Annual Association Dinner/Meeting

The annual Willowbrook Homeowners Association Dinner/Meeting is now scheduled. The details are below. An email will also be sent out. Next week there will be a reminder either mailed or place on front doors with the following information...

Tuesday, January 16, 2007
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Clancy's Banquet Room (on South Outer Road)
Buffet-style dinner will be served.
There will be NO charge for the dinner this year.
(however, if you want any alcoholic beverages, you'll have to pay for them at the bar.) Coffee, tea, soda and water will be provided.

If you have any questions, please call Daniel at 220-2202 or Leslie at 224-8323.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Thanks,

Daniel L. Anderson

Coming Up...

Fall is fast approaching and it's time to start thinking of when we'd like to hold our annual Fall Clean-Up.

I have gane back in time (paperwork wise) and seen that over the last couple of years we've held that clean-up and then the leaves would really drop. So maybe if we pushed it back a little bit. I was looking at the calendar and wanted to run the following by you:

Friday, November 10 through Sunday, November 12.

I realize the mailer that went out early this year mentioned the weekend of Nov. 17 - 19, but we felt that was too close to Thanksgiving weekend.

Please let me know what you think of this time frame. I am ordering postcards to send out as reminders (at no cost to the Association, of course) and need to get a date set. Also, the earlier I am able to reserve dumpsters the better.

Also, the question of a Fall Garage Sale has come up a few times. What are your thoughts on this as well?

Please send your comments, concerns suggestions to me @ tempestkc@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks,

Daniel

Update From The President

Hello there,

I hope everyone is faring well during this, our current heat wave. Stay cool.

I just wanted to touch base with you all, since it's been a while with no meeting. I have had a lot on my domestic plate with several ongoing projects (reconstruction/renovation), but I'm sure you can all relate.

There are, however, a few items I wanted to mention...

First off, there's the entryway. I am still trying to match the color so that I can properly cover the graffiti that is now only slightly visible. If I can't make the right match (the sun and weather have faded it a bit), I'll have to make a complete repaint project out of it (ugh!). I'll let you know what happens.

Also, since I've been working on so much renovation here at the house, I haven't been able to get to the weeds at the entryway as I've been wanting to. I am going to try to get on that sometime during this week after work. If not then, sometime early Saturday morning.

I'm sure you've noticed the FOR SALE signs within the subdivision. Here's what I know so far:

801 NW 19th Street - SOLD (I still don't have the names)
800 NW 19th Street - FOR SALE - Still showing.
1712 NW Ash - SOLD - Awaiting response from new owners.
708 NW 18th Street - SOLD - Closing process in progress.
705 NW 18th Street - FOR SALE - Still Showing. (Pam Kosewick's home)
809 NW 18th Street - For Sale - In process of listing. (Mary Craff's home)
815 NW 16th Street - Status Unknown.

If there are others I might not have listed here, please let me know.

Well, that's about it for the time being. If you have anything to add, please feel free to let me know.

Thanks,

Daniel

Child Care Right Here In Willowbrook

Cathy's Angels Child Care & Learning Center ...a State Licensed & Approved In-Home Child Care Program Providing Daily and Weekly care & supervision of children ages 3 to 12 years of age.
229-0507
Cathy Smith, 229-0507, openings for Preschool age.

Provide the best for all of your little angels! Bring them to "Cathy's Angels" today and get the finest child care and the assurance of a safe, secure, and nurturing environment! Located At: 1612 West Ashton Drive Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-224-0313 For Parents who care! Pre-school for ages 3-5 Before and After school program for ages 6-12 years Summer Camp Program Full Time Care Part Time Care Drop-In Program Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your convenience!

Cathy's Angels is a professional organization with long standing local, state, and national involvement in child care and educational programs. Every effort is made to advance the quality of child care and early education for children. We are members of many organizations, associations and boards on all levels to advance the interests of all parents in availability of thorough, affordable, quality daycare and educational opportunities for all of our children! Here are just some of the associations of which we are active members: Blue Springs Child Care Association Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Ozark Nutrition, Inc National Association for the Education of Young Children

A little about us:

We offer an unpressured opportunity for intellectual, social and physical growth for your child in a stimulating atmosphere of love and security, enhanced by an environment of an in-home setting like your child is used to. "Cathy's Angels" is a Missouri State Licensed and Approved Child Care Home, offering quality child care and educational experiences for children since 1974. With 28 years in operation and over 28 years of experience in child care, you have the best assurance of a quality environment staffed by State Licensed child care providers. We understand that it's difficult to leave your child every day while you're off at work or other commitments and we know you need to feel assured that they are in an environment that will attend carefully to their need for love and security as well as the necessary physical need of supervision, nutrition and care. Rest assured we strive to provide the very best for them every day!

See us have fun!

Home for Sale 705 NW 18th

Please contact me if you know anyone interested in buying this unique beautiful home.
Price is $179,900.

I hate to move from this wonderful neighborhood and all of you wonderful neighbors, but it must be done. If I need to list with a realtor, the price will be higher.

Updated -Well Maintained Home 3 Bedroom/ 2 Bath

Room Sizes:

200 Amp Service Family Room 14x24

Steel Siding Dining Room 13 x10

Fenced Back Yard Living Room 13 x10

Dishwasher, Disposal, Electric Range Master Bdrm14x15

Attic Fan Guest Bdrm 21 x10

Vaulted Ceiling and Sky Light in Hall Bath 3^rd Bdrm 17x 13

Newer Insulated Windows Kitchen 14 x 11

Ceiling Fans in all Bedrooms Atrium Greenhouse 17x25

Oversized two car garage

Updated décor throughout interior

New Trane Furnace and Heat Pump 2002

Qualifies for Aquila Discounts

Dry Basement

Walk-in Attic – well insulated

Woodburning/Gas Fireplace

Walk In Cedar (7x6) Closet in Master

Double Mirrored Closets in the other two Bedrooms

2 Linen Closets in Hall

Neutral Colors Throughout

Move-in condition

Shown by Appointment Only

Letter of Loan PreApproval Required

Call 816-550-1558

Or

E-Mail: pkosewick@juno.com

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Let There Be Light

After a unanimous vote at the recently-held projects meeting this past Monday, Eagle Electric, Inc. has been contracted to install the new spotlights for the entryway sign.

As of today, this project has begun, and you will see the contractors out working on it starting today and the job should be completed by the end of the week.

We have already made it part of the work order that no light is to overflow the sign, thereby keeping them from shining into/onto the houses on either side.

Stay tuned...

A Message From the Gaverth's

As some of you know, we are getting ready to look for another house without stairs. Lynette can't handle them anymore. As part of the process, we are going to have a tag sale getting rid of most of our stuff. The people doing the sale will be in our house from now thru June 8 arranging things -- so please don't try to reach us at 816/229-9233. Call Lynette's cell instead (816/682-6555). Very soon we will be dumping our land line telephone completely, and I will be getting a cell phone myself. When I do, I will let you know.

So long y'all,

~ Ken ~
708 NW 18th Street

New Lights Are Coming...

By the end of June - probably before - there
will be new lights installed to light this sign up.

Stay tuned...

Meeting Reminder

Monday, June 5th, 2006
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The Commons Bldg.
Blue Springs High School

Issue 1:
Final bids on the entryway lighting project.

We are going to have the Willowbrook sign lit
so that folks can better see it at night.
Several companies have placed bids on the job
and we'd like your input and vote on the winner of this job.

Issue 2:
Miscellaneous business.

Home sales/purchases.
Website
Clean-Up results.
Other.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Don't Forget...

Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 7

Please pay attention to the signs posted on each dumpster to know what can and can't be placed into each dumpster.

Website Updates

I've recently made a couple of additions to this web page that, I hope, will come in handy and help make it more secure.

The first is a "SUBSCRIBE" section that is located just under the "ARCHIVES" in the sidebar on the left side of the page. With this new feature, you can be automatically alerted when there is a new posting or update made to this website. Just enter your email address in the box and then click "Keep It Fresh".

The second is a feature I've added as a way of filtering out "SPAM" comments made by bad websites. These websites - called "Robots" - scan the internet for random words (such as willowbrook or fishing, etc.) and load spam in their comments sections. I've added this feature to add an extra layer of security to our already secure site.

When you see a posting that you'd like to add a comment to (and we really encourage comments from you all), a small window will pop up for you to add your comment, and before you can send the comment, a "Word Verification" box will have to be entered. Really simple.

I hope you find these updates helpful and any feedback you might have regarding these will be greatly appreciated. I'ts the goal of Willowbrook's Officers and Board to make this site as informative and user-friendly as possible.

Many thanks,
Daniel

P.S. Don't forget about the Neighborhood Clean-Up THIS WEEKEND.

Garage Sale Reminder

Positive Ratings

Wilson Home Update

Just wanted to share the information I recently aquired:

As I'm sure you are aware, the Wilson home recently suffered a fire that rendered the home heavily damaged. The cause of the fire was (initially) determined to have been the furnace. This furnace was the original one (it was the one installed when the house was built) and it was, according to sources, a G.E.. According to the sources, there was a gas build-up (caused by a damaged or worn out pipe). This gas build-up ignighted when the furnace started and this caused the house fire.

I felt it necessary to mention this as a means of pointing out the importance of having our furnaces regularly checked as a matter of safety. I have learned that at least two other homes in Willowbrook also have the original model G.E. furnaces, and these homeowners are currently having them either checked/serviced or replaced entirely.

Please do not take this update to mean your furnace will do the same thing. I just want to keep you apprised of the news about the fire, as well as passing along a matter of safety. The details of this fire are still coming in a little at a time, and we will pass along any updates as they come in.

Calendar Help

Sorry for the confusion about the calendar. Here are the directions to view and use this tool.
(it's actually very easy to use, so don't let my over-explaining confuse you)

In the "Calendar" box (left side of this page), you'll see the following:
30 Boxes //
Willowbrook Calendar - Click here - Type in Daniel's email address and use password: willowbrook

1) click (once) on any of those words. It will take you into the calendar login page.
2) click (once) on the "Login" (at the top upper-right of the page)
3) In "Email Address", enter this ---> tempestkc@sbcglobal.net
4) In "Password", enter this ---> willowbrook (no uppercase)
5) Click (once) on the blue "Login" button under the password.

You are now in the calendar. (pretty cool, huh? no? well, let's go further, then.)
You see today's date is highlighted in yellow.
Just above the calendar towards the right, you'll see this --->
The is to scroll to previous days/months.
The does nothing...it's just a divider.
The allows you to scroll forward to the day/month you're looking for.
The allows you to do two things. If you hold your cursor over it, a calendar column will appear, and then you can pick a specific day/month from there.

If you'd like to add an event you'd like to share with your neighbors, (graduation, wedding, etc.) you can do so by entering it in the space at the top of the calendar (in the middle) that says "Add a new event here..."
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you not include dates/times when you won't be home. This calendar is NOT available to everyone in the world, but we'd still like you folks to feel safe.

If you'd like to see what's actually happening on a specific date that you see an entry, you can one of two things:
1) hold your mouse over the event (a display of the info will appear)
2) click (once) on that event and whatever info there is will show for you. (when you do this, you can close the event info by clicking where you see "close window".

when you're done with the calendar, go to the very top-right corner of the calendar page and click "Logout".

20060429 20060429 Garage Sale/Willowbrook

As always, if you need further help, or just want to ask a question regarding anything about this site, please feel free to email or call me.

Daniel Anderson

Project Updates

Just an update on some progress made on some on-going projects:

1) Entryway Lights

Project: The "Willowbrook" sign(s) are in need of lights so that it can be seen at night.

Update: Three electricians are currently submitting estimates for this. It will include the actual lights, material(s) and labor. Leslie Long is also contacting Dave Madden and one or two others to bid. We will, of course, submit the lowest bid to the members for approval. The winning bidder will be contracted for work soon thereafter.

2) Website Calendar

Project: I've been searching online for a relatively easy-to-use interactive calendar for visitors to the site to see what's on tap for Willowbrook. We can easily add the events as "Posts", but a calendar will also help.

Update: There is now a new calendar link on the left-hand side of the site (under the "Calendar" section). Please give it a try and give me any feedback you might have. The directions are simple and printed on the box.

Note: This calendar allows any member to open and add an event that they think might be of interest to the Association Members. I've added several events to it already (for the months of April, May & June) to give examples. When you click on the "event" (click on it once) you'll see what (if any) notes are attached to that particular event.

Recent Board Meeting

WILLOWBROOK HOA – BOARD MEETING

Wednesday March 15, 2006 7:15-8:30 PM

Attendees: Daniel Anderson, Randy George, Leslie Long, Cindy George, Pam Kosewick

Location: Daniel Anderson’s House

Prepared by: Pam Kosewick

AGENDA:

A. Home Owners Information Updates

B. Spring Clean Up

C. Willowbrook Blog

D. Entry Way

E. Miscellaneous Business

F. Next Board/Homeowner Meeting

A. Home Owner Information Updates

• Pam will sort neighborhood information by street and hand out to board members to canvas and update all information

• Board members will update phone numbers and email addresses and return to Pam to compile all data and provide to President of Board.

• Daniel will send letters to realtors when homes are brought up for sale

• Daniel will get updated list of neighbors using EWS

B. Spring Clean UP

• Pam will call for volunteers to man the dumpsters for the weekend

• Board Members will need to fill in times that volunteers are not available

• The dumpsters will be attended for 2 hour shifts during the following hours:

  • Friday 4-8

  • Saturday 8-8

  • Sunday 8-6

C. Willowbrook Blog

• This year we will transition from paper newsletters to the blog format which is why we need to update all homeowners e-mail addresses

• Next year the blog website address will be on board refrigerator magnets

D. Entryway

1. Adopt the entryway program

• Daniel will contact volunteers to adopt the entryway by month.

• Randy and Cindy George volunteered to adopt the entryway in November.

2. Lighting the Willowbrook Sign

• Daniel will contact 3 electricians to quote on hardwiring dawn to dust spotlights on the Willowbrook Sign to be presented at next board meeting for a quorum vote of homeowners.

• Leslie will call Dave Madden to see if he is interested on bidding on the entry way lighting job.

3. New Flag

• There have been 11 complaint calls about the flag at the entry way

• The board approved having Leslie purchase a new Heavy Duty 4x6 Flag at Snyders.

E. Miscellaneous Business

1. Leslie is sending out final notice for dues. Trash service will be discontinued for Homeowners not paying the association dues on June 1, 2006

2. Our next Newsletter will suggest a great tip for luminary bags offered by Randy George. This tip is to slip cut down ½ gallon milk jugs into the luminary bag before filling with sand to make the bag sturdier and less apt to blow over and catch fire.

Next Board/Homeowner Meeting

3. Next Meeting will be the First Biannual Homeowners Meeting to vote on approving a contractor to install the lights for the Willowbrook Sign.

4. Leslie will call the High School Library to see if we can meet there.

5. A newsletter will be sent to all association members inviting their input at this meeting

6. Meeting will be held Monday, June 5, 2006

Respectfully submitted by: Pam Kosewick

Homes Currently Up For Sale

800 NW 19th Street (The Wohlford Home)

801 NW 19th Street (The Dorrance Home) $144,900.00

1712 NW Ash (The Liggett Home) Closing on 03/23/06 (SOLD!!)

Don't forget...

Meeting of the Officers and Board of Directors

TONIGHT (Wednesday, March 15th)
805 NW 18th ST (Daniel's house)
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

All homeowners are welcome.

Hail Update

As you all know, we've had a series of storms coming through our area throughout today and into this evening. With these storms, a system just hit which produced golfball-sized hail. (we've now got some samples in our garage freezer) We're currently trying to peel our cats off the ceiling.

I hope none of your homes or vehicles have suffered any damage from this storm, and it would be a good idea for you to check your roofs tomorrow as hail can, at times, cause some problems.

HOA Board Meeting -All Homeowners Welcome

March 15, 2006 at Daniels House 7PM. Call for address 220-2202.

What's in a name?

It was brought to my attention that this web page (actually a "blog") was, so far, not very useful or user-friendly. The question has been raised, "Why are you doing a "blog" rather than an actual website?" A very good question...

There are several differences between the two. The first (and I think most important) is the cost. Web pages cost money. A domain name has to be purchased. Then a host site has to be chosen, and the only host sites that are "free" come with so much advertising as to render the purpose of the web page useless. I wanted to work on this project and spend no money doing it. There have been, to date, dozens of man hours spent working on this. This is why I chose to set Willowbrook up on what is known as the "blogosphere".

Here, postings and comments can be added without limit and without the users needing to know html code. Fortunately, after having worked on our personal blog, I was able to create a special template specifically for Willowbrook. If you're familiar with blogs, you'll notice there are no ads cluttering up Willowbrook's space. Web pages are also notorious for all the advertisements and "pop-up's". You won't see any such annoyances here.

Now, back to my original message - to those who said this blog is not user-friendly and a waste of time, I say give it a try for a bit before writing it off completely. There will be very helpful tools added on as time permits me. There will be a digital calendar (located in the left-hand side so marked) that will show any and all upcoming events and reminders for the Association. There is a space titled "WHA Yellow Pages" where we are placing links to businesses either owned, run or worked at by Willowbrook homeowners. Okay, I suppose this could be described as "advertising", but it's for you and it's free. I know the business owners in Willowbrook will know how useful this will be. I don't know about you but I KNOW I'll find this tool very helpful. Also, you can add your comments to any of the postings.

Not to mention, this will be a great place to post updates on new neighbors...homes either up for sale (and the info about them) or sold...dates of high school games (so we'll know when the parking will get crazy - thanks Mary)...and any other information you'd like to share. This is YOUR internet space and we sincerely hope you'll find it useful and user-friendly.

If you'd like to be able to actually POST on this site, please let me know and I'll email you the link to do so. We are looking forward to having as much participation as possible.

As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated.

What's on tap for the neighborhood?

HOA Board Meeting

When:	3-15-2006, 7:00 PM
Where:	Daniel's House
Contact:	Daniel @ 220-2202

All Homeowners are welcome. We will be discussing the entryway and updating our membership info. Please note: The date of this meeting is tentative, as we are awaiting response from the Board. An update will be posted if there is a change.

Please RSVP
____________________________________________________________________
Neighborhood Garage Sale

When:	4-29-2006, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where:	Willowbrook
Contact:	Daniel @ 220-2202

An ad will be placed in the Examiner and will run the week of April 24th thru the 29th. Signs will also be placed in and around the neighborhood as well as at the Entryway. If you plan to have a sale at your home on this day, please call Daniel so that he can place you on the sale ''map''...this helps us in knowing where to send shoppers.

____________________________________________________________________
Spring Clean UP

When:	5-5-2006 through 5-7-2006, 9:00 AM
Where:	Willowbrook Court Cul-de-sac
Contact:	Pam @ 224-4094

KC Hook will dumpsters will be set up for trash in one and yard waste in the other. Signs will be placed on each dumpster stating what NOT to place in each. Please do not dump restricted materials in these dumpsters, as the Association has to pay extra for infringements. If during the weekend, the dumpsters fill early, replacements will be brought in so that everyone has a chance to participate. There will be volunteers stationed near the dumpsters during that weekend. As the dumpsters are filled, replacements will be brought in. The dumpsters will be removed the following Monday morning. If you have any questions, please call Pam at the number above.

____________________________________________________________________
Fall Clean UP

When:	11-17-2006 through 11-19-2006, 8:00 AM
Where:	Willowbrook Court Cul-de-sac
Contact:	Pam @ 224-4094

Same rules and restrictions as Spring Clean UP.

Yes, we can add pictures, too...

Willowbrook Is Finally Online!!

Dear Willowbrook Homeowners,

Well, it's taken quite some time to get all the code written correctly (so far), but I just wanted to take this opportunity to spread the word...we finally have a place for those of you online.

While this site is still under construction (there are still many additions I have in store), I will try to keep the postings - news, alerts, etc. - as current as possible.

You can share your input by either clicking on the "Comments" link under each posting, or by sending an email by clicking the "Email Us" link on the left panel.

There is a place for your business to have it's very own link under the section titled "WHA Yellow Pages" and/or in the "Links & Buttons" section. If you'd like your business web page or link added to this page, send us an email.

And yes, pictures will be added as we get them. If you have pictures (I'd love to see a good one of the entryway showing the WILLOWBROOK sign), that you'd like posted here, send them to us.

That's all for now, but keep checking in.

Have a great weekend,

Your Officers & Board