TURKEY TROT AND OTHER SOCIAL EVENTS

The HOA is working to create opportunities for the community to gather to meet with and talk with their neighbors. There were two events during the last quarter. BOD members Nikki Milcetich and Dave Golden arranged what was named the Turkey Trot because it was a community walk on Thanksgiving morning. But it was more than that. The HOA provided coffee and donuts which preceded a walk around our neighborhood. The event was well attended, and we will try to do it again, as well as organize other gatherings.  There have also been two street parties. Neighbors planned a get together and met out in a cul de sac and driveway, shared food and drink, and got to know each other a little better. One comment that was heard is that I have lived in my house for years and have really never had a conversation with my neighbor. 

PLEASE PAY YOUR HOA DUES

If you have paid your 2023 assessment, thank you! If not, we will continue to send you reminders until the unpaid account is turned over to the HOA attorney for collection. If you are having trouble paying your assessment, please contact the BOD, we would be happy to set up a payment plan for you. If you fail to pay your assessment and the past due account is turned over to the HOA attorney for collection, the initial assessment can increase quickly with added attorney fees that the individual homeowner is responsible for. Gratefully, our yearly non-payment rate is very low. Thank you!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

The HOA needs volunteers for the Architectural Review Committee. Most of the process is handled by email with the exception of a few site visits for decks, porches, and other things that may require visual inspection. The amount of work involved with this is very low at 2 to 3 hours a year. If interested let us know by emailing us.

HOME CARE

Most homes in Snowdens Mill are over 40 years old and need constant maintenance both on the interior and exterior. Please check to see if any parts of your exterior need to be replaced or refurbished.

Home Exterior

• Roof: Does your roof need to be replaced or repaired? Have a professional check for wear and tear if you are unsure.
• Gutters: Are they unclogged? Installing gutter guards reduces clogging from leaves and other debris which impedes drainage of water away from your home and foundation. Ensure that the gutters are still in good condition and do not sag or leak or have separated from the house.
• Power washing your home’s exterior should be done to clean and eliminate mildew on siding and other surfaces such as sidewalks, front porch, steps, and driveways.

Required Maintenance

• Landscaping: All lawns should be mowed on a weekly basis and kept weed-free. Grass clippings may not be left in the street or dumped on common property. All trees and shrubs should be trimmed, maintained, and dead material removed. All beds should be kept weed-free. Homeowners are also responsible for their roadside gutters which are to be kept free of leaves and grass.
• Fences: Fences should be repaired, and power washed to eliminate mildew as needed. Architectural Review Committee approval is needed for paint or stain color change for existing wooden fences. Fencing also includes enclosures for HVAC, pool equipment and trash containment areas.
• Trash/Recycle Containers: Should not be visible from street on non-trash days.
• Driveways: Look at your driveways to see if any concrete, asphalt, or aggregate repairs are needed, such as potholes, cracks, sunk-in areas, weeds.
• Mailboxes: Ensure your mailbox post is in good repair and repaint 
• Paint: All surfaces including trim should have unfaded and unchipped paint

Thanks to everyone for your cooperation in support of maintaining the beauty and comfort of our neighborhood!

BIENNIAL COVENANT INSPECTION

The biennial covenant inspection will begin in late April or May. We will again have a contractor inspect the outside of every home in our community. Some of the big issues that we have observed throughout the community are unkempt shrubs/plants and dirty siding. The HOA will keep you informed.  

HOA COMMUNICATIONS

As you may have noticed, the HOA has been sending our digital newsletter and other information to your home for more than a year. Many of our communications are read by a large proportion of our community. Due to this success, we are also experimenting by sending out materials such as the follow-up assessment payment coupon by email. This change will also save the HOA and all of us money. Depending on the mailing, it can cost the HOA up to $800 to send everyone a communication.  If you change your email address, it is very important that you notify us so that we can get it changed and keep you engaged with your community.  

2023 HOA ASSESSMENT

Most everything costs more today than it did a year ago due to the high levels of inflation in our country. Likewise, your HOA’s expenses have increased over the past 12 months. Our 2023 contracts have increased for our management contract as well as insurance, tree removal, and county fees. We are fortunate to have a three-year, fixed-cost lawn maintenance contract. This contract will expire in December 2023. The SMHOA BOD is dedicated to keeping assessments as low as possible, and we currently have one of the lowest HOA assessments in Montgomery County. The SMHOA Board of Directors will take all reasonable steps to keep costs in check. The annual assessment for 2023 will increase to $262.00, with a $20.00 discount for payments made before January 31, 2023. This is only a $22 dollar increase in the base assessment from 2022. We will reevaluate the assessment again next year.

WINTER FOOD

We hope that you enjoyed the Ethiopian Beef Stew recipe. 

For Winter we have:

Homemade Tomato Soup. (very good)

Ingredients:

• 3-4 pounds fresh tomatoes (can use canned whole tomatoes, but tastier roasted)
• 1 full garlic head (about 6 cloves), peeled and smashed
• 1 white onion, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large handful of basil leaves (dried or fresh)
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (see note below)
2. Place the tomatoes, garlic, and onion on the sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Place in the oven for 1 hour or until the roasted and aromatic.
3. Place in a large pot with vegetable broth and basil. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to blend to your desired consistency
5. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the soup has reduced slightly. This will help the flavor deepen! If using, add cream and stir to mix.
6. Serve hot with fresh croutons and parmesan cheese, or serve up with a toasty grilled cheese. Enjoy!

Thoughts:

1. You can leave your tomatoes whole to roast them, or halve them and place them flat side down so they aren’t rolling around. Alternatively, you can cook them on a grill without a baking sheet or parchment paper. Cook until just starting to blacken
2. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a blender or food processor will work! 

(These recipes are contributed by your neighbors.  If there is a recipe that you would like to share with your neighbors, please send it to us.)

FIRE PIT/CHIMINEA SAFETY TIPS

You just purchased or was gifted a fire pit or a chiminea, and dream of roasting hot dogs on a stick or making S’mores with family and friends. Please follow proper safety guidelines when using your fire pit or chiminea: Fire Pit Safety: Position it safely: Place or build your fire pit at least 10 feet from structures and flammable items. 

• Put it on solid ground: Place fire pit on a solid surface and in an open area, avoiding overhanging trees or rooflines. Do not place directly on your deck or other flammable surface. Experts recommend placing it on a fire pit pad, stone slabs, or bricks over the wood. Fire-resistant materials must extend at least 24 inches beyond the perimeter of the fire pit. 
• Don’t place it in an enclosed area: Fumes from fire pits can be harmful without proper ventilation. 
• There must be one person at least 18 years of age to assume responsibility for the use of these appliances.
• Do not use on Code Orange or Code Red Air Quality days.
• Keep an extinguisher or hose near your fire pit and know how to use it. Use safety gloves when handling a hot fire pit. 
• Avoid using soft wood: Woods such as pine or cedar will pop and throw sparks. Use only hard, seasoned wood. 
• Never use lighter fluid: The National Fire Protection Association and the Consumer Product Safety Commission say pourable fuel can cause flash fires and burns when added to an already burning fire pit, and both organizations warn against using liquid fuel. Man the flame: Never leave any fire unattended, especially if children are nearby. 
• Stay three feet from the heat: Establish a 3 foot “kid-free zone” around your fire pit, and teach your kids and friends to abide by it. 
• Cool it: Let coals cool and gently pour water over them. Make sure the embers are completely extinguished before going indoors. Dispose of ash properly: Allow coals or wood to cool before cleaning out. Even if you think they’re completely out, don’t use plastic or paper bags. Buy a metal ash bucket and use that to allow ash and embers to cool thoroughly.