WINTER WEEDS

WINTER WEEDS With an unusual warm winter in the Low country the weeds in our turf and plant beds have been extremely evident. Pre-emergent herbicides have not worked as well as expected this year. Please follow the instruction on your product to make sure that the product is not over used. When weeds are actively growing a post-emergent herbicide can be applied.
Systemic herbicides like Weed Free Zone should work fine. These weeds should be killed now before the weeds flower and set seed. February and March are the time to apply pre-emergent products that will kill weed seeds as they germinate.

Your local hardware or landscape supply store can assist you with choosing the right products to get a head start on getting and keeping your lawn weed free.

PLAYGROUND VANDALIZED

Recently the Oak Forest playground behind the pool was vandalized. Pieces of the play structure were kicked out and broken. The repair for this is costly and parts are not readily available. Please do not use the playground until further notice. The Board is planning a refurbishment and addition to the playground area but not if the vandalism continues. If you see people loitering in the area please call the North Charleston Police Department non emergency so they can go by and remove the individuals.

ANNUAL ASSESSMNT PAYMENT OPTIONS

2012 assessment notices were mailed in December. Please note the amount due shown on the statement is $187.50. The actual 2012 annual assessment total is $375.00. The statement shows this different amount for owners to have the option of splitting the assessment into two payments if they need to. However, if you choose to split the payment there will be a convenience fee in the amount of $30.00 assessed on the second payment. To avoid the convenience fee please pay $375.00 in full by January 1st, 2012 with late fees applying on January 30th if the payment has not posted to the account.

To reiterate:

2012 Oak Forest Annual assessment is $375.00.
Option 1- Pay in full by January 1, amount due $375.00.
Option 2- Pay half of the assessment by January 1- amount due $187.50.
Second half due April 1, 2012- amount due $217.50 which includes the convenience fee.

If you have any questions please contact the Community Management office at 843-795-8484. There are several payment options online at www.cmgcharleston.com.

PRE-PAY YOUR 2012 ASSESSMENTS NOW!

Did you know you can pre-pay your assessments for 2012. The Board of Directors are busy working on budgets right now and are doing there absolute best to keep assessments in the community at the same rate as 2011 or with as little increase as possible. The common concern heard when the assessment is due in January is: "This really stinks to pay right after the holiday." Unfortunately that's when it is due. You can avoid that cash shock or shortage whatever you prefer to call it by paying your assessment in advance. You can safely assume it will be the same as last year so paying that amount right now or over the next three months is better than getting hit with the entire amount January 1. You would only have to pay the difference, if any, on January 1 and if you overpay, a credit can be refunded or left on the account for next year. Its an option to consider before the holidays are upon you. Please visit the the Community Management Group website at http://www.cmgcharleston.com/ to make a payment or set up a reoccurring payment for the next three months. If you have a question regarding this please do not hesitate to contact me.

SCHOOL IS BACK IN FULL SWING SO PLEASE DRIVE SAFE!

Now that all the county schools are back in session, please be cautious while driving through the community.... Here are some simple reminders for drivers:
Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones
Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs
Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully
Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours
Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving

Reminder for your kids:
They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old
Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks
Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars
Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them

PLEASE, add to the list a reminder to speak to your kids about not leaving trash behind at the bus stops.

HURRICANE PREP TIPS

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

OVERFLOW PARKING AT THE POOL

You may have noticed the new signs posted at the pool regarding the parking of vehicles in the lot. The Board encourages owners to utilize the pool parking area for overflow guests but the area is not to be used for long term parking. If you need to park a boat, trailer or RV up there please notify the office of the type of vehicle you need to park up there and the time frame for which it will be parked there to avoid having your vehicle towed. Parking at the amenity center is at your own risk. Although there has been no reports of theft or vandalism please be sure to lock your vehicle up there and remove all valuables.

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!