BUDGET NEWS The Budget and Finance Committee approves 2014 budget plan
NEWS FROM THE MANAGER Monthly update from the General Manager’s Desk
TIS THE SEASON
Don’t fall victim to package theft this time of year
pinnacle press Monthly Newsletter for the Residents of the Forest Heights Homeowners Association
DECEMBER 2013
winter geese at mill pond park
FROM THE BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE
Forest Heights Homeowners Association 2033 NW Miller Road Portland, Oregon 97229 Phone: 503.297.9400 Fax: 503.297.9408 Office Hours: Monday—Friday 9:00 am—5:00 pm Email: contactus@fhhoa.com
Vision Statement To create and foster excellence in community, environment and quality of life. Board of Directors | 2012-2013 Don Bielen—President Stuart Roberts—Secretary Greg Maletic Heather Gaitan
BOARD APPROVES 2014 BUDGET The Forest Heights Board of Directors passed the 2014 Operating Budget with a dues increase of 2% or $12.00 per year per household. The last dues increase was in 2009. FHHOA management and the Board of Directors make every attempt to implement cost savings but over the past five years expenses such as administration, utilities, insurance, shuttle bus and common area maintenance have increased. Additionally, the onsite Common Property reserve study requires an annual increase of 3% to offset the impact of inflation that is built into the study. This increase in common area funding decreases the funds available for operations. The 2014 Operating Budget includes small funding increases for community events (the Fall Festival and entertainment at the new amphitheater) and support for CC&R compliance.
Jamie O’Halloren
Historically, FHHOA’s actual financial results have been in line with the annual budget guidelines. In 2013 we realized savings in the following areas:
Association Staff
• Payroll (Admin and Compliance
Kyle Abraham Pamela Morris
Jennifer Callaghan—General Manager email: jcallaghan@fhhoa.com Judith Souers—Office Administrator email: jsouers@fhhoa.com Kimberly Monaco—Marketing, Communications & Event Coordinator email: kmonaco@fhhoa.com Wes Hansen—Compliance Coordinator email: compliance@fhhoa.com Richard Metzger—Maintenance Supervisor Juan Guerrero—Maintenance Team
The Common Property reserve fund is adequately funded as evidenced by the Mill Pond dredging project completed in 2013 without a special assessment. Management, the Board of Directors and FHHOA committees are all committed to protecting revenues and managing expenses in 2014 and beyond. We welcome your input and comments in support of our beautiful and special community. The 2014 Operating Budget and supporting details are posted on the FHHOA website at www.fhhoa.com. Detailed copies are available in the HOA office. If you have comments or questions you may contact our General Manager, Jennifer Callaghan or me through our general email at contactus@fhhoa.com. You may also address the Board directly at the monthly Board meeting during the Open Forum. The Board meets the second Tuesday of each month.
~ Mary F Shuhert, FHHOA Treasurer and Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee ~
• Office supplies and postage • Professional Services • Bank charges Also in 2013 we benefited from an unanticipated receipt of a BETC credit of $ 47,307 which will allow us to make pedestrian safety improvements on Miller Road. In summary, FHHOA continues to be on solid financial footing. The 2014 Operating Budget funds the high standards of livability, an on site office and staffing that defines our community. 3
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LIGHT CHECK!
D
id you know that street lights on public streets are maintained by the City of Portland, and not the HOA? If you have a street light near your home that is out, or not functioning properly, please check it for a “C##” and report the outage to 503-865-LAMP or visit the online site to report an outage. Street lights that are out on private streets are maintained by the HOA. If there is a light out on a private street, please report it to us at contactus@fhhoa.com. When reporting a street light issue, to either the City of Portland or the HOA, please provide the following information: •
Nearest address to streetlight pole – or the best description possible
•
Confirm whether light is out completely or cycling on and off
•
For ease of identification, we request that a ribbon be tied to the pole at eye level. This ribbon will be removed and discarded when the streetlight is fixed.
The City of Portland’s website also allows you to upload a photograph of the street light and offers tips on where to locate the “C##” number on the pole. Thanks for helping keep our streets safe and well lit during these darker days of winter.
FROM THE MANAGERS DESK Have you got a question about Forest Heights? Are you curious about things going on in our community? Do you have questions about issues that impact Forest Heights? If you are wondering about something, chances are others in our community are curious about the same thing, so do us all a favor and send in your questions. Email your questions to contactus@fhhoa.com Questions received by the 10th of each month will be answered in the next month’s newsletter.
O
ne of the primary goals of any homeowners association is to protect and enhance the value of the community. This is most often accomplished through the associations diligent maintenance of the community’s common property, and working to ensure that all owners adhere to the governing rules of the community. Here’s a look at some of the projects the FHHOA accomplished in 2013:
• Retrofitted 24 street lamps to LED. This project is on its way to paying for itself in electricity savings
• Sealed the Chapin waterfall using a new product that has reduced water loss by 90%, and hopefully saves us from needing to replace the waterfall altogether
• Replaced the stairway at Miller Rd. and Mill Ridge Rd. with one that will last twice as long (20+ years) as the previous staircase
• Replaced the failing efface arches on Chapin with cement in anticipation of a 50+ year lifespan
• Completed the Tract R landscape improvement to Mill Pond Park
• Successfully saved over $10,000 in community events while preserving the integrity of our core events
• Planted in excess of 900 trees and shrubs in our natural areas
• Awarded, through partnership with WMSWCD, an $18,000 grant to help identify opportunities and educate the community on effective stormwater management Additional projects we have started:
• Comprehensive signage project, including the restoration of all copper signage throughout the community. Once that is complete, additional “entry points” to Forest Heights will be identified and marked accordingly
• Transportation analysis to identify alternative ways to fund the shuttle service and/or continue to reduce expenses
• Comprehensive, inclusive community engagement plan designed to improve the experience of living in Forest Heights for all owners
• Implemented multiple new events such as the pet parade, wellness day, and new owner reception. We are currently planning many more self-sustaining social opportunities for the community
• We have also started a Community Disaster Preparedness/NET Team in Forest Heights and hope to host a series of workshops on “community response and preparedness” over the next year ~Jennifer Callaghan, FHHOA General Manager ~
• Transformed our security contract to provide targeted service Page 4
FROM THE HOA OFFICE
FOREST HEIGHTS ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY COOKBOOK PROJECT The Forest Heights Homeowners Association will be th
The success of this project will depend on the number of
celebrating its 25 anniversary in 2014 and is embarking on a community-wide project to help celebrate this mile-
entries we receive, so we’re allowing up to five recipes per household. It is our hope to have all entries come
stone: a Forest Heights Community Cookbook.
from Forest Heights homeowners, our staff, and the dedicated vendors who have helped make our Annual
We are looking for recipes from all Forest Heights homeowners – past and present – for this one-of-a-kind cookbook. It doesn’t matter if you just moved to Forest Heights, if you’ve lived here for 20+ years, or are a previous owner; we want to hear from you. And because Forest Heights is such a culturally diverse community, we are especially interested in recipes that represent the cultures and culinary customs that make up our very unique community. Here are the types of recipes we’re looking for:
• • • • • • • •
International Festival such a huge success. Whether it’s the casserole recipe that your grandmother used to make, or the amazing pumpkin soup that you just made last week, the cookbook can’t happen without your recipes. Please join in on the fun and share your favorite recipes today! How to contribute There are three ways you can send in your recipes:
• Typensave Online: Go to our partner site (see
Appetizers & Beverages
instructions below) and enter your recipes
Soup & Salad
online. Easy and fast, this option shows you what your recipe will look like when printed
Vegetables & Side Dishes Main Dish Breads & Rolls Desserts Cookies & Candy This & That
• Email the Association: Email your recipes to contactus@fhhoa.com
• Mail or fax your recipes to the association office: 2033 NW Miller Road, Portland, Oregon 97229 Fax: 503.297.9408 Please include the source of your recipe if you know where you originally got it from (e.g. “from my great grandmother”). If there’s a story behind the recipe, feel free to share that too. We will be collecting recipes from November 2013 through May 2014, with an expected print date of early summer 2014. Questions? Send them to: contactus@fhhoa.com or call: 503.297.9400. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR RECIPES ONLINE 1.) Click this link or go to: http://www.typensave.com/get-started/ 2.) Enter the user name: ForestHeights 3.) Enter the password: onion932 4.) Follow the online instructions for ‘Add Recipes’ Page 5
Upcoming Community Events Milk & Cookies with Santa Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2013 Time: 12:00 to 2:00 pm Location: Kaer Property Group
Wine and Real Estate Date: Thursday, December 19th, 2013 Time: 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm Location: Kaer Property Group
Resident Sponsoring Winter Clothing Drive Phillip Sakash, Forest Heights resident and owner of Eco Products Northwest, is sponsoring a winter clothing drive in conjunction with the Vancouver Avenue Street Ministries. Items needed include: clothing of all kinds, coats, jackets, shoes, hats, scarves, gloves, socks and blankets. Phillip and a local relief agency will be handing out clothing items and sack lunches in downtown Portland throughout the winter months and would be grateful for any clothing items you are able to donate. Please contact Phillip directly to arrange donations. He can be reached at: info@ecoproductsnw.com or by phone at: 971-563-2978. Items can also be dropped off at the HOA office in the Village Center.
FHHOA Office Closed The FHHOA office will be closed Tuesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th for the Christmas holiday
Tree Recycling Saturday, January 4th Sunday, January 5th 9:00 am—3:00 pm Location: Village Center
Changes coming to the FHHOA newsletter The Forest Heights HOA will be making some new and exciting changes to this newsletter starting in January 2014. Instead of a monthly newsletter, we will be switching to a quarterly publication that will include in-depth articles on issues impacting the community, project and committee updates, HOA financials and compliance related information. To ensure that our homeowners are receiving the most up-to-date information from the HOA, we will continue to send email communications on a bi-monthly (or as needed) basis. These emails will be brief in nature and will cover the latest news “at -a-glance”. As always, the HOA’s website is your best source for all the news, information and resources you need in order to be an informed member of the Forest Heights community.
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Tis the Season: Protect Yourself from Holiday Package Delivery Theft We are quickly approaching that time of year that brings out those looking for a crime of opportunity. Please be aware that during this time of year, thieves are known to follow or watch for UPS, FedEx, US Mail or other delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made. Here are some suggestions for helping to prevent the theft of packages delivered to your home:
• If possible, use your workplace as the shipping address • Track your shipments online so you know what day they are to arrive
• Ask a neighbor to watch for your delivery and hold your items until you arrive home
• Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious activity to the Portland police
• Request a signature delivery option if available, or request your shipment be held at the shipping facility (such as the UP Post Office) for pick up
If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If your package was delivered and you did not receive it, report the theft or loss immediately to the original company, the shipping company and the Portland Police Non-Emergency number: 503-823-3333
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD? Come find out what’s selling in Forest Heights at our Wine & Real Estate Event! Date:
Thursday, December 19th 2013
Time:
Drop in anytime from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Refreshments served
Location:
Kaer Property Group Office Across from Starbucks at the Village Center 2029 NW Miller Rd | Portland, OR 97229
Contact:
TEAM WORK
Call (503) 699-3980 Contact us for a complimentary market analysis of your neighborhood and your home
· EXPERIENCE · PROFESSIONALISM · DILIGENCE · TRUST WWW.KAERPROPERTYGROUP.COM
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We’re looking for 2014 event sponsors! The Forest Heights HOA is committed to producing self-sustaining events for our residents. If you have enjoyed any of our events in the past—like the Easter Egg Hunt, the Fireworks Show, the International Festival or our Halloween Party—and are interested in sponsoring any portion of these events, we want to hear from you! Event sponsorship opportunities will help the association keep our event costs down and help promote your business or family giving. All ranges of sponsorship will be considered, from partial payment of a DJ to donuts and coffee at the egg hunt. Sponsors will receive special recognition in all FHHOA publications, on our website, in our mailings and email blasts. If you are interested in sponsoring any of the Forest Heights Community Events for 2014, please contact Kim Monaco by email: kmonaco@fhhoa.com or by calling 503.297.9400.
Recycle your holiday tree right here in Forest Heights! You can drop off your tree at the Village Center, or arrange for pick up at your home.
Saturday January 4th and Sunday January Recycling trees in Forest Heights and West Tualatin View for 17 years!
Just place your tree by curb (away from garbage cans) or by garage by 9:00 am
BABYSITTING
PET/PLANT CARE
BABYSITTER Responsible 12 year old girl available for babysitting in the Forest Heights Neighborhood. I am Red Cross-certified and love kids! Call Abby at 503-292-7744. BABYSITTING SERVICE My name is Kendall and am 13 years old. I live in Forest Heights and an Red Cross CPR certified. My parents will drive me to residences in the neighborhood. I can be reached at 503-780-1890/503-706-0348, and charge $5.00/hr. An All-In-One Gal! EXPERIENCED Baby/ Pet & House Sitter Hello! My name is Jamie Huggins. I turn 22 in December and drive a safe Volvo. I have about 5 years of babysitting experience, including nannying. I have been dog walking/ petsitting for about 2 years now. I am currently working at Chen's Dynasty in Bethany Village and attending PCC Rock Creek studying business administration. I plan to transfer to PSU this spring. My rates vary on a case by case basis, but the range does not go below or above $10-$15/hr. I can do all kinds of things from errands to babysitting to mild cleaning like laundry and dishes. I am advertising myself as an all in one kind of person. I am looking to help anybody who needs that extra hand in their everyday lives! I specialize in babysitting and pet/house sitting but I am very capable of executing that chore you are just too busy to get to! I am honest, fun, outgoing and stern but kind. I love both kids and animals more than you can imagine! I have MANY references that can be provided upon request. Please call or text me at 503.453.0720, I will say text is best as I may be in class or at work, I DO respond promptly! I have a busy schedule but I can definitely help! Responsible, Fun, and Experienced Babysitter Available Hi, I'm Katherine. I'm a freshman at Lincoln High School. If you're looking for a reliable, redcross certified, fun babysitter, look no further. I've been babysitting and being a mothershelper since age ten, and have great references. I love kids of all ages (as well as pets), and I can cook, clean up, and help kids with their homework too. My rate is $6/hour for one kid; additional rates available upon request. I'm usually free, especially over the summer and on weekends. Contact me at katherine.m.renner@gmail.com or 503-291-1249. HOLIDAY CHILD CARE Hi! My name’s Julia Renner, and I’m an honors freshman at Northeastern University in Boston. I’ll be home for winter break from December 13 until New Year’s. If you’d like someone experienced, fun and reliable to watch your kids while you head to holiday parties, take them somewhere outside the house while you manage holiday preparations, or just give you a day or two off while they’re home for a long winter break, give me a call. I have 8 years’ experience with infants and kids of all ages, am certified in child/infant first aid and CPR, and can provide outstanding references upon request. Contact me anytime from now until December if you’d like to chat, get a copy of my resume or hear from my references. I look forward to meeting you and your kids! renner.j@husky.neu.edu (503) 858-5483 Babysitter Hunting? Got one or more 1-6 year olds? Look no further! My name is Claire Jackson, I’m a sophomore at Lincoln High School, and I am here to tell you your kids are safe in my hands. But there’s no reason for you to trust me on the spot, so don’t be shy to call me at the phone number indicated at the bottom of the advertisement. Living in Forest Heights makes for easy access to any one of your homes, so don’t be shy to call me last minute late Saturday night, as long as you call I will do my best to make it over to your house just in time to make it to that movie you were dying to see. Yours truly, Claire Jackson (503) 803-7881 BABYSITTING Tess Pauken, babysitting, age 13, Red Cross certified, $5.00/hr., Responsible & reliable. Contact:503-297-4007 or email: camoritz26@gmail.com CERTIFIED BABYSITTER I'm Jaclyn and I am a responsible 13 year old. I have been certified through the Red Cross Babysitting Class. I am capable of helping kids with homework as well. I am available on the weekends and Holiday Breaks. I am also very good with dogs and cats. My rate is $5/hour. Contact me at my mom's cell 602-809-0917 or email: flood.noreen@gmail.com EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER Searching for a reliable, experienced, and fun-loving babysitter? My name is Annika Hansteen Izora and I’m 17 years old. I’ve been babysitting for four years, and with four younger siblings; I know how to take on any handful. I’m certified in Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED, with experience in caring for children of all ages. Above all, I love kids and I understand what it means to keep them safe and happy. Please contact me and we can have a chance to get to know each other. Call 503-705-6481, weekends only Need a babysitter? Contact Grace Sullivan at 503-686-8805 or at graciesull@gmail.com. CPR certified, 16 years old, previous childcare experience. Reliable and responsible. Babysitter for Hire Hello, my name is April Mallery. I am 11 and going into 6th grade at East Sylvan. I love little kids (3 and older). I love cats and dogs, too. I am very creative and watchful. I am Red Cross class certified. Call or text me on my cell. My number is: 503-577-2682.
FOR RENT Shop Space for Rent Shop in Cedar Mill available for boat, car or trailer storage. Maximum height 6 feet 9 inches. For pricing and information, call Marlene at: 503-260-6129 CONDO FOR RENT—HAWAII Beautiful 1246 sq ft condo for rent on Kaanapali Beach, Maui, from Sunday March 23—Sunday March 30th 2014. Located in the Westin Kaanapali North Villas. Can supply floor plan and photos. Asking $3500 for the week. Sleeps 8. Contact Lisa at lisaseung@comcast.net
HOUSECLEANING Veronica’s House Cleaning Professional, high quality, low rates, free estimates. Mini-blinds, party clean up, window cleaning. Good references. Has many clients in Forest Heights. Call Veronica at: 503.619-6690
Dogs Love to Run! If your dog needs a midday running or trotting break, contact me. I love being outside with dogs no matter what the weather, and have experience with dogs of all sizes. Extensive experience with golden retrievers and labs. Excellent references available. Current start times available: 11:00 a.m. through 12.30 on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Meg DesCamp, megdescamp@gmail.com. Professional Pet Sitter/Dog Walker Professional pet care when you cannot be there. Insured and bonded, pet first aid certified. Administer meds, give shots and lots of love. When you hire me, I am the only one who does the job. I do not contract out any work. I also do overnights. Call Candis at 503-246-7559 or email me at candisc@comcast.net. For more information about me, my rates, and policies, check out my website: http://www.noplacelikehomeforpets.com/ PET CARE Responsible 12 year old girl who loves to care for your pets. I am available to walk, play with, feed or care for while you are at work or away. All types of animals, birds or fish are acceptable. Please call to schedule your pet care. Manoy 503-203-1787 PET CARE / PLANT WATERING Responsible 13 and 16 year old brothers provide excellent nurture for your pets and plants. In the last five years we have cared for numerous neighborhood pets, watered an abundance of vegetation and provided many dogs a daily walk. References. Call Reid or Trent at: 503-203-1491 Experienced and Reliable Pet Sitting and Plant Watering I'm very responsible, have over six years of experience, and also have outstanding references. I can water plants, and feed, water, walk, play with, clean up after, and care for your pets. I've lived with cats, dogs, hamsters, and fish, and have experience sitting for cats, dogs, guinea pigs, birds, fish, and snails. I'll show your pets and plants lots of love and care. My rates are low and flexible, and I'm almost always free, especially over the summer and on weekends. Contact me at katherine.m.renner@gmail.com or 503-291-1249. PET CARETAKER Hello, my name is Emily Wu! I'm a Junior at Lincoln High School, extremely fond of animals. I would love to care for your pet (or that precious hydrangea!) while you are away. I have two dogs myself, and a lot of experiences with pets. I charge low rates, and will shower your animal with lots of loving. Call me at (503-490-9543) or email me at emilywui@gmail.com.
MUSIC GUITAR LESSONS Classically trained guitarist now accepting new students; can teach any style of guitar Friendly, enthusiastic and easy going Forest Heights resident.. Open to teaching theory to non-guitarists. Music reading taught to every student, any age and skill welcome. Rates available upon request. Rory Kenner (360) 510-0096 rory.kenner@gmail.com LOOKING TO LIVEN UP YOUR NEXT DINNER OR COCKTAIL PARTY? Pianist available to play background music for your next event. Genre of music can be discussed. Has had 11+ years of piano experience. References available upon request. $50/hr. Christina Seung 503.320.4296 Email: christinabean13@gmail.com PIANO LESSONS Children and adult lessons available. All levels and ages are welcome. Start a new hobby or pick up where you left off as a child. I travel to you. Well-established local business with outstanding Forest Heights' references. Contact Sarah at 503 313 1216; sarahwannell@hotmail.com PIANO LESSONS Concert pianist teaches your child the art and technique of the piano. Over 10 years of teaching experience. My home or yours. Contact Lydia: 503/292 6868 or by email:lydiabg@hotmail.com GUITAR LESSONS Hi my name is Michaela and I am 17 years old and have lived in Forest Heights most of my life. I am looking for work with pet-sitting, house sitting, babysitting, dog walking or driving children to appointments/sports. I can also assist with grocery shopping, errands, etc. I have a reliable car and good driving record. $12.00 an hour, can negotiate for house and pet sitting. For caring reliable help call me at 503 737 4845 or e-mail me at Michaelalhs@gmail.com.
TUTORING & ART LESSONS TUTORING/COLLEGE ESSAY HELP Tutoring, all ages, Math, English, French, SAT/ACT prep. College application essays help. Creation and editing. Terrific, experienced certified teacher. I travel to you. Excellent Forest Heights references. Please contact Sarah at sarahwannell@hotmail.com or 503 313 1216 CERTIFIED READING THERAPIST Private sessions to improve your child's reading skills. Call for information or to schedule an evaluation. Caren 503-327-8046 or cbcohen@hotmail.com Learn To Paint in Oils. Forest Heights resident artist is looking for a couple teens between the ages of 11 and 15 who love art, like to draw and want to learn to oil paint. Email Vicki Cole at veebar@aol.com Reasonably priced classes.
MISC BOYS CLOTHING SALE Former Childs’ Way parent selling VERY nice and large assortment of Boy’s clothes, sizes from infant to 7. Nordstrom, Gap, Gymboree brands, winter coats too! To schedule a private shopping time, email: Cheryl.fletcher@abbvie.com or call/test: 503-310-1365
Happy Holidays from the Forest Homeowners Association! We wish you peace, happiness and prosperity this holiday season.
Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
Sift together the dry ingredients.
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon cloves
On low heat melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan. Cool the butter slightly, and then add the sugar, and mix well. Add the molasses. Stir until completely blended (this will take a minute or two). Add the egg and blend well.
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
Add the dry ingredients into pan and mix until just blended.
• ¾ cup butter
Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Using a small spoon, scoop out some batter and roll it into a ball slightly smaller than a walnut in size. Put the turbinado sugar in a flat bowl. Roll the balls of cookie dough in the sugar. Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet (or use a Silpat non-stick mat).
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup sugar • ½ cup molasses • 1 egg • ¾ cup turbinado sugar
Bake for 10 minutes. Cool the cookies for a minute on the sheet before moving them. Makes 3 dozen.
FOREST HEIGHTS STORAGE UNITS FOR LEASE Store your overflow items close to home! For pricing and options, call Caroline Karl:
503.802.2551
Here’s a snapshot of FHHOA activities and
DECEMBER 2013
meetings for the month of December. Print and keep this calendar in a handy spot so you’ll have access to what’s happening in your community.
Sunday
Monday
1
Tuesday
2 Safety, Streetscape and Transportation 11:30 am
Wednesday
3
Thursday
Friday
4 5 Go Green Architectural Committee Review Committee 6:00 pm 9:00 am
Saturday
6
7 Milk & Cookies with Santa 12:00 to 2:00 pm Kaer Property Group
Community Engagement Committee 6:00 pm 8
9
10 Board of Directors 6:30 pm
11
12
13
14
15
16 Budget & Finance Committee 6:00 pm
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24 FHHOA Office Closed
27
28
29
30
31
Wine & Real Estate 5:00 to 7:30pm Kaer Property
25 FHHOA Office Closed
26