August 2014 | The Ledger
Messages from the President | David Minich
president@theledgewoodassociation.com
It seems that this summer is just flying past. The children will be going back to school in a few weeks and we will attempt to keep the pool open a little longer because of the late opening date. This will all be predicated on whether or not we have guards that are willing to continue to work. The problem is that all of these students are actively involved in their school's extra-curricular programs and academics.
The flooding concern is still in the mix. I have been working with Mike Daymut and he has assured me that both the mayor and the city engineer are on board to do something. We must remember that we are not the only ones that have concerns about the damage that water can cause to property. The first proposal which was to provide an area for additional runoff was determined to be not a feasible solution. So, the solution, whatever it is, is still being worked on by the city and your Board of Trustees.
We have three board members that are approaching the end of their term. We are looking for persons that are dedicated to keeping the Ledgewood Development one of the premier developments in Strongsville. If you are interested in serving contact a board member, and they can explain the duties and responsibilities of the various board positions.
Clubhouse – Marcia Folino
clubhouse@theledgewoodassociation.com
As Ledgewood residents we are fortunate to have a beautiful clubhouse. Renovated in 2007 the clubhouse provides caterer-worthy kitchen facilities and a main room appropriate for any event or reception. The clubhouse belongs to all residents, maintained through the yearly assessment, and should be maintained by them with the same care with which they maintain their home. We have rules for clubhouse rental and expectations/rules for those who rent the facility. With few exceptions our residents adhere to the rules and do an exceptional job of taking care of the clubhouse during their events and cleaning up after their event.
However, we have recently had some incidents that require some reminders as to the rules so we can maintain the condition of the facility for all residents and provide a safe environment at events. I would remind all that:
The clubhouse is available for rental for Ledgewood residents only and the resident renting MUST be in attendance at the event specified on the rental contract. Ledgewood residents pay for the facility through their annual assessment; it is available, then, to those who assume the expense, not a friend/relative who lives elsewhere.
We must provide for the safety of our residents. During the swim season we require guards at the pool for all rental time. If the event goes beyond the normal pool closing time, we still need someone to watch the pool and be available if needed to protect all at the facility. It does not matter if the attendees at your event are swimming; we need guards available in case of an accident at the pool. We schedule guards, based on the party hours specified on your rental contract. If you indicate you will be out by 8pm we believe you. If you think you will be able to extend the hours without guard coverage you are wrong and will be required to leave the clubhouse.
We expect people to clean up after a party as specified in the documents you receive with your accepted rental agreement. If you do not, and we are required to clean up after you, you will be charged for the time it takes to “right” the premises. We require that the cleanup be completed by the end time for your event. We have events scheduled morning, afternoon and evening at the clubhouse. The next renter deserves a clean facility. The paid cleaning staff provides basic housekeeping cleaning. They are NOT required to clean the refrigerators, put the tables down, etc. That falls to you as the renter.
Our guard staff and trustees are spokespeople for Ledgewood and are expected to enforce the rules for the clubhouse. They should receive the respect they deserve for the responsibility of enforcing our rules and providing a safe environment at the clubhouse. Any lack of respect or abuse of them (verbally or physically) will not be tolerated. The clubhouse manager or the clubhouse trustee will handle such situations; if necessary (and I certainly hope this would not be required) the police will be called.
Failure to comply with clubhouse rules could result in revocation of your clubhouse rental rights for a year. We must insure the facility is maintained properly for all of our residents.
Why am I writing this?
Recently we have had: Renters expecting to extend hours beyond the rental contract ending time. With no anticipation of guard coverage we scrambled to provide coverage. This is totally unfair to staff. We gladly provide coverage when we expect that coverage is required. If you do not specify extended hours and there is no coverage available, you will be required to vacate the premises.
Guests have taken liquor and glassware onto the pool deck. This is forbidden – it is a safety issue and when informed by the pool staff that this was against the rules the staff was met with resistance and verbal abuse. This attitude cannot be tolerated.
We have had tables and chairs left up and food and ice left in the refrigerator which interfered with the next scheduled event.
And a particularly troubling occurrence-paper cups and marshmallows were thrown into the overhead lights. We do not know when this occurred; I don’t think anyone thought the lights are something we would have to check for trash. Not only does this show a lack of respect for the facility, it shows a lack of concern for the staff that must climb up to clean this out. If we knew who/when this happened we would suspend their clubhouse rental privileges.
Remember, you, as a renter, are responsible for the facility. You must be there to monitor its use. Do you really want to end up paying for damage done by someone else? To those of you (and this is the absolute vast majority of those renting) we sincerely thank you and appreciate your helping us to maintain the clubhouse. Thank you, thank you.
Upcoming Events:
HALLOWEEN PARTY: Sign up today for the Ledgewood Halloween Party. It will be held at the Ledgewood Clubhouse Friday, October 31 from 8:30 pm-12M … giving you plenty of time to trick-or-treat beforehand. Everyone 21-and-over is welcome to attend (get a babysitter now!). Costumes are the dress of the evening. There will be prizes for the best individual costume, best couple costume, etc. Light snacks, mixers and a rollicking DJ will make for a fun evening. See old friends and meet your new neighbors. Once again, there will be a nominal $5 per person charge to assure your place at this event. Residents and invited guests only. Drop off or send a check made out to The Ledgewood Association, c/o Rick Berger. 17056 Ridge Creek. Or call 440-503-4813. Note whether you prefer to help with setup or cleanup that night.
CHILDREN’S ROYAL TEA: AUGUST 23RD Ledgewood Royal Tea Sunday, August 24 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Come and enjoy a special afternoon with Queen Elsa and Princess Anna from the Movie Frozen. There will be singing, storytelling and royal refreshments. Cost is $5.00 per child. You must RSVP by August 17 at 440-268-0457. Prince and Princess attire encouraged.
2014 Neighborhood food drive | Jay & Denise Coniam
The Ledgewood Swim Team and the families who organized the 2014 Neighborhood Food Drive thank all of you for your generous support and participation this year. We just about equaled last year’s food item count and surpassed the monetary donations. This outcome motivates us to continue doing this project. We know that it is making a difference in the communities that we help. The directors of the two food banks are always very grateful for the donations they receive from us. We are proud to belong to a neighborhood that cares for families who need assistance through difficult times. With your continued support, we will do it again next year.
ANNUAL MEETING DATE
November 18, 2014 7:30 p.m.
Ledgewood Board of Trustees
David Minich | President – 440-846-1794
Laura McLaughlin | Vice-President & Architectural Review – 440-238-8348
Ronald Bender | Common Ground – 440-238-5430
Debbie Harler | Pool – 440- 212-1609
Marcia Folino | Clubhouse – 440-238-4251
Karen Kircher | Architecture Review – 440-227-0240
