Holiday Decorations Planned this Year

This afternoon, Kari Miller, Master Board members and Dan Steuernagel of Goetz Landscape discussed outdoor holiday neighborhood decoration options in time for this Christmas.  The Board expressed a need for a comprehensive plan to spread holiday cheer throughout Victor Gardens and not just a few primary locations.  The Board is pursuing a phased approach to purchase re-usable, energy efficient, and durable lighting.

Last Chance - $50 Sprinkler Blow Out

A few of us were not available last weekend, and we weren't able to have our sprinkler systems blown out along with the rest of the neighborhood.  I spoke with Shawn Herman a few minutes ago and he's willing to come back at the $50 rate for winterizing each home system. 

As I posted in September, Shawn Herman of Classic Lawnscape offers Victor Gardens discounts for seasonal blowing out and shut-down of resident's individual sprinkler systems. Shawn's offered this service for the last few years. He always does a thorough and professional job.

Shawn's discounted price for blowing-out sprinklers is $50.00 per home. There may still be the opportunity to have Shawn winterize your system - but that window will be closing very soon.  Shawn Herman can also be reached directly at (612) 366-6088.

Beaver Damage

Damage on a very large tree

Beavers have been taking down a number of trees (large and small) east of the bridge connecting the Creekside Village Assn. with the Single Family Village Assn..  This was reported to the Master Board about a week ago. Community Manager, Kari Miller called the DNR, and Board Members are looking into other potential remedies.

Since the initial report, a tree service has cut back a number of dangerously weak trees and limbs that the beavers started on. They've cleared out a large area along the creekside trail east of the bridge.

Here's an excerpt of the original report last week:  "They have built two dams in the creek behind the houses on Val Jean Blvd, but even more concerning is that they have begun to eat through almost every single large tree from the tree line that separates our houses from the Pratt houses across the creek.  They eat fast also - I fear that in a few weeks, these trees will be detroyed.  If you havn't seen it yet, you and you family should take a walk on the path behind our house and see the trees.

We called the MN DNR, but have not heard back.  [Name removed] and I feel that these beavers should be trapped and removed due to the potential damage they can cause to the trees, etc.  I'm not sure if this is even an "association" issue or not, but I thought I'd let you know and see what you think. "

The Future of Halloween Decorations in the Neighborhood?

Hans Hagen Homes Decides not to Build

About a week ago, Hans Hagen Homes reported to the Master ARC that they were not going to proceed to build on 22 lots in Victor Gardens Single Family Village.  Although ARC did conditionally approve three of three plans submitted by Hans Hagen Homes, ARC did not adopt a legal agreement proposed by the builder.

Maintenance Update: Outdoor Fireplace at Victor Gardens' Pool

Kari Miller, our Community Manager reported that the outdoor fireplace near at the pool has been cleaned up and repaired.  

Also, Kari contacted City Hall regarding the cleaning up of the City's asphalt trails around the neighborhood.  The Board is also considering signage and dog waste bag stations in the area.  Please remember to clean up after your pets.

VG Social Committee--Upcoming Meeting

Current members and anyone else that is interested in joining the Victor Gardens social committee are welcome to attend our upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November 1st at 7P at Dunn Brothers (next to Festival Foods). We'll be discussing some adult only events that our 2 newest members would like to plan as well as a few other remaining events for November-March 2012. All are welcome to attend! If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please contact me via email (eventsbyjulie@gmail.com). Many thanks to our volunteers to help plan and host these events for our entire neighborhood!

Architectural & Landscape Changes

Homeowners wishing to make changes to their home's exterior or landscape must first receive Architectural Review Committee approval. Contact your Community Manager for more info. Applications are available in the links below:

• Condo Homeowners
• Single Family Homeowners

This Weekend - Lawn Care - $40 Core Aeration Service

Jeff Ambrose has a number of homes lined up for core aeration this weekend.  He completed our yard today and did a great job.  

Check out this previous post for more details.

Halloween Fright Farm (Low Scare matinee Sunday Oct 30)

This message was sent to me by our neighbor Jody Schwab:

Hello Neighbors,

If you and your family are looking for a great event to attend this Halloween, please read on!

I have attached a flyer for the Ramsey County Sheriff's Fright Farm event.

This is a total volunteer event, the "barn" where the event is held is transformed each year into a elaborate "haunted house".

In addition to our main event we offer a "low scare" for children.

This special “Low Scare” matinee for kids is held Sunday, October 30th from Noon to 4 PM. Admission to the low scare haunt is only $5 for all ages.

Regular Event Dates: October 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-31

Time: 7 PM – 10 PM, Admission $10.00

You might recognize one of the actors!

I wanted to extend invitations to the neighborhood. 

This is truly a great Halloween event, and much less expensive than other haunts in the area.

Please check out our web site, and pass the word to others in our "hood"!

Web site: www.frightfarm.org

Thanks!

Jody Schwab

Ramsey County Sheriff's Office

Training Unit

November 8 School Levy Renewal - Informational Community Meetings

On November 8, voters in the White Bear Lake Area School District will vote on a proposed renewal of the district's Local Operating Levy that was passed in 2007. A renewal does not increase taxes - it simply renews the current levy.  Since the levy was last approved in 2007, the District has kept our promises to the community, seen a rise in test scores, been recognized for stewardship in our management of resources, and formed innovative partnerships that improve opportunities for students. Additional information about these accomplishments can be found at http://www.whitebear.k12.mn.us/pdfs/6FactsBookmarkFINAL.pdf. Failure to renew this existing operating levy will result in a $14 million loss in revenue and would require planning to: · Reduce staff, which will increase class sizes. · Reduce or eliminate programs. · Close and consolidate school sites. Parents and community members have the opportunity get information and submit questions at  http://www.whitebear.k12.mn.us/levyrenewal.html.  In addition, the district is hosting three community information sessions. Please take the opportunity to gather information and ask questions so you can make an informed decision on November 8. Community Information Meetings: 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28 at Vadnais Heights City Hall 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at Hugo City Hall 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 at White Bear Lake City Council Chamber If you are not able to attend the community meetings but have questions, you are welcome to contact me at 651-407-7563 or contact Pete Willcoxon Sr., Executive Director of Business Services, at 651-407-7515. Dr. Michael Lovett, Superintendent

White Bear Lake Area Schools Serving the communities of Birchwood, Gem Lake, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and White Bear Township.  651-407-7500 www.whitebear.k12.mn.us

City of Hugo Takes Quick Action - Repairs Street Lights

Residents frustrated with multiple, months-long requests of Connexus Energy to repair street lights received good news this afternoon.  

Yesterday, a group of affected residents asked Hugo's Public Works Director, Scott Anderson and our City Council Member, Becky Petryk for help.  They immediately communicated a repair plan and followed through with quick action today. City crews repaired at least five street lights in the Single Family Village.  The lights that were non-working last weekend have all been fixed.

We're very fortunate to have such responsive folks at City Hall and in the Public Works Department.  On behalf of our residents, thanks to Scott Anderson and his crew along with our City Council Member Becky Petryk.