Jeff Dill CRRA`s New General Manager

Coosawat t ee Ri ver Re sor t Associ ati on
JEFF DILL
GENERAL MANAGER
gm@crra.biz
Tis the Season,
Here is wishing everyone in the
Coosawattee River Resort Association a happy and joyous Holiday
Season!
I thought this would be an excellent
opportunity to say “hello” to everyone and introduce myself as I complete my first full day as the new
General Manager.
I recently left a career of active
duty service with the United States
Army and have come home to
North Georgia to pursue my dream
of managing and leading a community towards excellence as envisioned by the community members.
I am proud to say that I have a tremendous amount of experience
leading organizations; and one of
my most fulfilling experiences was
to take a good military community
of about 30,000 people, the vast
majority civilians and family members, from “good” to “great”: in
fact, the best in the Army.
I grew up around the world in the
military, however my family roots
are in North Georgia. I attended
and graduated high school in
Warner Robins, GA and I am a
graduate of North Georgia College,
now named the University of
North Georgia in nearby
Dahlonega, GA. My wife of thirty
years (Carol) will join me here
upon completion of her obligations
as a first grade teacher in the
school system at Fort Rucker, AL
where I left active duty earlier this
year. Carol grew up in Clayton,
GA and also attended and graduated from the University of North
Georgia. We have three adult children. We are very excited to be
home.
I am looking forward to meeting as
many members of the community
as I can in the upcoming days and
months. I encourage you to attend
the upcoming meet and greet opportunities including the general
sessions at future Board meetings.
Property owners/members are key
stakeholders in community associations and I strongly encourage
member participation to the extent
that schedules allow.
You may have heard about the
strategic planning effort the Board
of Directors has been working on
recently. This is an important effort that I will be engaging upon
directly as it is vital for the community and the future direction of
CRRA. I have a significant
amount of experience in strategic
planning and execution and I look
forward to applying my experience
to a successful community effort.
Stakeholder participation is key
and I’ll be emphasizing this as we
go forward. I have been extremely
impressed with the Association
staff members with whom I have
met thus far and I look forward to
meeting the rest of the staff in the
near future. I want to personally
thank interim General Manager
Sherman Britton for his hard work
and dedication over the past several months to bridge the gap between General Managers. Sherman and I will continue to work
together through the end of December as I get fully on board, so
you may see him around in a transition advisory role through the
end of the month.
I’ll close by saying again how
excited I am to be your General
Manager and I look forward to a
very bright future for the
Coosawattee River Resort Association.
D e c e mb e r 2 0 1 5
Inside this issue:
Events of the Season
2
Protect Your Pipes
3
Villa Discounted Rentals
4
Rules & Regs/Outbuildings
4
Winter Preparedness
5
Email Updates
5
December Storms
6
CRRA Lots for Sale
7
Rec Center Schedule
8
Jeff Dill
CRRA’s New General Manager
Saturday, December 12th at the Water Tower
10:00am — Noon
Stop by and help us welcome Jeff into the community.
Take a moment from your Saturday morning to come up
and enjoy a hot cup of coffee, light refreshments and
some casual conversation with our new GM as well as
your friends and neighbors.
Page 2
Events of the Season
A CHERRY LOG CHRISTMAS CAROL—THE CRADDOCK CENTER—186 FRED CRADDOCK DR., CHERRY LOG
(from Ellijay, travel 8 miles toward Blue Ridge on 515. Pass mile marker 21 and make a U-turn. The Center is on the right.)
Thursday, Dec. 10th — 5:00-7:00pm — Free Admission
Clark Taylor brings to life Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with a twist! With all parts played by the Atlanta-area actor himself, a magical evening of storytelling unfolds as the classical tale of Christmas love and redemption is shared. First-come, firstserved seating for this family-friendly evening. Please join us early for a light dinner beginning at 5:00; curtain at 5:30.
KIDS PAINTING PARTY—GILMER ARTS & HERITAGE ASSOCIATION—207 DALTON STREET
Friday, Dec. 11th — 5:30-8:00pm — $23 includes all materials
Step-by-step instruction is provided using acrylic paint. Children go home with a finished 11”x14” work of art. Ages 5-17.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP FOR KIDS & ADULTS—GILMER ARTS & HERITAGE ASSOCIATION—207
DALTON STREET
Saturday, Dec. 12th — 10:00am-Noon — $25
Create a new holiday tradition with family members or a friend and come together to make a wonderful memory as you build a graham-cracker style gingerbread house. Supplies included. Call (706) 635-5605 to enroll now as spaces are limited.
LIVE NATIVITY SCENE—WHITEPATH FABTECH—420 INDUSTRIAL BLVD.
Friday, Dec. 18th & Saturday, Dec. 19th— 6:30-8:30pm
LIVE MUSIC! ACOUSTIC BLENDS—GILMER ARTS & HERITAGE ASSOCIATION—207 DALTON STREET
Friday, Dec. 18th (THIRD FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH) — 7:00pm— Free Admission
Listen to a Variety of Quality Music Acts … or Join the Jam! You’re welcome to bring your own libations and munchies, or you
can purchase water, sodas and snacks while you enjoy some eclectic, spontaneous and fun music!
ENGELHEIM VINEYARDS—127 LAKEVIEW RD., ELLIJAY
LIVE MUSIC WITH TOMMY JOE CONNER — Saturday, Dec. 12th — 1:00-5:00pm
LIVE MUSIC WITH TOMMY JOE CONNER — Sunday, Dec. 13th — 2:00-5:00pm
LIVE MUSIC WITH TOMMY JEB ROGERS — Saturday, Dec. 19th — 1:00-5:00pm
LIVE MUSIC WITH SURRENDER HILL — Sunday, Dec. 20th — 1:00-5:00pm
LIVE MUSIC WITH LINDSAY HARPER — Sunday, Dec. 27th — 1:00-5:00pm
CARTECAY VINEYARDS—5704 CLEAR CREEK RD., ELLIJAY
LIVE MUSIC WITH CHRIS CLINTON — Saturday, Dec. 12th — 1:30-5:30pm — $10 includes 5 tastings and logo wine glass
LIVE MUSIC WITH GREG ERWIN — Saturday, Dec. 19th — 1:30-5:30pm — $10 includes 5 tastings and logo wine glass
LIVE MUSIC WITH DAVID DEVEAUX — Saturday, Dec. 26th — 1:30-5:30pm — $10 includes 5 tastings and logo wine glass
LIVE MUSIC WITH TIMOTHY O’DONOVAN — New Year’s Eve — 1:30-5:30pm — $10 includes live music
ART COACH STUDIO—GILMER ARTS & HERITAGE ASSOCIATION—207 DALTON STREET
Most Fridays—10:00am-Noon — $30 / $27 members
Prof. Mark Menendez is your personal “Art Coach”. Receive individual coaching plus group demos. Beginning to professional levels welcome. An open studio class for independent types. Bring your own supplies and subject matter. All media: oils, acrylics,
watercolors, pastels, pencils.
Page 3
Protect Your Pipes This Winter!
During the early winter months, drain water from swimming pools and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's
directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful and is dangerous to humans, pets,
wildlife, and landscaping.
Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water
to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic,
garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. Seal all openings where
cold air can get at unprotected water pipes. It's especially important to keep cold wind away from pipes, which speeds up the freezing process.
Pipes in attics and crawl spaces should be protected with insulation or heat. Pipe insulation is available in fiberglass or foam sleeves. Hardware stores have sleeves providing 1/8 to 5/8 inches of insulation; specialty dealers have products that provide up to 2 inches of insulation.
The extra thickness can save a pipe that would freeze with less insulation.
Pipes leading to the exterior should be shut off and drained at the start of the winter. If these exterior faucets do not have a shut-off valve
inside the house, have one installed by a plumber. If the exterior pipes are not insulated and cannot be drained, enclose the pipes in 2-inch
fiberglass insulation sleeves.
Heating cables and tapes can be effective in freeze protection for pipes. Select a heating cable with the UL label and a built-in thermostat
that turns the heat on when needed (without a thermostat, the cable has to be plugged in each time and might be forgotten). Follow the
manufacturer's instructions closely.
If temperatures are expected to fall to 20-30°F or lower, leave cabinet doors open under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer
room air to circulate around pipes. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime
temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
If you will be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 °F.
Check with your water utility for advice on practices to keep faucets flowing during severe winter weather events.
Let faucets drip or trickle slowly to keep water flowing through pipes that are vulnerable to freezing. Ice might still form in the pipes, but
an open faucet allows water to escape before the pressure builds to where a pipe can burst. If the dripping stops, it may mean that ice is
blocking the pipe; keep the faucet open, since the pipe still needs pressure relief.
Actions to Thaw Frozen Pipes: Turn on each water supply faucet individually (both hot and cold) to ensure that there is a steady stream
of water present. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against
exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
Keep the faucet open. As the frozen water within the pipe begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. The running
water through the pipe will help melt any ice inside.
Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, heat gun, or by wrapping
pipes with towels soaked in hot water. When working in potentially wet conditions and with electricity, use care around any electrical device (e.g., use GFCI outlets and electric cords in good condition). Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or
other open flame device.
Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.
Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
Actions if Pipes Burst: Shut off water at the main valve inside the house. If there is no main shut-off valve inside, turn off the water at the
main shut-off valve at the curb or near the water service meter. Make sure your family members know where the water shut-off valve is
and how to operate it.
Leave the water faucets turned on.
If the break is in a hot water pipe, the valve on top of the water heater should be closed.
Call a licensed plumber. Keep an emergency number nearby for quick access.
Considerations to Prevent Recurrences: Relocate vulnerable water pipes if the home is remodeled by a professional to provide increased protection from freezing.
Have a licensed plumber install a water main shut-off valve inside the house or near the water service meter if there is not a central shutoff valve already present.
Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.
Page 4
Discounted Nightly Rental Rates
For Property Owners
All CRRA property owners are entitled to a substantially
discounted rate on the nightly rental of 1, 2 and 3bedroom villas. The villas are strategically located
throughout the Resort, including on the River (adjacent to
Fife Bridge and also at River Park), next door to the Rec
Center, and at the Water Tower (the highest point of the
property).
Many of CRRA’s villas have been recently renovated and
are finely appointed. Boasting hot tubs, fantastic views,
stained glass and much more — they’re sure to please
even those with the most discerning taste.
Villas book quickly during the holidays, so make your
reservations today. Call 706-276-1060 ext. 252 for mor e
information.
Additions,
Outbuildings and
Dirt Disturbance
Excerpted from “Rules and Regulations Coosawattee River Resort Association, Inc.”
Hard copies of this document are available at the front desk of the POA.
This document can also be found on the official CRRA website (www.coosawattee.net). From the side menu bar,
select “Documents”; then, on the right you will see “Choose A Category”; from the drop-down menu under
“Choose A Category” select “Governing Documents”; finally, click on “CRRA Rules and Regulations.”
Section 6. D. Additions, Outbuildings and Dirt Disturbance:
1) Additions to existing houses, or construction of garages or any outbuilding(s) require a CRRA Building Approval
and a Gilmer County Building Permit. You may contact the Gilmer County Permit Office at 706-635-3406.
2) Dirt disturbance of over 100 square feet may require either a Gilmer County Permit and / or CRRA Approval.
3) Fences (whether property line or decorative) require ARC approval. Fences should have the finished side facing
out. ARC recommends pet enclosures to be located as unobtrusively as possible and each enclosure requires ARC
approval. The ARC recommends invisible fencing for pets whenever possible.
SHOULD YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION,
PLEASE CALL ENFORCEMENT AT 706-276-1060 ext. 230.
Page 5
W i n t e r We a t h e r P r e p a r e d n e s s
The main threats from winter weather across the Southeast stem from snow and ice storms. During the last winter season (2014-2015),
our area saw a couple of memorable winter storms in February. First, there was a significant ice storm in northeast Georgia that was followed
by heavy snowfall across north Georgia. Now that we are heading back into the winter weather season, it's time to review your winter weather
plans to make sure you are prepared!
Ice is one of the major winter weather problems across the Southeast. The accumulation of ice on trees and power lines can cause
these items to topple. Communications can become disrupted and roadways can become blocked. Bridges and overpasses generally freeze before other surfaces. In addition, ice can form on the roadway and not even be visible to the driver: this is known as black ice. During the winter
of 2010-2011, north and central Georgia witnessed such an event with the snow and ice storm of January 9th and 10th. A more recent ice event
happened in 2014, when the February snow and ice storm brought eastern parts of the state more than 3/4" of ice! It is important to have an
emergency kit in case ice makes roadways hazardous and the transportation system becomes disrupted.
Health Hazards: Frostbite and hypothermia are two health hazards associated with cold weather. A wind chill of -20°F will cause
frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or
the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly rewarm the affected areas. However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.
Hypothermia is a condition that can kill and is brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. Warning signs include
uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Take the person's temperature and if below 95°F, seek medical care immediately.
Safety Information: It is impor tant to have a safety kit both at home and in the car that can be used not only in winter weather situations but also for other emergencies. These kits can be purchased at most hardware stores (Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace, etc.).
The following safety tips are provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross.
If caught outside in a winter storm:
 Try to find a shelter.
 If no shelter is available, try to stay dry.
 Cover all exposed body parts.
 Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
If stuck in a vehicle during a winter storm:
 Stay in your vehicle.
 Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
 Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
 Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine to be visible to the rescuers.
 Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door.
 After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.
 From time to time, move arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
If inside during a winter storm:
 Stay inside!
 When using alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. use fire safeguards and properly ventilate.
If there is no heat:
 Close off unneeded rooms.
 Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
 Cover windows at night.
 Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent
dehydration
 Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
Email Alerts/Updates
CRRA regularly disseminates important announcements, updates,
upcoming events and emergency notifications via “email blast.”
Are you receiving CRRA email advisories? If not, please visit the
official CRRA website:
www.coosawattee.net
In the menu bar at the top of the page, allow your cursor to hover
over the box titled “Login.” A drop-down menu will appear. Click
“Request Login.”
You’ll be asked to enter some basic information including your lot
number and email address. Once completed, just click “SUBMIT.”
You’ll receive a login and password within 24-hours.
And you’ll be on the “email blast” list. Don’t miss out on important
information: Fill out your login request today!
Further, both text and email emergency weather advisories are offered through Gilmer County Citizen Alert. Enter the following address into your browser in order to create your account:
https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736721474#/login
Page 6
The Mighty
Coosawattee River
In the span of roughly 48 hours, the Ellijay area experienced almost 5 inches of rain
— on top of already saturated soil: A perilous combination!
The situation steadily deteriorated during the early morning hours of Wednesday,
December 2nd:

2:00am — mudslide on Ogden Dr. and mudslide at the POA

6:00am — culvert wash-out, road collapse and water main break on Fir Ln.

6:30am — culvert washout on Riverside Dr.

7:00am — all CRRA river parks closed due to flooding

7:30am — River Rd. flooded

8:00am — Legion Rd. closed by Gilmer County due to flooding
AN ANGRY COOSAWATTEE RIVER
CRRA’s Emergency Response Team — Facilities/Public Works, Enforcement and Communications — on standby since the previous day
had been fully engaged since well before sunrise. All hands were called in to begin clearing roadways; cordoning off unsafe (or potentially
unsafe) areas; directing traffic; and preparing to assist in door-to-door notification/evacuation if warranted. In fact, crews were on Ogden
Drive shortly after the 2:00am mudslide.
Enforcement traversed as many CRRA roadways as humanly possible relaying areas of concern to Central Monitoring — and also assisting
Public Works as needed.
The Communications Department remained in constant contact with Gilmer County Public Safety and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office
and began issuing advisories to residents via e-blasts. Staff was added to Central Monitoring to respond to resident phone calls.
While the flood gauge was predicted to hit 10.22 feet, it ultimately topped off at 9.1 feet: Keeping, all things considered, the flooding minor.
(Flood Stage is 8 feet; Moderate Flood Stage begins at 10 feet; with Major Flood Stage at 11 feet.).
By noon, the worst was over, the River was receding, and only the cleanup remained.
One week after the storm, we’re pleased to note that repairs on Fir Lane are nearing completion and the road is passable. A small area on
Riverview Drive is down to one lane of traffic (near Shoal Ct.) due to wash-out around a culvert. Crews are continuing to work on this area.
Motorists are asked to exercise caution.
CRRA GM Jeff Dill would like to recognize several Facilities/Public Works’ team members for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Beginning shortly after 2:00am, crews were on-hand to clean up the Ogden Drive mudslide; then (still before dawn and in brutal weather
conditions) they deployed to Fir Lane in order to stabilize the culvert/road collapse; and the efforts of these individuals continued non-stop
throughout the day and well into the evening:
Greg Collis
Billy Holt
Donald Dale
Micheal Holt
Bob Gough
Michael Key
Jimmy Green
Waylon Nelson
James Greer
Penny Trentman
MUDSLIDE AT POA
A SUBMERGED EAST PARK
Mother nature certainly dealt us a blow — but fortunately, CRRA team members’ extensive training and preparedness allowed for timely,
effective responses to each adverse situation. Now with the flooding behind us, we await — and prepare — for what mother nature may have
in store for the north Georgia mountains this winter. Stay tuned!
DEC. 2—CULVERT AND ROAD COLLAPSE ON FIR LN.
DEC. 10—FIR LN. REPAIRS NEAR COMPLETION
Page 7
CRRA-Owned Lots For Sale
EMC470 (20th St.) -- $7500: Large, level and cleared
lot in the heart of EMC -- yet just a stone's throw from
the main road. Water, septic and power hook-ups
installed. Pull up your RV and begin enjoying the
great outdoors.
EMC475 (24th St.) -- $5500: This RV lot is cleared,
level and ready to pull onto. Strategically located
just a few blocks from paved 10th St., the pool, river
and Legion Rd. gate, this property will make your
perfect weekend getaway.
EMC248 (10th St.) -- $8500: A full tenth acre RV lot
in the perfect location on paved 10th St. at the intersection with 14th St. There’s ample room to easily
maneuver your RV onto this spacious lot, with plenty
of room for a roof over, deck, or large picnic area.
EMC489 (23rd St.) $10,000: You'll be above the rest
on this magnificent hillside lot surrounded by undeveloped land. Over .14 acre in size, providing more than
enough room for construction, extra parking and just
enjoying the scenery. Water, septic and power hookups are installed.
EMC479 (17th St.) $8000: Conveniently located at
the intersection of 16th and 17th St., this lot has it all.
Large, level RV site surrounded by undeveloped
land. Just a stone’s throw from 10th St., the pool,
River and Legion Rd. gate.
EMC488 (23rd St) $8500: Beautiful 1/10+ acre RV lot
perched atop the hillside on secluded 23rd St. Exquisite views into the natural, unspoiled valley beneath.
Peace, quiet, and privacy abound (plus - a favorite
spot for deer).
BF496 (Villa Dr.) $6500: Ideal building site in a
superb locale: just minutes from Water Oak Dr. and
the main gate. BF496 boasts nearly ½ acre of
level, ready to build property – all on a peaceful,
paved, residential street. Quiet, Convenient, and
Affordable!
BB257 (Zenith Trl.) $5500: If you desire convenience, this property is for you! Located on Zenith
Trl. just ½ mile from Ellington Rd. Gate, BB257
offers ½ acre of prime, ready-to-build land. This lot
boasts over 100 feet of road frontage, with side
boundaries extending as far back as 289 feet. Only
½ mile from Foxhound Pool!
EM914 (Othello Dr.) $5500: 1/2 acre, coast-to-coast
building site. Enjoy the unspoiled front porch view
with 150’ on Othello Drive — while from your back
deck take in the mountain view with 150’ on Myna Dr.
Surrounded by wooded lots and only 5 minutes from
Eagles Mountain gate
BL564 (Foxhound Ct.) $12,500: Create your own
piece of heaven with this 1 1/2 acre cul-de-sac lot on
Foxhound Ct. The majestic mountain views will bring
tranquility to your home, and both stun and impress
your visitors! BL564 is conveniently located less than
½ mile from Ellington Rd. gate and Foxhound Pool –
and just 1.5 miles to Fishtrap Park and the River.
EM1727 (Newport Dr.) $8500: Location, Location,
Location! This lot has it all. Situated on a main
Coosawattee River Resort thoroughfare and just a 5
minute walk to Canoe Park and the riverbank. Perch
your home atop this ½ acre property and entertain
guests on terraced patios. This is a prime residential
lot for the discerning builder – and comes complete
with the “WOW” factor.
For more information on these or any
other CRRA-owned property,
call Jonathan at (706) 889-2802.
HIGHlights &
Footnotes
Coosawattee River Resort
Association
634 Beaver Lake Drive, Unit 5160
Ellijay, GA 30540
Phone: 706-276-1060
Fax: 706-276-1061
WE’RE
ON THE
W EB
WWW. COOSAWATTEE. NET
THE REC CENTER
open daily
Pool: 6:30am - 8:00pm
Fitness Center, Game Room & Lobby:
7:00am - 8:30pm
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Dec. 24th - closing at 1:30pm
Dec. 25th - closed
New Year’s Eve - closing at 1:30pm
Jan. 1st - opening at 1:30pm
CRRA Employees Ring
In The Season
16 CRRA employees volunteered their time and talents to
create a float for the Light Up Ellijay parade — held Friday, November 27th.
This year’s theme was “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” —
and this group chose to create a “Charlie Brown Christmas” float: dubbing themselves the Peanuts Gang and
parading in full Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, and Linus
regalia.
Not only was a good time had by all, but the CRRA volunteers were awarded 3rd Place — out of some 30 parade
floats.
Our sincerest thanks and congratulations to this civicminded group of CRRA team members!