THE MOUNTAINEER WALNUT MOUNTAIN PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION VOL. 110 APRIL 1, 2007
Schedule of Events
Spring/Summer 2007
Apr. 12 Garden Club Meeting & Potluck,6:00 p.m., Clubhouse
Apr. 21 WMPOA Board of DirectorsMeeting, 9:00 a.m., Clubhouse
Apr. 21 WMPOA Quarterly Meeting,11:00 a.m., Clubhouse
Apr. 21 Pizza & Bingo at Clubhouse,$6.00 p.p.
May 3 Garden Club Meeting & Potluck,6:30 p.m., Clubhouse
May 16 WMPOA Board of DirectorsMeeting, 6:30 p.m., Clubhouse
May 26 Meet the Candidates Picnic &Pool Opening Party
June 14 Garden Club Meeting & Potluck,6:00 p.m., Clubhouse
June 16 Walnut Mtn. Craft Show & PetContest, 10:00-3:00 inCampground
June 20 WMPOA Board of DirectorsMeeting, 6:30 p.m., Clubhouse
July 12 Garden Club Meeting & Potluck,6:00 p.m., Clubhouse
July 21 WMPOA Board of DirectorsMeeting, 9:00 a.m., Clubhouse
July 21 WMPOA Annual Meeting &Elections, 11:00 a.m., Clubhouse
Don’t forget!
WMPOA
Quarterly Meeting
11:00 a.m., April 21
President’s MessageBy Ed Sands
Irecently shared with a friend that almost all the articles I submit to The
Mountaineer under the heading of “President’s Message” have been negative in
content. When my friend asked why I didn’t report only good things in my
article, I countered that the folks in our community know better. There are many,
if not more, negative issues as there are positive. Let me offer a parable –
Community vs. Anonymity.
COMMUNITY: The dictionary suggests community is a specific area
where people live under a common government and with a common goal.
ANONYMITY: The state of being anonymous.
On Walnut Mountain, we have this situation, and one seems to fly into the face of
the other. The majority of our residents advocates and encourages an atmosphere
of community! It is legal; it is healthy; it is encouraged that property owners attend
monthly and/or quarterly board meetings to vent; to come to praise Caesar or to
bury Caesar! Stand-up, be recognized, and state your position. THEN comes that
small, but yet real percentage of our residents who prefer the state of anonymity.
These are the people who call board members with legitimate complaints or issues
and refuse to identify themselves. Please note that I will not discuss Walnut
Mountain business with anyone who refuses to identify themselves. There are also
people who, in the dead of night, violate our rules by placing unauthorized items in
Ted Key captivated the audience with his stories of early Georgia history
and Indian folklore at the January 20 Spaghetti dinner.
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the dumpsters. There are people who throw trash along our
roadways and who vandalize our gates. Finally, there are
those who vandalize our tennis courts by throwing garbage
on the courts and writing vile and disgusting comments on
the surface of the courts.
We have addressed some of these issues with the
installation of electronic surveillance equipment, and, when
identified, the violators will be subjected to the strongest
public sanction possible. The incident(s) at the tennis
courts has resulted in the placing of locks on the gates. We
cannot regulate the negative attitudes, but we can and will
address negative acts.
I hasten to remind all property owners that taking corrective
actions against violators usually results in expenditure of
funds that could be spent on other issues. Therefore, I
encourage all WMPOA members to become fully involved
in “Neighborhood Watch!” ,
Tennis Courts
Beginning March 15, the gate to the Tennis Courts will be locked.
To gain access, please go to the Welcome Station and sign the key
out or contact Bunny DeMeo at 706-698-4040.
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Treasurer’s ReportBy Ron Hollifield
As we move into the spring season,
there is a lot of good news to report.
During our last WMPOA meeting, I
mentioned that we had finalized all the
Employee Drug Testing. I am happy to
report that we are now a “Drug Free
Work Place.” This is a great reflection
on all of the our employees, plus a 7.5% savings on our
Workman’s Compensation Insurance.
The decision has been made to do quarterly water meter
readings. We have installed zone meters to ensure we are
monitoring any water loss. This new system has allowed us
the flexibility for the quarterly readings. This will also have
a cost savings for the Mountain. Also, for the weekend
residents, this should work in your favor as well. You will
have three months to use your water. If you spend a lot of
time here one month (and don’t come back for the next two
months) this will help offset your high usage for the one
month. This is a win-win situation for our part time
residents. This will not have an impact on our full time
residents.
The board has also made the decision to pay off half of the
$90,000 line of credit. We will be paying $45,000 before
the end of March. This will reduce our interest payment
and generate additional revenue for the Mountain.
The decision was made to consolidate all of our insurance
with one company. We have also increased our deductible
on all of our buildings (from $500 to $1,000) and increased
all of their values. This will have a cost savings of around
$5,500 per year. Our coverage is actually better. The only
change has been the increase on our deductible and
consolidation of all our policies.
Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any
comments or suggestions with cost savings. Thanks to
those who have sent me suggestions. ,
Typing 101By Lois Hoffman
“Now is the time for all good men
to come to the aid of their
country.” For those of us, shall I
say, mature enough to remember
typing before it became word
processing, this was one of the
most popularly practiced typing
exercises. Whatever small motor skill memory it
stimulated, it resonated in generations of high school
business classes. While the Underwoods and Smith
Coronas of the world are now going, going, gone, the
WMPOA Board hopes the same fate may have not yet
befallen the words of that practiced phrase. Why ....
The WMPOA Board of Directors again is seeking
candidates to run for the four positions that open annually.
Currently, Walnut Mountain encompasses about 400 full
time, seasonal, and rental homes. With a fully constituted
Board of 12 members, simple math indicates that it requires
about 3% of the homes during any given year to volunteer
the service of one of its residents to fully comply with the
mandates of our CCR’s. Of course, that doesn’t even take
into account the perceived interest lot owners should have
in the future of this community.
Service on the Board is not service to the Board; it is
volunteering to help preserve and protect the infrastructure
and esthetic of this very special place. Whether
individually we look at Walnut Mountain through the lens
of financial investment or haven or both, the landscape
viewed is every changing, as are our expectations. To
achieve that balance between land and dream, we need
helping hands.
If you are willing to consider volunteering, please contact
any Board member or Twila Knowles at the office. We
have a Meet the Candidates Party and pool opening event
scheduled for Saturday, May 26, 2007, with elections
taking place at the Quarterly WMPOA meeting the
following July. As springtime is a time of renewal,
hopefully it will be the perfect time to renew that spirit of
coming to the aid of our country – our community – our
Walnut Mountain. ,
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We want to extend a hearty welcome to some of our newest
property owners on Walnut Mountain. They are:
Charles Boynton/Brad Marsh 26 Circle Drive
F. Scott Brumfield Lots L112 & L113
Charles & Deborah Burke 1384 Walnut Ridge
Jamila A. Chevez 184 Laurel Ridge Drive
Natalie Citarelli Lot H122
Donald E. Day Lot M188
Tim Hedden Lot C126
David & Judy Horner 370 Valley View Road
Julia Lewallyn Tract 2
Bart & Eileen McDonough Lot M115
Rajeshree Patel &
Suparna Ricklin Lot M213
Frank Raciti & Erin Galbreath 66 Mountain Oak Court
Melvin & Janice Walker 747 Mountain Oak Rd.
The Mountaineer is published quarterly by the Website & PublicationsCommittee of the Walnut Mountain Property Owner’s Association. Wewelcome articles, photos, letters or comments from property owners.Classified ads are free for property owners. Please forward yoursubmissions to the WMPOA, Attention: Website & PublicationsChairman, 3808 Turniptown Road, #4030, Ellijay, GA 30536.
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Goodwill HuntingBy Lois Hoffman, Assistant Vice President
It may be difficult to prove, but it would seem that the
Walnut Mountain community is entering the juggernaut
of its teen years. We have been going through a
tremendous growth spurt accompanied by some not-so-
pleasant consequences such as last year’s aggravating bouts
of “aquas interruptus.” Patience has been strained by such
things as the unsightly dumpster area and pot-holed roads.
As the staff has grown, questions have followed as to that
necessity, maintenance costs have spiraled as well as
property owners’ tempers from rising assessments, and
when the mandates of the C.C.R.’s have been invoked,
replies of “leave me alone” or “you don’t understand” have
been heard. Yikes!
Like parents, this community doesn’t get a “do-over” when
the going gets tough. However, by having a common
understanding of some of the actual facts involved, we may
be able to find the goodwill among us so necessary for
progress. After all, goodwill is the glue that bonds a
community, especially when its facts of life are a little
turbulent. So here are some of the facts to consider:
Walnut Mountain currently has over 400 homes, nearly ½
being full time residences served by 22 miles of roads and
having private water production under a Class 1
certification (pumping up to 100,000 gallons of water a
day). While the amenities enhance our lives here, it is the
production and delivery of safe water that is primary. This
process has come under critical stress within the past two
years in part due to its aging schematic, increased
population impact, and greater scrutiny by the E.P.D. and
D.N.R. It is not enough to simply produce an adequate
supply of safe water, it must be done according to an ever
changing set of regulations which have been and will
continue to be closely monitored. Reports, test results,
schedules all have to be analyzed, written, filed, and made
readily available. This takes knowledge, man hours, and
time away from more community visible work.
Therein lies the necessity for an increase in water plant staff
who must be certified and continue their education for
recertification. While the core of their responsibility is
water production and delivery, they also serve as the
maintenance staff, performing such tasks as reading the
water meters monthly; responding to work orders for
patching, grading and graveling the roads; tree trimming
and removal in common areas; constant dumpster clean-up;
mowing; dam and pond maintenance; ditch clearing;
providing the water connection service to 35 new homes in
the last two years (15 more now under construction); and
the occasional major repair such as replacing the bridge to
Gate #1.
Specifically in response to water delivery problems within
the past two years, roughly 250 leaks have been detected,
some very visible and some searched out by working
through the system with our new detection apparatus, and
then they are repaired. Their locations can be found on
maps in the Office. In addition, 270 water meters have
been replaced, and the county wants continued replacement
every five years. Further, eight master water zone meters
have been installed with four more yet to come.
It should also be noted that leak detection and repair is not
a simple “find-it” and “fix-it” situation. Leaks are not
scheduled, so staff may be called in at any hour for repair
and for monitoring the water pressure to other service lines.
Last December 22, the Friday before Christmas, the staff
worked for over 15 hours fixing a sudden massive leak on
L-Section. Had they not been able to do so, many residents
would have been without water right before the holidays.
Even during regular work hours, when a leak occurs it takes
priority, and other tasks may have to be abandoned until the
necessary repair is made. This circumstance understand-
ably often irritates residents. Ironically, the consequence of
a solid leak repair may result in other leaks along the line as
additional pressure is put on aging, weakened areas.
However, plans are in the process for sequential replace-
ment of the water lines and repaving of the roads that will
consequently be damaged in the process. Thus, where
currently the roads are indeed pot-holed, it is felt that
definitive repair then tearing up for the laying of new line,
then repaving again, would not be cost effective.
Gasoline, electricity, and insurance costs have indeed risen,
but have come under careful scrutiny. While it should be
noted that several of our staff have Walnut Mountain cell
phones, their value lies in being able to make timely,
appropriate contact without having too spend significantly
more gas money driving around the mountain in search.
This, I hope in part answers some of the questions and
concerns over the necessity of increased assessments, more
staff, and the length of time it takes to complete some
projects. While I shamelessly used a play on words with a
famous movie title in writing this piece, the “Good Will
Hunting” film itself was a “coming of age” story. So, too,
this community is coming of age, and if we seek goodwill
along the way, we should not only survive, but also thrive.,
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Recreation & Entertainment Committee ReportBy Bunny DeMeo, Chairman
The Spaghetti dinner on Saturday, January 20, was
a huge success, with good food and wonderful
entertainment by Ted Key, a history teacher and
professional storyteller, and great music by Walnut
Mountain resident, Lisa Hoyle, and her brother, Al
Hoyle.
Many thanks to Nancy Smith, who taught a CPR class
for Walnut Mountain residents on March 3.
April 21 – Pizza and Bingo at the clubhouse. Price -
$6.00 (includes pizza, beverage and two Bingo cards).
Extra cards are two for $5.00. You may bring a white
elephant item to use as a gift. Please call Bunny (706-
698-4040) to reserve your place and pizza!
May 26 – Meet the Candidates Picnic and the pool
opening. Bring your bathing suits and appetites and
get to know your future Board members. This is a
good time for questions and to consider how you could
help your community by running for the Board.
June 16 (Saturday, 10:00-3:00) – Walnut Mountain
Craft Show and Pet Contest. Call Bunny DeMeo
(706-698-4040) or Karen LaFleur (706-636-5751) to
be a vendor and to participate in the pet contest. It will
be in the Walnut Mountain campground and has been
very successful and fun in the past. Spruce up those
cats and doges (or whatever) and win a prize.
July – Luau at the clubhouse. Price - $20.00 per
person. Date to be announced later, depending on the
availability of special entertainment.
Tennis Courts are now locked. Keys may be picked up
at the Welcome Station or by calling Bunny at 706-
698-4040 on the weekend. There will be a sign-out
sheet.
Be sure to check the Bulletin boards and the Walnut
Mountain web site for other scheduled activities.
Suggestions are welcome for events. This is your
mountain, and we want to make it fun and friendly.
Did you know the newsletter is posted monthly on our website?You can also view back issues of the newsletter there, as well asphotos of recent mountain events. The web address iswww.walnutmountain.org. If you prefer to view the newsletter thereinstead of receiving a hard copy in the mail, please send an email [email protected].
A good crowd turned out to enjoy the Spaghetti Dinner and Storytelling Evening at the clubhouse on January 20.
Walnut Mountain resident, Lisa Hoyle, and her brother,Al Hoyle, provided the evening’s music.
Evelyn Schoonejongen practices the latest CPR techniquesas taught at the March 3 class at the clubhouse.
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In Memory
MR. ALTON LANE BASSETT, 81, of Roswell and Walnut
Mountain, died Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at Erlanger
Hospital in Chattanooga. He was an honorably discharged
veteran who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and
was awarded two bronze stars. After graduating from the Atlanta
Automotive Trade Institution, he made his career as an auto body
technician with Ford dealers for forty years. He was preceded in
death by son, Jeff Bassett. He is survived by his wife of 53 years,
Bobbe Ruth Hunt Bassett; and son, David Hunt Bassett. The
Bassetts made their home in Roswell for fifty-two years. Since
1990, they have lived part-time at their home in Walnut Mountain
where Mr. Bassett loved to work in his garden and grow flowers.
He was an active member of the Walnut Mountain Garden Club
and planted and maintained many lovely garden spots on the
Mountain.
CMDR. JAMES HAMILTON BLOMQUIST, SR., 62, of
Walnut Mountain died Tuesday, February 20, 2007, at the
Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. He was a graduate of Carroll
College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and a retired United States
Navy veteran of 23 years with the rank of commander, serving
three tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a presidential advisor to
two presidents, Reagan and Bush, and retired from Lockheed
Martin. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joan Twining
Blomquist; a daughter, three sons, five grandchildren and a sister.
He served Walnut Mountain in the past as a member of the Safety
Committee and Rules and Regulations Committee and was an
active member of the Walnut Mountain Garden Club.
MRS. SHERRYL DEE “SHERRY’ WEAVER, 56, of Ellijay,
died Tuesday, February 20, 2007. She worked as a legal secretary
and, with her husband, Dan Weaver, operated the Discount Depot
in Ellijay. She is survived by her husband, daughter, father,
brother, sister, and three grandchildren. A celebration of her life
was held Friday, February 23 at the Walnut Mountain Picnic Area.
Property Owners: Please take note of the companies that
advertise in THE MOUNTAINEER and utilize their services.
Their ads substantially reduce our printing costs.