Great Oaks Community

News & Updates

February 2024

Note from the GOHA President

Great Oaks Community,

Happy New Year, and President's Day, as the time flies through 2024. Please keep an eye on your calendars because we have several important dates coming up. First, on Tuesday, February 20th, we will have a special board meeting in order to discuss long range planning. We will also try to finalize, or at least get a 95% decision on the new curb plan that will begin in April. Please come out to participate in the long range plan and ensure your opinion on the curbs is understood. This meeting is one day before our normal meeting and both will be at Fairfax High School at 7:00 PM. We will publish agendas for both.

I'd also like to thank Michael Pappas for the work he did creating the new Great Oaks Little Free Library located at the Sablewood/Hemlock Island. While the patio, benches, and steps were constructed at Great Oaks expense, the library itself was built entirely by Michael at his expense and gifted to the community. Thanks for the new addition to Great Oaks, Michael. Finally, everyone mark your calendar for March 10th, and our annual adults only St. Patrick's Day party. Hope to see everyone there.

I hope everyone stays warm the rest of the winter. Spring will be here before we know it, so look out for the annual spring cleaning and community beautification day.

Thanks,

Dave Mueller

Great Oaks Little Free Library Installation and Grand Opening Celebration

According to the Little Free Library Nonprofit Organization, a Little Free Library is a “take a book, share a book” free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. Little Free Library book exchanges have a unique, personal touch. There is an understanding that real people are sharing their favorite books with their community; little libraries have been called “mini-town squares.”

Following several months of discussions as to the benefits of having a Little Free Library at Great Oaks, in July 2023 the GOHA Board agreed that the traffic Island on Great Oaks Way, between Hemlock Way and Sable Court, would be an ideal site for a Community Little Free Library that was being constructed by one of our homeowners. In early January 2024, the Board approved the plan and funding for a small park-like setting for the site and retained Julio Rodriguez Stone and Landscaping, LLC for that purpose. Later in January 2024, the development was completed. The Great Oaks Little Free Library is now ready to be installed at the site.

The Great Oaks Little Free Library installation and Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, February 24th at 2:24 PM. Great Oaks neighbors are invited to attend and asked to bring one or two books to contribute to the initiation of the Free Library exchange program. Refreshments will be served. If there is inclement weather or snow on the ground, the Library will be installed but the Opening Celebration will be postponed until April 1st, 2024.

Architectural Review Committee Update

Café, Bistro, and Fairy Lights

Our declaration prohibits wires strung from our homes. Because many owners wanted to use these lights for backyard/patio events, the Board consented to their use, but only for a specific event. These lights are use-specific and may not be left up after your event.

Café lights are not holiday lights. Holiday lights and decorations may be displayed for

the appropriate holiday season.

Play & Sports Equipment

Spring is around the corner. Play and sports equipment is not permitted to be left in place on any lot. When kids of all ages are done playing, please store the equipment in your house or garage.

Basketball hoops or any sports equipment permanently affixed to the house or garage are not permitted. Temporary equipment like bicycles, soccer, golf and volleyball nets need to be stored when not in use.

Let’s Talk Trash

All trash and recycle bins need to be stored inside the garage or obscured by greenscape on a side patio for Friday collection. No receptacles should be visible from the street. Yard waste is collected by the City, usually on Monday. Check the CityScene newsletter for curbside collection regs – rake it or bag it. They change throughout the year.

Please RSVP by March 3rd, 2024!

Volunteer to Lead Great Oaks in the "Nextdoor" Mobile App

"Nextdoor" is a mobile application that is used to connect with neighbors, offer or ask for help, buy/sell items, and join groups. We are seeking a community member to lead the Great Oaks group in Nextdoor. The Great Oaks group is currently not very active. This is a great opportunity for someone to create a more active Nextdoor group for our neighborhood.

If you're interested in becoming the next leader, please contact [email protected].