Newsletter

Issue #4 - Spring 2009

Twin Rivers is Bound to Shine in 2009!!

Congratulations to Jim Roman, our new Twin Rivers Resident Board Member. The election was extremely close and the turn out for our Annual Meeting was encouraging. Some of the items discussed at the Annual Meeting in December were:

River House: We are moving ahead with permits for the fishing pier, outside restrooms, pavilion, boat ramp and playground area. We anticipate permitting to take several months for approval but we are ready to start once the permits are obtained!

Backflow Prevention: The backflow testing was not included in the budget for 2009 as discussed previously. Each individual homeowner will be responsible to schedule and pay for their own backflow testing for this year. This decision was in an effort to prevent residents from paying any portion of a vacant house’s responsibility.

Neighborhood Watch: Twin Rivers Resident’s have attended 2 Neighborhood Watch meetings. These meetings have resulted in an increase in police patrols and improved email communication between residents. Please note: The next Neighborhood Watch meeting will be held at the main Phase I play ground on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 3:00 pm.
Please join us to assign voluntary Phase Captains and address any questions or concerns. For those interested, following the meeting please feel free to stay and let the kids play and grill out. If you are interested in taking part in a “pot luck” dinner or a game of basketball or volleyball with your neighbors, please email Paige Ward at paige@countreewiderealty.com.

Jay’s Corner:

As discussed in the Annual Meeting, we recently planted Annuals at both entrances of Twin Rivers. A few residents have mentioned interest in forming a volunteer committee for assisting future plantings as well as re-mulching. If you would like to be a part of “Jay’s Garden Club” please call him at 941-756-8441 ext. 109.

We are aware that the cold freezes took a toll on many lawns throughout Twin Rivers. Keep in mind that mid-March should be safe to start cutting back bushes and plants for Spring and also replacing any landscaping that has seen greener days. In other words, replace anything that has died! The end of February/beginning of March is a perfect time to fertilize your St. Augustine lawn and prepare it for the fast approaching hot summer!!

Business Directory

Christina Brooks and Kim Cartano have put together the enclosed Twin Rivers Business Directory Form in efforts to “advertise” the skills and professions of our residents. This directory will be created by the residents and has not been endorsed or affiliated by the Twin Rivers Association or management offices. This is a perfect opportunity to advertise your business as the newsletter focuses on “neighborhood stuff”. Thank you Kim & Christina for your efforts!!

Volunteers Needed!!

Twin Rivers residents have enjoyed a number of holiday activities and events. These include a 5K Turkey Trot, Family movie night under the stars, Easter egg hunt and the Developer’s picnic. All it takes is a few special volunteers to coordinate these activities. If we formed a committee, we could be more consistent from year to year. If you are interested in volunteering for the Twin Rivers Social Committee or have other events that you would like to see happen, please contact Paige Ward at 756-8441 ext. 104 or email paige@countreewiderealty.com.

2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Please join us on Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 4:00 pm Phase I Playground

Please drop off bags of eggs and a bags of candy to the sales office no later than March 29, 2009 if you plan on attending. If you would like to help stuff eggs email paige@countreewiderealty.com. No chocolate, please!

TIME TO SPRING CLEAN!!

Twin Rivers Community Garage Sale!

Saturday, April 4th

from 8:00am to 4:00pm

Email Gracie Sharp at gsharp@tampabay.rr.com by Saturday, March 21st to participate.

Cost is only $5 and ads will be placed in the Bradenton Herald/Lakewood Ranch Herald & Herald Tribune.

Tips with Rewards from Jeanette Ward

For those of you thinking of selling, here are a few home selling tips...

1. Spring into cleaning - Use a little elbow grease to make your floors, windows, appliances and light fixtures sparkle. Potential buyers feel more comfort able when viewing a clean house.

2. Minimize clutter – “Less is more” when it comes to staging your home for sale. Put anything in storage that takes away from a room’s overall impact.

3. Organize closets – A well-organized closet will appear roomier, which is what buyers want. There are a number of affordable closet shelving and storage systems that you can install yourself.

4. Paint works wonders – Fresh paint can be the least expensive way to transform a room. Neutral colors work best because a buyer can move in now and choose their custom colors later. pieces.

5. Hot color trends – This Spring, soothing mint and bright foliage are two striking variations of this season’s signature color: green. Other tones also incorporate a hint of green, including light, airy blues and deeper gray teals. Honey-hued yellows and subtle shaded purples, along with bright white round out the season’s palette.

6. Make a great first impression – Pretend that you’re entering your home for the first time. If there are cobwebs or peeling paint on your front door, that first impression will be negative. Make needed repairs and replace an overly-worn welcome mat with a new one.

7. Add color with containers – Add container plantings to your front entrance for a welcoming focal point. The following plants are perfect for spring: ivy, sweet alyssum, geranium, snapdragon, salvia, liriope, and dianthus.

8. Fresh cut flowers – Fresh flowers bring the out doors inside, adding color and aroma. If your home is painted in neutral tones, choose brightly colored flowers. If your home is already full of color, opt for lighter hues, such as white or yellow.

9. Spring touches – Lighten up your decorating with throws and toss pillows that say “Spring”. Pack away those heavier quilts and winter accent

Jeanette Ward and Our Latest Twin Rivers Residents, Aric and Melissa Straub’s Big Debut will air in April on HGTV ’s House Hunters!

Contact Jeanette Ward
Office: (941) 756-8441 x108
Cell: (941) 920-6313
Web: www.jeanetteward.com

Worth Repeating

There are several items that you see repeated from time to time in the Twin Rivers News. The items will now be condensed to 1 page to make it easier for all new residents to review. These are items that the Board of Directors would like to point out for your convenience.

Backflow Testing
As discussed at the Annual Meeting in December, the backflow testing was not be included in the 2009 budget. We will welcome quotes from certified plumbers to guarantee a price for Twin Rivers Residents and pass the information along but the invoice will be directly billed to the homeowner.

River House
In order to preserve the beauty of the Riverhouse, we ask that you abide by the following:

• New Hours: The gate leading to the River House Grounds will be unlocked from 10am to 5pm Monday-Saturday and 12:00 to 5:00 on Sunday. Please call Paige at 756-8441 ext. 104 in advance to make arrangements to open the gate at an earlier time.
• The Riverhouse grounds are exclusive for the use of the residents and their guests only.
• Please pick up after your pet.
• Off-Road utility vehicles are prohibited on the grounds or nature trails at all times.
• We do not recommend swimming in the Manatee River. If you choose to, it is at your own risk.
• Please do not feed or disturb any wild animals.
• Grills or any type of open flame is prohibited at any time.
• Children should be accompanied by an adult.

Common Areas
We are pleased to see the playground areas and pavilion getting so much use. Please be sure to pick up after your party or gathering for the next family to enjoy!!

New pick up days for Refuse Removal
Garbage pick up will be Tuesday & Friday. Yard Waste pickup is on Wednesdays. Waste must be tied up or bagged. Recycling is on Fridays (containers can be obtained by calling MCPUD at 941-792-8811).
PLEASE RECYCLE!!

Watering Restrictions
Lawn watering continues to be once per week per the following schedule:

Addresses with “house numbers”:
Ending in “0” or “1” may only irrigate on Monday
Ending in “2” or “3” may only irrigate on Tuesday
Ending in “4” or “5” may only irrigate on Wednesday
Ending in “6” or “7” may only irrigate on Thursday
Ending in “8” or “9” may only irrigate on Friday

Courtesy Letters
Letters sent from the association to homeowners are to assure that Twin Rivers looks its best. We are making great strides with the old, the new, the bad and the ugly problems. We realize the market isn’t pretty but we all need to do our jobs as homeowners in keeping our homes & lawns looking their best. It benefits all of us to protect our most valuable asset. These letters are not meant to offend anyone but they do address all issues big and small!
We appreciate your understanding!

Brighthouse Contact Information
If you are new to Twin Rivers or would like to add services, please contact Brighthouse directly at: 1-888-832-7346.

Speed Limit
For the safety of our residents, PLEASE maintain the speed limit!!