Presidents Letter
November 2009)

Fall/Winter greetings to all Summit Village Property Owners:

This letter is intended to be our fall/winter communication and replace the Village Voice. The Village Voice will be published in the spring and will contain committee information together with the summer schedule of events. It is intended that this letter will provide information regarding the results of the 2009 Annual Meeting together with the financial statements at the end of our fiscal year. Also enclosed are the annual meeting minutes and a current directory of Board members and Committee chairpersons and their contact information.

Annual Meeting and Dinner Dance: On September 19, 2009 we met at the conference facility at the Lakeview Hotel. The resort staff headed up by Michael Jordan (Chief Operating Officer) and Chris Hale (Vice President of Marketing and Sales), provided us with reports regarding their current year and future goals. Increases in revenue have been achieved in golf, skiing and conferences. Weddings have proven to be an additional source of revenue. However, the goal of profitability has not been achieved at this time. Marketing efforts continue to be strong, especially on the internet, and the resort has adopted the new phrase "Michigan's Favorite Resort -- Again".

Our Summit Village Association meeting followed.  Elections were held with Art Lennox, Dan Sagady, Kay Rankin, Jim Houston, and Judy Pinger being elected. and  presentations of the year's activities were made by the board members.  After the annual meeting the following were elected officers; President: Art Lennox, Vice President: Ed Hagmaier, Secretary: Judy Pinger and Treasurer: Tom Haggard. 

That evening we enjoyed an exceptional Three Villages Dinner followed by dancing in the Jordan Room at Cedar River Lodge.  The dinner and dance were arranged by our social committee who also arrange our winter and summer events.  Look for the complete listing in the spring or at our online site (svashantycreek.com)  Enclosed is the notice for the Christmas Party.  Please return your reservation and check as soon as possible.

With winter fast approaching, we all look forward to a great ski season this year.  However, we should all keep safety in mind. Accessibility for fire vehicles should be provided by keeping the snow off driveways.  Also, please remember to clean snow ridges from the roadway after plowing.

Board meetings are scheduled for the first Thursdays of  Feb., March, July, Sept., Oct., and December. as follows:

            Dec. 3, 2009                  9:00 AM @ Pinebrook
            Feb. 4, 2010                  9:00 AM @ Pinebrook
            May 6, 2010                  9:00 AM @ Pinebrook
            July 1, 2010                  9:00 AM @ Beach Club
            Sept. 2, 2010                 9:00 AM @ Beach Club

All meetings are open to owners.  Please feel free to attend or to contact a Board member with your questions, comments or concerns.

This year brought an infestation of caterpillars to our area.  Those of you who were in residence during the caterpillar season know that the trees were defoliated, and that golf was difficult to say the least.  Unfortunately, the experts advise us that the spring of 2010 will probably bring an increased infestation of caterpillars.  Therefore, through a cooperative effort with Summit Village, Cedar River Village, Schuss Village and Shanty Creek Resort, we intend to do aerial spraying in the spring.  The spray is Bacillus Thurnginties (BT) which is applied at the critical time when the larva become caterpillars.  This spray is very specific. Our information indicates that it is very safe to use near birds, fish and other animals as it only affects the caterpillars.  More information may be found on the internet. 

A second infestation that is beginning to appear is the Emerald Ash Borer, which is killing our beautiful ash trees.  Once infected no cure is available.  However, new board member and arborist, Jim Houston informs us that a "preventative" measure exists.  The treatment is effective for healthy trees and consists of an annual treatment with "Merit" (Imidacloprid) which is a systemic treatment.  More information can be found on the internet under "Merit" or imidacloprid. 

At the Annual Meeting, a special assessment of $50.00 per lot/home and $25.00 per condominium was adopted to provide funding for the spring caterpillar spraying with any remaining funds to be placed in an account for tree removal on our roadways killed by the ash borer. 

Antrim County has begun recycling.  The containers are located at the intersection of M-88 and Shanty Creek Road at the Antrim County Transportation building.  Let's all do our part in helping make the project a success by taking our recyclables to the site.  

I have met with the Resort regarding the two letters each of you have received from Scott Maison, Director of Resort Services.  The Resort pays for and maintains the dumpster located at the Summit Lodge.  Those of you who choose to utilize this dumpster for your trash removal should assist the resort by complying with their request and forwarding the fee to the Resort.  The pool letter is a bit more complex.  All property owners have the right to use the outdoor pool at no charge.  However, at the time that right was conveyed, the indoor pool did not exist.  Therefore, the Resort has the right to charge a fee for the use of the indoor pool.  For those property owners who wish to use the indoor pool, please forward your payment to the Resort. 

Your Board has, and continues to work diligently to assist you in providing a great place to live and play.  We depend on each of you to assist by reading and complying with our covenants and restrictions.  If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please contact the appropriate chairperson.  We look forward to another great year filled with many fun activities.

Sincerely,

Art Lennox