May 2012 Newsletter

TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT An overview of the annual treasurer’s report

FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK An update on the Mill Pond Dredging Project

GUEST COLUMNIST

COMPLIANCE CORNER

Cleaning the closets of your life and heart

New mailbox standards in place for Forest Heights

pinnacle press NEWS AT FOREST HEIGHTS

MANAGEMENT CHANGES A H E A D AT T H E FO R E S T HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS A S S O C I AT I O N

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s some of you may have heard, our General Manager Stephen Herr will be leaving the Forest Heights Homeowners Association. Steve’s last day is May 11th and he will be moving to Northern California. As President of the HOA, I am disheartened to be losing a great manager whose shoes will be difficult to fill. On the other hand, as a friend, I am happy for the career opportunity Steve has been given to manage a larger HOA, which also happens to be in an area where many of his relatives reside.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Steve for his accomplishments over the past five years as our general manager. As you look around the neighborhood, walk the trails, sit in the park at Lot 265 or drive down Miller Road, you are more than likely looking at or experiencing something that Steve has touched or improved in some way. Steve has done an outstanding job developing the HOA staff and implementing internal processes to keep this community a great place

MAY•2012

to live. In addition, he has also been an excellent mentor to the committee chairs and board members, who are all dedicated to being part of a community of volunteers, working together with the HOA staff, to ensure homeowners the quality of service and pride in ownership that has become synonymous with the name “Forest Heights”.

The FHHOA Board of Directors and the Association Management Oversight Committee has already started the process to hire Steve’s replacement, and during this transition period the HOA staff will be reporting to me.

While the timing to leave never seems good, Steve leaves a well trained and functioning staff to carry on the operations of the HOA office. I have every assurance that you will all continue to experience the same level of service you expect from your HOA. I plan to spend a few hours a week in the HOA office, keeping a pulse on activities until Steve’s replacement arrives. The staff and I will continue to hold their weekly staff meetings and in addition, continued on page 2 

IN THIS ISSUE

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Management Changes Ahead at FHHOA

1-2

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Treasurer’s Annual Report

4

From the Manager’s Desk: Update on the Mill Pond Dredging Project

6-7

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Easter Egg Hunt Recap & Carnival Announcement

8-9

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Upcoming Community Events

10

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FHHOA Annual Spring Garage Sale

11

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Compliance Corner: Bark Dust & New Mailbox Standards

12-13

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Village Center Merchant 14-15 Profile: Kaer Property Group

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Guest Column: Cleaning the Closets of Your Heart

16-17

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Go Green: Worm Bins & Earth Day Recap

18-19

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FHHOA May Calendar

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A N N U A L M E E T I N G U P D AT E continued from page 1

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 | 2011-2012

all committee meetings, ARC meetings and “normal operating procedures” will continue as before.

On behalf of the FHHOA Board of Directors and the entire community, I want to thank Steve for the highlevel and quality of service he has brought to this organization, and for his unparalleled dedication to this community. I will miss seeing Steve out walking the trails in the evening, conducting his survey of the property.

I am sure many of you will miss Steve as well so I encourage you to drop Steve an email, or catch him at the office, to thank him personally for the

work he has done for all residents of Forest Heights. Please join me, the Board of Directors, HOA Committee members, but most of all the HOA staff, in wishing Steve the best in his transition and in his new endeavors.

~ Mark Sanzone, FHHOA Board President ~

Upcoming Meetings

Mark Sanzone—President Eric Butterfield—Vice President

Annual Meeting

Stuart Roberts—Secretary

The Annual Homeowners

Ric Barton—Treasurer

Meeting is today, May 1st!

Mike Fletcher

Please join us tonight at 7 pm

Heather Gaitan

at Forest Park Elementary.

Devidas Gupta

Association Staff Stephen K. Herr—General Manager email: sherr@fhhoa.com Judith Souers—Office Administrator email: jsouers@fhhoa.com Molly McManus Oliver—Compliance Coordinator email: moliver@fhhoa.com

Board Meeting The next FHHOA Board of Directors Meeting will occur on Tuesday, May 8th at the association office.

Kimberly Monaco—Marketing, Communications & Event Coordinator email: kmonaco@fhhoa.com Richard Metzger—Maintenance Supervisor Juan Guerrero—Maintenance Team

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ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT

TREASURER’S 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

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he Forest Heights Homeowners Association’s annual audit is now complete. In the auditor’s opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Forest Heights Homeowners Association, Inc. as of December 31, 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The FHHOA Board of Directors approved the audited financial statements at its April 10, 2012 meeting. This report provides a brief synopsis of financial results prior to the annual meeting on May 1st 2012. Details are available here.

In addition to the Treasurer, financial review is augmented by the Association’s Budget & Finance committee.

The primary function of this group is to ensure that the association’s dues and assessments are reasonable and necessary and that expenditures are prudent and appropriate. The involvement of this dedicated and experienced group is essential to the association’s financial health and provides members with an additional oversight of activities as well as a supplemental perspective to the Board of Directors.

Once again, the association ended the year with healthy balances in all funds and a stable cash position. This achievement ensures that money will be available to undertake the association’s next large activity, the dredging of Mill Pond. Operating results achieved a surplus of $64,437.

Total revenues of $1,120,334 were

100.06% of budget; total expenses of $1,055,897 under ran the budget by $81,616 realizing 92.83% of anticipated results.

Achieving these results was no small task, since Oregon’s Business Energy Tax Credits (BETC) program was severely curtailed. The operating budget had anticipated receiving $15,754 through this program; no money was available to the Association. Architectural Review and Transfer Fee revenues exceeded expectation, helping to offset this variance. In addition, strategic placement of operating reserve funds yielded greater than budgeted earnings.

As mentioned earlier, operating costs were $81,616 less than budgeted.

The milder winter helped keep maintenance payroll costs lower than anticipated, contributing nearly $16,000 to this variance; other payroll cost under runs provided an additional $4,000.

The Community Activities Committee re-engineered the Annual Fourth of July Celebration to provide $18,000 to the surplus. In addition, careful management of receivables by the Association Manager and the Budget/ Finance Committee lowered the need to increase bad debt, avoiding a potential $22,000 in expense charges.

With the permitting delays of the Mill Pond dredging project, there was a lower need for professional services this year; that component under ran budget by nearly $17,000. Finally, banking services were moved to a new provider, enabling significant reductions in costs for this activity for a full year.

Common Property and Private Street Reserve funds both met the revenue levels set at budget time. In addition, the Miller Road fence replacement project under ran anticipated costs by $50,000 or nearly 50%. This was achieved by using a vinyl product rather than replacing the originallyused wood. This change should also minimize maintenance costs in the long run.

While the association is in good, stable financial condition, care must be taken to maintain this status. The association has reached a mature level and can no longer expect to gain revenue from the addition of large numbers of new homes. A combination of creative generation of new revenue opportunities, along with scrupulous review and analysis of spending and the results those expenditures deliver will be necessary to minimize future increases in assessments.

Utilizing these principles, the Budget & Finance Committee has developed the 2012 budget, which balances planned expenditures with conservatively estimated income. As a result, both operating and reserve requirements were met without needing to increase assessments. Continued vigilance will still be necessary throughout 2012 to ensure that these goals will be achieved.

~ Ric Barton, FHHOA Treasurer & Board Member ~

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Hard Times: Northwest Heights Neighborhood Association Annual Fundraiser "Some persons hold . . . that there is a wisdom of the Head, and that there is a wisdom of the Heart."

- Charles Dickens

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njoy an evening of entertainment to benefit Neighbors WestNorthwest. Begin your night out with light refreshments and a silent auction, then stay for an exclusive preview performance of Hard Times, CoHo Theater's third performance of the season. The play brings to life the wide expanse of Charles Dickens' novel on the riches and hardships of the Industrial Revolution. The New York Times says Stephen Jeffreys' adaptation has "heart, humor and twists that keep the audience engaged until the final resolution." All proceeds from the fundraiser support the free community services we provide.

The Neighbors West-Northwest Coalition promotes direct participation in grassroots democracy by supporting community efforts at the neighborhood level. Our services advance the voices of our constituent Neighborhood Associations as they strive to create livable, sustainable and equitable communities.

Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012 Time: 7:00 p.m. Reception & Silent Auction; 7:45 p.m. seating Place: CoHo Theater, 2257 NW Raleigh St. Portland, OR 97210 Ticket Price: Adult $25 / Seniors, students & educators $15 Purchase tickets online at http://bit.ly/COHOfundraiser (be sure to choose the May 10th date).

To purchase over the phone, call 503 205-0715. Questions? Email Jen or call 503 823-4265.

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FROM THE MANAGERS DESK: UPDATE ON THE MILL POND DREDGING PROJECT

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n early April of this year, the association received the final permit necessary from the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to move forward with the dredging of Mill Pond. Immediately following, the Mill Pond Improvement Project Team met to discuss project permit conditions, the construction bid, and general project logistics. One of the major project elements discussed was dewatering the pond to the greatest extent possible prior to dredging. The main goals of dewatering are as follows:

• Dry the sediment as much as possible to facilitate pond access/landing construction, sediment removal, and reduce costs by minimizing haul trips

• Reduce the risk of turbid effluent leaving the project area, and control the flow to the downstream reaches of Cedar Mill Creek The project team also discussed when and how dewatering should be implemented to achieve the above goals. It was decided that a phased approach to dewatering should begin this month. First, the project contractor Northwest

Earthmovers Inc. (NEI) will cut a notch in the sheet of plywood that is currently impounding water at the weir in order to slowly begin the dewatering process, as well as provide some immediate flood control. The contractor will incrementally reduce the height of the plywood impoundment to slowly reduce the holding capacity of the pond. As the overall water level in the pond reduces and spring rains slow down, the remaining flow from the tributaries will carve a low-gradient channel through the built up sediment along the bottom of the pond. Once the channel has reached its deepest incision point, the contractor will provide erosion control along the channel, if necessary, and remove the rest of the weir impoundment.

Throughout the dewatering process, FHHOA and the contractor will visually monitor the pond effluent to ensure that downstream reaches do not exceed normal turbidity levels by 10%, per the project’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) water quality certification. If the pond effluent exceeds allowable turbidity levels, the contractor will install an overland bypass system, which will allow water from the

tributaries to bypass the pond sediment via an overland pipe.

Starting the dewatering phase this spring will allow the pond sediment to dry as much as possible prior to the beginning of the in-water work window, which begins on July 15th. At that time, the contractor will be installing a temporary landing, removing the pond sediment, and installing the Ultrablock wall and other bank reinforcements below the ordinary high water elevation of the pond.

An additional benefit to the phased dewatering will reduce potential environmental impacts at the time of actual in-water work.

The tentative Mill Pond Dredging Project Schedule, currently arranged with NEI and the project team, follows on the next page.

~ Stephen Herr, FHHOA General Manager ~

continued on page 7  Page 6

FROM T HE MANAGERS DESK: UPDATE ON THE MILL POND DREDGING PROJECT continued from page 6

MILL POND DREDGING SCHEDULE Listed below is the Mill Pond Dredging Schedule as of May 1, 2012. Project updates and milestones will be reported in future editions of the HOA newsletter.

May or Early June

NEI begins phased approach to dewatering pond. Dewatering continues through beginning of in-water work (July 15th).

May to June

MB&G submits applications for “ScientificTaking” and “Wildlife Salvage”. Timing of salvage work will depend on effectiveness/pace of dewatering and location and number of remaining pools after much of the pond has been dewatered.

June

FHHOA pulls final City of Portland Permits (Site Development) and reviews status of all permits for dredging project.

July

FHHOA notifies ACOE when the in-water work will begin (July 15th earliest date permitted).

Early July

Project mobilization: Willamette Landscaping to shut off landscape irrigation at Mill Pond Park. NEI installs temporary access road across lawn at Mill Pond Park, installs erosion and sediment control measures, and installs orange “no-work” zone fencing along wetland features on north shore of pond. Pond dewatered and closed for dredging.

July 15th – August

NEI completes all of the excavation and sediment hauling prior to Labor Day (Sept. 3rd).

August – September

NEI completes all in-water work and any remaining excavation, installation of Ultrablock wall, rip rap and large wood bank stabilization, and installation of new spillway/weir gate.

September – October

FHHOA coordinates installation of Vertex pond aeration system with NEI. Re-fill pond with water from two tributaries.

Early October

NEI completes demobilization and site restoration/stabilization.

Mill Pond and Mill Pond Park restored.

Mid October

FHHOA submits final Compliance Certification to ACOE showing extent of in-water work and site restoration. Project complete.

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Easter Egg Hunt 2012 Recap We had another great Easter Egg Hunt this year, thanks to the weather, the Easter Bunny, and our Girl Scout volunteers. Special thanks to Chuck Souers (husband of FHHOA Office Administrator Judith Souers) for taking photos at this year’s egg hunt. If you would like to volunteer at next year’s Egg Hunt, please contact kmonaco@fhhoa.com. An hour of your time goes a long way in Easter Bunny years!

Question: Can you guess how many eggs the Easter Bunny hides for the Annual Forest Heights Easter Egg Hunt?

ANSWER:

4,000!

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Grab ‘yer boots and saddle up!

It’s time to mosey on over to the Annual Forest Park Elementary School Carnival! Join us on Friday, June 1, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a rootin’ tootin good time! his year’s Cowboy Themed Carnival has us all in the mood for a rollickin’ good time! We’ll be kickin’ up our heels with the DJ, bouncing with few friends in the jump houses, trying to catch some outlaws on the train, fancying up the cake walk with some nifty hoe-down moves, lassoing our favorite animals in the petting zoo, filling up on Western-style cotton candy, seeing how we look

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from the viewpoint of caricature artists, and trying out our target practicing skills at the dunk tank (stocked with people you know!) There will be lots for us to eat, too, thanks to the great grub provided

by Bro Dogs and Pizza Schmizza.

We hope you have a great time with us! This school carnival is open to everyone in the community so … y’all come on down now, ‘ya hear?!

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Upcoming Community Events

D O N ’ T F O R G E T: ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FOREST HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS

Annual Meeting Date: Tuesday, May 1st

A S S O C I AT I O N

Time: 7:00pm Location: Forest Park Elementary

FHHOA Annual Meeting is tonight!

NHWNA Fundraiser

Date: Tuesday May 1

Date: Thursday, May 10th Time: 7:00 pm Location: CoHo Theater

Forest Park Elementary Annual Spring Carnival Date: Friday, June 1st Time: 5:00 pm—8:00pm Location: Forest Park Elementary

Spring Community Garage Sale Date: Saturday, June 2nd Time: 9:00am—3:00pm Location: Forest Heights Neighborhood

Time: 7:00 pm Location: Forest Park Elementary School

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he annual meeting of homeowners is your opportunity to come together as a community to learn what projects are being planned and budgeted for in the coming year. It is also your opportunity to elect new board directors, learn what your association committees are working on and discuss items that you feel the neighborhood as a whole should address.

Here is what you can expect at the annual homeowners meeting:

• Homeowners elect directors to serve three-year terms on the board

• Committee reports are made by committee chairs

• If required, special presentations are made by committees and/or HOA General Manager

• Questions and comments are taken from the floor

• Recognition is given to exiting directors

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SPRING COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 2012 TIME: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Have you been collecting items for the next Forest Heights Community Garage Sale? If so, it’s time to start marking your items! This year’s spring community garage sale will be held on Saturday, June 2nd.

Please note that in order to have your sale listings appear on the sale map, you will need to sign up online by May 25th.

Here is what the association provides: Advertising in local newspapers Signage in the neighborhood Maps with addresses of participating homes Balloons so shoppers will know where to find you Pick-up of your unsold garage sale items by a charitable organization on Monday, June 4th. Sorry, no large furniture or appliances

>> REGISTER HERE

June 2nd

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COMPLIANCE CORNER

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF BARKDUST

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ith spring finally upon us, many of you will be taking steps to prevent spring and summer weeds from taking over your yard and gardens by applying bark dust around your property. Before you take this step, please remember that the Forest Heights Homeowners Architectural Guidelines require homeowners use aged, dark bark dust as a general ground cover in the landscape.

Aged bark dust is darker in color than fresh bark dust. There are two predominant types of aged bark dust available that meet this requirement: Hemlock and Fir, and aged bark dust of either variety is allowed as a general ground cover in Forest Heights. Although Fir costs less, Hemlock tends to have fewer splinters and is often preferred by

Company

homeowners with small children and/or pets, and by those who do their own gardening.

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  

YES: AGED DARK HEMLOCK OR FIR

“Fresh” bark dust, red colored bark dust and bark nuggets are not allowed as a general ground cover in landscapes. Forest Heights homeowners often ask the HOA office where to purchase aged, dark bark dust. Our recommendation is to buy from a local bark dust company, rather than purchasing bags of bark dust from a home improvement store. You can view the bark at a local distributor and confirm its color and age before ordering. All the companies listed below deliver to your home, and some will blow the bark dust on to your landscape for an additional fee. They also have information to help you determine the quantity of bark you need.

N0: “FRESH” OR RED COLORED BARK

NO: BARK CHIPS OR NUGGETS

Phone

You Haul

Delivery

Blow-In

Bark Blowers

503-248-2275

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Barkdusters

503-636-1465

Best Buy in Town

503-645-6665

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Cedar Mill Lumber

504-644-9101

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Grimm's Fuel

503-636-3623

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Rexius

503-635-5865

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N EW MA ILBOX STAN DAR D S FOR FOREST HEIGHTS

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n order to re-establish the original aesthetic standards of the Forest Heights community in regards to mailbox design, both the Forest Heights Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and Board of Directors have approved new standards for mailboxes and their component parts for use in the neighborhood.

The goal of this project was to:

• Coordinate a standardized and • •

uniform residential mailbox Ensure resident security Provide a higher quality product that will aid residents in the maintenance and cleaning of mailboxes

Here’s what you need to know about the new mailbox standards:

Residents who currently have operable non-locking boxes will not be asked to replace them at this time.

Residents with non-locking boxes, or locking boxes that are damaged or non-functioning, will be asked to replace them with the new standardized locking mailbox.

Locking mailboxes have been made more uniform in appearance As in the past, there are two mailbox vendors and three different approved locking mailboxes. We have worked with both suppliers to provide uniformity in design. Here are the changes, including:

• Mailboxes now have a sleek, flat •

Non-locking mailboxes are no longer approved for installation

•

This change was instituted based on the United States Postal Service recommendation that only locking mailboxes be used in order to help protect residents from identity theft, mail theft and related crimes.

•

top and rectangular shape All mailboxes will now be finished in black We have also standardized the color, size, font and location of house numbers on the box Newspaper holders are optional and not recommended. The association acknowledges that newspaper holders often collect solicitation material and most newspaper delivery services toss the newspaper on the driveway.

New mailbox post has been re-designed to keep the post from leaning or coming out of alignment Made out of aluminum, the new lightweight post will not rust. The post is now painted with a long lasting semi-gloss white automotive paint. This finish is easy to touch up and cleans with ease. The anchor

post and base has been redesigned to minimize the movement of the post that many residents have experienced in the past.

Vendors have not changed, just the mailbox design Trovo Designs is the supplier for the mailbox post and a customized locking mailbox. Trovo can be reached at: 503.223.2690.

Mailbox Solutions is the supplier for the other two approved locking mailboxes. Mailbox Solutions can be reached at: 503.486.5575.

The association asks that you take a few minutes to examine your mailbox post and box. Does your post need a good cleaning to remove dirt and debris? Is the post leaning at an odd angle or is it rusting? Is your non-locking box still functioning, or is it missing a door, rusted or is in some way damaged? If so, please contact the above vendors for a replacement mailbox. Compliance staff will be driving the community over the summer and notifying owners who need to take action. NOTE: Samples of the approved locking mailboxes and post are available for viewing at the association office.

We believe this new mailbox standard will enhance the aesthetics of our lovely community, and we thank you for your cooperation in our collective efforts to keep Forest Heights looking its best. ~ Molly Oliver, Compliance Coordinator ~ Page 13

VILLAGE CENTER MERCH ANT PROFILE

KAER PROPERTY GROUP OFFERS HUMOUROUS & 3D VIEWS OF FOREST HEIGHTS

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or the past year or so, the FHHOA has been running newsletter articles that feature new merchants at the Village Center. This month, we thought it would be fun to talk with one of the merchants who has been in the center for a while: Kaer Property Group. Kaer Property Group has been in the Forest Heights Village center since 2008 but during the course of our interview, I came to learn that Kaer Property Group owner, Steve Kaer, has actually been working in Forest Heights since 1989 when the initial lots in the neighborhood were first being offered for sale. Having such a historical perspective on the neighborhood, I asked Steve to share some memorable Forest Heights events from the past 20+ years: “Two stories come to mind.

The first was the ‘Forest Heights Grand Opening Salmon Bake’ that was thrown by the Island Nation of Nauru. It was a huge event, held at the original model home, ‘The Williamsburg’ at the corner of NW Hazeltine and Miller Rd. It was fall of 1989 and there were approximately 7 homes built in the development, and the lot sales were just beginning. The mayor of Portland, the governor,

and other Portland dignitaries were all in attendance, as well as our hosts from Nauru. The Nauru officials were escorted into the neighborhood by limousines, and they were all wearing cowboy boots and cowboy hats, with light colored leisure suits. It was an extraordinary event. The second vivid memory I have was in the early 1990’s. One of Oregon’s more famous politicians came to the neighborhood looking to buy a home. He arrived at the model home in a panic saying his car had been stolen. The police were called and after further investigation, his car was found deep in one of our ravines, his honor having forgotten to put his vehicle in park or set the parking break. What a potential scandal!”

In addition to those memorable, and entertaining, Forest Heights stories, Steve shared another unique view of Forest Heights: a three-dimensional topographical (to scale) model of the neighborhood. This model offers a fascinating overview of Forest Heights and the surrounding natural areas.

Streets and lots are represented on the model, as well as elevation changes. Steve comments:“It’s

really fun to watch people try to figure out where their homes are on this model. Sometimes they get it right, and sometimes not so much!”

Here’s the rest of my interview with Steve Kaer: KM: What can you tell me about the quarterly event “What’s Happening in the Neighborhood”?

SK: This event is typically held on a Thursday evening where we outline the previous quarter’s sold and pending listings. At the event, we give an analysis of these listings, plus we offer an analysis of the homes currently listed for sale in the market. This event helps our neighbors understand the volume and velocity of the real estate activity in our neighborhood only. continued on page 15 

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VILL AGE CENT ER MERCH ANT PROFILE continued from page 14

Because The Kaer Property Group’s Forest Heights office is at the heart of the neighborhood at the Village Center, we compile and study this information and make it available and unfiltered for all to see.

KM: So anyone can view this data, at any time?

SK: Yes, I am fortunate enough to have two spectacular fully licensed real estate partners, Marc Hansen and Lisa Yeager at the Village Center office, with another new agent coming on board the first

house’ environment at those events and include wine and light refreshments. It’s a great way to meet your neighbors, too!

KM: When is the next quarterly recap meeting/open house?

SK: We’ll hold our next “What’s Happening in the Neighborhood” meeting in mid-July. Look for our ad in the July issue of the Forest Heights newsletter for the exact date!

KM: When I talk with you, I get

week of May. Any of these fine folks can assist with viewing the Forest Heights market data. Drop in anytime at the Village Center office during office hours from 11-4 daily, including weekends. But we encourage everyone to stop in at one of our quarterly

the feeling you know this area very well. Tell me about yourself.

recap sessions. We offer an ‘open

from Lewis and Clark College and

immediately became a real estate agent selling home throughout the Portland Metropolitan area and Lake Oswego. I fell in love and married my high school sweetheart in 1984 (we lived in Forest Heights for 18 years!) and we have a beautiful 9 year old daughter Emma. We enjoy skiing on Mt. Hood, water skiing on the area lakes and rivers, and of course we spend a lot of time watching kids various sporting activities! In addition to my family I will say, being a lifetime realtor, I love the real estate business and embrace the real estate agent lifestyle.

SK: I am a native Oregonian, and spent much of my teenage years admiring the views around the West Hills and out Skyline Blvd. I graduated

Want to advertise in the Forest Heights Newsletter?

When you advertise in the FHHOA newsletter, your ad will appear monthly during your contract period. In addition to your ad, we provide links to your website from the both the newsletter itself, a monthly email blast and on our website.

For ad rates, submission deadlines and general information, please contact Kim Monaco by email at: kmonaco@fhhoa.com or by phone 503.297.9400.

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spring cleaning, of a different sort Spring, unlike the other three seasons of the year, is replete with optimistic metaphors all seemingly aimed to shake us from the doldrums of winter.

March is in like a lion and out like a lamb, April showers bring May flowers, and spring cleaning promises to let in the light, air and sunshine that has long been missing from our homes.

And yet just when you thought spring had sprung, you wake up to another rainy day. You try to comfort yourself with the metaphor April showers bring May flowers, but the platitude feels empty. To put yourself in a better frame of mind, you recall how good it feels to “shake the house” by cleaning it from top to bottom and decide that today you will tackle the everdishelved hall closet.

As you begin your task, you find yourself asking and answering an endless stream of questions: Why am I keeping this broken umbrella?

Am I ever going to wear that outdated jacket? When was the last time I used these golf clubs? Why did I succumb to yet another sale at the department store? How did

I accumulate all this stuff? The list goes on and on and in the midst of it all, you become reflective and consider another yet another metaphor: My life is like a closet.

Not unlike the hall closet, the “closet of your life” has taken a back seat to the more urgent demands of the day. Work, errands, caring for others and the unforeseen interruptions that steal hours from you each day have left your life’s closet just as cluttered as the one you’re attempting to clean. It suddenly strikes you that you’ve been neglecting cleaning the closet of your life because this kind of heart-work often requires more time and emotional energy than you need to simply clean the closet in the hall.

Still, your mind opens this closet door as you feel compelled to continue this cursory inspection of the shelves of your life’s closet. This is a daunting mess, your mind tells you, but if you don’t tend to this now, what will this closet be like if you wait until next year? Or five or 10 years from now? Your reasoning carries you on, and you decide to evaluate this cleaning project one shelf at a time.

You imagine your life’s closet as having three shelves. The top

shelf, the one at eye level, represents who you are in your core, the tangible and intangible structures that support your essence: your spiritual practices, your educational pursuits, your hobbies, and other interests that stimulate or relax your mind and your body. This shelf also holds the boundaries you erect to minimize and manage the stresses that come your way that can deplete your emotional, physical and financial resources.

The next shelf represents your human connections, the people in your life whom you love and support and who love and support you. These connections include the most obvious: husband, wife, partner, children, parents, siblings and friends. But there is also another list of connections that might not be so obvious to you: your boss, co-workers, study group partners, fellow community volunteers and even your neighbors.

The third shelf represents your productivity in the world: how well your work expresses significant parts of yourself and adds meaning to your life; your contribution to the community, and how much you offer what is uniquely yours to the world.

continued on page 15 

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CLE ANING T HE CLOSET OF YOUR HE ART continued from page 14

Just as you found yourself questioning the value of the items you found in your hall closet, cleaning out your life’s closet requires the same type of thought.

Cleaning Up My Core Shelf You survey this shelf, and the following questions come to mind: What have I been doing to care for myself so that I can replenish my energy and connect with myself at a deeper level? What is preventing me from spending time on my educational pursuits, professional development or non-work related hobbies? Have I over-extended myself in deference to others and put my own interests at bay? Am I caring for my body in a way that is healthy and respectful of its capabilities or limitations?

As hard as it may be to accept, you may feel resentment towards yourself, others or even your situation as you ask these questions.

But you quickly recognize that the whole point in this project is to clean up anything (including thoughts) that may be getting in the way of your happiness. Instead of looking at why you can’t do something, you are determined to make a plan to care for your self in new and thoughtful ways.

Perhaps it’s time to speak with your employer about taking those professional development classes you’ve been considering. Or maybe it’s a good time to block out a certain number of hours on the weekend to return to those hobbies that still hold your interest? In reviewing your current exercise plan, you might decide a physical exam is in order for someone with your family health history. You also ponder whether the food you choose to eat is putting you at

risk for disease or is nourishing your body at optimal levels. No matter where you decide to focus your efforts on cleaning up this particular shelf, the resolution to reorganize your “core shelf” priorities brings a sense of purpose and shines some light on this particular shelf in your life’s closet.

Cleaning Up My Human Connections Shelf On first glance, this shelf in particular may appear to be the messiest in the closet. And it stands to reason that it would be since you’re not the only person occupying this space. The questions that are particular to this shelf include: What have I done for my marriage today? Am I spending enough time with my family? Are my relationships at work as strong as they could be? Have I reached out to my neighbors and made a connection to those living closest to me?

These questions may challenge you more than others and you realize the wisdom of giving some attention to this shelf immediately.

And because others will be involved in the tending of this shelf, you decide the best way to go about this task is hand-in-hand with those individuals for whom you wish engage. You commit yourself to spending time with your spouse or partner in a way you don’t often get to enjoy together like taking a walk, reading and discussing the same book, or simply getting up early one day a week for a “couple’s coffee klatch”.

You also commit to reaching out and offering a friendly ‘hello’ to your neighbors the next time you see one another in the neighborhood. Rather unexpectedly, you find yourself looking forward to

putting forth a more open and welcoming self to those around you as you begin to strengthen the human connections in your life.

Cleaning Up My Productivity Shelf Does my work allow me to use enough of my talent and expertise to make it meaningful to me? Do I possess a particular set of skills that I am not currently putting to use? Am I so concerned with productivity and work that I miss out on spending time on other interests, or people, in my life? You are quick to realize the paradox of this shelf: in order to achieve the goals you’ve set forth above, you need to be organized, motivated and, in short, productive with your time.

Yet you also realize that it’s all too easy to fall into “busy work” without realizing what you’re giving up in the process: time well spent. You resolve to be more mindful of how you spend your time and decide that this shelf is one that will more than likely be re-organized on a daily basis.

As you continue cleaning the hall closet, you decide to continue letting your mind wander around the closet of your heart. The rain doesn’t seem so disheartening all of a sudden, and you approach both closets with a reflective mind, an eager body, and a peaceful heart. ~Special thanks to guest author Mary Jane Wilt, Licensed Professional Counselor at Whole Heart Counseling Services ~

Page 17

FROM THE GO GREEN COMMITTEE

How Your Morning Cup of Coffee Perks Up the Wrigglers and Saves You Money in the Garden

N

ot unlike the early bird catching the worm, we humans have our own formula for success. We, too, rise early but before many of us attain our worm we indulge in the very popular morning ritual of fueling ourselves with a cup of coffee to help us jump start our day.

Whether you bring yourself into consciousness with an espresso or a fancy drink with a hard to pronounce name or a cup of drip coffee, you’re participating in a tradition long held amongst the earliest of birds. But did you know that besides providing us with a daily dose of caffeine, used coffee grinds can go towards an even larger purpose for our often unseen—and largely unappreciated—worm friends?

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that any of your friends are worms. But I would like to introduce you to some worms that you may soon be more than happy to consider friends!

I would like to share the experience I have had in keeping a worm bin. As an avid gardener, I want the best for my plants. This usually means investing annually in a load of “black gold”, an allorganic, nutrient-rich compost ideal for improving your garden's soil. One can purchase bags of this compost at most garden stores, but with the help of some industrious and hungry worms, I now make my own black gold right in my own garage.

While traditional composting relies on the use of kitchen scraps, worm bin composting that utilizes used coffee grinds as a food source is a perfect solution for a small compost operation that has the added benefit of being odor, insect and critter free.

And getting started was a breeze: I ordered a worm bin online, read the instructions, set up the bin in a corner of my garage, picked up some used coffee grinds (free!) from the local cafe and, finally, purchased some hungry worms from Northwest Red Worms. My initial investment was less than $100.

I have had my worm bin for about 18 months and have had a great production line going since then.

Since the only food source for the worms is used coffee grinds, the end product can be a bit acidic.

To offset this, I add a tablespoon of lime (available at any garden store) per worm bin tray.

How Do I Get Started?

By now you are probably wondering how to get started. Check out the websites and books listed at the end of this article. Northwest Red Worms, based in Camas, offers classes, worms and bins.

You can also get a complete kit with instructions online. Plenty are available on Amazon. The instructions are pretty straightforward. For your coffee grinds, Starbucks usually has plenty that you can pick up by the door. ~Devidas Gupta, Go Green Committee Member ~

To learn more...

The Best Place for Garbage: The Essential Guide to Recyling with Composting Worms

By Sandra Wiese Composting with Redworms Northwest Red Worms Fine Gardening Article on Worm Composting Uncle Jim's Worm Farm Page 18

SOLVE IT Earth Day Event in Forest Heights a Huge Success! The Go Green Committee, SOLVE & the West Multnomah Soil & Water

Conservation District extends a special thanks to the thirty one volunteers who came out on Earth Day to continue restoration work on the Upper Wetlands Trail. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

Thirty-one volunteers came together on April 21st and made substantial improvements to areas along the Wetlands trail. Volunteers represented Cub Scout Wolf Den Pack 889, Forest Heights Starbucks employees, Lincoln High School students, Ecoshuttle employees, Go Green Committee members, FHHOA staff and other Forest Heights residents.

Dave Ripley, Go Green Committee member, is planting slough sedge and pacific ninebark along the Wetlands trail. As these plants and others mature, they will help slow and absorb some of the rain during heavy storm events, thus limiting trailside erosion.

Cub scouts planted red elderberry, salmonberry, ninebark and slough sedge in our site along the Wetlands trail. These plants can be underwater for much of the winter. With their roots varying in depth, they help to stabilize the soil along the streambank. These and other plants will mature to form a multilayer canopy, helping to hold the streambank in place during heavy storm events.

Heidi, manager of the Forest Heights Starbucks, was one of three Starbucks employees who helped to remove blackberry on Earth Day. Blackberry outcompetes many native plants which provide shelter and food supply to birds and other species throughout much of the year.

Starbucks supplied coffee and snacks to fuel volunteers during the event.

Page 19

BABYSITTING BABYSITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE! Hi, my name is Emilie Jackson, I'm 17 years old, and go to St. Mary's Academy. I've been babysitting for 6 years with all ages and love it! I'm available most week nights but especially weekends and willing to book on short notice. I have lots of references upon request, so give me a call! (503) 804-6616 NANNY/BABYSITTER My name is Ashley and I am 17 year old., experienced babysitter and Red Cross certified. I love to play games, do arts and crafts, play sports and be active. I have my drivers license and am a good driver with my own car. I am able to drive myself along with others if needed. I am available school nights, weekends and this summer. Please call Ashley at 503-577-6951 or email ktmarcy@yahoo.com.

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.

BABYSITTER/PET SERVICES AVAILABLE Hi my name is Haley and I am a sophomore in high school. I am offering babysitting and pet services. I am Red Cross certified for CPR. I have been a camp counselor for ages 2-12, a mother’s helper for a 1 year old, and a sitter for school age children. My parents are available to drive me anywhere in the neighborhood. I love kids and am very patient with them! I currently charge $10 per hour. My pet services are as follows: Grooming and sitting. Grooming would be available at my own home where a grooming center is available. I currently charge $20 per full day/night sitting and grooming cost varies by size and coat length.

References are available. Email: sunrisepetcare@hotmail.com or call 503.863.6673 BABYSITTER AVAILABLE High school student, Red Cross infant and toddler CPR certified, 3 years experience.

Available to babysit Fridays and Saturdays year round. References available.

Phone #: 503-841-5989 | Rate: $6/hr 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.

BABYSITTING SERVICE Hello! My name is Sonja Breda and I am 17 years old and attend St. Mary's Academy. I am friendly, fun and love working with children. I am also red cross certified, have experience working with children and have my drivers license. I am available some weeknights and most weekends. Please call me at 503-203-2627 or email me at sonja.breda@gmail.com.

I look forward to talking to you soon.

BABYSITTING SERVICE Hi, I’m Trudi, and I’m a senior at Lincoln High School. I am CPR certified and live in Forest Heights. I do not have my driver’s license yet; however, I can be driven by my parents to and from babysitting jobs. I have been babysitting kids ages 1.5 to 11 years old for the past three years. I also work with preschoolers and kindergarteners in childcare at my church. I am available most weekends including Fridays. I currently charge $9/hour. By the way, I am allergic to dogs and cats so I am unable to babysit for pet owners. Please call me at 503841-5989 or email tastysunflowers@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you.

BABYSITTING SERVICE Hello! My name is Jarrett Gold, I am 16, and a sophomore at Lincoln High School. I am Red Cross certified and can take care of any age group of children. I can also take care of any pets or other things needed. I am very responsible and I have had past experience taking care of children and feel very confident in doing so. I was a counselor at outdoor school and took care of children for a week. I had a lot of fun and built leadership skills.

I can also help tutor children with their schooling if needed. I can babysit children during the week or weekends. With summer coming up, I am free anytime, and am willing to take any time slots. I enjoy children and I am eager to help take care of them.

You can contact me at 503-922-9900. Thank you!

Babysitter--Certified, Reliable, Fun! Hi! I'm Julia Renner, a junior at St. Mary's Academy, and I have 6 years' experience babysitting as well as working with kids at camp. I am Red Cross CPR/First Aid certified and excellent with all ages as well as families with pets, and am also able to do housework/chores. Flexible rates; outstanding references available upon request.

Call (503) 291-1249 or email juliarenner@comcast.net.

BABYSITTING Tess Pauken, babysitting, age 13, Red Cross certified, $5.00/hr., Responsible & reliable.

Contact:503-297-4007 or email: camoritz26@gmail.com EXPERIENCED NANNY Experienced nanny for many families in Forest Heights. Flexible availability. Reliable transportation and perfect driving record. Many references. Part time preferable.

Phone Jocelyn at: 503-459-9443.

Babysitter, Petsitter and/or House-sitter for Hire!

I am exactly what you're looking for! I promise! My name is Jamie Huggins and I live up here off Devoto. I have about 3 years experience with other families (including nannying for one of them for about a year) and I also have 4 younger siblings that I've helped raise over the years. I have many of my own pets including a dog and a ferret:). I am 20 years old, I drive and have my own car (a safe Jeep Cherokee). I am currently studying business administration at PCC Rock Creek, however I do have flexible hours. I am willing to watch any age (child and/or pet) I’m able to drive to and from practices/school/doctors appointments-whatever you need. I can also cook. I charge a flat rate of 12/hr (unless you have upwards of 10 babies, then my rate might go up ;D). We can negotiate for pet and house-sitting rates. I have great references that can be provided upon request! Fun and outgoing! Stern but kind. I love both kids and animals more than you can imagine!! The best way to contact me is through e-mail: jamiehuggins@hotmail.com. I usually respond within the hour.

Hope to hear from you soon!

May’s Puzzling Word Puzzle Take the phrase "no sweat." Using only these seven letters, and repeating them as often as necessary, can you make a familiar four-word phrase? It's 15 letters long. What is it?

Submit your answers to: kmonaco@fhhoa.com for a chance to win a $15 Starbucks gift card!

Congratulations to Ty Yoshikawa, winner of last month’s newsletter rebus puzzle and a $15 Starbucks gift card.

Don’t forget to try your hand at this month’s puzzle (see left)!

Page 20

MUSIC

TUTORING

DRUM LESSONS .Accomplished, studious high school student (junior) offering lessons in home studio; 2 drum sets for teach and follow instruction and recording equipment to monitor progress.

Qualifications: 5 years study, numerous instructors, rock & jazz emphasis. Drummer and percussionist in 3 bands: rock, jazz and orchestra. Performance venues include clubs, charity events & private engagements. Rate: $10/half hour; $18/hour. Email: jeremyk23@yahoo.com, 503.686.8020 www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C24mJgNyP8 PIANO FOR MOTHERS Piano for Mothers! Daytime lessons. Start a new hobby or pick up where you left off as a child. I travel to you. Well-established local business. Forest Heights references.

503.313.1216 or mail me: sarahwannell@hotmail.com.

PET/PLANT CARE 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 will 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 available. Call Reid or Trent at: 503-203-1491 EXPERIENCED PET & PLANT SITTER Very responsible 12 year old girl with lots of experience. I can walk, feed and play with, clean up after and care for your pets if you are going to be gone. I have lived with cats, dogs, hamsters, fish and snails and have taken care of guinea pigs, cats and many other animals.

I can also take care of plants, and have done for many people.

Call 503.291.1249 or email: katherine.m.renner@gmail.com PET CARETAKER Hello, my name is Emily Wu! I'm a Junior at Lincoln High School, and am 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. You can contact me at (503-490-9543) or email me at emilywui@gmail.com.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT Keep your kids' brains active this summer! Tutoring all ages, all subjects.

Specialties English, French, Math, piano. Experienced, certified teacher with established Forest Heights' business. Excellent references. I travel to you.

Please contact Sarah at sarahwannell@hotmail.com or call 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 MATH LESSONS Math lessons: Experienced math teacher (all levels) with Bachelors degree in math.

Please contact Aya at: 971-227-0555 HEBREW TUTOR Hebrew lessons: Native Hebrew speaker experienced in Hebrew teaching.

Please contact Aya at: 971-227-0555

MISCELLANEOUS My name is Nick Grout and I am an 8th grader at West Sylvan. I am willing to wash cars, feed and bathe pets, house sit, and do yard work. I can come anytime during the week or weekend. Please contact me at 503.292.5440 or njgrout@gmail.com NEED SOME EXTRA HELP? My name is Nathan VanDomelen, 16 years old. I am a trustworthy and dedicated person.

I honor all appointments and always do quality work. Here are a few things I can do: baby-sit, take care of plants, take care of pets (I am good with animals), pull weeds, and clean cars (inside and out.) Please note that I am not limited only to the jobs specified. I am available most weekdays, but prefer weekends due to school. Please don’t hesitate to call me (503) 206-6563. Thank you.

LOOKING FOR EXTRA HELP? Hi! My name is Jake Marcy and I am 16 years old. I am dedicated to my sports and school.

I am a lacrosse player for Lincoln High School and love my sport. I am very motivated and willing to work as hard as you need. I can help with yard work, computer work (Facebook, upload photos, etc.), animal watching and walking, babysitting, house sitting, lacrosse training. I am a hard worker so feel free to call me for any work you might have.

Please feel free to call me at 503-297-5921 or 503-407-0846.

BRIDGE ANYONE? Looking for intermediate level bridge players who would like to play for fun.

Call Mike and Steph 503-244-1418

RENTALS FOR RENT Beautiful Home in Forest Heights with spectacular view and private setting!. Open floor plan with a lot of light. 3min to walking trail's and Starbacks! 3500sqf home, 4 bedrooms plus bonus room, 2.5 bath, 3 Car garage, 2 big decks, lots of storage place and much more.

10min from down town. No SMOKING and NO PETS! Price $2700. For more info e-mail vitasanafitness@yahoo.com

Find us on Facebook!

FOR RENT Montara Rental. 2 bedroom, 2 bath. Approximately 1,100 sqft. All granite kitchen and baths. Travertine. Beautiful hardwood throughout. Price: $1,795 month.

Call Sarah: 503.332.7788

Look for the Forest Heights Facebook page and “like” us!

When you become a fan of our page, you’ll be able to see updates from the HOA and keep up to date on what’s happening in the neighborhood.

Page 21

Here’s a snapshot of FHHOA activities and meetings for the month of May. Print and keep this calendar in a handy spot so you’ll have access to what’s happening in your community.

MAY 2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

1

6

7

2

Annual Meeting of Homeowners 7:00 pm Forest Park Elementary

Go Green Committee Meeting 6:00 pm

8

9

Community Activities Safety, Streetscape Committee Meeting and Transportation 5:00 pm Meeting 12:00 pm

Friday

Saturday

3

4

5

10

11

12

17

18

19

24

25

26

Architectural Review Committee 9:00 am

NWHNA Board of Directors Meeting 12:30pm FHHOA Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 pm 13

20

27

14

15

16

21

22

23

28

29

30

Budget & Finance Committee Meeting 6:30 pm

FHHOA Office Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

Architectural Review Committee 9:00 am

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