March 2008 | The Ledger
John Rady | President
president@theledgewoodassociation.com
As winter’s frozen grip slowly starts to loosen its hold, I hope this message finds you and your families doing well.
In our January, 2008 Ledger, we outlined this year’s three 2008 strategies which are the focus for this year’s board (SAVE, SAFE & SOCIAL). You’ll find in the enclosed updates from our various board members details of several different programs and initiatives around several of these strategies. Let me give you a summary of just a couple of your board’s activities.
SAVE: As we undertake the task of looking for ways to save on every line item of our expenses, we have been able to make some progress in several areas. First, we have successfully renegotiated our Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Thanks to some diligence on the part of our Secretary/Treasurer (thanks Carleen), we will save several thousand dollars per year with a new insurance carrier beginning the second half of 2008. Next, thanks to our top-notch handy-man (Jim Chmura), we have extended the useful life of several power tools and repaired equipment that was slated for replacement this year. Finally, you’ll see in our notes on the clubhouse, that we are slightly increasing the fees associated with using the clubhouse. Let me be clear, there is no ‘rental’ charge to any Ledgewood Homeowner’s Association (LHA) member to hold an event at the clubhouse for personal use. However, there is a cleaning charge which is increasing from $50 to $55 beginning May 1. In addition, there is now a $20 trash removal charge beginning on May 1 as well. Both of these charges reflect the actual cost that the LHA pays for each event. The clubhouse is an incredible facility and quite the bargain as is evidenced by the number of events that have been held since the remodeling as well as the number of reservations we have between now and next January! As a reminder, there is a rental charge for non-personal events related to business or outside organizations using our clubhouse. In addition, only LHA members who are current with their dues and related charges can reserve the clubhouse.
SAFE: Our board members have been busy contacting homeowners about burned-out lights and other infractions that violate our covenants and restrictions. If you receive a letter, please act promptly. In addition, we are putting plans in place to better secure our LHA assets including the pool, clubhouse and garage. More details to come.
SOCIAL: Take a look at some of the events, activities and opportunities for Ledgewood residents to socialize. Whether it’s swimming, gardening, or just meeting your neighbors, there is plenty of opportunities for you and your family.
Thanks to those of you who have taken the time to give me your thoughts on how to keep Ledgewood the premier community within Strongsville. I truly appreciate your insight.
Pool | Sue DeFauw
pool@theledgewoodassociation.com
Another exciting summer is quickly approaching. We are starting to get the pool facilities up and running. We have hired Liz Hastings as the Pool Manager for this summer and will be conducting interviews for lifeguard’s mid-April. If you are interested in life guarding this summer, please send your resume to me, either at my home address (17179 Ridge Point) or by email at sue.defauw@ledgewoodassociation.com Please make sure you have all the necessary paperwork when you come to the interview, valid lifeguard cards and CPR cards.
If you need to renew your CPR, you can do it by either taking a class or renewing online. The online site is: http://www.aedcpr.com. The rec center has a class on May 3, 2008. Either option is valid and accepted. For those of you who will be taking a life guarding class, please bring along the paperwork showing when your class will be completed.
Clubhouse | Janeen Leon
clubhouse@theledgewoodassociation.com
Clubhouse and Neighborhood Social Events - Janeen León 440-846-1393
Clubhouse Reservations – Jain Baruth – 440-238-3099
Clubhouse availability – www.ledgewoodassociation.com
Several children and adult events are being planned for 2008. See the announcement with details of the upcoming children’s Puppet Show scheduled for April 26, 2008 – 9:30 am - 11:00 am in this issue of the Ledger. The first adult event is scheduled for Friday, June 20th. Mark your calendars!
There are several announcements and procedure changes related to rental of the clubhouse:
See www.ledgewoodassociation.com. A clubhouse availability calendar and all clubhouse reservation forms are posted at the website.
All reservations must be made by contacting Jain Baruth (440-238-3099).
Reservations may only be made by residents who are in good standing with the association. Full payment of Ledgewood annual assessment is required to reserve the clubhouse.
Effective May 1, 2008, there will be a $5 increase in cleaning fees to $55 and an additional $20 trash removal fee for each rental. This fee increase is necessary to cover costs charged to the association following each event.
In order for a reservation to be confirmed, assigned a reservation number and posted online, Jain Baruth must receive the following: 1) signed rental application, 2) signed rental contract, 3) $500 deposit check, 4) check for miscellaneous rental fees including $75 cleaning/trash and any required lifeguard fees (during pool season) or snow plowing fees. Deposit check and rental fees are required to confirm a reservation. These checks will be deposited upon receipt. If you have already saved a date with Jain, she will contact you to ensure your reservation meets the requirements listed above so that your reservation is secured.
Residents are encouraged to confirm their reservations by viewing the online clubhouse availability calendar. The assigned reservation number will be posted on the date of the resident’s reservation.
If you are interested in helping to plan or volunteer for neighborhood social events this year, please contact me at Janeen.Leon@ledgewoodassociation.com or 440-846-1393. Watch for event announcements in future issues of the Ledger and on signs posted at entrances and in front of the clubhouse. We look forward to seeing you!
Architectural Review | Marion Tomasko & Dick Lowrie
architectural@theledgewoodassociation.com
The long, gray days of winter are coming to an end. I hope everyone took a moment to notice how spectacular this neighborhood is just after it snows. We’re fortunate to be surrounded by multitudes of majestic evergreens.
The warm days of spring will soon be here and spring clean up will begin. Please remember to straighten and repair any damaged mailboxes, straighten lampposts, weed flower beds, trim grass and shrubs, remove any dead trees or shrubs, put Christmas decorations away (yes, there are still some up) and repair any paint damaged over the winter. The Board will be conducting the Annual Walk Through in June. I believe this will give residents ample time and access to warm weather to perform routine exterior maintenance before assessment. If your yard is well maintained, neat and tidy there shouldn’t be any issues.
One other topic I’d like to put before residents is the issues of signs. This year is a major election year. Volunteers will soon be here eager to place a sign in your yard showing your support. Article VI, section 9 states “No sign of any kind shall be displayed to the public view on any lot except for realty signs.” Please refrain from placing political signage in your yard. It is refreshing to drive into the neighborhood and not see it littered with campaign signs like you see on 82 and 42.
Dick and I are eager to get out in the warm weather and meet new neighbors and catch up with old ones. We’re around if you have any questions regarding approvals or have concerns about the neighborhood.
Common Ground | Bob Cantu
commongrounds@theledgewoodassociation.com
While we have all been enjoying winter, our landscapers have been working on their plan of action for the spring clean-up. All common areas will be cleaned, cut, and mulched in the near future. Unfortunately, it appears that a few of our pine trees are continuing to struggle and may need to be replaced. A complete assessment of trees and shrubs will be completed with the assistance of our landscaper over the next couple of months and corrective action will be taken as needed.
Reliable Concrete Contractor Wanted! Last year I assumed the responsibility of our small concrete repair project. Approximately 10 homeowners were excited about participating, however, several attempts at finding a reliable contractor proved unsuccessful. If there is still interest in continuing with this project, please advise the board. Thank you!
John Rady | President – 440-572-4354
Bob Cantu | Vice-President | Common Ground – 440-878-9917
Sue DeFauw | Pool – 440-572-5621
Marion Tomasko | Architectural Review – 440-268-9303
Dick Lowrie | Architectural Review | Common Ground | Secretary | Treasurer – 440-238-6224
Janeen Leon | Clubhouse – 440-846-1393
Jain Baruth | Clubhouse Manager, contact for Clubhouse Rental – 440-238-3099 or 216-401-7871,
Carleen Sundvall | Recording Secretary | Assistant Treasurer– 330-887-5753.
