GOD BLESS AMERICA
The VBL Fire Department would like to thank Butch Harwood's Aunt Nellie for donating the American flag that is flying proudly above the fire station. This special flag was awarded to Aunt Nellie at the services for her late husband and carries a very special meaning to her and to all of us who owe our deepest respects to those who have and are serving our country.
COMMUNITY CENTER BREAKFASTS
The VBL Fire Department will continue to have fund raiser breakfasts at the Community Center during Holiday Weekends and Special Events: Come join them for some good food and an opportunity to support the Fire Department. The Community Center will also be open to serve burgers, hot dogs, etc. during the holiday evening festivities.
CONCERNED CITIZENS COMMITTEE
In the last newsletter we talked about the hill on the causeway and how the brush was burned off and wild flowers were being planted. The next step will be to remove the old chain link fence and replace it with a new split rail fence. We will need volunteers to get the job done. If you are interested in helping, contact The VBL Conservancy or POA Board of Directors.
TOWN NEWS
Here is the latest update on the efforts to become a town. Members of the community went before the Putnam County Commissioners and presented our petition to them. The commission was in total agreement that this community should become a town. The Putnam County Foundation has approved the application by members of the community for the sum of $7,500.00 to be used to help implement the process of becoming a town. These funds will be used to pay the attorney, surveyor, newsletter announcements, certified mailings when the vote is taken, and other expenses as needed. This month we are meeting with the property owners outside of the VBL community to get their input also. Although there is no set time table, we are moving along and trying to complete things in time to be eligible for the 2007 tax year payable 2006 taxes. We hope to start seeing these tax dollars coming back into our community in June of 2007.
COMMUNITY CENTER
The newly remodeled Community Center, formally known as the Beach House, is now completed. The pavilion is going through some improvement as well. New wiring and a coat of paint will make a world of difference to its looks. If you have not visited the Community Center this spring stop by and check it out.
We will be making the center available for rent to members of the community for wedding receptions, parties and other functions. There is a $100.00 usage fee and a $100.00 security deposit. If you wish to have someone else clean-up after you, there will be an additional $50.00 fee. To reserve the facility please contact the POA Office.
As many of you know the POA has taken over the operation of the Community Center. Since this is a non-budgeted expense for 2005, we have committed to raising funds to pay for the lease and utilities. Faced with the possible loss of the building and pavilion area, the POA Board of Directors made the decision to submit a plan for the operation of the Community Center to the Conservancy. The POA was not the only party interested in the building. The Board of Directors did not want to see the building sold to, another organization and the community lose control of the grounds and the facilities on it. The POA plan was approved by the Conservancy and a contract is being signed to lease the Community Center and the grounds with an option to buy. With the possible incorporation of the community into a town we felt that we needed to preserve the common areas and all its facilities until the town could purchase them.
Attention all Chefs:
We know there are some excellent cooks in our community and we need your help. This is a call out for your favorite recipes. We are going to assemble a cookbook as a fundraiser. Please gather up your favorite recipes (the more the better) and submit them to your section leader or drop them off at the POA office at your earliest convenience. Please indicate on each recipe which category it will fall into: Main Dish, Salad/Soup; Dessert, Appetizer, etc. Be sure to include your name and phone number in case of questions. Thank you for your support. Look for the new cookbook to be available later this year!
Bill Jennings - Writer and Editor