Turf Valley Overlook Community Association

January/February 2002 Newsletter

Jan 21, 2002

Message from the TVO Community Association President:
HAPPY NEW YEAR! The Turf Valley Overlook Community Association is focused on making 2002 a year of continued achievement. With the help of so many dedicated volunteers, the Association has been able to continue the momentum that began during the summer that led to the launching of our new web site (www.neighborhoodlink.com), the resumption of our community Newsletter, the creation of a new community directory (available in late February to paid members), a greater emphasis on safety and security in our neighborhood, and a renewed commitment to improving the beauty of our common grounds. (Did you note that our neighborhood?’s oak trees have begun to be trimmed?)
During the past six months, we?’ve held yard sales, neighborhood cleanups, a Halloween parade, Santa?’s visit, and a beautiful holiday display of candles in our first annual luminary project. As I drove through the neighborhood on Christmas Eve, I felt the warmth, hospitality, peace and tranquility that truly reflected the spirit of our neighbors and the true meaning of the season.
The Board will be meeting in February to finalize the budget for this year. Our projects for this spring include hiring a new landscape contractor to further enhance the beauty of our entrance and common areas, and pursuing plans to light our entrance at Route 40 and Pebble Beach Drive. In addition, some TVO residents have expressed an interest in a social (pool) membership at Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center. If there is enough interest in this, TVO-CA may be able to negotiate a reduced initiation fee. If you are interested in this, please let us know. (See article below)
Our open enrollment drive for the 2002-year ends on January 31st. Thanks to All of you who have already paid your dues for this year. To date, we have 135 paid members (out of 297) families). In the future, we hope that more people will begin contributing both dues and time to keep our neighborhood the wonderful place to live that it is. We?’ve only just begun, but believe you can already see and feel a difference in out ?“Caring Community.?”
On behalf of the entire Board, Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Chuck Jackson, President
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Santa Trades Sleigh For Fire Engine
The Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department sidelined Santa?’s sleigh this year as he visited the neighborhood atop Engine 22 on Sunday, December 16th. Several helpers accompanied Santa, including Dep. Chf. Lars Leaf, Asst. Chf. Butch Ernest, Lt. Doug Harold, Sgt. Robbie Reed, FF Stuart Campbell and EMS lt. Sean Sachs. Santa also got some help from Mark Stomberg, who provided the candy he shared with children who greeted him along the route. Several donations were made along the way. If you would like to add yours, the address is Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 292, Ellicott City, MD 21041. (Special note: Howard County Fire Chief Joseph Herr has announced that the department is recruiting volunteers for its basic firefighter and pre-paramedic courses that are being offered in February. Recruits 16-18 years of age must have parental permission. For more information, please contact Mrs. Carolyn Klein, 410-313-2600).


THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Jennifer Broaddus and all of her helpers who organized our lovely luminary display in our neighborhood this past Christmas Eve. It was beautiful to see our neighborhood glowing with such warmth on that cold, crisp evening. We appreciate all of your hard work during such a hectic time of the year.

Monique Summers and her daughter Hanna who were seen picking up trash near the entry-way on a chilly 34 degree December morning! Thank you from all of us.



READY TO TAKE THE PLUNGE? By Chuck Jackson

The calendar says winter, but for the folks at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center, thoughts are already turning to spring and summer as the days begin to get longer. So are the lines at many of the areas swim clubs, as families?’ line up for summer pool memberships. Take the Forest Hill Swim and Tennis Club, for example. The ?“Waiting-List?” time is running at about 4 years! At Turf Valley, try about 4 minutes! That?’s all the time it takes to reserve your spot for the 2002 summer season!
Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center?’s Pete Mangione and his staff are making a special offer of Family Social Memberships for dues paying families of Turf Valley Overlook Community Association that will make the outdoor and indoor pool facilities available beginning memorial Day weekend. In addition to the use of the pools, this special offer will also entitle families to all privileges of the restaurants, tennis, spa discounts, fitness room, and steam room that are also located inside the main facility. Of course, Family and Individual Golf Memberships are also available.
These memberships will be available on a first dome-first served basis and will feature significant reductions in the one-time initiation fee for the first 50 families to sign up by January 31st. Obviously, the more families expressing interest the lower the cost! If you would like to take advantage of this special offer, please indicate your interest by calling me today! Don?’t wait?….I am sure that poolside at the beautiful Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center will be the place to be this summer! My number is 410-461-5649. There is no obligation at this point. Once I ear from 50 families, there will be a reception at the Turf Valley Conference Center (probably in February) to officially greet and register you for a summer of family fun! I look forward to hearing from you!


BLOCK CAPTAINS NEEDED:
We are in need of volunteers to be a ?“Block Captain?” for their cul-de-sac or approximately 10 homes on a loner street. A Block Captain would be used as a point of distribution for the newsletter, flyers, etc., and form the ?“glue?” for our many TVO projects. It is fun and doesn?’t require an enormous amount of time! Plus, you will get to know your neighbors! Please volunteer to be a part of our community. WE NEED YOU. If interested, please call Chuck at (410) 461-5649.


SURF THE TURF! www.neighborhoodlink.com

The new Board voted early on to bring our Association into the 21st century by establishing a community web site. It is our hope that the majority of the neighborhood will use the site on a regular basis to keep in touch with what?’s going on in the neighborhood, with the neighbors and to learn more about the Community Association.

We chose a site that would give the most flexibility, is easy to maintain and most important of all easy to use. We welcome your suggestions, comments and concerns.

1. Enter Zip Code 21042
2. Click on Turf Valley Overlook Community Association

With a click of your mouse you can:

 Get the current local weather, radar map and news.
 Be up to date on local activities through the Community Calendar.
 Compliment or complain to the Board using Board Member Contacts.
 Read the latest Newsletter.
 Meet your neighbors - Learn the interests of your neighbors.
 Access Local Government information.
 Create or respond to neighborhood issues in the Talk About it area.
 Use the Community hotlinks or have your favorite links added to the site.
 Place free classified ads with or without photos.
 Read general information under Community Pages.
 Have a Live Chat in public & private rooms.

Our current web master is Susan McKillip who can be reached by calling 410-715-2719 or email at TSTOURS@aol.com.