Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter

May 2005

 

Spring is here – summer is not far behind – and it’s time for:

 

The Annual Spring Clean-up, Saturday, April 30, 10:00 am.  Come help clean-up brush and trash in the community. Meet at the community fire station with gloves and tools in hand. Call Ray Dertz at 685-2776 for information.  Help us keep our community looking beautiful!

 

Annual membership dues - June 1, 2005.  Annual membership dues of $30 per household are due June 1, 2005. There are many benefits to joining -see page 5 for more information.  If you have not yet updated your membership information – please call Carole Kellogg at 664-6420 by April 30, 2005.

 

Lake-Friendly Fertilizer now available. A 50-lb. bag of ‘weed and feed’ is $30.00 plus tax; a 50-lb. bag of ‘feed’ alone is $15.00 per bag (11 bags left from last year). To encourage our residents to use the proper type of fertilizer, the board will contribute $5.00 per bag off the cost.  Call Ray Dertz at 685-2776, or email him at red@kalnet.net. You can also purchase a lake-friendly fertilizer at the Farm and Garden Store – ask for the “Clear Lake” brand. 

 

Boat Numbers:  Only residents with shoreline or deeded lake access may put a boat on the lake.  You must have a boat number and display it properly on the boat.  Call Dave Hurwitz at 664-5364 for a boat number or information on boating rules.

 

Join the Board!  There are openings on the Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Board for the upcoming year (beginning in July). In the upcoming year, the board will mainly be involved with social activities in the community. (Lake management issues will soon be handled by the newly formed Lake Doster Lake Association).   If you are interested in participating on the LDHA or LDLA,

Please contact Brian Mullally at 685-1913 (or e-mail him at bmullally@charter.net

 

Calendar of Events:

·    Next LDHA Board Meeting: May 9, 2005, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse.

·    Lake Doster Lake Association monthly meetings (lake acquisition and management) - fourth Wednesday of each month; 7:30pm; at the Lake Doster Clubhouse.

·    Next Social Event: Fourth-of-July Party

·    Second Annual Lake Doster Community Garage Sale:  Saturday, June 18, 2005 – contact Ed Giffels, 664-5205 for information.

·    Boat Numbers: Call Dave Hurwitz at 664-5364.

·    Recycling: 2nd Wednesday of each month (Gun Plain Township only).

·    Large Trash Pick-up: 2nd Tuesday of each month – April through October (Gun Plain Township only).

·    E-mail comments to:  ldha@charter.net

·    LDHA Website: ldha.homestead.com

·   Webmaster e-mail: dfortune@chartermi.net

·    Newsletter Editor e-mail:  jana_edwards@ charter.net

 

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-Sec:           Michael Hills (2005)               664-3482

                E-mail: mhills@ameritech.net

         Jana Edwards (2006)            664-3122

                E-mail: jana_edwards@charter.net

Treasurer:       (Position open)

Maintenance:  Ray Dertz (2006)           685-2776

                E-mail: RED@kalnet.net

Safety:             Suzanne De Jong (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 of April 11, 2005:  The minutes of the meeting of March 14, 2005 were approved.  There are two vacancies on the board - volunteers are needed.

 

Treasurers Report: The checking account has just under $2,000; the savings account has just over $2,000 for a total of $3,800.

 

M-89 Entry Sign (Dave Fortune):  The golf course has volunteered to contribute money to the cost of replacing the "Lake Doster" lettering.  They will contribute $1,091.48.  Our cost will be $1,492.45.  Bart will contract for the work - we will pay him, he will pay the company.  As the signage was approved in a previous meeting, the board decided to give the go-ahead.  There was a discussion about the color of the letters.  The golf course prefers blue to go with their logo on the carts etc. The board agreed on blue, but determined to make it as dark a blue as possible.

 

Maintenance (Ray Dertz):  Spring Clean-Up will be held on April 23, 2005 starting at 10:00 am, meeting at the fire station (later changed to April 30).  It was suggested that we consider the "Adopt a Highway" program, and the area suggested was Doster Rd. from South Lake Doster Dr. to Heron Ct.  After some discussion, the item was tabled to the next meeting.  No major repairs are anticipated at this time.  Ray will begin putting rafts etc. in as weather permits.  The issue of whether or not we will continue to allow dumping and pick up of Christmas trees at Brusselman’s Park was tabled for discussion and decision at a later meeting.  Lawn Fertilizer:  The board encourages all residents to use a non-phosphorus fertilizer to protect the lake.  There are now bags available for purchase.  A 50-lb. bag of ‘weed and feed’ is $30.00 plus tax; a 50-lb. bag of ‘feed’ alone is $15.00 per bag (we have 11 bags of this left from last year).  To encourage our residents to use the proper type of fertilizer, the board will contribute $5.00 per bag off the cost.  Call Ray at 685-2776 if you want some, or email him at red@kalnet.net. You can also purchase the correct brand at Farm and Garden Store – ask for the “Clear Lake” brand.  It was suggested that if anyone has a commercial company treating their lawn for them, to contact that company and question them as to what kind of fertilizer they are using around the lake and on their yard.  Fall leaf removal cost $2,400 last year for this service.  There was a discussion about how many people actually use this service, and whether it is worth the cost.  The item was tabled for further discussion at a later date.

 

Gun Plain Township (Casey Jones):  There will be an open house at the 911 operation on Dumont Lake on Thurs. April 21 from 1-8 pm.  The dedication ceremony will be at 2:30 pm.  "Come and see the heartbeat of emergency service at work."  A grand total of 96,000 calls come into our 911 service alone.  This includes all the police, ambulance, and fire.

 

Social (Kevin and Diane): The Easter Egg Hunt was a great success.  About 75-80 children showed up for the fun.  The next party is the Fourth of July party.  We need to upgrade some of the signs that we use to advertise the parties on Golfview Dr. Also the newcomer’s party sign was stolen, so it should be replaced.  The board approved the expenditure of $60.00 to replace the one sign, and $60.00-70.00 to upgrade the existing signs.  There was also a discussion as to whether we should put signs on Doster Rd. as well as on Golfview. 

 

Water Quality (Dave Fortune):  We will be replacing the lock that is missing at the boat launch.

 

Membership (Marilyn Brainerd):  The dues drive is now on.  Carol Kellogg will be sending out invoices.  Please support the association and send your dues in on time.

 

Lake Acquisition:  The Lake Acquisition is progressing. All those homes who have lake front, or deeded lake access, please contribute the dues that are needed and have been requested.  Monthly meetings are the 4th Monday of each month.  If you have questions, this is a great time to get information and get your questions answered.

 

Safety (Suzanne):  Cars have been searched and ransacked while they are parked in driveways.  Be sure to lock your car, and cars of guests that are parked in your area especially at night.  Also, the Lake Doster Mini Storage has reported several units broken into.  Please be vigilant, watch your neighborhood, and report any suspicious activity.  Patrolling by the Sheriff’s Department seems to be helping the speeding problem.  Please be considerate and respectful of our fellow residents and not exceed the speed limit, but let’s also not go way under the speed limit to try and prove a point.  This only encourages hostility, and is not respectful of our neighbors who need to get somewhere on time.  Use common sense, and be considerate of ALL who are on the road. Boat Numbers:  You must have numbers on your boat to use the lake.  Please contact Dave Hurwitz at 664-5364 if you need to a boat number. Reminder: June 18th is the date for the second annual Lake Doster community garage sale.                  Respectfully submitted, Suzanne De Jong

 

Easter Egg Hunt:  Despite some lingering snow, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Brusselman’s Park on March 26 was a great success.  Children of all ages searched the hillsides for eggs full of candy and surprises.  Many thanks to Kevin Koch and all volunteers for ably assisting the Easter bunny.   (See the printed copy of the newsletter for photos).

 

For Sale/Wanted

For Sale:  Two Adirondack chairs.  Recycled plastic –durable, mildew resistant, maintenance free.  Won’t warp, rot or crack.  Like new- Hunter Green.  Regularly $230.00- will sell for $100 each.  Call Suzanne Von Seggren at 664-5733.

 

Save your empty pop cans and printer cartridges!: I am going on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic this summer and am raising all the money myself to go.  I am collecting empty pop cans and used printer cartridges to help fund my trip.  If you have any of these items, I am willing to come to your home to pick them up, whenever it is convenient for you – just call Jenna at 664-5810.  Thanks so much!

 

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 graduation party, birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower?  We have a large selection of invitations and party accessories. We also have personal stationery if you are looking for a unique and 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. 

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

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

    *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.

To submit and ad or notice, contact Jana Edwards by phone at 664-3122 or by e-mail at:  jana_edwards@charter.net

 

Golf League:   Golf is back in swing!  If you haven’t already joined the golf league you are missing the fun!  You must be a member of the Lake Doster Golf Club to join.  For the Men’s League, call Richard Zane at 664-6003; for the Women’s League call Carole Johnson-Nielsen at 664-6759.

 

Join us Saturday May 21 for Susan B. Komen RACE FOR THE CURE. Anyone interested in a Lake Doster Team?  Visit our website at komenswmichigan.org Call Debi Howe at 664-5980.

 

Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association:  Annual membership Dues for 2005/2006

Please mail in your dues by June 1, 2005.

 

Membership provides you with many benefits, including:

·            the community phone directory

·            a monthly newsletter (with free advertisements and personal notices)

·            improvements to the parks lake and beach

·            welcome packets for new residents

·            information on community and township issues

·            neighborhood spring clean-up

·            special events for members only, including  the Annual Meeting, the Fourth of  July Parade and Picnic, the annual Fishing Contest,  the End of Summer Picnic, the Newcomer’s Party, the Children’s Christmas Party, and the annual Easter Egg Hunt. 

 

Dues for each household are $30 which includes one copy of the Membership Directory – if you would like an extra copy of the directory add $5.  Please fill out the following and send it with your check to Carole Kellogg at 89 South Lake Doster Drive, Plainwell, MI 49080.

 

Name__________________________________________Phone______________________________

 

Address ___________________________________________________________________________

 

Membership Dues:                            $ 30.00

 

Extra Phone Directory ($5.00 each)            $______ (Optional)

 

Total Amount Enclosed:                      $______

 

Please make your check out to Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association.  Sending your dues promptly (without a reminder letter) will save the association postage costs.