Cambridge Forest

Newsletter September 2005

Sep 11, 2005

Cambridge Forest
Community Newsletter
September 2005

News and Notes of Interest:
The old phrase, ?“the long, hot Summer?” seems like a great understatement in describing what we?’ve been through so far?….
Hopefully, those crisp Fall mornings that seems to bring renewed energy to everyone, are just around the corner.
It?’s hard to believe that another year has almost passed since we?’ve had our last annual homeowners meeting ?– but it has, and we look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting as mentioned below.

ANNUAL HOMEOWNERS MEETING
The Cambridge Forest annual homeowners meeting will be held Thursday evening, October 13, 2005 at the Hickory Hollow Baptist Chapel, 625 Bell Road beginning at 6:30 p.m.
We have several items of business to discuss, as well as possibly having a representative
from Metro council present to give an update on our area.
Sgt. Chris West, Metro Police South Precinct also plans to have a short presentation.
Also, this meeting will mark the expiration of terms for two board members, Michelle Powers and Laurie Duty. There will be an election to fill these two open board positions. If you have an interest in being nominated to possibly serve in this capacity, please plan to be present at the meeting.

Rural Hill Road Construction Update
At the time of publication of this newsletter, Rural Hill Road continues to be closed between Hickory Highlands Road and Mt. View Road.
Work continues on water line installation as well as further widening of the road at the entrance of the new Berkley Hall subdivision.
The deadline for this project, originally scheduled for early summer, has been repeatedly pushed back. At the present time, the new scheduled completion date is September 30th, but further delays are possible.

Berkley Hall Update
This is the name of the new subdivision that is being built off Rural Hill near Hickory Hollow mall.
The attending agent of this new subdivision has indicated the completed subdivision will have approximately 80 homes. Six homes have already been sold, with five more currently under construction.
The minimum square footage for the new homes will be approximately 2000 sq. ft. and prices are ranging between $200,000 & $400,000.
There are also to be townhomes built in the subdivision behind a treeline, close to the Mall. Preliminary pricing for these are in the range of $150,000 - $200,000.

DRAINAGE AREA REPAIR
Phase One of repair work has been completed on the large area located behind several homes on Edencrest and Welshcrest Dr.
The work involved the addition of large stone, grading work, and reseeding. This area had become quite a problem due to vast erosion.
Repairs to other drainage areas are now next on the agenda. Our sincere appreciation to Bob Watson who coordinated this project !!

CONSIDERING A CHANGE?
Are you considering a change to the outside of your home or your property? Please be reminded that the covenants for our community require that the board of directors approve any proposed changes. This approval must come prior to a change being made.
Examples of changes that must be approved include such things as fencing, deck extensions, awnings, extensive landscaping, color changes, etc. If you are thinking of making a change, please call Joan at Association Management Services, 370-8094. She will mail you an architectural change request form.

SELLING YOUR HOME?
If you have your home listed for sale with a real estate company, or if you are selling your home yourself,
please make sure that the closing agent contacts Association Management Services for important information that the new buyer will need.

HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
MANAGEMENT
Jim and Joan Atkeison, with Association Management Services, are available to answer any questions or concerns you might have regarding our community. Their phone number is 370-8094.
They are responsible for the management of many of the day-to-day tasks, such as overseeing the maintenance of the common areas of our community, collection of annual homeowner?’s association fees, making payments for any association expenses, etc.
They also maintain all records of the homeowner?’s association as well as ownership information when a home in our community is sold.

SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD CONFERENCE
Please see the attached link below regarding the Celebrating Safe Neighborhoods Conference. Mayor Bill Purcell and Police Chief Ronal Serpas will be speaking (Chief Serpas will be the keynote speaker during lunch).
Metro Departments will also be on hand to discuss issues and offer classes on a wide range of topics. The event is scheduled for 10/22/05 from 8AM to 2PM at the Nashville Convention Center. NOTE: THIS IS A FREE EVENT {lunch is provided}
Please keep this date in mind, as it sounds like it will be a very beneficial and informative event. If you have questions, or would like further information, you may contact Erin Williams directly by phone at 862-6000, or e-mail --- erin.williams@nashville.gov Erin also has registration & parking information. http://www.nashville.gov/neighborhoods/conference.htm
HOME BURGLARY PREVENTION TIPS
http://www.police.nashville.org/bureaus/fieldops/south/default.htm
Keep doors and windows locked, never open your door to a stranger
Don't leave a "hidden key" outside
Don't allow papers or mail to stack up in your driveway
Watch your neighborhood and notify the police (862-8600) of suspicious people, activities, or vehicles
Consider floodlights for exterior lighting
Record serial numbers and photograph or video all household valuables
Consider a professionally installed/monitored alarm system with audible alarm and window warning stickers, after otherwise securing your home
Lock up when at home while cutting grass or gardening
Metro Police South Precinct Community Coordinator -- 880-3182
PROPOSED SALES TAX INCREASE
The Sales Tax Referendum proposes an increase in the sales tax rate from 9.25% to 9.75%. Whether you are a Yes or No, please vote! ANTIOCH/PRIEST LAKE COMMUNITY NEEDS INCREASED VOTER TURNOUT to show the City
we are a voice to be heard.

Election Day is 9/13/05.

TO FIND YOUR VOTING LOCATION FOR ELECTION DAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2005, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.NASHVILLE.GOV/VOTE AND CLICK "WHERE I VOTE" BUTTON.

GOOD NEWS! TRAFFIC SIGNAL TIMING ALERT
How many times have you been sitting at a traffic light, waiting for it to turn green ?–
after what seems like an eternity, the light finally changes and off you go, only to see the next light you are approaching, turn red? Sound familiar? There are times it seems like this is the only way to travel down Murfreesboro Road, or through the Hickory Hollow Mall area ?– light to light, one at a time. We have all felt this frustration, and hopefully things are about to get better!
Metro Public Works has implemented new timing patterns for traffic signals at 15 intersections in the Hickory Hollow Parkway and Bell Road area. The changes are designed to provide more efficient traffic flow.
Intersections affected are on Bell Road from Blue Hole Road to Zelida Drive; Hickory Hollow Parkway from the Hickory Hollow Mall to Mt View Parkway; and Mt View Road from Bell Forge East to Mt. View Parkway.
The Hickory Hollow/Bell Road Corridor is the fourth of seven major traffic corridors in Metro to receive optimized signal timing plans with the intention of making the traffic signals perform at their maximum efficiency.
More information about Metro?’s Traffic Signal Optimization Study is available at www.nashville.gov/pw/traffic_signal_study.htm

Neighborhood Tidbits/Information

CONGRATULATIONS ROGER & ANITA DRUMMOND ON THEIR FIRST GRANDCHILD, ?“KATIE?” !!
Also, congratulations to Michael O?’Brien and his group, ?“New Song?”, for recently being honored as one of the top 8, most influential Christian groups!!

If you are aware of exciting news, special achievements, awards, or accomplishments by any of our neighbors that we could share with our community, please e-mail information to: cambridgeforest@gmail.com

Welcome New Neighbors!!
We would like to welcome the following new neighbors who have moved into our community since our last newsletter in June !

Michael & Daniele Lusk 2448 Edencrest Dr.
Fatmire & Pajazit Vrella 2728 Welshcrest Dr.
Victor & Mayoury Endsley 400 Edencrest Ct.
Benjamin Pack 2757 Welshcrest Dr.
Jo Ann Sebastian 2316 Edencrest Dr.:
Katina McCain 3012 Bromley Way
Henry & Patricia Johnson 2405 Edencrest Dr.
Luis Ayala 2625 Welshcrest Dr.


Yard of the Month
Winners for the months of July, August and September.Congratulations!!!!!!
July Yard of the Month
Chris & Deborah Robb Edencrest Dr
August Yard of the MonthEdencrest Dr
Jim & Jessie Price
September Yard of the Month
Lisa Atkins Welshcrest Dr.

Here are a few of the main considerations in determining the yard of the month:
1) Clippings raked and/or bagged after mowing.
2) A day-to-day clean, neat and orderly appearance in the yard.
3) Lawn is kept trimmed or edged and fairly weed free.
4) Flower & shrub beds kept trimmed, and neatly maintained.
These are just a few of the items considered in determining the yard of the month.
Monthly winners receive a $25.00 Home Depot Gift Card, so Good luck to ALL!!!
To be eligible for gift card, homeowners must be current on association dues.


Just a Note on Neighborhood Watch
Just to keep everyone aware of this program, we now have 13 Block Captains whom are listed below. This program is structured with the guidance and support of the Metro Police Department, and we work closely with Sgt. West, Community Affairs Coordinator, South Precinct.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please call Roger or Anita Drummond at 731-1808.

What to do in case of a break-in or burglary

If you see any unusual events happening in the neighborhood, please contact the police by calling 862-8600.

Following any event that requires police notification, please contact one of the block captains so the information can be spread to the community.

If there happens to be a break-in, burglary or an adverse event in the subdivision, the following process is now in place:
?· A red alert sign will be placed just below the neighborhood watch sign at the entrance of our subdivision.
?· Upon seeing the red alert sign, please call our neighborhood watch notifier system at 269-0886.
?· Enter passcode #74 [neighborhood watch system for our subdivision]
?· All pertinent information will be placed on the voice mail.
?· To exit the system, just hang up.
Neighborhood Watch Team Captains:
Roger & Anita Drummond 2645 Welshcrest Dr. 731-1808 rogerddrummond@comcast.net

Cambridge Forest Neighborhood Watch Block Captains
Name Address Phone # Email Address
Allmon, Geri 2617 Welshcrest Dr 731-8302 n/a
Atkins, Lisa 2712 Welshcrest Dr 717-1175 latkins19@hotmail.com
Atwood, Richard and Sandy 2333 Edencrest Dr 731-9792 satwood1@juno.com
Beller, Blake & Deborah 2633 Welshcrest Dr 731-7765 bbeller@bigfoot.com
Berry, Richard 3045 Bromley Way 731-8232 jberry@hemophiliahealth.com
Carter, Shirlynn 413 Edencrest Ct 717-9905 shirlynn.carter@state.tn.us
Claggett, John and Helen 2405 Evanfield Ct 731-7554 jhclaggett@mailstation.com
Coleman, Brenda 404 Edencrest Ct 731-9665 bcoleman20@comcast.net
Drummond, Roger and Anita 2745 Welshcrest Dr 731-1808 rogerddrummond@comcast.net
Payne, Elliott 2360 Edencrest Dr 717-9837 no email address
Pittman, Jan 3020 Bromley Way 717-3370 jpittman@smithcashion.com
Ransom, Erica 2425 Evanfield Ct 731-1658 DKRansom@bellsouth.net
Woodle, Cammie 2765 Welshcrest Dr 731-9663 cammie.davenportwoodle@state.tn.us

Neighborhood Garage Sale ~~ September 17th
All Family?’s in the neighborhood are invited to gather all of your unwanted, ?‘gently used?’ items and get ready for a yard sale.
The sale will be advertised in ?“The Tennessean Newspaper?” and signs will be placed around the area advertising the sale?…We feel that we will have a good turn out of prospective buyers so we are asking for your help in making sure that they have lots of things to purchase?…
This will be an excellent opportunity to not only free up some extra space in our homes by getting rid of those unwanted items, but to put some extra $$$ cash in our billfolds.
The garage sale is September 17, 2005 and will start at 7:00am and run until you close your doors!!!! We hope to continue this on an annual basis.
We would like to thank Cammie Davenport-Woodle for volunteering to step in and organize the Community garage sale. Please feel free to contact Cammie if you need further information at 731-9663.


SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL GARAGE SALE
1. Make sure all items for sale are clean and well displayed.
2. Have clothes hanging where possible. Most people would prefer to look through a rack than rummage through boxes on the floor.
3. It's a good idea to have all your items for sale grouped together [example: electrical, books, plants, clothes, tools etc.]
4. Have a power outlet, extension cords or batteries ready in case you have items that may require testing prior to selling (ie. toys, radios, power tools, etc.)
5. Have all items clearly marked with a price. A lot of people are put off if the prices are not on items and they have to ask.
6. On the subject of price, remember to be practical when pricing items for your garage sale. Forget what it cost you all those years ago, and be realistic. By putting a high price on your items you risk the chance of selling less, then having to pack all those items away again. Be ready to negotiate. REMEMBER - EVERYONE LOVES A BARGAIN!!!
7. Make sure you have enough change.
8. If you have a dog don't forget to restrain it away from the garage sale.
9. Stock up on bags from the grocery store so you can offer to bag up purchases for those customers with armloads of small items.
10. Make a checklist of your items for sale (including description and asking price)
11. Have a calculator handy to easily account for item totals or change.
12. For small items, it?’s easier to sell them bundled with similar or with other small items too ( stapler with a pack of staples or trinkets bundled in fours)
After the garage sale, Instead of throwing out unsold items, donate them to a local charity.

Trash and Recycling Information
For our new residents, and also as a general reminder:
?· Recycling and trash containers must be stored out of sight, either at the back of your house, or in the garage.
?· Trash pickup is every Friday.
?· Recycling pickup [paper products & aluminum cans] is on the fourth Friday of the month. (Note: That is the ?“fourth Friday?”, not necessarily the ?“last?” Friday.)
?· Recycling and trash bins should be placed on the sidewalk or at the edge of the driveway, opposite or away from your mailbox - with the arrow on top pointing to the street. [This not only makes the truck operator?’s job easier, it greatly reduces the chance that your mail box doesn?’t accidentally get knocked over by the huge mechanical arm that picks the containers into the air]

Be A Good Neighbor
Dogs
?· Please keep your dogs under control at all times. Davidson County does have a leash law that requires dogs outside to be either on a leash or inside a fence. The recent news story mentioned earlier, warns pet owners that Animal Control has now begun stricter enforcement of picking up dogs that run loose, even if they are wearing collars.
?· Dogs running loose in the neighborhood can be both a nuisance and a hazard. If you see the need to call, animal control may be reached at 862-7928.
?· Please be thoughtful when exercising your dog and take a plastic bag or scooper to pickup after your pet.
Satellite Dishes
?· Satellite dishes should be installed to the rear of the home and not be visible from the street. Refer to your Covenants Manual, section 3.15 for further details.
Other Concerns
?· Please be mindful of parking on the street at or near corners. Not only is it against the law, it is also dangerous. With the large number of children in our neighborhood, it is common to see them playing in the streets. Cars parked at the corner become a safety concern, and can block the vision of drivers, who may not see the children.
?· After mowing and doing lawn work please clean up all debris and clippings from the street sidewalk and driveway in order to keep our neighborhood appearing neat and orderly.

Contact Information
Community Web Site: www.neighborhoodlink.com/nashville/cambridgeforest/
Homeowners Association E-Mail: cambridgeforest@gmail.com
Board Members:
President Laurie Duty
ohiost8@comcast.net 731-3632
Secretary Michelle Powers
powe7286@bellsouth.net 731-3219
Treasurer Bob Watson
timejourne@comcast.net 717-3138




Association Management Services Newsletter Editor
Jim and Joan Atkeison Joe Hardaway
jimatkeison@comcast.net j_hardaway@yahoo.com
bja.3@netzero.net 717-3032
370-8094

CHECK OUT THE CAMBRIDGE FOREST WEBSITE
Did you know Cambridge Forest has its?’ own website? We encourage you to visit the website at www.neighborhoodlink.com/nashville/cambridgeforest/. There are several important and interesting sites linked to our site, as well as personalized information and facts about our community. If you are interested in getting pertinent information, or an interesting link added to this site, please contact one of the board members.

Neighborhood Services ~~
Some of our neighbors would like to offer their services to the neighborhood. If you would like to offer services please call or e-mail the board. Neither the Home Owner?’s Association or the board can certify the qualifications of any individual. Before employing anyone, you should request referrals, and decide upon employment after sufficient inquiry.

Outdoor Work
?“Big Daddy?’s?” would like to offer his services for all types of yard work, decks, pressure washing and sealing of driveways. Please call Melvin James for
an estimate @ 731-8395


~ Late Summer/Early Fall Gardening Checklist ~

Just because it?’s 90* in the shade, doesn?’t mean you can neglect your outdoor chores in the lawn and garden. Here?’s a few ?“hot?” tips for summer-time gardening:
Trees & Shrubs - Fertilize plantings. ?“Slow release?” fertilizers are best, as they will feed your plants for up to 90 days. Prune summer bloomers, such as the spent blossoms of the crepe myrtle. Pinch off any other dead blooms that might be still hanging around on the azaleas.
Flowers - Weed those flowerbeds. Using products such as ?“Preen?” can prevent further re-growth of weeds. Remove spent blossoms and dead stalks on perennials. Clean up and prune rose bushes that may have already come and gone.
Mulching - The use of mulches not only improves the looks of your landscape and helps to keep weeds at a minimum, a good 3?” to 4?” layer of mulch is the best way possible to help conserve moisture in and around your plantings.

~~ Trees get thirsty too?… ~~

During the dog days of summer, we try to make sure our lawn gets adequate moisture by turning on that sprinkler. But don?’t forget to water your trees as well. Most all the trees in our community are very young, and moisture is critical to their survival in the first few years of growth - especially a new tree that may have just been planted in the past couple of years. Since the majority of a tree?’s root system is several inches beneath the soil surface, sprinkling the area directly under a tree for a few minutes with the hose, does little good.
A more efficient way is to use a ?“drip hose?” designed specifically to release the water in droplets. Just coil the hose in and around the area of the tree and let the hose run for an hour or so. This will better saturate the soil deeply, instead of most of the water running off when using a normal garden hose.
A great method is to take a five-gallon bucket, poke three or four small holes in the bottom with a nail, place the bucket at the base of the tree trunk, and fill with water. Virtually every drop will slowly make its way down to the root zone

~~ Keeping your hands clean ~~

Here?’s a handy tip to keep your hands clean when gardening or working in the lawn this summer. Before going out to dig in the dirt, first dig your fingernails into a soft bar of soap. After the work is done, your nails wash clean!

DANGER!WARNING !!BEWARE OF THOSE ANT HILLS!
?“Fire Ants?”?

It is highly possible you already have a mound or anthill in your yard that these dangerous insects are calling home. Fire Ants are serious pests which inflict a very painful sting. They are now visibly present in this area. Avoid contact with the ants at all costs. Small children that are playing in the vicinity of a fire ant mound are especially vulnerable and susceptable.

Some distinguishing characteristics that may help you identify the anthill or mound:
?· mounds are dome shaped and appear to be more of a dirt substance
?· no visible or obvious entry or exit hole like normally seen on ant hills
?· usually built in sunny, open areas such as lawns or mulch beds
?· also found next to debris on ground - wood, rocks, concrete blocks, bricks, etc
?· mounds or hills can also seen up against base of house or trees
?· mounds may not always be visible ?– i.e. colony may be under a piece of wood or your deck

What do the ants look like? Fire ants:
?· Come in variety of sizes within one nest, a distinguishing feature of fire ants
?· Are small, and coppery-brown in color on the head and body
?· Have very aggressive behavior, particularly if mound or hill is disturbed or threatened
?· Look very much like ordinary house or garden ants.
?· Could easily be confused with the common brown ant or local native ants.

If you are stung by a fire ant:
?· Gently wash the affected area with soap and water and leave the blister intact.
?· Apply a cold compress to relieve the swelling and pain, which will occur literallywithin minutes.
* People who are allergic to insect stings should seek medical attention immediately. On rare occasions, fire ant stings can cause severe acute allergic reaction

Fire ants inflict a fiery sting, which causes a small blister or pustule to form at the site of each sting after several hours. The blisters become itchy while healing and are prone to infection if broken.
How to get rid of the ants:
The most effective methods are granular, poison baits, sprinkled around the mound or hill - 3 of the best are:
1.) Amdro - available at Tractor Supply and Farmer?’s Co-ops.
2.) Over?’n Out Fire Ant Killer ?– available at Lowe?’s, Home Depot, and Farmer?’s Co-ops
3.) Spectracide Fire Ant Killer ?– available at most Ace hardware stores, K-mart, Wal-Mart, Lowe?’s
There are other options - most any store that sells lawn & garden chemicals and supplies, will have a product that will be effective.