Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter
October 2004

Newcomer’s Party

Saturday, November 6, 2004
(Note date change)
Lake Doster Clubhouse

Come meet your new neighbors and greet old friends!

7:30 pm to12:30 am

DJ starts at 9:30 pm
Dance the night away!

Sponsored by the LDHA
All residents are invited to attend!

Appetizers, wine, beer and
 soft drinks will be served.
(Cash bar for other drinks)

This is an adult event, please arrange 
for babysitters for the little ones.

Volunteers are needed.  Please call 
Diane Burrows at 664-3593, or Kevin 
Koch at 664-6096 if you can help.

FALL LEAF CLEANUP

There will be a dumpster placed at Brusselman’s Park in mid-November.  
There will be no curbside pick-up this year (due to a lack of response last year).

Calendar of Events:
•	Next LDHA Board Meeting: November 8, 2004, 7:30pm, Ransom Library, Plainwell.
•	Lake Acquisition Organizational Committee: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse
•	Next Social Event: Newcomer’s Party, November 6, 2004, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse
•	Recycling: 2nd Wednesday of each month, Gun Plain Township only.
•	Large Trash Pick-up: 2nd Tuesday of each month; April thru October, except July, Gun Plain Township only
•	Fall Leaf Cleanup: A dumpster will be placed near Brusselmans Park mid-November
•	E-mail comments to:  ldha2003@charter.net
•	LDHA Website: ldha.homestead.com
•	Webmaster e-mail:  dfortune@chartermi.net
Newsletter e-mail:  lemmingsrus@aol.com

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 DeYoung (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

LDHA BOARD MEETING MINUTES FROM:  October 11, 2004

The meeting was opened at 7:35 pm at the Ransom Library by Brian Mullally.  Board members present:  Brian Mullally, Dave Hurwitz, Jana Edwards, Ray Dertz, Suzanne DeYoung, Diane Burrows, Marilyn Brainerd, Dave Fortune, Casey Jones.  Also present: Howard Brainerd 
Secretary’s Report:  Jana Edwards:  The minutes of the meeting of September 13, 2004 were approved (Marilyn moved, Diane seconded, all in favor).  Brian asked board members to review ideas for improving meetings for discussion next month.
Treasurers Report, Brian Mullally:  Everett’s submitted reports indicate the current balance (as of 9/30/04) of the Property Management Fund is $15,705.31 (details shown below).  Brian asked board members to contact anyone they know who have not contributed and encourage them to participate. The current total balance (as of 9/30/04) of the LDHA checking and savings accounts is $10,958.02 (details shown below).  The budget was approved. 
Checking Account	Savings Account	Property Management Fund	
 Beginning Balance	$   9,441.10	 Beginning Balance	$  2,325.60	Beginning Balance	$ 16,608.81	
Deposits	$      739.62	Deposits	$         0.00	Deposits	$      150.00	
Total Expenses	$   1,548.30 	Total Expenses	$         0.00	Total Expenses	$   1,053.50	
Adjustments	$         0.00	Adjustments	$         0.00	Adjustments	$          0.00	
Ending Balance	$   8,632.42 	Ending Balance	$  2,325.60	Ending Balance	$ 15,705.31	
Garage Sale: Diane Burrows:  The garage sale went very well.  About 50 homes participated and the turnout was great.  Ed Giffels, who organized the event, is suggesting we make it an annual event for the second week of September.  Residents are asked to return the flags to Ed so that we can reuse them next year.
Front entry sign:  Dave Fortune: Dave submitted two proposed sign designs for consideration.  The words “Lake Doster” would be in aluminum with a “Grip-Guard” paint finish, bolted to the wall.  Barberry hedges could be placed in front to discourage vandalism.  The board favored Design “A”.  The design will be submitted to the LDDC for approval.  Dave will also look into a second bid proposal.
Deed Restrictions:  There was a brief discussion of enforcing deed restrictions, which was tabled until the next meeting, due to time constraints.
Gun Plain Township: Casey Jones:  The M-89 bridge will reopen in one direction on October 16, 2004. The Plainwell City Council has been discussing removal of the train tracks that lead to the old feed mill, but tabled the item until next spring.  Casey has met with the Sheriff to discuss community safety concerns.
Maintenance:  Ray Dertz: All of the buoys and rafts have been removed from the lake.  Ray would like to thank Joe Cunningham, Ken Watson and Howard Brainerd for their assistance in removing the rafts.  Ray will need help in moving the rafts to the storage area.  Last year the LDHA provided a leaf pick-up service for the Lake Doster community.  However, it was expensive and there was not much participation.  There was also some confusion on appropriate containers: the removal company did not pick-up leaves left in plastic garbage cans.  After discussion, the board voted to provide a dumpster near Brusselmans Park if the cost is reasonable and the LDDC approves; however, there will be no door-to-door leaf pick-up (Dave F. moved, Diane seconded; all in favor). 
Social/Newcomers:  Diane Burrows & Marilyn Brainerd:  The next event is the Newcomer’s Party.  At the last meeting a date of November 13th was tentatively reported, but it should have been set for November 6th.   To notify everyone about the date change, there will be signs put up in the community; emails will be sent those who have provided addresses; and, it will be in the newsletter. The party will be from 7:30pm to 12:30 am.  The DJ starts at 9:30 pm.  Appetizers and beer/wine/soft drinks will be provided (cash bar for other types of drinks).  Last year, the food cost about $850 and beer/wine $1.50 per glass; costs were capped at $2,500.  Marilyn and Howard Brainerd prepared special invitations for the newcomer’s who have arrived within the last year to be hand-delivered by Board members.  The upcoming Christmas party could be held on Sunday December 5th or Sunday December 12th – a final date will be decided at the next meeting. 
Membership:  If you have not yet paid your dues, there will be an opportunity to do so at the Newcomer’s Party.
Water Quality:  Dave Fortune:  Dave has received an estimate to remediate purple loosestrife, which he will review with the LDDC.  Dave will review water quality reports for the community for the next meeting.
Safety:  Suzanne DeYoung: Suzanne is following up with Sheriff’s Deputy Don Roberts on community safety concerns.  There have been complaints of campaign signs being stolen from yards. There have also been calls complaining that some residents are not controlling their dogs and they have chased and even bitten walkers and joggers.  Residents need to be aware that they are legally responsible for their dog’s behavior.  There was a call from the owner of the wooded area north of Heron Court concerned about the safety of Lake Doster residents who wandered into the property.  The area is being leased for use by hunters year round, and is actively being used for this purpose - it is not safe to walk in the area   Residents should be aware that other surrounding areas might also be in use for hunting. Dave H. has talked with the Barry County Road Commissioner regarding safety concerns on Doster Road – the commissioner is willing to meet with residents along Doster Road (and streets which directly turn onto the road) to further discuss the issue.  An electronic speed indicator sign has been in place on Doster Road recently.  
Newcomer’s:  Marilyn Brainerd:  Marilyn announced that there will be a new member joining the board next month, who will assist Marilyn in greeting new residents.

The remainder of the agenda was tabled until the next meeting.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm.  Respectfully submitted, Jana Edwards.   
IMPORTANT COMMUNITY NOTICES:

GARAGE SALE:  If you participated in the Garage Sale, please return your flag to Ed Giffels at 355 Highland Court (Phone 664-5205) so that we can use them in next year’s garage sale.  

SAFETY ALERT:  The wooded area and cornfields north of Heron Court and east of Wilderness Golf Course are being leased for hunting.  Protect yourself and your family by not entering this area.  The area is being hunted year-round for various small game, birds and deer.  Hunters may be in camouflage or in blinds and you may not be aware of their presence.  Other properties in the surrounding area may also be in use for hunting, especially this time of year; it is best to restrict your walking to the neighborhood

PETS:  It has been noted that a number of dogs having been running free, some threatening walkers and joggers.  Please remember that you are responsible by law for the behavior of your pets.  Please be considerate of your neighbors.

CAMPAIGN SIGNS:  Please respect your neighbor’s right to freedom of speech.  Stealing other’s campaign signs is a violation of that freedom.  

SNOWBIRDS:  If you are planning to be away this winter, add this to your checklist:  Call Nancy Watson at 685-5768 to give her an address (and dates away) so that you can continue to receive the newsletter.

PERSONAL/ OTHER NOTICES:

eKalamazoo Garden Council GREENS SALE 2004, 
Friday December 3, 9am to 8 pm and Saturday December 4th, 
9am to 5pm, KALAMAZOO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS.
Mark your calendars and be sure to note the change in location.  Due to the demolition of the Maple Hill Mall, we will be holding our Greens Sale at the Kalamazoo County Fair Grounds.  If you have any questions, please contact our Garden Council Members:  Marilyn Brainerd, Ann Bray, Dee Bryck, Judy Kral, Carole Kellogg and Donna Ovberhill.

eSupport the Boy Scouts!  Now is the time to show your support to our local Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troops by buying popcorn for the holiday season.  See the For Sale/Wanted sectionon page 4 for local Boys Scout members offering popcorn for sale. 

eThe Lake Doster Neighborhood Prayer Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 9am, at Lieve Brusselmans’ house at 151 Parkway Lane.  All ladies in the neighborhood are invited.  For further information, contact one of the following:  Susan Adams   @ 685-6183, Lieve Brusselmans @ 685-9913, Laurie Palanca  @ 664-6009, or Rene Saar@ 664-4778.

For Sale/Wanted

Boy Scout Popcorn:  Order yours today from Doster residents Noah & Zack Rietkerk - call 664-6326.  Popcorn will be on sale from 10/09 through 11/06.  Many orders can be delivered within 24 hours.  Money raised will help support the Plainwell Cub Scout Pack 3024 and Boy Scout Troop 35.
Boy Scout Popcorn:  Troop 35 out of Plainwell is taking orders for our delicious popcorn.  There are new choices again this year.  I have been the top seller for the last three years in my troop because of all your help.  PLEASE help me again this year.  These make great Christmas gifts for teachers, family and friends.  If you would like to order, please call Jacob Steele at 685-0696.
Lost: Set of keys, on the road, if found please call 207-9144.
Invitation Imagination – Unique invitations, announcements and stationery.  Home-based business offering personalized service.  10% off sale on all holiday cards ordered by Nov. 15, 2004.  Large selection of photo cards and boxed greeting cards.  We are happy to make special orders with minimum quantities. Lines include Noteworthy, Sweet Pea, Checkerboard, Cross My Heart, Ink Well, Embossed Graphics and others.  Call Leslie Jo Hurwitz at 664-5364 for appointment.
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.
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. 
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
Helen Dolley (1/13/93)		664-5658
Ariel Gray (10/27/89)* 		664-5195
Abby Murray (3/14/88) 		664-6643
Sarah Myles 			664-3059
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
Helen Dolley (1/13/93)		664-5658
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 (6/22/93)		664-4778
Branden Stewart (10/11/88)	664-3613

Yard Work:
Zach Saar (6/22/93)		664-4778

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.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!