Spring is on its Way!

Hello to all! Excitement is in the air, bees are buzzing, birds are singing and we are trying to clean up from our long winters nap. It is awesome to see how our neighborhood begins to take shape in the spring. I see our neighbors spreading mulch, planting flowers, raking leaves -all kinds of spring cleaning going on.

I believe this will be our first news letter and we are excited to get this to you. Let me start be saying what an honor it is to represent our neighborhood as your president. I hope to be available when needed, to lend an ear when necessary and above all I will always be fair in every situation.

Let me begin by saying I know that we all are busy with chores but I would like to extend a challenge. I was conversing with one of our neighbors the other day and was shocked to hear their observation of our neighborhood. It seemed when they first became acquainted with our neighborhood they were in the habit of raising their hand to wave at passer bys, drive bys and neighbors walking their pets. Given the other neighborhoods they were familiar with, this just seemed to be the norm. But soon they discovered our neighborhood was different.

It seemed that after receiving no response what so ever to their friendly gestures, rather than being the exception to the rule, our neighbor fell into the grove and began to stop waving. This was upsetting to hear. I understand our world is a different place than it used to be, our neighborhood doesn’t have to change. This is our community. While we may not have the ability to get to know each other one on one it simply doesn’t keep us from raising our hand with a smile to say hello. As I travel my street I get excited to see certain neighbors that extend a wave and a smile. Call me old fashioned but we live here in our community; together we are neighbors. A simple hello doesn’t commit you to yard work, car washing, or even painting; it is a simple way of offering a friendly gesture to those who live around you. So next time you get the chance, wave, smile, or say hello. This is our neighborhood and we want to make it the best it can be. What you do on the open road is up to you…….

So let me conclude by saying thanks again for the opportunity to serve and should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call, e-mail. All of our contact numbers and e-mails are on the website.

Sincerely your Neighbor,

J R Rhodes
President

Road Work Ahead...
We have compiled a statement of work for repaving of our subdivision roads and sent it out for bid in March. The goal is to have new roads by the middle of the summer. We have been saving for this repaving through our homeowner's fees over the past few years. We will be sending out information on the style of repaving and the timeframe for the work as soon as we know. Any questions, call Scott Daubert.

Treasurer's Transcript
As of the end of March 2008, the total funds in our bank accounts were $126,964.28. This balance is comprised of the following:

Online Bill Pay
Did you know that if you use an Online Bill Pay service with your bank that you can pay your monthly assessment dues that way too? In order to do this, please be sure that:

1. It is sent using the same PO Box address where you mail your check.

2. The check needs to identify you by your name and address.

If you have any questions, please call Sheri at 697-6211.

Friendly Reminders...
As a preface, the Board believes that all of the residents in the Estates are doing their best to comply with the rules of the neighborhood and that in most situations nobody is intentionally trying to inconvenience their neighbors or create danger. The following friendly reminders are provided because the Board has received or has observed specific and repeated complaints. We think you will agree that all of these boundaries are based on safety, common sense and common courtesy. We also believe that all of our residents want a safe and pleasant living environment.

Safety in the Neighborhood: Please – No Open Burning
We understand that leaf and trash clean up can be onerous, but please remember that open burning of leaves or trash or both is not permitted in the Estates of the Salisbury. The ban is for the comfort and safety of everyone living in the Estates. Of course, this is not meant to ban outdoor grills, smokers, barbeques, chimeneas and similar outdoor equipment used for leisure enjoyment.

Neighborhood Watch
Sadly, during the last several months there have been a handful of crimes committed against some of our neighbors in the Estates, including petty vandalism and a vehicle theft. While we certainly recognize this is a rare occurrence in our community, we ask that everyone keep an eye open for any suspicious activity. There is strength in neighborhood watches and when we keep an eye on things for each other we all benefit with a safer and more enjoyable community.

Walking Your Best Friend
One of the many pleasantries of living in these gorgeous mountains is enjoying a leisurely walk with your pet. Beautiful trees, fresh air, friendly waves from your friends and neighbors, and listening to the birds sing instead of your phone ring. Norman Rockwell couldn’t ask for more. The only downside is that you must please remember that walking your dog requires you to remove any "gifts" that your dog leaves. Sadly, this is one of our most common complaints. In addition to being common courtesy, you are subject to a fine for each violation. So please remember to prepare for litter removal by taking a waste bag with you before you start your stroll.

Changes to Curb Appeal & Landscaping
Please remember that any major changes to the curb appeal or landscaping of your property must be submitted to the board for approval before such changes are undertaken. Of course, minor landscaping such as clean up or the planting of spring flowers are certainly permitted, but substantial changes require approval. This is certainly true if you plan to change any grade on your property or modify water runoff. Again, this is to protect the neighborhood as a whole, we are not trying to simply impose our sense of aesthetics.

Parking on the Street
Please be aware that parking on the street should be the exception, rather than the rule. Of course, from time to time logistics or weather require street parking. When this occurs, please do your best to park on a shoulder side of the street, even if this means parking across the street from your home. Please ask anyone visiting or working for you to follow this guideline as well. And under no circumstances should you leave your car parked in the middle of the road (yes, this has recently happened). Again, please be courteous and think of your neighbors.

EOS is on the Web!
Want to read the bylaws, but can't find your copy? Wondering who just moved in down the street? Interested in reading the Treasurer's Report? This information and more is available on the EOS website at www.estatesofthesalisbury.com. The site also includes a ticker banner with updated information as needed from time to time. To access the Members Only section of the site, you will need to log in as follows: enter the user as “resident” and the password as [deleted]. See you on the net!

Do we have your communication preference?
In the future, we will be publishing our newsletters via email as well as posting on the website. However, we know that some of our residents do not have computers and prefer hard copies. Accordingly, please complete the form below and return it with your next monthly assessment payment to ensure that we have your communication preference.
(Webmaster note: to use form, please download the PDF using the link at the top of this page, then print out the form page to fill out and mail in.)

Name:__________________________________________
EOS Address: ___________________________________
Other Address:___________________________________
Telephone:_______________________________________
Email Address: ___________________________________
Communication Preference: Mail       Email

Please Mail to:
Estates of the Salisbury Homeowner’s Association
Post Office Box 456
Naples, North Carolina 28760

Favorite Spring Recipe: Roasted Asparagus

The following is a delicious and easy to make recipe for Roasted Asparagus.

Ingredients:

1 lb (approximately) of asparagus
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt or salt based seasoning
Action:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Cut off the woody bottom part of the asparagus spears and discard.
3. With a vegetable peeler, peel off the skin on the bottom 2-3 inches of the spears (this keeps the asparagus from being "stringy").
4. Place asparagus on foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. You can also use a casserole dish.
5. Sprinkle with salt or salt based seasoning
6. Roll the asparagus around until evenly coated with oil and salt.
7. Roast for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your stalks and how tender you like them. They should be tender when pierced with the tip of a knife.
8. The tips of the spears will get very brown, but watch them to prevent burning.
These are great plain, but also go well with a light vinaigrette dressing.