August 16, 2009
Footbridge Complete, Trail Extended across Clearwater Creek
A small pedestrian bridge has been completed in Victor Gardens across Clearwater Creek between Pratt's Creekside Village Homes and the Single Family Village area near Grantaire Lane. The City of Hugo's trail system has also been somewhat extended on either side of the bridge.
Neighborhood Development Partners Plants Trees
Neighborhood Development Partners has installed boulevard trees in the center area of the Grantaire Lane cul-de-sac.
Rottlund Homes New Master Board Representative
Michael Noonan of Rottlund Homes has resigned his President's position and seat on the Victor Gardens Community Association (Master) Board. Mr. Noonan's replacement on the master Board is Todd Stutz, of Rottlund Homes.
Concept Plans of Future Centex Homes Reviewed by ARC
The Victor Gardens Community Association's Architectural Review Committee (ARC) met last Wednesday with architect Tim Whitten, representatives from Centex Homes and Neighborhood Development Partners. The group met for a review of submitted concept plans for future homes proposed to be built on NDP's lots in VG's Single Family Village. Centex submitted a total of 10 variations of 4 named plans, including elevations, color plans, and landscape plans. Mr. Whitten and Centex modified existing Centex plans to make them more suitable for the Single Family Village. The ARC commented and made suggestions on the plans, including importance of 4-sided architecture and landscaping, avoiding monotonous elevations, using cement fiberboard, etc. Centex was receptive to the comments and will submit revised plans for the next stage of ARC review. They plan to build one model home to begin with near the corner of Grantaire Ln. and Val Jean Blvd.
August 13, 2009
Hugo Business Association Rummage Sale for Charity August 27-29
The second annual Hugo Business Association Rummage Sale will take place August 27-29 Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August at the Hugo Public Works Building, 6900 - 137th St. North (click for directions & map). Gently used items such as clothing and small household goods are needed for the sale.
To arrange the delivery of larger items prior to the sale, please call Debi Johnson at (651) 429-6678. Proceeds will help fund the Warm Hearts for Charity event next January, which benefits the Hugo Good Neighbor Food Shelf.
August 1, 2009
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!
July 30, 2009
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
July 24, 2009
Pool Heater Working Again
A new, more reliable heating system has been installed in the Victor Gardens pool. The water's warm again! Enjoy!
July 21, 2009
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!
July 19, 2009
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!!
July 13, 2009
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:
Water-powered and Battery-powered backup systems compared:
Water-powered backup sump pump:
Sophisticated battery-powered backups:
Alarms:
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".
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