Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter

May 2006

Calendar of Events:
•	Next LDHA board meeting: MONDAY, May 8 at 7:30PM    at the Lake Doster clubhouse.
•	LDHA Annual Meeting:  June 12 at  7:30 PM
•	3rd Annual Lake Doster Community Garage Sale    June 17, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
•	Annual Fishing Contest will be held July 2nd.
•	Boat numbers – Call Dave Hurwitz at 664-5364.
•	Recycling: 2nd Wednesday of each month, Gun Plain Township only.
•	LDHA Website: www.lakedoster.org  
•	Webmaster e-mail: dfortune@chartermi.net
•	Newsletter Editor e-mail:    Jane Secor (Kemper) at kemper-secor@worldnet.att.net 

2006-07	LDHA 
PHONE DIRECTORY 
The new phone directories will be available at the
Annual Meeting on Monday June 12, 2006.  
After that evening, members will have to call Carole to make arrangements for pick up. 

A PROUD COMMUNITY WORKS TOGETHER
NEIGHBORS CLEAN-UP ON EARTH DAY, APRIL 22!

The Community Clean-Up took place on Saturday, April 22.  All the road sides were checked and picked up of trash.  Please remember to take your trash home with you!  Also, when you walk, it would be great to take a bag along with you and pick up trash.  HELP KEEP OUR COMMUNITY LOOKING GREAT!

Work was done on the Main Beach, as we move toward acquiring the lake.  Areas were cleared out, under-brush was removed and trees were trimmed up.  Boat docking posts were put in.  It looks great! TAKE A LOOK!  

A VERY BIG THANK YOU to all that helped with these work projects:

Casey Allen, John Bair, Kevin Brady, Dave DeYoung, Ray Dertz, Dave Fortune, Dave and  L.J. Hurwitz, Dick and Jay Joslin, Kevin Koch, Jack and Carole Kellogg, Larry Kunkle, Bob Martin, Brad and Zach Saar, Dawn Sherman, Tom Whittington, Jerry and Lib Wittwer and Gracie and Boomer.

 

 

Annual LDHA Membership Dues Are Due

Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association membership benefits include:
•	The community phone directory
•	The LDHA newsletter with FREE advertisements and notices
•	Improvements to the parks and beach areas
•	Welcome packets for new residents
•	Information on community & township issues
•	Special member-only events: Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July Parade and Picnic, the Fishing contest, the End of Summer Picnic, The Newcomers’ Party and the Children’s Christmas Party.

Annual dues for 2006-07 are due by June 1st.  Please make checks out to LDHA for $30.00 and send them to Carole Kellogg, 89 South Lake Doster Drive.  

May 2006															Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter		           	               						Page  2

LDHA Meeting Minutes April 11, 2006

Treasurer’s report-Dave Fortune
1. A thank-you letter from the tennis association of Lake Doster was read.  The letter expressed the appreciation of the association for the $250.00 donation that was given to them by the LDHA.  It will be used to help with the maintenance and repair needed on the tennis courts.  
2. A proposed budget for the year 2006-2007 was distributed.  There was some discussion of certain expenses including 2 or 3 small tents being purchased for use by the Association and the residents.  No decisions were made until definite size and costs can be determined.  
A draft of the proposed budget will be posted on the web site after the next meeting.

Maintenance- Ray Dertz
1.	Thank-you to the LDLA for the beach clean-up that will take place on April 22.
2.	“Lake-Friendly” Weed and Feed and Fertilizer are available for purchase from Ray Dertz (685-2776).  If you buy your own fertilizer (or have a service do it) please be sure and use “lake -friendly” fertilizer with 0% phosphorous. 

Membership- Carole Kellogg
1. Membership dues for 06-07 are due by June 1st.  Please send your dues ($30.00) to Carol Kellogg.  These dues are what allow the homeowners association to do all the things for the community such as the 4th of July picnic, Newcomers party, children’s Christmas party etc.  Without your dues, we cannot hold these fun and much loved events.  Please be a part of your community by contributing.  Send your money now to: Carol Kellogg  89 South Lake Doster Dr. Plainwell, MI  49080  (664-6420)
2. There was discussion about possible changes and upgrades to be made to the 2006-2007 directories in order to reduce costs.  However, due to the late timing, this will be revisited for next year.

Social
1.	We need volunteers for the 4th of July picnic.  It will be upon us before you know it!  Please call any of your Board members to volunteer to help.
2.	The Annual Meeting of the Homeowners Association will take place on Monday June 12th at 7:30.  Please plan on attending.

Newcomers- Marilyn Brainerd
Marilyn was not present, no report.

Safety- Suzanne DeJong
1.	Things are pretty quiet but will be gearing up soon as we head back on to the water.  Please make sure you are familiar with all the Boating Safety Rules (see copy in this newsletter).  Parents, it is your responsibility to make sure that your children know the rules and abide by them.  
2.	The speeding in cars seems to be better on Golfview but we have had reported problems in the Highland Court-South Lake Doster Dr. area.  PLEASE slow down, especially in the morning hours when our children are walking to the bus pick ups etc.  Once again, parents, if you have children that are of driving age, please talk to them about the importance of abiding by the speed limits in our neighborhood for the safety of all, but especially the young children.

Gun Plain Township- Casey Jones
Not present, no report.

LDLA update-Ray Dertz
1.	The actual signing of the papers to purchase the lake should take place by the end of April.

Old Business
1.	The LDHA bylaws are posted for review on the web site.  There will be discussion of a few minor revisions.  Please look them over and come to the annual meeting with any thoughts or ideas that you might have.
2.	The Barry County Road Commission is willing to sponsor the grant application for the proposed pathway on Doster Rd.  80% of the funding is available with this grant through MDOT.  Next step is to complete design engineering so a firm cost estimate can be developed.

New Business
1.	As of June we will have 10 (!!) openings that need to be filled on the Board. Please think about stepping up and giving a very small amount of time to a worthwhile cause.  Call any Board member for more information (see front page of newsletter).
2.	Drop containers for metal will be at the township hall on the 3rd Sat. of the months of June, Aug. and Oct.
Next meeting, Mon. May 8th at 7:30 PM.  (Note return to 2nd Monday of the month.) 

May 2006 															Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter	         	         	         								 Page 3

LAKE PLANS:  PROGRESS IS BEING MADE

WHILE  THE  FINAL  LOOSE  ENDS  ARE  BEING  TIED  UP  THAT  WILL  COMPLETE  THE  TRANSFER  OF  LAKE  MANAGEMENT TO  THE  LAKE  DOSTER  LAKE  ASSOCIATION, THE  LAKE  MANAGEMENT  COMMITTEE OF THE  NEW  ASSOCIATION  HAS  BEEN BUSY  MOVING AHEAD WITH PLANS TO IMPROVE BOTH  THE  QUALITY OF THE LAKE  WATER BUT ALSO TO  ENHANCE AREAS  AROUND THE LAKE  ITSELF. 

SOME  OF  THE  WORK  DONE  AND  NEAR  FUTURE  PLANS  ARE:
•	PROFESSIONAL LAKE MANAGEMENT HAS BEEN HIRED TO CONTROL THE WEED  ISSUE. THE  FIRST  APPLICATION  WILL BE  SOMETIME  NEAR  THE  END  OF  MAY.            
•	A  WORK  FEST  WAS  HELD  ON  APRIL  22ND TO  CLEAN  UP  THE  BEACH  ITSELF,
 THE  SAND  WAS  RAKED  AND  UNSIGHTLY PICKED UP  AND  ELIMINATED
•	ADDITIONAL  SAND  WILL  BE  BROUGHT  IN AND  SPREAD TO  MAKE  THE  BEACH  MORE  PEOPLE  FRIENDLY ,  APPEALING  AND  FUN  TO  BE  ON.
•	UNSIGHTLY  AND  UNWANTED  BRUSH AND  TREES  WERE  ELIMINATED  FROM  BOTH  SIDES  OF  THE  BEACH  CREATING  A  NEW  PICNIC  AREA  AND  POSSIBLE  ENLARGEMENT OF THE BEACH  ITSELF.
•	TIE  UP  POSTS  WERE  ADDED  TO  THE  BEACH  AREA  FOR  BOATER  CONVENIENCE  AND 
SAFETY.
•	TIE  UP  POST  AT  THE  BOAT  LAUNCH  TO  FACILITATE  REMOVING AND  PUTTING
BOATS  IN THE  WATER.
•	BIDS  ARE  BEING TAKEN  FOR  ENLARGING  AND  IMPROVING  THE  BOAT  LAUNCH. THIS  PROJECT  IS  PLANNED  FOR  COMPLETION  THIS  SPRING.
•	REMOVAL  OF  SPECIFIC  DANGEROUS  UNDERWATER  STUMPS  IS  PLANNED  FOR  THIS 
YEAR.

WE  ARE  STRIVING  TO  MAKE  LAKE  DOSTER  A  CLEANER, SAFER  AND  FUN  PLACE  TO  LIVE.
                                                                   THE LAKE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Lake Doster Lake Association
Lake Usage Rules and Regulations

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH LDLA MEMBER TO BE FAMILIAR WITH LAKE DOSTER LAKE USAGE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND BE COMPLIANT WITH OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF MICHIGAN AND TOWNSHIP LAW.
All users of Lake Doster must accept the inherent risks involved with lake use for boating, swimming, and water sport participation and, therefore, will hold the LDLA and its Directors and Officers harmless for any costs or liabilities which they may incur as a result from their decision to participate in such activities.

FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY AND BENEFIT, LDLA LAKE USAGE RULES AND REGULATIONS WILL BE ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LDLA BYLAW PROVISIONS.  In addition, the boating laws of Michigan may be enforced by officers of the Law Enforcement Division of the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources, County Sheriffs Department, and any other authorized law enforcement officer. They have the right to stop and board vessels in order to check for compliance with federal and state laws.

Watercraft:

1)	Only boats owned by LDLA Members in good standing are permitted on the Lake.
2)	Visitors’ and/or LDLA Member guests’ boats are not permitted on the Lake at any time.
3)	LDLA Members must have their LDLA issued Boat Identification Number along with their LDLA Annual Membership Sticker affixed to their boat’s right rear boat panel. (LDLA Annual Stickers will be made available to Members and enforced at a future date.)
4)	No boats with unmuffled, through-the-hull exhausts or excessively noisy exhausts are permitted to operate on the lake.
5)	Aircraft are prohibited from landing on and taking off from the Lake. 
6)	Boats over 16’ must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State and their registration number displayed as required by the State of Michigan.
7)	All boats must have a wearable life jacket for each person aboard and all children aboard under 6 years of age must wear a life jacket.
8)	"Jet Skis" and other mechanically powered personal watercraft are not permitted.
9)	Between sunset and sunrise, all power boats must display a red and green bow navigation light and a white all-round masthead stern navigation light.
10)	Sailboats and other non-motorized boats must have one white navigation light or have an available lantern or flashlight shining a white light for visibility.
11)	All vessels must display a white light when anchored or adrift away from shore or dock at night.

Watercraft Operation:

12)	LDLA Member guests may only operate a vessel on the Lake when accompanied by an LDLA Member.
13)	Young boaters must meet the following training or supervision requirements before they can legally operate a boat with a motor greater than 6 horsepower:
a)	Children under 12 years of age must be directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older and the boat must not have a motor or motors totaling more than 35 hp.
b)	Children 12 to 15 years of age must possess a Boating Safety Certificate or be directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older. 
14)	No high speed boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, etc. between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m.
15)	Boating speed limit is 35 MPH.
16)	Open water boat operation must be conducted in a counter-clockwise direction.
17)	Order of Right-Of-Way:
1.	Swimmers
2.	Sailboats
3.	Non-Powered Boats (i.e. kayaks, canoes, paddle boats)
4.	Power Boats with a Water Skier,  Wake Boarder, or Tuber
5.	Power Boats
18)	Boat traffic (including fishing vessels) is not allowed between rafts and shore.
19)	No water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, etc. is allowed in Trout Cove.
20)	No wake beyond Parkway Point is permitted. 

May 2006 															Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter	         	              								 Page 4

21)	Operation of a boat under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance which endangers life or property is absolutely prohibited.
22)	Sitting on the back of a seat, on the side of the boat, or on the front of the boat while moving is prohibited.

Fishing:

23)	Fishing is open to all LDLA Members in good standing and their guests.
24)	LDLA Member guests may only fish the Lake when accompanied by an LDLA Member.
25)	All those fishing must be compliant with the State of Michigan’s permits and regulations.
26)	Fishing is not allowed in areas designated for swimming.
27)	Ice fishing structures are not allowed on the Lake.
28)	No ice fishing equipment may remain on the Lake ice without an LDLA Member present.

Swimming:

29)	Swimming is open to all LDLA Members and their guests at the Member’s respective designated areas or at the Main LDLA Beach.
30)	Guest swimming is only permitted when accompanied by an LDLA Member.
31)	Lake Doster Development Residents who are not LDLA Members or their accompanied guests may be permitted to swim at the Main Beach only and must have paid any LDLA identified usage fee.
32)	All swimming beyond floats is prohibited unless accompanied by a sponsor boat which is located within a reasonable distance to provide any necessary assistance and ensure the swimmer’s safety.

Water skis, Tubes, Wakeboards, and similar devices:

33)	Recreational towing activates are allowed only between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and the earlier of 8:30 p.m. or dusk.  **MI regulations stipulate that it is illegal for boaters to tow skiers, surfboards, or any device of this type between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. 
34)	All participants under age 12 must use a ski life jacket.
35)	Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing, etc. is limited to the main body of the Lake.
36)	No vessel or persons being towed shall come closer than 100 feet to any anchored boat, dock, raft or marked swimming area, or a shoreline (if operating in water less than 3 feet deep) except when starting or ending their ride.
37)	Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device must have a person, in addition to the vessel operator, observing the towed person(s) at all times.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling:

38)	Limited to daylight hours.
39)	Required to place a buoy at or near the point of submergence.
40)	The buoy flag is to be a red flag with a white stripe running from the upper corner diagonally to the lower corner.

 Michigan’s boating handbook can be viewed at:  http://boat-ed.com/mi/handbook/toc.htm
 It is highly recommended that all persons between the ages of 12 and 18 have a BOATING SAFETY CERTIFICATE. Boating safety classes provide young boaters with the knowledge to be safe and responsible boat operators.  Classes for young boaters are conducted by the Sheriff’s Dept., the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons.  Call the local Sheriff's Dept. for more information on the classes in our area.

LDLA:   Lake Rules and Regulations, Original;  Approved  4/19/06

May 2006 															Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter	                  	         								 Page 5

Set Your Calendar Now for the 2006 
Lake Doster Resident Fishing Contest
 Saturday, July 2. 

All residents and family members are invited to participate.  Sign-in will at 7:00 am at the beach. 
Fishing starts at 7:30 am.  Weigh-in will be at noon.  Call Larry Kunkle at 664-5320 for 
more information.

Buy Lake-Friendly Fertilizer

“Lake-Friendly” Weed and Feed and Fertilizer are available for purchase from Ray Dertz (685-2776).  If you buy your own fertilizer (or have a service do it) please be sure and use “lake -friendly” fertilizer with 0% phosphorous. 

May 2006 															Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter	         	         	         								 Page 6

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

Dear Fellow Residents,

The LDHA needs your help!  We are in dire need of members to volunteer their service on the LDHA Board.  As of the Annual meeting, we will be down to only two board members.  This is due to terms expiring and a move out-of-state. Without support from the residents the LDHA will be unable to function and many of the activities we have come to enjoy throughout the years will be difficult, if not impossible to maintain.

I have held a board position for many years and have been happy to support the Lake Doster community with my time and service.  Many other homeowners have contributed their energy by helping out in various capacities.  Unfortunately, the current pool of active volunteers has been reduced due to their participation in managing the LDLA.  While both are equally important, the LDHA and LDLA perform different roles.

It is my sincere hope that other residents in every part of the neighborhood step up to help maintain and improve the quality of life in our community.  The Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association is for ALL of us.  Please support us with service.

Sincerely,
Kevin Koch

2005-2006 LDHA Board of Directors    

President:      	 Kevin Koch (2006)    	    			    664-6096
								    E-mail: cbkoch@hotmail.com

Vice-Pres.:      Dave Hurwitz (2007) 	       			    664-5364
			  E-mail: davehurwitz@earthlink.net

Secretary:	      (Position open)

Treasurer:       Dave Fortune (2007)	        		    685-1066										E-mail: dfortune@chartermi.net   

Maintenance:  Ray Dertz (2006) 	          	    		    685-2776
			   E-mail: RED@kalnet.net

Safety:             Suzanne DeJong (2007)   			    685-8829
			   E-mail: ptrainersmr@yahoo.com

Social:       			(Position open)

Newcomers:  		 Marilyn Brainerd (2007)      	 664-3388
				    E-mail: lovebirdz@charter.net

Membership: 		(Position open) 

Water Quality: 	 (Position open; Dave Fortune (acting)     E-mail: dfortune@chartermi.net   										685-1066

Gun Plain Township:  Casey Jones          		   664-5362
				 E-mail: jcjones@accn.org

Many thanks go to...

Amie Whittington for coordinating the Easter Egg Hunt and her helpers, especially the Easter Bunny, for creating a fun-filled event enjoyed by kids and parents alike! 

Nancy Watson for her years of service and dedication to this newsletter. We wish her good times with family and favorite activities.

Deanne Gavalis for volunteering to take over Nancy’s duties with the newsletter.

CORRECTION:

In the last newsletter, I inadvertently left Shaun Willis’ contact information off his letter of introduction to the community.  I apologize for my oversight.

Shaun Patrick Willis, J.D.
Willis & Willis PLC
628 South Park Street  				Toll free: 1-800-610-6938
Kalamazoo MI 49007					 Local:			269-492-1040
willisandwillisplc.com 					FAX:			269-492-1042

WANTED: Some gently used boats.  If you want to sell your kayak, paddle boat, fish/ski boat, please call Kristin at 664-5181.
Trek Bike Tag-Along:  Single-wheel bike attachment for child. Excellent condition! (almost $200 new) For sale $125. Call 664-6096. 
Playmates for hire (or Mom’s Helpers).  Twin 11 year-old girls working on becoming baby sitters.  Available to come to your home (with supervision) to help entertain your children.  Jordan & Juliah are very responsible. $1.50/hour.  685-8112.
Longaberger Baskets & Pottery:  Beautiful baskets, kitchen accessories, spices & food.  Call to schedule a catalogue party or receive a catalogue.  Johanna Hoelscher 685-8112.
Need a better view?  Tree Trimming by Lake Doster Resident.  Reasonable prices.  Call Rich for a free estimate@ 664-5299.  ~~Chain Sharpening for $2.50 Each~~

WANTED: Ground cover for a shady yard (myrtle, anemone, ferns, sweet woodruff, etc.) If you provide, I’ll divide.  Call Jane at 664-3599.

Plainwell Store Away: Special storage unit prices for Lake Doster residents.  Call Ben at 929-1830.

Creative Memories:  Scrapbook supplies conveniently located in your neighborhood.  Home-based business offers personal shopping, crops and home demonstrations.  Call for new catalog, crop dates, personal shopping appointment, or home demonstration.  Call Sharon at 664-4883 or email: bnsschmidt@worldnet.att.net  Memory keeping at its best!
Invitation Imagination: Planning a wedding, graduation party or shower?  We have a large selection of invitations & party accessories.  We also have personalized stationery if you are looking for a unique & personalized gift. Call Leslie Jo Hurwitz at 664-5364.
Piano and Voice Lessons:  Janet Richards KAMTA, 275A Fairway Ct, 664-5380
For Sale:  Silk arrangements for all occasions: oriental, nautical, etc: centerpieces and gift items.  Call Mary Jane at 685-8287.
Neighborhood Handyman available (landscaping, tile work, shelving, etc.). Call Chuck Gregory on Horseshoe Court at 685-5032 or cell phone #501-7706.  
Printex:  Doster residents, Jim and Marlene Berry, offer free pickup and delivery of printing to any Lake Doster resident's home or business.    Get $25 off your first new order over $150. Call today for more info 962-5500.

Baby Sitters:
Emily Burley (4/2/90)* *			664-6969
Rosie Cool (04/12/91)					664-3613
Helen Dolley (1/13/93)*	*			664-5658
Ariel Gray (10/27/89)**				664-5195
Michael Haas (7/26/92)				664-5417
Jordan Hoelscher (12/8/94)* 685-8112
Juliah Hoelscher (12/8/94)	*	685-8112
Catey Koch  (9/23/93)*		   	664-6096
Abby Murray (3/14/88) 				664-6643
Sarah Myles 									 	664-3059
Jenna Sheets (5/10/90)				664-5810
Branden Stewart (10/11/88)	664-3613
Sarah Skocelas (5/25/89)* *	664-4181
Katy Whited (5/10/90)         	664-5500
Kelsey Whittaker (06/03/90)
		Please call for resume’.   664-6232
   * Bronson Safe Sitter Certified 
**Red Cross Certified
    
Pet Sitting:
Erin Cool (1/21/88)						664-3613
Rosie Cool (04/12/91)					664-3613
Helen Dolley (1/13/93)				664-5658
Ariel Gray (10/27/89) 					685-5195
Gena Haas (9/1/90)						664-5417
Jordan Hoelscher (12/8/94)  685-8112
Juliah Hoelscher (12/8/94)		685-8112
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:
Michael Haas (7/26/92)				664-5417
Zach Saar (6/22/93)						664-4778
         
Work Wanted—Yard work, odd jobs, animal sitting and walking, etc.  Call Tom Richmond at 664-3277.

Neighborhood Services

For Sale/Wanted

Advertisements and personal notices should be submitted to Jane Secor at kemper-secor@worldnet.att.net 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. 

May 2006 															Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter	         	         	         								 Page 7

RETURNABLE CANS, BOTTLES, AND PRINTER CARTRIDGES NEEDED

Hello, my name is Alexa Sheets and I am 12 years old and a 7th grader at Plainwell Middle School.  I am going on my first mission trip with my church, and must raise $1200 by June.  If you would like to get rid of your returnable cans and bottles and used printer cartridges, I will come pick them up at your convenience.  Just call me at 664-5810 and leave a message if I am not there.  
 
Also, if you have any odd jobs or babysitting or pet-sitting (I am experienced in all those areas!) that needs done, please call!  Thanks so much!
                                                             Alexa Sheets