April 2004

Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter

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There is no time like the old time, when you and I were young.
When the buds of April blossomed, and the birds of spring-time sung!
The garden’s brightest glories by summer suns are nursed,
But oh, the sweet, sweet violets, the flowers that opened first!

(Excerpt from “No Time Like the Old Time” by Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1895,)

Calendar of Events:
•	Next LDHA Board Meeting:  May 10, 2004 , 7:30 pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse
•	Annual Membership Meeting: June 14,2004, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse
•	Next Social Event: July 4th Party, Sunday July 4th, 2004, Noon to 4pm, details to follow.
•	Annual Fishing Contest; July 3, 2004, details to follow in future newsletters
•	Annual membership dues are due on June 1, 2004.
•	Recycling: 2nd Wednesday of each month.
•	Large Trash Pick-up: 2nd Tuesday of each month;  April thru October, except July
•	Boat Numbers: Call Dave Hurwitz at 664-5464
•	E-mail comments to:   ldha2003@charter.net
•	LDHA Website: ldha.homestead.com
•	Webmaster e-mail:  dfortune@chartermi.net

And with spring, comes the clean-up!

Thanks to all residents for their efforts to clean-up debris and trash accumulated over the winter.  Several walkers have been sighted carrying bags to pick up trash – this has had a tremendous effect on the beauty of our neighborhood! Let’s all keep up these efforts throughout the year on the beach, lake and on the roadways.

Special thanks are due to Ray Dertz and friends for disposing of the Christmas trees and other debris in Brusselman’s Park and the Firehouse.  

All “egg”static about the Easter Egg Hunt!

The search for 1000 treat-filled eggs left by the Bunny took place in Brusselman’s Park April 3rd at 2pm. Almost 60 children searched for eggs filled with candy, stickers and toys.  The turnout was terrific, especially in the one to two-year olds.  We went from two children in the youngest group last year to an unbelievable 16 this year.  It was great to see so many new faces!  See the photos on Page 4.

We would like to thank all who came out to participate.  Special thanks to Tom and Beth Raich and Diane Burrows for their excellent organization of the event, and to Jana Edwards for volunteering to help set up the park.  We love our volunteers!  

2003-2004 LDHA Board of Directors	E-mail		Phone

President:     Brian Mullally (2005)           bmullally@charter.net   	685-1913 
Vice-Pres.:   Marlin Kleckner (2004 )       mdk@chartermi.net       	685-5929
Co-Secretaries:  Michael Hills  (2005)      mhills@ameritech.net 	664-3482
	        Jana Edwards  (2006)      lemmingsrus@aol.com	664-3122
Treasurer:     Everett Harpole (2006)        everett.harpole@jda.com  664-3059
 Maintenance:  Ray Dertz (2006) 	             RED@kalnet.net 	685-2776
Safety:    Jerry Wittwer (2004) 	             liberty1@copper.net   	685-6190
Social:     Diane Burrows (2005)	             msbeth63Aaol.com    	664-3593
                Tom Raich (2005)  	             raicht@aol.com               685-0696
Newcomers:   Paige Meddock  (2004)      mpmeddocki@msn.com	685-5296
   	       Marilyn Brainerd (2004)   lovebirdz@mei.net	664-3388
Membership:  Nancy Watson (2006)         njordanme2@cs.com 	685-5768
Water Quality:   Kevin Koch (2006)         cbkoch@hotmail.com	664-6096
Gun Plain Township:  Casey Jones          jcjones@accn.org 	664-5362

April 2004				             Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter			             	               Page 2

LDHA MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES FROM: APRIL 12, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm by Brian Mullally at the Lake Doster Clubhouse. Present: Brian Mullally, Jana Edwards, Ray Dertz, Jerry Wittwer, Tom Raich, Marilyn Brainerd, Nancy Watson, Carole Kellogg, Kevin Koch, and Casey Jones.   The minutes of the previous meeting of March 8 , 2004 were approved.
Treasurers Report, Brian Mullally (for Everett Harpole):  The current balance of the Property Management Fund is $19,671.42 (as of 3/31/04).  The LDHA Account balance as of 3/31/04 is as follows: 
Checking Account Beginning Balance	$ 3,767.74	Savings Account Beginning Balance	$ 2,325.60	
Deposits	$      67.02	Deposits	$        0.00	
Total Expenses	$    158.76	Total Expenses	$        0.00	
Checking Account Ending Balance	$  3,676.00 	Savings Account Ending Balance	$ 2,325.60	
Maintenance, Ray Dertz:  Ray removed three loads of Christmas trees and other debris from Brusselman’s Park and from in front of the Fire Station.  The Park will not need a general clean-up effort this year. The trashcan in the park has been emptied every Monday.  The Board is grateful for residents who have picked up trash on roadways while walking or working in their yards.  There are about a dozen bags of lake-friendly fertilizer available for $11 bags, The price is less than the cost to the LDHA and significantly less than sold in the stores.  The tent has been rented for two weekends (in May and June).  Ray has received requests to rent the new tables.  It was moved and passed unanimously by the board to allow rental of the tables only with the tent.  Rental of tables separately may result in problems keeping track of them. 
Social, Tom Raich:  The Easter Egg Hunt on April 3, at 2pm in Brusselman’s Park was a great success. Sixty children showed up: 16, 0-2 year olds, 9, 3-4 year olds, 18, 5-7 year olds and 14, 8 years and up.  1000 plastic eggs were filled with toys, candy and stickers.  They were hidden in four separate areas, designated by age. Next year more eggs will be added to the youngest age group.  Several positive comments have been received from residents.  Costs were a total of $157.37.  The next social event is the Fourth of July Party.  As the fourth falls on Sunday (requiring Sunday night clean-up) the board discussed having the party on July 3rd, but all felt it made more sense on the 4th, from noon to 4pm.  Details to follow.  Volunteers for planning, set-up and clean-up are needed. Tom will look into the costs of having a porta-potty available at the beach from Memorial Day through the summer.
Membership, Nancy Watson & Carole Kellogg: Nancy will resume newsletter mailings.  Carole reported that there are currently 405 homes in Lake Doster including five under construction, five are for sale and five are not occupied.  96 residents have not paid LDHA dues.  Carole has sent letters to those residents, as well as new residents.  There were 20 updates to the directory.  The board supported Carole’s request for the LDHA to buy software to continue updating membership data. 
Water Quality, Kevin Koch:  The water quality test equipment is being calibrated; then tests will be conducted.
Gun Plain Township, Casey Jones:  The Allegan County Board of Commissioners resolved not to require a summer tax payment until 2005.  The 911-tower equipment will be installed within 2-3 weeks; testing will be at the end of May or beginning of June.  The siren is repaired, and a means to mount it is being explored.  The bridge on M-89 is progressing well, and will allow for connection to the Riverwalk (with a 6-foot clearance).  Some cars have been illegally driving around the Deer Run dirt barrier.  Plans for a permanent barrier are progressing.
Safety. Jerry Wittwer:  Residents should be aware that there have been several break-ins recently to garages and cars in the neighborhood.  Remember to lock your house, garage and cars and use security lights.  The Sheriff’s Department if investigating the incidents, so be sure to report any suspect behavior.
Website.  Dave Fortune.  The website has had 800 hits.  The newsletter is available on the website, as well as other lake information.  Residents are encouraged to access the site. 
Lake Acquisition from Development Company, Brian Mullally Joe Langkamp has not finalized the Option Agreement.  He has submitted lists of lakefront and lake access property owners, which the board is reviewing.  He is suggesting a transitional phase for lake maintenance. The first meeting of the Organizational Committee will be April 28, at 7pm at the clubhouse.  The board workgroup will meet prior to that meeting.  Nancy Phalen submitted lake carrying capacity and regulation information she would like the committee to review.  
New Business.  A new resident requested information on building and boating rules.  
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm.

 
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.

April 2004				             Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter			             	               Page 3

For Sale/Wanted

Neighborhood Handyman available: - Call Chuck Gregory on Horseshoe Court at 685-5032 or cell phone #501-7706.  Landscaping tiles, tile work, shelving...if you are thinking of it...just ask if to see if he can do it.
Piano and Voice Lessons:  Janet Richards, 275A Fairway Court, call 664-5380
For Sale:  French Horn single or double.  Call Nancy Gregory at 685-5032.
Work Wanted—Yard work, odd jobs, animal sitting and walking, etc.  Please call Tom Richmond at 664-3277
House Plants for Sale:  $10 to $25.  Several 6’ to 10’ dieffenbachia, mother-in-law’s tongue, peace lily’s, 2’ to 6’ cactus, X-mas cactus, goosefoot, snake plant and many more.  We have about 20 healthy plants to sell.  Please call 664-3277.
Found:  Digital Camera.  Call Dave Koestner at 381-2030 or 664-4064.
For Sale: 1979 23-foot O-Day Sailboat.  Shoal draft keel, head, inboard engine, auto pilot, $4,900 with trailer.  Call Dave Koestner at 381-2030 or 664-4064.
For Sale: 1995 Cadillac ETC, Candyapple red with light interior leather, power sunroof, chrome wheels, beautiful condition.  73,200 miles. $8,750.  Call Dave Koestner at 381-2030 or 664-4064.
Home Interiors and Gifts. If you would like to host a party or see a catalog, please call Amie at 664-6868.  I can talk to you about earning free items.
For Sale: 1987 Bayliner Speedboat, 16-foot with front cutty and 85-horse outboard, with trailer – great runner - $2500 or best offer.  Call 685-5188.
For Sale: 2003 Mini Cooper “S”, Indi Blue Metallic with white roof, most options – no sunroof, garage queen, 4,600 miles, no snow, no smoking, $21,500.  Call Roy Melling at 664-3122.

Neighborhood Services

Baby Sitters:
Katy Whited (5/10/90           	664-5500
Abby Murray (3/14/88) 		664-6643
Sarah Myles 			664-3059
Branden Stewart(10/11/88)	664-3613
Erin Cool (1/2/88) 		664-3613
Sarah Skocelas (5/25/89)* 	664-4181
Ariel Gray (10/27/89)* 		664-5195
Emily Burley (4/2/90)* 		664-6969
    *Red Cross Certified

Pet Sitting:
Jenna Sheets (5/10/90) 		664-5810
Sarah Skocelas (5/15/89)		664-4181
Abby Murray (3/14/88)		664-6643
Branden Stewart (10/11/88)	664-3613
Erin Cool (1/21/88)		664-3613
Ariel Gray (10/27/89) 		685-5195

Odd Jobs/Yard Work
See ad to left

Note from the editor.  Advertisements and personal notices should be submitted by the second Wednesday of the month.  Anyone submitting an ad or notice must be a member of LDHA.  Include your name, address, phone number and birthday (children only).  Please be brief—two or three lines.  Unless you specify otherwise, ads or notices will run for two months.  Contact Jana Edwards by phone (664-3122) or e-mail (lemmingsrus@aol.com) to submit. an ad or notice.

$ 200 Reward

For the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the theft of the following:

Model 830 Trek USA Bicycle
Black, Size 20
Serial#T2H613556

Olympus
Model IS-10 DeLuxe Camera
Serial#1234494

Garage Door Opener

Carole & Jack Kellogg
89 S. Lake Doster Dr. 664-6420

Notices from the LDHA Board:
New Board Members needed:  We need new faces on the LDHA board; some members are retiring in July. If you would like to have an active part in planning Lake Doster’s future and organizing our fun social events, please volunteer to be on the board.  Call Brian Mullally at 685-1913. 
Organizational Committee:
A meeting to form an Organizational Committee to evaluate and recommend management methods for the lake will be held on April 28, 2004 at 7:00 pm at the clubhouse.  Leadership is needed! If you are interested in participating or would like to recommend someone to act on this committee, please call Brian Mullally at 685-1913.
Recent Thefts:
Residents should be aware that there have been several break-ins recently to garages and cars in the neighborhood.  Bicycles, CD’s, cameras, money and other items have been stolen. Remember to lock-up and use security lights. The Sheriff’s Department is investigating.

April 2004				             Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter			             	               Page 4

2004 Easter Egg Hunt 
The search for 1000 treat-filled eggs left by the Bunny took place in Brusselman’s Park April 3rd.  The turnout was terrific, almost  60 children searched for eggs filled with candy, stickers and toys.  It was great to see so many new faces!  Great work everyone!

April 2004				             Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter			             	               Page 5

Hit and Giggle Friday Night Couples Golf
The Lake Doster Men’s and Ladies’ Golf Association invite all Lake Doster residents to join us on Friday nights for “Hit and Giggle Friday Night Couples Golf.”  You don’t have to be a member of Lake Doster Golf Club to play.  Call the Pro Shop at 685-5308 by Thursday night and tell them you want to play.  We’ll pair you up with someone and assign a starting time.  Golf will be $10 per person which includes golf and a cart.  In addition an entry fee of $10 per couple will cover prizes.  Times start at 5:00 pm.  Then join us for dinner and some prizes that will be awarded after all the teams have completed their rounds.  The first night starts on May 14 and will continue till the end of August.  There will be scrambles on the first Friday of the month and a variety of fun events the other weeks.  Call Jack Kellogg at 664-6420 if you have any questions.  Bring your friends!

Other Notices:

Boat Numbers:  Many thanks to Larry Kunkle for doing such a great job of managing boat numbers!
New Resident, Dave Hurwitz has volunteered to take over this task. Shoreline and lake access residents are allowed to have a boat on the lake, and are required to have and display a boat number. If you need a boat number, call Dave at 664-5364 or E-mail davehurwitz@earthlink.net. 
  
Fertilizer.  The LDHA has about a dozen bags of lake-friendly fertilizer available for $11 per bag.  This price is less than the cost to the LDHA and significantly less than sold in the stores.  Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this low-cost lake-friendly fertilizer.

Welcome to our new neighbors!
Seventeen new families since November 2003

Dan & Diana Facemeyer		   Betty Elland 			Richard Raginis		
338 Bayview Lane			   279B Doster Road		278B Fairway Court	

Bob & Deb Kajpust			   Debra Launden			Mike & Lisa Gabele
162 Country Club Drive		   277A Doster Road		339 Highland Court

Lance & Deb Wolf			   Dennis & Catrina Munson-Bradley
170 Country Club Drive		   13970 Doster Road

Dan Adam				   Eric & Julie Bone		Leann Williams
186 Country Club Blvd.		   13980 Doster Road		352 Shangri La Circle

Randy & Tam Clark		   Dave & Leslie Jo Hurwitz 	James & Jody Chapbell
192 Country Club			   14000 Doster Road		154 S. Lake Doster Drive

Jim & Sherry Stallings		   Diane Shepard			Bob & Lisa Ramsey
204 Deer Run Drive		   32 Eagle Greens Court		357 Southfork Drive

Note from the editor.  Advertisements and personal notices should be submitted by the second Wednesday of the month.  Anyone submitting an ad or notice must be a member of LDHA.  Include your name, address, phone number and birthday (children only).  Please be brief—two or three lines.  Unless you specify otherwise, ads or notices will run for two months.  Contact Jana Edwards by phone (664-3122) or e-mail (lemmingsrus@aol.com) to submit. an ad or notice.