Kala Pointer
Transcription
Kala Pointer
Kala Pointer July 2015 www.kalapoint.org Official Publication of the Kala Point Owners’ Association President’s Message Caroline McNulty, President Email: pres_mcnulty@kalapoint.org Phone: 360-379-6818 Even though this is my last President’s column, I have been pondering in my mind what members expect from those who volunteer to serve on the nine-member Board of Directors and/or our many committees. Our Article II pertaining to Board Directors and Officers gives specific responsibilities mandated by the CC&Rs. Besides the obvious items like meeting on a regular scheduled basis, providing agendas and minutes, communicating in a timely fashion, adopting budgets, etc., there is the duty of openness, impartiality, measuring costs and benefits, setting rules and regulations, following current policy, and reviewing/amending policy when necessary. As a Board member I always felt it my duty to listen to everyone, consider alternatives, and communicate outcomes. I believe I have been financially responsible while taking care to maintain the amenities. There is always the unexpected, and being open to modification when necessary is key. This year we have seen some visible maintenance improvements added and some not-so-visible equipment maintenance. Commonly-owned amenities are features that enhance the desirability of property. They might not be considered to be essential to you but they are an element in the community as stated in the CC&Rs. What do the Board and committees expect from you as members? Asking for direction when you are doing an exterior project as to whether it needs Architectural approval, keeping up the maintenance of your property, voting during elections, and reading our publication the Kala Pointer are a few. The CC&R’s are certainly lengthy and not always clear for individual situations, so asking questions either through our Office staff or the appropriate committee is always welcome. Being informed and knowing the process for accomplishing what you want makes everything run smoother for you and those helping you. Be advocates for change when it’s warranted. Gather background information and be part of the solution to make things work smoother and more appropriately. Not everyone can give time on the Board or committees. But giving a little when you can is better than none at all. This community is seen as a highly desirable place to live if you want architectural standards, regular common area maintenance, and amenities. Not all, but many residents here are retired. Living in such a beautiful, friendly, well run community has made my life here all the better. It would be nice to see many of you at the Annual Meeting! Kala Pointer Staff July Editor: Ed Zinser Copy Editor: Bud Babcock Cathy Carroll Distribution Leaders: Helen & Tony Vogl July Contributors Don Allen Nancy Leeds Bud Babcock Caroline McNulty Ann Bambrick Melanie Rosas Marilyn Brenner Gerry Walsh Suzanne Hempstead Wolfgang Werner Bill Kaune Ed Zinser Keith Larson Doug Leeds Newsletter Deadline The deadline for the August issue of the Kala Pointer is July 19. Submit your articles to: yourkalapointer@kalapoint.org Style Guide and Letter to the Editor policy can be found by going to www.kalapoint.org and clicking on “Kala Pointer.” 2014-2015 KPOA Board President Caroline McNulty pres_mcnulty@kalapoint.org V.P. Tom Andritsch vp_andritsch@kalapoint.org CFO John Oliveira cfo_oliveira@kalapoint.org Secretary Doug Leeds sec_leeds@kalapoint.org Director Don Eppley director_eppley@kalapoint.org Director Kay Goldstein director_goldstein@kalapoint.org Director Bill Hempstead director_hempstead@kalapoint.org Director Ron Kubec director_kubec@kalapoint.org Director David Pitts director_pitts@kalapoint.org 2014-2015 KPOA Committee Chairs Architectural David Harrah BMAC Hugh Musser Communications Inactive Elections Bill Conklin Finance John Oliveira Grounds Tom Andritsch Internal Control David Harrah Nominations Bill Kaune Personnel Caroline McNulty Publications Nancy Leeds Emergency Preparedness (EPC) Tanda McMillin Social Plus Mary Lou Boegehold Tree Normandie Anderson TGIF Every Friday 5:30 p.m. to 7 :30 p.m. KPOA Clubhouse. Bridge Every Monday 11 a.m. in the Clubhouse. What Happened at the Last Board Meeting? by Doug Leeds, Board Secretary What happened at June Board meeting? If you were there, thank you! My nagging worked and your reward is that you need read no further. Your memory is probably better than mine anyway. But first a computer tip! Never, never, never forget to save a file! The auto save doesn’t always work! This is my second “What happened at the June Board Meeting” effort, and no matter how hard I will try, it cannot be better than the one that was lost to the ether. You will have to trust me on this as I humbly suggest it rivaled “A Tale of Two Cities” in eloquence and grandeur. But alas, it is lost to the world. Now, on to the excitement of June 9! One inescapable conclusion to be drawn from the meeting was that we have an infestation of Gremlins in Kala Point. You want proof, do you? How about this? The front gate broke because the sensing coils under the pavement corroded and had to be replaced. No sooner had it been replaced, the mechanical arm on the entry gate broke. It took more than a week for the replacement part to arrive and our guys to replace it on the day of arrival. That same night the exit gate became locked in the closed position. All of Kala Point was trapped behind it and there was a report of high pitched laughter in the shrubbery next to the gate. Gremlins, I think! Or do you have another explanation? Ok, I sense you need more. A valve in the pool’s heat pump malfunctioned and was replaced. Soon thereafter, the motor burned out. Could that be just a coincidence or were Aquatic Gremlins at work in Kala Point? I think the latter. I have never believed in coincidence. I think there is always a rational explanation for such occurrences. Yep, Gremlins! G.M. Keith reported the State of Kala Point is excellent! Member dues collected so far in 2015 are above 99%. And that includes the Timeshares! We are the envy of just about every homeowner association in the country. Credit goes to Keith and his staff but we, the membership, have a right to be very proud of ourselves. Paying our assessments in a timely manner year after year makes it so much easier for your Board and Finance Committee to keep Kala Point one of the most financially sound H.O.A.s, not only in the area, but nationwide as well. Yay, Kala Point members and staff. By the time you read this, a number of projects that were planned for in the 30-year reserve plan and scheduled for completion will be completed, or soon will be. The tennis players who like to blame an uneven surface for poor shots or returns will have to think of new reasons. Courts 4 and 5 will be resurfaced. The sports court is being resurfaced and repainted also. All of the 2015 road repairs are complete. Finally, the gate on Storage Lot B the one where the Office and recycle are located, the one that is a ***** to open and closewill be replaced by a spiffy new one. The new one will be a sliding gate that should be much easier to open and close, look much better, and be more secure. Another major topic of discussion was the creation of a Kala Point Trust. It is nearing fruition and is being set up to facilitate donations, gifts, or bequests from members who love Kala Point and are in a position to give something back. After review by the trustees (all will be members of KPOA) the Trust will be able to accept gifts of property or cash. Examples: Cash could be given and designated for Clubhouse improvements. The trustees could decide to immediately buy a new microwave or they could keep the cash in trust, adding more as time goes by, to replace the entire kitchen. Or perhaps, a bequest of a lot in Kala Point would be offered and designated as a dog park. In both cases (Continued on page 3) 2 problems in their own homes. EPC will make every effort to check on you but as you know, the overriding principle for Kala Point must be “you’re on your own” (YOYO). Where will you obtain emergency information to help keep yourself safe? There is a free county-wide emergency alert system called NIXLE that will contact your email and/or cell phone, alerting you to a possible emergency situation. NIXLE can provide you with possible lifesaving information faster than TV, FM radio, or written communications posted on Kala Point email. There is a lot of critical, reliable, and immediate information available from this free alert system. If you would like to sign up, the EPC can help you do that. Contact us at kpoaprepares@gmail.com. Here is a sample NIXLE alert: (Continued from page 2) the Trustees must decide if the gift is appropriate for Kala Point, would be in compliance with the governing documents, and will be acceptable, through appropriate committee review, to the Board of Directors. Next Board Meeting will bid three old members “fare thee well” and three new members “howdy.” Come join the merriment. We’ll save a chair for you. Getting Information In and Out by KPOA Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) The first thing most people think about after an emergency is to let friends or families know they are OK. But communication with the outside world can be shut down instantaneously when there is a disaster. Phone lines become quickly overloaded, land lines require electricity to work, and cell towers may be damaged. One of the key elements to your disaster plan is to know how you are going to receive emergency information and communicate your well-being and emergency needs to family, neighbors, and the outside world. It is important to have an out-of-area contact person to whom you can communicate your status. In your initial contact, set up a time of day where you will text or call them with an update to save the charge on your cell phone. Arrange your contact person way ahead of the emergency so they know who they are and to whom you would like them to pass the information. Having a contact plan setup ahead of time means that you would only need to call one person who will let the others know your status. This substantially frees up airways for others to get through. The most reliable way to contact is by texting by cell phone rather than calling since a text message will continue to try to get through whereas a phone call will not. There are two types of emergency communications: one-way and two-way. One-way communication includes alerts like NIXLE, email alerts from Kala Point if you are on the email list, TV, FM radio, a siren, written notices in the KP mail box bulletin boards, and “OK/HELP” placards posted on your front door or window. By definition, there is no opportunity for dialog in one-way communication. Two-way communication includes several different kinds of radios and face-to face dialog. EPC plans for situations where there is no electricity, no email, no Facebook, etc. Battery-operated radios include HAM radios and Kala Point repeater radios. Your EPC Teams have both types of radios. They also have a plan in which neighbors such as block captains, first aid team members, and/or runners try to check on you. Remember, however, that these volunteers may not be able to come due to Jefferson Co. Washington Emergency Management June 30, 2015 Emergency Public Information Network Water Street is closed from Adams to Tyler Streets due to police activity in the area. Please avoid traveling downtown. Closure could last up to 2 hours or more. Severity: Moderate: Possible threat to life or property. Urgency: Immediate: Responsive action should be taken immediately. Certainty: Observed: Determined to have occurred or to be ongoing. Category: Law enforcement: may include military, homeland and/or local/private security. Instruction: Stay out of downtown Port Townsend until you are alerted by a further NIXLE alert that danger is passed. Lost and Found by KPOA Administration Office Have you lost some glasses or other valuable items? Please check the Lost and Found at the Administration Office or the Clubhouse for lost or misplaced items. We (the Administration Office) have recently had two pairs of glasses and a brand new Costco Shopping Cooler, with the tags still on it, turned into us. 3 Calendar of Events Bud’s Weather Report by Ed Zinser by Bud Babcock For further information, call the Port Townsend Visitor Information Center, 360-385-2722: Marine Science Center, 360 -385-5582; Centrum, 360-385-6544. Web site www.ptguide.com. May’s rainfall of 0.38" was 80% less than the Kala Point average of 1.91" for the 1990-2014 period which had a minimum of 0.50 in May ’92 and a maximum of 3.74" in May ’11. July 4 - PT Farmers Saturday Market With Music: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Port Townsend Farmers Market is again open Saturdays throughout the summer. Listen to various bands while you shop for veggies and unique crafts. The July band schedule is: 7/4 Gary Lilley trio, and Jack and Joe; 7/11 Jim Nyby Band; 7/18 Chuck Easton Jazz Combo; 7/25 Rex Rice, and Blue Crows. Location: Tyler St. between Laurence and Clay. Contact: 360-379-9098 Climate Data May’15 May’14 May’13 Precipitation (inches) 0.38 1.66 1.80 Year-to-Date Pptn. 9.12 10.99 9.05 Days with rain 7 11 14 Av. Pptn. per rainy day 0.05 0.15 0.13 Max. daily rain (inches) 0.11 0.50 0.29 Cloudy days 10 10 15 Partly cloudy days 7 8 6 Clear days 14 13 10 Max. Temp. 73 77 77 Min. Temp. (°F) 37 42 34 Av. Daily Temp (°F) 55 56 54 Degree Days 308 268 329 July 4 - Free Independence Day Band Concert: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Annual Independence Day concert of patriotic music. Come and enjoy the concert and then go to Fort Worden to see the fireworks! Location: American Legion Post #26, 209 Monroe Street. Contact: Karl F. Bach, 360-344-3658 Rainfall at nearby locations: Seattle (Sea-Tac Airport) Mukilteo Marrowstone Island Cape George (nearby) Dungeness Lighthouse July 4 - 1st Annual “Old School” 4th of July. Nothing celebrates America like the 4th of July and after a twoyear hiatus, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of fireworks to Fort Worden State Park for the 1st Annual “Old School” 4th of July. Many activities and music on the Parade grounds. See www.ptguide.com for a list of activities. At 7 p.m. there will be free root beer floats sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of Port Townsend. Location: Fort Worden Parade Grounds. Sponsor: Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce May ’15 0.58 0.25 0.59 0.41 0.27 YTD 16.01 11.07 9.59 9.09 6.01 The average daily temperature of 55° this May was 7° more than in April 2015 and 1° more than the May average of 54° from 1990 to 2014. Winds (at my house) reached a high of 26 mph from the southwest on May 1 and were 20 mph or higher on 4 days, 7 days less than in April 2015. Seattle had 0.58" of rainfall in May, compared to the normal precipitation of 1.94". Seattle had 9 cloudy days, 17 partly cloudy days, and 5 clear days. The warmest Seattle day, May 28, was 82°. The coldest day, May 7, was 43°. Highest wind gust was 32 mph from the southwest on May 4. Kala Point had 0.44" of precipitation in June by June 18 compared to 0.60" in the same period in 2014. This month’s weather trivia: On June 27, 1915, Fort Yukon, Alaska, hit 100 degrees to set a state record. July 9 to 19 - Centrum: The Port Townsend Writers' Conference. Whether you’re new to writing, and seeking an inspirational environment to create new work; looking for advanced post-MFA revision workshops; or simply desire to renew and recharge yourself in a writing retreat, the Port Townsend Writers’ Conference gives you the craft and connections to make breakthroughs in your work. Location: Joseph F. Wheeler Theater, Fort Worden State Park. Contact: 360-385-3102, ext. 110 July 19 to 26 - Centrum: Jazz Port Townsend. Workshops for budding jazz musicians will take place all week. Jazz players will be playing in various locations around Port Townsend during the weekend of July 25 and 26. See www.ptguide.com for a detailed listing of the locations. Location: Various clubs throughout Port Townsend. Contact: 360-385-3102 4 What Would You Do If? by Bill Kaune What would you do if a loved one, friend, or just a person in your vicinity were to suddenly collapse and appeared not to be breathing? What would you do if you came upon a car wreck and found an adult or child on the road bleeding heavily from an arm or leg? What would you do if a person tripped, fell, and was not able to get up? I long worried about what I would do in any of these cases because I knew that I did not possess first aid skills. Consequently, upon moving to Kala Point and learning that they had a first aid team, I decided to join. Since doing this, in early 2005, I have received first-aid training, and training in CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation), and the use of an AED (artificial external defibrillator). I attend a meeting once a month where we practice our first-aid skills. I now feel much better prepared to handle emergency situations, and have actually since been involved with three such events. Furthermore, I get to spend time each month with a fun group of people. The First Aid Team is looking for new members. If you are interested in learning, at no cost to you, first aid and CPR skills, please give me a call (Bill Kaune, 360-379-3908, bkaune@cablepseed.com) or Shari Loomis, the leader of the First Aid Team (360-379-6918, shloomis@centurylink.net.). Kala Point Home Brewers and Beer Lovers Club July Meeting by Gerry Walsh If you fancy yourself as a brewmeister, a brewing wannabee, or are simply a connoisseur of home brewed ales, then you may want to join the Kala Point Home Brewers Club’s next event. Couples are encouraged to attend. Beer Brewers and Lovers Dick and Diana Zinn will be hosting the next meeting of the Kala Point Home Brewers’ Club. The event will occur at their home located at 130 Trafalgar Drive in Kala Point, on Saturday, July 18. The fun is from 4 p.m. until sometime later. Please bring an appetizer to share, and a scrumptious ale or lager of your choice, or a product of your own brewing efforts. Jefferson County Library Programs for July by Nancy Leeds In partnership with Jefferson Healthcare, on July 6 “Understanding My New Heart Diagnosis” will be presented and on July 20, “Weight Management, A Balanced Approach to Eating”. Both programs are held at the library in Port Hadlock at 6 p.m. and are free. The Summer Reading Program at the Jefferson County Library continues in July with programs for kids and teens: reading challenges, prizes, boffers, raptors, reptiles, wind tunnels, paper airplane launchers, superhero art, creative writing, and a costume party finale. Teen activities include: the Yak & Snack Book Group, Super Hero Boffer Club, Game Time, a three-day teen video production class on July 27, 28, and 29, an all-day hiking trip on August 10, and three creative writing classes on July 9, 16, and 23 at 1 p.m. The Adult Reading Program will feature Kala Point’s own Jeffrey Hartman who will share stories from his book Icebreaking Alaska on Wednesday July 8 at 6:30 p.m. There will be a book signing. On Friday, July 17 from 7-9 p.m. local dance instructors will teach how to dance to Zydeco music. This will be followed by an hour of dancing with light refreshments available. On Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. learn all about the magic of computer coding and progress to hands-on play with ozobots. Tech Tuesdays: Classes from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. are followed each week by individual drop-in assistance with your devices and or technology questions. All events are free and held at the Jefferson County Library at 620 Cedar Avenue in Port Hadlock. For more information, see www.jclibrary.info or call 360-385-6544. 5 Address Change You Are Needed by Nancy Leeds by Melanie Rosas Did you know the Kala Pointer has moved? That is, we have moved in the virtual sense because we now have a new email address. If you are one of those wonderful people who submit articles to the Kala Pointer, or if you are one of those wonderful people who think they might someday, this bit of news is especially important to you. As noted on page one of each newsletter, entries were sent to kalapointer@kalapoint.org. We have changed our address to yourkalapointer@kalapoint.org. Why, you ask? Our old email address was being inundated with so much spam that we sometimes lost entries because of lack of space and speaking with our web provider, there was nothing he could do to correct it from his end. We hope starting out with a new email address will alleviate that nuisance. We will be accepting entries at the new address yourkalapointer@kalapoint.org immediately. We will still accept articles at the old address but will advise the sender of the new email address. After a while, when only a few articles trickle into the old address, we will close it and all the spam that goes with it. One nice thing about this move…we won’t need to pack or hire a van. We need YOU to welcome new neighbors to Kala Point! Consider signing up to be part of a warm, friendly group of residents who make that first impression on new owners. This group will operate independently from KPOA Committees. Contact Melanie at the Office to be added to the list of interested participants. Call 360-3850814, email aa_rosas@kalapoint.org, or stop in to the Office. Scotch Broom Watch by Nancy Leeds The Grounds Committee is asking anyone who notices scotch broom growing on common property in Kala Point to call General Manager Keith Larson. If the prolific yellow bush is growing on your property, and you wish to remove it yourself, please be sure you dig it out by the roots rather than just cutting it down. The Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board has weed wrenches to loan to make a much easier job of getting to the root of the problem. Call 360-379-5610, ext. 205 or email noxiousweeds@co.jefferson.wa.us to check on availability. Scotch broom is considered a noxious weed in Washington because it is so invasive. Don’t Fall For This Scam! by Melanie Rosas Just hang up if you receive a call from Microsoft’s Technical Department. It’s a scam. They will tell you that they received notice that your computer had been broken into and that you need to renew your Microsoft Protection Policy. They give you English sounding names, but their voices sound like they are from India. They also provide a phone number of their office, which is located in Florida. On your computer screen, they show you an impressive list of the times that your computer has been broken into and other things that make you wonder if they might be telling the truth. They are just scammers. Don’t fall prey to their schemes. Kala Point Singles KPOA Office Hours The “Singles Group” meeting is held the first Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. in the Clubhouse Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed on Weekends 6 Commercial Ads Massage is Now at Kala Point Jamie M. Seton, Licensed Massage Practitioner Specializing in Hot Stone, Deep Tissue and Relaxation Massage *Mention this ad and receive $10 off your massage. Located at Kala Point Professional Building, 260 Kala Point Drive, Suite 100 Call to book your appointment 360-774-2058. Lic#MA60459244 Handyman Work Hauling/14' Moving Truck Large or small loads Odd Jobs Garage Cleanup/Yard Cleanup Labor FreeEstimates 360-437-9321 Peninsula Floors & Furnishings located at 2405 Sims Way in Port Townsend (next to Les Schwab Tires). In addition to tile, carpet, hardwood & a variety of natural flooring products we have a large show room full of furniture and mattress sets. You will be surprised by the amount of sofas, recliners, dining sets, etc. available here in Port Townsend. We’ve got your windows covered too! Free measuring & estimates on energy efficient blinds by Hunter Douglas & Kirsch. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Give us a call or stop by and see us. 360-385-0945. PAINT PARAMEDICS Interior & Exterior Custom Home Specialists * Fine Finishes Pressure Washing Lic. #Paintp*961LJ David C. Schiess 7 (360) 301-0578 General Manager’s Report by Keith Larson, General Manager Home Security During the weekend of June 13, it was reported to the KPOA Office that a screen was removed from a window on a home on Windship Drive. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a possible attempted break-in. The owner was not at the residence at that time and reported there was no entry to the home. Although this type of occurrence does not happen often within the community it is a clear reminder to make sure that your home is secure at all times. Buoy/Chain Replacements at the Beach The two buoys and chain supports are scheduled for replacement this month. A diver will assist the maintenance staff with the removal and placement of the new equipment. The two anchoring blocks that weigh roughly 5-tons each that rest in 65 ft. of water will be evaluated to determine their replacement schedule. 2015 Assessment Collection Report – $573,531 (99%) LHC - $482,731 – 557/561 Units (99%) Timeshares - $90,800 – 454/456 Units (99%) 228 members chose the two-payment option (41%) $169k has been transferred to the reserve fund Kala Point’s assessment collections continue to be strong with minimal outstanding units. This pattern has been consistent throughout the life of Kala Point. Many thanks to our members for making their payments in a timely manner, which helps keep Kala Point a wonderful and vibrant community. Small Boat Storage Identification Labels All small boat fees were due by May 31, along with the new labels being placed on the vessel. KPOA will be conducting our annual audit of the boats this month to assure that all boats presently on the boat racks have paid their annual fee of $45. Any boats that have not paid their annual fee and do not have a current label will be removed and impounded at the Maintenance Building (per APP II-20A below). APP II-20A Paragraph 4. (Small Boat Storage Policy) All improperly stored boats shall be removed by staff and impounded. A $30 handling fee shall be assessed prior to releasing impounded boats. Those boats left unclaimed for 60 days shall be auctioned off by KPOA to the highest bidder. July 4 Security Services (No Fireworks Permitted in Kala Point) Security Services will be onsite to monitor for use of fireworks within the Kala Point community from 4 p.m.to 11 p.m. on July 4. In addition, they will also be checking the beach parking area for vehicles that do not have a sticker or pass visibly present in the vehicle. Vehicle descriptions and license plates that do not have the appropriate sticker or pass will be logged for future reference. Rules & Regulations D. Firearms, Fireworks, and Explosives - Jurisdiction: Grounds Committee Due to fire danger and safety considerations, use of firearms, fireworks, or explosives are prohibited on any Common Areas and Covered Property (all of Kala Point). (CC&R Art. IV, B, Section 19) KPOA Gates The entrance and exit gates have experienced a few issues over the past couple of months forcing us to leave them in the open position several times this year. Issue #1 was the phone line to the Tele-Entry system which failed under the asphalt. This was causing intermittent faults not allowing guests or Timeshare visitors into KP. Issue #2 concerned the maglock on the entrance gate failing. This device locks the gate closed and will not allow the gate to be forced open. (Please note the maglock was last replaced over 15 years ago). Issue #3 involved a turbine motor in the exit gate operator. The reset switch failed causing the motor to run intermittently. Fortunately, we were able to fix this problem quickly and get the gates back in operation. I understand the frustration when the gates malfunction but please keep in (Continued on page 9) 8 (Continued from page 8) mind that as with all the mechanical equipment, they are sure to experience issues from time to time. Sports Court Ready for Use The sports court located near the water towers off Pinecrest Dr. was recently resurfaced and brought back to life. A new pickleball court and a half-court basketball layout were painted over the old concrete. It looks wonderful and is ready for all of you pickleball and basketball players to enjoy! Tennis Courts 4 and 5 Resurfaced Tennis courts 4 and 5 are in the process of being repaired and resurfaced and should be ready for use the week of July 6. Please enjoy! New Email System The transition to the new email system is complete. The process began in early May with the sending of the Kala Pointer and the second and final step took place in early June with the sending of the first of KPOA Notices, the Board Meeting Agenda. Overall the process went smoothly and people responded favorably to the change. If you have questions or would like to get on these emailing lists, please contact Melanie at the KPOA Office at 360-385-0814 or email aa_rosas@kalapoint.org. Why Play Bridge? by Wolfgang Werner I believe we have all read or heard stories that playing bridge increases longevity. Other stories and studies on issues regarding consistent inclusion social interaction, physical movement, and mental exercise in our lives most likely are the principles behind the “bridge increases longevity” stories. Why do I play bridge? I like to solve puzzles, find out how to solve puzzles and be part of a puzzle solving communityan ever learning enterprise. Kala Point has a great bridge community as witnessed by the wonderful Monday games at the Club House. Port Townsend and Chimacum both have duplicate bridge games. As I walk the dog or pick up the mail I frequently hear about other people’s interest in the game in terms of learning and playing. What seems to be missing is a playground for new players to gather and learn about what is available, learn some basics and see playing in action and then if “brave” enough, to actually join a game. I recently played in Chimacum where a new pair of players joined us due to being invited and taught by Tim Berta (he frequently teaches structured classes at Seaport.) This couple stepped out of their comfort zone to both learn to play and participate in a competitive duplicate bridge game where the players are good. Hmm, that seems like the path of involving ourselves with those who are more proficient so we can improve faster. Fortunately ACBL (American Contract Bridge League the North American duplicate bridge governing organization) many years ago instituted a zerotolerance policy to eliminate what many old timers experienced as a fractured, boisterous, intimidating playing environment; this means that current duplicate bridge clubs are friendly and welcoming to newcomers. Unfortunately (or better said fortunately) teaching at a club bridge game is frowned upon except for the occasional “how did this happen” or “what should I have done”? (Proper etiquette, appropriate at most club games, can be learned by observation and training.) I still miss the sandbox at the playground where less formality is allowed. I’m introducing a new type of game environment for both waders (possible bridge students) and players of duplicate bridge where the students can learn what is needed to understand the game, be able to watch games and with willing players be in conversation while the actual game is happening. If you are interested in joining me, please call me at 360-385-1688 and we will find a way to include you on Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 9 Sign Up for Kala Point International Dinner by Marilyn Brenner It’s time to sign up for next season’s Kala Point International Dinner Group. Couples and singles are both welcome. Sign-up deadline is August 15. Three dinners are planned over the year, scheduling 6-8 diners for each meal. Dinner #1 takes place sometime during September, October, and November 2015; dinner #2 during January, February, and March 2016, and dinner #3 during April, May, and June 2016. For those new to Kala Point International Dinner Group, here is how it works. Menu committees plan and test most menus which include choices for appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. Suggestions for themes are welcome, and help in the menu selection is always welcome. From the list of participants, Don Brenner utilizes computer magic to select groups of approximately 6-8 people for each of three dinners. Each household participating is designated as ‘host’ for one of the three dinners. Hosts receive the menus for their dinner group, make their selections from the choices, prepare the entrée, and assign their guests to bring appetizers, desserts, side dishes etc. Enough menus are given to hosts so that each household receives one. The host also finds the best dinner date for all members of their group. (The dinner can take place anytime during the 3-month period for that dinner, and at the host’s discretion can go into later months if needed.) Please sign up with Don and Marilyn Brenner by August 15. Please note that while this program will make sure you dine with different people on each of the three meals, it does not prevent repeats from previous years. If you have special requests for this schedule, please contact the Brenners directly. If you are two singles who always want to dine together, please sign up together. Singles are also welcome to sign up as a single or ‘single and guest’ if you want to invite a friend to attend with you. It is also possible to be listed as a substitute to be called in case a particular dinner has room for more diners. To sign up, please send the following information to Brenners (via email: drbrenner@hotmail.com or msbrenner@hotmail.com, or by mail: 22 Cedarview Lane). Be sure to include your name(s), address, phone, and email. If you email this information you will receive a confirmation of your email. If you do not get a confirmation, please send your email again. Kala Point Day at the Olympic Music Festival September 6 by Ann Bambrick and Don Allen This year, the Social Plus Committee has selected Sunday, September 6, for Kala Point’s 8th annual “Picnic and Music at the Barn” at the Olympic Music Festival. We have chosen this particular concert so that we may all hear, once again, an extraordinary pair of musicians, Ray Chen and Julio Elizalde, who thrilled us last year with their spectacular performance, where they received three curtain calls and played two magnificent encore pieces. No one who had the privilege of being there will forget it, and all commented that they don’t want to miss another chance to hear them again. Fortunately, they are returning this season and we have that chance. This concert is sure to be a sell-out, so we wanted to give you the opportunity to make your reservations now. Those of you who are new to Kala Point, or who have missed prior concerts, are encouraged to join us this year. You won’t be disappointed. The “Concerts in the Barn” are always outstanding, the bucolic setting is beautiful, and the camaraderie is great fun. We will have our usual picnic tables reserved right at the barn, making them handicapped accessible. Complete details will be provided in the August issue of the Kala Pointer, but for now be sure to put it on your calendar for Sunday, September 6. If you wish to make reservations now (and we recommend this), or have any questions, please call Ann Bambrick (360-385-6634) or Don Allen (360-385-3735). Price for sitting inside the barn is $27/person. 10 Committee Briefs by Nancy Leeds Emergency Preparedness Committee: We will have a booth at the All County Picnic in August. The teams had a practice network roll call on our new radios. The Kala Point map has markings for the locations of radios, team members, and block captains. We are requesting the Office to number the zones from one through twenty rather than the current way of using numbers and letters and to make the colors more muted for easier reading. Maps will be given to the block captains, first aid teams, and committee members, and posted in the Portfolio System. We may try to obtain an enlarged copy for the Kala Point Emergency Operations Center. Publications Committee: We discussed the website Member’s Forum, newsletter inclusions, and schedule. Social Plus: Excess funds went to the purchase of a new stove for the Clubhouse kitchen. There will be a TGIF on the beach, date to be announced. September 6 will be the Kala Point outing to the Music Festival. A fire extinguisher class will be scheduled, a date to be announced. Tree Committee: During June, the Tree Committee conducted four regular site visits. Two additional Tree Squad site visits involving Dead, Emergency and Exempt tree requests were conducted during the month. More Douglas fir trees were identified with laminated root rot. The Committee continued discussing revisions for the Vegetation and Trees Policy, APP II-22. Special meetings are scheduled to make sure that revisions can be made as soon as possible. Tree Committee Vegetation Control Request forms are available at the KPOA Admin Office or online at kalapoint.org. Please submit your Vegetation Control Request form to the KPOA Admin. Office 15 calendar days before the next Tree Committee meeting date. (APP XII-2 B.3.) For Emergency or hazardous tree requests call any Tree Committee member as well as Normandie Anderson, chair, at 425-753-5378 or Barry Birch, vice chair, at 360-379-0122 KPOA Mailboxes by Melanie Rosas There are six mail stations located around Kala Point: Foxfield, Kala Heights, Main Gate, Pinecrest 1 & 2 and Sailview. They are all owned and maintained by KPOA. The General Manager’s Report in the April Kala Pointer notified the membership about The Mailbox Project, which is now complete. Many owner names and/or addresses were added or replaced on mailboxes. There is now a master key filed in the KPOA Office for every mailbox, so if you misplace yours, come borrow the master key to have a copy made at a locksmith. Please notify the Office if you would like the labels on the outside of your mailbox changed or have any other questions. Kala Cares by Suzanne Hempstead KPOA Clubhouse Hours Get Well Wishes Joan Wilder (April 1 to October 15) 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Sun Pool/Jacuzzi/Sauna closes at 8:45 p.m. In Memoriam Steve Bartik 11 Kala Pointer PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Port Hadlock WA Permit No. 46 Kala Point Owners’ Association 1760 Kala Point Drive Port Townsend, WA 98368 Neighborhood Ads FOX’S Shutters, Draperies, Blinds, Shades, etc. Our prices are lower than the warehouse/club stores! Compare and see that we don’t have any competition. Over 30 years’ experience. Contractor’s License # FOXDRD*959CQ. For a free in-home consultation, call 360-379-2548. Need a Quiet Office away from Home? Right down the street? KALA POINT PROFESSIONAL BUILDING (located at the entrance gate) has several different office sizes; vanity in two downstairs offices; conference room; DSL; wheel chair access; lots of parking; quiet setting. Prices range from $225 to $350 per month, utilities included. 360-3857156. One of a kind doll clothing for 12# to 18# dolls. Come see what I have and make that special grand-daughter happy. Special orders welcomed. Sharon Ross 360-385-2365. ACBL Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge. 1-3:30 p.m.Thursdays 191 Fairbreeze Drive. Call 360-385-1688 to register (required). Bridge lessons 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (no registration). Play bridge, take lesson, or do both for $5. Cash paid for unopened, non-expired boxes of Diabetic Test Strips. (Or free if willing). Call Kathleen 360-6241232 25 Bottle Wine Fridge New $135. 25 GPD Reverse osmosis water filter ,$135. 360-975-8066 TIME TO REMODEL! KSI (Kelley Shields Inc.) has a certified building designer to help design your new kitchen; master bed/bath suite; decks; or build that addition you’ve always wanted. KSI has been building new homes/remodels in Jefferson County since 1985. Estimates are Free! We are located at the entrance gate to Kala Point. 360-385-7156. www.kelleyshields.com. Wanted: Partner(s) for kayaking, sailing, RV travel, and/or fishing. Janelle Goldhammer 360-379-9217. Wanted: 2-3 Bedroom, View Condo to rent or lease for recently widowed Kala Point resident, Janelle Goldhammer. 360-379-9217 FLY FISHING RODS & REELS Ending my fly fishing days means opportunity for you to purchase new, never used, fly rods and reels. Rods include Winston, Sage, Steffen Bros. Reels include Ross-Gunnison, Redington, and Cabelas CLA. I also have two lightly used Scientific Angler reels. Make an offer for individual items or for the whole lot. Call my cell, 928458-0418, for an appointment to stop by and inspect. Classified ads cost only 10 cents per word. Please pay at the KPOA Office when you submit your ad.