Another reminder that our National Night Out party is coming up. So far neighbors have volunteered to bring pasta salad, deviled eggs, chips, desserts, and soda/juice. If you haven't let me know what you're bringing, please let me know (on here, Facebook, or email). Things we could probably use the most: a couple more side dishes (salads, fruit/veggies), some more things to drink, and a few more bags of chips.
For food planning purposes, the latest numbers are as follows: approximately 24 adults and 28 kids ("kids" includes babies through teenagers). I'm sure the number will continue to grow.
Thanks all!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
First Movie Night - Success!
Thank you to all who attended our first movie in the park last night! My mom was there and she counted at least 50 people, which was more than I'd expected. People brought their chairs, blankets, wagons, and lots of popcorn.
Karen and Tori ran an extension cord from their house so we could have power. Thank you very much!
Karen and Tori ran an extension cord from their house so we could have power. Thank you very much!
We'll do it again soon!
Need a Babysitter?
Need a babysitter? I am a ninth-grader at Frontier Junior High and will babysit anytime for a reasonable rate. If interested, call Jessica Nuse @ 253-302-6613.
Free Dog To Loving Home
Received the following from a neighbor...
FREE - Ranger is a 8-month old yellow lab. He's housebroken, crate trained, doesn't chew on anything but his toys, and he loves kids. He does need work on manners, as he is a very energetic puppy. He's such a good dog, but my husband has a severe allergy that doesn't allow us to keep him. He deserves a good home with a loving family. If interested, please contact Tonie @ 253-301-9463. He comes with toys, food and water dishes and a crate. We also have a leash, walking collar and brush that will go with him.
FREE - Ranger is a 8-month old yellow lab. He's housebroken, crate trained, doesn't chew on anything but his toys, and he loves kids. He does need work on manners, as he is a very energetic puppy. He's such a good dog, but my husband has a severe allergy that doesn't allow us to keep him. He deserves a good home with a loving family. If interested, please contact Tonie @ 253-301-9463. He comes with toys, food and water dishes and a crate. We also have a leash, walking collar and brush that will go with him.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
GPS Returned
Following up from the post about the lost GPS unit:
I wanted to let everyone know that my daughter's GPS and case were returned yesterday by two boys in the neighborhood, Cameron and Colby. We thanked them for their honesty and rewarded them appropriately. Please post to the blog our heartfelt gratitude.
Christine and Sharon
Cameron and Colby, you guys are awesome! Thank you!
I wanted to let everyone know that my daughter's GPS and case were returned yesterday by two boys in the neighborhood, Cameron and Colby. We thanked them for their honesty and rewarded them appropriately. Please post to the blog our heartfelt gratitude.
Christine and Sharon
Cameron and Colby, you guys are awesome! Thank you!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Movie Night
Our first movie night will be held this Friday, July 29 in the Phase 1 park. The movie (Gnomeo and Juliet) will begin at 9pm and we'll show a few cartoons beforehand as people are showing up.
The HOA would like this to be a family event, so please plan to attend with your children (or arrange for them to attend with an adult neighbor). Unsupervised kids will be asked to go home. Also, as a courtesy to those who live near the park, we're asking that people leave as soon as the movie is over.
Bring blankets, chairs, snacks and a flashlight! Even if you don't have kids, we'd love to see you there :)
The HOA would like this to be a family event, so please plan to attend with your children (or arrange for them to attend with an adult neighbor). Unsupervised kids will be asked to go home. Also, as a courtesy to those who live near the park, we're asking that people leave as soon as the movie is over.
Bring blankets, chairs, snacks and a flashlight! Even if you don't have kids, we'd love to see you there :)
Bees in Mailboxes
A message from our neighbor Mike, who is a postal employee:
Just a reminder, this is the time of year that bees like making nests in mailboxes.
Major issue if you have kids picking up your mail!
If you see bees around your mailbox, don't wait on the Post Office; get some bee spray and do your box yourself.
Just a reminder, this is the time of year that bees like making nests in mailboxes.
Major issue if you have kids picking up your mail!
If you see bees around your mailbox, don't wait on the Post Office; get some bee spray and do your box yourself.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Lost GPS Unit
I received the following email about a lost GPS unit. If you have it, please contact me and I'll put you in touch with the owner. Thanks!
A GPS was lost yesterday June, 18th on 230th St. I believe it flew off the top of the car along with some running shoes, my insurance card for my car, and the top of a shoe box with some magazine clippings. I found the shoes down the road and am obviously not worried about everything else but would like to know if someone has found the Garmin GPS. I believe it is a Nuvi 255.
A GPS was lost yesterday June, 18th on 230th St. I believe it flew off the top of the car along with some running shoes, my insurance card for my car, and the top of a shoe box with some magazine clippings. I found the shoes down the road and am obviously not worried about everything else but would like to know if someone has found the Garmin GPS. I believe it is a Nuvi 255.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Notes from June 22 Meeting
As promised, here are the notes from our last meeting. I've also included a list of homeowner questions from our open discussion.
Grand Firs HOA Meeting – Graham Fire Station
June 22, 2011 – Board Members: Mark, Rob & Mandy
JC Higgins: Lindsey
Agenda:
Progress Update
ACC Discussion
Neighborhood Watch
Community Challenges
Street Parking
Upcoming Plans and Events
Open Discussion
Progress Update:
-Recap of Grand Firs’ history (no HOA for 2 years and related challenges)
-HOA now in place for 1 year – caught up with bills, now have regular landscaping, gates functioning, street lights repaired, entrance light installed in April, working on landscape rocks for 86th
-Recent Easter egg hunt was a success
ACC Discussion:
-Established recently, consists of Adam, Lee and Mandy (one board member must serve on the ACC)
-Board possibly interested in adding two more positions with homeowners from Phases 2 and 3
-Receiving several ACC requests per week
-ACC works via email to approve/deny requests as quickly as possible
-Obtaining ACC approval can protect the homeowner down the road
-ACC has had to ask a couple of homeowners to re-do a few things
-Requests don’t have to be fancy; we just a simple description, sketch and materials list
-Any questions, email Lindsey (Lindsey@jc-higgins.com)
Neighborhood Watch (by Grand Firs homeowner Scott):
-Brief history of the Neighborhood Watch Program
-Putting a phone list together to help neighbors communicate
-Looking for volunteers to serve as Block Watch Captains and those with law enforcement or medical training
-Will pick signs and decide on sign placement
-Will organize a meeting this summer with Pierce Co Sheriff to help us get started
-Hope to have the program in place by this fall
-Contact Scott at grandfirsnhw@gmail.com with questions, comments, or volunteer inquiries
Community challenges:
-Someone continually breaking the fence along 86th (NE corner of Grand Firs), repaired several times
-Graffiti in Phase 3 park
-BBQ grill stolen from Phase 3 park
-Real estate signs broken several times (doesn’t look attractive to potential buyers and costly for agents)
-Teen party recently busted by police in vacant Reich home, 2 taken into custody
Street parking:
-Board is receiving complaints about the number of vehicles parking in the street, people wondering why we’ve let it get out of control
-CCRs and the Good Neighbor Policy state that homeowners are to park in garages or driveways, which are considered “approved areas”. Visitors may park in the street for periods no longer than 24 hours. If visitors are staying longer or if a homeowner needs to park an RV for a couple days, just email Lindsey or a board member to get an OK
-Emergency vehicles and garbage trucks have difficulty maneuvering around parked cars
-Cars parked in the street make it difficult to see kids or animals that may dart out into the street
-Letters will start going out to homeowners who regularly park in the street
Upcoming Plans and Events:
-Would like to create an actual website. The blog (grandfirs.blogspot.com) works the now but we’d like to put something up that’s more professional-looking
-Movie nights in the park, received the OK from neighbors who live near the parks
-Summer BBQ (Jim suggested bringing the fire department out, will look into that)
-National Night Out gathering
Open Discussion:
Q: Is the HOA going to stain the fence? Can homeowners who border common areas stain the fence?
A: Board will get a bid. Will be expensive but we can look into it.
Q: Can we install speed bumps along 231st?
A: The neighborhood voted no, but we can ask again. The board had voted yes on speed bumps.
Q: Can we put a light in at the park:
A: Need to see if that would disturb those who live around the park. Maybe a motion light?
Q: Can we create a skate park or other area for teenagers?
A: We can look at suggestions. Would need to consider the liability risk.
Q: Why are there so many real estate signs? Where are signs permitted?
A: Board has gone back and forth with sellers many times on this. Freestone did remove their banners along 86th. We can ask them again to tone it down. We understand they are trying to sell homes but several residents think our entrance looks like a “circus”.
Q: Can sellers use the south gate so the north gate can be closed 24 hours?
A: We’ve tried, but we haven’t been successful.
Q: Are off-road vehicles allowed?
A: No. It’s very difficult to enforce but we try to contact people about it when we see them. If you see someone riding one and you know where they live, contact Lindsey and she will deal with it.
Q: Is there a timeline on when back yards need to be installed?
A: CCRs don’t specify, but we ask that they be done within 8 months. If that’s not possible, we ask that homeowners at least keep the weeds under control.
Q: What about weeds in the vacant lots?
A: The banks have cut the weeds down before. We can ask that they do it again. Lindsey will call.
Q: Who is responsible for Tract J in Phase 3?
A: Not sure, Lindsey will look into it.
Q: What are the current gate hours?
A: North gate hours are M-F 11:30am-6pm and S-S 9am-6pm. South gate hours are M-F 5:45am-6pm and closed on weekends. The agents recently agreed to let us shorten the “open” hours for the north gate.
Q: Why aren’t all home programmed into both gates?
A: The motors that were installed aren’t adequate for a 400-home development and it’s expensive to replace the motors. There is also a lot of bottle-necking at the north gate in the morning, and splitting the homes will help spread the traffic out.
Q: The retention ponds look like they need to be cleared. Can we look into that?
A: Yes, we will get a bid from the landscaper.
Q: What is the status of the broken street light in Phase 3?
A: The contractor who broke it is paying. The part has been ordered and takes 6-8 weeks to arrive.
Q: Can we replace missing street signs in Phase 3?
A: Yes, we are looking into that.
Closing:
-Good turnout, thank you for a good discussion
-If homeowners want to be involved with the community, the board will find jobs for people
-Always contact us with any questions, concerns, ideas, etc. Our goal is to make this a great community
Grand Firs HOA Meeting – Graham Fire Station
June 22, 2011 – Board Members: Mark, Rob & Mandy
JC Higgins: Lindsey
Agenda:
Progress Update
ACC Discussion
Neighborhood Watch
Community Challenges
Street Parking
Upcoming Plans and Events
Open Discussion
Progress Update:
-Recap of Grand Firs’ history (no HOA for 2 years and related challenges)
-HOA now in place for 1 year – caught up with bills, now have regular landscaping, gates functioning, street lights repaired, entrance light installed in April, working on landscape rocks for 86th
-Recent Easter egg hunt was a success
ACC Discussion:
-Established recently, consists of Adam, Lee and Mandy (one board member must serve on the ACC)
-Board possibly interested in adding two more positions with homeowners from Phases 2 and 3
-Receiving several ACC requests per week
-ACC works via email to approve/deny requests as quickly as possible
-Obtaining ACC approval can protect the homeowner down the road
-ACC has had to ask a couple of homeowners to re-do a few things
-Requests don’t have to be fancy; we just a simple description, sketch and materials list
-Any questions, email Lindsey (Lindsey@jc-higgins.com)
Neighborhood Watch (by Grand Firs homeowner Scott):
-Brief history of the Neighborhood Watch Program
-Putting a phone list together to help neighbors communicate
-Looking for volunteers to serve as Block Watch Captains and those with law enforcement or medical training
-Will pick signs and decide on sign placement
-Will organize a meeting this summer with Pierce Co Sheriff to help us get started
-Hope to have the program in place by this fall
-Contact Scott at grandfirsnhw@gmail.com with questions, comments, or volunteer inquiries
Community challenges:
-Someone continually breaking the fence along 86th (NE corner of Grand Firs), repaired several times
-Graffiti in Phase 3 park
-BBQ grill stolen from Phase 3 park
-Real estate signs broken several times (doesn’t look attractive to potential buyers and costly for agents)
-Teen party recently busted by police in vacant Reich home, 2 taken into custody
Street parking:
-Board is receiving complaints about the number of vehicles parking in the street, people wondering why we’ve let it get out of control
-CCRs and the Good Neighbor Policy state that homeowners are to park in garages or driveways, which are considered “approved areas”. Visitors may park in the street for periods no longer than 24 hours. If visitors are staying longer or if a homeowner needs to park an RV for a couple days, just email Lindsey or a board member to get an OK
-Emergency vehicles and garbage trucks have difficulty maneuvering around parked cars
-Cars parked in the street make it difficult to see kids or animals that may dart out into the street
-Letters will start going out to homeowners who regularly park in the street
Upcoming Plans and Events:
-Would like to create an actual website. The blog (grandfirs.blogspot.com) works the now but we’d like to put something up that’s more professional-looking
-Movie nights in the park, received the OK from neighbors who live near the parks
-Summer BBQ (Jim suggested bringing the fire department out, will look into that)
-National Night Out gathering
Open Discussion:
Q: Is the HOA going to stain the fence? Can homeowners who border common areas stain the fence?
A: Board will get a bid. Will be expensive but we can look into it.
Q: Can we install speed bumps along 231st?
A: The neighborhood voted no, but we can ask again. The board had voted yes on speed bumps.
Q: Can we put a light in at the park:
A: Need to see if that would disturb those who live around the park. Maybe a motion light?
Q: Can we create a skate park or other area for teenagers?
A: We can look at suggestions. Would need to consider the liability risk.
Q: Why are there so many real estate signs? Where are signs permitted?
A: Board has gone back and forth with sellers many times on this. Freestone did remove their banners along 86th. We can ask them again to tone it down. We understand they are trying to sell homes but several residents think our entrance looks like a “circus”.
Q: Can sellers use the south gate so the north gate can be closed 24 hours?
A: We’ve tried, but we haven’t been successful.
Q: Are off-road vehicles allowed?
A: No. It’s very difficult to enforce but we try to contact people about it when we see them. If you see someone riding one and you know where they live, contact Lindsey and she will deal with it.
Q: Is there a timeline on when back yards need to be installed?
A: CCRs don’t specify, but we ask that they be done within 8 months. If that’s not possible, we ask that homeowners at least keep the weeds under control.
Q: What about weeds in the vacant lots?
A: The banks have cut the weeds down before. We can ask that they do it again. Lindsey will call.
Q: Who is responsible for Tract J in Phase 3?
A: Not sure, Lindsey will look into it.
Q: What are the current gate hours?
A: North gate hours are M-F 11:30am-6pm and S-S 9am-6pm. South gate hours are M-F 5:45am-6pm and closed on weekends. The agents recently agreed to let us shorten the “open” hours for the north gate.
Q: Why aren’t all home programmed into both gates?
A: The motors that were installed aren’t adequate for a 400-home development and it’s expensive to replace the motors. There is also a lot of bottle-necking at the north gate in the morning, and splitting the homes will help spread the traffic out.
Q: The retention ponds look like they need to be cleared. Can we look into that?
A: Yes, we will get a bid from the landscaper.
Q: What is the status of the broken street light in Phase 3?
A: The contractor who broke it is paying. The part has been ordered and takes 6-8 weeks to arrive.
Q: Can we replace missing street signs in Phase 3?
A: Yes, we are looking into that.
Closing:
-Good turnout, thank you for a good discussion
-If homeowners want to be involved with the community, the board will find jobs for people
-Always contact us with any questions, concerns, ideas, etc. Our goal is to make this a great community
National Night Out
This year's National Night Out is Tuesday, August 2. For information on the history of this nationwide event, check out their website: http://www.natw.org/nno/index.html
The HOA will be holding an event in honor of National Night Out. We're still in the planning process but we have some very fun ideas. In the meantime, here are a few tentative details...
The event will run from 4-8pm (or later if people want to hang out) in one of our parks. The HOA will supply burgers and we're asking for neighbors to help contribute food and drink items. We'll need the following: side dishes, chips, desserts, and stuff to drink.
We'll need a few tables for the food and volunteers to help with set-up and clean-up.
If you'd like to help with anything listed above, please email me or leave a comment!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Volunteers Needed!
I need volunteers! I'm trying to get movie nights on the calendar (July 15 and 29 and 1-2 more in August) and need a few people around to help get people settled beforehand and make sure the park is cleared out afterward. I also am working on something for National Night Out (Aug 2) and would like to put a planning committee together. Please email grandfirs@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Found Bicycle
A neighbor mentioned that there's a blue bicycle that's been abandoned at various locations throughout Phase 3. Kids have been seen riding it but it seems to have no owner. Does anyone know who it belongs to?
Found Mailbox Keys
Tricia found a mailbox key on 230th (at the eastern of the two mailboxes on that street). If it's yours, please email me so I can put you in touch.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Lost Dog
Is anyone in GrandFirs missing thier white/tan male Shitzu mix? He has long hair, doesnt seem to be groomed too recently, and is extremely friendly. If you know who this dog might belong to, please email the community email address immediately so we can get this dog to its family. I dont know how long before this little guy has to be turned over to the humane society, so hopefully they could help in locating his home.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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