Utility Box Needs Repair

The sinking utility box near VG's Neighborhood Activity Center has been reported to Xcel Energy.  They're sending a crew out in the next 5-10 days to evaluate (and hopefully correct) the problem.

New Pool Heater - No More Chilly Swims

As many reported last season, the pool wasn't very warm.  The problem was identified and a new pool heater was installed and has tested well.  Jennifer Campbell will meet with the pool maintenance company on May 15, to ensure it's ready to go on opening day; May 24^th.

Clock Tower - Broken Clock to be Replaced with VG Sign

The Master Board voted this week to accept a bid to remove the non-working clock in the tower and replace it with a "VG" logo sign.

Beavers

Jennifer Campbell reports that the Beaver Wrangler Jeff started this week and will keep her apprised of any activity.

$40 Spring De-Thatching/Raking Service

Bud Schneider is offering discounted machine de-thatching/raking services again this spring.  Tony Schwab has negotiated group rate pricing with Bud.  The cost is the same this year as in previous years: $40 per yard. 

Many residents have been hiring Bud Schneider for the last few years and he's done a great job.  Sure beats raking by hand!
 
Please contact Bud Schneider at (651) 429-6896.

Disclosure Statement

Quality Window Cleaning - Flat Rate Offer for Residents

Quality Window Cleaning is offering a special $175 flat-rate for Victor Gardens Single Family Village residents. This price includes cleaning all windows, screens and doors inside and outside. This is the same company Tony Schwab has recommended for a number of years, and reports of their work were very positive. Please contact Grant Dahl at (763) 656-8519.

Similar flat-rate discounts were offered last year for Condo residents.  Last year's $100 Condo price included cleaning all windows, screens, and doors inside and outside.   This offer extended to the Villas, Gables, North & South Village, etc...  

Please contact Grant Dahl at (763) 656-8519 for more info.

Lawn Care - Irrigation Start-Up $60 - Local Business Profile

Again this spring, Shawn Herman, of Classic Lawnscape is offering residents group rates for irrigation start-up services.  

For $60 per yard*, Shawn will:

• Start up your system
• Check your irrigation controller
• Check all sprinkler zones
• Adjust sprinklker heads as necessary

* This flat-rate offer good for start-up of between 1 and 8 zones.  A few residents may have a few more zones, requiring more time.  Contact Shawn for pricing on those additional zones.

When you set up your appointment, make sure that Shawn has access to your irrigation controller to start-up the system.  The controller box may be in your garage or basement.

If he finds any problems requiring repairs, Shawn will inform you.  He charges $65/hr for repair work plus the cost of materials.  Of course, he'll OK all potential fixes with you first. 

Shawn is well known in the neighborhood for the quality work he does blowing-out and winterizing many of our sprinkler systems.  It's not unusual for Shawn to do this service for more than 30 of our neighbors.  He's top notch.  I've even called him in the dead of winter for advice- after a friend's sprinkler system filled with water and froze up.

Contact Shawn at (612) 366-6088 for details and scheduling.

Disclosure Statement

Olive Branch Adult Night Out

Date: Thursday, May 23rd from 7-9pm

Place: The Olive Branch in White Bear Lake. 2202 5th St #20, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651) 653-2207

Details: The Olive Branch is an oil, spice, and vinegar shop.  Come sample their products and enjoy an evening visiting with neighbors.  Cost is $10 per person for appetizers and drinks. The first 20 people to RSVP will get free admission.  Please RSVP to Laura at: lmforsyth@msn.com by Monday, May 20th.  

http://www.theolivebranchmn.com/home.php

Victor Gardens Spring Movie Night - May 18 - Here Comes the Boom

Victor Gardens next Movie in the Park is scheduled for sunset, May 18 at Val Jean Park. Bring along your lawn chairs and blankets. During the movie, snacks and lemonade will be provided by The Nest, a local home builder in Victor Gardens. Bring the family to The Nest's model home prior to the movie (around 6:30pm) for a beverage and check out their soon-to-be-built home plans. All are welcome! RSVP to hello@thenestcommunity.com

The movie we'll be showing is "Here Comes the Boom", Starring Kevin James & Salma Hayek, Rated PG. A high school biology teacher looks to become a successful mixed-martial arts fighter in an effort to raise money to prevent extra-curricular activities from being axed at his cash-strapped school.

In case of questionable weather, please check victorgardensnews.org for updates.

"My enemy, my foe, is an animal. In order to conquer the animal, I have to learn to think like an animal." - Carl Spackler

As you may have surmised by my numerous beaver-related posts over the years, VG's beaver situation is an ongoing battle. From what we've heard before, there are multiple beavers in the area that have been causing damage.

As we've already discussed, in Minnesota, there apparently is a beaver trapping season and there's an off season. Prior to last fall's season opener, a trapper that VG hired caught a number of beavers here in the off-season. Once the beaver season started, however, the trapper left for better hunting elsewhere.

The Rice Creek Watershed District as well as the City of Hugo was in the neighborhood reviewing the beaver situation and they determined there is definite beaver activity within the storm ponds and around the common areas of the Association near buildings. 

Last week, our Community Manager Jennifer Campbell updated the Master Board with some new information. After a unanimous vote, an off-season a "Beaver Wrangler" was hired to eliminate the remaining beavers.

If you notice any new damage, please contact our Community Manager, Jennifer Campbell: jcampbell@developcommunity.com   Give her as much detail as possible including your address and sub-association.

Historic Homes of Minnesota

Here's an interesting blog on a subject that many of you might enjoy.  Historic Homes of Minnesota

For example, here's a collection of historic Stillwater homes, Minneapolis homes, and St. Paul homes.

Bridge Landscape Improvements

Last week, the Master Board approved a proposal to install irrigation equipment and landscaping at the bridge between Pratt Homes' Creek Side Villas and VG's Single Family Village.  Goetz Landscape and Aquatec will begin work in the next few months.   

The landscaping will tie in with the other Victor Gardens landscaped areas.  Many of the same plants have been chosen, keeping the area a consistent with the rest of the neighborhood.

landscape plan

plant choices