Forest Chase

A wonderful place to call home

Newsletter, Issue 3 SUMMER 2013 July-September

2013 FCHOA Budget

Theres been a huge learning curve that came along with the volunteer role of being a part of the Forest Chase HOA Board of Directors. Its taken us six long months to get our bearings in the organization, figure out the strengths and talents of the members, earn trust, raise communication, and dig a bit deeper in to the history of the neighborhood. We arent even close to being done yet with the stated goals. However weve reached a point in the finances where we feel like we need to report, reflect, and set some serious goals for the future. Weve spent many hours pouring over the books. Our new treasurer Ginger Pearson, and our consulting and past treasurer, Stephen Guerra, have been such a valuable asset to the FCHOA. Please say thank you to them for their service to our community! On the next page you will see two columns. One is for the 2012 year and the other is for this 2013 year. We have tried to project spending and expenses for the entire year, however sometimes changes or issues arise. These projections are based on last years expenses, estimates, or contracts weve had re-written for the 2013 year. Weve also trimmed some fat from the spending by renegotiating contracts with our vendors, A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent

FCHOA Members

being creative with spending, self auditing of expenses, and trading ad space in our quarterly newsletter. To reach and meet our 2013 budget we will need to collect $18,203. We divide the membership funds collected and they are allocated for civic or pool expenses. That means that $225 of the $300 pool membership dues are used for the pool. While the remaining $75 is devoted to the general fund for HOA expenses. We have decided to split the expenses to track more easily where monies are coming in and where they are going out. As of June 24, 2013 we have 46 civic and 51 full members. This is the highest participation in years, we appreciate the enthusiasm and support! We feel very strongly about being financially transparent and we are open to conversation if you have any questions. We also look forward to your financial support since we can not tackle this budget alone. Suggestions and concerns may be e-mailed to FHCOAinfo@gmail.com or feel free to contact me personally at 352-598-0271. Sincerely, Cindi Williams, President FCHOA Roseanne Guerra, Vice President OPEN SEAT, Assistant to VP Missy Greco, Pool Director Ginger Pearson, Treasurer Sode Del Risco, Secretary

FCHOA Budget Reflection/Goals 2013 vs. 2012

This worksheet is a breakdown of the expenses that Forest Chase Homeowners Association had for the calendar year of 2012 AND an estimated budget of expenses for the calendar year 2013.

*Income reflected is up to date on June 3, 2013. More income from ad sales is expected.

Forest Chase HOA Begining Balance in Account INCOME *Dues Collected *Newsletter Ads Sold EXPENSES Printing/Delivery Newsletter Bank Service Charges Grounds Insurance License & Permits Pool Maintenance Pool Telephone Water Pool & Sprinkler Postage and Delivery, PO BOX Accounting Services Georgia Taxes Property Taxes Supplies Electricity Total

2013 ($2,625.58) $16,181.10 $690.00 $935.00 $180.00 $2,250.00 $1,534.00 $260.00 $8,000.00 $532.00 $1,500.00 $322.00 $140.00 $10.00 $140.00 $200.00 $2,200.00 $18,203

2012 $39,127.42 $15,066.50 $0.00 $0.00 $180.00 $16,400.00 $3,638.95 $286.00 $15,930.28 $1,016.30 $1,412.73 $225.40 $340.00 $20.00 $134.51 $0.00 $2,168.76 $41,753

Over/Under

1,114.60 over 690.00 over 935.00 over at budget 14,150.00 under 2,104.95 under 26.00 under 7,930.28 under 484.30 under 87.27 over 96.60 over 200.00 under 10.00 under 5.49 over 200.00 over 31.24 over

The 2013 amounts are an ESTIMATE only and the final Summary amounts could vary. The current Board of Directors was *Pool Maintenance was higher in 2012 due elected on January 18, 2013. When elected they were to the resurfacing work that needed to be informed that FCHOA would have a negative balance done. *Grounds Maintenance was much due to spending already approved by the 2012 Board higher in 2012 due to new signage, plants, members. We are taking every effort to make up the irrigation system installation, and retaining difference and operate with a positive balance for the wall at pool. *Postage is higher for 2013 to entire year 2013. allow $250 for a direct mail campaign for all homes in neighborhood. *Supplies budget is for miscellaneous expenses needed for As of June 3, 2013 we still need to raise an additional paper, ink, or supplies for repair work and/or $1,332.00 to balance our proposed budget. improvements. HOW? Ask your neighbor to join FCHOA, help us sell ads in the newsletters! We appreciate your trust and support in maintaining our neighborhood.

*This newsletter went to press on June 24th. Updated total for Dues Collected = $17,889.54

Improvements to Forest Chase

Jamerson Rd. Entrance The NEW and beautiful sign at Jamerson Rd. is complete. The high winds this Winter did cause an issue and minor damage. A special thank you to Chris Burke for the speedy repair on the sign. The lights are on a timer in an effort to save $ on electricity! The rain gauge saved us tons of water money! Jims Rd. Entrance Area The stacked rock column of the Jims entrance was repaired and painted to stop the rot on the wooden sign. Thank you Williams family! The communication board is up and running again with a new lock. If you have something to hang inside, just ask. Do not tape on the outside of the board. Send an e-mail FCHOAinfo@gmail.com. A special thank you to the Taibi family for flower donations and to the Murrell family for installing them at the Jims Entrance. Do you have a green thumb and would like to help plant flowers throughout the seasons? Please e-mail us at FCHOAinfo@gmail.com Pool Property Cleanup Day We had a cleanup weekend at the end of April in an effort to spruce up the pool and get it ready for the Summer swim season.
I just want to thank all of the families who came out to help clean OUR pool this weekend. Due to a bad weather scare for Saturday, Cindi Williams put out an all call for helpers on Friday evening. Thank you to Karen and her son Jordan and the Guerra family who joined the Williams and Greco families for all of your hard work! We got so much done that allowed for us to add additional tasks to our clean up on Saturday that may not have gotten done otherwise.

Saturday morning I was shocked and pleased. Numerous families showed up to help. Thank you to the Zurita family, Mandigo family, Haley family, Ginger and John Pearson, Alex and Addy, Williams family, Greco family, and anyone else who I may have failed to mention by name. We did such an amazing job cleaning up the pool and surrounding areas. Everything looks AMAZING! You may join the pool online any time or in person. Dont hesitate to contact me with any questions. - Missy Greco, Pool Director missyggreco@yahoo.com

A life without love is like a year without summer. ~Swedish Proverb

Homeowner Awareness by Michelle Ralston

Beware of dog bites: Tips to keep you and your children safe
There are tremendous responsibilities and potential liabilities that come with owning a dog. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there are approximately 4.7 million dog bites per year, resulting in 800,000 injuries that require medical attention. Half of those injuries are to people under the age of 18. Dog behavior is a serious concern for everyone. Insurance companies often pay civil judgments for dog bites that happen on their customers properties. Those payments affect insurance premiums that policyholders pay. Dog bites cost the property/casualty insurance industry roughly $413 million in 2010. Since 2003, the cost of these claims has risen nearly 37 percent. When you consider those types of claims account for nearly one third of homeowners liability claims, it is important to do everything you can to prevent dog bites. The Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Humane Society offer the following tips on how to prevent dog attacks. Share this information with your loved ones for protection in a variety of situations: For owners: Responsibility as a dog owner begins before the puppy or dog is brought home for the first time. Research dog breeds and select a dog suitable to your family and lifestyle. If you are buying a puppy, ask to meet the parents and observe the setting in which the young dog was raised. Train or socialize your dog. Dont play aggressive games with your dog. Spay or neuter your dog. Seek professional advice if your dog starts to become aggressive, such as growling or nipping. Closely supervise children when around dogs. The size of a child may cause a dog to act in a dominant way toward a child. For everyone: If a strange or threatening dog approaches, stand still. Dont run or scream. Try to back against a tree or car. If you have time, climb on a car or up a tree. Then call for help. If the dog moves away, you can then move away carefully. If a dog knocks you down, lie on the ground with knees tucked to your chest and a fist over each ear. Remain very still and quiet. Dont stare. Staring threatens dogs. Be aware that about 80 percent of dog bites occur in the victims home or at a friends home. These friendly dog bites account for the majority of treated dog bites.

Michelle has been with American Family Insurance since 1999. Her office is located at 3750 Palladian Village Dr., across from Lassiter High School. Michelle can be contacted at (770) 250-7775.

Nature Notes by Roseanne Guerra, VP of FCHOA

Snakes
There was a flurry of interest recently on the Forest Chase Facebook Forum about snakes in our neighborhood, so I thought this would be a good newsletter to talk snakes! Springtime is the best time to see snakes in Forest Chase. Snakes will bask in the sun on cool spring days, and most snakes become more nocturnal as the summer heat hits. If you come across a snake, LEAVE IT ALONE. Most snake bites occur when a person is trying to harass or kill the snake. It is ILLEGAL to kill non-venomous snakes in Georgia.

Water Snake in my yard, his head on his back. The most common snakes in Forest Chase are the Northern water snakes in our creek. They are not venomous, and live mostly on fish. They are easily mistaken for copperheads, and once in a while I talk to a neighbor who heard the creek is full of copperheads. In the twenty years I have lived in Forest Chase, I have only seen one copperhead and it had been run over on Forest Way. Black Racer in Joey Schaafs yard. Copperhead

Summer Vacation

Staycation? Check out Our Faves

If youre like most Americans, you are trying to get more creative in vacation planning and making your dollar stretch as far as possible. We put out the call to the neighbors to help compile a list of their FAVES! Spots in Georgia (or close) where you could escape to on a day or week long trip! what you tried out? Do you agree? Enjoy the list and let us know

(Atlanta)

Museum: Tellus Museum (Cartersville) v The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History (Kennesaw) v Booth Western Art Museum (Cartersville) v Fernbank

Lake Allatoona

State Park: Cloudland Canyon (NW, GA) v Amicalola Falls State Park (Dawsonville, GA) v Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site (Cartersville, GA) Water area: Galts Ferry on Lake Acworth v
Anna Ruby Falls (Helen,GA) In the fall we McKinney Campground

Pick-your-own farm: Harry Stacy strawberry farm (Dallas) v love R & A Orchards (Ellijay) v Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge)
GA)

Place to camp: Cloudland Canyon v

McKinney Campground (Lake Allatoona,

Romantic destination: Serenity in the Mountains (Blue Ridge) v Montaluce Winery & Estates (Dahlonega) v Dillard House (Cohutta National Forest, Dillard, GA) Annual festival/Event: North GA State Fair v Callaway Gardens Festival of Lights (Pine Mountain) v Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival Place to fish: Rope Mill Park (Woodstock) v Place to take a picnic lunch:
lake v Roswell Mill www.georgiawildlife.org/maps/fishing J.J. Biello Park (Woodstock) v Kennesaw Mt.

Roswell Mill

Battlefield-great hiking and picnic area (Kennesaw) v City of Mountain Park, GA at the Swallow at the Hollow (Roswell) v Rays

Best BBQ food:

Place to satisfy a sweet tooth: Chocolate Jewels (in Sandy Plains Publix shopping center) v Rays Donuts on Canton Rd v Menchies Frozen Yogurt (Sandy Plains)

Callaway Gardens

Mercier Orchards

Camping

High Museum of Art

Fernbank

Fun Outside this Summer

Geocaching: Fun For All Ages

What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

At its simplest level, geocaching requires these 8 steps:

1. Register for a free Basic Membership. 2. Visit the Hide & Seek a Cache page. 3. Enter your postal code and click search.

What do I need to go geocaching?

The only necessities are a GPS device OR a GPSenabled mobile phone so that you can navigate to the cache, and a Geocaching.com Membership.

How many geocaches are there?

There are officially 2,066,514 geocaches worldwide. How many do you think are wihtin a 15 mile radius of Forest Chase Neighborhood? There are thousands!

We found a cache in a bird decoy! 4. Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name. 5. Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device. 6. Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache. 7. Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location. 8. Share your geocaching stories and photos online.

What are the rules of geocaching?

If you take something from the geocache (or cache), leave something of equal or greater value. Write about your find in the cache logbook. Log your experience at www.geocaching.com.

What kind of cache should I look for on my first adventure?

Cache Type: Traditional Difficulty Rating: 1 Cache Size: Regular or Large You should also check to see that other geocachers have recently logged finds on the cache page (also called the cache listing). This indicates that the geocache is most likely still in place and findable. Find logs are indicated on the cache page with a smiley face.

This cache in Chattahooce Nature Center was a hairy situation! Its a mannequin head.

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GOOD TO KNOW

Summer Weatherization!

FROM ONLYGNG.COM

There are easy things anyone can do to help maintain energy efficiency during the summer months that will not only help $ave money (during summer AND winter) but also help beautify the surrounding environment. While the weather is warm, consider: Investing in and using energyefficient window treatments. The savings will pay for them in a short time. They will provide much needed shade to keep the house cool in the summer and allow the sun in to warm things in the winter. Addressing air leaks now. If necessary, hire an experienced professional who can repair any that you find. Planting more trees outside. Not only will they provide welcomed shade, but they will also help clean the air. During winter, deciduous trees will drop their leaves, which will allow the sun to peak through and provide warmth!

Call us today for your FREE estimate! Mention this ad and receive $25 off your cost!

678.231.4820 office 678.233.8442 cell

A special THANK YOU to the Pearson Family for donating and renovating these PICNIC tables! Whooo-hooo Pearsons!
Waste Management American Disposal Website Phone BBB Rating

For ongoing weatherization tips and more information, visit www.onlygng.com

Cycle Works Sanitation

www.wm.com
404-794-6707 Accreditation REVOKED: No Rating (click for info)

www.americandisposal.com
678-720-0500 A+

www.cycleworkssanitation.com
770-592-1515 A

TRASH SERVICE COMPARISON I hope someone finds this helpful. I negotiated discounted rates with both American and Cycle Works for Forest Chase. American specifically stated the neighborhood rate would be good for 1 year. Please realize that these details could change at anytime, but I thought it might be helpful to see a side by side comparison. If this chart doesnt format nicely for any of you to read, let me know and I can try a different format. My best advice is price match before switching companies if price is your main reason for considering a switch. If you have questions, Ill do my best to answer. Chris McCoy justsendittomyemail@gmail.com

Bin Size/Recycle 96 gallon/65 gallon or 18 gallon

96 gallon/64 gallon

96 gallon/96 gallon or 20 gallon 1 time recycle fee: 20 gallon = $10 (waived for neighborhood rate) 96 gallon = $30 (NOT waived)

Pick Up Day Standard rate

Monday $48 quarterly plus variable fees = $65 For trash and recycling

Thursday $60 quarterly trash and recycling

Wednesday $45 quarterly + $2.97/quarter fuel surcharge

1 yr contract option = $46* - 50/quarter. *with approval Discount for S/D *havent pursued Approved for $36 quarterly trash only $39 quarterly trash and recycling for 1 year. Just mention Forest Chase Discounted rate -----eligibility Referral Bonus Other Discount Extra Fees Price Matching Other n/a no 1 Year Contract paid quarterly 1 time $40 setup fee no Recyclebank Points *eligible 1 month free at standard rate Pay for 12 months Get 13th month FREE $20 admin fee to cancel service yes *eligible 1 month free Pay for 5 months Get 6th month FREE -Start up fee for recycling -Fuel Surcharge yes Door to Door Salesman offering $30/quarter. $39 quarterly (fuel surcharge is waived)

Home Safety and Improvement

Helpful Siding Replacement Tips

Summer has finally returned! But so have all of your outside chores, such as mowing the grass, planting new flowers, and sprucing up the exterior of your house. Just like the interior of the house, the exterior becomes worn and weathered over time. Its important to maintain and replace old siding for numerous reasons. Not only does it make your home more attractive, it also protects you from the outside elements, such as rain and bugs. It can also, when using certain materials, help with your homes energy efficiency! So how do you go about upgrading or replacing your siding? Well, there are several things to consider before you start the process: when its time to replace, the type of material that should be use, and who should be hired to do the work.

that is applied by the manufacturer. The highest quality and most recognized brand of fiber cement siding is James Hardie Cementitious Siding. Stone or Brick is the most expensive option, but its also the most durable with hardly any maintenance needed.

Hiring Your Contractor

With the amount of media access we have at our fingertips daily, finding a contractor isnt really that hard. But finding quality, reliable, and trustworthy contractors can be trickier. Angies List and Trustdale are very good internet resources to find highly recommended companies, as well as the good old fashion word of mouth references from neighbors or friends. Friends who have had work done on their own house can usually give you an honest opinion and show you the workmanship first hand. When you find a contractor, its best to select a contractor that is ready to show you their quality work and reference past projects. They should provide you with proof of their company insurance, a knowledgeable explanation of the product that would be used, and a thorough understanding of how it should be installed. The contractor should also guide you through the process and consult with you to determine the best product for your particular project. With each product being used, there is a system that must be followed to ensure correct installment and long lasting performance. You can get a free consultation from Nehemiah Reconstruction for any siding project you may have coming up. Nehemiah Reconstruction prides themselves on providing all of the above mentioned criteria that you, as a customer, should look for! www. Nehemiah.com 678-990-6921

Time for Replacement?

Siding materials vary greatly when it comes to their recommended replacement time line. In addition to considering the type of siding on your house, your amount of maintenance and areas climate are also factors when it comes to making your decision. Here are a few signs that it might be time to replace your siding in correlation to the type of siding you may have. 1. Vinyl- See if it is warped, twisted, extremely mildewed or loose. 2. Wood- Check to see if it is rotting, unable to hold paint or swelling around nails and joints. 3. Aluminum- Look for loose, dented, or discolored pieces on the house. 4. Stone or Brick Veneer- Early signs of failure for this type of material are cracking in the mortar from a bad mix and or cracking in the material itself.

What Type of Materials are Available?

While there are several different kinds of siding, here are some of the most commonly installed materials. If you are looking for an economical material, vinyl would certainly be the most cost effective option. Its long lasting and requires very little maintenance. (Foamback vinyl is available now for better insulation.) If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing material, fiber cement is the most popular product on the market. It can be painted or ordered with a pre-painted baked on finish
C M

12195 Hwy 92 Woodstock, GA 301 4049754560

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Flexible Payment Options

Learn more about OutBack Deck at www.outbackdeck.net
Discover why we are the preferred deck builder of Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, East Cobb and Roswell Georgia. Take advantage of our exible payment options. 0% interest for 60 months or 12 months same as cash. Well turn you deck project in to lasting memories. After all, life happens out back.

Call today, 4049754560

12195 Hwy 92 Woodstock, GA 30188

Renovation Associates merges your vision with our attention to detail and scale to create a showcase renovation project with long-lasting beauty and functionality for years of living enjoyment. Take advantage of our flexible payment options today. 0% interest for 60 months or 12 months same as cash. Learn more about us at www.renovation-associates.com
FLEXIBLE 0% interest for 60 months PAYMENT OPTIONS 12 months same as cash

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CALL TODAY, 404-428-6600

Renovation Associates merges your vision with our attention to detail and scale to create a showcase renovation project with long-lasting beauty and functionality for years of living enjoyment. Take advantage of our exible payment options today. 0% interest for 60 months or 12 months same as cash. Learn more about us at www.renovation-associates.com

Call today, 404 428 6600

Entry Doors

3162 Johnson Ferry Rd., Suite 260 -14 Marietta, GA 30062

Windows
Equipped with the best materials and most skilled team of contractor professionals, we are dedicated to the improvement of our neighbors homes; serving Cobb, Cherokee, Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody. Take advantage of our flexible payment options. 0% interest for 60 months or 12 months same as cash.

Gutters

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Siding

678.990.6921

www.nehemiah.com

Learn more about Nehemiah at www.nehemiah.com and discover why we are the preferred contractor of North Atlanta. Equipped with the best materials and most skilled team of contractor professionals, we are dedicated to the improvement of our neighbors homes; serving Cobb, Cherokee, Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody.

For puzzle solution, email: FCHOAinfo@gmail.com

We have some prizes this newsletter to give out! Chick-fil-a coupons and tiny stuffed cows!! YOU wanna win one? 1. FIND the beetle in this Summer issue of the FCHOA newsletter. 2.Send in an e-mail of where it is hiding...include your name and address to FCHOAinfo@gmail.com We will pick a winner at random and we'll deliver your prize to your mailbox. GO HUNT!

Kids Korner
o

A special spot for Forest Chase Jrs., we love our kids! - Georgia is the nations number one producer of the three Ps--peanuts, pecans, and peaches. - Known as the sweetest onion in the world, the Vidalia onion can only be grown in the fields around Vidalia and Glennville - Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River. - Georgia's population in 1776 was around 40,000. - The name of the famous south Georgia swamp, the Okefenokee, is derived from an Indian word meaning the trembling earth.

GEORGIA FUN FACTS

Copyright of www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy

- The official state fish is the largemouth bass. - In Gainesville, the Chicken Capital of the A special shout out to Max & Alejandro. Two of our FC Jr. readers! World it is illegal to eat chicken with a HEY HEY!! from, Mrs. Cindi fork. - Georgia was named for King George II Now Accepting SUBMISSIONS for FALL of England. - Stone Mountain near Atlanta is one of Fall Poems Fall drawings the largest single masses of exposed Fall photos in our neighborhood granite in the world. e-mail them to FCHOAinfo@gmail.com

IMPORTANT DATES

Calendar & Announcements

Independence Day Holiday Parents Day

July 4, 2013 July 28, 2013

August 4, 2013 Friendship Day August 7, 2013 First day of school year 2013-2014 September 2, 2013 September 22, 2013 Labor Day Holiday Autumn Begins

Who's protecting your dreams?

September 28, 2013 FCHOA pool closes for the season

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FCHOA Pool is open now, you can still join as a member! www.ForestChase.org $300 for an annual pool membership. Contact us at FCHOAinfo@gmail.com if you need information or have any questions. HOA Dues for civic $75 can still be paid online at ForestChase.org
Do you want to have an event listed? E-mail FCHOAinfo@gmail.com
Forest Chase HOA reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication.

Michelle M Ralston Agency Bus: (770) 250-7775 Alt: (866) 203-9046 http://www.mralstonagency.com mralston@amfam.com

A GLOWING thank you to the Ralston Family for donating the NEW glow-in-the dark Tetherball at the picnic area! YIPPIE RALSTONS!

Camacho Brothers Home Services OFFERS: painting, pressure washing, landscaping, electrical, plumbing...the help your home needs!
Information posted in this newsletter is intended to provide general knowledge that may be of interest to Forest Chase Homeowners. Forest Chase HOA does not warrant the accuracy of the information as posted on this website. Forest Chase HOA reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication. The appearance of advertising on the Forest Chase HOA website in no way implies endorsement or approval by the HOA of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or services. Forest Chase HOA disclaims any liability whatsoever in connection with advertising appearing in this newsletter.

678-557-1682

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CAMACHO BROTHERS Home Services
Service area of Cobb & Cherokee Counties

DanRich@KW.com

404-944-4155

Dan Richardson