Chapel e-Chatter To subscribe to e-Chatter & news alerts, send an email to: cghoanews@gmail.com A p u b l i c a t i o n e x p r e s s l y f o r t h e C h a p e l G l e n C o m mu n i t y p u b l i s h e d b y C h a p e l G l e n C l u b , In c .
January, 2015 Inside this issue: Luminaries
1
Glendoras
1
Help Wanted
1
Important Numbers
2
Welcome Committee
2
HOA Minutes
2-3
Christmas Eve Luminary Please help continue our tradition of guiding Santa to Chapel Glen by putting out 2 Luminaries per lot (corner lots should put out 4 or more) by 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. You can easily make a luminary by using a milk carton (cut a hole about 4” by 4” in one side) or use a white paper bag. Put sand, flour, kitty litter, etc. in the bottom of the container to weight it down, and then place a tea light candle in the center.
HOA Board & 4 Committees
Glendoras
Snow Plowing 5
January 14th @ 7:15 p.m.
Greenbelt
6
Crime Watch Recap
7-8
Dates to Remember: •
Christmas Luminaries— December 24th @ 6:00 p.m.
•
HOA Meeting— Tue, Jan 6th @ 7:00 pm @ Clubhouse
•
Glendoras— Wed, Jan 14th @ 7:15 p.m. @ Clubhouse
New Welcome Committee Chairperson Wanted
at the Clubhouse
Soup & Book Swap After many years as our Welcome Committee Chairperson, Tara Becsey is stepping down. Tara can give you full details, but basically you would be in charge of getting new directories to the section reps, getting the information to the directory publisher for updating in future directories, and pubLadies of the Glen, you are invited to join us at the Clubhouse to get to know lishing new info in the e-Chatter. If you are interested in taking over this position, your neighbors and exchange books and please email us at: soup. Make your favorite soup and bring a batch to share and a book or two cghoanews@gmail.com to exchange. Whether you are new to P.S. We are willing to double Tara’s rate the neighborhood, a long time residence of pay ($0.00) as Welcome Committee that has not been able to come for Chairperson for the new person (2 x $0.00). awhile, or a regular attender, we hope to Thank you, Tara, for your years of service see you there! in our community! 1
CHAPEL GLEN, INC.
Need to Contact Us?
Chapel Chatter
Lisa Bigley
Chatter Deadline
15th of month
Directory
Johna Carufel
MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
ChapelGlenDirectory Updates@gmail.com
Clubhouse Reservations
Kathy Dryer
271-5321
Pool Badges
Tara Becsey
tlbecsey@aol.com
Chapel Glen Security
Non-Emergency Mobile Phone
654-3477
Important Phone Numbers Emergency
November 4, 2014
273-9958 or cghoanews@gmail. com
911
Chapel Glen Non-Emergency Cell Phone
654-3477
IMPD Special Patrols
327-6400
IMPD Traffic
327-6600
If you are new to the neighborhood and have not been contacted by the Welcome committee, please call the committee member for your section as listed below (your section is identified on the Chapel Glen map located in the center of the Chapel Glen Directory). If you do not know who to call, you may contact the Committee Chairperson, Tara Becsey, at 271-4258.
Section I
Mary Ann Flanary-Schenk
440-7287
Section II
Joyce Weaver
273-1982
Section III
Joan Ayer
271-2016
Section IV
Beth Hardcastle
271-4013
Section V
Dave / Mary Thompson
271-7833
Section VI
Doug / Natalie Mattingly
271-5753
Section VII
Lisa Bigley
273-9958
Section VIII
Tara Becsey, Chairperson
271-4258
I. Members present: Jeff Loop, Chuck Carufel, Nancy Emans, Trent Hinshaw Bryan Hayward replaces Todd and will serve as Clubhouse Cmte Rep II. Financial Report: Notices will be sent for current payments still past due after 10/31; Snow removal company and contract were discussed III. Committee Reports ♦
Architecture: A fence was approved
♦
Chapel Chatter: NR - Annual meeting minutes in process
♦
Clubhouse: Floors and carpets were deep cleaned in late Sept; Estimates for repairing the upper deck and facings have been received and are still under Board consideration
♦
Greenbelt: 2 dead trees in a critical location will be removed using a surplus in operating funds; The latest count on dead trees is 327 trees will be removed on a priority basis as budget allows
♦
Lake: Fountain and lake drain work still not complete
♦
Pool: NR
♦
Security & Crime Watch: Question about Homeowner to start a Crime Watch Cmte
IV. Old Business: As discussed above in committee reports V. New Business: None
To sign up for e-Chatter and Neighborhood email alerts, email your name, address, lot # (if known) to: cghoanews@gmail.com 2
CHAPEL GLEN, INC. - MINUTES - Oct 7, 2014 ANNUAL HOMEOWNERS MEETING I. Meeting called to Order by Todd Scoggins, Pres; Members present: Jeff Loop, Chuck Carufel, Nancy Emans, Trent Hinshaw, and Mike Hutto II. Financial Report: 2014 operating costs are running within budget - several accounts were explained to Homeowners based on questions; The 2015 budget was presented, discussed, and approved by Homeowners with final approval coming from the Board III. Committee Reports ♦ Architecture: The role of the Architecture Committee was explained ♦ E-Chatter/Communication: The new electronic distribution list is working well, being used for multiple pur-
poses, including Chatter, safety and security alerts, lost and found, community news and notifications, etc. ♦ Clubhouse: The deck and concrete facings are in need of repair - given the significant expense involved, club-
house staff and the Board will continue to investigate solutions before proceeding with repairs; Rentals are running low and no change in rental fees will be made at this point ♦ Greenbelt: The latest count on dead trees is 327 - trees will be removed on a priority basis as budget allows; 5
brush piles have been cleared with our new chipper but this is an ongoing process; 3 mini -work sessions have been held and more will be needed ♦ Lake: The depth of the lake continues to decline - dredging would cost approx $250K; The fountain will been
removed and the lake drain will be cleaned ♦ Pool: Our Pool season was very successful and the key people working with the Pool were recognized by
name; The pump is running well after cleaning and maintenance; The Pool has been winterized including the pool cover; The Pool committee has already started planning for next year's season; A new phone is required by regulation ♦ Security & Crime Watch: A new patrol officer spoke at the meeting: Keep your lights on and replaced; Keep
car doors locked and inside garage if possible; Keep serial numbers and pictures of valuable possessions; Get to know your neighbors; Be alert for contractors and solicitors (not allowed); Consider a camera and alarm system; Pay attention to teenagers and be willing to question; Homeowner Cathy Myers suggested we start a crime watch committee IV. Old Business: As discussed in Committee reports V. New Business: Todd will send letters regarding violations of new Covenants and Restrictions before his term as Pres expires - $25./day for non-compliance; "The Board acts on behalf of Homeowners" proclamation was circulated for signatures; Candidates for local office were introduced and spoke briefly
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Chapel Glen HOA Board Members Our new HOA Board Members and the date their term ends: President: Chuck Carufel (10/17) Vice President: Trent Hinshaw (10/15) Secretary: Jeff Loop (10/16) Treasurer: Mike Hutto (10/16) Member: Nancy Emans (10/15) Bryan Hayward (10/15) Jason Eldridge (10/17)
Committees: Architecture: Jason Eldridge, Chairman Greg Hintz Eric Rossok Elwood Vance Chapel Glen Directory Kathy Dryer chapelglendirectoryupdates@gmail.com Club House Bryan Hayward, Chairman Mike Dryer, Administrator Kathy Dryer, Reservations 317.271.5321 E-Communications Jeff Loop, Chairman Lisa Bigley, Chatter Editor/Distribution Deadline for Articles: 15th of Month cghoanews@gmail.com Finance Mike Hutto, Chairman Fred Norman, CPA (HOA Dues) Norman500@sbcglobal.net
Glendoras Carla Orr, President carlaorr@comcast.net Greenbelt Chuck Carufel, Chairman Bob Eddleman Mike Martich Lake Mike Hutto, Chairman Pool Trent Hinshaw, Chairman Tara Becsey, Swim Badges Tracy Gercak Michelle Stohler Security & Crime Watch Nancy J. Emans, Chairman Dan Huber Kent Watts Ron Kwaitkowski Henry (Trey) Gregory Chapel Glen Non-Emergency Cell Phone 317.654.3477
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2014 – 2015 Snow Plowing By: Chuck Carufel, President of Chapel Glen HOA As has been the case for many years, the Chapel Glen Board of Directors has chosen to utilize a small excavating contractor to provide snow removal services this winter. We believe that this firm has consistently provided good service for an extraordinarily low price. Price comparisons with what other neighborhoods and business parks are paying tell us that we are paying just a portion of what others are for their snow removal services. Many of you may recall that there were some snow events last year where you would have liked to have seen the streets cleared sooner. Many of you also expressed these concerns at the monthly Board meeting and to us directly. We agree that ideally the streets would have been cleared sooner and share your concerns that the same situation could repeat itself if we experience another winter like the last one. However, given the current financial pressures that the neighborhood faces, the Board feels that it is important to continue to exercise fiscal responsibility and stick with the most economical option for snow removal short of not plowing at all. So what can you expect when we do get snow? As was previously the case, our contractor will plow the streets when we receive 2” – 3” of snow. Generally, this will not start until the snow has mostly stopped unless a large amount is expected. An exception to this approach is when temperatures are expected to begin melting the snow immediately, in which case a decision may be made by the Board not to plow and avoid the cost. The main neighborhood streets are generally plowed first, Warrington, Chapel Glen, and the Lansdowne, Beckford, Greenlee, and Ellington loop. (Not necessarily in that order). Following that the courts and clubhouse parking lot will be cleared. There are a couple of things that residents can do to help make the process smoother….. 1. Avoid parking on the street. When snow is predicted, especially overnight, move your vehicles to your driveway. 2. Do not shovel or blow snow back into the street or onto sidewalks. City of Indianapolis code prohibits these actions and could potentially result in a fine. Also, help your U.S. Mail carrier by clearing the space in front of your mailbox and consider shoveling out a fire hydrant. It could be your house which is saved! 5
Greenbelt News By: Bob Eddleman INVASIVE PLANT PATCH ADOPTED Our good neighbor Gerry Beckmann adopted the honeysuckle patch around the Warrington Drive entrance sign in November. He cut and removed the large Asian Bush Honeysuckle plants that were growing profusely behind the sign. Eventually the roots could damage the sign structure. Spraying the cut stumps with a herbicide like Round-up immediately after cutting will usually kill this invasive plant. Another way to end the plant is to let the stumps re-sprout and then spray the new foliage. The herbicide will move through the plant killing the roots. So a big TIP OF THE HAT and THANKS to Gerry!
Chapel Glen’s Fox Squirrels
The Squirrels we see in Chapel Glen are Fox Squirrels, sometimes called Brown Squirrels. They are the largest of four different species of squirrels found in Indiana and the species most often found in urban and suburban areas. The other species prefer to stay in more densely wooded areas. Although fox squirrels are often seen on the ground, they climb well and are seldom found far from trees. They rise and feed later than other squirrels and are more active throughout the day. Their conspicuous barking and squalls often betray their presence. Tree cavities, many formed by woodpeckers, are remodeled for winter dens and often serve as nurseries for late winter litters. If existing trees lack cavities, leaf nests, known as dreys, are built by cutting twigs with leaves attached and weaving them into warm waterproof shelters. Dreys are very common in our neighborhood. Similar leafy platforms are build for summer loafing. Old-timers call these platforms “cooling beds.” White oak acorns, hickory nuts and beechnuts are preferred food, but a wide variety of seeds, berries and wild fruits are consumed when choice items fall. When frost, insects, droughts and other unfavorable conditions cause wild foods to fail, squirrel population can decline. However, fox squirrels have adapted to human provided food sources such as bird feeders. Squirrels don’t hibernate, so they must depend upon buried acorns and nuts, or bird feeders, for winter fare. Many acorns buried in the fall are never found and later sprout to become trees. In addition to burying nuts, squirrel carry seeds and berries to new areas and are known as important dispersers of plants seeds. In urban areas, fox squirrels become used to people and would appear to make good pets, but fox squirrels are wild animals that will bite and can carry disease. Do not try to pick up squirrels. Since they have become accustomed to living near humans and their homes they will sometimes invade a home and cause damage. They can be discouraged and/or removed. We will discuss that in a future story. 6
Chapel Glen Community Crime Watch Meeting December 11, 2014 7 p.m. In attendance: Thirty-two residents of the Chapel Glen community attended a meeting to begin discussion of developing a Community Crime Watch Committee at 7 p.m. on December 11, 2014 in the Chapel Glen Clubhouse. Agenda: Nancy J. Emans advised residents of the agenda for the meeting. All attendees were asked to use the sign-in sheet and Emans advised she would contact those attending regarding next meeting. Emans discussed security patrol officer Dan Huber’s notes and then introduced Trey Gregory and Kent Watts who currently serve on the security patrol to guide residents in protecting their homes and person. A very special thank you to both Trey and Kent for taking the time to speak with residents on ways to make their homes more safe and secure. It is noted that Indianapolis ranks sixth in the United States for theft. All residents are encouraged to be proactive in making their homes, possessions and families as safe as possible. Discussion: The following proactive security measures were discussed. •
GARAGE DOORS: Residents still continue to leave garage doors open. While it may be easier on residents when they’re doing activities, this practice allows someone to come into the garage without your knowledge and steal items, or access your home through the inside doors. The best way to protect your property is to keep your garage door down unless you are in the garage. Even when doing yard work, it’s a good idea to keep your garage door closed as it only takes a split second for someone to enter while you have your back turned.
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SECURITY LIGHTS: Outside lights should always remain on in the evenings. If you have a light in the back, that too will help deter someone from coming onto your property. The cost to keep these lights on all night every year is as little as $9 and the savings is tremendous as it can deter thieves from coming onto your property. Many outdoor lights have motion sensors and, if attached to cameras, can trigger camera recording for even more secure measures.
•
DOOR/WINDOW LOCKS: Keep all doors and windows locked at all times! No one can enter your home if you have your doors and windows locked. Discussion during the meeting continues on patio doors and how to further keep windows and doors locked. You can also put a broom handle or a 1’ x 2’ block or metal rod in the window if you are going out of town. Hardware stores also have items to purchase to make your doors and windows safer. The officer suggested searching Google.com for the phrase “How to Harden Your Home” for further tips to make your home safer.
•
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS: Just getting to know and trust your neighbors and asking to help one a other when you are away from your homes can be a tremendous benefit. Get to know your neighbors so you can monitor their home when they are away. The officers also suggested leaving your name and address in a message on the nonemergency Chapel Glen Number 317-654-3477 notifying you are going out of town so they can patrol your home and try to make sure your home remains safe. Having said that, no one, not even board members, know the schedule of patrols in the Chapel Glen community. Leaving a message may allow the patrol officers to be more diligent patrolling your area when you are out of town.
•
USE TIMERS: If you are leaving on a trip, have timers to turn on lights in the home at different times. This simple measure will deter someone looking to break into your home as this gives the appearance that someone is home. Leaving a radio or television on can also be a deterrent for someone to break into your home as they may hear the noise and assume that you are talking to someone in your home. 7
Crime Watch . . .Continued •
ALWAYS USE AUDIBLE ALARMS: Alarms on homes were discussed and the officers suggested always utilizing audible alarms, not silent alarms, if you have them in your home. The reason for this is that if someone attempts to break into your home, they would hear the alarm and most likely run. An outdoor and extra siren is also recommended. A silent alarm could take up to ten minutes for officers to arrive.
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CONTROL YOUR PACKAGE DELIVERIES: Package delivery time is upon us. If you know your neighbor is not home and a delivery is made to their home, go get the package for safekeeping. In this instance, knowing your neighbors can help if you are told a delivery may be arriving. The likelihood of retrieving a stolen package is almost zero. You could also request that your packages remain at the post office, UPS or FedEx or you could ask your delivery driver to request a signature for the package and it will not be left unless someone is home to accept the package.
•
EXTRA HOME SAFETY TIPS: The officers suggested that if there is no alarm system on the home and you have a newer car, keep the key fob on your night stand and hit the car alarm if you feel someone is in your bedroom. Also, you should have a cell phone and/or regular phone beside you when you sleep. Having your bedroom securely locked is also a good safety precaution. That being said, you should also always have two points of escape with a master bath being the second safety point with a locked door.
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LOCK YOUR CAR / TAKE YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPENER INSIDE: Vehicles that sit outside the garage should have all valuables removed at all times and taken inside the home. If you have a garage door remote, it should also be taken into the home so intruders cannot bust a window and access your home using the garage door remote. If your car doesn’t have a safety feature preventing it from being driven away while in remote start, you should never leave vehicles running to warm up in the morning – even if it’s locked. The window will most likely be broken and the car driven off without the homeowner knowing the vehicle was stolen – or just a broken window if it’s undrivable in remote start.
Discussion also followed on homeowners using deadly force to protect themselves. A long discussion followed on this for homeowners to understand their rights as to protecting themselves and their family if they fear that their lives are in danger. Further discussion allowed homeowners to identify the aggressor in a situation and the non-aggressor. The officers further cautioned homeowners to exercise caution when you see someone on the street. They recommended that you not approach them but call 911 and stay on the line describing the situation and being the responding officer’s eyes and ears. Officers reminded the residents that someone entering your home to steal your items will only be there approximately four minutes, so keeping your valuables out of sight may keep them in your possession. If you contact 911 and the operator answering does not feel your concern, call back and ask for the supervisor to share concerns. This number is for emergency use and you should feel you are protecting yourself, your property or a neighbor’s safety and property when calling. DID YOU KNOW: It is against the law for someone to walk on the street if there are sidewalks present? NEXT MEETING: January 27, 2015 in the Chapel Glen Clubhouse with Paula Barnes, Crime Watch Specialist. Reminder of the meeting date and time will be sent in a reminder email to all Chapel Glen Residents. If you do not get the Chapel Glen emails and would like for Emans to contact you regarding the meeting, please call her at 317-281-0611. Residents may also download the “NextDoor” app for their mobile devices to have immediate access to Chapel Glen neighbors to stay abreast of current happenings. 8