Normans News - Spring Issue 2013

8/23/2019 Normans News - Spring Issue 2013

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Normans News SPRING 2013 Edition PAGE 1

Normans News

Social Activities To End?

As families of original organizers of

social activities in the neighborhood grew

up, and the Women’s Club disbanded, the

HOA focused on getting younger families

involved in taking over activities. They’ve

had only a little success. Last year only a

fraction of the adults and children attended

the activities that were offered, so one can’t

help but wonder if it is really worth the ex-

pense and effort involved to continue offer-

ing social events in Norman Downes? Per-

haps, with the availability and close

proximity of the surrounding parks and

Duluth Towne Green we may no longer

need or want to sponsor special activi-

ties just for Norman Downes residents.

HOA board members can not take on

the job of directing social activities in addi-

tion to the important jobs they are already

doing for the community. It has been sug-gested that a young women’s club form to

continue at least the children’s activities.

Sadly, no one seems to want the responsi-

bility of organizing this group.

This year the board members have

voted to sponsor three social events. They

chose the events most attended (cont. on p.5)

“FOR AND BY OUR RESIDENTS OF NORMAN DOWNES” Individual Garage Sale Permits for April 27th

Now Required by the City of Duluth (see page 5 )

ND Activities 5 The President’s Corner 4-8-9

“ Sam’s Story” 2-3-4 Announcements 6-7-9

New Guideline for Y.O.M. 7

The President’s Corner

Project Updates:

Street Signs and Front Signs — We

are preparing to repair and rejuve-

nate the remaining street signs,

posts, and front entrance sign

plaques. They will remain the same

basic shape and design but will be

made to look new again. We hope

to get this done with the coming

summer months.

T ennis Driveway Gate and Boundary

Fence —To keep the tennis and lake

access areas exclusive to Norman

Downes residents (continued on p. 4)



Normans News SPRING 2013 PAGE 2

“Sam’s Story” Sometimes, we take for granted what we have....

One day last winter, during one of my visits to V-Nails in Suwanee, I asked

the proprietor, whose name is Sam, how he came to live in this particular part of the country. With broken English, gestures and pictures, Sam shared his

courageous story of how and why he entered the United States, and how he

came to reside in Georgia.

Actually hearing Sam’s story firsthand, instead of reading an article or

watching a news program about the trials of people coming to our country, made

it very real and personal. It renewed me with a sense of gratefulness for having

the good fortune of being born in this wonderful country. I asked Sam if he wouldallow me to share his story with all of you in hopes that you might want to support

his business with your patronage at some time in the future. Sam is a very

honorable man, an asset to his community and a very deserving individual.

Some members of his family sacrificed their lives for the sake of their freedom.

When North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam, life became pure hell for

those who could not get out of their path. The South Vietnamese, who until then

had been protected and helped by the Americans and others, were overnight

forced out of schools, jobs, and homes. Food became scarce and life very brutal.The only sure way to survive was by paying off the North Vietnamese police. And

even that was no guarantee! Those who paid off the police to board boats out of

the country were often stopped once out to sea, by yet more police in gun boats.

Those with the ‘wrong paperwork’ and no more money were beaten and sent

back to shore and jailed. Those who protested were shot on the spot and tossed

overboard. Sam related that the larger the payment, the bigger the boat you were

allowed passage on. Many boats sunk from the sheer weight of the overcrowded

passengers and others perished from huge waves that would overcome the boatsin huge storms at sea.

Sam’s family managed to scrape together enough money to get one of

Sam’s older brothers out of the country by boat. Sam showed me how his brother

had to stay crouched down in one spot due to the number of bodies around him.

He survived on only a few sips of water and almost no food until the boat was(continued next page)




rescued almost seven days later! Many on board with him became sick and died.

He saw one entire family that he had knew and grew up with, washed overboard by

a massive wave in a terrible storm.

As for the rest of Sam’s family, the police eventually invaded and took over the fam-

ily home. Both of Sam’s parents protested. His father was shot immediately and

both his mother and a younger sibling later died from the beatings they receivedduring the encounter. The young daughter was beaten for simply trying to shield

the mother screaming over her husband’s death. The family was loaded into a

truck with other South Vietnamese families and only the clothes on their backs.

They were driven far into the countryside and dropped off with no food or water to

survive as best they could.

Sam’s brother had been helped to enter the United States by the CCA, a Christian

Coalition of organizations who aided refugees at that time. Sam is very proud of his

brother who is now a US citizen and a practicing, licensed accountant. Once

established, his brother sent money to Hong Chong to be smuggled into the country

to negotiate with police for Sam to leave. Three different times Sam left by boat

and was forced back by the gun boat police, even though he had a valid exit visa,

which they claimed was forged. Three times he was beaten and jailed for several

months before release. Sam’s brother appealed through the CCA to the United

Nations in Hong Kong to intervene and negotiate on Sam’s behalf. He sent money

again. The United Nations was successful this time in getting Sam released and he

was moved to China and then Korea. After interviewing many refugees, a Christian

Relief organization agreed to sponsor and pay Sam’s airfare to New York. In New

York he was given the choice of being educated or given a job. Sam, then 19,

wanted to work. He was sent to Atlanta, where he worked in a chicken factory, pull-

ing wings from chickens. Sam was also given temporary housing with three other

refugees, and a small stipend to buy clothing. When he arrived , it was snowing. A

bus delivered the refugees to and from work each day.

Sam worked

and saved to

buy a used car

and his own

place to live.

He is extremely

proud of the fact(continued on p.4)



(continued from p.3 — Sam’s Story) that through hard

work and saving money, he repaid his

sponsors in record time. He was told that

the money he paid back would help sponsor

others going forward and that “he was a very

good man.”

His brother enrolled Sam in a training and

certification program for body massage and

nail art. Then Sam worked in a salon in

Marietta. Sam continued to “pay it forward”

by sponsoring five others to enter the United

States through proper immigration, including

his wife, who now works with him in their

very own salon. The couple has a youngson and Sam is proud of all that he has

accomplished.

Sam’s salon gives very personalized

attention to his clients, ― working with them

from start to finish without interruption. He

strives to give the best service he can and

considers it is “a matter of honor” to do so.

If you would enjoy a relaxing manicure, pedi-

cure or massage, please consider Sam’s

nail salon, “V-Nails” in Suwanee on Peach-

tree Industrial Blvd., just north of Sugarloaf.

It is in the second shopping park on the right

just past the Fresh Market Grocery. By

patronizing this salon, you will be supporting

a good business and a very deserving fam-ily.

So, remember Sam’s story! Let’s all

appreciate and relish the freedoms and

opportunities that we enjoy

and make the most of them!

-by Cheryl Smith


(continued from p.1—President’s Corner) we are

planning a key pad type driveway

gate at the top of the driveway.

The code will be periodically

changed, with plenty of notice to

everyone. The Duluth Police and

Fire departments will have the

codes updated with their dispatch-

ers. Maybe it will be a slight incon-

venience, but restricting outside

vehicles will make the area much

more secure – and in the long run – more desirable for our residents.

The proposed boundary fence will

help to define our property line and

will allow us to use ‘posted’ signs.

The Duluth Police department can

then more regularly and ‘officially’patrol that area.

Lake Rules and Boat Registration —

We will be posting lake safety rules

in the access area and publish

those rules on the Norman Downes

web site www.normandownes.net

soon. They will refer to the re-

quirement for life preservers and

life jackets for those 18 and under.

The boat area is littered with old,

abandoned boats, along (cont. page 8)

http://www.normandownes.net/

http://www.normandownes.net/




(continued from p.1— social activities to end?)

— the Spring Garage Sale, to be held

on Apr.27th, the Summer BBQ at the

pool on July 4th, and the Children’s

Halloween Party at the tennis courts on

Oct. 26th. Interested community mem-

bers are needed to help with these

events to make them successful, espe-

cially the last one. Some traditional ND

events that are not on the HOA’s list

are….

Pizza parties at the pool,

Children’s bike parade on July 4th,

An adult party in the fall,

A neighborhood adult Christmas party.

Unless parents and/or other members of

the community decide to help organize,

these socials/events will not happen. If

you feel you would like to get involved,

please contact a board member, sign up

on the Norman Downes website, drop anote in one of the suggestion/ballot

boxes or email [email protected].

And thanks to all those who have given

their time and supported these events in

the past!

F.Y. I. !!!

The City of Duluth requires each home

obtain their own complimentary permit at

least five days prior to the sale. Permits

are available at Duluth City Hall. Police

officers can check to see if a permit is

displayed at the time of the sale. Fines

can run up to $1000 according to the

City Code. Helium filled balloons are no

longer allowed due to environmental

concerns. Regular air filled balloons are

fine; one sign per yard may be posted.

Save the date! The Duluth Fine Arts

League will be presenting a special

ART WALK in Downtown Duluth Friday,

April 9th from 6-8 PM featuring artists,

live music, and door prizes in the shops.

Several new shops are opening and we

have a brand new art gallery! Come and

enjoy what our town has to offer!

Attention Carpenters & Handy Persons!

We need help with a few projects around

the neighborhood. One of them is to help

build a couple of nice canoe/

boat storage racks for the

lake. If you can help, please

contact Rob Welsh, [email protected]



Dear Neighbors,

Keeping our neighborhood strong is essential these days. Having strong localschools impacts the strength of our community.

Mason Elementary would appreciate your help in a few ways and it won’t cost youa penny. Here are a few ways that you can help:

1. When you shop at Publix, have them scan a Mason card. The card is free andyour name and identity are not associated with it. The card simply shows Publixhow many Mason supporters shop there. Publix then gives the school a checkbased upon total receipts. If you would like a Mason Publix card, email me atJeanne _ [email protected] and I will drop one in your mailbox.

2. Clip the Box tops for Education coupons from participating products. When you

have collected some, please pass the baggie to a Mason student, teacher or my-self. Mason collects $.10 per logo turned in. This money is used to buy PE and artequipment and supplies.

3. If you buy Coca-Cola products, save the alphanumeric codes from 12 packboxes or the screw caps from most products. Pass these along as well. Thesenumbers are entered online to benefit PTA programs.

4. If you have children’s books in good condition that you no longer want, pleasedonate them. Teachers use them in the classrooms or give them to students thatdo not have books at home.

Thank you for any help that you can offer!

Jeanne Kosmala— 2636 Chancellor Way


It’s Easy to Help our Local Schools!

Diane Womble

invites you to view the founda-

tion work and rebuilding of her

back patio and front porch.

at 3303 Leeds Way

Drop by anytime.

Contribute to the

summer issue of

Normans News!

Www.normansnews.com

Ads are $20 per issue.

mailto:[email protected]






Norman Downes Yard of the Month

2013

There will be 5 yard of the month signs awarded on the 1st of

each month starting April 1st-Sept 1st.

New Guidelines:

* Neighbors will nominate neighbors; your front yard or backyard will be

eligible separately. Email your nominations by the 25th of each month to:

[email protected] or [email protected]

* Winners will be selected from the pool of nominations by U.G.A. Master

Gardeners.

* All signs will be placed in the winner’s front yard. Thank you,

Yard of the Month Committee - Helen Jones, Sherry McCann

Thanks Sherry & Helen for taking on Yard of the Month!


Susan Welsh has been doing a fantastic job with the flowers at thepool for several years, but is now ready to pass the job on.

Please contact Rob Welch [email protected], pool

chairman if you can help and thank you Susan for your

service to the community!

Our sympathies to Valarie Moe and her family on the passing of her Mother and Uncle recently. Valarie,

you are in our thoughts and our prayers!



(cont. from pg. 4 --Presidents Corner) with infrequently used residents’ boats. We will

be requiring a boat registration and sticker, showing that the boat is the prop-

erty of a Norman Downes resident. All other boats will be removed. Applica-

tions for stickers will be available on the Norman Downes website.

Access cleanup and mosquito control — The access area has been cleared ofpoison ivy, poison oak and other toxic plants, over the past few years. Our

contracted engineering company and the City of Duluth have advised us that

this area is part of our water runoff system, and should be maintained.

A major issue is mosquito control due to the standing water in the area. Resi-

dents along the adjoining streets have voiced many complaints. Also, dead

and dangerous trees have recently been cut. The current unsightly pile of logsis intended to be made into a retaining wall on the opposite side from the

creek to prevent water inflow. Then we can explore a bio-friendly way of

controlling the mosquitoes. The first step is to organize the movement of the

logs (left intentionally long so that passers-by can’t roll them into the creek)

and make sure the existing mulch path is intact. The access area will remain

natural, with no vehicle traffic. Boat racks, benches, tables and other non-

permanent structures will be placed within the appropriate setback in the near future.

Downes-ness — The price we pay for our privileges and freedoms is participa-

tion in one form or another. Keeping our neighborhood looking and working

like it does is no easy task!

Of course we owe many thanks to all who take (and those who have in the

past!) the time and have the initiative to be hands-on. However many of us

can’t be physically active because of health, work, travel, and other commit-

ments - but everyone can help by maintaining basic community awareness.

Those who have the time and opportunity to dig in and help with one

neighborhood project or another – will of course have (continued top of next page)




(continued) have the satisfaction of helping all of us and as well as contributing

to Norman Downes’ good quality of life. But even if you can’t physically be

involved for some reason, you should feel no less a part of Norman Downes!

Whether you rent or own within our boundaries, be proud to claim our

neighborhood as your

residence! Let’s

treat Norman Downes

like … we live here!


Block Captains: When someone new moves into your area, please let us know. It is the only way we can wel-

come new neighbors, deliver a basket, and keep our direc-

tory current.

Ladies Nite Out!

Ladies, our Bunco Group is growing! Won’t you come and play with us?

Come one time or every time!

Don’t know how to play? We will teach you this very simple game of dice.

It’s only $10 to play which includes dinner and beverage

and who knows, you may go home a lucky winner!

We meet the 3rd Thursday of the month, 7-9 PM.

Ages 18 and up are welcome.

Call Carol Vidyasagar to get on the invitation list.

ATTENTION PARENTS

OF GRADUATING HIGH

SCHOOL AND COLLEGE SENIORS:Nan Wilcox and Nancy Hill are coordinat-

ing our congratulatory banner this year.

Please contact Nan or Nancy to include

your graduates’ name!

[email protected] - cell 770-823-1766 or

nancymchill @msn.com—cell 770-313-9635

Residents: Please start submitting

your articles, pictures and comments

now for the summer issue of Normans

News. The deadline is June 1st. Useany suggestion box, drop articles by my

house, or email me! My porch door is

always open. -Cheryl Smith

If you are not receiving this newsletter

via email, please send me your email

address. My data is board confidential.

Help save a tree!

[email protected]

Documents

Normans News - Spring Issue 2013