Volume 7 August 1, 2016 Issue 8

The Villas Voice

Board of Directors: Carl Swanson, President Claudia Boscoe, VP/Sec. Shari Heyob, Treasurer Lois Nowling, Asst. Sec. (Non-Director) Thelma Westerley

Director at Large Jim Martin, Director at Large

Committees:

Community Activities: Linda Swanson, Chairman Shari Heyob, Board Liaison Linda Lowrey, CAC messenger

Social:

Members: Audie Kyber, Randy Phillips, Carol Whitehurst Welcome and Caring: Linda Lowrey

Clubhouse: Dave Talmadge, Chairman Shari Heyob, Board Liaison Members: Audie Kyber, Gerald Long

Architectural & CCR: Judy Wisniewski, Chairman Jim Martin, Board Liaison Members: Monica Lam, Landscape & Irrigation: Claudia Boscoe, Chairman Carl Swanson, Board Liaison Landscape Members: Don Phillips Irrigation members: Dave LaPrairie, Vice Chairman Bob Clark, Consultant Larry Whitehurst, David Williams,

Newsletter Editor Gail Marasco Audie Kyber, delivery

All-In-One Community

Management www.allinonemgmt.com 678-363-6479

Sure hope my sizzeling August headline is not indicative that it will continue to be as

hot as June. Then we do live in Georgia right next to Hotlanta. This month isnt big

on holidays but it is National Family Fun month, Peach month. Golf month, Picnic

month and Romance Awareness month, Friendship Day is on the first Sunday and

August 26th is Womens Equality Day.

As summer winds down and kids go back to school, lets all remember the

neighborhood Celebrations that will be happening this month too.

Claudia Boscoe 3rd Paula Flippin5th

June Klein 6th Jim Martin 7th

Carl Swanson 12th Henry Johnson 17th

Jim Flippin 18th Gail Thompson 19th

Carol Whitehurst 20th

There are no any anniversaries to announce this month.

http://www.allinonemgmt.com/

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NOTES FROM THE BOARD

PRESIDENT Carl Swanson

COMMUNITY CODE OF CONDUCT

Why did the Board of Directors approve a Community Code of Conduct at the July 27, 2016 Board Meeting? Sad to say, we have had situations where a community volunteer has been subjected to harassment to the point of considering resigning. Getting volunteers to serve our community is difficult enough as it is, and the type of behavior that was exhibited, and aimed at a community volunteer is simply unacceptable. We have had similar situations in past years, and some even involving our vendors. Ours is not the only community to experience such situations, and one recently I am particularly aware of in a community relatively close to ours, and with instances of violence one sees/hears on the news every day, it is best to focus on being pro-active rather than re-active on measures to help prevent similar undesired instances from taking place in our community. The most effective of all Codes of Conduct is the time-worn phrase of do unto others, as you would have them do unto you, and almost all in our wonderful community exercise respect, due care and consideration for fellow residents, which they themselves expect, and there is no need for the application of the rules or the issuing of warnings or fines. However, this is not always the case, and the Nuisance provision in our CC&Rs is too general for enforcement when a situation does arise, and needs to be defined for expected behaviors of residents and guests, and not left to a trier of fact to determine what is considered a nuisance in our community. Before the Board of Directors can deal with nuisance/harassment behavior we first have to define it, and make clear it will not be tolerated, thus the proposed Community Code of Conduct. Although this type of unacceptable behavior is rare in our community, it has occurred from time to time over the years, and just recently several times this year, involving volunteers and even one of our contractors. We cannot allow any of our volunteers to be subjected to unacceptable behavior, as they work very hard on behalf of our community, and our association simply cannot function without them. It is not part of a volunteers job description to accept that one might be harassed in carrying out day to day responsibilities. Volunteers deserve respect from our owners for the endless time they put in to properly run our associations. If we tolerate nuisance/harassment behavior, your association is just not going to have volunteers willing to serve, and our property could soon fall into ruins, with run down common areas. Better yet, when you see them, offer praise for the good things they do rather than badger them for the insignificant things or things they have really no control over. Serving our community as a volunteer should always be a pleasant and satisfying volunteer opportunity. Your concerns should be directed to our Management Company, All in One Management, and not to our volunteers. The exception to this is Landscape & Irrigation where you would want to contact the Chairperson. This also applies to harassment of our vendors, which has occurred, and whom provide critical services to our association. The associations duty to provide a hostility-free work environment extends to our vendors.

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The proposed Community Code of Conduct has been reviewed by our legal counsel. The Board of Directors per Section 6.8 in our Covenants has the sole discretion and may pass regulations enumerating specific types and examples of nuisances. A copy of the Code is attached to this newsletter for your information and review. You may want to save it in your computer files and/or print it out to put with your copy of the Restated Declaration, Amended By-laws and Rules & Regulations for future reference. The Fine Resolution passed at the July 27, 2016 Board of Directors Meeting adopted a one -time fine of $150 per incident involving a nuisance behavior of abuse, annoyance, or harassment under Article VI, Section 6.8 of the covenants. VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY Claudia Boscoe NEWLY ADOPTED ASSOCIATION POLICIES : At the July 27th BOD Meeting, the Community Code of Conduct, Fine Resolution, Courtesy Letter, revised Fine Process and amended Rules & Regulations were adopted and approved by the Directors. A copy of the Community Code of Conduct is attached to this newsletter, other documents will be sent for your review via email or hard copy delivered to those without email and will also be posted on our website. It is suggested that you save Association documents in your computer files and/or print them out to keep with your copy of the Restated Declaration and Amended By-laws for future reference. Per Section 6.1, these policies will become effective within 10 days of publication/distribution to the owners--August 9, 2016. After receiving and reviewing the documents, if you have any questions/comments regarding the policies, please contact BOD President Carl Swanson, swanscarl@comcast.net OR 540-226-9419. Claudia Boscoe, VP/Secy Community C of Conduct signed July 27 2016.p TREASURER Shari Heyob FINANCIAL UPDATE The Villas finished the first half of the year with a total of $147,932 in our operational and reserve accounts. Through June, we have a year-to-date net loss of $2,517.95, which in large part is due to timing of landscape improvements taken earlier in the year than budgeted. As the year progresses we anticipate ending up under budget. Tree and shrub replacement by RGS continues. Planned expenditures this year for tree and shrub replacement should be $3000 under budget. The budget is being closely monitored, as stated before, and we should end the year at or under budget. There is still one homeowner that owes monthly assessments for the past three months. This has been turned over to collection by All In One. The company that cleans the clubhouse was behind on their billing, so they submitted two invoices in May. $55 was budgeted for pest control in May, but the invoice was paid in June. Board President Carl Swanson addressed a problem that was pointed out by the pest control company and sealed around the area where the air conditioning line enters the clubhouse. This will help to reduce pest entry points. The four outside lights on the clubhouse were painted, which resulted in an overage of $100 in building improvements.

mailto:swascarl@comcast.nettel:540-226-9419

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BEREAVEMENT FUND Our neighborhood established a bereavement fund back in 2011. This was done through the CAC committee per their charter. The monies in this fund have been used only when residents have passed on, most often as a $50 contribution to a charity listed in the obituary. At this time, the money in the fund needs to be replenished. If you would care to make a voluntary contribution to replenish the fund $5, $10 or any amount you desire would be appreciated. Please give (cash only) to Carl Swanson, Claudia Boscoe, or Shari Heyob. The money that is collected will be kept in escrow by All-In-One Management as they handle the contributions and disbursement of funds.

IMMEDIATE FINE FOR NOT SUBMITTING A MOD IFICATION REQUEST AND RECEIVING APPROVAL CARL SWANSON

Almost all of our Owners do submit Modification Requests when required, however, not everyone. Although there have been numerous communications to Owners regarding the need to submit a Modification Request per our covenants and Rules & Regulations, and particularly on exterior changes as noted within them, we still have some who either consciously choose to not do so, or are not aware it is required. Regardless of what has transpired in the past, your Board of Directors intends to enforce the covenants and Rules & Regulations going forward.

Please read through the covenants, and Rules and Regulations to understand when a Modification Request is required. Your Board of Directors does not want to have to issue fines for Modification Request matters, however, per our covenants, the Directors have a duty to enforce them. Our Rules and Regulations for the most part mirror our Master Association, Seven Hills, requirements. It is not fair for most to follow the rules, and that others do not. If the Board does not enforce our Rules & Regulations, then why should anyone? Many of our Owners moved into a covenant protected community for a reason to protect their investment.

Why Enforce the Rules?

Duty: Our owners agreed to abide by the rules when they bought into the Villas community. When you elected your Directors they assumed the legal duty to enforce all the rules of our homeowners association uniformly and fairly. A Board of Directors has two primary functions -to maintain the common areas, and to preserve property values by enforcing the CC&Rs, and Rules & Regulations. Where this is not done, it leads to many issues and problems.

Fairness: Our Rules & Regulations apply to our entire community, and need to be enforced uniformly, and fairly. The Board of Directors cannot pick and choose which rules to enforce and which ones not to. Directors have a duty to ensure everyone follows them.

Risk of Litigation If the Board does not enforce the rules uniformly in our homeowners association, we would be opening the association to lawsuits and other legal actions.

Community Distrust If our Board or any Board continually allows rules and regulations to be broken, they will lose the ability to govern the Association. This will generally lead to turmoil and a very ineffective governing body in our community.

Your Board of Directors has approved a revised Fine Policy at the July 27 th. Board Meeting. It provides for an immediate fine of $150 for failure to submit a Modification Request as required, and a daily fine of $25 per d ay up until a Modification Request is submitted. In cases where a Modification Request has been submitted, and work is started before receiving approval, there will be an immediate fine of $150, and a daily fine of $25. The daily fine will continue unti l such time as Owner ceases work on the modification or receives written approval from the ARB, whichever occurs first.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (ARC) REMINDER OF VILLAS AT BLACKBERRY RUN RULES & REGULATIONS #4: VEHICLES: Automobiles, passenger vans, motorcycles and pickup trucks are permitted. Parking Commercial vehicles (i.e., vehicles used for commercial purposes including vehicles with commercial lettering, or logos) or equipment, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, buses, golf carts, boats and other watercraft, trailers, and stored or inoperable vehicles (vehicles with flat tires, expired tags or mechanical issues) in places other than enclosed garages is prohibited. However, recreational vehicles (RVs) may be parked in the driveway to allow for loading or unloading not to exceed 4 hours in any 6-day period. Parking at all times in driveways shall not obstruct clear passageway on the sidewalk. Covering of vehicles with a tarp or other covering in the driveways is not permitted. No repairs to or maintenance of any automobile or other vehicle shall be made or performed on any driveway except in the case of emergency. Any maintenance shall be performed in the residents garage. Vehicles should not be parked on the sidewalk, grass or the street. Vehicles parked on the street are a safety hazard as well as a violation of Seven Hills Covenants and Paulding County Ordinances. The ARC is looking for a volunteer to join our committee. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact me at jaw3943@yahoo.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Judy Wisniewski .

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

JULY EVENT BROWN BAG WINE TASTING During the afternoon of Sunday, July 17th, 18 residents gathered in the clubhouse to enjoy tasting and rating 13 various wines contributed by the attendees -- 7 white and 6 reds! Appetizers were provided by hosts John and Claudia Boscoe. After swirling, smelling and sipping, tasters then rated each wine in five categories. After completing the tasting, each participant voted on their first, second and third favorite wines in both reds and whites. A quiz tested one's knowledge of obscure wine facts (no "googling" allowed!), answers were announced and scratch-off tickets awarded. After tallying the preference votes, the overall GRAND CHAMPION was a red wine--Mnage a Trios CA 2014 Folie a Deux brought by Randy & Don Phillips!

REDS: 1st place - Dreaming Tree CA 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon - Shari & Randy Heyob 2nd place - Beaujolais 3rd place - Belle Ambiance CA Villages 2014 George Dubceuf 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Family Linda Slaughter Vineyard - Linda & Carl Swanson WHITES: 1st place - 2nd place - Pinot Grigio Mnage a Trois CA 2014 Italy 2014 Pinatti Notte - Folie a Deux Audie & Larry Kyber Randy & Don Phillips,

3rd place - Gewrztraminer Germany 2013 Fetzer Vineyards - Lois Diehl.

mailto:jaw3943@yahoo.com

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Ribbon winners were awarded scratch-off tickets according to their placing: Grand Champion, $5; 1st place, $3; 2nd place $2 and 3rd place $1 which hopefully revealed a "cash prize" John and Claudia Boscoe

AUGUST EVENT

ITALIAN NIGHT

Italian Night on Saturday, August 13th at 6pm, hosted by Carl & Linda Swanson. RSVP by Wednesday, Aug. 10th. Brochure will be delivered to all residents. Linda Swanson VILLAS DINING CLUB (VDC) Dining out dates and locations are as follows for the month of August: August 11th Thursday 10:30 am Reveille Cafe. 5330 Brookstone Drive. Acworth Choice of breakfast or brunch. August 25th Wednesday. 1:00 pm Diner Bakery Co. 3150 Cobb Parkway. Acworth Across the street from second Walmart on 41. Choice of breakfast, lunch or dinner. Please make your reservation by 5:00pm the night before the event to Audie at akyber@comcast.net or 770-974-6582. Audie Kyber

LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION LANDSCAPING There's no mistaking that the summer heat wave temperatures are here along with a hot sun that seems to enjoy broiling our community! As rainfall is scarce, the irrigation system is set for full irrigation, meaning rotors run for 20 minutes and sprays for 5 minutes two days a week. Be assured that the Landscape and Irrigation teams are working together to monitor the condition of the shrubs and turf. The process of reviewing the Request for Proposal bids is proceeding, I have contacted the references supplied by the 3 of the 4 companies as well as driven through the communities and will announce a day and time of a BOD work session for each company to make a presentation and for interested residents to attend and listen in as well. The three companies are Georgia Landscaping, Dreamscapes and our current landscaper, RGS. At the June 29th Community Meeting, I presented information on phasing in mulch. I have attached the information to this newsletter for those that did not attend, even those that did, might want to read it over. If you have any questions, comments please send them to me at jagdiva2005@comcast.net or 678-401-7095. Claudia Boscoe, L&I Chairperson

mailto:akyber@comcast.nettel:770-974-6582mailto:jagdiva2005@comcast.nettel:678-401-7095

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IRRIGATION Irrigation water budget for June, July and August is $1,500 for each month. June came in under budget amount at $843. The month of July will be higher due to the extra water usage on new turf installed at 87-145 SCW. In order to control water run-off, the Irrigation Team tried a new program called "Cycle and Soak". As you know, GA red clay does not absorb water very well, so running the irrigation system for extended period of time did not seem to allow for soil to thoroughly absorb the water, resulting in run-off into street gutter. It was thought that by setting a short repetitive cycling of each zone would allow time for the water to soak into soil in an more efficient manner. Irrigation Team consultant Bob Clark and I tested it on Controller 3, and it seemed to work fine, so it was programmed into all 4 controllers. Unfortunately, several faults began showing on controllers throughout the community. RGS recommended that we remove the cycle and soak program, as it was thought to be the possible cause of the zone faults. This has been done, all controllers now run at 100% and will be carefully monitored for zone faults. Keep in mind that all irrigation is scheduled to run overnight. Faults are easily viewed by the team member when performing weekly check of the controllers. Members of the Irrigation Team--Larry Whitehurst, David Williams, consultant Bob Clark, chairperson Claudia Boscoe and BOD president Carl Swanson got "down and dirty" on July 13th installing 5 MP rotators along Blackberry Run Trail on a trial basis to evaluate their performance. We gathered early in the morning and worked for a couple of hours to get the rotators installed. This involved carefully removing sod, digging down about 12 inches to reach the pipe connection--which had a tendency to fill with water--remove the existing rotor, add an adapter to pipe fitting, check the pressure on the line and attach the MP rotator. Then fill the hole and replace the sod, crossing our fingers for no leaking to occur! I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to these gentlemen for their efforts on this project. (Although, their wives may not been appreciative when they returned home in stained and dirty clothes!) Rainmaker was in community on July 15th and found fault on Controller 1, which resulted in a broken pipe replaced. An estimate was requested for possible additional work. RGS did repair work behind 335 SCW and will be back to perform locator work on other areas on Controller 2 and 4. IRRIGATION TUTORIAL ROAM's--For all the enthusiasts of remote control devices, this is one you would love! It might even generate your desire to become a member of the Irrigation Team! So what are ROAMs and what they do, you ask. ROAMs are a two way communication system, one that attaches to the Controller box and the other is operated by the team member as they walk throughout the community. The hand held ROAM allows the team member to trigger each zone to start-up/shut down without having to return to the controller box. It is an efficient method to test the entire community, both fronts and backs of homes. Let me tell you--it's pretty awesome to have such power in your hand! So if you happen to notice irrigation going on around your home in the daytime--take a look outside, it just might be the Irrigation Team/RGS out with the ROAM's! (Note: When the system is to be tested during the daytime hours, I will do my best to give advance notice to residents, but in some instances, I may not be able to do so, such as when a leak or other problem is reported.) Claudia Boscoe, L&I Chairperson

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NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES & NEWS

CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS My new address is beverlymiceli10@gmail.com BOOK CLUB Where: Villas Clubhouse When: 1:00 3:00 PM Monday, August 1 - The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman Hope to see community readers there. We always welcome new readers! For those who read ahead, here are the upcoming selections: Thursday, September 8 - Marley & Me by John Grogan October 3 The Wright Brothers by David McCullough November 7 Everything I Never Told You by Celest Ng December 5 The Mole People: Life in the Tunnels Beneath New York City by Jennifer Toth Rita Norris BUNCO

Ladies, Thursday, August 4th is Bunco night hosted by Claudia Boscoe. Please RSVP to Claudia at johnjbcb1@comcast.net or 678-401-7095 If you will be playing or if someone will be subbing for you.

Play begins at 7 P.M. in our clubhouse. If you are not a regular player or sub and interested in joining in the fun, please contact Linda Lowrey at lindahlowrey@gmail.com or 770-974-7149

LADIES BIBLE STUDY

I hope ya'll enjoyed reading the book of Joshua. It was great to know The Lord God was with them as they took the Promised Land. Let's go on to Hebrews for August, then start back meeting in September. Miriam Rainwater CAR DETAILING After sitting out in parking lots, maybe your driveway, coming back from a road trip or grandkids spilling their juice box in the back seat does your vehicle deserve a "day at the spa"? If so, JAGDIVA recommends the tender, loving care of Patrick, owner of A Spotless Detail. Patrick will come to your garage/driveway to give your car one of his special treatment packages. His services are available for all types of vehicles: cars, SUV's, trucks and/or minivans as well as campers, boats and semi-trailer trucks! You can check out his website: www.ASPOTLESSDETAIL.com or call 678-334-9855. Claudia Boscoe aka JAGDIVA PET SITTER Randy and I have found a great pet sitter to take care of our cat and dog while we are away. Angela Cremers lives here in Seven Hills. She is a Cobb County school employee who is a pet sitter on the side, and she is dependable and loves animals (and houseplants too). Having a pet sitter is a lot less stressful on our older animals than boarding them, and Angela has reasonable rates and can come to your home and let the pets out, walk them, and take care of houseplants on a flexible schedule. She can be reached at 404-502-8359 or at ahcremers@aol.com Shari Heyob

http://beverlymiceli10@gmail.com/mailto:lindahlowrey@gmail.comhttp://www.aspotlessdetail.com/tel:678-334-9855mailto:ahcremers@aol.com

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CARPET CLEANING Hi folks -- CITRUSOLUTION is the answer. Joe Paul does a fantastic job in cleaning your carpets and rugs. The solution he uses works miracles, is pet friendly and dries quickly. The job is done in about an hour for an entire bedroom, sitting area and two large area rugs, for example. He also moves furniture and charges very reasonable rates. If you need your carpets/rugs cleaned or even freshened up, Joe Paul is the one to call. 678-736-1156 I and another Villas resident have already used him and we're very happy we did. Lois Diehl DRIVING YOUR NEIGHBOR TO A SPONSORED VILLA EVENT ? Just a reminder that if you are driving neighbors to a sponsored Villas event, such as a luncheon, it would be wise to review your insurance with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate limits on your insurance coverage. The reason is that auto insurance coverage follows the car, and in case of an accident involving physical damage or bodily injury, your vehicle insurance would be primary, and would pay for all damages, including medical payments.

Carl Swanson

tel:678-736-1156

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AUGUST

1 Book Club-1pm

2 Game Night-7pm

4 Bunco 7pm

8 Ladies Two Table Bridge-1:30pm

9 Game Night-7pm

10 RSVP for Italian Night

11 VDC Reveille Cafe -10:30AM, Mens Cards-7pm

13 ITALIAN NIGHT EVENT 6PM

16 Game Night-7pm

18 W(h)ine Night 7pm

23 Game Night 7pm

25 VDC- Diner Bakery Co.-1PM, Mens Cards-7pm

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AUGUST 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 BookClub-1pm

2 GameNight-7pm

3 4 Bunco 7pm

5 6

7 8 Ladies

2 table Bridge 1:30pm

9 GameNight-7pm

10 RSVP-Italian Night

11 VDC-10:30am

Mens Cards-7pm

12 13 ITALIAN

NIGHT

14 15

16 GameNight-7pm

17

W(h)ine Night-

7pm

18

19

20

21 22 23 GameNight-7pm

24

25 VDC-1pm

Mens Cards-7pm

26 27

28

29

30 GameNight-7pm

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Mulch vs Pine Straw Realizing that numerous residents have commented that they would prefer mulch rather than pine straw in beds and other areas of community, giving a nicer overall appearance to our community. At the June 29th Community Meeting, I asked those attending by show of hands, who would like mulch rather than pine straw around our homes. Of the 29 attendees, almost everyone raised their hand. As special section was included as part of the RFP for cost estimate on phrasing in mulch for pine straw, starting around front of 78 homes and clubhouse area. The pricing ranged from $17,530 to $23,213, plus pine straw for other areas ranging from $1,639 to $7,247. Total cost for first year would range from $19,169 to $30,460! Cost of phasing in the backs in second year would range from $11,645 to $29,010. Mulch needs to be refreshed every 15-18 months. I did contact the same company that provides mulch for our sister community Windsong at Seven Hills. The owner came out to speak with me and view our property to provide an estimate, the amount of which came to $17,530 for doing only the front of the community, excluding some areas. Mulch could be applied over pine straw, as long as it is not too fresh/deep. In the event the BOD approves mulch, we would forgo the November application, so we could apply mulch in early 2017. It is suggested that landscaper apply weed and fungus treatments to beds prior to application. Our 2016 annual pine straw application is $14,911 for front and back of homes 2 times a year and common areas once a year. PRO on Mulch:

Retains water, resulting in less watering

Breakdowns/increases organic matter improving health of soil

Suppresses weeds, less likely to sprout

Hand spread installation avoids possible staining on white fences during installation and even distribution on depth

Refresh 15-18 months, approximate cost $11,000 front only Upon researching and speaking with knowledgeable individuals, I have found there are drawbacks to having mulch up against our houses and white fences, along with the expense of changing over. CONS on Mulch:

Attracts termites

Easily moved by rain

Blown in installation -- Possible staining of white fences during installation and uneven distribution on depth

Hand application is more expensive

Still require pine straw to be put down around back of homes

Artillery Fungus -- possibility of shooting black spores up on white fences/house siding Uh-hothat does not sound good! What is artillery fungus and spores? Artillery Fungusthis is a very serious consideration when deciding whether or not we should phase in mulch. This fungus has shown up in a couple of our residents courtyards. Getting rid of the black spores is nearly impossible!

So what is this fungus? It is a white-rotting, wood-decay fungus that likes to live on moist landscape mulch and very common across the USA. The fungus is quite smallabout 1/10 of an inch across and very hard to see in mulch. The term artillery refers to the fact that the fungus actively shoots its spore

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sort of like a cannon or howitzer, shot only a short distance but the wind can carry them for longer distances and even up to the second story of a house. This fungus is different from shotgun fungus which commonly grows on fresh horse dung. The spores are attracted to light colored houses and cars more so than dark colored ones. By nature the fungus shoots it spores towards sunlight to aid in dispersal. In the absence of direct sunlight it shoots the spores at highly reflective surfaces, such as white house siding. And, or course, the black spores show up better on light surfaces, so more easily noticedsuch as our white fences. It also prefers north side as it grows better in mulch on the cool, shady, moist side of the house where growing conditions are more suitable for the fungus. Spores are alive, but dormant and pose no threat to the siding other than staining it. Artillery fungus seems more prevalent how than in past, mainly due to the increased use in landscape mulch, more mulch being used today, therefore more favorable material for the fungus in our urban/suburban areas. Fungus is just as common in beds away from your house/car but is not noticed at that location. But, put the same mulch with artillery fungus next to your house foundation add white or reflective siding and you will then notice the severe problem. Also, the fungus seems to prefer wood as opposed to bark. Much of the mulch we use today is recycled wood; in past most mulch was bark. In addition, finely shredded mulches used today hold more moisture than the older coarsely ground mulchesthis favors The $64,000 question: How does artillery fungus get in my mulch and my neighbors do not have it???? This is difficult to answer. The fungus commonly occurs on dead trees, branches, rotting wood, etc. If infested material is used for mulch, the artillery fungus may be already in the mulch when the load of mulch arrives at a job site and then grow rapidly along your foundation during cool moist conditions. However, this may be more of a problem when the mulch is not composted, which subjects the mulch to higher internal temperatures, which may inhibit artillery fungi. Also, when mulch is dyed a color, it can kill off the infection. Care should be exercised when utility companies advertise free mulch as it is usually fresh with a higher likelihood of contamination. Spore masses may be present at a site on old mulch previously infested plant leaves, rabbit/deer droppings, decaying leaves and grass. These existing spores may immediately infest new applications of mulch. And dont forget, they can be transported airborne. People can also spread artillery fungus. Some homeowners make the mistake of sanding, scraping or otherwise removing the spore masses from the sides of their homes, letting them fall onto their foundation mulch. Such spores are very much alive; under moist condition they germinate and re infest the mulch. The one thing you dont want to do is paint over the spores, as it seals them in, leaving a pebbly appearance. After presenting this information to the attendees of the June 29th Community Meeting, I again asked for a show of hands on how many of you are interested in phasing in mulch? No one raised their hand. I have a link to the Penn State Publications which discusses artillery fungus in great detail as well as the many different ways people have tried/ used to get rid of the spores from homes and cars. I have included it below so you can read the information: http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/d/d/ddd2/ Submitted by Claudia Boscoe, Chairperson Landscape & Irrigation Committee Presented at Community Meeting June 29, 2016

http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/d/d/ddd2/

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