Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter
November 2004

Guess who is coming to Lake Doster ?
Children’s Christmas Party

Sunday, December 12th, 3pm to 5pm
Lake Doster Clubhouse

Bring your children and grandchildren! 

Santa is expected to pay a visit and 
there will be fun crafts to make!

Punch will be provided.

Parents:
Please bring a plate of treats to share 
and a small wrapped gift for each of 
your children for Santa to give out.

Volunteers are needed to be the “elves” and help 
with the crafts (teenagers might enjoy this!)

Donations for Toys for Tots 
(a new unwrapped gift) are also appreciated!

Please call Diane at 664-3593 or 
Kevin at 664-6096 if you can help out.

We hope to see you there!

Calendar of Events:
•	Next LDHA Board Meeting: December 13, 2004, 7:30pm, Ransom Library, Plainwell.
•	There will be no LDHA Board Meeting in January and no January Newsletter
•	Lake Acquisition Organizational Committee: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm
•	Next Social Event: Children’s Christmas Party, December 12, 2004, 3pm to 5pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse
•	Recycling: 2nd Wednesday of each month, Gun Plain Township only.
•	Fall Leaf Cleanup: A dumpster has been 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

The Newcomer’s Party was a great success!
We had about 205 in attendance, including 42 new people!  There was good food and fun had by all well into the night!   Many thanks to all who attended and made the party such a huge success!  	Diane Burrows	

Kalamazoo Garden Council GREENS SALE 2004,
Friday December 3, 9am to 8 pm and Saturday December 4th, 9am to 5pm,
KALAMAZOO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
Wreaths, arrangements, centerpieces and unique gifts.

For further information, call any one of our Garden Council Members:  Marilyn Brainerd,
 Ann Bray, Dee Bryck, Judy Kral, Carole Kellogg or Donna Ovberhill.

Fluoride Information:  Just an FYI to those of you with children. Fluoride will increase the hardness of your children’s teeth and will help prevent dental cavities.  Adequate amounts of fluoride range between .7 to 1.2 ppm and our water contains .2 ppm of fluoride. Gun Plain Township (which provides our water) has no plans to add fluoride to our drinking water.  Bottled water, unless stated on the container, does not contain adequate fluoride amounts either.  You can receive a prescription from your doctor or dentist for a fluoride supplement if you so choose.  Fluoride supplements are suggested for children usually ranging in age from 6 months to 12 years.  		Lisa Gabele, RDH

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY NOTICES:

Board Meetings:  If you would like to address the board, or have an item that you would like to have the board discuss at the monthly meeting, please call Brian Mullally or other board member prior to the meeting.  This will help us make room on the agenda and be prepared to discuss the issue. Board meetings are held once a month on the second Monday of the month at 7:30pm (except for January – no meeting).  Fall/winter meetings are held at the Ransom Library in Plainwell, as the Clubhouse is closed on Mondays in the off-season.  Check the Calendar of Events in the newsletter or call a board member to check the location.  You are always welcome to attend and your input is appreciated!

Safety Reminder:  Be aware that properties in the surrounding area are actively in use for hunting, especially this time of year.  Hunters may be in camouflage or in hunting blinds and you may not be aware of their presence.  It is best to restrict your walking to the neighborhood

M-89 Bridge:  It’s completed and open!  Ahead of schedule!  Many thanks to MDOT and the City of Plainwell for a job well done.   And many thanks to Casey Jones for keeping us all informed.

LDHA BOARD MEETING MINUTES FROM:  November 8, 2004

The meeting was opened at 7:30 pm at the Ransom Library by Brian Mullally.  Board members present:  Brian Mullally, Dave Hurwitz, Jana Edwards, Everett Harpole, Ray Dertz, Suzanne DeYoung, Diane Burrows, Kevin Koch, Marilyn Brainerd.  Also present: Howard Brainerd 
The minutes of the meeting of October 11, 2004 were approved (Ray moved, Jana seconded, all in favor).  
Treasurers Report, Everett Harpole:  Everett’s reported that there was no income on LDHA accounts in the last month.  The current balance (as of 10/31/04) of the Property Management Fund is $13,054.31 (details shown below).  The current total balance (as of 10/31/04) of the LDHA checking and savings accounts is $10,712.75 (details below).  
Checking Account	Savings Account	Property Management Fund	
 Beginning Balance	$   8,632.42	 Beginning Balance	$  2,325.60	Beginning Balance	$ 15,705.31	
Deposits	$          2.02	Deposits	$         0.00	Deposits	$          0.00	
Total Expenses	$     247.29 	Total Expenses	$         0.00	Total Expenses	$   2,651.00	
Adjustments	$         0.00	Adjustments	$         0.00	Adjustments	$          0.00	
Ending Balance	$   8,387.15 	Ending Balance	$  2,325.60	Ending Balance	$ 13,054.31	
Improving Board Meetings: Discussion.  Brian noted that the organization has become more complex, with a larger board and larger agendas.  The board discussed ways to improve meetings, including: open arrangement of tables and introductions, time limits for discussions, order of items on the agenda, board preparation, and clear directions for future actions.  Residents are encouraged to attend and place anything of concern before the board, but please call a board member prior to the meeting to get the item on the agenda
Front entry sign:  Ray Dertz: Dave F. has obtained bids for two proposed sign designs. Another bid will be sought for discussion at the next meeting.  Designs will be submitted to the LDDC for review and approval.
Board Vacancy:  Marilyn Brainerd.  There is still an opening for someone to help Marilyn with welcoming newcomers to the area; some individuals have expressed interest.   
Deed Restrictions:  Dave Hurwitz.  Dave has prepared a sheet of information for residents on deed restrictions to be distributed to all on the lake.  Although deed restrictions vary slightly from subdivision to subdivision, there are several key items in common to all on the lake.  Residents need to be aware of these enforceable deed restrictions. 
Gun Plain Township: No report.
Maintenance:  Ray Dertz:  The leaf dumpster at Brusselmans Park is full, but will be replaced soon.  A sign will be placed on the dumpster to remind residents that no plastic should be placed in the dumpster.  There was a question raised at the last meeting as to whether we could borrow Cooper Township’s leaf pick-up truck – apparently it is not available to be loaned out.  All of the rafts are now stored on-shore.  The lock is missing from the gate and will need to be replaced.  The front entrance sign for the Newcomer’s Party was stolen; a new sign will have to be made.
Social/Newcomers:  Diane Burrows & Kevin Koch:  The Newcomer’s Party was a huge success – the biggest turnout we have ever had, with 250 people showing up (130 is the average).  Most importantly 42 of the 60 recent newcomers’ to the area come to the party.  Personal invitations were helpful in increasing interest.  The food and the DJ were good and many stayed well after midnight.  Costs for the party are approximately $3080. The next event will be the Children’s Christmas Party, which is set for Sunday, December 12, from 3pm to 5pm.  Parents should bring a wrapped present(s) for Santa for present to their children.  There will also be crafts.  Volunteers (perhaps teens) are needed to help with crafts.  Cookies and punch will be provided; parents are encouraged to bring a plate of treats to share.  Donations for “Toys for Tots” may also be dropped at the party.
Water Quality:  Board members have been checking the drain on the dam and removing fall debris – the drain is clear and flowing.  The optimal way to remediate purple loosestrife in the lake is still under discussion.
Safety:  Suzanne DeYoung:  According to a State Trooper, there have been complaints about a hybrid golf cart causing damage to a local golf course, which the State Police are investigating.  The Sheriff’s Dept is continuing efforts to control speeding on local roads. 
Lake Acquisition: Brian Mullally:  Discussions with the LDDC continue; survey work will be reviewed at the next meeting.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm.  Respectfully submitted, Jana Edwards.   

For Sale/Wanted

For Sale:  14 foot Aluminum Fishing Boat, excellent condition, two new oars ($250): 15 hp Mercury Motor ($800); Minnkota Electric Motor ($75).  Call 664-5362
Wanted: Bongo drums (the type with two connected drums) Call BJ at 664-3407
Daycare Needed:  For one infant, 3 days per week, on school-year calendar, starting around May 1st.  In your home or mine.  Referrals are welcome.  Please call Alissa or Mark Hofstee at 664-5603.
Invitation Imagination – Unique invitations, announcements and stationery.  Home-based business offering personalized service.  10% off sale on all holiday cards.  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: 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
Michael Haas (7/26/92)		664-5417
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
Gena Haas (9/1/90)		664-5417
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

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.

Thanksgiving 8000 Calorie Poem

May your stuffing be tasty.
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy,
have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving Dinners
stay off your thighs!	           --Unknown