White Gables

Assessments are Due

2012-01-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

The first semi-annual assessment of $283.60 is due on January 15, 2012. You may pay your assessment several ways: 1) Detach the bottom portion of your statement and mail your payment to the bank’s lockbox at PO Box 912, Columbia, SC 29202; 2) Go online to www.cmgcharleston.com and select “online payments” for electronic check draft - you will need your account number noted on your statement mailed to your address. Please keep in mind that payments made online Saturday or Sunday or after 5 pm will reflect on the following business day; 3) Set up ACH (automatic draft) by downloading the form from our website. Please remember that any payments set up on ACH through the website will also debit any outstanding balance from your account; or 4) Credit Card option – a $9.95 bank charged processing fee will be added. As a courtesy, statements were mailed, but please keep in mind if you did not receive a statement, the assessment will still be due by the scheduled due date. Please remember this 1st semi-annual assessment is due by the fifteenth (15th) of January and subject to late fees after the thirtieth (30th) of January. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions about your account.

The brand new fountain is in and looks beautiful. Everyone seems to be so happy to see it back where it belongs.

Warm Regards,

Stacy Foster
Community Manager
Community Management Group
Agent for White Gables HOA

Hurrican Season Alert

2011-08-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

Hurricane season is in full swing. Please visit our website page www.CMGCharleston.com/storms.htm for information about storm preparation.

Thank you,

Amanda Strauser

Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Manager

Pool Treatment May Cause Cloudiness

2011-07-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

Once a week your pool vendor runs a night shift for service. Tonight they will be visiting your property shocking the pool and adding soda ash and sodium bicarbonate.

They do this weekly, but we are letting you know this today because due to all the recent rain we have had the P.H in the pools has dropped to the range of 7.0. -7.2. To raise these level back up, they will have to add soda ash at the rate of 1 lb per 10 k gallons of water to bring it up .1.

Your pool may require 50 to 60 pounds of soda ash. The side affect to using this product is cloudy, hazy water. A clarifier will also be added to help speed up the clearing process, but It may still take a couple of days to return to our normal crystal clear condition.

Please be advised that the pool is perfectly safe to swim in during this time, even if it may appear cloudy or hazy.

Thank you,

Amanda Strauser

Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Manager

Important Vacation Security Suggestions

2011-07-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

VACATION SECURITY CHECKLIST

Thieves look for “TARGETS of OPPORTUNITY”. There are many things you can do to avoid becoming a victim when you are going to be away.

Mainly, try to give the illusion you are home.

v Have Deadbolt Locks installed on all exterior doors (Single-cylinder on solid doors / walls, Double-cylinder when near a window). USE THEM

v Keep an inventory list and photos of all serial numbered items, engrave them with your Drivers License Number, to help get them back.

v Double-check ALL windows and doors (basements, bathrooms, kitchens)

v Leave a car in the driveway

v Use timers for Exterior AND Interior lights, TVs, stereos, etc.

v Tell a trusted neighbor about plans, leave emergency contacts and a key. Ask them to check the house and call Police if they see people around.

v BUT Limit how many people you tell of your plans. Word may spread.

v Cancel newspapers, have mail held, or at least ask the neighbor to bring them in for you. If leaving for a week, have them put the trash can out. It is an obvious marker that you are gone.

v Upon returning, walk around the house once to look for any signs of a break-in. You don’t want to walk into a crime-in-progress. If you see something open or broken, go next door and CALL POLICE.

v IF You plan to pack your vehicle the night before you leave, also plan to park it in the garage. Packed vehicles left outside overnight invite theft. If that happens, you will be missing property, and will also not get to leave on time.

Sgt. Shelor
Charleston Police

Respectfully,

Amanda Strauser

Vandals Caught!

2011-06-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Some may have noticed the playground shade which was recently replaced was vandalized once again. Well, we're happy to report that the child responsible was seen in action and his parents have taken responsibility and will be paying for the replacement of this association property.

We wish to extend a HUGE thank you to the keenly observant residents of White Gables who are protecting the community.

The pool gates were recently vandalized as well by some neighborhood kids. Unfortunately we do not know who the culprits are, but we welcome reports from any witnesses.

If anyone is interested in volunteering for a Neighborhood & Pool Watch Committee, we need eyes and ears on the ground protecting the community from damages and bad behavior. Please email me at amanda@cmgcharleston.com if you are interested, or if you have any information on any recent problems.

Respectfully,
Amanda Strauser

DNR Wild Animal Resources

2011-06-21T13:14:00.001-07:00

Here are some helpful links provided by the SC DNR with information regarding injured or nuisance wildlife. Remember, unless obviously injured or agressive, the best course of action is to leave a wild animal alone.

www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/rehab.html

www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/nwco.html

Respectfully,
Amanda Strauser

Collection Statistics

2011-05-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

One of the most unpleasant aspects of management of a Homeowners Association is collection of Assessments. Your budget requires full funding in order to meet the expenses of the Association, which include insurance, grounds and building maintenance, utilities, taxes, reserves etc. The only significant source of funds is member Assessments. If payment is not made, collections progresses in accordance with the Association’s Governing Documents through a series of letters and fees, Recording of a formal Lien with the County, progress through County court to secure a personal judgment for the balance owing, possible seizure and sale of property through the County Sheriff…

Should these considerable efforts not succeed, the Association may only be left with costly legal action toward foreclosure of the home.

While these steps may sound drastic and unpleasant, and they are, collection of 100% of Assessments is necessary to balance the budget. There are no “bailouts” and the Association has limited options. Failure to collect the amounts necessary to balance the budget require one of these options: Special Assessments to the well-paying owners to cover those who don’t pay, further cutting of services or insurance (higher risk to owners), borrowing from necessary reserves (delays the inevitable) or increasing Assessments to everyone… None of these are good options, particularly since the budget is already very VERY lean…

Just like every household is doing its share of belt-tightening, every Homeowners Association in this economy is facing this challenge. Your Board and management are working diligently to keep YOUR fees low and we are focused on fairness. It is fair that everyone pay their share so that you don’t have to make up for those who choose not to pay. Nationally, the average delinquency is over 13% but due to focused efforts, your Association is in far better shape. This figure is improving as we progress. Here are the current collections statistics:

32 Homes greater than 3 months behind in Assessments

33 Homes with liens recorded with the County

20 Homeowners in the County Court Judgment process (some served by Sheriff, some by Private Process)

0 Homeowners with the Association’s attorney

Respectfully,

Amanda Strauser
Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Manager

Pool Rules

2011-05-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

As you all know, the pool is now officially open for the summer. Please be sure to always follow the pool rules to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

Children under the age of 14 are not permitted in the pool without an accompanying adult.

Please do not open the gate for anyone who doesn't have their pool key with them or whose key does not work. Keys are deactivated for any owner with a delinquent account. They must contact us at 843-795-8484 to clear their HOA account in order to regain access. Remember that your HOA assessments PAY for your pool. It's not fair for those who have not paid to maintain the pool to be allowed to use it.

With your help the pool can be an enjoyment for all this summer!

Respectfully,
Amanda Strauser

Pool Opening

2011-04-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

The White Gables pool is officially opening May 1st! Please be sure that your account is current so your pool access will not be suspended this pool season.

As a friendly reminder, please bag your garbage prior to taking it out on trash day. Loose garbage is escaping when the trucks come through and blowing through the community.

If you have questions about reserving the clubhouse, please contact Tanya at tzealy@cmgcharleston.com.

If you have any questions, you may reach me at amanda@cmgcharleston.com.

Respectfully,
Amanda Strauser
Manager

Amenity Center Vandalism & New Playground Canopy

2011-04-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

There has been an ongoing problem with vandalism in the restrooms at the Amenity Center . Based on the times the vandalism is taking place, it is believed that the children waiting for the school bus in the morning are responsible. Not only is this ongoing vandalism of the men’s room costing the association money to clean up each time, the doors are being dirtied and broken from people kicking them open. The door jamb has been cracked and repaired, and a new magnet lock was recently installed to replace the one broken.

We ask for the community’s assistance in cracking down on this early-morning problem. If you have a child that waits at this stop in the morning, please ask if they know who may be responsible, and explain that even though they may find this funny or exciting, it is costing YOU money to clean and repair it.

In addition to the bathroom vandalism, rubbish is being thrown into the bushes and on the porch of the Clubhouse. We ask that you remind your children that this is a benefit to the entire neighborhood that you pay to enjoy and to properly dispose of their rubbish.

If you witness vandalism at the Amenity Center or know who may be responsible, please contact us immediately so the parents of the responsible child can be contacted to pay for any cleanup or repairs needed instead of passing this expense on to everyone else.

On a more positive note, the playground next to the pool has its new canopy installed!

Respectfully,

Amanda Strauser

Introductions

2011-03-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hello White Gables, I am your new community manager. Constance has not wandered far, and will still be active as your community coordinator.

I look forward to meeting some of you at the upcoming Annual Meeting and working with you in the months to come.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at 843-795-8484 x326 or amanda@cmgcharleston.com. Constance can still be reached at extension 324 or constance@cmgcharleston.com.

Respectfully,
Amanda Strauser
Manager

FW: white gables tervis tumblers

2011-03-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

White Gables Tumblers For Sale

If anyone is interested the Social Committee has White Gables tervis tumblers for sale for a Social Committee fundraiser. Please see the prices below and information of how to order.

16oz = $10.50 each

24 oz= $13.00 each

lids = $2.00 each

Call or email James Anthony

843-834-4904 or jamesinwhitegables@gmail.com

2011-02-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

No Soliciting

If you are having issues with solicitors and you report it to your local police department be aware that they will tell you that you will need to post a sign on your door even if there is a sign at the entrance of your community. The “NO SOLICITING” signs aren’t a guarantee to stop solicitors and the law requires that you also have a sign at your door for this nuisance to be enforced.

2011-02-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

Termite System

A new termite system has been installed around the clubhouse. The system that was installed was the Sentricon system. Thirty plus bait traps have been installed around the clubhouse. These bait traps are covered with a green cap. Please be mindful of these. If you happen to see one damaged or sticking out of the ground please contact me at your earliest convenience (795.8484 Ext. 324). Thank you for your assistance.

2011-02-21T05:58:00.000-08:00

White Gables Annual Meeting

April 13, 2011

6:00 pm

White Gables Clubhouse

2011-02-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

Front Entrance Project

The front entrance landcaping project is still in progress. This is a developer project and a completion date has not yet been revealed. We will update you on any progress or timeline of completion. Thank you for your patience with this matter.

2011-02-01T11:43:00.001-08:00

Vandalism

There have been several vandalism incidents lately at White Gables. The tarp over the large playground has been cut and ripped, the bathrooms have been trashed, the trash cans have been thrown in the pool and there have been reports of people driving four wheelers and tearing up the grass and construction areas. Please keep an eye out for these types of activities. The police need to be called if anyone witnesses the four wheelers again. They DO NOT have permission to ride them on White Gables property. Thank you for your assistance with helping keep White Gables a great place to live.

2011-01-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

White Gables 2011 Assessments

White Gables 2011 assessments were due on January 1, 2011. This is just a reminder for residents to send your assessment payment in time to be posted by the 30^th of January to avoid late fees. Thanks to all that have paid their 2011 assessment!

2011-01-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

Playground Vandalism

It has been discovered that within the last week the playground tarp has been vandalized. The tarp has been ripped in several places and a square has been cut out in the top of the tarp. Vandalism acts such as this cause unnecessary costs to the Association. If you know anything about this vandalism you can make an anonymous report to 795-8484 ext. 324 or 305. We would appreciate any information that can be given.

2010-12-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

Attention All Property Owners…

2011 assessment letters and statements have to been mailed to all homeowners. If you have any questions or have not received your statement please don’t hesitate to give our office a call at 843-795-8484 ext. 324 or 305. All payments should be mailed to the PO Box in Columbia and checks should be made payable to your Homeowner’s Association – not CMG. Please remember that payments will be considered late if not posted to your account by the 30^th of January 2011.

2010-12-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

· Recycling News…

Effective February 1, 2011, there will be enhancements to Recycling Services at no additional expense to White Gables residents. Starting with the first Friday in February, Suburban will pick up all recycling material every Friday. Suburban is currently picking up paper material for recycling the first and third Fridays of each month. On the second and fourth Fridays of each month, Suburban is currently picking up your comingled (plastics, aluminums cans, glass bottles) materials for recycling. There is currently no recycling service on the last Friday for months that have five Fridays.

This new enhancement will allow you to put out all of your recycling material each Friday without the worry of remembering what materials are to be put out in a particular week. As an added bonus, you will receive four extra pick-ups per year since service will be provided all 52 weeks.

Again, this enhanced service begins February 1, 2011. Suburban will continue with our usual recycling schedule until then. You are a valued customer of Suburban Disposal Service and they are very pleased to offer this new and improved program at no additional expense to White Gables residents. Please direct all questions and/or concerns to Suburban at 843-873-4810.

2010-12-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

Lights Out!!

Street lights within our communities go out occasionally and some homeowners don’t know what to do when this occurs. Residents can call SCE&G and report the light out or call the management company. Please note that when you contact SCE&G or the management company the utility company will need to know the nearest address to the light pole or the actual light pole number. Sometimes this pole number is a metal tag attached near the base of the pole. This is the only way that SCE&G can put in a work order to have the light fixed. Thanks for your cooperation!!

2010-09-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Benefited Neighborhood Assessments

There seems to be some confusion regarding the “Benefited Neighborhood” lawn care payments and the time frame they cover. Benefited neighborhood residents are billed in July. These assessments are due July 1st and considered late if not received by July 30^th. This fee covers the months of January thru December of that year. Technically, the residents are being back billed to January. If anyone has any questions regarding this matter please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 795.8484.

2010-09-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

Make Payable To….

We are still receiving assessment payments that are made payable to CMG. Please be sure to make your assessment payment check payable to White Gables HOA, P.O. Box 912, Columbia, SC 29202. CMG will no longer be able to accept these checks and convert them to the HOA. Checks that are received made payable to CMG will be returned to the homeowner so that the payment can be submitted correctly. Returning these checks will result in unnecessary delays and late fees to the homeowners account. Please be sure to send your assessment payment in correctly to avoid these potential issues. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.