Doug Schultz and Linda Nidiffer, editors

Winter 2013 Vol. II Issue 1

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THE MT. VINTAGE VOICES Doug Schultz and Linda Nidiffer, editors.

Tom Nidiffer, Layout and Design

A Note from the Editor

Dear Neighbors,

As Editor my duties require me to read and polish all articles before you see them. My duties do

not require me to write although I do. This quarter, however, I am taking liberties with my

duties and writing to you personally.

I have been “blamed” for holding up the newsletter and I will take some of the responsibility for

that. I had back surgery on January 31, and quite frankly no one wanted me to edit or worse,

write, anything in a drug induced state! Now that I am drug free, it is still very uncomfortable to

sit at the computer for long periods. My recovery is going very well, but since it took me nearly

50 years to get in such bad shape, I think that it will take me a little while longer to get back to

whatever “normal” will be for me. The bad news for you is that they did not find the site of my

personality disorder, so they could not remove it.

I would like to thank everyone who sent meals, cookies, muffins, chocolates, cards and well

wishes. These gestures of support and affection did not go unnoticed (even if I was napping

when they were delivered) and Tom and I appreciate all of your concern.

Linda Nidiffer

Highlights in this newsletter:

Minutes of HOA meeting

Latest information about the

roads, grounds and security

New resident interview

Article about Karen Eckert

Report from the Director’s desk


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Mount Vintage Plantation Homeowners Association Annual Meeting

Minutes

The 2013 annual meeting of the Mount Vintage Plantation Homeowners Association was held on

Tuesday, February 16, at the American Legion Post 71 Assembly Hall in North Augusta, SC.

The meeting was called to order by HOA vice-president Art Biggs at 6:00 p.m. and began with

the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Biggs welcomed the membership and told the audience that the

agreement between the Developer and a prospective buyer of the Developer’s interest in Mount

Vintage is expected to be completed in the near future. The minutes of the 2012 HOA annual

meeting were approved as published. Approximately 175 property owners attended.

Dan Falcone gave the Treasurer’s report, stating that our 2012 overall performance was very

good. Revenue was favorable to budget and expenses ran favorable to budget throughout the

year if the taxes paid for the Town Center were excluded. The cash balance at the end of 2012

was $403,000, much improved over previous years. 88% of dues were collected in 2012. This

includes Mr. Yeomans who owns 25 Village lots that were not paid on. The figure would be 93%

if Yeomans is not included. The 2013 budget closely follows that of 2012. It is a conservative

and balanced budget. The cost of D & O insurance is better for 2013 because we have had no

lawsuits and our legal expenses are lower. Mr. Falcone reported we have been experiencing

strong dues receipts with 73% of dues received in January. There are commitments for 81% of

dues (those either already paid and those choosing a payment plan) compared to 60% for last

year. Included in the handouts was the January 2013 report which had not yet been published.

Mr. Biggs gave a brief history of the HOA since January 2011. At that point, financials were

incomplete and incorrect, the bylaws and covenants had a number of deficiencies and omissions

and the management process was best described as Laissez-faire. These issues were compounded

by an economic recession that affected both property owners and Developer alike. A buyout was

in process. On March 7, 2011 Mr. Biggs was appointed to the Board of Directors by Talmadge

Knight, the sole developer, and Dan Falcone was appointed on March 29, 2011. An Advisory

Committee was appointed in April of 2011 to assist in the overall management of the HOA.

Bylaw 7 was revised and passed in December, 2011, giving the board the tools to appropriately

manage finances going forward. In March, 2012 the Board placed liens on properties whose

owners owed HOA dues. On March 29, 2012, Buddy Hodges was appointed to fill the

unexpired term of Mr. Falcone who remained as Treasurer. Advisory subcommittees were

formed for special projects and services such as the welcome wagon and the newsletter. Other

accomplishments included negotiations of security and landscaping contracts, the release of the

new bylaws and covenants, the maintenance and repair of several roadways, and installation of

several road signs. In addition, there has been increased interaction and participation with the

Edgefield County government and state representatives. Mr. Biggs thanked Mike Bone and his

committee for the immensely time-consuming job of revising the bylaws and covenants. In

addition, he acknowledged all the Advisory Committee members and their subcommittee

members for a job well done, thanked Mr. Hodges and Mr. Falcone and praised the work of the

Advisory Committee past and present – Mike Bone, Chairman, Mary Beth Smith, Ashley Rose,

Tom Eckert, Rick Atkins, Al Bono and Doug Schultz. Mr. Biggs also thanked Kirby for her job

as secretary, his wife and all spouses who supported the volunteers in doing their job, and


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Plantation Alliance for maintaining and keeping available the Town Center and golf course,

necessary amenities to our community. A last acknowledgement went to Bill Smith, former

resident now living in Arizona, who continues to be a good friend of Mount Vintage.

Next on the agenda were the responses to written questions to the board. Mr. Hodges reported

that he had been in contact with Tom Roland of American Timberlands Company after a

question about the use of the old dump site off of the third circle. Mr. Roland has agreed to make

this available again to residents in about 4 to 6 weeks as soon as the area has been cleared of

growth and junk and a circular road has been put around the site. One half of that area will be

marked for dumping and the other side will contain mulch that will be placed there by Mr.

Roland when his equipment chops up the yard debris to make the mulch. This mulch will be free

to residents. The only requirement is that only organic vegetation (grass clippings, leaves, tree

limbs, etc.) should be brought there. In addition, Mr. Roland is going to build a horse barn with

pastures. Anyone interested in keeping horses there should email Mr. Hodges. Mr. Roland also

indicated he would consider a storage facility for RVs, boats, etc. Again, those interested should

indicate so in an email to Mr. Hodges.

Regarding questions about the $1800 special assessment, Mr. Biggs reported that the Board is

asking for clarity through a motion filed with the court. The case should be heard in April. The

Board cannot speculate on any further action that may or may not occur until the motion is heard.

Questions were submitted about the use of the roads by golf members and security at the golf

course. Mr. Biggs noted that the monies listed as a contribution for road use on old financials

were never paid and the golf course is not presently being charged road use. Article IV, #2

provides for right of ingress and egress for the golf club with a provision that the Board may at

their sole discretion impose an impact fee for use of the roads. At the present time members and

non-members travel our roads to the golf course just as a homeowner’s guests utilize our

roadways. This provision provides flexibility should conditions warrant. Security personnel

previously opened and closed both the golf course and Town Center. PA chose to discontinue

that service and utilize an intrusion and fire alarm system. Both amenities contribute not only to

the value of our homes and home sites, but also to the community in general.

Questions were submitted about the delinquent taxes owed on the Town Center and paid by the

HOA. Mr. Biggs responded that regardless of the manner in which the Town Center evolves –

foreclosure, bankruptcy, back taxes paid by the present owner - the entity seeking access and

control of the property must pay the HOA the tax sale amount of $59,000 plus accrued interest at

3% per quarter. If payment is not forthcoming after 12 months and 1 day, the HOA would

receive clear title to the property.

In regards to a question about disparity in HOA dues for lot owners and home owners, Mr. Biggs

stated that until revised in 2012 the bylaws required the same payment of dues for lots and

homes. Bylaw 7, #2 gives the Board the authority to differentiate dues amounts between

homeowners and lot owners as long as the amounts in each category are equal. The Board

provided this flexibility for future boards regarding dues structures when the pool of paying

members increases in our community.


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Concerning the question of why the Board has not moved against bylaw and covenant violations,

Mr. Biggs stated that the Board had every intention of addressing the violations within the

community in January of 2013. The revisions included an appropriate process for violations,

both major and minor, including letters of notification, an abatement period and the right to a

hearing. When the directors were called to an information meeting in mid-December, it appeared

then that a change of ownership was imminent and continues up to now. As enforcement of the

covenants could become elongated and involve the directors in the lengthy process, the Board

felt it was inappropriate to start any enforcement proceedings before the new owners were in

place. Concerning speeding violations, under our present agreement, security personnel cannot

legally enforce speeding violations on our private roads.

A question concerning yield signs instead of stop signs on the three traffic circles was taken from

the audience. Mr. Biggs said this has been discussed but put off due to the cost of those signs.

The firehouse project has been put on hold by the fire department.

Wade Adler was introduced to give a report from the developer. Mr. Adler served as vice-

president of marketing from late 2004 to mid-2006 at Mount Vintage. He currently owns his own

consulting firm which provides real estate management services to lending institutions and

private developers and has been intimately involved with multiple communities similar to Mount

Vintage for over 17 years. He was engaged by Mr. Knight in 2011 to assist in oversight of the

development and ultimately to handle the disposition of Mount Vintage to a capable developer

that could finish the original vision of a world-class community. Mr. Adler stressed that his

report was being presented as a courtesy to the members of the HOA and there were confidential

items that could not be disclosed at this time. He said that he was retained by Mr. Knight to assist

in dealing with the challenges that faced Mount Vintage once he took full ownership in 2011.

Late in 2011 Mr. Knight was served with a “cease and desist” order for the retail sale of real

estate from Edgefield County for not following proper Planning and Zoning requirements. Due

to the amount of money to satisfy these requirements, he made a decision that he had no other

option but to sell his assets at Mount Vintage. An aggressive marketing effort was undertaken,

first to local potential investors and then to regional and national land buyers. During this time

more than 100 firms were contacted but Mount Vintage did not fit their business model. During

this period two groups did proceed with significant due diligence but their purchase of Mount

Vintage was determined by Mr. Knight not to be in the best interest of the community because of

the inferior product these builders were known for. Late in 2012 an international group emerged

with significant interest in Mount Vintage. A letter of intent was executed just before the close of

2012. In 2013 there has been a significant amount of negotiations and multiple rounds of contract

negotiations, in dual languages. During the month of February all parties reached an agreement

and final due diligence is ongoing. While there are no guarantees Mr. Adler anticipates a

possible closing in late March or April. Mr. Adler is optimistic that closing will occur and that

better days are ahead for Mount Vintage. In addition, Mr. Adler says that, while marketing

budgets and sales projections have been prepared, there can be no commitment or comments at

this time as to the purchaser’s marketing intentions. He said he does anticipate the continuance of

similar efforts as those that brought many HOA owners to the community.

Mr. Biggs closed the meeting by expressing appreciation to all the members for the progress

made over the past year towards becoming a more cohesive community and his hopes that we


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will put our differences aside and travel the path forward together. There being no further

business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Kirby Holley

Secretary

Community Advisory Committee Update

The Fall Edition 2012 included a Service Vendor List. Our plan was to provide this list on the

Mount Vintage Web Site and update it as needed. The Web Site had been provided by the

developer but is no longer available to us. Until we have the capability again, Kirby Holly is

keeping up the list with any additions or deletions. If you have a need for anything from auto to

yard service, call Kirby at 803-278-5000. Likewise, if you are pleased with a service received

from someone locally and want to share, call Kirby to add the service. Our plan is still to have

this information on a Web site in the near future … we hope.

It is once again time to begin planning for the HOA sponsored 4th

of July Celebration in Mount

Vintage. This is one of the highlights of the year in our community. Since the first celebration

was held down by the dog kennels, the organization and leadership has come from Carl and

Michelle Connolly. Carl has informed me that “it is time to pass the torch to a new volunteer”.

We thank Carl and Michelle for the considerable effort over the years to make this holiday so

memorable. Carl said that he is willing to act as an advisor to help a new volunteer to keep this

tradition going. So, we need willing volunteer(s) to step up. This can be an individual, a couple

or a couple of couples. Please give this serious consideration and contact Kirby Holly this month

so planning can begin.

As reported in the fall, there were 38 residents certified in CPR and the use of the AED

(defibrillator) in September. We also communicated the location of the six AED that we have

available at Mount Vintage. Those locations again are the Town Center, the Pro Shop at the golf

course, the rest station on hole #5 Chester, Vintage hole #5 rest station, Independent hole #4 rest

station and finally at the HOA office during the day and the security vehicle when they are on

duty. All of these units have been upgraded and are in good working order.

We learned that the Cedar Creek community in Aiken has many more AED’s that are spread

evenly through the neighborhoods. With this in mind, the HOA board approved funding to

purchase three more AED’s for Mount Vintage. These units are on order and will soon be added

to Shaw Estates, Long Street and Homeward Bound. We will send out a notification once these

have been installed so everyone knows exactly where they are. In addition, signs will be added

at two street locations to point the way to existing units on the golf course.

Doug Schultz


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From the Directors’ Desk

I will take this opportunity to summarize certain legal issues that were finalized in 2012 and to

report on the one remaining open issue still before the Board of Directors. In addition, an

explanation of the Town Center delinquent property tax issue and the action taken by the

Homeowners Association (HOA) Board of Directors (BOD) will be reported.

A. Settlement between the HOA and the CNA Insurance Company regarding legal expenses

resulting from 2 actions brought against the HOA in 2010.

In 2012 the BOD settled with the CNA Insurance Company in the amount of $23,000, up

from a previous offer of $17,000. The law firm representing the HOA and the BOD in the

previous action had been paid approximately $45,000 in 2010 and presented

approximately $19,000 in pending invoices to this board. In addition, approximately

$12,000 in legal expenses was submitted by the developer for reimbursement. The BOD

reached a final settlement of approximately $13,000 with the law firm that had

represented the HOA and denied the reimbursement claim by the developer. The

remaining $10,000 reverted to the 2012 HOA operating fund. This action resulted in a

final settlement with all parties.

B. Special HOA Assessment - $1800

In 2010 the sitting BOD assessed the membership $1800 each for improvements to the

golf course and town center. Court action was instituted contesting the assessment

(among other issues); however, $121,900 had been collected from 83 parties and the

monies distributed and spent on the stated improvements. Upon the findings of the

special referee, the presiding judge now declared the assessment as invalid and rescinded

his previous order allowing collection. The attorney for Talmadge Knight filed a motion

requesting an amendment to the Judge’s ruling allowing the disbursement (which had

already taken place) as previously ruled on by the Judge. (These documents are on file at

the Edgefield County Clerk of the Courts office). I was told by the developer’s attorney

that this case had been dismissed, however no documents so stating were found in the

files at that time. I wrote to the presiding judge as did a resident contributor seeking

clarity. After months of attempts to determine the status of this case, the HOA attorney

advised there were no pending cases and all appeals had been abandoned. The attorney

advised in a written opinion that he interpreted the ruling as an obligation by the HOA to

the 83 contributors and I so reported at the 2012 annual meeting. I was advised at the

meeting and since that other attorneys claim the dismissal relieves the HOA of the

obligation. The directors, after discussion with our attorney, have instructed him to file a

motion of “Declaratory Judgment” with the Edgefield County Court to ensure clarity on

this issue before we take any action that will affect the entire membership. We have


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recently learned that the Common Pleas Court will convene the week of April 22nd

at the

Edgefield County Courthouse. We anticipate having our case heard at this time.

C. Town Center Delinquent Property Taxes – 2011

As you are all aware, the Town Center has been a subject of discussion within the

community over the last 2 years. In the year 2011, the property taxes on the Town Center

were delinquent for the tax years 2009 and 2010 and according to the County Tax

Collector’s office would be put up for tax sale. (An owner of property sold at public

auction can re-acquire said property from the county upon payment of the delinquency

and interest to the successful bidder on the property. Interest accrues at 3% per quarter for

a total of 12% in in the fourth quarter. The successful bidder would receive clear title to

the property from the county after 1 year and a day should the owed amounts not be

paid). With unanimous approval by the BOD and the HOA attorney, I as vice-president

filed on behalf of the HOA. Prior to the auction the bank holding the note transmitted a

check to the county and the property was removed from the auction. In December, 2012,

just 2 days prior to the deadline for filing as a bidder at the county tax sale, I found that

Town Center property taxes were again delinquent for 2011 and the property would be

put up for tax sale in the near future. Again, with unanimous BOD and HOA attorney

approval, I filed on behalf of the HOA as a bidder at the county tax sale. The taxes were

not paid and said property was sold at public auction for $59,000 (2011 delinquent and

2012 current taxes) with the HOA being the successful bidder. A cashiers check was

issued by the HOA to the county which was backed by more than sufficient funds held in

the HOA reserve account. The BOD does not anticipate acquiring title for the Town

Center due to the amount of equity existing in the property and held by the owner. We

can, however, tell you with certainty that the HOA will receive interest of at least

3%(nearly $1800) for this first quarter and 3% additional per quarter up to 12% until the

principal and interest is paid to the HOA.

Respectfully submitted,

Arthur Biggs, VP

Questions to the Board

How is HOA dues collection going?

Dues collection is going very well. As of February 6, we have collected a little over

$331,000. We have 460 members holding 580 properties. The collected $331,000

represents payment by 85% of the members and represents payment of dues on 81% of

the properties held by the members. The 15% of the members who have not yet paid their

dues have moved into the late payment phase and if the dues remain unpaid by the end of


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July then liens (for the dues and all late payment fees) will be placed on the properties.

As a footnote, 312 members elected to take advantage of the early discount while 57

members elected to pay their dues under one of the available periodic payment plans. In

taking these measures of payment, we assume those members who selected payment

plans and made their first payment will continue to pay until the dues are paid in full.

What is the status of property liens?

At the close of 2012, 21 liens had been satisfied leaving a remainder of 52 liens current

(25 are in the Village and relate to one HOA member). The remaining 27 consist of 23

lots and 4 houses. In 2013 the BOD filed an additional 6 liens on 5 lots and 1 house.

When is the next Newsletter going out?

While this will be addressed at the meeting we want everyone to know that the newsletter

“staff” was confronted with 2 problems that have and are causing a delay in getting the

Newsletter out. First, due to issues related to the developer’s website we no longer have a

hosting location for the newsletter. The HOA is looking at other options at this time.

Second, our editor-in-chief, Linda Nidiffer had back surgery and the “staff” was reluctant

to continue without her hands-on leadership. We are happy to report that Linda is home

and doing very well. The Newsletter will be back soon.

What is the status of the security contract?

The Security contract was up for renewal in December. The Advisory Committee

successfully negotiated a one-year renewal of the contract with Universal Protection

Services that was well within the treasurer’s budget. The Security Committee will make a

report at the meeting.

What is the status of the Landscaping Contract?

Much like security, the common area maintenance contract with Daniel Landscaping was

re-negotiated and has been renewed for 2 years. We are very happy with the terms of the

contract and it is within budget. All of the feedback we get indicates that Daniel

Landscaping is doing a great job and we have a very good working relationship with the

firm.

Exactly what is being done to Mount Vintage Plantation Drive?


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At the request of the BOD, the Advisory Committee contacted three companies for road

repair quotes within the plantation. The 3 bids were reviewed and the BOD accepted the

Advisory Committee’s recommendation to use Robertson Paving who has an excellent

reputation and has done work in Mount Vintage before. The completed road repairs will

render Mount Vintage Plantation Drive serviceable for a few more years.

Art Biggs and Buddy Hodges

Karen Eckert Receives Giving Your Best Award

Mount Vintage resident Karen Eckert is the November recipient

of the WJBF News Channel 6 Giving Your Best Award. Karen

was nominated by Nita Zachow in recognition of her many

contributions to the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition

(BCPC).

Karen was featured on the WJBF website. You can click here

(or http://www2.wjbf.com/lifestyles/giving-your-

best/2012/nov/05/giving-your-best-karen-eckert-ar-4902250/)

to see her story and the WJBF video in which Karen was

surprised with the award at The Grille.

Michelle Randrup

Care Line

Most folks in Mt. Vintage have at one time or another mentioned the friendliness of

residents as one motivator for choosing to live here. We come from diverse locations

with many cultural experiences. The result is we usually reach a state of ‘caring’ based

on mutual respect and affection.

Some neighborhoods here are more active in that regard. What we would like to achieve

with the “Care Line” is to add another layer to the sense of community by offering

assistance to our neighbors who may need temporary care or company.

Transportation to the doctor, keeping company in the waiting room during surgery,

helping with chores, food preparation, whatever needs may arise, we want everyone to

know there are neighbors who care.

Some neighborhoods may already be doing that. For the neighborhoods whose residents

only wave to one another, we would like to provide a confidential contact for assistance

when needed. We also request volunteers willing to prepare food to be picked up and

delivered without anyone necessarily knowing the participants.

http://www2.wjbf.com/lifestyles/giving-your-best/2012/nov/05/giving-your-best-karen-eckert-ar-4902250/




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So far we have 2 volunteers in this area and zero requests for support. Hopefully this is

an indication that we are enjoying the blessings of good health or a neighbor is helping

out. Please don’t feel embarrassed to reach out if you have a need because we at Mt.

Vintage do care. Please call Martha Goldhorn (426-1153) for support or to volunteer or

just for information about the Care Line.

Martha Goldhorn

2012 Mount Vintage Community Christmas-Card Fund This was the 8th consecutive year that this Mount

Vintage tradition was held to benefit some of the

neediest residents of our Edgefield community.

For those of you who are new to Mount Vintage, let us

explain. Instead of sending Christmas cards to our

Mount Vintage neighbors, a majority of residents

choose to contribute money that they would normally

spend on Christmas cards to this worthwhile cause.

This year your generosity exceeded $1400; a new

record! The funds are allocated to the Department of

Human Services in Edgefield to help with Project Heat

and food vouchers, the Master’s Table (Soup Kitchen),

All God’s Creatures and the relatively new food pantry

in Edgefield County. The funds are allocated this way

to support charities that our neighbors volunteer for or

charities that directly serve Edgefield County.

Jane Fant

Mount Vintage Participation in Lydia Luminaries Project

The Lydia Project is located in Augusta and was started

in 2003. They are a free outreach program to women

coping with ANY kind of cancer. Their services include

on-going emotional support every month for at least

twelve months; as well as rent, utility and prescription

assistance to CSRA women fighting cancer physically

and financially.

In October, a group of ladies from MVP held a meeting

with Mrs. Michele Canchola, the Executive Director of the Lydia Project and Mrs. Sherry

Brooks of the Image Boutique at the GRU Cancer Center. Both women conveyed their

involvement with the Lydia Project and welcomed our participation in their upcoming 7th


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Annual Lights for Lydia Luminary Sales Program. We decided to give it a try. So at the

end of November we put out flyers for advance orders of the luminaries. We sold 1,000

luminaries amounting to $1,000 and received an additional $450 in donations for a total

of $1,450. They were thrilled with our results, especially since this was our first time to

participate. Then on Saturday, December 8th, we lit up Mount Vintage! It was a great

sight and a lot of fun driving around to see all the lights.

The Lydia Project moved into a brand

new building near Doctor’s Hospital in

February. They have registered at Bed,

Bath & Beyond for items to fill their

new home in case you want to help

them now. If you think you might be

interested in volunteering, please check

out their web-site at

www.thelydiaproject.org, send

Marilynn Morguson an email

([email protected]), or give

her a call at 803-510-0037. We are working on a tour of their new home for sometime in

March. We will announce the date soon.

Thanks again for you participation in this project and we are looking forward to an even

better response this Christmas!

Marilynn Morguson

Mount Vintage Helping at the Master’s Table

A photo montage of residents

helping at the Master’s Table.

mailto:[email protected]


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Security Universal Protection Services, our current Security Company, was awarded the security

contract for another year. The services they have provided have met our expectations.

The contract was renewed at the same price as the previous year, with the exception of an

across the board raise for the Security Officers. The Security Officers continue to make

vigilant patrolling the community a priority, making the proper notifications, and taking

action when needed. We have a new member to our security team, Lieutenant William

Street. Security Officer Gunter left Universal back in December and Lieutenant Street

transitioned into his position. Lieutenant Street has been with the company since 2009.

He is SLED licensed, OC spray certified, and CPI Non Violent Crisis Intervention

certified. We are extremely happy to have him on board.

The vacations home checks peaked to fifteen during the month of December. During

these home checks the Security Officers may find a situation when they need to contact

the resident. Usually when an alarm has been activated, a door found unlocked or damage

during a storm. Please make sure the team has a means to contact you. It’s a good

practice to leave a key with a neighbor. The Security Officers currently use the Mount

Vintage Residents Directory. You can always leave a cell number with Security when

you are out of town. The HOA recommends to residents who have a monitoring company

for their security system, to add the security number (803-645-8103) to the monitoring

company call out. The security patrol will then be contacted when your security system

goes into alarm.

Remember if you are having a true emergency call 911 first. The Security Officers are on

duty from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. If you call the security number during off duty hours

(8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) the call goes to the Universal Command Center. During the off

duty hours for security you can always contact Kirby or one of the Security Committee

members for assistance.

There continues to be near miss accidents in the community. The most recent was a car

speeding through a stop sign. Please be careful entering the traffic circles and remember

the vehicle in the circle always has the right-of-way.

With current changes to the By-Laws and Covenants the Security officers are recording

all street and overnight parking. If you are having visitors/company and are unable to

park all vehicles in the garage please contact security and let them know.

Security Patrol Officers – Lieutenant Ray Fields, Lieutenant William Street, Officer

Alfonso Quiller

HOA Security Committee – Bob Casazza, Greg Warycka, Chuck Nail, Rick Atkins

(Chair)


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Report from the Planning Board

You may have seen that the Edgefield County Council had the first reading of an

ordinance to create a Highway Overlay District at its January meeting. Here is its intent:

a. The Highway Overlay District is to protect residents, enhance developments and

improve the traffic flow on primary highway corridors in Edgefield County. The

County Council may establish additional Highway Overlay Districts by ordinance on

other highways in various areas of Edgefield County.

b. The Highway Overlay Districts applies to property parcels fronting on or within four

hundred feet of the right of way of the roads listed below, except for property zoned

residential.

This applies to all new construction other than single family residential. The Overlay

District also applies to an entire site or development other than single family residential.

The actual Ordinance as reported in the Edgefield Daily can be found below under tab (C ).

c. “Ordinance Number12-13-658, “An Ordinance to amend Chapter 24, Land

Development, of the Edgefield County Code of Ordinances, in certain limited regards

and particular matters, only, creating a Highway Overlay District in the area of

Murrah Road Extension, Five Notch Road from the Aiken County line to Murrah

Road Extension, and Sweetwater Road from the intersection of Five Notch Road to

the Aiken County line. The first reading was approved 5-0.

d. While it may have no immediate effect on Mount Vintage per se, it does reopen the

discussion relating to zoning within Mount Vintage. As you are aware Mount Vintage

is located in an un-zoned area of the county with no zoning laws in place.

Al Bono

Grounds Management

We’re getting ready to enter a new growing season, and I’m pleased to announce that we

have renewed the maintenance contracts with Daniel Landscaping and Mathis Lawn

Maintenance. Daniel Landscaping will continue to handle all the maintenance in Mount

Vintage proper, and is responsible for all irrigation and accent lighting throughout the

development to include Shaw Estates. Mathis Lawn Maintenance will be taking care of

the common areas in Shaw Estates. Both have done excellent work over the last year

improving the overall appearance of our common areas and in many cases going above

and beyond what was spelled out in their contract. We look forward to another

productive year with both.


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With the able assistance of Dan Bergtholdt, Dennis Braddock, Tom Horne, Doug Schultz,

Al Bono, Jerry Bailey, and Dave Heggestad, we were able to install and/or repair a

number of street signs, stop signs, and speed limit signs throughout the development this

fall. These were critical shortcomings ignored by the developer for years, and in the

spirit of community, we finally said enough is enough and took care of the most pressing.

These volunteers also painted a number of their neighbor’s mailbox posts while they

were at it. Please extend your thanks to these folks when you see them. It was a lot of

work, but all for a good cause.

We also were able to finally get some much needed patch and repair work completed on

our roads. Again, with the able assistance of Dave Heggestad and Jerry Bailey, we

surveyed all of the roads in Mount Vintage and identified those areas that most needed

fixes before winter. Robertson Paving completed the work before Christmas and these

patches should suffice until the new developer comes in and does the extensive repair

work needed on all of Mount Vintage’s roads. Because the weather turned cold as we

were scrambling to get the work completed, a number of the “skin patches” on Mount

Vintage Plantation Drive will need to be redone once the weather improves in late spring.

Robertson Paving will do that work as part of their follow up on the original job.

I’d like to thank all of our volunteers for all their hard work. They have made a

tremendous difference in the overall appearance of the Plantation. We’re looking

forward to working with the new developer to finish the infrastructure and improve the

common areas. The punch list is extensive, but not daunting.

Tom Eckert

Interview with the Connie & Tom Bowes

Connie and Tom Bowes are the new

residents in the Griswold's home on St

John's Run. Both were residents of

North Augusta before moving to Mt.

Vintage. Connie is originally from West

Virginia and Tom was raised in New

York State. He has moved some 33

times during his career as a Piping

Engineer. He is currently employed

with Chicago Bridge and Iron at

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions

(SRNS).

Connie and Tom met through EHarmony.com and have been married a little more than a

year. Connie has a daughter Alec and a 2 year old granddaughter Raevyn. Connie and


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Tom are proud masters/parents of a pug named Sassy and Tom's sometime's vocal wish is

that Sassy's face would miraculously elongate.

Connie enjoys gardening and horseback riding. Tom loves golf and has a 12 handicap.

When he is not golfing he likes to spend time perfecting his 66 Chevelle (muscle car or

not?). So there's another car enthusiast in the neighborhood.

The Bowes feel very lucky to be in the right place at the right time to purchase their home

here as they had already placed an offer on a house on Bertram Trail in Augusta. Their

good fortune continues as they leave for Puerto Rico the day after this interview and their

neighbors bring them cookies!! However their path led them here, we enjoyed sharing an

evening of conversation and food while we welcomed them to our community.

Martha Goldhorn

Habitat for Humanity Success

Imagine dedicating a house on one evening and then closing on it the next morning. We

now have another person who is achieving the American dream of home ownership. Each

of you has contributed in Lilly being able to achieve that dream.

This house couldn’t have been completed without the Mount Vintage Plantation crew.

Most of you started out as Monday volunteers, but when the Saturday volunteers failed to

materialize, you picked up the slack. I hesitate singling anyone out, but a special thanks

to Mike Bone for his leadership and who has invested more hours than anyone knows on

this project.

I am so proud to be living in a community that is so generous with their time, labor and

money.

Thank-you!

Tom Elders

Mt. Vintage Residents Giving Their Time to Homeless Animals

We are well aware that residents at Mt.

Vintage provide many service hours to the

outlying community assisting the young,

elderly, the homeless and those suffering

from serious life threatening illness. But,

did you know that we also have residents

dedicated to service those animals who are

homeless? The CSRA Humane Society

located in Augusta, GA (near the Green


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Jackets stadium) has been very fortunate to receive assistance (financially as well as

service hours) by many Mt. Vintage folks.

The CSRA Humane Society is the only no kill shelter within the Augusta region. It is a

limited admission facility as the number of admissions is dependent upon the number of

dog/cat adoptions. Any animal admitted into the shelter has a home for life. Currently the

shelter houses between 50 and 60 dogs and 200 felines.

While Mt. Vintage residents began volunteering at this facility in March 2007, this non-

profit organization began operating the shelter in October, 2000. The building previously

was used as a stockade until the mid 90’s. As this stockade was built by the city in 1938,

folks who have visited the shelter soon realize that building maintenance and upkeep is a

constant struggle.

Although Margo Lozito and Susan Vines have been

the mainstay of the volunteer group, we have been

very fortunate to have the continued support of other

residents. Martha Potter has dedicated almost every

Saturday to walking shelter dogs or mentoring new

volunteers; Carol Vutech and her late husband Vern

have been faithful supporters as well as Virginia

Kirkwood and Phyllis Braddock. While all of us

would like to take every dog/cat home, those

volunteers who do come to the shelter provide a very significant service to the homeless

pets. There have been a few fortunate ones who now have a forever home in Mt. Vintage;

namely, Stan Vines, Josephine Lozito, Tahoe Perron, and Shana Braddock!

We have included a picture of one of our favorite shelter dogs, Geoffrey. He has a

loveable personality, and a “take me home face” distinguished by an overbite and big,

pleading eyes. New owners should be assured that his even temperament almost

guarantees an easy transition to a forever home! More information about the residents

and upcoming fundraising events can be found on the CSRA Humane Society website is

www.csrahumanesociety.org.

Susan Vines

Mustang Connections Update: Mentoring Program at Merriwether

Middle School

The Mustang Connections is now in its 4

th year of mentoring students at Merriwether

Middle School. The program coordinators, Virginia Kirkwood and Susan Vines, have

committed much time and effort to assure that the program remains a popular option for

some of the MMS students. Initially the program began as a pilot in January, 2010 with

thirteen 6th grade students and 10 Mt. Vintage volunteers. Currently, for this academic

year cycle, the program has enrolled 30 mentees.

http://www.csrahumane/


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As the program is entirely school based, volunteers meet one day a week at the school

for about 50 minutes with their mentee s). Because relationship building is the heart of

the mentoring program, meetings with the students are low pressure but engaging. Every

year those students moving up to the next grade level are invited to continue with the

program until they graduate from 8th

grade. To date, we have had 9 students who have

signed up for all three years of their middle school experience. The program

coordinators are very grateful for the services rendered by the current Mt. Vintage

mentors (Candi Hallett, Karen and Keith Muehlfeld, and Darlene Abraham) as well as

previous mentors (Leslie Biddinger, Linda Nidiffer, Diane Benarick, Jane Fant, Jim

Stewart, Joe Palmere, Paula Horne, Jerry Skaw, Carolyn and Dick Bohn). All of these

volunteers have offered their time and effort to interface meaningfully and creatively with

their middle school mentees. After 3 1/2 years of mentoring a total of 41 students, we are

assured that showing a sincere interest in this age group of school children can be very

rewarding, heartwarming and informative!

We are always looking for more Mt. Vintage residents who might be interested in

participating as mentors in the Mustang Connections Program. Please feel free to contact

the coordinators for more information.

Susan Vines

THE MOUNT VINTAGE TOWN CENTER

The Mount Vintage Town Center (the center) is looking better than ever, thanks to the

volunteer “Redecorating Committee.” The library has been moved to the back room, and

the front hallway has been painted. New pictures, clocks, furniture, lamps, and accessory

items have been added. The Mah Jongg room has new table covers and new Mah Jongg

pictures.

The activity schedule for the center is as full as I have ever seen it. Here is a quick

overview of the scheduled activities:

Activity Day* Time* Bunco 1st Monday 1:00

Book Club 2nd Monday 3:00

Bridge (Duplicate) 3rd

Mon. / 1st Thurs. 1:00

Ladies Bridge 2st & 4

th Wednesday 1:00

Bridge Clinic 3rd

Thursday 1:00

Golf Conditioning Wednesdays 8:00

Line Dance Monday & Thursday 9:45

Mah Jongg Wednesday 1:00

Yoga Monday & Thursday Monday 9:45 & Thursday 4:30

Zumba Wednesdays & Fridays Wednesday 4:00 & Friday 11:00

TENNIS

Vintage Foxes Mon./Wed./Fri. Times vary


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MVP Competitive Teams Days vary Times vary

Women’s Drop In 3rd

Wednesday Times vary

Mixed Tennis Drop In 1st Wednesday Times vary

POOL

Water Aerobics Mon./Wed./Fri. 10:00

*Days may change *Times may vary

Recent additions to the schedule are Zumba and Golf Conditioning. The Zumba classes are

medium to low intensity and are suitable for all ages and ability levels. The classes are well

taught and are becoming very popular. The Golf Conditioning class focuses on flexibility and

strength conditioning for men golfers.

Tennis

This has been a tough winter for the tennis wind screens. They have blown down numerous

times. We are looking for some more secure ties for the screens. Some of the screens were

removed for the winter and will be put back up in early April. The sprinklers on the courts have

been inspected and adjusted. This should result in more of the water wetting the playing surface.

The benches will get a new coat of deck sealer in April. Mount Vintage had numerous Mixed

and Women’s Teams playing in leagues over the winter and will have competitive teams

representing Mount Vintage this spring and summer.

Pool

The Mount Vintage Pool is scheduled to open in mid-April depending on the weather and water

temperature. The deck area will be open for sun bathing in early April. We anticipate Water

Aerobics starting once the pool is open.

Garden Plots

The garden plots are in pretty good condition. Many plot owners have already done their

spring/winter planting. The spigot by the storage building will be replaced in the near future. If

you currently have a garden plot, please stop by and be sure it is cleaned up and weeded. We

still need a volunteer to coordinate the garden plots. Please contact me if you are willing to

serve.

General

This is your Town Center. Let me know if there are activities you would like to see at the Town

Center or if you have suggestions to improve our current operation.

Tom Horne: Phone - 341-9947 or Cell (845) 527-6659


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Mount Vintage Activities and Contacts

Activity When Where Time Contact Phone

Golf Tues.-Sun. Golf Club Daily Pro Shop 279-5422 For list of men’s and women’s groups call Pro Shop. For events www.mpvgc.com

MGA 3rd

Weds. Golf Club varies Tom Nidiffer 279-9399

LGA Tuesday Golf Club 8:30 Diane Benarick 279-3744

Tennis Men’s and Women’s and Mixed Competitive Leagues, Open Play and Clinics (lessons available)

All Year Town Center varies Tom Horne 845-527-6659

Pool Water Aerobics MWF Town Center 10:00 Michelle Randrup 279-0534

Fitness Equipment Daily Town Center 24 hours Tom Horne 845-527-6659

(Personal Trainer Available)

Line Dancing M,Th Town Center 9:45-11:00 Marcella Gleie 757-784-1582

Yoga Town Center Tom Horne 845-527-6659

Knitters Stitch&Bitch 2

nd&4

th Th Nidiffer home 7:00-9:00 Linda Nidiffer 613-9399

Gardening MV Transplants Email List (interested in being on list?) Karen Eckert 279-8031

Raised Bed All Year Town Center daily Terry Radke 279-5725

Outing Club Hiking, Camping, Kayaking varies varies Jim Hilliard 278-6968

Poker Straight 3

rd Tues Golf Club 7:00 Bob Benarick 279-3744

Texas Hold’em 2nd

,3rd

Weds Golf Club 7:00 Vance Vaughan 279-7617

(call in advance)

Bunco 1st Mon Town Center 1:00 Dottie Biggs 341-9888

Mah-jong Weds Town Center 1:00 Diane Benarick 279-3744

Ladies

Canasta 2nd

Thurs Grille Noon HOA email from Kirby

Couples

Canasta last Weds Grille 6:00 HOA email from Kirby

Ladies

Bridge 2nd

4th

Weds Town Center 1:00 Maryann Schultz 613-9527

Ladies

Lunch Bunch 3rd Weds varies 11:30 HOA email from Kirby

Ladies

Book Club 2nd

Mon Town Center 4:00 Carolyn Bohn 613-1402

Phyllis Braddock 278-1477

Bloodmobile 9 wks Town Center 9:00 Jim Hilliard 278-6968

Covered Dish 2X year Golf Club 6:00 HOA email from Kirby

Lending Library Town Center 24 hours Phyllis Braddock 278-1477

http://www.mpvgc.com/

Documents

Doug Schultz and Linda Nidiffer, editors