February 2009 | The Ledger

2008-2009 Board of Trustees and their job responsibilities are as follows:

Janeen Leon | President – 440-846-1393

Marion Tomasko | Vice-President – Architectural Review – 440-268-9303

Richard Lowrie | Common Ground-Secretary Treasurer – 440-238-6224

Mary Hastings | Pool – 440-238-3005

Tricia Lance | Clubhouse – 503-704-8580

Mariette Herold | Common Ground – Landscaping & Recreation – 440-212-7564

Janeen León | President’s Report

president@theledgewoodassociation.com

All I asked for was a safe playground for my young child to play on. Somehow, over the course of the past three years, the “job” of Playground Designer and Volunteer Coordinator has turned into President of the Board of Trustees (BOT). I didn’t see this coming….

Anyhow, here I am and I intend to continue the amazing progress made in Ledgewood under the stewardship of the past several boards. Within a few short years we’ve seen major improvements and renovations in the pool infrastructure, retaining walls, playground, street signs, asphalt tennis courts, tennis court drainage, and clubhouse. Less tangible are the major improvements in community engagement as evidenced by within-neighborhood growth of the swim team, attendance at neighborhood social events (nearly 450 attendees last year), and the Ledgewood community garden. I’m proud to call Ledgewood my home, but there is still work to be done, while keeping an eye on the budget and reserve balance.

The biggest project to be undertaken this year (in absence of some unexpected disaster) is rehabilitation of the omni tennis courts damaged during sewer line work in the summer of 2007. Councilman Michael Daymut has been instrumental in setting up a meeting with Mayor Perciak and the engineering department to discuss the fact that repair attempts made are inadequate and the court is significantly damaged and unsafe. Unfortunately we are on hold until the snow stops falling and sufficiently melts so city administrators can view the surface. Thank you to the numerous tennis players who have offered to assist in this process.

A second infrastructure project that must be tackled is preservation of the path between Falling Leaves Rd. and the playground/tennis area. Years of erosion have taken their toll and without intervention, sections of the path will soon be gone.

Thirdly, the BOT hopes to continue building the momentum of neighborhood engagement with new social events and recreational opportunities for all ages, more interaction with the swim team, and more neighbors knowing their neighbors to create a strong sense of community.

I need to update residents regarding the “lovely” tree stumps along the west portion of Falling Water. Late last fall the BOT arranged for the diseased and dying pines to be removed and replaced with 10 8-foot Blue Spruce trees. As soon as the old pines came down, the snow started to fall and basically hasn’t stopped. I personally cringe each day as I drive by these stumps and extend my concern to the homeowners with abutting properties. The contractor has assured us this will be completed rapidly once weather conditions permit.

Lastly, I extend my sincere thanks to outgoing trustees John Rady, Sue DeFauw, and Bob Cantu; incoming trustees Mary Hastings, Tricia Lance and Mariette Herold; and returning trustees Marion Tomasko and Dick Lowrie. No one volunteers to serve on the board because they have nothing better to do with their time. Rather, trustees serve because they care about Ledgewood. Help us continue to make this the best place to live in Strongsville and get involved.

Making The Ledger as “Green” as Ledgewood

To save money and resources, we would like to send The Ledger by e-mail to as many residents as possible. Please forward your e-mail address to Carleen Sundvall at president@theledgewoodassociation.com

Marion Tomasko | Vice-President | Architectural Review

architectural@theledgewoodassociation.com

I hope everyone had a restful and peaceful holiday season. I am serving my second year on the Board as the Architectural Review Trustee. As I did last year I’d like to put the review process in front of everyone before the remodeling season begins. Anyone interested in installing and/or replacing a fence, wall, deck, shed or addition must submit plans and specifications showing the nature, kind, shape, height, materials and location of your project to the Board for approval. Please keep in mind the natural woodland appearance of Ledgewood when choosing materials for your project. The Board is in favor of materials and colors that are in harmony with the surrounding environment. Chain-link and synthetic materials are discouraged. The Board will review proposals within 30 days and respond in writing with consent or rejection of plans. The City requires homeowners to present a letter of approval in order to obtain permits. Remember, the Board retains the right to have any exterior structure removed that has been installed without approval.

One other point I’d like to put before residents is the sign issue. Many contractors like to posts signs advertising the improvements they made to your property. However, Ledgewood does not permit signs of any kind other than a standard realty sign. Please do not post home improvement signs on your property. You will be asked to remove it.

The street tree planting program sponsored by the city will continue in 2009. The plan is to plant half of Falling Water between the circle at the Bluffs and 42 in the spring. The other half of Falling Water will be planted in the fall. Once again, the City will issue hangtags to those residents who will receive trees. If you are interested in having a tree planted on the tree lawn then no action is required. If you do not desire a tree simply call the number on the hangtag to opt out of the program. The trees are free, however, if the tree should die and you would like it replaced there is a $100 charge.

Planting beyond 2009 will be questionable. The City is expecting Emerald Ash Borer to arrive in our area this year. Emerald Ash Borer is responsible for the destruction of considerable amounts of Ash trees throughout Michigan. The City will be monitoring the situation carefully. If need be they may have to focus their attention on the removal and replacement of hundreds of public property Ash trees rather than continue the street tree planting program.

Unfortunately, the weather during the holidays was not conducive for exterior decorating. For those of you who were able to decorate and have not yet removed your decorations please do so. Please do not wait until spring to remove them. I look forward to working with all of you in the next year. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Pool | Mary Hastings

pool@theledgewoodassociation.com

Welcome to 2009! At least we can visualize warm, sunny days enjoying our beautiful pool.

Liz Hastings has consented to manage the facility this summer, thus we can expect a pool to be proud of. Some upkeep and repair work will be necessary prior to opening. Late April weather permitting, pool liner repairs and gutter painting will be done plus painting tank filter pumps. Thanks to Jim and Liz, we look forward to a pool ready for our enjoyment. Enjoy the remainder of a REAL winter.

Pool Manager | Liz Hastings

pool@theledgewoodassociation.com

I know it may difficult to think about summer in the midst of all this snow, however, it’s never too early to begin preparations for the upcoming season. Lifeguard interviews will take place mid-April. If interested in a Lifeguard position, please send or deliver a resume and copies of your certifications to Mary Hastings, Pool Trustee: 16991 Ridge Creek Road. Please make sure all certifications are up to date before the season starts. For the first-time lifeguard who is in the process of completing courses – please send your resume along with notice of when those courses will be completed.

Clubhouse | Tricia Lance

clubhouse@theledgewoodassociation.com

The board is currently working on sprucing up the clubhouse lobby. This will include replacement of the countertop, carpeting and painting. The intent is to coordinate the colors with the main room.

Review the survey below and let the board know what you would be interested in. Our vision is to continue to build on neighborhood and recreational activity involvement.

Please indicate if you have any interest in the following activities and how often you would want to participate. If willing to chair one of these activities indicate so in the “Chair” column.

Frequency Activity Weekly Bi- Weekly Monthly Bi- Monthly Semi- Annually Chair Bridge Club Poker Club (Men Only) Poker Club (Coed) Bunco Club (Women) Bunco Club (Coed) Craft Club* Bird Watching Golf League* Water Aerobics (Pool Season) Yoga* Tennis League Walking Club Running Club Bowling* Other:___________________ Other:___________________ * Would likely have minor costs above Ledgewood HOA fees. - The bowling and golf leagues currently meet on Tuesdays. Contact: Suzanne Kemmer for golf (238-7503) – Jain Baruth for bowling (238-3099) Name: ______________________________________________________ Email: _________________________Phone: _____________________ Return to: Tricia Lance – Mail: 11610 River Moss Rd. or e-mail” illdigya@aol.com