Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter
August 2004

Lake Doster End of Summer Picnic
Sunday, September 5th

We are having a Country & western style
	    Pig Roast!!!
 				
Break out your overalls and square dance skirts!

Time: 4:00pm to ? ? ?, Dinner starts at 5:30pm

Join us in volleyball  and horseshoes

Bonfire at dusk!

(Donations of firewood  would be appreciated!)

Roast Pork, BBQ Chicken and Pop will be sold.
(Pork & Chicken: $3 for adults, $2 for children).
 Beer for a small donation

Please bring a dish to pass according to your last name:
(Let’s see how many authentic “Western”  recipes we can find?)

A-G  BRING DESSERT
H-Q  BRING HORs D’OEUVRES
R-Z  BRING SALAD OR VEGETABLE

Also, bring your own plates, tableware, 
lawn chairs, and bonfire snacks.

We are in need of volunteers!

We need volunteers to set up the tent, as well as cashiers and servers.  Call Kevin Koch at 664-6096 or Diane Burrows at 664-3593.
Please donate an hour of your time. CALL NOW!

* Lake Doster Garage Sale *

Saturday, September 18, 2004, 
8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
A community-wide garage sale is slated for Saturday, September 18 in the Lake Doster community. All Lake Doster residents are welcome to participate. 

All newspaper advertisements and signs are being provided through the courtesy of Ed Giffels of Jaqua Realtors. All you need to do is set up in your yard or garage on Saturday.  Call Ed Giffels at 664-5205 to register and get your individual sign.

Calendar of Events:
•	LDHA Board Meeting: September 13, 2004, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse.
•	Organizational Committee: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse
•	Next Social Event: End of Summer Picnic Country-Western Style Pig Roast, Sunday, September 5, 4pm to ???
•	Community Garage Sale, September 18, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
•	Annual membership dues were due in May. 
•	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 664-5364 or e-mail at davehurwitz@earthlink.net
•	E-mail comments to:  ldha2003@charter.net
•	LDHA Website: ldha.homestead.com
•	Webmaster e-mail:  dfortune@chartermi.net
•	Newsletter e-mail:  lemmingsrus@aol.com

LDHA BOARD MEETING MINUTES FROM:  August 9, 2004

The meeting was opened at 7:35 pm by Brian Mullally at the Lake Doster Clubhouse. Board Members Present: Brian Mullally, Dave Hurwitz, Jana Edwards, Everett Harpole, Suzanne Runyon, Diane Burrows, Kevin Koch, Marilyn Brainerd, Dave Fortune, Nancy Watson, Casey Jones.  Also in attendance: Howard Brainerd and Jack Kellogg.   
The minutes of the meeting of July 12, 2004 were approved (Marilyn moved, Diane seconded, all in favor).
Secretary’s Report, Jana Edwards:  The board reviewed and generally supported the format for taking minutes.  Methods for improving coordination in producing the newsletter were discussed. 
Treasurers Report, Everett Harpole:  The current balance (as of 7/31/04) of the Property Management Fund indicates a starting balance of $18,283.35 with $0 deposits and $265.28 in outstanding bills. Approximately 60% of homeowners have contributed to-date. The current balance (as of 7/31/04) of the LDHA account shows a total of all cash accounts of $11,972.45 with details shown below.  

Checking Account Beginning Balance	$   9,588.58	Savings Account Beginning Balance	$  2,325.60	
Deposits	$      511.08	Deposits	$         0.00	
Total Expenses	$      452.81 	Total Expenses	$         0.00	
Adjustments	$         0.00	Adjustments	$         0.00	
Checking Account Ending Balance	$   9,646.85 	Savings Account Ending Balance	$  2,325.60	
Maintenance:  Brian Mullally: The porta-potty at the beach has been restored and will remain through the summer.  
Social:  Diane Burrows and Kevin Koch:  The next social event will be the “End of Summer Picnic” which will be on Sunday, September 5 during the Labor Day Weekend.  The party will be a “Country- Western Pig Roast”.   The party will begin at 4pm with dinner to be served at 5:30pm.  There will be a roast pig and barbequed chicken provided, for $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children.  Beer will be available for a small donation.  Residents are asked to bring side dishes, and provide their own tableware, lawn chairs and bonfire snacks.  Volunteers are needed for tent set-up, cashiers, and clean-up. Also, if anyone has wood to contribute to the evening bonfire, or “country-western” style decorations it would be appreciated.  Please call Diane or Kevin if you can help.  
Water Quality:  Dave Fortune:  Dave has conducted a water quality sample collection; results are not yet available.  The community should be aware that purple loosestrife is spreading in West Michigan.  Although attractive in appearance, this non-native plant is extremely destructive.  It invades lakeshore habitat, rapidly replacing native plants that provide shelter and food for native birds and animals. To learn more go to www.msue.msu.edu/seagrant/pp.
Membership/Newcomer’s:  Marilyn Brainerd and Nancy Watson:  Marilyn has prepared new copies of the newcomer’s packet.  There is a board position open for someone to assist Marilyn in greeting newcomers.  

Safety. Suzanne Runyon:  Suzanne met with Deputy Sheriff Don Roberts to discuss resident’s concerns about speeding on the roads, parties at the beach, and turfing incidents.  He indicated that he is aware of these concerns and will continue to patrol the Lake Doster community whenever he is on duty.  Suzanne also met with Sherry Mason to review noise ordinances for the township.  There was discussion about how to address resident’s complaints about boats with excessively loud motors.
Gun Plain Township: Casey Jones:  After two public hearings, he township board has decided to table the road millage proposal until next year.  They may send out a survey to township residents to see if there is support for a vote on the millage in 2005.  After considering several options, the Allegan County Criminal Justice Planning Committee has voted to initiate plans for an adult incarceration facility for 248 inmates and a separate but adjacent facility for 56 youths.  Current facilities are at 98% capacity.  The location, funding and other details are yet to be determined.   The County has two vacancies to fill:  Harriet Brown (the 911 coordinator) is leaving to direct the 911 program for the State of Michigan and Dr. Jerome Wigandorf (the LIS coordinator) is leaving to chair the Geography Department of Grand Valley University.  The County’s 2005 budget is now under review and should be completed in a couple of months.  The County received the “2003 Audit Award of Excellence” which is awarded to less than 5% of governments.  The M-89 Bridge construction is on target for completion by the December target date. The D Avenue bridge is now completed and open for traffic.  Casey is reviewing information on sewer capacities rights in the township.  In response to safety concerns, Sheriff’s Deputy Don Roberts has been monitoring traffic on Lake Doster Road and has issued 18 tickets last week alone.  The township will see that vegetation at the intersection of Doster Road and South Lake Doster is mowed to improve visibility.  				(Minutes are continued on page 3)
Lake Acquisition.  Brian Mullally:  The LDHA is continuing discussions with the LDDC on the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

New Business:  
Garage Sale.  Ed Giffels has notified the LDHA Board that he is organizing a community-wide garage sale in the Lake Doster area for Saturday, September 18, 2004, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  All Lake Doster residents are welcome to participate.  Ed will provide advertising in the Kalamazoo Gazette and other local newspapers, and will set up signs in the area (courtesy of Jaqua Realty).   If you would like to participate, call Ed at 664-5205.

Entry signage.  After discussion, the board supported in concept, the idea of replacing the Lake Doster sign at the main entryway on M-89.  The sign was removed after repeated vandalism.  The board is requesting permission from the LDDC to erect and maintain the sign at the LDHA’s expense.  Potential materials and costs are being investigated.  The board agreed to enter into a License Agreement.

Michigan Lake Membership.  Dave Hurwitz asked the board to consider membership in the Michigan Lake and Stream Association, which provides information and support to lake residents, as well as “Riparian Magazine”.  Dave will look in to the costs for discussion at next month’s meeting

Building and usage rules.  There was discussion on how the board should address issues of violations of community rules.   Residents are urged to review and comply with the building and usage rules.  All construction must be approved by the LDDC and must comply with all State and local building regulations, and DEQ regulations for protection of wetlands. Outbuildings are not permitted.    Residents are not permitted to store trailers on their property, and there have been many complaints this summer about trailers stored in driveways, lawns and roadways.  Residents may store a trailer in their garage, or there are several local storage facilities in the area.   

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm  Respectfully submitted, Jana Edwards

Below is the new list of the Board of Directors for 2004-2005. For easy reference, print out the list and paste it onto Page 3 of your phone directory.

2004-2005 LDHA Board of Directors		 Phone

President:    	Brian Mullally (2005)     	   	685-1913 
		E-mail: bmullally@charter.net	
Vice-Pres.:    	Dave Hurwitz (2007)       	664-5364
		E-mail: davehurwitz@earthlink.net
Co-Secretaries:  Michael Hills  (2005)     		664-3482
		E-mail: mhills@ameritech.net
	        	Jana Edwards  (2006)    	   	664-3122		
E-mail: lemmingsrus@aol.com
Treasurer:     	Everett Harpole (2006)       	664-3059
		E-mail: everett.harpole@jda.com
Maintenance:  	Ray Dertz (2006) 		685-2776
		E-mail: RED@kalnet.net
Safety:            	Suzanne Runyon (2007)	             685-8829
		E-mail: ptrainersmr@yahoo.com
Social:             	Diane Burrows (2005)		664-3593
		Kevin Koch (2006)    		664-6096
		E-mail: cbkoch@hotmail.com
Newcomers:   	Marilyn Brainerd (2007)   	664-3388
		E-mail: lovebirdz@charter.net
Membership:  	Nancy Watson (2006)       	685-5768
		E-mail: nanawatson8@charter.net
Water Quality:  Dave Fortune (2007)		685-1066
		E-mail: dfortune@chartermi.net   
Gun Plain Township:  Casey Jones           	664-5362
		E-mail: jcjones@accn.org

Following up on a question from the Annual Meeting:

The Lake Doster Development Company reports that weed spraying was very successful this year.  Two contact herbicide agents were used which target milfoil as well as other weeds and were applied in May rather than April since the agents are more effective in warmer water.  All coves were sprayed. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE BOARD: 

Please be a good neighbor and abide by the Covenants and Deed Restrictions you agreed to when you took Title to your property.  Are you aware the following restrictions apply to all homes?

“No trailer may be stored within the Lake Doster Subdivision”

“No truck (including motor homes) over ¾ ton may be stored within the Lake Doster Subdivision.”

Our neighbors use several reasonably priced storage facilities that are available in the local area, including:

Lake Doster Storage:  685-3327
Pine Lake Storage:  664-4630
Pine Lake Boat & Motor: 685-8690
South Pine Boat Storage: 664-4153

If you need assistance in relocating your trailer, several neighbors have offered to help out by using their trailer towing vehicles to tow your trailer to any of the above locations. Please contact any Board Member for more information.

For Sale/Wanted:

No time to get out to the gym?  Certified personal trainer available for home training on Tuesdays & Thursdays.  If interested – or for more details, call Suzanne at 685-8829.
Wanted:  Set of junior golf clubs.  Please call 685-8892.
For Sale:  ’98 Volvo S70, charcoal gray, 66K, leather, loaded (no sunroof), premium sound w/compact disc player. Gets 27-28 mpg/hwy. New battery, brake pads & air cleaner.  Florida in the winter, mint condition – a terrific 1st or 2nd car. $8,900. Call the Andrews for more information at 685-8892.
Wanted:  Person to do light housework once a week.  Willing to pay $10 per hour.  Please call Lisa at 664-4789 if interested.
For Sale:  200 Manitou 21 Legacy Pontoon Boat, 90hp Mercury, $11,900.  Call 664-3557.
Lost:  Two blue folding “bag chairs” left at the Fourth of July Party by forgetful couple! Call Patty or Everett at 664-3059.
Free:  6-person hot tub.  Needs some repair.  You haul. 664-6414
For Sale:  24-foot Playbuoy pontoon boat.  Call 685-8287
Piano and Voice Lessons:  Janet Richards KAMTA, 275A Fairway Ct, 664-5380
For Sale:  Silk arrangements for all occasions: oriental, nautical, etc. as well as centerpieces and gift items.  Call Mary Jane at 685-8287.
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. 
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.
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.
Work Wanted—Yard work, odd jobs, animal sitting and walking, etc.  Please call Tom Richmond at 664-3277
Neighborhood Services
Baby Sitters:
Emily Burley (4/2/90)* 		664-6969
Erin Cool (1/2/88) 		664-3613
Ariel Gray (10/27/89)* 		664-5195
Abby Murray (3/14/88) 		664-6643
Sarah Myles 			664-3059
Zach Saar			664-4778
Branden Stewart (10/11/88)	664-3613
Sarah Skocelas (5/25/89)* 	664-4181
Katy Whited (5/10/90           	664-5500
    *Red Cross Certified

Pet Sitting:
Erin Cool (1/21/88)		664-3613
Ariel Gray (10/27/89) 		685-5195
Jenna Sheets (5/10/90) 		664-5810
Sarah Skocelas (5/15/89)		664-4181
Abby Murray (3/14/88)		664-6643
Zach Saar			664-4778
Branden Stewart (10/11/88)	664-3613

Odd Jobs/Yard Work
See ads to left

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.
Personal Notice:

Thanks to those of your who contributed toward the fireworks display at the Wet and Wonderful 4th of July Picnic.  You helped to light up the Sky, once again, on the Fourth of July over Lake Doster!  God Bless! 	Diane Meitz