Spring Ridge Online - Newsletter



Past Issues September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 June 2003 May 2003 April 2003 March 2003 February 2003		Spring Ridge Review Newsletter October 2004 Board of Director’s Corner Next Meeting: October 19 th , 2004 at 7pm - Visitor Center Safety Message. The Board urges all Spring Ridge residents to use caution when driving through our community, as there have been accidents involving children riding motorized scooters and skateboards. Note: Motorized scooters are not allowed on county roads. See the article on Motorized Scooters from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office in this newsletter. Note the hours for Trick or Treating for the Spring Ridge Community on Sunday, October 31 st The Spring Ridge Community needs your assistance, as volunteers are needed on both the Landscape and Finance Committees. The Annual Meeting in November will highlight the important work of these committees. The County has informed Spring Ridge that both Spring Ridge Parkway and Ridgefield Drive will be resurfaced. Look for this road construction soon. The HOA Annual Meeting and Elections will be held early November, look for the formal notice in your mailbox. Neighborhood Watch News October 18th Community Talk Cancelled Community Conversation on Drugs & Driving: Another “Community Conversation is planned for Monday, October 18 th at the Visitor Center . Deputy Ken Olander, Resource Officer, at Gov. Thomas Johnson (TJ) High School will present “Buckle Up or Eat Glass”. This program on drugs and driving will be offered to this year's sophomores at TJ High. Deputy Olander is a drug recognition expert and lead DUI instructor as well as being housed at TJ High School. Come out to see the program and find out what's happening at our high school. Anyone having specific questions or concerns can email Lise O'Connell at oconnell@xecu.net or call at 301-698-1252 to get their concern on the agenda. Block Captains are still needed throughout the neighborhood. Check out the Neighborhood Watch Committee site at www.springonline.com for particulars to being a captain. Help us keep our community safe and aware, step up! Hope to see you on October 18 th . Calendar of Events Oct. 7 ~ 7:30pm - Recreation Committee Meeting at VC Oct. 12 ~ 7pm - Pool Committee Meeting at VC Oct. 13 ~ 7pm - ACC Meeting at VC Oct. 15 ~ 10am - Mom's Club Fall-Themed Project at Soccer Field Oct. 18 ~ 7pm - Cancelled: Community Conversation on Drugs and Driving at VC Oct. 19 ~ 7pm - Conservancy BOD Meeting at VC Oct. 20 ~ 7pm - FAN Club Social at VC Oct. 21 ~ 7pm - Hampton Court I BOD Annual Meeting at VC Oct. 22 ~ 7am - Spring Ridge Golf League Tournament at Musket Ridge Golf Club Oct. 23 ~ 8pm to midnight - Rec. Committee Adult Halloween Party held at Whiskey Creek Golf Club Oct. 30 ~ 11am to 1pm - Children's Halloween Party at VC Oct. 31 ~ Halloween 5:30pm to 7:30pm - Trick or Treating Let's Get Back To The Basics What is a homeowners association? A homeowners association is a group of homeowners who wish to provide a communal basis for preserving, maintaining, and enhancing their homes and property, which includes common area. Membership is mandatory and automatic and they are bound together by the governing documents. A community association exists for 3 primary reasons: a. to govern the association b. to run the business of the association c. to provide community activities The basic authority in a homeowners association lies with the homeowners themselves. However, the owners elect the board of directors to act on their behalf. There is an election scheduled for the annual meeting this year. At this point, we have not received one nominee for the position on the board. A community the size of Spring Ridge requires a dynamic board of directors with the right skills to make good ‘business judgement' decisions for the community as a whole. If you want to be part of the board of directors, please contact Richard Gemmell at 301-620-0782. Please remember that on November 4, 2004 , there will be an Annual meeting of the Spring Ridge Conservancy, Inc. On August 29, 2004 , PMP, Inc. mailed to each member of the community a ‘call for nomination' form. There will be one (1) opening on the board of directors this year. To date, no nominations have been received . It would appear that many residents have forgotten that they live in a homeowners association. Spring Ridge would not be the fine place to live if it were not for the many dedicated members who volunteer their time. FAN Club Provides Community Outreach The Spring Ridge Friends and Neighbors Club annually supports Spring Ridge Elementary by donating filled backpacks for students in need. This year a total of nineteen backpacks were filled with school supplies. FAN Club members purchased the backpacks and supplies, filled them and then donated them to the school. Recently, club president Diane Knaub presented the backpacks to Spring Ridge Elementary's community liaison representative Verla Carter. Trick or Treating Hours Spring Community Trick or treating will be held on Sunday, October 31 st from 5:30pm to7:30 pm. Management reminds drivers to use caution during Trick or Treating hours. Parents: Please go through the candy your child/children receive and remove any suspicious looking candy or unwrapped candy. Happy Halloween! Thank You Pool Committee Your Pool Committee members have worked long and hard since the beginning of the year to make this year's pool season and future seasons a success. I hope the residents have enjoyed all of the planned events that were had: Adult Nights, Float Nights, Teen Party, Community Pool Party, and Adult Hours (during school hours). The Pool Committee members volunteered their time to ensure a great summer. It takes time and commitment to have a beautiful pool complex that runs so successfully, and to have parties and events that seem to look effortless. These people are “Your” Pool Committee members: Karen Logue Roz Mansouri Jonette Stupke Kathy Sheehy Tom Courtney Liz Selby (our newest member) and myself, Bonnie High Let's give them a great big hand for doing a wonderful job! Thank you very much for all of your efforts and accomplishments! Job Well Done! Bonnie High, Pool Committee Chairperson Classifieds For Sale : Freezer. Upright freezer, 19.5 cubic feet, made by Kenmore , white, excellent condition. Asking for $100.00. If interested, call Jennie at 301-695-9079. Car Bed. Toddler's size, blue, and mattress included. Asking for $75.00. If interested, call Jean at 301-620-9440. Seasonal Decorating Residents are reminded that seasonal decorations such as Halloween window decals and the like are permitted. However, the decorations or holiday theme lawn ornaments must be removed within 30 days of such holiday. Lost and Found Lost Cat. Female, black, 2 ½ years old, silky coat, bright yellow eyes, has a few white hairs on her chest. Her name is Heckyl. She has been missing since Monday, August 23 rd . Her family recently moved into the Spring Ridge Community on August 10 th and miss her very much. If you have any information, please call 301-695-6363. Found: Stroller . Found on the deck at the Visitor Center . If you think this stroller could be yours, please call the Visitor Center at 301-620-0782 and be prepared to provide a description. Salvation Army Food Drive Once again Spring Ridge is working with the Salvation Army this holiday season to provide non-perishable food for the hungry and needy in our area. The Salvation Army barrel will be located in the Visitor Center lobby. Drop off your non-perishable food between 11am and 5pm Monday through Friday. Please help out those less fortunate this holiday season. Upcoming Events at the Spring Ridge Community Schools presented by the PTAs and PTSAs for Spring Ridge Elem., Oakdale Elem., Gov. Thomas Johnson Middle and Gov. Thomas Johnson High Schools. Oct. 5 ~ 7am to 7pm - Conference Sign-ups - TJHS Oct. 6 ~ 7am to 2:30pm - Conference Sign-ups - TJHS 9:30am - Coffee with the Administration - OES Oct. 6 - 13 ~ Book Fair - OES Oct. 7 ~ Phone Only - Conference Sign-ups at 240-236-8384 - TJHS 7pm - PTA Meeting - SRES 7pm - PTA Board Meeting & Volunteer Training - OES Oct. 9 ~ 3pm to 6pm - Fall Festival - SRES Oct. 11 ~ Parent-Teacher Conferences: AM Half Day for Students 7pm - Athletic Boosters Meeting - TJHS Oct. 12 ~ Parent-Teacher Conferences: PM Half Day for Students 5:15pm - Staff Dinner - TJMS 7pm - Safe and Sane Meeting - TJHS Oct. 13 ~ Parent-Teacher Conferences: PM Half Day for Elem./MS Students Oct. 14 ~ SCHOOLS CLOSED Oct. 19 ~ 7pm - PTSA Meeting - TJMS 7pm - PTSA Meeting - TJHS Oct. 23 ~ 9am - School Wide Clean-up - TJHS Oct. 29 ~ 7pm - PTSA Dance - TJMS For more information, please contact the respective schools. Times and dates are subject to change. Van Pool - Frederick to Washington , D.C. Van Pool from Frederick to Washington , D.C. (OPM, GWU, GSA, DOA, RRB, DOJ, DOE, & Chinatown ). To Washington: Pick up at 5:15 am at the 7 th Street Shopping Center, 5:35 am at the Urbana Park and Ride. To Frederick : 1 st pm pick up in Washington at 4:35 pm ; arrive at Urbana Park and Ride at 5:45 pm , and 7 th Street Shopping Center at 6 pm . Metrochecks accepted. If interested, contact Carol Burrill at 443-538-0277. Book Mobile Information The Frederick County Library Book Mobile will be at the Visitor Center parking lot on Monday, October 11 th and October 25 th , 2004 from 3pm - 7pm. Come and select a great book to read. If you need additional information about the Book Mobile or other library services, call your local branch or the Extension Services at 301-694-1615. Thank You” from the Red Cross The American Red Cross would like to thank everyone that participated in the blood drive on September 20, 2004 at the Spring Ridge Visitor Center . They received a donation of 15 units; which was 50% of their goal to collect. Management would like to thank those who gave your life-saving donation and encourages everyone able to donate, to consider donating. The blood supply in our area is extremely low and needs to be replenished. If you are interested in donating, please call 1-800–GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to locate a donation center and schedule an appointment. Recreation Committee News All interested moms–With fall approaching, let's get together for some fall fun. Let's meet at the Spring Ridge Park (soccer field) for a Fall-themed art project on Friday, October 15 th at 10:00 am. RSVP to Jessica at (301) 695-4346 or seannjess@prodigy.net by October 8 th so I have enough for everyone. Also, we have an e-mail group, and we'd love to have you join. Send an e-mail to Jessica at seannjess@prodigy.net for an invitation. Hope to see you soon! Happy fall! The Third Annual Spring Ridge Adult Halloween Costume Party is right around the corner–October 23, 2004 from 8 pm to midnight at the Whiskey Creek Golf Club. Tickets are $20.00 person to Spring Ridge Residents. Tickets include food, fun, dance, beer, wine, and soda. Please avoid potentially “messy” costumes (food or small pieces attached). Tickets are now available and space is limited. Call Diane Knaub (301) 846-9463 or Tammy Jeannette (301) 682-8277 to arrange a time to buy your tickets. We are also hoping to hear from those interested in helping to set up or clean up! Our Children's Halloween Party is October 30 th from 11am to 1pm at the Visitor's Center! Come dressed up and ready for some fun Halloween Crafts! Call Diane Stefanick with questions and if you would like to volunteer to help (301) 695-0946. A special thanks to the Reefe's for organizing the fall yard sale! We hope that everybody made lots of money! Remember to mark you calendars for Black Friday (November 26 th ). Join us at the Visitor's Center from 6pm to 9pm for convenient holiday shopping, wine, food, and conversation. Attention Golfers!! Spring Ridge Golf Day is October 22 nd . Look for details in flyer in this newsletter. Please join us for the next Recreation Committee Meeting on Thursday, October 7 th at 7:30 pm in the Visitor's Center. Pool Committee News Pool Closing - It's almost next summer!! That's what I used to tell my kids on the first day of school every September. Well, the pools will be closed by September 19 th , and yes, It's almost next summer!! Time will be soooo fleeting! After which, a new white coat will be applied to the main pool. and then a winter cover will be put on to keep out debris and to make start-up easier next season. We've had a great season thanks to: Century Pools - which include our pool management team and the expert staff of lifeguards. Thanks is due also to the Board of Directors of Spring Ridge, Property Management People, the Spring Ridge Pool Committee, and all of our residents and visitors to the pools. It's by and large a community effort. Also, a very special thank you to the Sharks Swim Team for all of their help, and suggestions. We are very appreciative of all the effective communications with our Pool Committee. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful community. GO SHARKS! The Extra Bonus - As you're aware, an extra bonus was implemented this season. The pool season was extended until September 19 th with hours of operation for adults only on weekday afternoons from 12 noon to 3:30pm. The response to this was so overwhelmingly positive that the plan is to run it again next season. Please check the marquee by the Visitor's Center and watch for future newsletters. Also, come to the Pool Committee Meetings!! They are productive and fun...See you there!!! Please join us for the next Pool Committee Meeting on Tuesday, October 12 th at 7pm in the Visitor's Center. Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Join the FAN Club, Wednesday, October 20 th , for its second annual beer tasting hosted by Brewer's Alley's own brewmaster, Tom Flores. Learn how beer is brewed, and sample the favorites as well as the newest beers Brewer's Alley has to offer. Treat yourself to an evening of fun and socializing as we celebrate Oktoberfest beginning at 7 p.m. at the Visitor's Center. Motorized Scooters The Frederick County Sheriff's Office has been receiving numerous calls on the operation of motorized scooters on the roads in Spring Ridge. Unfortunately, I have bad news for the vast majority of scooter riders in the community. Maryland law requires that motor scooters must meet the provisions set forth in Transportation Article 11-134.4, which requires that the motor scooter: 1 – Has a seat for the operator; 2 – Has two wheels, of which one is 10 inches or more in diameter; 3 – Has a step-through chassis; 4 – Has a motor: With a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less; or if the motor is an internal combustion engine, with a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less; and 5 – Is equipped with an automatic transmission. Motor Scooter does not include vehicles manufactured for off-road use. In addition, per Transportation Article 16-101b and 16-104.2: Each individual operating on any highway (roadway) in this State a moped or motor scooter shall be a minimum of 16 years of age and they must possess a drivers license issued to the individual by this State or another state of residence, or a moped operators permit issued by the MVA. (The moped permit covers motor scooters) Any other operation of non-compliant motor scooters or persons under the age of 16 is a violation of Maryland Law. Thus far, our agency has handled this problem by attempting to make the operators and their parents aware of the illegal operation of these scooters. It is important that parents know that there are specific charges in Maryland Law for authorizing or knowingly permitting a minor to violate these provisions. Mom and Dad, you can get a citation in addition to the charges placed against your child. Unfortunately, we continue to receive complaints about reckless operation and “close calls” with young children riding on the roadways. It is only a matter of time before we have a tragedy in Spring Ridge when an unsupervised, young child drives through a stop sign on their motor scooter. For safety sake, we need your cooperation in ending this dangerous situation immediately. These motor scooters are also illegal on sidewalks as Maryland law only allows for bicycles and play vehicles (foot-powered vehicles like skateboards, non-motorized scooters, big wheels, etc.) to be operated on a sidewalk. The only safe location for your child to operate their scooter is on private property, where they have permission to ride. The common areas do not apply to this criterion as the Conservancy has not granted permission for anyone to ride motorized vehicles in these areas. I realize that you may have been mislead when purchasing this item for your child, however, for safety reasons, the illegal operation of these motor scooters must cease! Voluntary Compliance with the cited laws will ensure that the community, and more importantly your children, will continue to live in a safe environment. If you have any questions please contact Lt. Tom Winebrenner with the Frederick County Sheriff's Office at 301-631-3626. Thank You.
	Committees/Clubs \| Direct Debit \| PMP, Inc. \| Builders \| Developer \| Hampton Court Condominium Spring Ridge Condominium \| Newsletter \| Conservancy Board \| Frederick County copyright 1999 - 2000. Spring Ridge Conservancy.