Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter

May 2004

Happy Boating – Be safe!

A quick review of Lake Doster usage and safety rules are presented on Pages 5 and 6 – please review them and discuss them with your family and guests.  Let’s have a safe Memorial Day and summer!

Membership Dues are now due!

Here is what your membership dues provide for you and your family:

Social events:  Easter Egg Hunt, Spring Clean-up, June Annual Meeting, Summer Fishing Contest, July 4th Parade and Picnic, End-of-Summer Picnic, November Newcomer’s Party, 
and the Children’s Christmas Party, 

Community information: Welcome packet for new residents, phone directory, up-dates on community and township issues, and the monthly newsletter (including free advertisements).

Maintenance: Park, lake and beach up-keep and improvements, lake water quality testing, lake rafts and buoys.

These membership dues support all these important community services and activities that make Lake Doster such a great place to live. 

Please take a moment to send in your membership dues.  Send your dues ($30) to Nancy Watson at 350 Lakeview Lane.

Calendar of Events:
•	Annual Membership Meeting: June 14,2004, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse; Dinner at 6pm.
•	Next Social Event: July 4th Party, Sunday July 4th, 2004, Noon to 4pm.
•	Annual Fishing Contest; July 3, 2004, 7 am.
•	Annual membership dues are now due.
•	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 664-5364or 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: Jana Edwards at lemmingsrus@aol.com

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:   Marilyn Brainerd (2004)    lovebirdz@charter.net	664-3388
Dave Hurwitz (Temp)        davehurwitz@earthlink.net   664-5364
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

LDHA MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES FROM: May 10, 2004
Koch, and Dave Hurwitz.  Correction to the minutes of April 12, 2004:  The minutes erroneously stated that the tent and tables were rented to residents. The LDHA tent and tables are available without cost to residents.  Please note that the tent and tables must be used together (in order to keep track of them).   Call Ray Dertz (685-2776) to make arrangements for using the tent and tables. The minutes of the previous meeting of April 12, 2004 were approved, as corrected.
Treasurers Report, Everett Harpole:  The current balance of the Property Management Fund has not changed in the last month; the balance is $19,671.42 (as of 4/30/04).  The LDHA Account balance as of 4/30/04 is also unchanged, however checks are expected shortly from 2003 membership dues.  The balance 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	
Board Vacancies:  Brian Mullally:  The terms of Board members Marlin Kleckner, Jerry Wittwer and Paige Meddock are ending in June.  Marilyn Brainerd has offered to continue as Newcomer’s representative.  Dave Hurwitz was appointed by the board to fill the other newcomer’s position until June.  Dave would be interested in joining the board permanently in July, and is also managing boat numbers.  Two other positions need to be filled.
Maintenance, Ray Dertz:  Ray is preparing two rafts for installation at the beach and in Sheltered Bay.  They will be in place prior to Memorial Day.  A new ladder will be added to one of the rafts.  The buoys will also be in place.  Ray has had request for a lake-friendly low-phosphate fertilizer that also contains a weed-killer.   Diane Burrows pointed out that a lake-friendly ‘weed & feed” is available at Farm N Garden (located at 1003 Staples, off Patterson Street).  The brand is “Clear Lake”.  Some residents have wanted to use the LDHA tables for family events without the tent.  In last month’s meeting the Board voted to allow rental of the tables only with the tent.   The board reiterated that we need to keep these items together in order to keep track of them.
Social, Tom Raich:  The next social event is the Fourth of July Party.  This year’s theme will be “Fairy Tales”.  This is a big event and 15 to 20 volunteers are needed for set-up, grilling, cashiering, games, and teardown.  Tom is still investigating the availability of a porta-potty for the beach area.  He hopes to have it in place by Memorial Day.
Membership, Brian Mullally (for Nancy Watson):  Membership dues for 2004 are now due!  The Directory will be available at the Annual Meeting for members only.  Brian will call Carole Kellogg to see if future directories can highlight those residents who are member.
Water Quality, Kevin Koch:  Joe Langkamp has indicated that the lake will be sprayed for weed control on May 24th.  The water quality test equipment needs repair and calibration.  Kevin is looking into costs.  The board agreed that it is valuable to continue testing which has been conducted for the last ten years.   It is especially important to determine over the next two to three years if the installation of the sewer and fertilizer controls have improved water quality. Everett pointed out that a repair fee of up to 20% of the equipment’s value would be a reasonable expenditure.
Safety: Brian Mullally stated that a representative of the Sheriff’s Department will attend the Annual Meeting to recommend measures for preventing robberies. Dave Hurwitz presented proposed changes to the boat rules to bring them up to conformance with current state law and to clarify points.  The board discussed and approved the various changes.  Residents should review and become familiar with the revised rules in this newsletter on pages 5 and 6.  
Lake Acquisition from Development Company, Brian Mullally: The first meeting of the Organizational Committee took place on April 28, at 7pm at the clubhouse; several interested residents attended.  The meeting reviewed the history and information gathered to-date on the proposed lake acquisition.  The next meeting is set for May 26.  Brian will contact the committee with details. Meetings with attorneys continue on the points under discussion for the Option Letter.  
New Business.  The Annual Meeting will be held on June 14, 2004; each member of the board is to provide a report on their functions over the last year.  
Garage Sale: Ed Giffels has proposed a community-wide garage sale, and has offered to provide signage and advertising.  The board supported the idea.  Diane Burrows suggested a fall date might be best for this year, with a possible spring date in 2005.  Diane will coordinate with Ed on planning and setting a date.  Jana will put a notice in the June newsletter. 
Sand Replacement:  Ben Schmidt called Brian to request assistance from the board to replace sand on a parkway beach. Joe Langkamp should be contacted for this type of maintenance issue.  Kevin pointed out that Doster Sand & Gravel and Joe were willing to work with residents on previous sand-replenishment efforts.  They provided the sand and residents provided the labor to spread it.  
Boat Ramp:  Dave Hurwitz pointed out that the boat ramp is in poor condition and asked if repairs/replacement is possible.  Costs will need to be determined and feasibility discussed with Joe Langkamp. 
Parties at the beach:  Diane Burrows has been asked if residents can have large parties at the beach.  Residents may have parties at the beach, if they first seek permission from Joe Langkamp.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.  Respectfully submitted, Jana Edwards
Notices from the LDHA Board:

New Board Members needed:  There are two openings on the LDHA board.  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: The next of the Organizational Committee will be held on May 26, 2004 at 7:30pm at the Clubhouse. This committee has been formed to evaluate and recommend management methods for the lake.  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.

The annual spraying for nuisance weed control will be on May 24, 2004 (weather permitting).  The alternate dates will be either May 25th or June 7th so that the chemical use restrictions do not conflict with Memorial Day.  All lake users should observe the restrictions for lake use on the posted signs.  Signs will be posted at the road entrances and at the parks. 

** ANNUAL MEETING **

The Annual Meeting will be held June 14, 2004 at 7:30pm at the Lake Doster Clubhouse. 

Arrive early for fun and conversation !  Join your neighbors for a reasonably priced meal and cash bar at 6pm. 

Come and take part in your home-owner’s association.  There are a lot
of important issues coming up in the next year.  We need your input !

New phone directories will be available to paid members at the meeting.  

 ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Personal Notice:

Dear Lake Doster neighbors and friends,

Words cannot express how much we appreciate all of your prayers, food, assistance, and other means of support that you so lovingly gave us during Brittany’s illness.  After one week in Indiana University Hospital and nearly three weeks in Bronson, she still has a long recovery ahead of her, but your support has made that process less burdensome.  We truly feel blessed to part of this caring community.  Thank you for rallying around our family during these tough times.

With humble gratitude, 
The Sheets family

For Sale/Wanted
Tutor:  Experienced teacher (specializing in reading and math) will tutor your child in my home in Lake Doster – all grade levels.  References available.  Call Phyllis Burns at 664-5390.
For Sale:  5-piece patio set - $25.  Call 664-3045
Moving Sale:  Older baby grand piano – great shape!  Floral couch and love seat.  Informal dining set with four chairs.  Chest freezer.  Call 664-4989 to see.
 Want to Buy:  16-inch boy’s bike with training wheels.  Call Zona Andrews at 685-8892.
For Sale: 16-foot rowboat, about three years old, used three times.  Call Ben Schmidt at 664-4883 for details.
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: 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: 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. 
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.
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:
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 ads above

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.
Other Notices:

Every Friday Night is “Hit and Giggles” Couples Golf You don’t have to be a member of Lake Doster Golf Club to play. Times start at 5pm.  Call the Pro Shop at 685-5308 by Thursday night and tell them you want to play.  Then join us for dinner and awards.  Hit and Giggle Friday Night will continue till the end of August.  Call Jack Kellogg at 664-6420 if you have any questions.  Bring your friends!
Tennis:  Women’s groups meet on Tuesday and Thursday Mornings (call Karen Urban at 685-6291 for Thursday play, call Carol Coverly for Tuesday play); Men’s groups meet on Monday nights (call Roger Krahn at 685-6342).  Couples nights are on Fridays at about 6pm (no reservations needed).  This is a family activity – you don’t have to be a pro to play.  Call Karen Urban at 685-6291 for information on tennis membership.

LAKE DOSTER HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION
PRESENTS A 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION!

Our Independence Day Celebration will be held on Sunday, July 4th.  Mark it on your calendar now!  This is an annual event that you won’t want to miss.

CHILDREN’S PARADE
The festivities will start with a parade.  Decorate your bikes, wagons, scooter, golf cart, or just walk along.  We will be meeting on the corner of Horseshoe Court and S. Lake Doster. 

Meeting time is 11:45 with the parade getting under way at Noon.  
The parade will make its way down to the main beach on Midlakes Blvd.

GAMES & FUN!
After the parade, the children will be met with lots of fun games to play.

FOOD  Starting at 1pm we will be serving grilled hot dogs and smoked sausage.  Chips and drinks will also be available. 

BOAT PARADE

At 2pm the Commodores Cup goes up for grabs!  The theme for the year will be “Fairy Tales”. So get your sailing vessel ready to go.  Remember, if it floats, it’s a boat!

The Annual Fishing Contest will be held the day before the party, on Saturday, July 3rd, starting at 7:30 am. 

See Page 5 for details.  Call Larry Kunkle at 664-5310 to sign up or for additional info.

We will need a lot of volunteers.  These community events only happen if the “Community” lends a helping hand.  Be sure and give a little of your time to help assure that everyone has a good time.  There is a sign up sheet that needs your name on it.  VOLUNTEER NOW!  Cashiers, grillers, set-up, tear down & game volunteers.  Please, call Tom or Beth at 685-0696.

If you are not currently a Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association member and would like to participate in this and other functions, please contact Nancy Watson at 685-5296, or e-mail at njordanme2@cs.com.

LAKE DOSTER 2004 RESIDENT FISHING CONTEST – July 3rd
All residents and family members are invited to participate in the 2004 Lake Doster fishing contest scheduled for July 3rd.  Sign-in will be at 7:00am. Fishing starts at 7:30am.  Weigh-in will be at Noon.

THE FISHING CONTEST RULES:
1. This contest is open to Lake Doster resident and family members whether or not they live on the lake which means your favorite grandchild can come along for the fun.  
2.  Boats are restricted to those owned by Lake Doster residents with approved boat numbers.
3.  Any number of contestants per boat, as long as it is safe.
4.  Catch and release format after weigh-in.
5.  Only live fish will count.
6.  Artificial bail only, except for little tykes.  If they want to dangle a worm, go for it.
7.  Best five fish per person will count.
8.  Each Contestant is on their own, no pooling or switching caught fish.
9.  No size limitation, you catch it and bring it in alive, it will count.
10.  Total weight of five live fish will determine the winner (semi-honest judges, TBD).
11.  Any type of fish will count in the young’uns category.
12. Bass only for adults.

CATEGORIES AND FEES:

Young’uns    Ages 0 to 7  	$2.00
Youths	          Ages 8 to 15	$3.00
Adult	          Ages 16 to 99	$5.00

Prizes per Age Category
1st Place:	60% of entry money
2nd Place:	20% of entry money
3rd Place:	10% of entry money
Big Fish Contest: 
10% of entry money

Lake Doster Usage Rules: A Quick Review

Only residents who own lakefront or have deeded lake access may put a boat on the lake. Boats must be registered or owned by the resident. Visitors’ or guest’s boats are not permitted.

 “Jet skis’ and other Personal Water Craft are prohibited on the lake.

All boats operated on the lake are to be identified by numbers supplied by the LDHA and placed on the right rear of the boat.  To receive your boat number, call Dave Hurwitz at 664-5364 (or E-mail: davehurwitz@earthlink.net).  All boats over 16 feet must also be registered with the Secretary of State office, and registration number displayed on the front half of the boat.  

It is the residents/operators responsibility to be familiar with Lake Doster rules and regulations and the Michigan State laws relating to operations of vessels.  For everyone’s safety, these rules will be enforced.

Fishing is restricted to Lake Doster residents with water rights and their guests. Guests must be accompanied by a Lake Doster resident.  No fishing is allowed within the designated swimming areas.

Swimming is restricted to authorized residents and their guest only in designated swimming areas (i.e. beach and resident dedicated access areas).  Guests must be accompanied by a Lake Doster resident.

Beach and Dedicated Access Areas:  Not all properties have the same lake privileges. 

All residents with Lake Front Property have lake access between their respective side lot lines.

Residents with Deeded Lake Access have access solely as stated in their respective subdivision descriptions.  Check your subdivision description and map for detailed information.  

Residents with Golf Course Properties are limited to swimming access at the Dam Beach on Midlakes Blvd.  All Lake Front Properties, and Deeded Lake Access lots also have swimming access at the Dam Beach on Midlakes.

Lake Doster Safety Rules

No high-speed boating between the hours of 8:30 pm until 8:30 am.

Speed Limit is 35 mph

All boats operating in open water must move in a counter-clockwise direction.

No water skiing/wakeboarding/tubing is allowed in Trout Cove (marked by “No Skiing” buoy).  No wake is allowed beyond Parkway Point (past the boat ramp at the west end of the lake).

Absolutely NO traffic between rafts and shore (including fishing vessels).

All boats must have a wearable life jacket for each person on board in accordance with Federal Safety Rules.  Children under 6 must wear their life jacket.

Operation of a boat under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance is prohibited.

Sitting on the back of a seat, or on the side or front of a boat, while moving is prohibited.

Waterskiing/Wakeboarding/Tubing: 
Allowed only between the hours of 8:30 am and 8:30 pm.  All participants under 12 must use a life jacket. 

All boats shall have at least one observer. 
Skiing/wakeboarding/tubing is limited to the main body of the lake. 

 No riders shall come closer than 100 feet to any anchored boat, dock, raft or marked swimming area (except when starting or ending their ride).

Young Boat Operators:

Children under 12 years of age must be directly supervised by someone 16 years old or older.  The boat must not have a motor or motors totaling more than 35 horsepower.

Children 12 to 16 years of age must possess a boating safety course certificate or be directly supervised by someone at least 16 years of age

It is highly recommended that all persons between the ages of 12 and 18 have a boating Safety Certificate.  Boating safety classes provide young and new boaters with the knowledge to be safe and responsible boat operators.  Call the Sheriff’s Department for information on local classes.

Order of Right of Way: 

Swimmers,
Sailboats,
Non-powered boats, 
Power boats with waterskiier/wakeboarder/tuber,
Power boats.

Swimmers Rules:  No swimming beyond floats.  No swimming outside designated swimming areas.  No swimming across main body of the lake unless accompanied by a boat.

Scuba Diving/Snorkeling:  Limited to daylight hours; required to place buoy flag at or near the point of submergence.  The buoy flag is to be a red flag with a white stripe running from the upper corner diagonally to the lower corner.