National Night Out Was a Big Hit!

Thanks very much to Jody Schwab, Julie Bixby, the Victor Gardens Social Events Committee and all residents who attended National Night Out in Victor Gardens. Special thanks also to the Hugo Fire Department, the Washington County Sheriff's Deputies, and local businesses for their participation and entertainment.

The coveted apron and chili laurels for Victor Gardens 2009 Chili Championship, judged by the Sheriff's Deputies and Firefighters, went to Vickie Hagen. The kids decorated their bikes and triciles, and everyone had a great time. The event saw record-setting attendance by residents from all corners of Victor Gardens.

Thanks also to the residents who donated, collected, and delievered all the donations to the Hugo Good Neighbor Food Shelf!

Groundwater Issue - Next Meeting Scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 9AM

Tony Schwab has called the next meeting of those homeowners interested in pursuing solutions of groundwater issues. The group will continue working towards a plan to present to the City of Hugo and the Rice Creek Watershed District. The meeting will be held on Saturday morning, August 8th at 9:00am. The meeting's location will at the ball-field bleacher seats in Arbre Park across Tony's home, near Garden Way and Arbre. Tony can be contacted by phone at (651) 429-2000

Pool Heater Working Again

A new, more reliable heating system has been installed in the Victor Gardens pool. The water's warm again! Enjoy!

National Night Out....Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf Donations

In the spirit of National Night Out, let's think of other Hugo "neighbors" that are in need. We are asking that VG residents please bring donations for the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. The food shelf director has outlined their current needs: *Canned Tuna, Chicken or Ham *Boxed Dinners *Taco Kits *Pizza Kits *Canned Chow Mein *Chow Mein Noodles *Cereal *Cereal Bars *Canned Fruit *Juice *Rice *Boxed Potatoes *Pancake Mix *Syrup *Crackers *Snacks *Nuts, raisins & dried fruit *Condiments; ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise *Soy Sauce *BBQ Sauce *Salad Dressing *Salsa *Coffee *Sugar *Flour *Seasoning Mix; sloppy joe, taco, meatloaf, fajita, stir fry etc… *Paper Towels *Laundry Soap *Dish Soap *Bar Soap *Shampoo/Conditioner *Personal Hygiene Products We will have an area set aside by the chili tables for the donated items. The Social Committee will be dropping these items off at the Food Shelf that next evening. Thanks in advance for helping our community!

VG Social Committee Announces National Night Out on Aug. 4th!

Please join our neighborhood in celebrating National Night Out!! All neighbors are encouraged to gather in Arbre Park starting at 6PM on Tuesday, August 4th. We will be hosting the annual chili cook-off so please bring your best pot of chili and the fixings! The Hugo Fire Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Department will be our judges again. Shannon Bailey, last year's winner, will be handing over the coveted Chili apron to this year's winner.

Please bring a dish or snack to pass (chips, dessert, fruit, pasta salad....whatever!)

In addition to the chili cook-off, the Social Committee is planning on the following:

**Visit from the Hugo Fire Department

**Visit from the Washington County Sheriff's Department

**Make your own sundae bar **Kids bike parade (encourage your kids to decorate their bikes/scooters for the bike parade around the park starting @ 6:45P)

**Adult contests

We're currently working with neighborhood businesses to see if they want to attend and participate/donate.

National Night Out is a great way to get out and meet/re-connect with your neighbors. We hope you will attend!

Please email Jody Schwab (jodyschwab@yahoo.com) if you're interested in entering a pot of chili into the contest. A very special thank you to Jody Schwab for organizing this event again this year!!

Sump Pump Backup Options

At tonight's groundwater meeting, and as a side note, I described a municipal/city water-powered backup sump pump system that does not rely on electricity or battery power.  Unfortunately, a well functioning electric-powered sump pump means the difference between a wet or a dry basement for many of our homes in the Single Family Village.  If your home loses electrical power or if your primary pump mechanically fails does your home have a backup system to remove the groundwater from your sump basket and prevent flooding?  Many residents have thought carefully about that scenario and purchased a separate battery-powered backup sump pump system.  Problem is, I've seen statistics that estimates the effective service time of a battery-powered backup sump pump to last between 2-10 hours.  My question is: What happens if an electrical power outage lasts longer than that?  What happens if the power is disrupted by a storm that brings additional rainfall?

My intent is not to scare residents into buying something they don't need.  Rather, I think that there are a few good options that deserve a closer look including more sophisticated battery systems, alarms, etc.  In the spirit of preparedness I'm sharing what I've found through a few conversations and some internet research.  

I know of one resident who installed a city water-powered sump pump system, (I haven't yet) and I have spoken to a licensed plumber about similar systems.  One plumber's estimate I received was $800 (installed) for a fully separate and redundant (a good thing in this case) water-powered backup system, including separate pipes, separate holes through the wall, and separate discharge point from my home.  The plumber offered a group discount if more residents were interested.  I suspect any plumber might offer a similar discount.  For mechanically inclined residents, it may be a do-it-yourself project.  In any case, a City of Hugo permit may be required... be sure to check first.

I found a particularly helpful video on This Old House's website (link here) that showed the installation of water-powered sump pump.  It described the concepts as well as the materials needed.  Please keep in mind that I'm not endorsing any brand, contractor, or design.  I do think it's important information though, as residents consider future groundwater drainage systems.  I've included a few links that might provide a starting point for those interested:

Explanation of the water-powered backup sump pump:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20260244,00.html

http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_to_central/home_clinic/1275381.html

Water-powered and Battery-powered backup systems compared:

http://boards.hgtvpro.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2891014781/m/8951038992

http://www.askthebuilder.com/195_Sump_Pumps_-_Basement_Guardians.shtml

http://www.1stflash.com/files/Basement-Sump-Pumps.htm

http://www.basepump.com/Homeowners.htm

Water-powered backup sump pump:

http://www.aymcdonald.com/products_categories.cfm?prodline=Pumps&groupID=95&catID=9

Sophisticated battery-powered backups:  

http://www.basementwatchdog.com/battery_backup_sump_pump.htm

Alarms:

http://www.basementwatchdog.com/water_alarm.htm

http://www.basepump.com/aquaguard.htm

I hope you'll find this information helpful,

Mark

Pool Reopens - Was Temporarily Closed Due to Vandals

Our Community Manager, the Board, and Pool Committee are investigating a case of vandalism at the Pool.  Saturday night after the facilities were closed, a few young individuals dumped a large garbage can and its contents into the pool.  The pool service company was contacted, the pool was closed, and was cleaned out and chemically treated. 

Please remember: Whenever the pool is closed - It's likely closed for good reason- superchlorination. Please use common sense and stay away from harmful chemicals in the pool. Don't swim when the sign says "Closed".

Reminder: SFV Groundwater Meeting Tonight

Reminder:

As you are likely aware, groundwater issues have impacted several residents of our neighborhood.  While the Single Family Village Board of Directors cannot legally act in an official capacity to address these issues, a group of impacted and interested homeowners certainly can. Thus, on July 13, 2009, at 7:00pm, there will be a meeting at the Victor Gardens Neighborhood Activity Center for all affected and interested homeowners to come together and begin coordinating efforts to find a workable solution to these problems.  All homeowners who have an interest are encouraged to attend.  Some members of the Board, acting in an unofficial capacity as interested homeowners, will be there to help answer any questions about events leading up to the meeting. 

Fraud Alert- Door to Door Scam

A number of trusted neighbors have contacted me about a CONFIRMED fraudulent scam.  A young caucasian woman in her 20's claiming to be the daughter of one of our neighbors, or someone who lives in the house on the other side of the neighborhood has been collecting cash and checks purported to be for a fundraising effort.  She's extremely convincing.  Please do not fall for this scam.  If you have already given her a check, I suggest you stop payment immediately.  The Washington County Sheriff has been contacted.

The young woman claims to be a student of College of Art & Design raising money for culinary school, a Food Network program, and a trip to Rome, and she's "selling" books for Gillete Children's Hospital, etc. etc. etc...

If you have already been victimized, you may to contact the Washington County Sheriff's non-emergency number at (651) 439-9381.  If she comes to your door, try to obtain as many identifying characteristics of the person (car license plate number, physical characteristics, etc.) as possible and call 911 for response by the Sheriff.

Centex to Build New Homes in Hugo, MN's Victor Gardens Single Family Village Neighborhood

Victor Gardens Master Board was informed last week of Neighborhood Development Partners LLC sale of lots to Centex, expected to be merging soon with Pulte and becoming America's largest builder.

From my understanding of what I've read, Neighborhood Development Partners has hired an architectural firm, Whitten & Associates, to assist Centex in modifying its plans to conform to their view of an appropriate new home in Victor Gardens Single Family Village. Whitten & Associates has written a letter regarding this to the Victor Gardens Master Board which I believe should be shared with residents (please follow this link).

Maintenance Update: Pool Heater

As many swimmers have realized, the pool's been cooler than normal lately.  The pool's heater is worn out.  Members of the Master Board met today with our pool contractor and approved the replacement of the heating unit.  The new heater will be more energy efficient and has a longer life expectancy than the old model.

The new unit should be installed soon.  I'll update this site when the repairs and the new unit installation is completed.

SFV Board Meeting Tonight

The Single Family Village Board will meet July 8, at 8:00pm at the VG Neighborhood Activity Center.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.