Pine Lakes Community News“Written by the Residents for the Residents”

November 2019

Lee TerryEditor

Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.

As we approach the Holiday Season, let us remember that it might not be a joyous time for some who may be grieving the loss of a loved one, or perhaps facing health or other issues. A kind word or deed can brighten their day and let them know people care. As a wise woman said, ”We are all family here.”

November Notes

November is a month of thankfulness and we are indeed thankful that all those who have suffered the inconvenience of being without heat during the gas crisis of the past few months were restored to normal before the onset of the recent cold weather.We will be thankful when we see positive results from the many pleas to management to make the violators who have untidy and unkempt homesites remove the debris that is making our surroundings look like a second rate trailer park, rather than just being told ”We’re working on it” In past months 14/30 notices for perceived infractions were issued with lightning speed, so we wonder, why does action re cleanup take so long.We will be thankful when management completes the long promised four sided inspections which so far she has been unwilling or unable to do.

Most of all we would be extremely grateful if management would communicate honestly with ALL residents about ongoing road repairs, the timing and location of planned future gas line replacement and information on who is now responsible for the general maintenance of the park. We were promised transparency and open communication which would go far to quell rumors and restore faith in what management says. We are waiting!! We are thankful for the people among us who give their time to caring for their neighbors, watching over them and helping as needed, thus fostering the true sense of community we hold dear.

We will be grateful when the many piles of dirt, broken asphalt and associated debris will be removed from our roads, streets and common areas as we were promised in September by regional management.

We are grateful to the many veterans among us who were willing to risk their lives to preserve the freedoms we enjoy, and we honor you for your service.In other news, our Community Manager obtained her real estate sales license on September19th and is now licensed to sell homes in Pine Lakes for HTA. We sincerely hope that this was done to support and assist Jennifer in her efforts, as any other reason would be unthinkable.

Look at me:Margaret Brewer and Steve Guest by Betty DellaCorte

Well, this time as I was sitting at Neisje's fantastic "Sock Hop", I looked around and kept watching a woman who was outstanding with a purple shock to her hair, and zest for dancing to that 50's music., most of the time alone or with the rest of the "alone" women dancers.

Margaret and Steve had just moved into Pine lakes about a month before from Huntington Beach, California. Steve had attended USC School of Dentistry, receiving his master's degree in Micro Biology and practiced dentistry for quite a few years until he developed neuropathy in his hands and had to end his career as a dentist, but that did not stop him from pursuing another path, running a dive boat company and a small vending business, as well as diving for golf balls, which turned out to be quite a lucrative business.

Toward the end of the night, this handsome man began doing the slow dances with her. OK, they really caught my interest.

Steve found Pine Lakes online and Margaret found Song of the Pines Chorus in Prescott, so here they are!! Margaret is still with H&R Block and happily sings bass with the Song of the Pines Chorus.

It was in Long Beach where Margaret decided to have some recreation in her life by joining a scuba diving class run by none other than Steve Guest. Margaret started taking scuba lessons in 1994 and she and Steve were married in 2000. After twenty years of practicing law Margaret joined Steve in owning and operating Scuba Express, taking divers to Catalina Island and other dive spots. After selling their boat three years later both Margaret and Steve became dive volunteers at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Margaret managed the volunteer program for seven years while Steve taught scuba and dove for golf balls.

Margaret taught at CSULB , formerly Long Beach State, as well as becoming a tax preparer with H&R Block. When Steve decided that it was time to make a move somewhere one of Margaret’s criteria was that there be a Sweet Adeline’s Chorus within a reasonable distance.

On the other side of the country was Margaret Brewer, daughter of an Air Force General, who, growing up a military child, traveled all over the world as where he went so went his family. As Margaret grew she studied at the Grimaldi College in Iowa, then studied Political science at the University of Maryland program at Ramstein AFB in Germany. She obtained her law degree at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC. After graduation, Margaret went on to become a Law Clerk at the US Dept of Justice in the Organized Crime and Racketeering Section of the Criminal Division. Margaret also became a local prosecutor in Michigan, Maryland, and Denver. She had a private practice in Denver, as well as Long Beach California where she also worked for the Office of the Inspector General.

Every other month when I have to decide who I would like to interview for my "Look at me" column, I usually try to find someone or a couple that no one seems to know that much about.

Driving Tips: One of the condi�ons o�en encountered here is "black ice" which is very difficult to see, and can be extremely dangerous. The road may look a dull black and darker than the rest of the road surface although the ice is in fact clear and slippery.

Car Maintenance: Make sure your car is prepared for winter condi�ons. Check �res and windshield wiper blades for wear and replace if necessary. Remember to top off an�freeze. Check brakes for wear, also cables and belts.

Travel Plans: Tell somebody your des�na�on and route, and projected arrival �me. Keep your vehicles gas tank at least three quarters full. Fully check and winterize your vehicle before travelling or before winter hits.

Do NOT keep your vehicle running with the windows rolled up as this may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Run the engine sporadically, keeping a window cracked, and making sure that snow or dirt is first cleared from around your exhaust pipe. Vehicle Winter Storm Survival Kit: These items will help ensure your safety if you are caught in adverse weather condi�ons or delays: Mobile phone and charger. Full tank of gas. Blankets/sleeping bags. Flashlight and extra ba�eries. First aid kit. Knife. Non perishable food. Extra clothing. Sack of sand or cat li�er for trac�on if stuck. Windshield scraper or brush. Ample water. Shovel. Tire chains, snow cables or snow �res. Tow rope. Ba�ery booster cables, Paper towels. By u�lizing these commonsense �ps you can do much to make your winter driving enjoyable and safe. Further safety informa�on may be found through the AAA website or online at various sources. If travel is in your plans over the Christmas holidays now is the �me to make sure your car is prepared for winter driving. The temperatures are dropping, reminding us that now is the �me to think of winter maintenance for our vehicles and make plans for some of the problems we may face during the winter season.

Emergency Stops: If possible, do not stop in or near traffic lanes. Try and move your vehicle to a safe area. Do not stay in or close to a disabled vehicle unless weather condi�ons require you to do so. If you must remain in your vehicle, leave the interior dome light on and �e something brightly colored to your antenna or windows.

Winter Driving Tips Some of our residents from other states may not be familiar with the winter condi�ons we can encounter here, so a few �ps on winter driving may help avoid an accident.

The main things to do are:

④When driving on slippery roads drive for the condi�ons. Use slower speeds, and use your headlights on low beam.

①Drive at a slower speed and leave ample stopping room between cars, at least three �mes more than usual. ②Never use cruise control in bad weather. ③Avoid braking on ice. If you skid, don't panic and slam on the brakes. Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direc�on you want the front of the car to go. Brake very lightly. Remember that 4 wheel vehicles do not stop or steer be�er on ice.

Black ice is o�en found on bridges and overpasses and in highly shaded areas. The same common sense techniques used in storm condi�ons apply to coping with this hazard also.

Check weather reports to avoid storms if possible. Snowplow Safety: Never pass a snowplow, slow down and be pa�ent. Stay at least four car lengths behind a snow plough as snow, salt and sand can be thrown and damage your vehicle, as well as impeding visibility. If you are facing an oncoming snow plow, slow down and give the plow extra room.

Greetings, Fellow Pine Lakes Residents

First, I and the PLAMHO Board (Larry Ellis, Steve Tekesky and Howard

Boice) would like to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season.

Thanksgiving is a special holiday, as we get together with friends and

family and share each other's company and good food. I hope this

Thanksgiving we will all find good things to be thankful for and for things we

can work on together to have a future in Pine Lakes we are thankful for.

Even though we could not put on our Chili Cook Off and Cornhole

tournament, the RA had a very successful International PotLuck event,

although I still can’t speak another language.

The very successful CPR class that PLAMHO sponsored inspired us to

want to provide more Health, Safety and Wellbeing events for next year.

We need YOU to help us achieve that goal. We are looking for people who

want to help put on Health and Safety events to join the board. We are

also looking for people who can’t join the board to give the board some

direction as to what health and safety issues you would like PLAMHO to

put on . PLEASE consider participating in PLAMHO’s efforts to make Pine

Lakes the Healthiest and Safest park in all of Arizona. Contact either

myself (contact info below) or any board member to let them know if you

would like to be on the board or to provide any suggestions you might have

for us to pursue.

Again, I wish everyone good health and happiness for the future.

Michael Bleifer, President of PLAMHO

Email: michaelbleifer@sbcglobal.net

Phone: 805-404-4265 please leave a message if I don’t answer.

PLAMHO

Pine Lakes Residents United

Hometown America Complaint Site

The phone number is 1-888-609-1051. If you post be sure and reference

Hometown America has a specific WEB site for complaints. It is:

https://www.complaintsboard.com/hometown-america-corporation-b129388

Pine Lakes, Prescott.

If Connor is no longer employed by HTA who will be doing the general maintenance of the park?

PLRU report

At a recent PLRU Community meeting residents voiced their opinions and concerns about various issues.

When are the unsightly piles of dirt and debris going to be removed?

Among them were the difficulty of getting action from management on frequently reported problems with untidy homesites, and the lack of communication from management about community projects.

Are further repairs going to be done to the streets before winter?

We have asked management to give ALL residents clear and current information about the following issues:

Is the next phase of gas line replacement going to begin immediately or be delayed until the spring??

When will management clean the off road drainage channels as required by the Rules and Regulations?? (11B)

Timely and honest answers to these questions will help restore credibility to management statements and quell the many rumors which arise when information is withheld.

Anyone who did not receive a survey and wishes to complete one may do so by emailing us at plrunited1@gmail.com

Since HTA does not do an annual customer service survey of its clients who are we, the residents, we prepared one which we plan to share with management when completed to help them understand our concerns.

When will the promised 4 sided inspections be done??

Letters to the Editor

Like any family, there are those in our park that have not been affected and disagree with the majority of the family.

A Plea to Hometown America

I implore Hometown America Corporation to evaluate and reconsider their actions this past year. I urge you to take remedial action. Restore our community to “The best place to live and retire to in America.”.

Dragon Lady

Dear Editor

We, the residents of Pine Lakes, Prescott, Arizona, are family. When you in management, hurt, condemn, treat unfairly, speak rudely to, belittle us, expect us to believe untruths or unverified information, make rules that are not in our contracts and more, you offend all of us.

These happenings may not have occurred to us individually, however, we are family, therefore you have offended every one of us that are renting the land that our homes sit on. The rent that we are paying pays employee wages and is making the corporation a remarkable return on their money invested.

The opinions printed here are strictly those of the writer.

Our Facebook page is steadily becoming more popular and now has over 175 friends. The FACEBOOK page is designed as a companion page to our website which has a link on the homepage to the Facebook page. You can also access the website from the Facebook page.

This page is designed to promote activities in the community and also display pictures of

recent events. In addition there will be items of interest about Prescott and Pine Lakes.

This page is not affiliated with Hometown America or its management. It is a page for the residents of the community by the residents.

Friend us today at: Pine Lakes and get the latest information on what’s going on in our community.

A Question of FairnessDear EditorAs a new resident I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity afforded by the twice monthly morning coffees to meet both new and longtime residents and make new friends.

Social events are one of the amenities advertised by Hometown America in their sales literature designed to attract new residents.

Name withheld by request

Why then would you make it more difficult for this event to continue, and why should an individual who is willing to host such an event of benefit to the community have to pay to do so?? It doesn’t seem fair!!

I was very disappointed to hear that management plans to charge a deposit for this event and wonder why an obviously popular community event should have to pay to use the clubhouse which is supposedly there for the enjoyment of residents.

If you wish to receive this newsletter please send your email address to us at: pinelakes37@gmail.com.

What should we do?

Please email your comments to us at: pinelakes37@gmail.com

Each month this park will generate gross revenues of $280,665 or annualized $3,367,980.

Yet the services HTA provides for the residents of the park drastically decreased and the haveappearance of the park has greatly deteriorated.

stAs of January 1 2020, our individual rent will have gone up a total of $648 dollars during the two year period since 2018. At the end of 2020 Hometown America will have boosted their revenue from Pine Lakes by over $204,120.

Something to Ponder

Mae West

“You only live

once, but if you

do it rig

ht, once

is enough.”

$10.00: Errands, shopping, walks, medication reminders, companion, driving to appointments, reading, and or respite for caregivers. walking and or feeding animals, yard maintenance.

And if you want to keep learning about yourself, THERE ARE NO FEES for:Private Education Classes sponsored by Stepping Stones Agency, gaining insight into any issues pertaining to effective ways to address unhealthy or painful experiences from the past or the present that may have had an impact on our everyday lives and relationships.

We are also considering adding on to this proposal a meal preparation service that many neighbors would like to become involved in. That is in the planning stages at this time as to minimum rates for different menus, if any.

Holistic Health Information covering nutrition, energy, and hydration, offered by Dr. Dennis Lobstein, a park resident.

I personally have experienced suddenly becoming ill, or a time when I have fallen and had to call my neighbor to help me. I have always been independent, and felt helpless and humiliated to have to ask for help.Whether we live alone, far from family, you or your spouse may become sick. You may need assistance or a break from being the caretaker for a few hours. We want you to know that you are not alone, and we want to be here to help.

Hopefully, the resident in need will be able to afford to pay for these services if necessary. Depending on the skills that our neighbors will bring determines what they can expect on as hourly rates. Some caring neighbors won’t expect any money. This is very generous. But if you are feeling as I did with that helpless feeling, you couldn’t pay them enough just to be there.These are just suggestions, and the final determination would be between you and your neighbor at that time. These rates are determined by whether it is necessary to have a skilled professional. Again these rates are between you and your neighbor. (I would love your feedback). Suggested Hourly rate

HELPING HANDS OF PINE LAKES

This movement within our community will be of assistance to all of us who become “helpless” at one time or another.

To start, we are asking to enlist neighbors, male or female, or couples. Who can be available at the home of another park resident who requires assistance, day or night?

$25.00: Sudden illness, falling with the inability to get up, ongoing health problems, specialized care, blood pressure monitoring, licensed Nurses, or other care professionals, available for emergencies night or day.

I would like to introduce you to a new concept that we are considering to develop within our Community.

What I have here is just an outline of what I am considering, and have enlisted the help of some talented residents from Pine Lakes to help get it off the ground.

$15.00: Homemaking skills, housekeeping, preparing lite meals, handyman work around the home, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and or computer skills.

Studies show that Seniors who age in their own homes are happier and live longer.

With this new concept our neighbors in Pine Lakes who just need a “helping hand” might not have to relocate when we get to a point in life when there is a greater need for care. A time in our lives where just a helping hand is all we may need.

We would love your feedback in offering your different skills and services that would aid our neighbors.Please Email me informing me of your time and skills available, day or night, Your name, phone number, times available, and skills, will be made public to our Pine Lakes Residents ONLY. They will contact you directly when they are in need.

bettydellacorte@gmail.com

Residents who utilize these services will be asked to waive liability for negligence on the part of the service provider.

Many, many thanks for any consideration you may give to his much-needed service in our Park.

Do you want to know what the weather is in Pine

Lakes rather then Prescott? There is a difference. We have our own weather

station in the community. You can get the free app on

your smartphone by going to Bloomsky and looking

for pinelakesprescott then download it to your

smartphone. By doing this you can see what the

weather is in our community no matter where you

may travel in the world. Many residents have given

the information to family members so they always

know what is going on in Pine Lakes.

Pine Lakes Weather Watch

Holiday Events which need our Support

Each year generous Pine Lakes residents step up to support various charitable causes. This year, as in the past Toys for Tots, and our Veterans and Troops are on the list as is the Salvation Army.

Salvation Army Food Drive: Pine Lakes has partnered with the Salvation Army to collect non-perishable dry and canned foods for their kitchen and pantry and unopened travel sized toiletries. There are 2 boxes placed in the clubhouse clearly marked Salvation Army for your donations. If you have any questions, please call the office at 928-445-8950

Veterans and Troops: Pine Lakes residents generously donated calendars (large and small) to our local Veterans Hospital and our troops last year. Pens, pencils, greeting cards, note pads, and unopened travel size personal care items are all greatly appreciated by both active duty troops and our veterans, There is a box located in the clubhouse for your donations. If you have any questions, please call Gail Armstrong at 928-710-5165.

Toys for Tots: The annual Marine Toys for Tots drive has begun. There are Toy Boxes in the clubhouse for your donations. The Marines will be collecting our donated toys until December 18 when they will start distributing them to needy local children. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy for ANY age as often as you can. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Barbara Frushon at 928-759-2960.

Support our Sponsors!

If you wish to receive this newsletter please send your email address to us at:

pinelakes37@gmail.com.

Monthly Maintenance Available

Free Firewise assessments

or quotes by the job $10.00 hourly

Planting, gardening

Debra Socolick

and yard work -- done by residents for residents.

LadybugsYardService

619-405-8316 Firewise Communities Assessor

Mary Fratt

If you have Kudos or Comments for Hometown America

here are corporate addresses:

Dani Crawford, Regional Manager, Northwest Regional Office 6000 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights, CA., 95621

Mr. Stephen Braun

Co-President, Hometown America

Hometown America Corporate Office

150 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2800

Chicago, Ill 60606

Phone: 951-257-0769 Fax: 312-205-1212

312-604-7500Corp. office phone:

Pine Lakes Resident Directory

The Resident Directory will be printed annually. Please check those items below that you want printed in the directory.

You do not have to par�cipate in the directory if you don ’t want to, its voluntary.

_____________________________ _____________________________ Name: Yes No Name: Yes No

_____________________________ _____________________________ Address: Yes No Home Phone: Yes No

_____________________________ _____________________________ Cell Phone: Yes No Cell Phone: Yes No

_____________________________ _____________________________ Email Address: Yes No Email Address: Yes No

Email your informa�on to jlskrock@sbcglobal.net or text to 708-856-4273. Or you can drop this form off to Darleen McGuire at #1 Lakeside.

Deadline for your informa�on is December 1, 2019, so we can begin prin�ng the directory.

Dogs and Javelina Don’t Mix

A roving group of javelina have returned to our community so be prepared if you meet them while walking your dog. Always walk your dog on a leash and never at night Javelina regard dogs as enemies because of their similarity to coyotes. Your dogs will mostly spot them before you do and will start barking as a protective mechanism. Javelina have very poor eyesight so cannot easily distinguish the difference, however they do have a very keen sense of smell and hearing. They are not usually aggressive towards humans but if confronted by dogs when they have a litter of “reds” as young javelina are known they may become protective.Usually they can be encouraged to move on by shouting or waving your arms, or by a “javelina rattle” which is a small can of stones to be used as a noisemaker. Prudence suggests that your go in an opposite direction if you encounter javelina while walking your dog, and perhaps picking up a small dog for safety. If charged take refuge on the nearest protected area even if it is your neighbor's porch.Under NO circumstance should you feed javelina, and should take steps to ensure that anything edible such as bird seed, fruit, garbage etc. is not where they can reach it. More information may be found on our community WEB site: under animals and FAQ's on the www.pinelakesprescott.comhome page.

Winter Tip of the Month -- How to walk on ice

Fall the right way. If you start to fall, try to stay relaxed. Stiffening up makes you more prone to injury. Don’t extend an arm to break a hard fall, you’ll break a wrist. Instead land on your side and “roll like a football player.” If you are falling backward, try to “tuck your chin to your chest” to avoid slamming your head on the ground.

Get the right footwear. Winter walking is hazardous no matter what your age so plan for the challenge by wearing shoes or boots with slip resistant soles. Also consider buying traction cleats, such as Yaktrax that slip over your shoes.Adjust your gait. Even before you encounter an ice patch, expect one. Slow your pace, take smaller steps, bend forward slightly and walk as flat-footed as possible Scan the path ahead for hazards, including black ice and don’t carry anything in your arms that will block your view.

Source: The New York Times

WeekendHikersWelcome!!

We are starting a new Saturday morning hiking group in Pine Lakes.

Come meet new friends, and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.If you are interested email us at: pinelakes37@gmail.comwith your name and contact information to be put on the notification list.

We meet at 8 a.m. and go 4-5 miles on the forest trails surrounding us.

Tennis Anyone?

What a view!