooter may belong to you, please call the Visitor Center at 301-620-0782. Be prepared to provide a description of the scooter in order to claim it. Thank you.

Found: Bicycle. 20 inch bike found near Visitor Center. If you think is bicycle could be yours, please call the Visitor Center at 301-620-0782. Be prepared to provide a description of the bicycle in order to claim it. Thank you.

This past month, I have received a number of questions and concerns regarding sexual offenders living in and around our community, including reports of strangers approaching some of our children from their vehicles. These reports include strangers asking for directions or just attempting to strike up a conversation. I want to share a few facts that I have learned from the Frederick County Sheriff's Department in an attempt to address any unanswered questions you may have about potential actions our residents can take on this issue. This information is shared with you in an effort to keep the neighborhood safe and allow us to make informed decisions, not to limit the activities for you or your families.

The State is not required to notify citizens of the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders. Notification is given by request or under special circumstances only to the victims and their families, advising when a violator is released and where they take up residence to ensure their safety. It is important to remember that offenders of crimes have the same rights of protection and legal action as those who harass or violate their rights. Therefore, anyone distributing literature to the community about an offender could face legal action. It is also very important to understand the difference between a sexual offender/violator and a sexual predator. To be classified as a sexual predator, an individual must have more than two convictions. The Registrar of the Sexual Offender Unit with the Frederick County Sheriff's Department has stressed the fact that there are no sexual predators in Frederick County. When viewing the websites that identify offenders and predators, like www.familywatchdog.us or http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/onlineservs/sor/, be sure to make special note of their prior convictions in order to properly identify them. A mistake as simple as labeling someone a predator instead of an offender can bring on legal action by that individual as well.

It is recommended that all suspicious activity be reported to the Frederick County Sheriff's Department. Please remind your children to travel in pairs or groups and always let you know when anything has occurred to make them feel uncomfortable. If you ever question whether to notify the Sheriff's Department about an incident, call them and let them make the decision. I have been told recently that some residents don't want to bother the Sheriff's Department when something occurs that may actually be a minor offense. Reporting creates a paper trail for investigations and justifies keeping patrols on our streets.

Until next month, take care and enjoy the weather! As always, if you have any information you would like to share with the community or if you would like to be included on our neighborhood watch e-mail list, please contact me at the address below. Thank you!

Clay Townshend
Spring Ridge Neighborhood Watch Chairperson
scout1412@yahoo.com
301-620-2880

The Pool Committee decided to reschedule the Community Pool Party to Saturday, September 9th, calling it an “End of Season Send-Off” with a RAIN DATE of Sunday, September 10th. Hours: Noon-6pm. Potential lightning and thunderstorms caused the original party to be cancelled to avoid a loss of food if the weather was poor. In September, Continental Event Caterers will be providing the food for the affair, but those attending are asked to bring their own canned beverages (Bottles are not allowed in the pool area). There will be water relays and of course, the ever popular “Coin Toss,” as well as give-aways galore!! Music will be provided by D.J. Johannes Gross who is affiliated with our Spring Ridge Sharks Swim Team (D.J. music available only on September 9th). Plan to be at the pools for this special annual event. We also have an order in for a precipitation-free day.

Resident Discussion - There was a resident of Spring Ridge who attended this meeting and suggested that our monthly calendar indicate when LaPetite Academy and Celebree Learning Center bring their young students to the pools. Same resident is potential new member of our Pool Committee. To reiterate, once must attend three meetings in order to be considered a member of the committee.

Century Report - All going as scheduled.

Management Report - Locks for lifeguards were purchased. Food Concession Stand is popular among residents when it’s opened and staffed.

Teen Party - Food, drinks, and possible give-aways. Call to be placed to book D.J.

Teen Party - Once again, our Teen Party will feature pizza and D.J. music for $5.00 per attendee. All kids in the 6th grade thru 12th grade are welcome. The date chosen for this is Friday, August 18th from 8:30pm - 11pm. Chaperone volunteers will be greatly appreciated. Permission slips are required (which are included in this newsletter). RAIN DATE for this event is Saturday, August 19th, the same hours.

See also, the enclosed August Pool Calendar.

Celebree and LaPetite Academy: Following are the scheduled times that Celebree and LaPetite Academy bring their students to the Spring Ridge Pools: Celebree - Monday & Friday, 10:30am-12:30pm and LaPetite - Fridays Only, 1pm-3pm (Note: LaPetite’s time was changed from 12:30pm-2:30pm to the new time listed above.)

Water Aerobics and Swim Lessons: Please contact Management in the Visitor Center during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm) at 301-620-0782 if you’re interested in participating in these programs. Better yet, visit springridgeonline.com/committees/poolcommittee for a link to download the form for both programs.

Lifeguard Appreciation Day - The job description for a lifeguard at the Spring Ridge Pools is vast. First and foremost, the guards are there to prevent accidents, save lives, and administer first aid if necessary. Did you know, however, that it is incumbent upon them to be stellar role models for younger children at our pools, exercise the best judgement at all times, as well as serve as janitors for the entire area including the bathrooms? Many of them teach, coach, and act as pool operators. The expenses for their jobs, i.e. certification, uniforms, equipment fall upon their shoulders too. They are not to “lose their cool” in spite of hot temperatures. They are to maintain diplomacy at all times when interacting with children and adults.

With the above in mind, the Second Annual Spring Ridge Lifeguard Appreciation Day will be held on Sunday, July 30th. We hope that you take the time to offer them a “thank you” in the form of a card or verbal statement. Perhaps you can give a nice cool drink, some cookies, brownies, pizza (they love food), or other token of your choosing. Let them know that we think they are the best, which indeed they are!

Sharkey’s Tip: Please don’t block staircases to the pools. This is especially true of the piano pool. It was brought to our attention that some parents put their chairs at the edge of the stairs and block the walkway going into and out of the pool. Although this rarely occurs, it should not happen at all. It is also a good idea to not have youngsters playing on the stairs.

Join us at our next Pool Committee Meeting which will be held on Tuesday, August 8th at 7pm in the Visitor Center.

The Recreation Committee will be holding a “Back To School Gently Used Children’s Clothing” Sale on Saturday, August 26th from 8am-Noon at the Visitor Center. If you are interested in selling any “Gently Used Children’s Clothing” at this sale, please contact Katie Horning at 301-698-5624. The fee is $10.00 per table and space is limited.

A reminder that the Adult Pool Party is scheduled for Saturday, August 5th from 8:30pm-Midnight. RAIN DATE is Saturday, August 12th at the same time. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Shull at 301-663-7818.

FREDDIE LONG IS BACK!!! Please join us at the pool for this Summer Concert on Saturday, July 29th from 6pm-8pm. RAIN DATE is Sunday, July 30th at the same time. Note: Our last concert for the season will be on Saturday, August 26th.

Mark your calendar for the Fall Community Yard Sale. The sale is scheduled for September 16th from 8am-2pm and the RAIN DATE is Saturday, September 23rd at the same time. More information will follow in September’s newsletter.

Would like the name of your business to be advertised on the back of the Spring Ridge 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk t-shirt? Please contact Melinda Yuhas at 301-228-3831 for sponsorship information.

The Fourth of July Bike Parade had a huge turnout. Congratulations to all the winners. The bikes, wagons, strollers, and scooters were all so nicely decorated. Thanks to Thea Ruff for judging, and all the other volunteers who helped make this event a huge success A BIG THANKS TO MELINDA YUHAS for a job well done.

Sponsored by the Central Maryland Parkinson Disease Outreach,
a Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association

Bill Ruff was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease two months after moving to Spring Ridge in 1998. Bill started the Walk as his way of raising funds to help find a cure. He is very proud of our efforts and the many thousands of dollars donated toward Parkinson research. Parkinson’s Disease is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder. More than one and one half (1 ½) million people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the United States. It affects about 1 in 100 Americans over the age of 60 years and it is estimated that 5 to 10 percent are diagnosed prior to the age of 40.

Let’s help Bill Ruff and others diagnosed with Parkinson Disease.
Mark your calendars and plan to come to this family fun event!!

To register online: www.parkinson.kintera.org OR for more information, call Bill or Thea Ruff at 301-682-9009.