Happy 2011

SMOOTH DRIVING
2011 begins anew with smooth driving on the streets of Heather Pointe. After six years of pleading to have the streets of Heather Pointe paved, it has finally happened. No one will miss the potholes, dips and bumps that have plagued the community since its beginning. Without Liz Reiff's unwavering petitions for help to the Pinson City Council, none of this could have happened. This feat may have been accomplished sooner had there been more resident representation at Pinson City Council Meetings.

There is strength in numbers.
The story is told of a mouse who spies a farmer opening a package
which contains a mousetrap. Alarmed, he tells the chicken.

The chicken tells the mouse it is to bad for the mouse but, is of no concern to
her.

The mouse then tells pig who sympathizes with him and tells the mouse that he'll pray for him.

The mouse tells the cow about the mousetrap. The cow is unfazed and only reponds with, "Duh?"

Feeling dejected and alone, the mouse returns to his home in
the wall.

During the night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a mouse trap catching its prey.

The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught.

In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.

The snake bit the farmer's wife.

The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever.

Now everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock.

To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well, in fact, she died, and so many people came for her funeral the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide meat for all of them to eat.

So, the next time you think that something doesn’t concern you or that someone else will do it , remember that what concerns the least of us really concerns ALL of us.

Each year we make resolutions. We make a pledge to better ourselves in some way. By now you should have received correspondence from Metcalf. Enclosed along with your yearly dues letter is a form asking for board members.
Why not make becoming a part of your HOA one of your resolutions. By participating you will have knowledge of its inner workings and have a voice. Board meetings are held quarterly and Homeowners meetings once a year. Decide to become more involved in your community for 2011.

Speed Limit Signs have been installed.

Observation of the 20 mph speed limit in Heather Pointe will make the neighborhood safer for children and pedestrians.

THANKS to Brent Powell for decorating the front entrance for the holidays.

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Street Signs
President, Liz Reiff received three Neighborhood Watch signs from the City of Pinson. However, Heather Pointe Community has no speed signs. Three U-Channel Poles with nuts and bolts are required to hang the signs. Because these are 10 foot galvanized poles, they require special freight charges and the price is very high. The President has requested the City of Pinson install speed signs in our neighborhood. Public Safety is important to the community. If the City of Pinson installs speed signs, the Neighborhood Watch signs can be place underneath. It has been said in the past that until the roads were accepted Heather Pointe would be in limbo about the speed signs. The community has been fortunate to have received stop signs. The citizens of Heather Pointe look forward to the time that our development will finally be completed.
Heather Point Pride

*Garbage cans should be kept out of view from the street. Remove emptied receptacles from the curb on trash day as soon as possible.

*Pick up wayward debris and trash in front of and around your home. This includes sales papers, flyers, food wrappers and cups, cigar and cigarette butts, pet waste.

*Be mindful of noise levels. Constant loud music and voices can be irritating to your neighbors.

On Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 2:00 a.m., Daylight Saving Time (also known as Daylight Savings Time) ends. The U.S. time will revert to Central Standard Time (CST).

Daylight Saving Time (DST) began in the U.S. during World War I taking advantage of longer daylight hours between April and October. It would give workers in the War effort a longer work day and increase production. The federal government observed the time change again during World War II. The Uniform Time Act, was passed by Congress in 1966. It standardized the length of Daylight Saving Time..

Arizona (except some Indian Reservations), Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Since these areas are closer to the equator their days are more consistent in length throughout the year.

Other countries also observe Daylight Saving Time. In Europe DST is known as European Summer Time. It begins the last Sunday in March and extends until the last Sunday in October.
We will spring forward to Daylight Saving Time for the U.S. on March 13, 2011 at 2:00a.m. Enjoy your extra hour of sleep. Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-zzz

November 2010 Observances
November 2nd Vote

November 11th

Thanksgiving Day, November 25th

Lesser known November Observances

Aviation History Month
Child Safety Protection Month
International Drum Month
National Adoption Awareness Month

National Epilepsy Month
National Model Railroad Month

National Novel Writing Month
Native American Heritage Month
Peanut Butter Lovers Month

Real Jewelry Month

National Sleep Comfort Month

Pumpkin Seeds
Did you know that the seeds inside your pumpkin are edible? They make a delicious, nutritious snack. You'll wonder why you didn't save the last batch from that jack-o-lantern carving.

Ingredients

2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

2. Spread the pumpkin seeds on a medium baking sheet. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt.

3. Bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted.

NOTE: You may need to adjust your baking time to suit your own preferences. Pumpkin seeds can be seasoned with whatever your taste dictates. Among seasonings are cinnamon, salt, sugar, popcorn seasonings.

END***

An update on Pinson & Developer lawsuit. Click to enlarge.

HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION MEETING

By now you have received notice of the upcoming HOA meeting.

Become involved in your community.
Heather Pointe Homeowners Association Meeting

Saturday, October 23, 2010

9:00a.m. @ Pinson Community Center

6230 Dry Creek Lane

DIRECTIONS: Turn lft onto HWY 75. Turn lft onto Glen Brook Rd. Turn rt. onto Dry Creek Ln

Pinson, Alabama 35126

Financial Status, Preparation for 2011 and Road Updates

To Become President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer,

e-mail Heatherpointe @ gmail.com
or phone 205-681-3099

Road Repair
In last month's post you may have read about The Pinson City Council signing resolution 10-27 to have the streets of Heather Pointe paved. You may also remember that a lawsuit has been filed against the developer. If you missed the following news articles in The Birmingham News and the Pinson News & Clay Times.

Click on the articles below to enlarge and read.

Road repair has begun.
No doubt you have noticed that the large pothole at the entrance of Heather Pointe has been filled.
Other areas have been marked and portions scored apparently for removal of badly damaged sections.

All homes have off -the- street parking and as such Heather Pointe’s Covenant prohibits street parking past 24 hours. When overall paving begins, cars will need to be off of the street. This is a minor inconvenience compared to the overall results that will be gained by having a beautifully paved community. Overall curb appeal will be enhanced and should instill more pride in our surroundings.
Many thanks to The Pinson City Council and Liz Reiff, HOA President who never gave up the struggle to better our community.
Saturn Lane
Heather Pointe residents living on the south end of the community may have heard sounds of heavy equipment in the wooded area near their homes. If you drive up Saturn Lane you will notice on your right that trees have been removed and a huge expanse of clay is visible.

I was curious to know what was going on. I asked the caterpillar operator what was being built .
His answer, “Nothing.”
I was told that it is a borrow pit .The dirt is being hauled down to the building site for the new Huffman High School. Whether or not this is true remains in the air, but that was his story and he stuck to it.
Litter


Although the entrance to St. John is not a part of the Heather Pointe subdivision, a resident has expressed concern about the large amounts of litter.

First impressions are lasting impressions. If anyone is interested in picking up litter at the entrance and curved portion of St. John on a periodic basis, send an e-mail to heatherpointe@gmail.com and your interest will be forwarded to the interested person.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is breast cancer awareness month (BCAM). According to the American Cancer Society, “
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for
skin cancers. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time
in a woman's life is a little less than 1 in 8 (12%).

Men can also be affected with breast cancer. Their numbers account
for about 1% of breast cancer cases. Because their breast tisue is less dense
than a woman’s abnormalities are easier to detect.

Since the beginning of BCAM, many charities and organizations have sponsored events to support breast cancer survivors, remember those who have died from the disease, educating the public, and raising money in an effort to find a cure.

One such organization is the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is a run/walk sponsored each year to race money for the eradication of breast cancer.
The Komen Race for the Cure was held in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday, October 9, 2010. President, Liz Reiff and her daughter participated in this very worthwhile cause. We all know of someone who has been stricken with breast cancer.

October is Family History Month

Senator Orrin Hatcher presented a resolution to Congress in 2001 in which he felt that families become closer when they have knowledge of their ancestors.

There are numerous family history organizations. With some it has become a hobby allowing them to encounter other genealogy enthusiasts and forming clubs and organizations. universities, community schools and libraries often offer courses or guidelines for exploring family history.

A Free Webinar will be sponsored by Family Tree University, October 16, 2010. To register click here . This webinar promises to teach the beginning genealogist what’s needed to begin searching the family history. And it can all be done without leaving home. Even if you can’t attend, you can register to receive a link to view the recorded event at a later time.

Rattling the skeletons in your closet may prove to be a rewarding find.

Condolences to Norma Ritch and her family on the loss of her brother.

Safety tips

• Be a nosy neighbor. If it looks suspicious call the Sheriff's Office.
• 
  Never leave valuables in plain sight unattended in your car even for a short period of time.
  
• Leaving your garage door up for long periods of time allows dishonest people to enter your home or steal goods from inside your garage.
  
• October 31st Be Safe. Be Aware !

END***

2010 ANNUAL MEETING

ROADS TO BE PAVED
At the September 16th meeting of the Pinson City Council, resolution 10-27 was passed signifying that the roads in Heather Pointe are to be paved within the next 3-4 weeks. Jubilation from the four Heather Pointe residents in attendance was shared by all.

Cars will need to be off of the street. You will be notified ahead of time so that you can make arrangements for this minor inconvenience.

The paved roads will not only add to the attractiveness of the community but will also add to the property value of homes.
Many thanks to HOA president, Liz Reiff for her continued lobbying to the City Council to have Heather Pointe's roads paved. Past Board members are also due gratitude in their pursuit to better the conditions.
Heather Pointe extends a huge gratitude to the Pinson City Council on their decision to aid the residents of Heather Pointe to have the roads paved.
*

HEATHER POINTE ANNUAL MEETING 2010

Heather Pointe Homeowners Association Meeting
Saturday, October 23, 2010
9:00a.m. @ Pinson Community Center
6230 Dry Creek Lane
DIRECTIONS: Turn lft onto HWY 75. Turn lft onto Glen Brook Rd. Turn rt. onto Dry Creek Ln
Pinson, Alabama 35126
Financial Status, Preparation for 2011 and Road Updates
To Become President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer,
e-mail Heatherpointe @ gmail.com
or phone 205-681-3099

Heather Pointe Executive Board Meeting
September 8, 2010
The Heather Pointe Homeowners Board Meeting met at the home of Sylvia McClain. The meeting was called to order at 6:40pm and opened with prayer by the President, Liz Reiff.
In attendance were Liz Reiff , President, Sylvia McClain, Secretary and Elaine Perry, Treasurer.

Order of business :

Discussion for Annual Meeting in October

A complaint has been filed against John Millington in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County regarding repairing and paving roads. After completion of the community, the roads were never paved as had been promised. Since that time roads have continue to deteriorate with uneven places, potholes causing damage to automobiles and property values.

The Executive Board agreed that they would like to have Metcalf continue to oversee the property for 2011.

146 homes have paid 2010 dues of $175 per household per year making a total of $25,550. The total amount of charges for upkeep of common areas, legal fees, office supplies, taxes, utilities, insurance from January to August 2010 is $19,701.37. The bills/payout for the rest of the year is approximately $12,086.50

Liens have been placed on 56 properties because of unpaid dues. It will be the burden of the violator to pay all additional fees connected to the lien.

2011 Homeowner Dues will be due by February 15, 2011. An installment plan will not be offered. It will be the responsibility of each homeowner to contact the Board or Metcalf if they are having problems paying their dues. Late charges will be applied as in accordance to the Rules & Regulation established in May 2009. After the 15th of the month $50.00 Late Charge will be applied.

Pinson City Council has Neighborhood Watch signs available. It is unknown as to whether poles for these signs are also available.

The annual Homeowners meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 23, 2010, at the Pinson Community Center. Sylvia McClain will type the flyers. Elaine Perry will copy them. They will also distribute the flyers on October 2, 2010. The flyers will ask for volunteers to fill all governing positions, ie. President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer. The sitting President states that she does not want to be responsible for signing contract(s) with Metcalf next year. She (President) further stated that she is willing to continue working with the HOA Board but, in a different capacity.

An update of the blog highlighting the HOA Annual Meeting will be done by Sylvia McClain.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30p.m.
Liz Reiff, President
Sylvia McClain, Secretary
Elaine Perry, Treasurer

NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY

National Grandparents Day is observed the first Monday after Labor Day in the U.S. For 2010 that date will be September 13th.


There is some debate as to whose diligence and forethought launched National Grandparents Day. Some credit Marian McQuade and others credit Hermine Beckett Hanna. In any event, National Grandparents Day is "... to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer".(wikipedia)

All seniors can be looked upon as grandparents. They are not necessarily blood relatives or older people with children. On National Grandparents Day recognize those who came before us. Respect, listen , honor and strengthen the ties between generations. "Adopt" a grandparent, not only for one day a year, but rather for a lifetime.
The official flower for National Grandparents Day is the forget-me-not.



FUN HOLIDAY "Talk Like A Pirate Day"

One caricature of a holiday is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, celebrated on September 19th. This fun day came about in 1995 by Mark Summers and John Baur. Friends greet each other with, “Ahoy matey.” Displeasure is expressed by growling, “Aaarrr!”


For the younger set, Peter Pan introduces just the right amount of adventure with its Captain Hook character. Young minds have the opportunity to explore as the story is read to them. Is the book as good as the movie? There are numerous versions of Peter Pan in video and DVD.


Older children and teens may enjoy reading Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson. Viewing the Disney version of Treasure Island could stimulate lively family conversation.


Pirates of the Caribbean is a fantasy-adventure film that will appeal to most. Though cunning and considered “just another pirate,” Captain Jack Sparrow rights the wrongs for himself and others with his wild antics. Imagination, humor and wonderful special effects abound in the Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy. Be sure to view them in order.



Most of these books and movies can be borrowed for free from your local library with a valid library card which is also free. Many versions of Peter Pan and Treasure Island exist so you may want to go online to see what’s available to you .

On September 11th, and every day let us remember our military personnel, fighting for us to keep our country free.
HP 09-2010

HEATHER POINTE ROADS

What You Can Do To Help
WE NEED YOU TO attend the Pinson City Council Meeting at 7pm, Thursday, July 1st. 6:30pm is pre-council. I would like Heather Pointe Community to show Mayor Sanders that not only is the HOA president concerned but, that Heather Pointe residents are just as interested in the repair of the roads.

I am sure everyone that lives in our community wants our streets finished and this is your opportunity to voice your concern after the meeting if the 'update' does not address our needs.

Please pass this on to your neighbor if they do not have email. It would be great to fill up the Council Chambers for this meeting to prove we are serious about getting our roads finished!
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Pop Bottle Bombs
Though meant as a prank, this homemade concoction can have devastating effects.

"At least two "works" bombs were left in the yards of York Township
residents overnight, creating a dangerous situation since the pop bottle bombs
quickly detonate, police said. Washtenaw County Sheriff's Deputy Keith
Mansell sent a warning to township residents this morning, urging them not to
pick up any bottles that have liquid in them or appear swollen." click here for full story.

See video here
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HEATHER POINTE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
3/30/10 Board Meeting Minutes Summary

Total present was 9 - 3 board members, 4 residents, attorney and Metcalf.

Minutes of the 12/19/09 Board Meeting were approved.

Motion to pay bills totaling $7,689.26 was approved.

CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT: You must be the original owner and have experienced warranty and/or other property issues. Contact Collins & Downey, collinsdowney.com, 205-324-1834, Toll Free 877-254-2986 or Fax 205-324-1846 for a legal consultation.

BOARD RESIGNATIONS: Resignations were received from our Vice President and Secretary. Gloria and April, we appreciate all your hard work and you will be missed.

BOARD POSITION AVAILABLE: Vice President. Please email heatherpointe@gmail.com

LANDSCAPING: We have no landscaping Committee. Detail Services will be doing weekly maintenance of the front entrance and common areas until this fall greatly improving their appearance.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM: Volunteers are needed to continue this program. The National Night Out Program is August 3, 2010 which would be a great opportunity for our residents to meet each other and hopefully become involved.

PAVEMENT UPDATE: Pinson’s Mayor states they are continuing to work to resolve this issue, but have some concerns as to liability should the City fix the current pot holes. A possible solution might be that the Association enter a waiver to hold harmless any entity fixing these pot holes.

METCALF REALTY: Dumping anything other than water down our storm drains is unlawful! Recently it was reported that hydraulic or some other type of fluid was dumped into one of our storm drains on the back street of Princess Boulevard. By law the Fire Department had to be informed who was required to flush the storm drains. This could possibly result in a charge for their service. If you see anyone dumping anything other than water down a storm drain, please obtain their tag number and call the police.

ACCOUNT ARREARAGES: All 2010 Association dues were due in full by February 5, 2010. A grace period was allowed until February 15, 2010. Payments received after February 15th, will incur a $50 late fee. A one time late charge of $50 would apply for payments not received by February 15th, or the 5th of March and April, for a total of $70.00. Liens will be placed against properties with legal action to commence on properties which already have liens of greater than $500.

JUNE BOARD MEETING: Time and place TBA one week prior to meeting.

Did you know . . .

In the City Communication, A quarterly Newsletter for the City of Pinson Citizens, had this Code of Alabama on page 2:
Section 3-1-5 of the Code of Alabama requires dog owners to confine their dogs to their own premises. In addition, when dogs are off the premises of the owner, they must be in the care and charge (on a leash) of the owner or other person. This law applies state-wide. Owners can be prosecuted for failure to control or confine their dogs as this is a criminal offense.

In observance of the "Small Town and Downtowns" celebration, the City of Pinson is publishing a book filled with recollections of Pinson's past. This book will be available for purchase at the CityFest 2010, April 10 10am-3pm.

Secretary Position on the Homeowner Assoc Board

The secretary position on the Homeowner Association Board is open. Please email heatherpointe@gmail.com if you would like to join the current 2010 Board Members.

The Homeowner Association will also be requesting owners to fill all positions for 2011. If you would like to get a 'heads' up and learn the procedures and policies for the Association and know the position you would like to hold, email heatherpointe@gmail.com and I will be glad to guide you, as much as I can, into the 2011 year.

Thank you,
Your President, Liz

HEATHER POINTE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
12/19/09 Board Meeting Minutes Summary

Total present was 14 - 6 board members, 7 residents and Metcalf.

Minutes of the 10/17/09 Board Meeting were approved.

Motion to pay bills totaling $5,546.73 was approved. A credit was given for fire dues.

FRONT ENTRANCE CLEANUP: The front entrance has been enhanced by the cleaning and removal of trees.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM: The first meeting was held November 19, 2009, at 6:30, for those who signed up. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. as only one person came. A great agenda with excellent information would have been provided had more people shown. Suggestions are welcomed as to how to get more residents involved in this program.

PAVEMENT UPDATE: At the November 19, 2009 Pinson City Council Meeting Resolution Number 09-29 was unanimously adopted whereby the City of Pinson will initiate litigation against John Millington, Betsy Millington and Primary Developers, Inc.

METCALF REALTY: Heather Pointe has signed the contract with Metcalf for 2010. A meeting has been requested for the end of December or early January, 2010 to review 2009 and Metcalf will work on improvements for 2010. The President wishes to meet with all parties involved with Heather Pointe.

SITE INSPECTIONS: Many improvements have occurred during 2009. Currently there remain problems with trash cans being visible by remaining by the mailboxes or on the side of homes; bags of trash at backdoors; a dog pin; a couple of satellite and fence issues; and unkept yards, one yard being so bad that a lien of more than $300 will be placed against the resident’s home.

COMMON AREA: A resident states the process of splitting the common area property adjacent to his property will begin following a January, 2010 survey. The resident assumes all responsibility involved in this transaction and the Home Owners Association will have no responsibility regarding the cost involved.

BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION: Happy Birthday Gloria!

MARCH BOARD MEETING: Time and place TBA via email and flyers prior to the meeting.