Please check the batteries in your smoke and CO alarms

One of the last things we think about are smoke and CO alarms, especially since our communities alarms are wired into the electricity in the house.  But this post is a reminder to check the backup batteries in your alarms.  Each of our smoke and CO alarms has a 9 volt battery in the device as a backup in case the power goes out.  These batteries weaken over time and need to be replaced.  Usually there is a periodic chirping sound to indicate the battery is dying.  If the batteries aren’t replaced the system can indicate a failure and have all the smoke alarms go off simultaneously (indicating a whole house fire).  Since no one wants to experience this potentially upsetting false alarm please change your batteries in your alarms every 2 years and immediately when you hear a chirp. 
And PLEASE remember if all the smoke alarms go off in the house ASSUME the WORST and take precautions, its better to be safe than sorry.

The Pool is opened!

Island Gate kicked off the summer season Saturday under sunny, warm skies.  The pool was warm, the water was clear and everything was in good working order.  There were a few neighbors who enjoyed the early opening but the pool will be ready for Memorial Day weekend. 

PS don't forget the community meeting Saturday 6 pm at the pool

Pool opens tomorrow

With mostly sunny skies and temps in the high 70’s predicted for the weekend the weather is cooperating for the pool opening tomorrow.  The pool heaters are working so the water should be warm and we are looking forward to tomorrow’s pool opening.  As always please don’t hesitate to contact AA or the board with any questions, comments or suggestions.  Please be safe, follow the rules (see below and posted at the pool) and enjoy. 

Blog Milestone

As we looked at the blog stats today, it was noted that we have posted almost 100 blogs to the site since its inception back in March 2011.  There have also been about 2,600 individual visitors to the site in that time.  Although we would love to have had more visitors to the site, one of the major goals of the community has been achieved; a centralized location to consistently communicate to all stakeholders in the community.  The goal was to provide timely, accurate information to the community and to provide increased transparency to the community as a whole.  In addition to informing, we also have set it up as a conduit for questions and inquiries to the board and our management company.  Please contact the board if you have any questions, comments, observations not only about the blog but anything in the community.  Our goal is to strive to be as responsive as possible to all inquiries about the community.  Thanks for taking the time to read the blog and for providing feedback.        

Don’t forget May 26th at 6pm community meeting and social

Just a quick reminder that the board will conduct a formal meeting next Saturday May 26th at 6 pm by the pool.  The plan is to update the community on upcoming work, finances balance of 2012 goals and then open the meeting up for questions and discussion from the community. 

Immediately following the meeting the board will be hosting a social for the community, this meet and greet event will enable the community to get to know your neighbors and provide an opportuntiy for direct discussion with the board.  Refreshments will be served. 

So stop by the pool see the improvements, meet your neighbors, catch up on the latest in the community and grab a bite.  Bring your questions and we look forward to seeing you next Saturday night. 

Pool scheduled to open this Saturday

Even with the crummy weather the last couple of days our community pool is scheduled to be open for use this Saturday.  The cover is off, chemicals have been added, the filters and heater are working and we expect all of our inspections and approvals to be completed by Saturday.  We don’t expect many swimmers given the expected cool weather this weekend (highs in the 70’s) but wanted to make it available to our community and also wanted to make sure if there were any issues with the pool they would be resolved before the busy Memorial Day weekend.

Please get your survey forms in ASAP as we need these to update our pool passes, existing pool passes should work through June 1^st but the sooner you submit the forms the easier  it will be to enjoy the pool all summer. 

Pool area update

In addition to the new pool furniture there has been quite a bit of work done to the pool area since the pool was closed in September. 

Last fall the pergola was scraped and painted and the damaged brick work under the pergola was repaired. 

This spring the pool house and bricks by the pool were power washed, the bathrooms are being painted and the apron around the pool is also being repainted.  We also purchased a pool filter since we had a total failure on one of them last September. 

The painting and pressure washing is being done by Skyline Painting a local power washing and painting company with over 30 years of experience.  The pool area is being done now since we are seriously considering this company to paint and power wash our community and wanted to make sure, up close, that they do an outstanding job. 

Overall, we have done quite a bit of work to spruce up and keep the area in good repair.  It should look great this summer and for a few to come.   

A quick explanation of the survey form you have or will be receiving..

Pool cards have been issued over the years and there is no control mechanism for them.  As a  result we have had numerous people who had cards to access the pool who do not live or rent or own in our community.  The board decided the best way to regain control of who accesses the pool is to issue new cards. Just tell us where you live, who you are and if you live in the home full time and you get a new card.  That simple.  We will make every effort to make sure you and all of our neighbors have an activated card whenever they need it.  Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.  Thanks for your cooperation in this matter. 

Open Community Meeting and Social Saturday May 26th 6pm

Memorial Day weekend

Building off the success of last Memorial Day’s outdoor, open board meeting, the board will once again hold an open community meeting in the pool area on Saturday May 26^th at 6 pm. 

The board will conduct our formal meeting, update the community on plans and finances and then open the meeting up for questions and discussion. 

Immediately following the meeting the board will be hosting a social for the community, this meet and greet event will enable the community to get to know your neighbor.  Refreshments will be served. 

Save the dates

Open board meeting at the pool, August 4,  6pm

Board election and preliminary 2013 meeting September 14, 7:30 pm at the Manahawkin Town Hall

Finance and budget meeting for 2013 Friday Jan 18^th at 7:30 pm, 1 Sea breeze Court (assuming Ed Fortunato is still on the board)