Holiday Wishes

2012 was a year of remarkable progress and great fortune for Island Gate.  We are all grateful that the community was safe and unharmed by the hurricane this fall.  We also offer out best to our friends and neighbors who were affected by the storm.  We would like to thank each and everyone in the community for their interest, concern and cooperation during 2012.  We are looking forward to even more progress in 2013 and encourage everyone to get involved in the community and make it an even better place.  Before we move onto 2013 we would like to wish everyone a very joyful and peaceful holiday season and happiness, health and prosperity in 2013. 

Carol, Joe, Frank and Ed

The Board of Island Gate

Association Dues for 2013 and payment booklet

The Board of Directors of Island Gate has been preparing our community’s budget for 2013.  We have concluded that we will be able to manage the community’s financial obligations without increasing the Association dues for 2013.  Our dues will remain at $260 per month.  We have been able to keep the dues steady for a few years by focusing on keeping our costs low.  Continuing the effort to keep costs low we have analyzed the monthly dues payments from our neighbors and noticed that most of us pay automatically from our bank and never use our payment books.  Since the payment books cost the community about $1,000 a year to print and distribute we decided that only neighbors that request payment books will be receiving them this year.  This will allow us to keep costs low while still accommodating our neighbors who still want a payment book. 

If you are requesting a payment book please call AA at 732 294 8882 ask for Mary Visco and she will be glad to send you a book.  Please do this by December 15^th so we may have a book to you for the New Year.  If you do not request a book by December 15 we will not be able to send you a book. 

If you are paying without the book, either automatically or on line please continue to do what you are doing.  Thank you.

If you are going on line to pay electronically for the first time, please follow the instructions below:

1)    Contact the AA website at www.askaa.com  

2)    Go to process my on line payment, this will direct you to smartstreet.com (our bank processing company) There are 3 options to pay.  We recommend number 3, which allows a recurring payment each month to be set up.

If you are going to mail the payment manually the address to send the payment is below:

Island Gate HOA

C/o Association Advisors

PO Box 105007

Atlanta, GA 30348-5007

  

Thank you, as always for your cooperation and have a wonderful Holiday Season.

The Trustees of Island Gate

Early Season Snow

The snow we received yesterday and today in our community from the Nor’easter, was not shoveled or plowed.  The board decided that the relatively minor accumulation combined with rapidly warming temperatures, mid 50’s for a high tomorrow, didn’t require the cost of snow removal.  Our apologies if anyone was inconvenienced, please feel free to contact the board if you have any questions or comments about the decision.

Another off-shore storm on the way

Windy and cold with heavy rain and a slight chance of wet snow with limited accumulations over the next 24 hours.  Winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph.  Rain accumulations of 2 to 4 inches over the next 24 hours.   Light coastal flooding is expected with concerns that areas affected by Sandy could be more vulnerable than usual.    Temps range from 43 to 35. 

Althougt we dont want to be alarmists  we are more vulnerable now to a storm due to the damage from Sandy as a result, please be even more cautious than usual and take the side of safety over property.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some basic storm and emergency preparations for any storm situation

·         Secure loose items or debris around your home

·         Keep a supply of water and basic food

·         Keep fuel in your vehicle

·         Have a plan to contact loved ones and a meeting point if needed 

·         Have a flashlights and a supply of batteries.

·         Candles should only be used in dire emergencies and with extreme care Never use them unattended

·         Do not use your stove or oven to provide heat - Carbon Monoxide is deadly

·         Generators are never to be used indoors

·         Please check on your neighbors - especially the elderly and infirm.

If you have any questions or comments please contact AA or a board member.

Helping out on LBI

Our neighbor Fran Gordon at 7 Seabreeze asked me to post a blog note regarding the cleanup effort on LBI.    

Fran’s daughter and her friends are collecting items for local firefighters and police. They will be shuttled over to the ship bottom fire house on the island and will be dispersed as needed to any of the first responders that need them. The drop off is my home....7 sea breeze......if anyone wants to donate water, paper towels, large garbage bags, bleach/Lysol for mold issues in the ship bottom fire house, heavy brooms and small shovels, food ready to eat like sandwiches. The ship bottom fire fighters will do the actual shuttle.

It would be great if you can help your neighbors

Island Gate Condition

From discussions with AA and some of our neighbors it seems Island Gate fared miraculously well.  There are some trees down but none on buildings, the power is back on and there seems to be no major damage and no floods.  We will address the trees ASAP but given the dire needs of others we will probably be low on the list for repairs.  Due to phones and internet being out if there are any pressing needs you may have as far as home repair needs please contact Edward Fortunato at edward.fortuanto@exeloncorp.com and I will see if we can have your issue addressed. 

Sandy Update

In speaking to residents at Island Gate the condition of the community is as follows:

Power went out on Monday night and has not yet returned

Uprooted trees in the community but no major damage to homes from them

No major damage to homes exteriors

No major flooding in the community (no promises basements are totally dry)

Overall, we fared better than the residents on LBI

Special thanks to our neighbors who kept us up to date on community conditions.

Please be safe we will keep you posted.

Hurricane Sandy Update

Hurricane Sandy crossed Cuba last night as a category 2 storm (winds in excess of 100mph). Sandy is still a category 2 storm, moving north at 18 mph. Sandy’s exact track is still uncertain, but it is becoming more likely that a major impact is going to occur in the I-95 corridor from DC to Boston and along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Coast. The most likely scenario brings Sandy inland somewhere between Ocean City, MD and Long Island, New York during Monday, with rain and wind moving up the coast Sunday and lingering into at least Tuesday.

A southern track, into the Delmarva, would mean a severe impact to the Baltimore area with a storm surge in the harbor. A farther north track puts the worst conditions into New Jersey, NYC and Long Island. Either way, the storm is likely to have a very broad wind field and the slow movement of the storm into the Northeast will mean a sustained period of both wind and flooding rain in and around the big cities. This would bring a substantial amount of power outages to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, New York, and New England, along with 6-14 inches of rain.

There is still a slight possibility that the storm does not combine with jet stream energy moving into the East and instead stays offshore which would mean the impacts are much farther north in northern New England. The American model still shows this outcome with its overnight run. However, about 80% of the information suggests that a devastating storm is on the way for the northern Mid Atlantic and Northeast Sunday through Tuesday.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning

There is a tropical storm out in the Atlantic named Sandy, you will hear about it, in the news, over the next few days.  Advanced forecasts have this storm on a path that will directly influence Manahawkin Township and surrounding areas including our community at Island Gate. 

Expectations are the storm will impact the area starting sometime on Sunday and may linger until Tuesday.  Due to the wind associated with the storm we are giving you advanced warning regarding taking non attached items in or securing those items. 

We will keep you informed about the storm through the blog and email blasts, if you have a neighbor that doesn’t have access to the internet please let them know.  If you have any questions please contact AA or a board member

Satellite dishes or Direct TV dishes in the community

We have received a number of inquiries regarding satellite dishes and the placement of them from our neighbors.  They are legally allowed in the community but as the by-laws describe the board needs to approve requests for these items.  A property modification form is necessary to be completed in order for the board to approve any modifications.  Since they are not permitted to be mounted on any surface of the home including roofs, they are generally mounted to the deck of the home.  If you have any further questions please feel free to refer to the by-laws or feel free to contact AA or any board member. 

Thanks for your cooperation regarding this matter. 

Pressure washing and painting

As the painting and pressure washing project enters the home stretch we wanted to remind you if you have any comments or concerns about the job done on your property please let us know as soon as possible.  Thank you

Lawn maintenance

You may have noticed plugs of dirt on the lawn over the last week or so and some new top soil with seed recently applied.  As part of our fall lawn care program the grass areas in the property have been aerated and bare patches seeded with topsoil added.  This may seem unattractive now but will provide for a stronger, healthier lawn in the spring.  Thanks for your cooperation

Garbage can experiment

We have discussed concerns with a number of neighbors regarding garbage cans being left out and not brought back to the home after the trash is collected. 

We would like to ask everyone to bring the cans back to their homes promptly and if your neighbor is container is out please take their cans back to the house. 

We are also going to leave a can out by the pool (near the bike rack) over the winter, the purpose of the can is to deposit litter you may see blowing around the community, drop off dog poop and if you have a small bag of garbage you may dispose of it in the pool can instead of leaving a large can in front of the house.  Hopefully this will alleviate some of the cans being left out for long periods of time.  Our neighbor Fran has kindly agreed to bring the container to the curb and return it after collection. 

The can in front of the pool is a grey receptacle for trash and not a recycling container.  Recyclable material doesn’t belong in this container so please dispose of that properly.   This container is also not for toxic waste, chemicals or items you aren’t allowed to put in your personal trash.  If the container is full please do not over load it and do not leave anything out or around the container. 

We are hoping this relieves some of our neighbors concerns if you have any thoughts or comments please feel free to share them. 

Community meeting and election results

On Friday September 14, an open community meeting was held and elections results were tallied and announced.  The election met the quorum requirements and Fred Swartzenbach, Joe Martyn and Ed Fortunato were all elected to two year terms.  The votes were counted by two neighbors who volunteered with oversight from Lorene at AA.  Following the election results a community meeting was held where contracts were formally approved, board actions discussed and then an open meeting held.  Our neighbors asked a number of insightful and challenging questions and provided good feedback and ideas for the board to work on.    After the formal meeting the board discussed roles and titles of the board members and it was decided that current roles and titles will be retained. 

Pool closed for the season

This is always a bittersweet note.  The pool is now closed for the season.  We hope you enjoyed the pool this summer and took note of the of some of the renovations.  Plans for 2013 are already underway and include re-painting the bathroom floors and pressure washing the pool area.   As always,  if you have any thoughts, ideas or comments they are always welcome.  We thank you for making the summer of 2012 a great one and look forward to 2013.

Elections and community meeting this Friday

The most important community meeting of the year takes place this Friday September 14, 2012 at 7:30 pm in the Stafford town hall.  It’s our annual election meeting followed by an open community meeting.  There has been quite a bit of activity in the community over the last few months and we would like to discuss the community’s progress and get feedback from the community.  So please make every effort to attend.  There will also be a financial update so please bring your questions

Thanks and we are looking forward to seeing you there

Comments on Painting and Power Washing

As we approach the midway point of the painting and power washing project at Island Gate, we wanted to remind our neighbors that one of the main reasons the project was done in the summer/fall is to receive feedback from the community on the quality of the job and to promptly know if people were happy/satisfied with the job that was being done.  If you have any comments, critiques etc. Please share them now.  The painters are in the community and have the ability to correct the issue.  Please don’t wait until a board meeting to voice your concern, call AA or contact a board member to share your concerns.  Thanks for your help and cooperation.   

Parking and Garbage Can Reminder

Although there is no formal rule in place in the community about this; there needs to be a minimum 4 feet of space between cars and the garbage/recycling cans.  During garbage collection and recycling days (Tuesday and Wednesday) when garbage pails are out, please keep your vehicles a minimum of 4 feet away from the cans.  When you put the pails out please also be aware of the distance between your pails and vehicles.  Without this 4 foot space the cans cannot be mechanically collected.   As always if there is any question please park in another spot or use the two parking areas in the community.  The parking areas are less than a minute walk from any spot in the community and always have plenty of open spots.
Please be courteous to others in the community and keep you cars and cans at least 4 feet away from each other.   Thanks  

Pool Schedule Reminder

The pool will be opened daily from 9am to 9pm until September 9^th and will be opened from 9am to 9pm on September 15^th and 16^th. 

Enjoy the pool for the remainder of the season and when it closes there will only be about 242 days until the pool opens in mid May 2013.    

Dryer vent cleaning coming up SPRING 2013

It will be two years since the community was required to have the dryer vents cleaned.  The rule is every two years.  For reference;  Farmers Insurance states there are 15,000 house fires in the U.S. every year caused by clogged dryer vents.  Our goal is to assure that Island Gate will not be on that list.    

We know doing this is a cost no one wants to pay and the last time it was done was an organizational debacle.  This will not be the case this time. 

We promise to communicate the time frame, offer to have a cleaner come down to the community on a Saturday to clean the vents, (no obligation you can choose whoever you want ),  communicate in advance when they will be coming to offer the service.  We need a receipt from each property showing it was done and the vent is clean.  There will be deadlines to meet and if they are not met fines will be assessed and collected. 

Please be assured the board isn’t turning into hardcore dryer vent fine collectors but we were still chasing down neighbors in the community who didn’t get their vent cleaned this summer.  Our goal will be to have the entire community started and complerted in the spring/summer of 2013.

As always thanks so much for your cooperation please contact us if you have any questions and stay tuned for details     

Look for your election ballot

Election ballots and proxies will be sent out to the community shortly.  Your vote is the most powerful way to express your voice in the community, proxy votes are due on September 12^th and the election meeting will be held at Stafford Town Hall at 7:30 on September 14^th.

There will be an open meeting to discuss events, etc. in the community that evening also, we all hope you attend to learn the status and plans for the community and share your views, thoughts and concerns. 

Dead trees removed from Island Gate

At long last, the large dead trees behind the pool area and in the tree safe zone were removed yesterday.  These dead trees had become unsightly, hazards and needed to be addressed.  Delays to remove them were the result of the strong storms in the Mid-Atlantic in late June/Early July forcing our tree service to address more pressing needs.  The effort was begun yesterday and should be wrapped up shortly.  As with any effort to remove large items heavy equipment was brought in, the heavy equipment combined with a heavy rain yesterday afternoon tore up some of the grass in the areas affected.  We spoke to the tree service and our landscaper and this will be addressed promptly.  As always if you have any questions or comments please contact AA or any board member.  Thanks for your patience and cooperation. 

Painting and Power wash update

We are still grinding along on the painting and powerwashing, we will have completed 5 of 13 sections by the end of this week.  Please refer to previous blog posts for additional instruciotns and as always feel free to call AA or contact the Board if you have any comments or questions. 

ADDRESSES	POWER WASHING SCHEDULED
1-15 SEA BREEZE -ODD SIDE	Completed
76-92 WINDWARD-EVEN SIDE	Completed
56-72 WINDWARD-EVEN SIDE	Completed
1-15 BAY BREEZE-ODD SIDE	Completed
2-16 BAY BREEZE-EVEN SIDE	Completed by week end
22-36 WINDWARD -EVEN SIDE	SECTION 6
2-18 WINDWARD- EVEN SIDE	SECTION 7
39-55 WINDWARD- ODD SIDE	SECTION 8
73-83 WINDWARD- ODD SIDE	SECTION 9
97-109 WINDWARD-ODD SIDE	SECTION 10
115-131 WINDWARD- ODD SIDE	SECTION 11
106-122 WINDWARD- EVEN SIDE	SECTION 12
2-16 SEA BREEZE - EVEN SIDE	SECTION 13

This is not a summer re-run

Back in June we posted a note on the blog discussing the well pump that keeps the pond full had broken and the repairs made to it.  Well last week we had the same issue with the well pump at the other pond.  It was also addressed and repaired.  Our community has two ponds that we use for water for the sprinklers that water our grass.    The community now has two repaired pumps and fully operating wells and ponds.  With any mechanical device how long it lasts is unknown but in the future we will reserve funds for pump repairs in our budget.  As always if you have any comments or questions please let us know.

Get your self nominations in by this Friday !!!

The deadline for self nominations for board positions at Island Gate is this Friday August 24^th at 2012.  Any homeowner in good standing that wishes to self nominate and submit a resume may do so by fax, mail, email to

Island Gate Homeowners Association c/o Association Advisors

100 Market Yard Freehold NJ 07728

Fax 732 294 8884

Email help@askaa

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the management office at 732 294-8882

Involvement in the Board is a challenging, rewarding experience and you should be should be willing to devote the personal time necessary to effectively manage the Association. 

The election ballots will be mailed out shortly after the nomination deadline and the election meeting will be held on September 14, 2012 at 7:30 pm at the Stafford Township Municipal Building.

Whether you run for a position or not please vote and attend the meeting if possible. 

Election Time at Island Gate

With the wind up of summer our annual board election is upon us.  As previously noted, the Island Gate Homeowners Association will be holding its Annual Election meeting on September 14^th at 7:30 pm.  At the Stafford Township Municipal Building.  There are three (3) seats currently held by homeowners that will become vacant at that time. 

As per the by-laws there is a self nomination process for community members to become part of the board.  We encourage community members in good standing to nominate themselves to be on the board of Island Gate. 

Any homeowner wishing to serve on the Board of Trustees should be willing to devote the personal time necessary to effectively manage the Association.  Candidates MUST be members in good standing.  Involvement in the Board is a challenging, rewarding experience and it is urged that anyone wishing to serve please submit a resume of no more than one (1) page to Association Advisors by August 24, 2012.  Any homeowner that wishes to submit a resume may do so by mail, fax or email to   

Island Gate Homeowners Association c/o Association Advisors

100 Market Yard Freehold NJ 07728

Fax 732 294 8884

Email help@askaa

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact our office at 732 294-8882

Regards

Association Advisors

On behalf of Island Gate Homeowners

RIP Tide Safety Video

Given the recent string of events at the Island beaches we found a video on ocean rip currents and how to navigate through them.  Please view it and hopefully you will never need to use it. 

http://oceantoday.noaa.gov/ripcurrent/welcome.html#.UASCgEEmtCc.facebook

Updated powerwashing and painting schedule

Given the very hot weather and intense rain the painting and powerwashing schedule has been revised here is the new schedule (subject to change). 

Below is the schedule for the power washing, painting and staining of deck schedule.  Section 3 is to begin next week.  Homeowners in Section 1- 1-15 Seabreeze, please insure your decks are clear of everything by July 23.  The contractor needs to finish the staining of those decks on Monday.  We appreciate your cooperation

ADDRESSES	POWER WASHING SCHEDULED
1-15 SEA BREEZE -ODD SIDE	WEEK OF JUNE 25 INTO WEEK OF JULY 2
76-92 WINDWARD-EVEN SIDE	WEEK OF JULY 9TH INTO WEEK OF JULY 20
56-72 WINDWARD-EVEN SIDE	SECTION 3
1-15 BAY BREEZE-ODD SIDE	SECTION 4
2-16 BAY BREEZE-EVEN SIDE	SECTION 5
22-36 WINDWARD -EVEN SIDE	SECTION 6
2-18 WINDWARD- EVEN SIDE	SECTION 7
39-55 WINDWARD- ODD SIDE	SECTION 8
73-83 WINDWARD- ODD SIDE	SECTION 9
97-109 WINDWARD-ODD SIDE	SECTION 10
115-131 WINDWARD- ODD SIDE	SECTION 11
106-122 WINDWARD- EVEN SIDE	SECTION 12
2-16 SEA BREEZE - EVEN SIDE	SECTION 13

Recently asked grill question

A neighbor asked a question about the recent grill email and blog post
Here is the Q&A
If you have any questions please feel free to ask

I recently saw the post on the Island Gate blog regarding the propane grills. I currently have a propane grill outside and was unaware that these were not permitted in the community. I just purchased the home last fall and didn't think anything of it since I saw so many neighbors with grills as well. With that said, I want to comply with the rules so I will be removing the propane tank in the next day or so and taking that off-site.

I do have a question regarding the natural gas grills. The grill that I purchased can be configured for natural gas, so I think it would be worth spending the money to have a line run out back.  Are there any guidelines for this as far as placement, approved contractors, etc? I read on the post that natural gas grills are permitted to be stored on the decks, but does this mean they can be used on the decks as well? Any light you can shed on the subject is appreciated. I just want to make sure I am in compliance and get things done right the first time!

In the meantime, I will remove my current propane tank, but would like to leave the grill on the deck for storage. Just wanted to let you know so that if you, or anyone else from the board is walking around for inspections.

Thanks very much for your help.

First thanks for your cooperation and prompt reply, the board realizes removing propane grills from the community is an inconvenience and an expense but due to Jersey State law they have never been allowed and the community need to follow the law.  

As far as contractors go the board doesn’t recommend contractors, I am sure one of your neighbors has a reputable contractor/plumber etc. that they could recommend that would be able to convert your grill and run a gas line. 

As far as storing the grill, gas grills are allowed on the deck, there are no restrictions where you grill but please be aware that the deck is wood and the vinyl siding does warp and melt when heated. 

Regarding the permit you can go to the Town of Stafford building on 260 East Bay Ave 609 597 4911, and get an application for a gas line.  Once the application is completed and submitted the work can be done, when the work is done a request for inspection can be submitted, when the inspection is completed and approved the gas line is ready to be used for a gas grill.

No worries about the grill being stored on the deck as long as there is not an LPG tank attached/around.  If you have any further questions please feel free to contact AA or the board.

Enjoy your summer

Final legal decision on grills in the community

Given our recent legal opinion combined with a direct discussion with the NJ DCA, the Board has ascertained and will implement the following regarding grills in the community:

Natural gas grills properly installed and with the proper town permits are permitted in the community and storage is allowed on the decks.

LNG or propane grills are not permitted to be used or stored within 5 feet of a combustible surface.  This includes storage in the home or garage. As a result propane grills are not permitted in the community.  This has been a community rule since inception and will be enforced.  Propane is specifically called out in NJ law.

Open flame devices (Tiki torches, candles, etc.) are not to be used within 5 feet of any combustible surface.

If you have a propane grill, please remove it.  We understand this is an inconvenience and expense but they have not been and will not be permitted in the community.

If you do not have a permit for your gas line, please get one promptly.  We will be contacting Stafford Township for a list of permits and fines will be issued for lack of permits.

The board is pleased to have clarity and certainty regarding this issue.   It has been a lengthy process to achieve this, but our goal of certainty has been achieved.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact AA or a board member.  We will also be available to discuss this topic at our next open board meeting in August.

Thanks again for your cooperation and we hope you are having an enjoyable summer.

The logic behind the timing of painting and pressure washing in the community

We have received a few  comments about having the community pressure washed and painted over the summer.  As a result the board of Island Gate wanted to share the logic of choosing the summer to have the work done. 

This is the biggest project (financially) the community has ever undertaken and we wanted it done right.  There are many more people here in the summer than any other season and if there was an issue or complaint about the work we wanted feedback from the community immediately so we can address it promptly.  Not a few months later after the project was completed.

The summer is the time of year when people are around so home owners can have the front door opened while it is painted, improving the quality of the job.

Pressure washing is most effective when the weather is warm and the surfaces can dry promptly.

Warm weather allows paint to dry more evenly enabling better results.

We understand that items need to be removed from the decks to have them cleaned and some people like to have their windows opened during the summer time heat but pressure washing takes one day and we hope you understand that a relatively small inconvenience will make your homes and the overall community more attractive, better protected from the elements and more valuable. 

Thanks for your cooperation and as always,  if you have any questions or comments please contact AA or the board.

Thanks again

The Dragonflies are back!

Right around the 4^th of July in what has become an annual event the dragonflies appear at Island Gate.  There are quite a few around currently and we wanted to point out some facts about them that will indicate their usefulness and harmless nature. 

Though many people fear them, dragonflies cause no harm to humans whatsoever. They are often curious toward humans and will fly around you for that reason, but they do not sting or bite. 

They are hugely useful to Island Gate because Dragonflies prey on other creatures through their entire life cycle. As larva in bodies of water, they prey on other small creatures (mosquito larva, etc.). As adults, they eat other flying insects primarily mosquitoes.  The result is a harmless way to control mosquitoes in the community.  They even eat flies too. 

 

Women's Ring found at pool.

Please contact edwardfortunato@gmail.com if you lost a ring.

Please exercise caution and courtesy when you drive and park in the community

With the busy holiday and summer season upon us, there will be many people coming to Island gate to enjoy the summer. Please be conscious of this when driving and parking your vehicle.  Following some simple rules will keep everyone safe and happy over the summer.

We ask that the established rules be followed in the community for the safety and courtesy of everyone in Island Gate, including visitors and guests.

·         Please come to a full stop at ALL stop signs

·         Please observe the community speed limit of 15 MPH

·         Please keep a 10 foot space between any car and fire hydrant. 

·         Please No double parking

·         Please No parking in other peoples drive ways without the express consent of the affected neighbor

·         Please No parking on the grass

·         No blocking of driveways no matter how small the blockage is, UNLESS ITS YOUR OWN

·         Absolutely no blocking of the sidewalks in anyway whatsoever.  If you car is not fully on the blacktop it’s in violation

The community has two overflow parking lots that are less than 50 yards from every home in the community.  There are numerous, well lit, well marked spots in both lots, please feel free to use them.  The less cars in the street the safer our community will be, especially at at stop signs and intersections. 

  

Please keep safety a priority and don’t jeopardizes the safety of your loved ones and your neighbors.  Please follow the rules and keep Island Gate safe this summer.