Creekstone TouchStone May-June 2023

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THE

OFFICIAL

NEWSLETTER

OF

THE

CREEKSTONE

ESTATES

HOMEOWNERS'

ASSOCIATION

|

MAY-JUNE

2023

Inside This Issue 3 4 7

HOA Support Matrix Trash Information Pool Information

8 Bulletin Board 10 Past Events 12 Tennis News

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After

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Call or text for additional information!

770-904-0094 EntryPointAtlanta.com Showroom located at: 5018 Bristol Industrial Way, Ste 209 Buford, GA 30518 FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SERVING METRO ATLANTA FOR OVER 20 YRS

Creekstone HOA Support Matrix Issue or Need

Website

Kristi

Yana

Cortney

Jennifer

Access Cards Clubhouse Reservations Clubhouse Reservation Support Emergency After Hours Support : 770-667-0595 (Dial 3-3-3 to leave a page and your call will be answered within 15 minutes.) To be used for issues such as an alarm sounding, access issues, or Clubhouse Rental issues.

General Neighborhood Info HOA Board Communications

BOARD MEMBERS

HOA Fee Billing Questions

R us s A nthony

Neighborhood Questions

L ora B randonisio Clay C o llins Ken Ellis L inda H at f ie ld A lex H ennigar K halil M ohamme d R ob S chlimme D on Voy le s

CONTACTS DANIE VAN DEN HEEVER U S P TA , D ire c to r o f Te nni s creekstonedanie@bellsouth.net STATON HELTON H e ad Te nni s Pro JENNIFER GOODIN H OA A dmini s trato r, S o c i al Eve nt s C o o rdinato r creekstonehelp@gmail.com 678-480-4121 KRISTI DENOYA A s s o c i atio n M anag e r k ri s ti . d e noya@hm s - in c . n e t 770-609-1630 YANA MAZUR H M S A s s o c i atio n A dmini s trato r yana.mazur@hms-inc.net 7 7 0 - 6 0 9 -1 6 3 8

TENNIS BATHROOM CODE 2260

Real Estate Closing Support Report a Broken Streetlight Report a Covenants Violation Report an Amenities Security Issue Social Event Registrations Social Event Sponsorship Questions Swim Program Information Social Event Questions Tennis Program Information Touchstone Newsletter Archive Touchstone Newsletter Editor Website Registration Issues Contact Person

Email / Website

Phone

Kristi DeNoya–HMS

kristi.denoya@hms-inc.net

770-609-1630

Yana Mazur–HMS

yana.mazur@hms-inc.net

770-609-1638

Cortney Utech–HMS

cortney.utech@hms-inc.net

770-609-1611

Jennifer Goodin–Creekstone HOA

creekstonehelp@gmail.com

678-480-4121

Website

www.creekstoneonline.com

Monthly Board Meeting The Board has moved the monthly Board meeting to the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

All residents are welcome to observe the beginning of the meeting from 6:30-7pm before the Board enters into Executive Session where homeowner matters may be discussed. Only Board members are authorized to attend the Executive Session.

If you wish to address an issue with the Board, we ask that you notify creekstonehelp@gmail.com one week prior to be added to the agenda. *Dates may be subject to change

CONTACT US TODAY • 770-623-6220 • info@frontporchatlanta.com Touchstone is a publication of Our Front Porch. Subject matter published is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher of this newsletter.

Professional advice should be obtained before making any decision in which a professional is readily available. Advertisers assume responsibility for the content of the ads placed in this publication. Material published may not be reproduced without the written permission of Our Front Porch.

The contents of this newsletter are provided for the members of the Creekstone Estates neighborhood as a courtesy only. No representations are made as to information presented, the quality of the goods or services advertised, or the veracity of the statements relating to the goods and services. The printing of opinions, information or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the neighborhood of such opinions, information, goods or services.

Creekstone Estates // www.CreekstoneOnline.com

3

HAVE YOU JOINED THE COMMUNITY FACEBOOK PAGE? Search CREEKSTONE ESTATES HOA to send your request to join the private group!

Creekstone Estates Community Facebook Page- we would like to post a reminder that the purpose of this group is to share HOA related content such as community news, reminders, and social events. Our page is private to only Creekstone residents. Residents may share posts related to HOA topics as well including lost pets and community outreach.

Trash Please visit the QR code to review the full details of our trash and recycling services.

Trash service is every Monday. Please have your cans curbside on Sunday evening.

There will be NO ITEMS picked up outside of the trash cans. This includes broken down boxes and yard waste. Due to their automated trucks, drivers will not get out of the truck for any reason.

If you need an additional trash or recycling can, you can contact Red Oak directly as there is a small fee.

Please be aware that cameras have now been installed at the Tennis courts and Clubhouse dumpster enclosure. We continue to see items being dumped inside and outside of the cans. This has made it very difficult for those who have rented the Clubhouse to dispose of their trash. The Board has had to hire 3rd party services to clean out the enclosure several times this past year at the cost of our community. Now that the cameras have been installed, they will be highly monitored. Any resident who is caught dumping anything into the enclosure or cans will be fined $1,000 on your association account.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to creekstonehelp@gmail.com

W ELCOME

Ne w Ne ighbors The Agrawal Family 3130 Wills Mill Road

4

Touchstone // May – June 2023

We ask that you do not share posts regarding fundraisers, suspicious activity, vendor referrals or traffic related issues on this page. Instead, we ask that you please post these topics on the nextdoor app. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to creekstonehelp@gmail.com

New Creekstone Classifieds Facebook page We have created a new page where our residents can buy and sell items without having to go through facebook marketplace.

Please be aware that this page is for RESIDENTS ONLY. This page is specifically for items for sale and ISO items.

COMMUNIT Y WEBSITE Please take the time to log in to our community website, www.creekstoneonline.com to make sure your contact information is up to date. We won’t clog your inbox with multiple email blasts a week, but we do like to keep you informed on important information!

Email is the preferred distribution method for key HOA issues and Social Events, as well as individual resident communication should the HOA need to reach you on a pressing matter.

If you have any trouble with your log in please reach out to creekstonehelp@gmail.com.

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Creekstone Estates // www.CreekstoneOnline.com

5

Golf Cart Safety The Board of Directors is asking for your cooperation and assistance.

We as a Board are very concerned about the rise of unlicensed youths operating golf carts. In the event you don’t know the Georgia laws in this area, please see the information below that was prepared by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. The bottom line is that no person should be at the wheel of a golf cart unless they have a valid drivers’ license.

In the coming weeks, the Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up enforcement of the Georgia Code. If the situation doesn’t resolve itself, the Sheriff’s Office has informed us that parents may be ticketed for allowing their children to illegally operate these vehicles.

As always, please call 911 or the non-emergency number (770-781-3087) to report suspicious persons as well as unsafe or illegal operation of a motor vehicle.

Creekstone Board of Directors

6

Touchstone // May – June 2023

Golf Cart Laws and Safety on Roadways A golf cart, legally defined as a motorized cart, may operate on roadways when all of the following elements of law are met: 1) Operate during daylight hours only (O.C.G.A. 40-6-330). May, however, operate at night if they meet the equipment requirements of 49 Code of Federal Registry 571.500: headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals; and 2) Operate only on a roadway with a posted maximum speed limit of 35 MPH or less (O.C.G.A. 40-6-362); and 3) Must be equipped with an amber strobe light that is visible for 500 feet to the rear and front (O.C.G.A. 40-6-362); and 4) The operator possesses a valid driver’s license (O.C.G.A. 40-5-20 and Coker v.

State, Georgia Court of Appeals. June 13, 2003); and a 5) Slow Moving Emblem (16 inch red/orange retro-reflective triangle) is visibly attached to the rear (O.C.G.A. 40-8-4 (a)).

Other Restrictions: 6) Impeding the normal flow of traffic is prohibited: a golf cart or other may not drive “at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic” (O.C.G.A. 40-6-184), e.g., operating in a 35 mph zone that prevents a following vehicle from driving the posted speed limit.

7) Occupants: Children under the age of 6 prohibited from riding as a passenger, for “a child passenger restraining system” shall be provided in all passenger vehicles (O.C.G.A. 48-8-76). Occupants must only ride in a proper seat position.

Legal exemptions: Registration (tag) is not required (40-2-20 exempts motorized carts), and Insurance is not required (34-33-2 – only registered vehicles require Insurance).

Note: Off-road vehicles, such as John Deere Gators, Kawasaki Mules, Yamaha Rhinos, etc. may not operate on the roadway.

      

POOL INFORMATION POOL IS NOW OPEN! An active Access Card and Photo ID are required for pool use.

Need an Access Card?

Contact: Yana Mazur Yana.Mazur@hms-inc.net Cost is $25 for a replacement card.

Pool Hours 6am-9pm daily – pool gates are open, non guarded hours are swim at your own risk. For full lifeguard scheduled, please check the pool information packet found on our website or community email blast.

POOL RULES Residents are required to be members in good standing (dues up to date) and have an active access card for amenity use! Please be prepared to show your driver’s license to lifeguards as proof of residence.

1. Children under 16 shall not use pool without an adult in attendance

furniture to original placement when leaving to prevent damage to community property 9. Under no circumstances are pets allowed inside the pool area AMS LIFEGUARD RULES TO ENFORCE • Parents must stay within 10 feet of children in water

2. Pool use is for Creekstone Estates and Cottages at Creekstone members and their guests ONLY

• No Running (this includes running and jumping in, NO STEPS TO JUMP IN)

3. Children in diapers MUST wear swim diapers in the pool

• No flips or diving into pool

4. NO horseplay or running

• No stacking (having 3+ people on shoulders)

5. NO unattended solo bathing 6. ABSOLUTELY NO GLASS allowed in pool area 7. NO diving allowed 8. Please close umbrellas and return

• No jumping on kick boards • No chicken fighting

• No food, drinks, or gum allowed in the actual pool • No glass bottles at your facility • No hanging on ropes or rails & no sliding down rails

• No big floats when crowded (lifeguard must maintain 10/20 rule) • Only Splash balls allowed (no hard balls, tennis, basketball, etc) • No scooters, skateboards, or bikes ridden on deck (they can be stored inside gate) • No horseplay allowed in the pool • No noodle fighting • No jumping off the lifeguard stand (patrons) • No smoking • No profanity • No loud music • No pets (unless it’s a service dog) • Must have pool tags, key cards, or I.D. at your pools • Must not have long conversations with lifeguards while in stand • All kids under 4 must be asked if they are potty trained. If not, swim diapers and rubber pants are required to swim.

Creekstone Estates // www.CreekstoneOnline.com

7

BULLETIN BOARD NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSIFIEDS NEIGHBOR SWIM LESSONS We will be offering Infant and Toddler Survival Swim lessons (ISR) in our back yard pool in the early evenings beginning May 7th.

ISR lessons are geared to children ages 6 months to 5 years and use reflexes to train a child to assume a body position when submerged underwater that makes them float. We have an excellent instructor we have used in the past who will be returning to teach our grandchildren for us! We have 4 spots available— first come, first serve.

For details contact Julie Wilborn at juliejwilborn@gmail.com or 404-6449716.

MAILBOX REFINISHING AND MORE! Hunter can sand and repaint, replace numbers, and do other refinishing as necessary. He can also do mulching and other odd jobs, just ask!

Hunter Hutchison, Cell (646) 296-6789 Email creekstonemailboxes@gmail.com

NOTARY SERVICES Deepa Nadkarni, 404-789-9090

DJ Ken Ellis, Discounts offered to Creekstone residents 404-360-7594 eisprofessionals@gmail.com

8

Touchstone // May – June 2023

Preserving Your Future One Tree At A Time Services include: • Pruning • Tree removal • Cabling & Bracing • Lightning Protection • Stump Grinding • Fertilizing

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We supply: Mulch Top Soils Gravel/Sand

www.atlantaclassictree.com 770-497-1941

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1993 • Heating & Air Conditioning Service, Repair, and Maintenance • HVAC System Upgrades, Replacements, and Enhancements

What makes us SUPERIOR? • Locally owned and operated from Alpharetta location • Honest, courteous, and professional • We take customer service to a new level! Our goal is to make your experience as efficient and smooth as possible, from start to finish.

24-hour Live Support.

Locally Owned & Operated.

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LIMITED TIME ONLY

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Superior 14-Point AC or Heater Tune-Up

System Upgrades System Replacements System Enhancements

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* First system only.

Creekstone Estates // www.CreekstoneOnline.com

9

PAST EVENTS Easter Egg Hunt Easter Celebration

Unfortunately, we experienced another rainy family day event but the kids still had a great time hunting for eggs inside the Clubhouse!

Thank you to the families who joined us for this annual tradition!

10

Touchstone // May – June 2023

Ladies Self Defense Class

We want to thank the Forsyth Sheriff ’s Department and Corporal Jenny Belafi for hosting the ladies self defense class last night. Thank you to the 30 ladies who attended to make it worth her time to come and share so much wonderful knowledge! We will definitely plan another one in the future along with a stranger danger class for kids!

Thank you to Kate Butler for suggesting this great event!!

Creekstone Estates // www.CreekstoneOnline.com

11

TENNIS NEWS Stringing Is it time to restring your racket? Feel free to drop off your racket at the Tennis pro-shop to be restrung. Wilson, Babolat and Luxilon strings are all available. String types vary from very durable for chronic string breakers, to very soft strings that provide a lot of feel and touch.

Turn around time is usually 24 hours. Don’t hesitate to contact Danie if you have any restringing questions.

Private, Semi-Private, & Group Tennis Lessons Struggling with your technique? Now might be the perfect time to take a lesson and work out some of those kinks. Private lessons are great to really focus on something specific, such as using the right grip for certain shots, correcting your swing, learning how to hit spin or even spending some time improving your serve.

Call Danie at (770) 888-8454, or email creekstonedanie@bellsouth.net to setup a private, semi-private, or group lesson today.

Cost :: $65 / Hour $32 50/ Half-hour

There are still some spots available for the current Spring session of tennis clinics. Please email creekstonedanie@bellsouth.net to sign up

Spring 2023 - * *NEW* * 10 Week Session Star ts the week of Februar y 27th QuickStar t - Munchkins (4 and 5yrs) Monday Wednesday Friday

36’ court 36’ court 36’ court

3:00 – 4:00 pm 4:00 – 5:00 pm 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Fast Paced Drills

QuickStar t - Beginners

Creekstone Estates Tennis offers weekly drills for men and women interested in sharpening their tennis skills and getting a good workout at the same time. These drills feature constant fast-paced action where players hit a lot of balls. Players are divided into groups based on ability level and receive a balanced rotation of dead and live ball drills.

Monday Wednesday Friday Friday

Mon 7–8:30 pm

Ladies’ Drills

Advanced Beginner

Tues 7–8:30 pm

Men’s Drills

Monday

Wed 10–11:30 am

All levels

Fri

All levels

10–11:30 am

Cost: $20/Residents • $25/Non-Residents Please sign up at least one day in advance by calling 770-888-8454 or email creekstonedanie@bellsouth.net.

Register via email: creekstonedanie@bellsouth.net 12

Kids Spring Tennis Lessons

Touchstone // May – June 2023

36’ court 36’ court 36’ court 60’ court

4:00 – 5:00 pm(6-8yrs) 4:00 – 5:00 pm(6-8yrs) 4:00 – 5:00 pm(6-8yrs) 5:00 – 6:00 pm(8-11yrs)

QuickStar t – Advanced Beginners Friday

60’ court

5:00 – 6:00 pm(8-11yrs)

5:00 – 6:00 pm (12-16yrs)

Sign up online www.creekstoneonline.com E-mail creekstonedanie@bellsouth.net Cost: Residents $190/ Non-residents $220

Beginning Tennis For Adults Are you interested in learning how to play the great game of tennis?

No matter if you are young or old, male or female and what your ability level is - our goal is to teach you a sport of a lifetime. It’s never too late to start! Please contact Danie at creekstonedanie@ bellsouth.net if you are interested in learning how to play tennis.

SUMMER TENNIS CAMP Mini Camp Ages (6–14) Time: 10:30 am–12:30 pm Weekly Pricing $180 Tennis Camp Dates: Session 1 • May 29 – Jun 2 • 6-9 yr Session 2 • June 5 – 9 • 10-14 yr Session 3 • June 12 – 16 • 6-9 yr Session 4 • June 19 – 23 • 10-14yr Session 5 • June 26 – 30 • 6-9yr

Munchkins Camp Ages (4 and 5) Time: 9:00 am–10:00 am Weekly Pricing $90 Tennis Camp Dates: Session 1 • May 29 – Jun 2 Session 2 • June 5 – 9 Session 3 • June 12 – 16 Session 4 • June 19 – 23 Session 5 • June 26 – 30

Full Day Camp Ages (6 and 14) Time: 9:00 am - 1:00pm Weekly Pricing $260 Tennis Camp includes a swim break before lunch Tennis Camp Dates: Session 1 • July 10 – 14 6-9yr

TENNIS COURT RESERVATIONS Please be reminded that court reservations are required. If you do not reserve a court you run the risk of being asked to leave.

Please also note that the resident reserving the court must be present for the court they have reserved. https://www.creekstoneonline.com/page/23487~707633/to-reserve-a-court

Session 2 • July 17 – 21 10-14yr Session 3 • July 24 – 28 6-9yr

Register online

www.creekstoneonline.com Creekstone Estates // www.CreekstoneOnline.com

13

COVENANTS CORNER

A

s reminder notices are sent out to the community about covenant compliance, we frequently receive repeat follow up questions. This month’s covenants corner is dedicated to those Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Frequently Made Statements (FMS) with answers from the Board. Maybe you’ve been wondering some of the same things?

I own my home; therefore the POA cannot tell me what I can or cannot do with my property, correct?

When you purchased your home, you signed documents stating that you agree to the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R’s), the By-Laws and other Governing Documents set forth by the HOA. Within these documents are rules and restrictions that can have restrictions on what you can do with your own property.

If I want to place a political (or any) sign in my front yard, isn't that my first amendment right?

The CE CC&R’s expressly restricts the placement of any sign on your property other than the few exceptions listed in the CC&R’s. Political signs, Contractor Signs, nonapproved “FOR SALE” signs are all prohibited within Creekstone and can be removed by the POA if a resident fails to comply.

Why do I need to pay the POA a fee and gain permission from a Committee before doing certain work to my home?

Due to the amount of time and complexity of some ACC requests, the Creekstone Board has chosen to outsource certain ACC modification requests to our Property Management Company (HMS) to obtain all necessary documents/ signatures and to ensure that the project does not deviate from the original plans during the construction phase. This service was not part of our original contract with HMS, therefore, the cost associated is passed back to the homeowner through the fee.

Why am I receiving a letter to paint my mailbox when we have other residents with much worse violations seeming to go unnoticed?

Your violation has no relation to other violations in the POA. Each resident receives notices from HMS regarding Code/Covenant violations and the Board is then notified when the violations are not corrected within a suitable time frame.

I don’t use the amenities, I don’t swim or play tennis. Why do I have to pay my POA fees?

Use or non-use of the amenities has no bearing on your quarterly dues. The dues for the association cover much more than swim/tennis/clubhouse expenses, including landscaping, insurance, property management, legal, utilities, taxes, accounting, etc. Failure to pay POA fees can result in collections, reporting to credit agencies, potential wage garnishment and even foreclosure.

Why does the Board seem so concerned with minor Covenant violations when we have much bigger issues such as habitual speeders and stop sign violators in the neighborhood?

The Creekstone Estates covenants do not permit yard signage (other than approved For Sale signs) in homeowner’s yards. This includes political, contractor, graduation, sports, etc.

Trash Cans

Remember to store them out of view. They are not to be stored on the side of your home or in front of your garage. Only place them at the curb on trash removal day.

Is it against the POA rules to use a garage as storage and therefore park all vehicles in the open/driveway?

YES! The CC&R’s clearly state that all residents must use a minimum of two garages for the parking of vehicles and that utilizing all three garages for storage is strictly prohibited. It is STRONGLY encouraged for all residents to utilize all three garages to park vehicles/golf carts.

Can the POA fine me for a code violation?

Yes. Each violation carries a different fine and the POA has every right to enforce these fines. Failure to pay fines can lead to collections and even wage garnishment.

Sports Equipment All sports equipment must be stored out of view when not in use.

Pine Straw

Kids in the neighborhood keep ringing my doorbell late at night and waking me up. Why isn’t the POA doing anything about this?

Unfortunately the POA cannot prevent teenagers or strangers from coming on your property. This is a trespassing incident that would need to be reported to the Forsyth County Sherriff’s Dept."

If you have not already done so, you will need to register for your HMS Community Website (www.

HMS-inc.net). Once registered, please sign in to the HMS Community Website, then navigate to the Downloads page under the The Association drop-down menu. On that Downloads page, select the Architectural folder. Then, click on the name of the Application for Modification link to download the PDF form.

Once you’ve completed that Application for Modification form, you can submit your request to HMS using the Modification Requests webpage, found under the My Account drop-down menu. On that page, you can upload the completed form and any other relevant files and submit your request to be reviewed. HMS will ensure that your Board and/or architectural committee are able to review your request.

Please note that you do not need to email the completed form to HMS. By submitting your modification request online, the appropriate staff at HMS are automatically notified, and your request is automatically added into our records.

For any questions, please reach out to Yana Mazur at yana.mazur@hms-inc.net Touchstone // May – June 2023

Signage

The Board does not prioritize Covenant violations over other issues. It is the responsibility of the Board to enforce the CC&R’s of the POA; where it is the responsibility of the Local, State and Federal government to enforce traffic laws.

The Board of Directors has no jurisdiction or authority to address vehicle moving violations.

Modifications Requests

14

COVENANT FOCUS ITEMS

Refresh at least twice per year or as needed. Especially if it has turned white or gray or if there is bare dirt showing.

Weeds

Lawn and plant beds should be free of weeds. Remember to treat or pull them on a regular basis.

Lawn

Your lawn should be mowed at least once a week to every 10 days during the growing season .

Thank you for your attention to these matters!

TION APPL LICA ICATION

APP

Need an ACC Application?

Scan this

Creekstone Estates Application Review Fees Note: If you are simply replacing parts of existing structures or performing regular preventative maintenance, it is not necessary to submit an application. If you are unsure please contact Yana.Mazur@hms-inc.net

Tier 1 Basic modifications

Tier 3 Significant modifications

Tier 2 Moderate modifications

Tier 4 Complex modifications

T

he HOA has noticed many unapproved exterior projects during the past few months. We would like to remind everyone to review the community guidelines (www.creekstoneonline. com/page/23487~493964/modifications-information) and submit an application for modification as you tackle your spring projects! If a project begins without ACC approval and the project does not meet the community guidelines, it is at the expense of the homeowner to correct/modify any unapproved issue related to the project. If you are planning a project, please keep in mind that the application requires a signature from neighbors sharing a common boundary line. Awareness of the neighboring homeowners will be considered by the ACC Committee, but will not be binding. No application will be considered unless this section is complete.

We encourage the residents who sign off on their neighbors ACC application to review the complete plans and all modifications being submitted.

Please Note: ACC Approved Sign For Projects Required In Tier Levels 2, 3, or 4 Approved modifications that fall into Tier Levels 2, 3 or 4, will be required to post a temporary sign in the front yard, which provides information that the project has received proper approval from the ACC. Details on how to obtain the sign will be included in your approval letter and also require a fully refundable sign deposit of $50, remitted by check. Once the project is complete, you will notify HMS by emailing Yana Mazur at Yana.Mazur@hms-inc.net, who will coordinate the pickup of the sign and refund of the $50 sign deposit. Sign deposits will be remitted when sign is issued, following the official approval of the modification request.

Creekstone Estates // www.CreekstoneOnline.com

15

GREEN & GROWING

A

ll good things must come to an end, right? Or, is the best yet to come with summer gardening?? Many of the pops of color on display during the bleak winter months, and even the shortlived, but much welcomed, spring blooms have now faded.

After spending a week out of town recently, I was beyond grateful to return home to what had to be the height of spring color.

Irises, rhododendrons and peonies were the brightest they’ve been in years! And with many days topping out around 80 degrees, long-lasting pansies and violas are starting to look leggy. So what’s a gardener in transition to do?

Make any sized outdoor space a retreat! Hang birdhouses, add lawn ornaments or pathway lights, fill birdfeeders and birdbaths, and spruce up that old patio furniture! Take a mental health break from work and chores, and prioritize time to spend an afternoon browsing at the nursery. I’ve done a garden consult for my friend, WSB-TV news anchor Lori Wilson, and we had so much fun together, talking about ALL the possibilities for her newfound space! Gardener or not, who doesn’t light up at the vision of beautifying an enjoyable and usable space?!

Don’t let a bare space, with all its potential, become overwhelming.

Instead, get excited about the ways it can be designed and planted to reflect personalized styles and tastes. Don’t hesitate to ask friends and neighbors for a fresh perspective. And, sit in on a free garden class or workshop. Many times, these are offered throughout the year by county Extension agents and Master Gardeners. I keep an updated list of garden events around Atlanta at my website, www.wsbradio.com/greenandgrowing.

Take note of whether a potential garden space is mostly sun or is comfortably shaded. That will guide what plants thrive and how healthy they’ll be. Here are some recommendations for plants that can be enjoyed throughout the summer!

Tolerates full sun New Guinea impatiens and those labeled ‘sunpatiens’

New Guinea impatiens appear to be tolerant or resistant to downy mildew

Celosia, a.k.a. Cockscomb

Deer rarely bother these

Petunias may be perennial given mild winter conditions

Mini version are Calibrachoa

Geraniums are great for hanging baskets

Deadhead by removing spent blooms at the base of the stem

Begonias like some light shade

Many varieties and sizes

Dianthus, a summer blooming perennial

Good bedding flower like pansies

Prefers partial to full shade Coleus is known for colorful foliage more than flowers

Fills in a bed, grows 1 – 3 ft. tall and wide

Hostas come in various shades of greens and whites

Deer do love to browse

Elephant ears can overwinter in the ground

Make a good visual border

Astilbe, a summer blooming perennial

Are clump forming and spread easily

Heuchera, a.k.a. coral bells

Attractive foliage when blooms are gone

Ashley Frasca is host of the radio show Green and Growing, heard on 95.5 WSB Radio every Saturday from 6-9:00 a.m. For gardening tips, information, and advice, follow her Facebook page: Facebook.com/greenandgrowingwsb

This bare spot in Lori’s yard became a mini vegetable garden, now home to 3 cherry tomato plants.

16

Touchstone // May – June 2023

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17

POLLEN

Y

uck. It comes in through the window, the window that is open so you can smell the sweet smells of spring.

It comes in on your clothes after working in the garden. It comes in from your garage where it has been hitch hiking on your car for the past 2 weeks.

However it is not the only yuck in your house. Dust, mold, little bugs and other trash can find its way into your vents and settle in your ductwork.

How do you keep your ductwork clean in order to keep that yuck out of the air that you are breathing?

Well, to start with you can change the filter on your furnace on a regular basis. Almost all of the air in your house passes through the filter at some point, keeping the filter clean can help keep your air clean.

But what about cleaning those ducts?

You know they are just loaded with yuck.

What’s the deal with duct cleaning?

Here are a couple of things you should know about cleaning your ducts, or as I like to call, ‘Duct Sucking”. Ƚ Maybe one of the biggest scams in the home services field unfortunately, centers on cleaning your duct work. I am talking about carpet cleaning companies that say they can clean your air ducts for some really cheapo amount – and by the I mean like $49.95 - “As long as we are here” then all they do is vacuum around your registers and if you are lucky they stick the vacuum 2 ft. into your duct. Ƚ For your information – a good thorough duct cleaning by a professional will run you in your average sized home $500 - $600.

18

Touchstone // May – June 2023

While I don’t generally give out prices here I will in this instance to illustrate A – that it is a serious procedure that calls for serious money and 2 – to show you how ridiculous and how little work or good you will get out of a $49.95 deal.

This is really when you should absolutely have your ducts cleaned: Ƚ Immediately after you move into a newly built home. Lots of construction debris, saw dust, dry wall scraps, and Doritos bags end up in the duct work of a newly build home. Ƚ And after that every 4-6 years.

Lemme repeat that, every 4-6 YEARS is sufficient.

(This is unless you have someone in the house with breathing problems.

If that is the case, then you should get your hvac man/lady out to your house to upgrade your furnace filtration situation. That is money better spent than on a yearly or every two year duct cleaning scam.)

I will repeat: every 4-6 years. The beauty of this is that a good, honest, reputable duct cleaning company will agree that it is not a yearly maintenance project, and that you can go years in between cleanings.

One more thing. A quality duct cleaning company will/should clean your drier vents too. Hey - they are also ducts...

If your duct suckers can pass the mustard on all that, you are on to a good one. Get your ducts cleaned.

Then do it again.

In 2029.

Grab your hammer and join the show! In Atlanta, 404.872.0750 or 1.800.972.8255. Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Dave Baker is WSB’s resident household repair and home improvement expert!

He provides a multitude of tips and advice on planning, building and fixing up around the house. Follow Dave on his Facebook page: Facebook.com/thehomefixitpage

Call us today for a FREE quote 470-922-6151

Call us today for a FREE quote

470-922-6151

Creekstone Estates // www.CreekstoneOnline.com

19

WEATHER BY CHRISTINA

The month of May can bring wild temperature swings!

Morning lows can dip as cool as the upper 30s to low 40s, while afternoon highs can vary between the mid 50s and the upper 80s.

May is also the month when temperatures can soar into the 90s, and on average, Atlanta registers its first 90 degree day on May 31.

However, the earliest 90 degree day on record for Atlanta was recorded on April 23, 1980.

The latest first 90 degree day occurred on July 28, 1961.

The hottest temperature recorded in the month of May is 97 degrees, which occurred on May 29, 1941.

Connect with me!

Facebook: Christina Edwards WSB Twitter: @ChristinaWSBwx

20 Touchstone // May – June 2023

When Is The First 90 Degree Day in Atlanta?

Creekstone Estates // www.CreekstoneOnline.com

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