NORMANSNEWS

For and by our Residents of Norman Downes Neighborhood

November December 2011

2011 Survey says, What do you like best?

You responded.
Norman Downes & Normans News! The people. Everybody is nice & watches out for each other. Get togethers at the pool and being close to the park. Larger lots & trees. The people, large lots, trees, pool, lake. Friendly people, all the trees, quiet. Sense of community, people walk, kids play. People from the neighborhood step up to voice opinions that affect us at City Hall and school board meetings. The people are friendly, the wooded lots and location. Our neighbors! Everyone is so friendly. We moved in April and feel so welcome! Beauty of trees, swimming pool, location in Duluth. Friendly neighbors, covenant neighborhood, pool. I love the community feel of the neighborhood. Living on the lake. My neighbors looking out for us. The quiet nights. Trees, pool, lake. The well kept homes and properties. Our neighborhood is beautiful with all the trees and wide roads. My kids have a wonderful place to grow up!

Our neighborhood is growing!

Welcome New Neighbors Daniel & Laura Buchanan 2812 Norwood Way (850) 255-0436 David & Theresa Bone2947 Brookshire Way (678) 682-3635 Welcome New Babies Silas Carter, boy, born to proud parents, James & Tara Carter. Twins Girl, Ava & boy, Liam born Nov.7 to Kelly & Kristoff Byrd on Kristoffs birthday.
2011 Survey State of the Downes In An Emergency Outdoor Holiday Decorating Contest An Open Love Letter No Burning Code Lets Play BUNCO! Halloween Winners Community Standards ND Holiday 2012 Volunteers
Continued Page 2 Pages 2-3 Page 3

Mark your Calendars!

By Dec. 3rd
Respond to Holiday Party

Page 4

Dec 10th
ND Holiday Party

Page 4

Dec 17th
HOA Voting

Page 5 Page 4-5

Dec 18th
Cookie Exchange

On Dec 24th
Win a Gift Certificate from Woodys Nursery for decorating!

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(2011 results continued)

Thanks to those 10 percent who voted in the 2011 surveys! We can do better though! Likewise, about 10 percent of the households in the community were represented at the Annual Homeowners Meeting. This is one of the largest turn-outs in years. It should be a priority to make sure that your vote is counted because your one vote could make a difference! We need more than 10 percent! Next week when the ballots are mailed, be sure to read the budget, and vote for the candidates of your choice. The message boards will be changing monthly as reminders of neighborhood events and other information. The suggestion boxes will be reinstalled shortly, now that the message boards are up for your response convenience. All of these are a direct link between you and your impact on the community and how Norman Downes is governed. You can email the HOA directly NDHAboard@gmail.com or call a board member. Get involved and make a difference!
FOLLOWING ARE YOUR 2011 SURVEY RESULTS!

State of the Downes

Thanks to all who attended our recent General Meeting! We had about forty relaxed and friendly neighbors, along with good food and constructive dialogue! The feeling was (and is) that having passed the Covenants, we can methodically continue to improve our community without raising the dues, at least for 2012. This is in keeping with our philosophy of making measured but steady progress using volunteer help where possible, and to perpetuate the spirit and pride of Norman Downes without excessive expenditures. We presented certificates and pins to the many who have contributed to the various projects this year, including a special guest, Officer Randy Basset from the Duluth Police Department (who emphasized the need for clear house numbers!), We also had a slide show Your Norman Downes, featuring many of our interesting neighborhood sights and scenes. We also mentioned the Board candidates, Mark Carter, Bill Smith, and I, who would fill the vacancies left by (cont.)

1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Amenities Lake Norman access Playground Permanent restroom at tennis/lake area Fencing around the tennis/lake area Activities Quarterly outing for adults Garden club and a lake conservation group tie vote Craft and Sewing Group Gourmet Supper Club and walking/running club tie vote Poker club and pot luck block parties tie vote Bridge Club

Main Things Youd Change 1. Unkempt yards and home maintenance 2. Enforcing the covenants

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(State of the Downes continued) Peter

Van Arsdale, Suzette Reeves, Don Watson and myself. Sam Carr will be voted in at the next board meeting. I said I would be happy to serve another term if elected. We had a basic discussion of community standards with a handout (see page 8) which was used as a starting point. Wed spoke of the need for a dedicated committee to determine what realistic standards are and how they can be enforced. Some things are obvious, such as no outlandish colors and decorations in other words, use good taste and common sense. Other issues are more subtle. One thing we can all agree on is that we dont want an outside management company to hound our neighbors to cut their grass or clean up yards. We believe we can do our own management in a clear and definitive way, without the added expense. Communication is a key element in keeping things going. We had an in-depth presentation from Rick Austin about our new web site (not yet live) that will have many ways to make communicating easier in the near future. As more of us accept and adopt online devices like our cell phones, well be able to get information and stay in touch without having to be computer savvy, as one concern was voiced. In addition, we had great reports about the landscaping from Andy Miller (the new landscapers are doing a good job and under budget), the pool from Peter Van Arsdale (welcome improvements made but ongoing maintenance to be done), communications and social from Suzette Reeves (many well-attended events this year), and the financials ,budget and Board candidates ballots from Susan Holland (no dues increase and were doing well). I chimed in on the tennis and lake recreation area, talking briefly about the proposed security fences, lake access cleanup, the driveway gate (to be always open to foot traffic) and making it a safe and inviting area for kids and adults to play! We rounded out the meeting with a discussion of upcoming projects such as the street and entrance signs. We agreed that the approach would be conservative on the entrances, (cont.)

and just a replacement of the Norman Downes sign boards themselves with the maintenance free material, along with a pressure washing of the bricks, which should serve us well for some time. The message from this years General Meeting is to pick (or form) a committee and get involved, if you can! If you cant, make your wishes and opinions known with our surveys and emails to ndhaboard@gmail.com. And above all, appreciate the neighborhood we have and feel the sense of our great community. Thanks! Barry Smith, president HOA
(cont. from page 2)

In An Emergency Will You Be Found?

Officer Randy Bassett, of the Duluth Police, attended our Annual Meeting and was given a certificate of appreciation by the community. He had the following request, Please post your house numbers on top of your mailboxes where they can be seen on either side coming up or down the street; if not on top, on both sides of the post in reflective numbers or even better, florescent. Resident postal service employee, Reggie Brown, echoes the request. It wouldnt hurt to take stock of your mailbox at this time and cut down growth that obscures the numbers or opening. Some are a bit unsteady or have doors that need replaced too. Our carriers, fire fighters and police are having trouble finding us quickly in an emergency. Give them some help!

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A certificate worth $25 to Woodys could be yours as the winner of the Outdoor Holiday Decorating Contest!
2686 Buford Hwy 770-476-1705 www.woodysnursery.com

Dearest Norman Downes, Weve had a glorious six months, havent we? When the wife and I first moved in, we were captivated by your manicured lawns, varied architecture, and mature trees. Since then weve settled into our first home, and weve gotten to know you better. Behind that gorgeous foliage weve found your confounded sweet-gums and looming pines, but we love you no less! Among your varied architecture is the occasional wacky structure, but those somehow add to your appeal! And alongside those manicured lawns are the less-than-manicured ones, such as our ownand all we can do is forgive those trifles. For we cannot lie, Norman Downes, we love thee truly. Within a day of moving in wed received the McCabes delectably moist pound cake and the banana breadhenceforth known in our household as Womble Breadto end all banana breads. Within a week your welcoming committeethe devoted Cheryl Smith and the charming Suzette Reeves had brought us a basket complete with embroidered towel, yummy cookies, and fragrant candle. Within a month we reveled in your garage-sale goodness, discovered the gem that is Bunten Road Park, and felt the political turmoil of your covenant quarrel. Oh, what a good first month it was. They just dont make places like you anymore, Norman Downes. The devastation at the end of Commerce Avenue tells the whole tale. Deforested, cookie-cutter development is the norm. But youre different. Youre not a development, youre a neighborhooda real community. We just went to our first Annual Meeting of Homeowners, and now we can feel it: were becoming a part of your colorful, unique fabric. Although the attendees spanned the spectrum of age, ethnicity, and opinionwe were brought together by mutual, downright palpable affection for you. Norman Downes, I only hope that those who couldnt attend love you as much as we do. Were fortunate to belong to such a remarkable neighborhood, and we vow to show our love through a better-kept yard, increasing our homes curb appeal, and engaging in community activities whenever possible. All our love,

LETS PLAY BUNCO

Jonathan & Elyse Silver

Ladies! Are you feeling lucky? Norman Downes has a Bunco Club This is our 4th year! Looking for a way to meet some new people and have some fun? The ND Women's Bunco Club is looking for some more players. Bunco is a simple dice game thats all about luck, no skill needed. We meet once a month, usually on Thursday. Each month we move around to different locations, our wonderful host makes dinner and provides drinks and we start playing around 7 PM and are usually finished by 10 p.m. The cost is only $10, with a chance of winning much more. Try your luck and come play with us, its a great way meet some new friends. Never played? No problem, no special skills needed, we will teach you. Come give it a try! You could be our next BUNCO

ATTENTION!!!!! Norman Downes Homes Association will not meet in December. And will change from meeting monthly to bi-monthly beginning January 2012. Please watch for meeting times to be posted at the neighborhood entrances.

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It is with regret that we announce the passing of our neighbor, Mary Ann Paque of 2684 Kenwood Drive. Our sympathy extends to her family. At this time of year, please be reminded that Norman Downes is within the City of Duluth and burning of leaves and other yard debris is prohibited. Duluth City Municode Sec 6-7(a) Prohibited: exceptions. No person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit open burning in any area located with the corporate boundaries of the city at any time except as follows: (2) The burning is for the cooking of food for immediate human consumption in a grill, barbeque pit or like cooking apparatus or involves the use of a chiminea or similar outdoor fireplace. (7) The Burning of leaves, limbs and other natural vegetation that may fall on ones own property, provided that said burning is conducted during daylight hours when prevailing winds are not in excess of fifteen (15) m.p.h. and the fire is located at least two hundred (200) feet from the nearest property line. (This disqualifies most lots in Norman Downes!) May 1st through Sept. 30th__There is a total outdoor ban.

(Bunco cont.)

Queen! In November, we brought canned goods to help stock the Duluth Food Pantry. Dec. 15th is the next meeting. carolvidya@bellsouth.net or (770) 476-5799 476Cheryl & Barry Smith will host the ND HOLIDAY COOKIE EXCHANGE Sunday December 18th, 3 to 4 PM 3308 Leeds WaysNo reply needed. Ways Just bring your goodies and drop in. Please divide cookies in a zippered bag or covered plate (6 count), for easy distribution and attach the recipe to share. Take home as many as you bring! Make one kind, go home with lots of different treats for your holiday table! Only homemade cookies, special holiday treats and bars, please. Bring a few extra to sample during the exchange. Coffee and tea will be served.

Licensed Master Cosmetologist

Master Cutter Color Specialist Make-up Artist

Expertise for you! In your home! At your convenience! Norman Downes client references on request.

Call Now! (678) 643-3092

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A Spooktacular Halloween!

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Proposed Standards for Norman Downes Homes Association

Please refer to the City of Duluth standards and codes which may be found at http://www.duluthga.net. Below is a list of approved standards. Violations may be brought to the attention of the Norman Downes Homes Association Board by emailing ndhaboard@gmail.com. Upon investigation, any serious violations will be first addressed by issuing a letter to the resident asking that the problem be rectified in a timely manner. If no response is received with 10 days, a second and final request will be issued. If the final request is not responded to within 10 days, the Covenants Compliance Committee may hire contractors to bring the property within standards. Any expenses incurred may be charged back to the owner of the property. Hardship and special situations are considered case by case. Most often however, minor and temporary violations are resolved with a phone call or face-to-face conversation with a member of the Board or Covenants Compliance Committee.

1.

The overall property must be maintained in good repair. No broken or boarded up windows or doors are permitted at any time. Hanging gutters, damaged shutters and garage doors, and missing siding and singles must be repaired promptly. Porches and steps must be kept in good repair. All fencing and gates must be maintained. No peeling, blistered paint or unfinished siding is allowed. Paint color of homes, fences and outbuildings needs to be attractive. No overly bright, fluorescent, or garish colors are allowed. Acceptable paint colors are (to be determined). Lawn maintenance Front and back yards must be mowed and bushes neatly maintained. Curb and driveway edging is encouraged. Per the City of Duluth, grass is to be cut on a regular basis and not to exceed 8 in height. Plastic flowers and containers are not permitted on the front side of the residence. Landscaping & gardens Vegetable gardens in excess of 8x8 area are not allowed in the front yard. Smaller herb and vegetable gardens are permitted if kept weed free and cultivated to be pleasing to the eye. No invasive trees or vines may be planted within the subdivision. Plantings on corner lots and at the entrances must not obscure the vision of drivers seeing pedestrians. Trees Removal of healthy trees over 12 in base diameter must be approved by the Board unless fallen by natural circumstances. Part of Norman Downes appeal is its mature trees. There may be no visible tree stumps seen from the front of the home. IMPORTANT: Removal of trees without prior HOA approval may incur a fine. No decorative fencing in the front yard. Mailboxes should be made of sturdy material, and easily accessible from the street with numbers clearly marked on the mailbox so they can be seen from either side. Signage is limited to house numbers, plus one for sale or rent sign. Any posted signs within the neighborhood regarding upcoming events and garage sales etc. must be removed directly after the event takes place.

2.

3.

4. 5.

6.

7. 8.

9.

10. Flags and yard art in the front yard must be tasteful and limited. 11. Recreational and play equipment, including tire swings, swing sets, basketball hoops, and soccer nets are not allowed in the front yard or on the street in front of the property. 12. Tents and hammocks are not permitted in the front yard. 13. Holiday decorations must be removed within 30 days once a holiday has past. Christmas lights (even unlit) must not remain on the house year round. 14. Debris and other yard waste, including fallen trees must be disposed of in a timely manner. 15. Dumpsters may be kept on the premises in the driveway for a period of no longer than 30 days unless a major renovation project is in operation. No dumpsters may be kept on the street. 16. Any new home additions must be submitted for approval in advance by the Covenants Compliance Committee. 17. Out buildings must be submitted for approval in advance by the Covenant Compliance Committee.

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18. There is no burning within the City of Duluth of trash, paper etc. Open burning of leaves, tree branches and limbs by individuals associated with storm clean-up and individual yard work is not allowed per Gwinnett County. At the 2012 Homeowners meeting, several suggestions were made regarding adding the following restrictions: Compost piles are not allowed to be left on the front lawn. Burning of leaves and other yard waste is banned due to the smoke pollution as it poses hazard to those with allergies and/or breathing problems. See #18 above. Above is a list of possible compliance standards for Norman Downes Homes. If you would like to be on the committee that will finalize our community standards, please fill out the sheet on the last page of the newsletter and drop it in the suggestion box or email your request to: ndhaboard@gmail.com

Congratulations to Jeanne Kosmala, Mason Elementarys 2011 Teacher of the Year!

Please contribute to Normans News at normansnews@gmail.com or put your article or newsworthy item in one of the entrance suggestion boxes! Many thanks to Jonathan Silver who designed our holiday party invitation. Your editor Cheryl Smith sparklechick2@gmail.com

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Your Board Members are Asking for Your Help! What are your skills and interests?
Yes! I would like to be on this (these) committees. Please contact me! ____ Administration
(mailing/filing/scanning/computer input skills) (project and work day committees)

____ Development & Maintenance ____ Communications ____ Social

(newsletter/web/printing/writing articles)

(neighborhood events and activities) (planting, maintenance & gardening) (maintenance and improvement projects)

____ Landscape & Beautification ____ Pool Recreational Area ____ Standards Committee ____ Neighbor to Neighbor

____ Lake and Tennis Recreational Area

(activities and improvements)

(compiling reasonable standards we all can live by)

(helping other neighbors in the community with manual labor, carpentry, yard work, home cooked meals and more!)

Tell us your special skill(s): ___________________________________________ Name (please print): _____________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________

Announcing: Normans News will be issued quarterly in 2012 and is going green to save paper and your dollars for other projects! Please deliver future issues by ...
Email only
(Please check your preferences.)

Paper only

Both

Name (please print): _____________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________________

Please fill out and return to the suggestion/ballot boxes at the front entrances.