THE MISSION OF CHRISTMAS LAKE VILLAGE IS TO GROW A UNIQUE, GATED LIVING EXPERIENCE, HIGHLIGHTING OUR BEAUTIFUL NATURAL SURROUNDINGS IN A FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE.
WITHIN OUR GATES LIE 26 MILES OF PRIVATE ROADS, 3 LAKES, A BEACH, A RECREATION CENTER, FISHING, BOATING, 2100 LOTS, 850 HOMES, AND PARK
Spencer County has enacted a BURN BAN effective September 7, 2010. Call the office for more information.
BOARD MEETING
The Christmas Lake Village Board of Directors will meet in regular session on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 6:00 at the CLV Rec Center. All Members are encouraged to attend.
RESIDENTIAL TRASH
Click here for the new CLV trash pick up and container rules.
DRIVERS
Watch your speed and stay alert for pedestrians
WALKERS & JOGGERS Please wear reflective clothing when walking or running at night
Questions? Comments?
Please write care of:
Christmas Lake Properties
PO Box 352
193 South L.J. Koch Blvd.
Santa Claus, IN 47579
ATTN: Newsletter Editor
CLV Looking to Regulate Trash Pick-up
The Christmas Lake Properties Association has been working on eliminating some of the heavy truck traffic throughout the village to help ease the damage to our roads. A proposal that is open to discussion currently seeks to limit residential trash hauling to two days per week and reduce the number of trash hauling companies throughout the village by securing a designated provider.
The Association requested bids from four local trash pick-up providers in order to provide the best possible service and price for village residents. Veolia Environmental Services was the only company that submitted a bid.
Veolia’s highlighted services are as follows:
· Veolia will supply one (1) 96 gallon cart for each household.
· Customer service resolution within 48 hours
· Tuesday or Wednesday pick-up
· One year fixed price of $14.08 per month, billed quarterly in advance
· Route surveys to reduce backtracking.
A new trash rule and Veolia’s quote will be available both online and at the gatehouse for members to view. This item is on the agenda for the December 11th Board meeting.
If this rule is enacted it means we anticipate that residents desiring trash pick-up will sign up with the bid winner. You may keep your old carrier assuming they meet the rules regarding the allotted days to be in CLV, you have prepaid for pick-up service, and your trash hauler meets the requirements set forth restricting heavy trash trucks.
Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Subdivision One and CLV Settle Lawsuit
This past Fall Subdivision One and CLV settled their lawsuit regarding Covenants and Restrictions (C&R). Subdivision One still maintains its own C&Rs that are very similar to the C&Rs that the other subdivisions are under.
When asked about any comment he might have regarding the settlement, Bill Andrews, who was instrumental in organizing a committee to settle the problem, said, “I can give you one word, Hurray!”
“It has been a long time coming and we are pleased with the outcome. We thank everyone for working together on this landmark decision that will prove to be a unifying effort for the whole village,” stated Andrews.
Andrews feels one reason the conflict was resolved at this time was “people who lived in section one did the work and that made the difference.” A compromise was also reached with the original pioneers which led to the successful settlement.
“We had a good committee and we worked long hours and we worked right up to the end,” Andrews stated.
“It is hoped that all subdivisions will be under a single unified Covenants and Restrictions at the conclusion of the current revising efforts,” commented board member Jim Hicks. “Of course the entire village will get to review and vote on the rewritten C&Rs once the C&R committee has completed their draft. Hopefully, we will be able to complete this process this summer prior to or at our annual meeting.”
Association members can view the details of the settlement in the gatehouse.
A Message From Property Manager, Mark Kroeger
Straight Talk about the CLV Gates
During various conversations over the years, I have heard opinions about CLV gate operations that run the entire course from “there is no security whatsoever at the gate, so why do even fund it” to “I think they do a great job”. With the idea of creating a more uniform level of expectation the gate officers have been instructed to operate from the following parameters.
· If a visitor (a service provider is also considered a visitor) comes who is not on your guest list, we WILL call your house or cell number 24 hours a day UNLESS we have received a call from you to allow them in.
· Under this circumstance, if we cannot reach you in some manner, the guest WILL NOT be allowed to enter.
· Ask your guest to simply give us their name and where they are going.
· If you are entering the left of the two entry gates with an outdated sticker, you will be asked your name and where you live-every time you enter.
· We have approximately 850 homes in the Village. Many have multiple drivers. Do not be surprised if a guard doesn’t recognize you.
· The gate cannot enforce restraining orders.
· The gate officer is not the best person to assist you with police, fire or medical emergencies. Please call 9-1-1.
This IS a gated community. There may be times when you or your guests may have a short wait at the gate. However, each member can help to alleviate this issue by making the phone calls as mentioned above.
It is not good practice for the gate house to be used as a drop-off point for items to be retrieved by others. Please do not ask to leave items here for that purpose.
If someone you have allowed to enter violates Village rules or damages property within the Village, you may be the responsible party.
We want to make sure that all are aware of the following. Following these procedures will make things easier for everyone.
Lee Powell Elected To Property Association Board
When Lee Powell purchased his home in CLV, the previous homeowner and past board member Norm Gerlach, strongly encouraged him to serve in the community. Lee acted on Norm’s words and ran and was elected to serve on our association’s board.
“I am passionate about helping to make CLV the best community we can make it,” Lee said. “I want the residents who live here and choose to live here want to make it the best.”
Lee moved from Columbus, Ohio to CLV with his wife, Benita in December 2007. Lee works for Kimball as an engineer and his wife is employed with Stens. The couple has been married for 11 years and has a Chihuahua, Mr. Brown.
“We’re real happy here. I’ve got the lake view on one side and the woods behind me,” Lee states. Lee, who is also a Christian Minister, enjoys flying radio controlled helicopters, fishing and golf.
Lee looks forward to more community involvement. “It’s a collective thing. If we make it collective, it’s not a whole lot (of work) for any one person.” Lee said. “You are paying for this, so you might as well get involved in your community!”.
CLV Garden Club Rejuvenates Patriotic Garden
Once again, the Garden Club has been busy improving the appearance of CLV. This time the group worked to enhance the look of the Patriotic Garden just outside the entrance of CLV.
“We wanted to make it more significant,” states Garden Club member Agnes Titzer. The Patriotic Garden tree was planted several years ago and the club wanted to draw more attention to it. The club is also responsible for planting the 9/11 Ginkgo Tree and Garden just across from the entrance to the village.
To emphasize the tree, the group placed edging around the tree and a larger area. Janice Flanagan donated a stone which Shum’s Monuments sandblasted and engraved. The stone says “In Honor Of Those Who Serve Our Country.” The Garden Club plans to place 12 flags around the outside of the garden on Veteran’s Day.
The Garden Club will meet December 15 at Harvest Moon Bed & Breakfast for its annual Christmas Party. On January 19, club member Peggy Brooks will inform the group of the historical uses of herbs. The club will meet at Santa’s Lodge for this meeting.
If interested in learning more or becoming a member of Garden Club, contact Sue Fuhrman at 544-3365. The Garden Club meets the third Monday of each month.
Message From Board Member Rob Collins
Over the years the “wow” factor of the Festival of Lights has decreased.
Don’t get me wrong, there are still some really great displays. Some people spend a lot of time and money. In general though, it’s just not the same.
Fifteen plus years ago there were several massive and elaborate displays, and fewer bare spots in the route. What has changed?
People have passed on, or moved on, no time, no money, higher electric bills. I’m not sure what has changed.
But, there is one thing that has not changed. This IS Christmas Lake Village in Santa Claus, Indiana. People bring their children from many miles away to see the lights and displays.
We should be proud enough of where we live to give them a show like nowhere else in the World ! ! ! !
Board Member
Rob Collins
Shine Neighborhood Lights Bright This Year!
The Festival of Lights will take place December 13 and 14 in CLV. The judging for Best Theme, Best Use of Lights and Children’s Favorite among others will take place December 12.
Please turn your lights ton bright and make this the best year yet!
Santa Claus Optimist Club Needs Your Help
“Bringing Out the Best In Kids” is what they do. Each year the Santa Claus Optimist reaches out to thousands of kids within our community through varied programs. Whether it is tri-star soccer, oratorical contests, or banana splits, the members of Optimist offer a plethora of opportunities for children.
In order to help so many children each year it is necessary for the members to raise funds. With this in mind, all residents of Christmas Lake Village are invited to join the 2009 Avenue of Flags. Santa Claus Optimist Club members place Flags in residents' front yards five (5) times each year; Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day; and leave them up several days or until after the holiday.
The proceeds from residents' participation in this project are used to support The Optimist Club of Santa Claus’ programs for our area's youth. For more information call Bill Cherolis (544-2722) or Lee Ringeman (544-3117) for more information.
Help Keep Your Neighborhood Safe
Have you heard rumors of break-ins? Vandalism? Extreme Speeding? These are not just rumors but actual events going on inside CLV. Residents of CLV can keep serious crime at bay though by forming a Neighborhood Watch in their immediate area.
Town Marshall Joey Brown has spoken several times throughout the past year at various venues about the importance of Neighborhood Watch. “It has to start with the people getting together,” said Brown.
Elmer Dilger, a resident of Prancer Drive, attended a recent meeting and has helped organize a neighborhood group on and around the Prancer Drive area. Dilger explained that his neighborhood is organized and will meet again “to make a list of concerns.”
After a neighborhood organizes the next step is to uncover what concerns residents have and how best to address them. “If we see a problem, we are to report it to our representative, Dan Grindstaff,” Dilger said. Dilger said that problems in one area might be different than problems in another.
Brown and Grindstaff are available to talk to a neighborhood about the benefits of neighborhood watch. Brown said that he is “waiting for people to form up and start meeting together to find out what issues they have in their neighborhood.” After issues have been revealed the neighborhood will have a better idea what type of assistance they might need.
For more information on forming a neighborhood watch in your area please contact Joey Brown or Dan Grindstaff at 937-2340.
Holiday Time Keeps Santa Claus Post Office Busy
Did you know that the Santa Claus, Indiana Post Office is the only one in the world with the Santa Claus name? Because of this thousands of people either drive or mail their Christmas cards to Santa Claus in order to receive the Santa Claus cancellation stamp.
Each year a contest is held among Heritage Hills High School (HHHS) art students to determine the Santa Claus holiday postmark for that year. This year’s winner was Anna Harpenau, a 2008 HHHS graduate and daughter of Mike Harpenau.
“The Santa Claus holiday postmark has become the most popular in the nation over the past two decades,” says Postmaster Marian Balbach. “Postal patrons world-wide request the picture postmark each year and many customers traditionally drive hundreds of miles to personally obtain the famous cancellation on their holiday mail,” says Balbach.
Between November 15 and December 20, Postmaster Balbach expects 500,000 pieces of mail to come through her post office. During the rest of the year, just 13,000 pieces of mail are processed each month. “We do more than that each day during the Christmas season,” she says.
She asks that anyone interested in having the unique cancellation on their holiday mail to please follow these guidelines:
· Allow at least a 2-inch by 4-inch space in the stamp area for the picture postmark;
· Have postage applied to cards or letters before bringing or mailing them to the post office;
· The picture postmark is available on working days between December 1 and 24;
· The picture postmark must be requested by the postal customer;
· There is no charge for postmarking—however there is a limit of 50 picture postmarks (hand cancellations) per person per day.
Festival of Lights Route Receives Makeover
The Festival of Lights route has been shortened this year.
According to Property Manager Kroeger around a mile and a half has been taken out of the route in order to remove some of the darker parts of the village.
Cookies and Drinks will be available once again at the CLV Recreation Center.
The Festival of Lights will take place December 13 & 14 with judging taking place December 12.
Santa Claus Gears Up for The Holiday Season
Christmas in Santa Claus gets better every year!
This year the shopping opportunities have grown as the Santa Claus Community Center has been added as another place to shop for popular crafts and gifts for the holiday season.
Santa’s Lodge and the American Legion as well as the Santa Claus Community Center will be full of crafts and gifts to fill all your family and friends’ stockings.
This year’s Christmas in Santa Claus and Festival of Lights will be held December 13 and 14. On this weekend, the town of Santa Claus will bustle with the sights and sounds of the season.
To get your Saturday rolling, head to the Santa Claus United Methodist Campground for an all you can eat pancake breakfast and find out if you made the naughty or nice list this year with a visit with Santa.
The craft show will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. At Santa’s Lodge there will be opportunities to have pictures made with Santa as well as listening to the sounds of the season.
Visit Buffalo Run for lunch and feast on lean buffalo or elk burgers before heading back at noon for the Santa Claus Parade. The parade features Abraham Lincoln (played by Dean Dorrell) and Santa along with local bands and businesses.
While mom continues her shopping, dad and the kids can head over to Santa Claus United Methodist Church at 2:30 p.m. for a family friendly holiday movie.
Several local businesses hold open houses and special activities on the weekend. Check the schedule for details and times.
To cap off the day take a drive through Christmas Lake Village and end your day with the dazzling light displays of the Festival of Lights. Children and adults will be amazed at some of the spectacular light formations!
We need your e-mail address
Christmas Lake Village is going to step into the world of E-NEWS!
We are going to publish our Newsletters on-line to our mailinglist. If you have not previously sent it to us, please do so now so that we can get the news to you. You can call the gatehouse or you can contact us online with your email if you are an Association member, and have not previously sent.
Don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.
A lot of people look forward to driving through the Festival of Lights.
— Mark Kroeger
CHRISTMAS LAKE VILLAGE • Phone: 812-544-2234 • Fax: 812-544-2038 • Email: clvillage@psci.net
Christmas Lake Properties • PO Box 352 • 193 South L. J. Koch Boulevard • Santa Claus, IN 47579
Lee Powell Elected To Property Association Board
CLV Garden Club Rejuvenates Patriotic Garden
Holiday Time Keeps Santa Claus Post Office Busy
