Summit Village Association
of Shanty Creek
P.O. Box 46
Bellaire, Michigan  49615

 

Village Voice

Spring 2009

Home

President's Notes

Greetings to Summit Village Property Owners:

Spring 2009 has finally arrived. All 200+ inches of the winter snow has melted and golf courses are beginning to open, a sure sign that a wonderful summer will be here soon.

During the past winter, skiing and winter activities surpassed all expectations with the extreme amount
of snow.

Now that the snow-birds are returning, a summer of fun-filled activities is planned for your enjoyment. Golf leagues are beginning, boats are being polished and the Beach Club is waiting to be opened.

We are pleased to welcome the new CEO of the resort, Mr. Michael Jordan. Michael has been affiliated
with a subsidiary of Apex Oil. He is also the former Headmaster of a religious High School in St. Louis. I have enjoyed knowing and working with Michael and I know that you will join me in welcoming him to Shanty Creek.

Please read each of the articles in this issue and appreciate, as I do, all of the very hard work that each
board member has contributed to make Summit Village at Shanty Creek the envy of everything Up North in Michigan.

Please note that each board member’s telephone number is listed after their name at the conclusion of their article.

My telephone number is also listed below. Please call me if you have any questions.

Tom Garner, President
231-533-4412

Architecture

Pursuant with the guidelines set forth in Section I-D of your Summit Village Association Owner’s Manual and Directory, all plans for exterior reconstruction/construction shall be submitted to the Architectural Committee for review and approval. For those planning to build or make other exterior alterations, please submit your plans in advance of your planned construction date. Last fall the emerald ash borer was found in the area. It is suggested that you inspect all ash trees, or have them inspected by a forester. Trees found to be infected should be removed. Please keep in mind that all tree removal must be approved by the Architectural Committee. Plans and requests should be submitted to: Arthur Lennox, Chairman, Architectural Committee, P.O. Box 59, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Art Lennox
231-533-6585


Beach Club

Warm, sunny days are just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing - fun-filled days at the Beach Club! We get many questions from property owners who want to know what the policies are regarding the use of various amenities at the Beach Club. At this time, I will attempt to provide that information. Note that any information in bold print reflects a change in Board policy from previous years. Please save this article so you can reference it as needed throughout the Beach Club season.

The Summit Village Beach Club is a private club. Its use, and the use of its amenities, is strictly reserved for the use of Summit Village Association property owners in good standing, their immediate guests (those staying in their homes or directly accompanying the member) and Summit Lodge guests with a pass. As our facilities continue to become more appealing, the unauthorized use and abuse becomes more of an issue. Consequently, we use an ID card system that requires you to show your ID card to the attendant for entrance. Also, you must sign in legibly every time you visit and list your property number (Subdivision name and Lot #) on the sign-in sheet. Please understand these are necessary procedures that preserve the private atmosphere that we all enjoy.

The Beach Club pavilion or clubhouse can be reserved by SVA Property Owners for their own private usage. It is a great setting for reunions and barbecues. There is no usage fee, but a refundable security deposit of $200 is required at the time you submit your reservation request form. This is a change in Board policy effective with the 2009 Beach Club season, so please obtain a revised “Reservation Request” form for any of your requests. The form includes other revisions also. We start accepting requests any time after April 15th. Prior to Memorial Day, submit your reservation requests in writing to: Summit Village Association, Beach Club Chairperson, P.O. Box 46, Bellaire, MI 49615. After Memorial Day you can also submit your requests by visiting the Beach Club and filling out the necessary forms.

We have 5 day buoys that can be rented by SVA property owners for their own use. The fee is $12 per day. You may reserve for up to seven consecutive days, and up to two weekends in a thirty day period. New this year: Timeshare Owners also have the opportunity to rent any day buoy that remains unreserved 14 days proir to a desired rental period. Day buoy requests can be submitted any time after April 15th. Please obtain a revised Day Buoy rental form before submitting your request. Requests can be mailed to the P.O. Box address listed above. Or, after Memorial Day you can stop by the Beach Club, or contact the staff at (231) 533-9908. To guarantee your reservation, we must receive your full payment at least 14 days prior to your scheduled arrival. We also require a copy of the boat registration in order to verify that it matches the property ownership. Mail checks to: Summit Village Association, Buoy Rental, P.O. Box 46, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Only one boat slip turned over this past year. There are currently 66 names on the boat slip waiting list and we are in the process of verifying that: 1) each person listed meets the required criteria to hold a place on this list, and 2) that they wish to remain on the list. We expect this could result in some names being dropped from the list. So we’ll wait to notify people of their standing on the list until the verification process is complete. At the current rate of turnover, it could be many years before people at the bottom of the list will be offered a space. Nevertheless, if you are a owner in good standing that meets the required criteria, and would like to be added to the list, please send a written request with all of your contact information to our P.O. Box address listed above, Attention: Beach Club chairperson.

We have boat racks near the south boundary of the property for storage of small, non-motorized boats. This is a great spot for keeping your canoe, kayak, or sunfish. Unfortunately, space is limited and it’s been somewhat of a problem that some individuals have stored their boats there for the entire season, leaving no opportunity for others to use the racks. Consequently, the Board has initiated a fee of $1 per day for the storage of a boat in this area. All boats will need to be registered with the Beach Club Supervisor before being placed on the rack. Spaces on the racks will be numbered and boat owners will be assigned a specific space on the rack for the period of their reservation. A daily check of the racks will be made, and any boat stored ‘illegally’ will be removed from the rack and transported to a storage area at the owner’s expense. So, in an effort to make the Beach Club an enjoyable place for all, please be sure to inquire at the Beach Club about the new procedures before storing your small boat.

Please note that the e-mail address for the Beach Club has changed from a “yahoo.com” address to an “aol.com” address. The correct e-mail address is: svabeachclub@aol.com. There have been some complaints from property owners that have not received a response to their inquiry. If your e-mail went to the “yahoo.com” address, we did not receive it so please re-send to the address above so that we may respond to your request or concern. Thank you to those who made us aware that the e-mail address on the SVA website needed to be updated.

We are always looking for conscientious workers for the summer season at the Beach Club. If you, or someone you know, would like to learn more about the opportunity, please send a letter of interest including your name, address, and phone number to: Summit Village Association, Beach Club Summer Employment, P.O. Box 46, Bellaire, MI 49615. We will begin interviewing for positions shortly.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Annual Cleanup/Picnic on Saturday, May 23rd. Cleanup begins at 9:00 am. Please bring your garden tools, wheelbarrows, gloves, etc. Hot dogs will be served for lunch and there will be a Chicken BBQ in the evening. While we always have a good hard-working crew that gets things in great shape for summer, we also have a great time eating and socializing together. Come join us!

Shari Willerer
Beach Club Chairperson
231-533-6092


Communication Services

If you are a new property owner, welcome to Summit Village. If you haven’t already received a Summit Village Association Owner’s Manual and Directory please let me know. There is valuable information in this book that will explain any questions you may have regarding our rules and regulations.

You can also send any questions you may have through our web site, http://www.svashantycreek. com and we will refer them to the proper chairperson for handling.

It is important that you keep your address changes up to date with the Summit Village Association. Please notify us of any changes as soon as they occur.

Judy Pinger, Chairperson
231-533-6713


Long Range Planning

In the summer of 2008, the Summit Village Association mailed a long-range planning survey to property owners as an opportunity for ideas to be presented that would provide the basis for improvements within Summit Village over the next 3-5 years.

The response was tremendous as over 150 surveys were received. Many of the ideas did not fall within the scope of long-range planning and will be considered by the Board on a current basis.

Of the many other ideas that were presented, the committee feels that the following ones warrant investigation and evaluation:
  • Swing sets for small children at the Beach Club
  • Upgrade of shower facilities at the Beach Club
  • Additional parking at the Pinebrook Clubhouse
  • Re-routing the walking trail at the Beach Club
  • Fishing hole for small children at the Beach Club

As progress is being made, it will be included in the monthly Board news on our web-site as well as at the next annual meeting. Of course, the cost/benefit of the project as well as the financial status of the Association will determine if/when the project will be implemented.

The fact that these items will be our current focus does not prevent you from recommending additional projects to the committee at P. O. Box 46, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Ed Hagamaier, Chairperson
231-533-5544

Finance

We ended our 2008 fiscal year in September with a bank balance of $87,005.91. It consists of three parts:
  1. $35,549.67 Certificate of Deposit which becomes due in August 2009
  2. $7,789.14 deposits for gate openers (refundable when returned)
  3. $43,667.08 operating funds
The operating funds were needed to pay for expenses from October through December prior to receiving association dues in December.

As of April 1st liens were placed on six new properties. We currently have liens on twenty-three homes and lots.

The board has reduced the 2009 budget by 3% of the actual 2008 expense. This was accomplished by obtaining concessions from vendors and eliminating unnecessary spending.

Fiscal year 2009 will be an interesting year for this board. It will be a challenge to maintain our current financial position while providing the same quality of services that we have all come to expect and enjoy at Shanty Creek.

Tom Haggard
231-533-8527

Roads & Grounds

We have made it through a snow filled winter, 220 inches and counting. The snowplow contractor will take care of any damage caused on the roadside. In the future, we will keep our security gates open from December 1 through April 1. This will result in a telephone bill savings of over $500.00 per year. Three year contracts have been put in place for the flowers, lawn cutting and snow removal.

I would like to thank everyone for the support given to me and the Summit Village Association. I have decided to resign my position as Chairman of Roads and Grounds after serving 12 years in that capacity. The new chairman is Nick Taddeucci, 231-533-9048. Please give Nick the support that has been given to me.

Thank you again, it has been a fun job to have.
Gordon Pinger

Social Events

Another season of great activities has been planned for summer of 2009. Please see the enclosed calendar and use it for easy reference.

The summer will begin on May 23rd with an Annual Memorial Day Beach clean-up. We will return in the evening for the free “Kick Off to Summer Chicken Bar B Q.” The chicken, place setting and ice will be provided. Please bring your own beverages and a dish to pass. All are welcome.

The Annual Golf Outing will be on Saturday, August 8th and has become one of the most popular events of the year. This fun day includes breakfast, an 18 hole scramble, dinner and prizes. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your family and friends to our beautiful resort.

The Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, September 26th and the Dinner Dance that evening will be a Three Village Event.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please call me or anyone on our committee.

Sharon LaMarra
231-533-9108


Community Events

Community Relations has had a busy year nurturing existing relationships and establishing new ones with those in Bellaire. Using a limited budget to reach out to our communities, the Summit Village Association has helped to improve our village for both residents and visitors.

Our accomplishments so far have been productive. We have made donations to Three Lakes Association, Grass River Natural Area , Junior Achievement of the Great Lakes, Bellaire Food Pantry, White Pine Stampede and Bellaire Chamber of Commerce. Bellaire now has a large kiosk on Bridge Street which will be maintained by the chamber and will serve as a tourist/events notification center.

Our future goals are to continue working to establish contacts with local civic, youth and community group leaders. Suggestions welcome!

Lila Wilson
231-533-8929

 

 

Return to top

Visitor number

Please stop in again!  Contact us through the link above if you have any questions or comments about the website - your input is welcomed!