Bentwood Farms - Mallard Pond Homeowners Association

Winter 2003

Feb 02, 2004

We?’ve Had Enough!
In the seemingly never ending battle against speeders in our neighborhood, your Homeowner?’s Association Board of Trustees is considering options to curtail the high rate of excessive speed on our neighborhood streets. Amongst the options being considered are three way stop signs strategically placed at intersections along Bentwood Farms Drive as well as Steeplechase Avenue, hiring off duty Sheriff Deputies during high frequency hours and days, initiating media coverage and, should action not be taken by the Township, petitioning the Violet Township Board of Trustees. The Homeowner?’s Association?’s has been in discussion with the Township for more than two years in an effort to establish some enforceable means of speed control on our streets to ensure the safety of our children and residents.
The frequency of automobiles, and even school buses, speeding in our neighborhood has increased at an alarming rate and has spread from the main thoroughfares of Bentwood Farms Drive and Steeplechase Avenue to our side streets as well. During a recent incident on Bridle Terrace; a teen age driver took the corner from Bentwood Farms Drive to Bridle Terrace literally on two wheels while driving a friend to a home on Pacer Drive. The Deputy Sheriff responding to the incident commented that: ?“the Bentwood Farms/Mallard Pond subdivision and Bentwood Farms Drive, in particular, has one of the highest incidents of speeding and accidents of all the subdivisions in Fairfield County.?” The Deputy, however, could only reprimand the youth and report the incident to the boy?’s parents at his home outside of our subdivision. ?“Unless we physically observe an incident or the violation is documented on video cam by a bystander, we are powerless to issue a citation;?” the Deputy stated. The same has been said by the Ohio State Highway Patrol which has taken an interest in our subdivision due to the frequency of speeding complaints and accident reports.
Unfortunately, until just a few weeks ago, the
Violet Township Board of Trustees failed to see this problem as a ?“safety?” issue. Jim McGrath, President of our Homeowner?’s Association feels that his efforts in negotiating with Township Director of Operations Bill Yaple are, at last, beginning to show signs of progress and is hopeful for a positive resolution to our requests for three way stop signs. Until now, the Association Trustees have been informed that three way stop signs could only be used for safety issues not speed control. The question is: ?“Isn?’t Speeding a Safety Issue??”


Date to Remember:

SUNDAY
DECEMBER 21st
11am to 7 pm
SANTA?’S
ANNUAL VISIT

Fill Out the Enclosed RSVP and Return!
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Notes from the President
By Jim McGrath
The Snow is coming! I am hearing that we are in for a long, cold winter. Now is the time to put up the decorations, seal the windows and weatherstrip because it will seem like a long time until Spring. The good news is that there is nothing like a warm fire with the family gathered around sharing stories and reading with our children. We get so wrapped-up in the hustle of our daily routines (and that of our children), that we say we don?’t have time to relax. Why not make one day a week ?“family time?”. No TV, maybe some relaxing music, and just try to sit and read, or talk. As a society, we have gotten away from the fabric of what made our Country was it is. We are always on the go, something else to do, somewhere else to be. As you look back on your life, certain things will stand out as your accomplishments. Is what you have accomplished so far the legacy you want to leave? If not, there is still time left. Volunteer at a school or church or other worthy organization. Teach your children about the value of charity, being unselfish, contributing time. In the end, what we can share with others is more important than all the ?“stuff?” we accumulate.
On another note; a recent conversation with Bill Yaple, at the Violet Township offices, has proven to be the most promising so far. We have been attempting to get stop signs in our neighborhood to control the speed, hence improve safety, for several years. The Township finally seems to understand the problem we have. I have written a letter requesting several stop signs at critical intersections, which will be presented to the Trustees very soon. If anyone knows any of the Trustees, please ask them to consider our proposal. We have been very fortunate that we have not had any major injuries on our streets, but it is only a matter of time, unless we can control the traffic. Please continue to keep your speed down. If you do see someone speeding or driving recklessly, contact the Sheriff?’s Department immediately, they will dispatch a Deputy to try to catch the driver, if possible. Sheriff Dave Phalen has been very vocal in his support of our actions. Drive safely please, and watch out for our children. I hope to see you at the Annual Meeting at 2:00 PM, Sunday January 11, 2004.
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Social Committee News
By Andrea Turner
I would like to thank all of you who came to the Halloween Party despite the late notice. The first set of fliers was lost in the mail. I hope no one was inconvenienced. I also want to thank the many volunteers (which included several teenagers) we had to help set up and run the event and the social committee volunteers, too. Everyone looked great in their costumes. I hope to see many of you again next spring at the annual Easter Egg Hunt which, as of right now, is planned for Saturday, April 3rd. As always, we are looking for volunteers to help at the event. If you would be able to help, please be sure to return the RSVP form to be found in the Spring Issue of The Duck & Pony Show.


Welcome on Board Stephania
The Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome our neighbor, Stephania Wilson, as Trustee and Secretary of the Bentwood Farms/Mallard Pond Homeowner?’s Association. Stephania has been a member of the Association?’s Social Committee for several years and brings a fresh new enthusiasm to the Board.


Found ?– Yellow Gold Wedding Band
A Yellow Gold Wedding Band with inscription was
found on Thoroughbred Drive in late October.
Please Call Curt Anderson at 861-1206 to claim.


Community Baby Sitting List
Adults:
Melissa Wulliger (Before and/or After School)
Secretariat Place . . . . . . .. 860-0160
Bobbi Haverfield - Saratoga Lane . . . . 575-0011
Teresa Harness - Harness Place . . . . . 755-2861
Kelli Albanese - Thoroughbred Dr. . . . .861-1756
Betsy Pierce - Teal Lane . . . . . . . . 575-6505
Kelly Marcum - Arabian Ct. . . . . . . . 861-9058
Teenagers: (Listed Under Parents?’ Name)
Terry Anderson - Thoroughbred Dr. . . . 861-1206
Jannet Hausmann - Mallard Pond Dr . . . 759-9390
Sherri Ricart - Saddlehorn St. . . ... . 868-0849
Laura Goslee (2Teenagers) - Saratoga Ln. 755-9567


Architectural Control Committee
By Craig Turner
The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) would like to extend our thanks to all our neighbors that have adhered to the Deed Restrictions in regards to submitting written requests and plans for various projects. We also appreciate those neighbors who have complied with our request for removing stored boats and vehicles and maintaining the exteriors of your homes, etc. during the past year.
As a reminder for all future projects, an approval is required by the ACC per the Deed Restrictions prior to the commencement of any outside project. For future reference, the ACC requires the following items with each project submission: 1) a copy of your plot plan that shows where the work is to be located on your property 2) a cover letter that gives a brief description of the work along with your name and address 3) copies of plans/prints if available, and 4) any product data that is applicable for the type of material and/or color that will be used. Please note that submissions will be kept for our records.
The ACC?’s goal is to have a seven to ten day turn around for review on project submissions. A letter of approval or request for revisions will be delivered to the resident?’s home as soon as all three of the ACC members have a chance to review the project and sign the letter. Please allow for this time when scheduling your project start date.
The ACC would like to thank you in advance for following these requirements and again thanks to those who have complied with the Deed Restrictions to help keep our neighborhood looking great. Have a great holiday season.
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Homeowner?’s Association Monthly Trustee?’s Meetings

Unless otherwise posted on signs throughout the community, The Bentwood Farms/Mallard Pond Homeowner?’s Association Meetings are held at 7:00 PM on the first Monday of each month at the Violet Township Office?’s meeting room at 12970 Rustic Drive, at the far left hand side of the building. All residents of our community are encouraged to attend.

WINTER 2003
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Point of View
By Chuck Zurhorst
There are many residents of Manhattan who have never been to the Empire State Building. There are families in our nation?’s capital who have yet to see the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and those in Chicago who have never set foot in the Shedd Aquarium. Until this year, with the exception of dropping off and picking up my children when they were in school, I have rarely ever been in the Public Library, neither the old nor the new. And, I have never been in the Pickerington Historical Society. Once again, neither the old nor the new. Through the guidance of my wife and our grandchildren I have discovered that both facilities offer a wealth of resources and enjoyment.
I have long been accustomed to purchasing books in paper back at airport newsstands on my business travels or, when I feel like indulging myself, in hard cover at Barnes & Noble. I never realized that in addition to lending books, the Pickerington Library frequently puts books on tables in the lobby free for the taking. But wait, there?’s more! Paintings and photographs by extremely talented local artists are exhibited. Investment, computer, internet and many other classes that challenge even the most seasoned pro are offered by a staff that are most helpful, friendly and knowledgable.
The Pickerington/Violet Township Historical Society features area memorabilia dating to the early 1800s when Abraham Pickering first platted what is now Pickerington. Antique dolls, house wares, furnishings and farm implements are but a few of the displays that captured the attention of my 5 year old granddaughter and 8 year old hockey playing grandson as well as yours truly. Located in the old Carnegie Library building at 15 East Columbus Street, the Historical Society offers some unique gift ideas, too, in its Museum Shop. Hours are 10AM to 3PM on Saturdays only, March through December.
What treasures we have right in our backyard!


Your ?“Guest?” Point of View is always welcomed. For consideration please submit your commentary to Chuck Zurhorst via e-mail or Microsoft Word document at chuckbev@iwaynet.net
The Duck & Pony Show
THE bentwood farms/mallard pond
Homeowner?’s association newsletter

Communications Committee, Etc.
By Sharon Lach
GROUNDS: There has been a nice improvement with the tree trimming and removal of dead ones. A second trash can has been installed at the new bridge path to the pond to help reduce litter. The common areas are still being vandalized. There has been spray painting on the stone signs and malicious destruction of the trash can in front of the pond. If you see someone vandalizing or causing damage to any of the common areas, please call a Trustee or the Sheriff. For the last several years there have been no flowers at the entrances to our community. This lack of curb appeal is the first impression families have of us. Three special ladies have volunteered to help me plant bulbs and flowers in the flower beds. Please thank Billie Kelly, Melissa Wulliger and Bev Zurhorst and, Arfat Munir for his hose and water. We greatly appreciate their help. Volunteers make all the difference.
WELCOME WAGON: If you have new neighbors or didn?’t receive a Welcome Folder when you moved in, please call Sharon Lach. It contains a welcome letter, address and phone directory, map, Violet Township sexual predator update and recent issues of our newsletter.
UP COMING EVENTS: Santa and his Elf will be visiting our community on Sunday December 21st. Enclosed with this newsletter is your red flyer to sign up. The RSVP date is Wednesday December 17th. Our community RSVP mailbox will be at the corner of Winners Circle and Steeplechase Ave. The visit runs from 11am to 7 PM. You may request a special 2 hour time frame. Due to the heavy participation of this event, every effort will be made to accommodate your request. Santa?’s helper will call you prior to your visit with your 2 hour block time. If you have any questions call Sharon (861-0325) or Tony Pahls (864-9596).


ADVERTISE IN
THE DUCK & PONY SHOW

Contact Jim McGrath at JMVETT@aol.com for Rates and More Information

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Directory
Trustees:
President ?– Jim McGrath,Email: JMVETT@aol.com
Vice President ?– Chuck Zurhorst, 864-6012
Treasurer ?– Curt Anderson, 861-1206
Secretary ?– Stephania Wilson, 868-8068
ACC ?– Craig Turner, 577-9311
Communications/Grounds/
Welcome Wagon ?– Sharon Lach, 861-0325
Special Projects ?– Wayne Whitehead, Email: wpje@excite.com
Committees:
Social Committee ?– Andrea Turner, 577-9311
Architectural Control Committee (ACC) ?–
Craig Turner, 577-9311
Mike Lyman, 751-9614
Chuck Zurhorst, 864-6012


Annual Meeting
Everyone is encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting of your Bentwood Farms/Mallard Pond Homeowner?’s Association on Sunday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m. to be held at the Violet Township Offices, 12970 Rustic Drive. Rustic Drive is the first left off of Stonecreek Drive which intersects Route 256 at USBank opposite the Turnberry Golf Club. The Township Office Building is the first building on the right after you turn on Rustic Drive. Use the entrance on the far left side of the building.