CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS WINNERS

FIRST PLACE WINNER:

2739 Lakeside

SECOND PLACE WINNER:

2733 Lakeside

THIRD PLACE WINNER:
7420 Countryside

IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING

There was a mute swan on the south side of the lake.  He may have been scared off when 13 Canadian Geese flew in to rest before taking back off after an hour or so. They were heading back west towards the Mississippi.  Hope our swan just flew over to the north side of the lake and, if we're lucky, it'll hang around for awhile.

Bobbie

NEIGHBORHOOD DUES

The board, somewhat reluctantly, has voted to increase the annual dues this year by 3% as provided by the by-laws.  Three percent is not a whole lot.  You will be getting a letter from the management company next month.  

This increase is necessary due to three main reasons.  One is the rise in cost of everything, in general.  The cost of pumping water into the lake has increased pretty dramatically in the last year-for reasons we don't totally understand.  Another reason for the increase is that as of 11-30-11 there was $49,877.45 in back dues owed by homeowners to the HOA.  Many owners have not paid their dues in many years.  The management company does put a lien on property when the arrearage gets to a certain amount. 

 

The board is well aware that times are bad and that because of that some people are not paying because it's an actual hardship.  But we are also equally aware that there are people, some who live directly on the lake, who don't pay simply because they don't want to.  This is evidenced by the 2 cars, new truck and new motorcycle sitting in the drive way.  We will try and be understanding to those who are really having a hardship, if we know about it and can verify the hardship.  And continue to be unhappy with those sit around and expect others to take care of business.

 

So the bottom line is that we feel we need this increase to keep this community viable and looking and functioning like the good people who live here want it to be. 

 

Bobbie

POSSIBLE SPEED BUMPS

Three or 4 years ago the HOA Board approached the city about putting speed bumps in our community.  Last Saturday we received a package from the city stating that they have studied our community and said they would install speed bumps along Countryside Road if 75% of the households, that would be the most directly affected, agree to the speed bumps with the signing of a petition.  There would be 6 speed bumps and 12 signs warning of the speed bumps, one on each side of each bump  The households that would be most directly affected go from the corner of Country Trail and Countryside Rd.; going down to the corner of Countryside and Lakeside.  Plus the following coves: Rustics, Willow Rest, Hollow Gap, Sleepy Bend, Lake Country, Wagon Wheel, and Sunny Glade.  This involves 165 households.                                            

 

If we could get volunteers on Countryside and the 7 coves involved we can get this done.  Yes, it is the worse time of the year to try and get this done but it would certainly be worth the effort to improve some of the problems on the north side of the lake. This will have to be done by the 15th of January and then back to the city by the 20th of January.  

 

The city sent us petitions that must be signed by 124 households out of the 165 households involved.  Please email me if you are willing to help get this done. 

Bobbie

evans7318@bellsouth.net 

CROCHET AD

Howdy,

   I sell crochet items. 

   I have a couple of afghans at home completed.

   I have at my home some scarves in assorted colors. You know everyone needs a scarf with the colder days coming. 

    Also, at my home I have quite a few stuffed animals and a few purses.

    With a bit of advanced notice, I can retrieve some barrettes and hats from another storage place.

1.)   They are very special hats. They use buttons crocheted into the hats and they are for all the family members.

2.)  I also have some barrettes that are crocheted with beads.  They can be done in your school and/or outfit colors, and in different sizes.

        If you are interested in any of these items, you may contact me: 

StitchinCindi@aol.com

When you write to me, please put in SUBJECT line: "crochet items"

    Thank you for considering my items for your Christmas and Birthday presents.

Sincerely, 

Cindi 

from Countryside Road

WELCOME

Welcome, new homeowner:
Murray D. Young
2692 Rustic.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS CONTEST

The judging of the Christmas Decorations/Lights is planned for

December 11-13th. 

Judging will be on: quality of lights, use of decorations, creativity, daytime appeal, evening appeal. 
Winners will be given coupons with money values going towards HOA annual dues. 

1st place = $100 
2nd place = $75
3rd place = $50

Bobbie

BARTLETT ANIMAL SHELTER

If you find a lost animal, call the Bartlett Animal Shelter (and maybe the Memphis one?) and give them a description of the animal, they will write it down in a lost animal book.  If someone calls or comes in looking for the dog, they can then go through the book to see if one has been reported. 

The Bartlett Animal Shelter's number is: (901) 385-6484
Hours: Monday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Thursday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

FOUND DOG

We found a small dog on our front porch last night. It is a female, and we think she is adult. She is black and brown, weighs about 10 pounds, and looks like a miniature Doberman, or possibly a rat terrier mix. She is wearing a collar with her name.

If she belongs to you or you know where she lives, please call 377-5424 or 831-1929 (cell).

Thanks,
Linda & John Wood

WILDLIFE AT THE LAKE

It seems as though the Great Blue Herons are more active around our lake in the fall and winter.  Over the last couple of weeks, there has been a pair of great blues seen frequently around our lake.  One is great but two flying around as a pair is awesome.

Bobbie

 

Note from the blog admin: 

If you have captured the pair in a picture 

send it to the neighborhood email address

 

countrysidelakehomeownersassoc@yahoo.com

 

and I'll be able to post it.

NEW BOARD MEMBER

We'd like to welcome Emily Winter to the Countryside Lake Homeowner's Association board.

MESSAGE FROM THE HOA PRESIDENT

We had a great picnic yesterday. The weather was perfect. We had the Moon Bounce, Obstacle course, face painting, footballs, basketballs, and other games for the kids. We had hot dogs, hamburgers, slaw, bags of chips, tons of deserts, condiments, trimmings and everything possible to drink. We had drawing for prizes for the kids and drawings for gift cards for the adults.It was a good time for all. We hope it gets bigger and bigger every year! Bobbie

WELCOME

Welcome, new homeowner:

Thomas Tidwell 7214 Countryside

WELCOME

Welcome, new homeowners:
Newby-Ernestine Sanders
7388 Twiller Cv

NEW BOARD MEMBER

We'd like to welcome Sharon Demarco to the Countryside Lake Homeowner's Association board.

FALL PICNIC

SAVE THE DATE:

The neighborhood fall picnic will be held at the peninsula on Saturday, October 8th, with a rain date of Sunday, October 9th. Come enjoy your food and your neighbors.

On the menu are hot dogs and hamburgers. Lunch will be available from noon thru 2:00.  There will also be a moon bounce, the inflatable obstacle course, face painting and prizes for all.

Can't wait to see you there.

WELCOME

Welcome, new homeowners:
Giovani Jones
2611 Wagon Wheel Cove
   &

Jackie Wiggins 

7375 Twiller Cove

HOUSEFIRE

Early this morning Darwin Dahlvang and his family's house on Bassfield was heavily involved in fire.  Thanks to a neighbor who called 911, 6 or 7 fire engines responded and thankfully, there were no injuries to people, however the family did lose their dog.  The house doesn't look bad in the front but the back is totally burnt.  It will not be habitable for a long time. The owner did have insurance, so mostly he and family need prayers.  

CODE ENFORCEMENT

If you should have a City Code Enforcement issue you should now call the Mayor's Citizen Service Center at 576-6500. Mayor Wharton wants to make sure these complaints are followed up on and has put measures in place to monitor this.  Still call the County Code Enforcement at 379-4237 regarding complaints that the county handles.

PENINSULA

We have contacted a towing company who say they will drive by the common area 4 times a day.  They will tow anyone who is parked in front of the gates blocking access to the common area via the gates. If you are a neighborhood resident, you can contact Wayne Murley to get a key to the gates.

countrysidelakehomeownersassoc@yahoo.com

LAKE

The problem with the pump has been corrected. It was actually due to some problems with the MLGW meter. They have come and fixed the problem and the pump is running again.

MINI-MINUTES

from August 9th, 2011:

(The board is going to attempt to keep everyone apprised of their meetings by posting meeting discussions from their meetings here on the blog.)

The board voted not to erect "No Trespassing, Private Property" signs on Country Trail in front of Fletcher Creek on the south side of the lake.  Only one person has ever indicated a need for such signs and if signs were put up there- how many more places others might think such signs were needed.

We will contact towing companies, obtain copies of their contract and will pursue having persons who park and block the gates on Reese Rd towed.  We intend to get serious about this problem.

Will be checking for easements that are not being cut.

Joyce from the management company was reminded to check and see that a check is sent to family that won the drawing at the annual meeting.

There was much discussion about where, when who and how on our October picnic.  All will be finalized at the September meeting.  We'll purchase a bull horn to better communicate with persons at our events.

Also, you will find the updated results from their elections of officers on the left-hand column.

WELCOME

Welcome, new homeowner:
Phillip Millican
7407 Guilder Cove

LAKE

We are aware of the problem on the lake. The pump is currently not working, and the board is in the process of contacting repairmen.

PHONE NUMBERS

The board thought you would find it convenient to have these phone numbers handy:

Animal Controll 362-5310

Shelby County Code Enforcement 379-4237 

Shelby County Health Department 324-592/544-7600

Mayor's Citizen Service Center at 576-6500**
Drain Maintenance 357-0100

MLGW 544-6549

Solid Waste 576-6851

Abandoned cars 545-2677

Memphis Police Department(non-emergency)545-2677

**This is now the number to call for City of Memphis Code Enforcement issues.

ANNUAL HOMEOWNERS MEETING

Don't forget:

July 21 at 7:00 
at
Decator Trinity Christian Church 
2449 Alturia Rd (corner of Summer and Alturia)

Board members will welcome any and all questions and concerns.  Also, if you are interested in becoming a board member please come so we can get your information and get back in touch with you.

LOST KITTEN

If you or someone you know has lost their kitten, we may have found him. He is about 8 or 9 weeks old, black with white socks and a white marking in the face. He was frightened by the fireworks about a week ago and scurried into a backyard in the neighborhood. If we cannot find the owner, the resident currently caring for him can't keep him, so he will be free to a loving home. Would you like a little lost kitten??

LAKE WATER LEVELS

Have no fear! You may have noticed that recently the lakes were getting low again. When we went to turn on the water pump a couple of weeks ago a mechanical problem was found.  The part was ordered and received and the water pump has now been back on for about a week. We are always appreciative of observant residents; please continue to contact the board either through this blog or the following e-mail address if you see something that needs attention.

countrysidelakehomeownersassoc@yahoo.com 

WELCOME

Welcome, new homeowners: 
James and Juanita Horner
7382 Guilder Cove

ANNUAL HOMEOWNERS MEETING

July 21 at 7:00 
at
Decator Trinity Christian Church 
2449 Alturia Rd (corner of Summer and Alturia).

All homeowners should have received a notice in the mail. Mark your calendars. Homeowner dues must be current in order to cast a vote. If you are behind, you will be able to pay at the meeting.

FISHING ON THE LAKE

What a catch:

Your neighbors Chad and Bruce caught this 37 pound Flathead on June 18th on north lake. (You can also see their 6 pound catch on the ground beside the faithful pooch.)

WELCOME

Welcome, new homeowners:
Douglas and Jessica Nelson
7120 Countryside

FALL GARAGE SALE??

The HOA board would like to see if there is any interest in a fall garage sale. If this is of interest to you please add a comment to this post.

WELCOME

Welcome, new homeowner!
Joseph A. Seibert
2687 Cotton Ridge

LIFE ON THE LAKE

by Lauren Beyer  

I moved to Countryside Lakes in April 2007, and have loved living here. 

 

When I was looking at buying my home the neighbors were so nice.  There were people carrying fishing poles, kids playing and riding bikes, and the lake so serene and relaxing – I’d found a little piece of the country that’s right next to the city. 

 

Having been a midtown Memphis girl for quite a few years, I wasn’t sure I would like living so “far” out from the city.  But since we are so close to the interstate, I can still get downtown in just a few minutes, and when I get home, enjoy the peaceful sounds of the lake.  The ducks, geese, frogs, crickets make some wonderful evening noises. 

I’ve even had what I’ve called my own “pet” crane the past two winters, as one of them claimed my dock and boat as theirs for the season.  Each night I would look for him and marvel at his beauty (and size).  I’ll be on the lookout next winter for him to return again…

 

As a part-time professional photographer, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the photo opportunities at my little lake house.  Living on the end of the cove gives me such great photo ops for spectacular sunrise scenes, butterflies, plants, wildlife, family outings on the park and of course fireworks on the 4th. 

 

4^th of July is really awesome here at Countryside Lake.  There are several days each year that you can see breathtaking fireworks displays from the comfort and relaxation of the backyard.  Here are a few pictures from the Bellevue Baptist Church firework display from 2010 taken from my own backyard.  These pictures are really popular at my artist events and gallery openings, and I’m always proud to say these were taken in my own backyard! 

 

Please go to my website at www.graphotogirl.com for updated photos and event announcements.  I’m predominately a train graffiti photographer, but also take a lot of nature’s graffiti photos as well. 

FISH FRY

The neighborhood's annual fish fry will be this 

Saturday May 21, 2011 from 11:30 to 2:00 

It is totally free to every resident including renters.

Come meet or catch up with your neighbors

and

enjoy some good food.

WILDLIFE REMOVAL AD

WILDLIFE SOLVERS

Animal Removal

Raccoons – Squirrels – Moles –

Rats - Armadillos – Snakes

And Other Nuisance Animals!

 www.wildlifesolvers.com

901-485-5564

WELCOME

Welcome, new homeowners!
Ivan Tims and Terry Price
2408 Country Trail Dr.

WILDLIFE AT THE LAKE

Every fall and spring we are visited by Osprey flying over our lake and diving to catch fish.  This happens as they are migrating back and forth to Reelfoot Lake.  We have had the pleasure of seeing the last few days dispite the thunderstorms and tornado alerts.

Bobbie

FISHING REPORT

March was a good month for fishing on our lakes. I personally caught over 100 bass last month. It rained a lot and we had a lot of wind to contend with. Most of my fish were very small. About a dozen or so were anywhere from 2lbs to 4 lbs and came on spinner baits and texas rigged worms. Other fishermen were catching bass too. I witness a little girl fishing with her daddy catching crappie on nearly every cast. she ended up catching 16 and some were huge. Other crappie fishermen are out there daily catching crappie. You should join in the fun. April is one of the best months to fish these lakes. Bring your lake permit, pick up your trash and be safe. Join in on the fun in your own 37 acre lake. See ya on the water.

 Thanks,

Wayne

LAKE REPORT

The Lakes are in pretty good shape right now. The pump is fixed for when we need it this summer. Right now the rainfall is keeping the lake full of fresh water. Our fish are getting fatter. the ones I'm catching are very healthy. We have been culling appx. 1000 lbs of fish from the lake each year for the last three years. You should keep all of the small fish that you catch. Doing this ensures that there is enough natural food for the rest of the fish and they will grow at a normal rate. This is how you grow big fish. I have been treating the lake with an algaecide to keep the string algae from taking over the lake. I will soon add fertilizer to promote the growth of the good microscopic algae that turns the water dark green. This algae shades the bottom of the lake so the bad stuff won't grow. It is also a part of the food chain for our fish. I hope that all of you can get out this year and enjoy your lake. See ya on the water.

Thanks,

Wayne

LAWN CARE TIPS

Your grass is growing! Yes it is that time of year again. But, before you scalp all of that thatch from your lawn you might want to treat it with a crabgrass pre-emergent. When you remove the thatch from your lawn to early, and the sun warms the ground, you get weeds, lots of ugly weeds flourishing in your lawn. So before you mow it down apply some weed protection. You will be glad you did. Then scalp away. After you lower the mower raise it right back up. The new growth will cover the brown thatch and you won't see it again. Add appx 1lb active nitrogen, this would be 3lbs of actual fertilizer from a bag that says 36-0-0 for each 1000sf of lawn and watch it green up beautifully.

Thanks,

Wayne

LAWN CARE AD

Got Weeds

 

Crabgrass Treatment  and Broadleaf Weed Killer

This is a Special Spring Promotion for my Countryside Lakes Neighbors

 

Front Lawns from $25.00

Front and Back Lawns from $45.00

Large lots and corners may be more

 

Call Wayne Murley@ 901-489-4889

prolawnspray@gmail.com

TNCH#895

WELCOME

Welcome, new homeowners!
Benita and Victor Cruz-Funez
2490 Bassfield Dr.

HOMEOWNER'S MEETING

Start planning to attend the homeowner's meeting in July. A drawing will be held that the winning attendee will recieve a prize equalling the amount they paid in this year's homeowner's dues.

ANNUAL FISH FRY

SAVE THE DATE! The neighborhood fish fry will be held on May 21 with a rain date of May 22. All residents, renters and owners, are invited to come enjoy good food and good fun! The event is free, so come, bring a chair or a blanket, and your family to meet your neighbors.

YARD SALE

The neighborhood, annual, spring yard sale is scheduled for May 7. The homeowner's association will be placing ads in the paper and signs in the area. If you'd like to try to exchange some old stuff for some cash, start assembling your goods!

MESSAGE FROM THE HOA PRESIDENT

It was a long hot summer with docks and boats sitting in the mud caused by multiple problems getting our pump fixed, inspected and turned back on.  But now with all the snow and rain the lake is in good shape. Wayne Murley will be treating the lake soon to keep the green algea scum from totally taking over around the edges of the lake as it will do if untreated.

Coming up in May will be the Fish Fry, neighborhood yard sale and the Yard of the Month selections will start back up. 

Robin Casey has volunteered to get our Newsletter started back up and Christina Barley has developed a blog for our community.  Both of these young women are very interested in their community and want to help it be the best that it can be. We want to thank them for their efforts on all of our behalfs.  We want to make the newsletter and blog as community oriented as possible.  We want to include as much positive imput from the community as we can possibly get.  Our idea is to put births, graduations, those making honor rolls, enlisting, anniversaries, marriages, etc, etc.  Anything worth bragging about! In the newsletter we will put free ads in for people in the community with a business.  We would like to have articles submitted to the board from residents to be put in the newsletter.  We want anything that will involve reaching out and getting to know our neighbors better which will in turn make this a better community.

We need as much help as we can get.  Presently we need two new board members.  We also would like to see if there is anyone interested in getting an active Neighborhood Watch started again. If you are interested in becoming a board member or interested in the Neighborhood Watch, please email me at  

evans7318@bellsouth.net 

You may submit items/articles to be in the blog and newsletter by going to  

countrysidelakehomeownersassoc@yahoo.com

Bobbie Evans

President

FISHING REPORT

Not much to report for January or February as this paper goes to press. One large crappie and a few small bass on sunny days. Fishing will pick up in March for sure. Remember your HOA dues must be current to have lake privileges. So bring your lake pass to registration. For more information, contact 

wmurley1@yahoo.com or jkjackson155@aol.com 

See ya on the water.

Wayne Murley

LAWN CARE

As I sit and type this article I am looking at four to five inches of snow on my lawn. It will melt and the weather will warm up and our lawns will turn green again. Spring is the time of year when homeowners express the most concern about their lawn. In hopes of having a great lawn they fertilize and spray weed control products vigorously. Here are some other things that will help take your lawn to the next level. Take a soil sample to the agriculture soil testing station on Appling. Find out what is missing. Calcium, iron, boron and other trace minerals need to be replaced periodically. A soil surfactant will help manage moisture in your lawn. You may not be aware of insects and disease until they have destroyed part of your lawn. Consult a professional to correctly diagnose and treat these conditions. Core Aerationis a great way to get all of the nutrients to the root system where they will do the most good so aerate before you perform these treatments and you will get much better results.

Thanks,

Wayne Murley

NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

Mark your calendars for all of the year's annual neighborhood events and gatherings! Here is a tentative list of this year's upcoming events:

FEBRUARY
      Home owner dues are due
MAY
      Fish Fry and Fishing Rodeo on the peninsula
      Neighborhood Yard Sale
MAY-AUGUST
      Yard of the Month Contests
JULY
      Homeowners' Meeting
SEPTEMBER
      Homeowners' Picnic
OCTOBER
      Halloween Party on the peninsula
DECEMBER
      Christmas Lights Contest


**Details regarding each event will be given at a future time.
**Please remember, all neighborhood events are open to homeowner's and to renters.

HOA DUES

Don't forget that neighborhood dues are due by February 1.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

The neighborhood association is currently looking for someone to head up our Neighborhood Watch Program. If you would like more information regarding the position, contact the board at

countrysidelakehomeownersassoc@yahoo.com

BUSINESS ADS

The board would like to make ad space available. If you are a homeowner or renter in the Countryside Lake neighborhood, and you own a business, offer services or are in sales of any sort, we can make your neighbors aware of your services through our blog and newsletter. If you are interested, contact the board at 

countrysidelakehomeownersassoc@yahoo.com

 

Upon approval from the board, your ad will appear on this blog and in the upcoming newsletter.

CRIME

Our precinct officers are working hard each day for us. But, we must do all we can to protect ourselves and to help them and help our neighbors. This precinct is one of the largest in Memphis, so these men and women have a lot of ground to cover. 

You can help greatly by knowing your neighbors. Introduce yourself and keep an eye out for each other.

Below is a list of information you should know.

Links to resources that you may find helpful:

MPD

CyberWatch

Once you have signed up for CyberWatch, the department will send you e-mails regarding crime, sex offenders and outstanding warrants in your community.

Other important information:

545-COPS (545-2677)

This is the MPD's non-emergency phone number. If at anytime you see suspicious activity that is posing no imminent danger, but need direct police assistance, this is the number to call. 

N.E. PRECINCT

If you live in the Countryside Lake Neighborhoods, you are part of the N.E. Precinct. The N.E. Precinct police station is located on Appling Farms, near Whitten. Their phone number is (901)636-4400.

DIRECTED PATROL

If your street has had a recent burglary or criminal activity, you can call the NE Precinct to request a directed patrol. You can also request a directed patrol when you are planning to be out of town. A request for a directed patrol will result in a police officer driving to the requested location once each shift (4 times/24 hours).

RESIDENT EVENT ADS

The board has opened up this blog and the neighborhood newsletter to all residents, including renters. If you would like us to post about an upcoming event, please e-mail the information to the board at 

countrysidelakehomeownersassoc@yahoo.com

Upon approval by the board, your announcement will be posted to the blog. This could include, but is not limited to, gatherings, playgroups, walking groups, graduation announcements, birth announcements, bereavements, garage sales, giveaways, requests...

VACANT BOARD SEATS

Currently, our home owners association has 2 vacant seats. If you know of someone or you yourself are interested in filling these positions, or would like more information regarding responsibilities, please contact the HOA at

countrysidelakehomeownersassoc@yahoo.com.

HOA BOARD MEMBERS

As of January 2011
Bobbie Evans (President)
Lynn Bay (Vice President)
Christi Rutledge (Secretary)
Brenda Silk (Treasurer)
Wayne Murley
Jeff Jackson
Terry Mohammed