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Park Timbers HOA QUARTERLY Report First Quarter 2015 www.parktimbers.com New Orleans, LA 70131

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PT-HOA Quarterly Review Jan-Mar, 2015

Park Timbers is a Covenant Restricted Community

Many of the reports from our Park Timbers Homeowners Association committees relate to homeowners following or ignoring the basic covenants (legal agreements) we have made with each other regarding our properties. If you wish to review these covenants, you may find them on our website: www.parktimbers.com/standing-rules.html. The PT-HOA Board and Committees are all homeowners who work as volunteers to help keep Park Timbers asset value and quality of life strong. Please be a positive part of sustaining Park Timbers by joining in support of these efforts. If you have questions, ASK. We really are all in this together.

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Remembering….Jim Wessel James “Jim” Wessel, a long-time board member and Park Timbers Homeowners Assn. President 2014 - 2015, passed away March 21, 2015. A celebration of his life will take place on May 30, 2015.

James MacCandlass Wessel was born in 1941 in Maplewood, NJ. James attended Columbia High School and subsequently Rutgers University. He obtained his PhD in geology from the University of Massachusetts and while in Amherst, met his wife, Madeleine. They married in the summer of 1970 and immediately moved to New Orleans, where they would raise their family. He loved fishing in the marsh with his sons and was an avid Saints fan. Our sympathy is extended to his wife, Madeleine; his daughter, Jennifer; his

sons, Matthew and David; his brother, Richard; his four grandchildren; and a feral cat. Read MORE…page 2

In This Issue ! Quarterly Review ! Covenants ! Membership ! Architectural Control ! Budget & Finance ! Safety & Security ! Maintenance ! Garden Club ! Community Center ____________________ Recent NEWS Park Timbers Website A new look and more information www.parktimbers.com

The PT-HOA Board has hired a website developer to update and maintain the website. You’ll find important information for homeowners and prospective homeowners. Thanks, Troy Crowder, for your work on this project.

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Park Timbers Swim, Fitness and Tennis Club-OPEN HOUSE,

Saturday, April 18, 2015, 10 am- 4 pm Park Timbers Swim, Fitness & Tennis Club is a Members Only Club that is operated by the Park Timbers Homeowners Association. Membership is available to the general public.

Park Timbers Homeowners receive a discount on the membership fee. For more information, come to the open house or our website: http://www.parktimbers.com/swim-fitness--tennis-club.html

Calendar - Events SUMMARY-April to July 4th -Mixed Doubles (Informal) Every Friday – 6:00 p.m. -Swim, Fitness & Tennis Club-Open House-April 18th, 10 am to 4 pm -Memorial Day Party (Swim, Fitness & Tennis Club Members only) Sunday, May 24, from 5:30-8:30 pm. -Election Day Saturday, May 2, 2015 with voting at Park Timbers Clubhouse. ____________________ Who You Gonna Call… QUICK LINK to our website for important numbers and contacts http://www.parktimbers.com/convenient-numbers.html ____________________

GOT NEWS?

Send Monthly News and Lost Pet or Security Alerts for

eNews to: Marilee Miller

marileemiller@mac.com

Remember to report the WHO, WHAT, WHERE,

& WHEN ______________________

Park Timbers HOA Board generally meets on the first

Tuesday of each month, 7 pm at the Clubhouse.

Any homeowner is welcome to attend.

______________________

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Remembering…Jim (continued from p 1) Sharing some memories “I first met Jim when I stepped onto the board five years ago. My immediate impression of Jim was that he was a respected, senior, and seasoned presence on that board. This was more fully explained when I learned that he had been serving on this board for YEARS, several of them as president. Through these years, Jim and I worked together on several projects. I looked up to Jim and felt comfortable going to him for guidance. Jim’s support was all I’ve needed to feel confident of a course of action. I’ll miss his wisdom, his commitment, his uncontentious nature. I’ll miss his early morning calls, for which I pretended I was already awake. I’ll miss him peddling his bicycle through the neighborhood. I’ll miss laughing with him. I’ll miss conferring with him. I’ll never be able to fill his shoes, though I will try. Cheers, Jim, to a life well led”. --Donna Mercer

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Covenants Report from Covenants Chair, Linda Reimonenq: Spring has arrived! As the temperature has increased, so has the number of reported covenant violations. Several complaints have been received from potential sellers who have expressed frustration that neighboring properties remain unkempt; while they have done everything possible to maintain and improve their properties curb appeal. Now, why would the neighborhood as a whole care? Because poorly maintained properties can reduce the resale value of homes proximate to well maintained properties and affect the perceived value of the neighborhood as a whole. Overall, Park Timbers homeowners are compliant with the Covenants. However, there are a number of homeowners that are not in compliance.

The Board has decided to make enforcement of the Covenants a priority this year! So, please take this time while the weather is still nice to check and spruce up your properties. Please survey your property and consider the following: -Clean the yard of any debris and cut high grass (tall grass can attract rodents, snakes and undesirable insects such as fleas), -Trim trees and shrubs -Plant some flowers or buy small shrubs, -Spread fresh mulch in the planting beds, -Consider replacing the garage door, the front door, siding, and windows Below are a few of the Restrictive Covenants of Park Timbers: (For a complete list, please refer to your copy of the Covenants or Covenants link on the Park Timbers website.) -No building or other improvements shall be erected, placed, or altered on any lot until construction plans and specifications…have been approved in writing by the Architectural Control Committee…as to…conformity and harmony of external design and existing structures in the subdivision… (Property owners must contact the committee for any changes to your home or portion of your lot) -Each lot shall be used for single family residential purposes only. -No noxious or offensive activity shall be carried on upon any lot, nor shall anything be done thereon which may be or may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood. -No house trailers, boats, trucks, or similar vehicles shall be stored or maintained in any front yard, side yard or the street adjacent thereto. -All lots shall be kept clean and free of unsightly obstacles at all times, and shall be mowed as often as may be necessary to keep the lots in proper condition. -No sign of any kind shall be displayed to the public view on any lot, except one sign of not more than fifteen (15) square feet, advertising the property for sale or rent, or signs used by builders to advertise their property for sale during construction and sales period.

Membership Report from Membership Chair, Treva Ragland: We have only one new resident to welcome at this time and she has been furnished with copy of our Covenants, Directory and By-Laws:

covenant |ˈkəәvəәnəәnt| noun an agreement. • Law a contract drawn up by deed.

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Welcome to Feliceon Jackson - 20 Grand Canyon Drive As Park Timbers is a Covenant Protected Community, we strive to make sure all new residents are aware of the guidelines to which we adhere in order to keep our neighborhood as attractive as possible. We have had no properties to go under sale contract in the past 30 days or so; however, we now have seven homes for sale, which means we should be seeing more buyers looking to purchase a home. The better our neighborhood looks, the more attractive it looks to prospective homebuyers looking to purchase a home here. In light of this, please look around and see what you can do to spruce up your home and/or yard! The 2015 Park Timbers Membership Directories were delivered during the week of April 6th. Once again, we request that you verify your information has been entered correctly and notify us of any changes or additions.

Please Send: ANY CHANGES, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, ETC. you would like in your

Membership Directory entry.to Treva Ragland (236-4317 or mstreva@bellsouth.net) or Diane Hingle (391-0473 or dhingle1@cox.net).

GOOD TO KNOW: You asked what to do if you find a snake on your property.

The Humane Society has good advice at this site: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/snakes/tips/solving_problems_snakes.html

Architectural Control Report from Architectural Control Chair, Scott Saremba: The first quarter of 2015 has started off with many requests and granted approvals to improve their property. These approvals include: temporary placement of dumpster, painting of entire exterior of house and garage, replacement of siding on house, replacement of driveway/sidewalk, new driveway gates, sunroom addition, new landscape, and replacement of windows. Thanks to all of you who have complied with Park Timbers Architectural Committee Covenants. Our goal is to keep Park Timbers an attractive place to live and thereby increase our property values and preserve our quality of life.

Remember what you do to your property has a direct bearing on the value of your property and your

neighbor’s property value and quality of life. We have denied several requests that were not in best interest of PT Association. Several properties have proceeded to improve their properties without PT approval. It is mandatory that you get permission even though you know it is attractive. Getting approval is quick and not doing so, could cause you trouble.

Park Timbers is a legally covenanted community and has the legal rights

to request of you to undo unapproved projects. Generally, all outside improvements/changes to your property require improvement from the Park Timbers Architectural Control Committee. See last quarter’s newsletter for partial list for projects needing approval. If in doubt, call or email me for inquiries.

Park Timber’s exterior paint colors tend to be earth tones with neutral trims and contrasting colors

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for doors and shutters. Check out your neighbors’ colors for ideas. Let’s keep Park Timbers an attractive place to live and again, thank you for complying with our covenants. We are looking forward to reviewing/approving improvements for your property. GET APPROVAL....BEFORE you proceed with changes to your property.

Architectural Control Information on our website http://www.parktimbers.com/architectural-control.html

Send an inquiry to Scott with information about your project: Scott Saremba ssaremba@aol.com (504)912-0724

Budget & Finance Report from Budget & Finance Chair, Donna Mercer: The PTHA’s annual dues drive is underway, with over 75% of our 356 residents paid and current. To those yet unpaid, please simplify our treasurer’s life by writing and mailing your checks today. The greatest expense of the HOA is maintenance. In the spirit of this year’s thrust to beautify the community, the HOA renews its pledges to do its part by investing in the maintenance of the public “faces” of the neighborhood and community center. As you read in Jim Wessel’s final president’s report in the last issue of the newsletter, Jim was convinced that property maintenance and conformity was the major course to maintaining property values and quality of life. The HOA shares responsibility in this vision, as much or more than each individual resident, in keeping our grounds and structures maintained. Submit Homeowner Dues to: Park Timbers Homeowner's Assn., PO Box 6552, New Orleans, LA 70174-6552.

Ooops!...Accidents Happen

Mailboxes are an "endangered species" in Park Timbers. Tight parking or backing out of your driveway may cause an accident to happen and you hit

your neighbor's street-side mailbox. Or a delivery truck side-swipes the mailbox... Whatever the scenario...Don't just drive off.

PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING...Volunteer to repair or replace. Thank you!

Safety & Security Report from Safety & Security Chair, Mort Kelly: It has been months since anything was reported to the Chairman. Then in March we did received several notices and sent out Safety & Security Alert eNews messages to homeowners who receive eMail from the Park Timbers List. Let's talk about preventive things that the homeowner can do to protect property: Spring is in the air. With warm weather comes more outdoor activity. This outdoor activity includes crime. Teenage vandalism increases with the end of the school year as well. Property crime is the most frequently reported crime in the subdivision. The number one thing

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that a homeowner should do to prevent him/her from victim status is lock all doors and windows. Wait, does that mean my car/truck, too? Yes, it does.

The most common crime is car burglary. Car burglary is stealing something from within a vehicle whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked. No need to smash a car/truck window when the vehicle is unlocked. Easy pickings. Do not leave anything of value in the vehicle that can be seen, even when the vehicle is locked. If you have a new vehicle, consider putting it in the garage or behind a locked driveway gate with an overhead light above the driveway. The second most reported crime is home burglary. Home burglaries occur most often during the day when residents are at work. The usual point of entry is a back window left opened or unlocked. The perpetrator looks first for homes that do not have a burglar alarm. Many homeowners do not turn on their alarms unless they are going out of town. All homeowners should have key-only dead bolt locks on their doors in addition to the door handle lock. This forces the burglar to leave by the same way he/she entered with less of your stuff. The third most commonly reported crime is garage/shed burglaries. Most people fail to lock garage and shed doors because “Oh Man, I forgot the stupid key” or, thinking who wants anything in there. "Au contraire", they do. When the garage personal door is unlocked, the perpetrator can open the garage vehicle door from within and steal a vehicle, lawn mower, edger, weed whacker, and your favorite power/non power tools. Criminals have stolen paint, paintbrushes, garden hoses, or anything that they can use personally (or sell). Remember to pick up garden tools, hoses, toys, or anything else from the front yard. Anything left out in the open is an invitation for someone to steal it. YOU CAN HELP: The Neighborhood Watch Program has several positions open for those who would like to help “Take a Bite Out of Crime.” Don’t forget to notify the Chairman at 394-9909 if you are a victim of crime. If you see something really suspicious like a stranger walking to the back of a home, or someone checking front doors to see if they are locked, or checking parked vehicle doors, call the police (Emergency 911; NOPD non emergency (504)821-2222) and notify the Chairman. Until next time, stay safe.

Maintenance Report from Maintenance Chair, Troy Crowder: On Saturday March 14, these people met at the community center and worked on the community center, Park Timber Entrance, and the Lennox Boulevard Entrance. The concrete slab around the pools was pressure washed, the pool cleaned, flower beds weeded and many leaves removed. Pizza was served for lunch. It was a great outing. All attendees had a good time and contributed to the community. Thank you for you good work: Peter Bui, Troy Crowder, Akram Eliayan, Chris Kahn, Adam Mercer, Donna Mercer, Robert Mercer, Greg Merritt, Marilee Miller, Christian Pham, Chung Pham, Jacob Pham, Simeon Reimonenq, Michelle Dufour, Janet Johnson

...Excuse me...did you leave something behind?...

Neighbors notice when you walk your dog around the neighborhood and forget to bring your "doggie-bag" to remove what your best-friend left behind. PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING...take-it-with-you for disposal. Thank you!

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Park Timbers Garden Club Report from Garden Cub President, Diane Hingle: Park Timbers Garden Club has donated three river birch trees to the Park Timbers community. The trees were planted at the Park Timbers Court cul-de-sac. The March meeting of the Park Timbers Garden Club was held at the home of Elaine Crosby. Cathy Lavella of Vacation Makers Travel in Belle Chase was our guest speaker. She presented a wonderful program on cruises out of New Orleans. The April meeting was at the home of Ruth Catlett (17 Yosemite Dr.). We had a plant and book exchange. Our early 2015 schedule of meetings will conclude in May, with our annual installation luncheon at Commander's Palace. (We will take a summer break and resume monthly meetings, in the Fall, on 2nd Wednesdays at 10 am.) MORE on our website: www.parktimbers.com/garden-club.html

Please consider joining the Park Timbers Garden Club. We always welcome new members!

Community Center-Park Timbers Swim, Fitness and Tennis Club Report from Greg Merritt: SUMMER EMPLOYMENT We are accepting applications for certified lifeguards, gate-watchers and maintenance helpers. These are all part-time positions. Hours will depend upon the number of qualified applicants. Only Red-Cross certified lifeguards will be hired. Please visit www.arcno.org for lifeguard training classes. CONTACT: Greg Merritt at parktimbersclub@bellsouth.net if you are interested in working at the club.

Gardens of the Month Thank you for making our neighborhood more beautiful!

February 2015 3 Yosemite Dr. March 2015 41 Yosemite Dr. Diane Williams & Rick Warden Roy & Harriet Newsome

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We  are  accepting  swim  team  registration  now:  email  to  

parktimbersclub@bellsouth.net.

We Thank our 2015 Newsletter Sponsors

Park Timbers Homeowner’s Association 1 Park Timbers Dr. New Orleans, LA 70131 www.parktimbers.com