Somerset Lake Newsletter April 2020
 Somerset Lake Community Events
April 5th - 4:00pm - Somerset Lake Annual Meeting - zoom conferencing - see below
April 9th - 6:30pm - Lake Committee Meeting (tentative)
April 12th - Easter
April 23rd - 7:00pm - Board Meeting - zoom conferencing

Welcome Spring!
It seems like everyone is taking advantage of the nice weather in our beautiful community and enjoying walks throughout Somerset Lake.

It has also been a wonderful time for our pets who we have seen out for walks more than ever! We are happy everyone is enjoying the flowering trees and blooming flowers as Mother Nature is a welcome reprieve. Pics by Anthony Fisher
COVID and Somerset Lake closures
With the bans on group gatherings and the many mandated closures, Somerset Lake will continue to keep the Clubhouse closed. Additionally, in order to protect the health of our community, the basketball and tennis courts are closed and the basketball hoops have been disabled. 
We encourage everyone to follow the guidance of public health experts regarding COVID-19 protection. The choices we make can help to protect everyone.

Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Somerset Lake Service Corporation will be held at 4 pm on Sunday, April 5. Due to COVID, the meeting will be held using Zoom conferencing. The meeting info is listed below .   Please join us for community information and to learn about the candidates in the election for Board of Directors.

Join Zoom Meeting​
​Meeting ID: 120 449 910​
Dial in numbers:​
    +1 312 626 6799 US
    +1 929 205 6099 US
    +1 346 248 7799 US
    +1 669 900 6833 US
    +1 253 215 8782 US​
    +1 301 715 8592 US​
Meeting ID: 120 449 910​
Find your local number:  https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fcPL7hlyXw
Board Candidates
Want to serve the community? We’d love to have you as a candidate for the Somerset Lake Board of Directors. The Annual Meeting starts the election. We’re electing two members this year, for a two-year term. If interested, see the Candidate Information form at  www.somersetlake.com , located under News Articles, or if you have questions, call Brandywine Valley Properties at 302-475-7660.
Please Vote!
Somerset Lake Service Corporation
c\o Brandywine Valley Properties
P.O. Box 7368 Wilmington, DE 19803-7368 302-293-8093 or 302-475-7660

TO: All Somerset Lake Service Corporation Members

FROM: Cheri Hadley, Brandywine Valley Properties

RE: SLSC Annual Meeting

Per Article 3 of the By-Laws of the Somerset Lake Service Corporation, the annual meeting of the members will be held on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at 4:00 PM at Club Somerset. The purpose of the meeting will be to accept nominations to the Board of Directors and for those nominated to have the opportunity to present themselves and discuss their positions on any issues with the members in attendance.

Due to the statewide shutdown of all gatherings, this year’s annual meeting will be held online. If you would like to login to the meeting, please send an email to [email protected] to be added to the list of invitees. We will send the meeting login information by return email.

Also, there are two positions on the Board of Directors that are up for election. Any member in good standing having an interest in serving on the Board should complete a candidate information form which is available at the clubhouse or on our website, www.somersetlake.com. Once completed, the form should be returned to the address above, faxed to 302-475-7664 or scanned and sent via email to [email protected]. Forms must be submitted in advance of or at the annual meeting.

Candidate information, voting instructions and ballots will be distributed to the membership within two (2) business days of the annual meeting. There will be a one month period after the date of mailing for submitting the ballots. It is very important that all members participate, so we can meet the required quorum and hold a valid election. 

Please click here for the Somerset Lake Candidate Information Sheet.
Renovation Update
Clubhouse construction was halted on 3/23, due to the Governor’s order for work stoppages for COVID-19. It is unknown when work will resume.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered with the demolition and those who helped with moving items into the attic. Here are some pictures of how the clubhouse looks right now. Thank you Rob Belfiore for images.

Theater Room
The wall has been removed from the theater room. Look at what a beautiful view we have of the lake and pool area! The new lighting is warm and inviting and beautifully illuminates the area. The space is much larger now and we look forward to all residents enjoying it.
Clubroom

Check out how great the new ceiling looks. The new ceiling tile looks very clean and updated. There are no more odd hanging lights everywhere.

We can't wait to hear laughter and the ching of the wine glasses and beer bottles again.

Game Room
Here is the Game Room with it's new painted look. You can get a sense for the lighter feel of the room.

The new ceiling looks nice and clean as well as the lighting.
COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT
Events Committee
We need you!

We have some really great ideas for the Community and we need an active Events Committee to put them into action. If you are interested in Luminaries for 2020, A Community Tree Lighting Event, Holiday Lights Competition, Pig Roast planning, or to help with or initiate any other event during the year, please volunteer. If you are only interested in one event that's great too! We need you!

If you are interested in helping, please email the clubhouse at [email protected] .
Lake Committee
April 2020 Lake Committee Update

As we navigate through these uncertain times, I think we all have an increased appreciation for the beauty of our lake community. Viewing the lake provides a sense of calm that feels very comforting to our residents, especially while taking a walk with their families and dogs. Hopefully when we are back to our normal lives, we will continue to make time to take that familiar walk around the lake.

The Lake Committee will be doing a few tests in the upcoming weeks. First, we will be placing Nutrient Sponges in the north end to see if we can trap some of the nutrients coming in from upstream.

Secondly, we will be installing 200 live stakes along the streambank on the 25 th of April.

Thirdly, we will be installing a 100 linear foot shoreline restoration pilot test using coir logs along the area near the boathouses. To keep the cost down for all of these projects, we will be doing the labor ourselves. So please try to volunteer to help!

The annual Lake Cleanup Day is scheduled for May 9, 2020 at 9 am. Please meet at the boathouse and bring gloves!

The next Lake Committee Meeting is currently scheduled for April 9, 2020 @ 6:30 PM at the Clubhouse. We will advise if the meeting will be held virtually or canceled.

Architectural Committee
One positive of this current situation is that many of us are venturing out and finding that walking (or running) our neighborhood can provide quite the workout as well as respite from the stress of being homebound. It also gives us time to think about exterior projects we may want to get going as we have extra time on our hands. If that’s the case…
Since the clubhouse is closed, we have placed the architectural samples at the sliding glass door areas on the Fitness Level balcony. These samples can be viewed from the balcony of the fitness level on the outside of the Aerobics Room and Children's Play Room.  These samples are best viewed in daylight. Please click   here  to see the Approved Roofing Materials and click  here  to see Approved Exterior Colors.
BEFORE you sign a contract  to have any exterior work done,  you first need to get Architectural Committee approval . Any new color requests or changes  must  also be approved by the Architectural Committee. This approval process may take up to a month. Please complete the Architectural Request Form found under the Document Links tab on the Somerset Lakes website (  www.somersetlake.com  ) if you will be performing exterior work such as painting, staining, roofing, tree removal, window replacement, or hard scaping. This form can be downloaded and submitted electronically. Other specific guidelines (solar panel installation, approved roofing materials, shed installation, etc.) are also available under the Document Links tab. If you have any questions or topics for the committee to address, please contact Cheri Hadley of Brandywine Valley Properties at (302) 293-8093 or   [email protected]  .
As always, this volunteer Committee, in cooperation with Brandywine Valley Properties, Somerset Lake’s management company, will continue to review applications submitted by the Community for exterior home projects as well as handle requests for exceptions to the Community’s existing architectural policies
Traffic Safety Committee

In the recent survey of the community, traffic and high speeds were the biggest concern expressed. As a result, the Board would like to create a Traffic Committee to work to implement solutions to our traffic concerns, and to serve as a liaison to the Township and to Penndot. If you are interested, please contact the Clubhouse at  [email protected] , or call Brandywine Valley Properties at 302-475-7660.
 


Playground Committee

The Playground Committee has been busy this month! Shortly after the February meeting, the Board officially approved the design and budget as presented. Since then the Committee has been collaborating with the Architectural Committee in regards to color selection. As you may have noticed the existing equipment has also recently been removed in preparation for the build. 
 
The build date is planned for Saturday June 6 th  (last day of school is June 5 th ). The Playground Committee is looking for neighborhood volunteers to participate in a 1-day build of our NEW playground! Come and be a part of this great community event! No special skills required. Please check out the sign-up genius link below for more information. 

Please Clean Up After your Dog.

Somerset Lake Service Corporation asks that you...

Please pick up after your pet!
It doesn't take much to remember that we have pets in our community. In fact, if you don't watch where you walk, you're liable to step in another such reminder!

Besides being unsightly and smelly, animal waste can be hazardous to the health of our children who play in the community as well as other pets. One of the most common forms of disease transmission between dogs is through fecal matter.

When walking our dog in the community, remember that is should be leashed. Also, it is important to remember to immediately clean up after your pet. Take along a baggie with you to pick up waste and then dispose of it properly.

We would be remiss if we did not also take a moment to address outdoor cats. Homeowners who do not own cats, may not appreciate your feline friend taking up residence on a neighbors deck, or using a neighbors mulch bed as a litter box. The deed restrictions state that pets must be under an owners firm control at all times - this applies to both dogs and cats. The SLSC would not want to be put in a position where it must fine homeowners in order to gain compliance.

By taking a few simple steps to clean up after your pet, you can contribute not only to the beautification of the community and improving the health of the lake, but also towards the elimination of one of the most irritating nuisances in our community. Thanks for your cooperation!
Community Corner
Bear Hunt!

Many in our community are placing teddy bears or any stuffed animals in their windows and on their porch. This has become a fun thing for kids going on walks to look for and fun for some adults too. This a great way to help keep our spirits up and having great fun participating too!
Thank you Laura Linderman (above) and Anthony Fisher (left) for images.
On-going Community Events (Classes and Clubs) have been canceled until further notice.
Call for Photos!

Please send to the clubhouse any community photos you would like considered for the next newsletter with your name. Please send them to [email protected]. The more fun and uplifting the better! Dog pics welcome!
Somerset Lake Clubhouse | Phone (610) 274-0846 | Fax (610) 274-2114 | [email protected]