The Forest Gazette
January,2010
To put in ads E-mail: contactus@colonialforest.net
I will do the newsletter online as it is easier to get information out when it is needed instead of after the fact or not report on items that fall in between issues. If you want a printed newsletter, I can print the snapshot in time but it is a snapshot in time of what is on the web site on that day. Out web site is www.colonialforest.net and if you do not have a computer, they will let you use the PC's at the Library and you can get free e-mail addresses from places like Yahoo.com.
New e-mail address you can use to e-mail work orders for the guys: it is:
colforstaff@qmail.com. The guys will ALWAYS schedule non-emergency jobs into their weekly work schedule as planned but emergent projects come first.
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Notice: Puget Power will be coming soon to redo the underground cables that are needed.
You will be notified on your mailbox when your unit(s) will be effected. You may have a temporary loss of use but it is necessary. You will also be assured by PSE that any damage of construction will be repaired back to normal when the project is done.
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Just a point of interest: Did you know that Apollo Ono once lived in our complex. I did not know this until after he moved out. I remember looking across to building 9 in the unit directly across from me and seeing a window full of trophy's and wondering who lived there but didn't pursue finding out. But now I am proud to say that the possible future all time winner of the Olympics was once my neighbor. I think that is pretty cool!!
UPDATE: Apollo Ono now leads the USA Winter Olympics in trophies now that he took the bronze Saturday. It makes 8 metals, WOW! He is a great example for young people.
I was speaking of him the other day and one of the residents remember him as a child of three and watched him grow up. His Father, Uki Ono, is a hairdresser with his own business and he now has it in Belltown but once had his business in Federal Way. Just an interesting item to me and I hope to you.
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New Memebers of the Board
John Halvorson and Aaron Dahl! wecome them to the Board!
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This is a totally awesome organization!!
http://www.trurecycle.com
They're in Tacoma and they will pick up any and all electronics, computers, phones, metal, and other recycle-ables for FREE anywhere in WA state. Like to work with businesses who are upgrading their equipment, etc.
Great resource!
They are a NONPROFIT recycle concern that provides resources to families through job training, food bank, clothing bank, and give functional computers to families who don't have them. I love these guys!
They also rebuild and sell computer set-ups for cheap when they have too much inventory.
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Annual Garage Sale and Picnic
This year the Garage Sale will be done by the residents only. If you want to head the Garage Sale Committee, please contact me at contactus@colonialforest.net. Anyone that wants to head the committee
then can do a flyer that can be taped to each box next to the mailboxes for signup, information etc. Also can put a free ad online and a short paragraph in the South King County Newspaper, plus do outside flyers or any of the above to advertise the sale. You can group together so it looks like more to draw people or maybe buildings group together so more will be displayed and draw interest. Something to think about as you will select the date and time and inform the Board so we can be aware of it and also include it in the minutes prior and post it on our online site.
Now about the Annual Picnic, we will have it again sometime in the latter part of August and I hope the last years volunteers will again volunteer this time as they were all great. Anyone wanting to also contribute, please contact me at contactus@colonialforest.net. I hope we can get better and better each year and more
of you will come and participate in this end of summer experience. More will come as we get the details worked out.
Goals for 2010:
That each homeowner will take some responsibility for the upkeep of their units outside maintenance.
It is the responsibility of each homeowner to paint railings/garage doors etc. To maintain/replace steps and decks boards as needed. When making improvements, i.e.: new doors, storm doors, windows, decks
and other items that effect the outside appearance of your unit, the requirements are that it conform to the regulations of the condo association. The rules and CC&R's are posted on the web site as well as each got a copy when you purchased your unit.
The goal is to have our units look the best they can and not just rely on the guys to do it for you. They do
a great job year round to work towards that goal but they cannot do everything so it is each of our responsibility to do what we can and should to help reach the goal of looking our best. This not only makes a nice place to live but enhances our ability to get the best dollar if we are selling our unit in these uncertain times.
To think that our guys only are working when you see them is not accurate. They also have worked on the truck to keep it running, small machinery like mowers etc. and sprinklers , repair and dig holes for repair of things like leaking pipes etc. to name a few, like Dave is currently working on repairing the front
sign with was damaged from years of weather abuse, LOOKS GREAT Dave. All these things are saving us money therefore helping to keep costs down and dues from going up more. They are a great asset to us and we can rely on them for many things you do not see, so when you can do something like weed your own small common area, or pick up some litter this frees them to do more costly urgent things that helps us all. Please keep that in mind as we are in a community complex with dues to pay for maintenance but it is still our home.
Tip: Because it is not cost effective, through our research of places, to keep putting bark in the small common areas. To help keep some of the weeds from taking these areas over, in my small common areas I have put down a beauty bark that is treated so it stops weeds from growing and is about $3.50 a big bag at Home Depot, Lowes or Walmart Super Store. If you want to help keep the weeds down and help the appearance of those areas, you might consider getting some and putting it out. It also keeps its color longer than the other bark as mine has.
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Property Tax information:
Here is an e-mail I got the the tax assessors office concerning tax exempt status and deferral status. Apparently a raise in the amount is going before the house soon. The current amount is 35000 and 45000 concurrently.
There is a Senate Bill 6215 that will go before the Legislature, 2010 Regular session raising the income amount to $40,000 and also the Deferral program to $45,000. Contact your local representative or Legislature for more information as to the status.
There is usually more than one attempt to change the limit. This is one that was referred to our office.
Sincerely,
Karyl Laustsen
Exemption Unit
Here is the web site where you can find access to your legislature in your district.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rosters/default.aspx
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If there is a problem let us know as we can't look for a solution if we do not know the problem.
That is not to say we can solve all situations, but we need to know from you what is the problem and we will seek a solution if there is one.
If you would like to group together to get a project done, like replacing windows, doors etc
you might consider advertising in the newsletter to get others so you can possibly negotiate a better price like the dryer vent deals.
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Your Property Taxes Information (Moved to bulletin)
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List of handy people to hire
I have moved the list to the Bulletin Board link on this site
so please check it out and add to it if you have people you have used that
others can benefit from.
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Members of the Board:
President: Mark Wurz 253-838-6941
e-mail: marwur@comcast.net
Vice-President: Joni (Jolene) McKee 253-517-7906
(also in charge of newsletter and web site )
Treasurer: Val Krzyzaniak 253-449-5351
Secretary: Marilyn Kelleigh 253-815-1975
Landscaping: Dale Wright 253-838-9050
At Large: Hank Lazzar 253-874-5212
At Large: Jess Salazar 253-835-3578
Condo Management Targa Real Estate Contact person:
Justin Smith 253-815-0393 ex 32
please do not contact Justin with problems that should be resolved by the board, Targa is our management company
e-mail: justin@targarealestate.com
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Web-site: colonialforest.net
If you have any suggestions for the web site please e-mail them to me, thanks Joni
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Colonial Forest Condominium Newsletter
