The Sounds of the Grapevine is a meant to be a fun, information and gossip column that should not be taken too seriously, but may give the readers some insight into happenings in Lake Forest.  The webmaster makes no promises of accuracy, but does promise not to print out and out lies.  Vulgarity will not be allowed.  Nothing that could be considered libelous will be printed.  Anyone who is interested in Lake Forest is welcome to contribute.  Unless the contributor specifically indicates that we do so, we will not print his or her name.  However, we will not accept anything that is anonymous.  The most recent contributions are listed first, so if you would like to read the story in the order that it was presented, you might want to jump to the bottom of the page and work your way back up.  The text that is seen in bold and italicized print is usually a cut & paste of someone's contribution.  Anything submitted may be filtered to avoid the above mentioned no-nose.  Determining what content is inappropriate for the Sounds of the Grapevine column is at the sole discretion of the webmaster. Statements proceeded by a are comments made by the webmaster.  A submission to the Grapevine may be made by Email to the webmaster or selecting the Suggestion Box graphics from one of its many locations on this site.

7/20/2008

I also noticed these signs were right on the (apparent) edge of the property line of a home owner leaving you to question if it is club property or not. However, the sign you pointed out is next to a house for sale - they probably could care less who our next mayor will be!

That is the large sign.  There are a couple of smaller ones clearly on the lot belonging to the LFPOA.

7/20/2008

I noted the same thing; no one has any right to place their sign on the associations property because no one has the authority to allow the same.

7/20/2008

  I noticed today that there are Ernie for Mayor signs on Lake Forest Property Owners Association property, specifically the lot next to the bridge on Bayview.  Since all three candidates are supported by Lake Forest members, it only seems right that if the association allows one to place signs on its property, it should invite all candidates for all positions to put their signs on LFPOA property. 

7/19/2008

Not sure any of the reviews of the candidates forum is accurate. Here is another perspective. When giving canned speeches, Berger did a great job, Small and Brown were less impressive. At impromptu speaking about real issues, I thought Berger said the least, Brown sounded like a bitter former Mayor and Small was honest and knowledgeable about most things discussed. The saddest part was even before it began. Berger campaign signs filled the entrance. Berger was out in front by design, it seemed. A real biased shown by the host body. I certainly hope the board wasn't involved in that set up. If Berger loses, we may not ever get anything done politically with that effort. The crowd was respectful to all candidates and the Forest Room was just too small and too hot. We also had lights out in the front entrance which caused concern when leaving in the dark. You could see many council candidates in the audience. Both incumbents and challengers were all over the place. Lots of handshaking and so forth.

  Thank you very much for your report.  Some of the comments from my earlier post came from some of those council candidates.

7/18/2008

I attended the candidates meeting at the clubhouse and was pleased to see the large turnout. I think the questions came from the audience because one of the questions was mine; however, I think Henry picked the questions he wanted to use. I had two questions and one I particularly wanted answered was not used. On the whole Small was the poorest speaker. Brown was a good speaker and had some good points. Berger is an excellent speaker but doesn't really say very much that you can pin him down on. He waves Lake Forest around like a flag and people even say he lives here, but he doesn't. He gives a nice rousing "4th of July" type of speech but do we want someone who can put on a good show or someone who can get the job done without wasting 8 million dollars on a new city hall. Plus, I think Henry's pushing Berger to try out using the Improvement Committee as a PAC - flexing his muscle, trying it on for size. I have been to Improvement Committee Meetings when this was discussed and now we see it come true.

  Thank you for that excellent report.  It is important for political action committees to build more bridges than they burn.  No, I do not believe that Ernie lives in Lake Forest.

7/17/2008

  Well, folks, yesterday I received reports on the meet the candidates thing in Lake Forest the other night.  And, no, none of them came from anyone running for mayor.  The most succinct remark was "it was awful".  Essentially, all the reports said the same thing, that it was terribly biased towards candidate Ernie.  One person said that although she didn't really know who wrote the questions, she suspected that it was Henry Lawson.  I suggested that his old buddy, Jim Moss, could have been involved, since he has been touting Ernie around Lake Forest.  She said that Ernie got mostly feel good questions like, "Tell us about your Santa Claus thing", while the other guys tended to get nailed.  That's a shame.  The idea of hosting an event like that is worthwhile, but the hosts really need to at least make an effort to be unbiased.  For example, the questions need to be fair to all and everyone should be asked the same questions with only a few exceptions.  What kind of support do they expect to get in the future if one of the other candidates wins?  I know that some of our contributors attend the Improvement Committee events.  Please drop us a note with your evaluation of the evening.

7/14/2008

A Lake Forester voting for Ernie for Mayor is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders.

7/11/2008

$500,000.00 was budgeted for street repair in Lake Forest in 2007. Only approximately $330,000 was spent?" Just what is another $170,000 going to improve? A couple more bumps I guess. Ever try leaving Lake Forest in the morning with a full cup of coffee?  It's fun, you gotta time the bumps before you take a sip!

  Coincidentally. I spoke with mayoral candidate, Harry Brown, just tonight.  He says he's going to fix those streets.  That's assuming that he is elected, of course.  He pointed out that the city council had taken a half a million dollars out of the capital improvement budget to fund some city employees' pay raises. So much for your street repair.  While he agreed that some raises might be justified, he said that several city streets were in very poor condition.  He specifically mentioned Ridgewood Drive, Whispering Pines and Main St.  He also pointed out that raises are not a one time expense.  That money is obligated for every year into the future, unlike the one-time cost of needed street repairs, which would be good for many years.  He was also critical of the large amount of money that was spent on city hall.  It could just have just been political-speak, but I recall Harry having delivered on his promises in the past.  The shopping center by Home Depot is a good example.   The LFPOA is hosting the mayoral candidates for a forum on the 15th.  Stop in and hear what they have to say.

Speaking of spending money, why does a public library need to advertise on television? It's a very nice library, but even if more people visited it, would there be any more revenue? Have you seen the ads for the Daphne Public Library?  They are very nice.

7/9/2008

Ed tells me that he is getting many, many pats on the back for our legal action to overturn the board's move to gain control over the by-laws.  It's a good thing that motions cannot be made in Executive Session or we might not have known about it until after they had borrowed a bunch of money and increased the dues to pay for it.  You know how much our board has enjoyed executive sessions over the last couple of years.  Interestingly, the April minutes indicate that the motion passed on an 8 - 1 vote.  How the directors voted should be part of the record, but was not included in the minutes.  Does anyone know which person voted no?

7/9/2008

The Daphne City Council will meet next Monday, July 7th at 6:30PM.  An item very important to Lake Forest will be on the agenda.  $500,000.00 was budgeted for street repair in Lake Forest in 2007.  Only approximately $330,00.00 was spent.  Greg Burnam, city council president, has assured us that he will address the remaining balance of $170,000.00 that should still be designated for Lake Forest streets.  We need to show, by our attendance, that we want that money to be spent as it was budgeted.  Each city council representative that has spoken to the Improvement Committee has repeated the same thing, over and over- "the squeaky wheel gets the attention." Let's begin to make some noise!!

We will be drawing the winning name for our "Cheer Basket" Friday afternoon, July 4th, at 3PM in the Pro Shop.  The basket raised over $200.00.  If you would like to be present for the drawing, please join us.

                                                                                The Improvement Committee

My apologies for this not making the Grapevine in time.  I was out of town last week and unable to update the website.

7/9/2008

Mitch . . . just a friendly reminder that the next Lake Forest Neighborhood Watch Program meeting will be held on Saturday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. in the Lake Room at the Country Club. Anyone interested in becoming a Block Captain - or to just volunteer your services - are invited to attend the meeting. See you all there!

6/28/2008

Well, the lawsuit made the paper Friday.  I thought it was a pretty good story.  If our members realize that their action will give the board the authority to raise dues at will, maybe they will have something to say about. 

6/28/2008

Mitch, I find it odd that you will post on this site the difficulties working with me, as you and I have never worked together. If you'd like to get together to discuss your problems with me, please feel free to contact me. Thanks

6/27/2008

Watch the Baldwin Register over the next couple of days.  Our case has finally hit the system and there will be a story.  It will be interesting to see how it is reported.  We'll see. 

6/18/2008

It's Kinda Sad:

 We as members, most of us know the Rules, and we understand if we don't go by the rules we are now subject to be fined $$. So what's up with the Board can they now manipulate the by-laws any way they want to? What's going to happen in the future when the next board takes over, are they going to do the same thing? Are they setting a standard in which the next group of directors can make their own by-law changes, and it really hisses me off to know we are losing our right to have a voice or a vote on such issues. If that is the case why do we need a POA  anyway ?

6/12/2008    PROPERTY OWNERS FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST LAKE FOREST BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Two Lake Forest property owners have filed suit against their association board as a result of an action taken by the LFPOA Board of Directors at their monthly meeting in April.  Citing Roberts Rule of Orders as their authority, the board voted to rescind a motion of a previous board from 2003.   As a result of its action, the current board gives itself the authority to amend the association by-laws without approval of the membership.  This in turn gives them the ability to increase their own borrowing limit and increase membership dues with a simple majority vote of the board.  According to the plaintiffs, this can now be done without membership approval.  The two property owners, Ed Kirby and Mitch Davis, have also previously served on the LFPOA Board of Directors and both are former board presidents.  The two men agreed that the action taken in April was a violation of association rules and demonstrates a flagrant disregard for the will of the membership.  As a result of their discussions, Kirby and Davis agreed to file the suit on behalf of the 3000+ property owners in Lake Forest.  The complaint was filed yesterday at the courthouse in Bay Minette.

Well?  I told you something interesting was about to happen. Click here for more information.  We'll keep you informed as events progress.

6/10/2008

Ernie Berger touts his interest in keeping the Old Daphne heritage going. Well, if that means continuing to keep Lake Forest dollars in Olde Towne..What change will he bring?

Well, our old pal, Henry, is sending out Emails endorsing him.  That cost him my vote right there. ;-)  I'm not sure that is a plus, though, since Henry also campaigned for Ron Scott, who didn't fare so well.  In spite of what Barack may say, change isn't necessarily good.  People need to look for experience that applies to the job.  To my knowledge, Ernie has never served in any elected capacity in Daphne.  We have no idea how well he works in an environment where group discussion and compromise are a must.  His background does not necessarily compute to being suitable for the job.  I've never heard of a human resources guy moving to the top exec's position.  People talk about accountants being bean counters, but human resource folks are the quintessential bean counters.  It's their job to make sure all the i's are dotted and t's crossed on governmental tax forms.  They must make sure that we all have our insurance info and retirement data right and someone has to keep up with all those sick days and vacation days.  But, are these skills what we need for mayor?  So, why are some people that I trust and some that I don't agreeing that we should consider him?  He is using some of those feel good issues that so many of us like to hear.  We'll just have to learn more.

6/9/2008

Mitch, Ernie Berger is the candidate who Kathy Barnett is supporting.  I would like to suggest that his website www.Ernieformayor.com  should provide  insight and perhaps  answer any questions regarding his platform and qualifications.

I checked his website.  He seems like a nice enough fellow, which he would have to be to put up with Kathy.  However, I think we've had enough of leaders trying to get on the job training.  I'd prefer to have someone who's been in the Daphne trenches and knows how to work the system to get something done.  I'll have to stick with Harry Brown.

6/9/2008

6/9/2008

Twentieth Century?? Wow, we are far behind.

Well, it could be that he did mean that Daphne is a long way behind.

6/7/2008

My friends please join Ernie and his many friends and supporters next Tuesday, June 10th at Rileys on Pollard Road for his official Campaign for Mayor Kick-off.  Time is 4:30 to 7:30PM. I look forward to seeing you there.  We finally have a candidate that can bring Daphne into the twentieth century. 

Can you tell us something about why you think this person is so great?  Is this the same person that Councilperson Cathy Barnette works for?

6/6/2008

Hi, I am hoping that you can help spread the word about this great fund raiser. POKER RUN to raise money for the Fairhope Veteran's Memorial.

Saturday June 14, 2008. American Legion, Fairhope, AL.

Registration starts at 9 AM; last out - 11 AM; last in - 4 PM.

Pre-register - $20 or day of event - $25.

Music concert from 4-9.

Info: 251.928.9132 or 251.928.9120.

There will be two riding loops one northern and one southern (south loop includes Flora-Bama). 5 cards (stops) minimum hand. This is not just a bike event - bus transportation will be available for non-riders. I think that the bus leaves at 10:00 AM...but I could be wrong. This Poker Run is just one of the many events being done throughout the area to help raise money for a Veteran's Memorial that will be built on the bluff overlooking the Fairhope pier. It will be a memorial to all veterans. I plan on staging at the Hardees on Rt 98 in Fairhope for breakfast (8:00-ish) with KSU at 8:45. This should be a fun, feel good ride for a very worthwhile cause.

Here is a brief description of the memorial.

The "Tears of Sorrow - Tears of Joy" memorial was conceptualized by Fairhope resident Sarah "Sissy" Scott. The design features two bronze sculptures. One faces west and is that of a woman cradling a folded flag and honors those who have died in service to the country, as well as the sacrifices made by their families. The sculpture that will face the bay is that of a kneeling soldier handing a U.S. flag to a young boy, symbolizing the patriotic legacy and example of soldiers. Both sculptures are presented in a figure-eight pool on elevated disks of different heights. Water flows from the higher "Tears of Joy" presentation to the "Tears of Sorrow" sculpture and into the pool.

6/6/2008

Mitch . . . Would you please remind everyone of the initial Lake Forest Neighborhood Watch Program Block Captain's meeting scheduled on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Lake Room at the Country Club. Anyone who has already signed up to volunteer, and those who would like to volunteer, are encouraged to attend this initial meeting. If anyone has questions, please call C. E. Reid at 626-7965. Thanks.

Consider it done.  Such a program will be a great benefit to Lake Forest,

6/6/2008

Mitch, In reality, the current financial picture of Lake Forest does not allow for the pools to operate without fees. There is no other amenity we have where it "comes with the dues". Our pool fees are very reasonable for the availability and exclusivity offered. Once the capital investment plan is under way, and the pools get refurbished and upgraded, we will surely have a great value get even better. Our members ought to support the upgrading of our facilities and improvement to our neighborhood.

That's too bad.  Actually, the original plan for Lake Forest had the pools as part of the basic membership fee. The members probably would support the upgrading of our facilities, if they thought they were benefiting from them.  Unfortunately, many of them don't, so what have you done to change that perception?  You took a survey.  Then, when it didn't give you the result you wanted, you suggested that it was wrong.  You upgraded the mechanics at the pools.  Then, you said you wanted to close them.  You started charging all members to use them and to add insult to injury, you then denied them the use of the  largest one. You added an assessment and started borrowing your maximum allowed money, which gave you an additional $250,000 a year.  Then you said it wasn't enough.  You used a highly questionable maneuver to gain control of the by-laws, even though every vote of the membership taken in the last twenty years suggests that they absolutely do not want that. 

6/6/2008

The golf course should be available to non-members for play. The issue is getting them there. We cannot advertise to the general public or as an "Open to the Public" facility. Doing such would move us into a different tax status. Although, discussion could be started about whether the Non-Profit status we have means anything since we routinely subsidize operations anyway and have no profit.

I think that tax status bit is a red herring.  I hope you will check on it.

6/6/2008

Mitch, on the swimming section ya maybe need to make a correction the montclair pool doesn't have a diving board. Roger I don't think any of them do.

It's fixed.  Thanks for checking.

6/5/2008

Those who think a 27-hole private facility can survive on 300 "members" needs to wake up. How many rounds of golf did these 300 account for last year? This golf course could be a huge financial plus if we would open our eyes and open it to the public. As a semi-private facility new revenues could finance new improvement projects throughout our community.

The Lake Forest golf course does not survive on 300 members.  It survives on over 3000 members.  The fact that operations are being subsidized by all property owners is one of the reasons that I am always mystified when some people seem to resent letting the families use the pools as part of their basic dues.  Out of Lake Forest's two and a half million dollars in operating costs, the pools amount to less than a hundred thousand.  How little price that is to pay for such good will!  It's not like we would be giving something away for nothing.  The fact that everyone pays dues means that nothing is free in Lake Forest.  Also, Lake Forest is not all that strict about allowing public use of the facilities.  I doubt that a day goes by when non-members cannot be found on the golf course.

6/4/2008

I see where Lake Forest's Improvement Committee is endorsing a political candidate.  Should they be doing that and who paid for that postage?

6/4/2008

I think it would be a good idea to put the times the pools are open.

Done.  Thanks for the comment

6/4/2008

In response to the greens question. The Board has authorized around $60,000 for greens and irrigation work. The staff cost will not increase as their efforts will be spent on this rather other maintenance projects. The benefit of this effort will be increased play and an increase in annual members. Our golf revenue was down by $60,000 last year, mainly due to course conditions. It is hoped that we will recapture this revenue for years to come with this greens redo and irrigation improvements. By the way, those 100 golfers or so that we have are actually around 300 and they pay in excess of $700,000 just in golf fees. With the food and beverage added, they nearly pay as much as all the dues collected from our members for their use of the golf course. It is no free ride.

Thanks for the clarification.  However, it would probably be more accurate to say that user fees from golf, tennis, and swimming along with revenue produced from food and beverage sales at the Country Club and the Yacht Club amount to about half of the revenue received by the association.  That money comes from many non-golfing members.  The remainder comes from all members in the form of maintenance fees.  Also, if golfers "pay in excess of $700,000 just in golf fees", how did golf revenue go down by $60,000?  Golf revenues historically have accounted for much of the golf course's day to day operating expenses.  The golf operation does not generate enough revenue, however, for the renovations like those described in the previous contribution, such as the $60,000 for green renovation and new irrigation systems.  That has to be subsidized by the money from maintenance fees.  That is really only fair, since the golf course is an asset that is owned by the community's association and is also one that enhances the value of the entire community.  All of us should participate keeping the golf course in good condition.  Also, when some folks like to talk about golf revenue paying for golf operations, they usually fail to consider a percentage of general administrative expenses, such as those that support our office personnel and operations.  A case can and should be made that the majority of those administrative expenses exist to support golf operations.  Golf in Lake Forest is a good deal.  Our players can get on the course almost at will on almost any day.  Many of them can walk out their back door and start playing as soon as they step out of their backyard.  They do not have to play around crowds and they enjoy an amenity with a pretty exclusive membership.  The contributor is correct. Golf is no free ride, but it is a very reasonably priced one.  We should also not forget that we have a nine hole golf that our members can enjoy on a budget.

6/4/2008

The ROW in question and the associated documents are in the process of being studied to determine if there can be placed within them a recreational trail for bikes and walking/running. Grants are available for these purposes. Who knows, in the next few years we may end up with a very nice, well maintained trail that restricts access to pedestrians and bicycles. The current users on motorized vehicles are violating the signs that are posted by Alabama Power.

6/1/2008

I have just visited our official web-site and I am surprised at not finding either the current meeting minutes or the budget. I am interested in the monies allocated in changing the greens that service the 100-something golfers in our community (no offense to these folks). As I live looking down on the fourth green, I see much equipment (fuel) and many faces (labor) working at this process and know this cannot be a small portion of our budget. Unless our golf course will be open in future to the public, I do not understand how those beautiful greens required change. Can someone help me with this? Thanks

6/1/2008

Hi everyone-- I know that in this neighborhood where I see kids up and down the streets and parents pushing strollers there are some lovely people providing childcare in their homes or in the homes of the children.... My husband and I are expecting our first child in early December, and are starting to look into childcare options. I work in Mobile approximately 80 hrs a week as a surgical resident and my husband works out of the home. We do need some childcare so that he can actually get some work done. Does someone provide childcare in the neighborhood that would be interested???

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