Retreat at Riverland

Annual Meeting Updates

2012-02-10T01:17:00.000-05:00

There was a good turnout for the Annual Meeting. There were 3 seats up for election and three nominees. Your new Board consists of Danielle Clark, Josh Williams, Charlie Wilson, Phyllis Moseley and Corinne Geyer. Some of the topics brought up in the discussion portion are listed below.

Q: What is the maximum recommended contribution for the Reserve Fund?

A: The Reserve Study uses two methods of calculating the forecast. The Retreat adopted the Cash Flow method. The Reserve Study will be updated in the next year or two.

Q: In the event of a catastrophe is the deductible going to come out of the Reserve Fund and if so is it adequate.

A: One approach is to assess only the affected unit owners. Another approach would be for the HOA to cover the deductible.

Q: Why can’t the Board make this decision ahead of time so owners can be prepared?

A: Most owners have an HO-6 policy which includes special assessment insurance. If you don’t have it, contact your agent. Reference was made to the insurance letter that was distributed at the meeting and prepared by HUB International Southeast Limited, the Association’s insurance agency. (NOTE: The letter can be downloaded from the website at www.cmgcharleston.com/retreat_riverland.htm)

Q: Does every homeowner understand the risk?

A: The owners were reminded that the Board has provided a letter from the insurance agent for the last several years so owners have been made aware of what’s covered under the HOA policy and what they should have covered under their individual HO-6 policy.

Statement: Some owners are of the opinion that the entire community should share the expense, not just the affected units. Several owners agreed that they would support the HOA sharing the cost as a whole.

Statement: The maximum that each unit could be assessed is $5,000. 2% (deductible) of $5,500,000 (building’s insurance coverage) is about $110,000 which divided by 24 (number of units in the building) is roughly $4,500 per unit.

Q: Can pressure washing be postponed until after pollen season?

A: There is a substantial cost savings to do pressure washing in February or March and waiting doesn’t seem to make a difference.

Q: Who is responsible for cleaning the dryer vents and how do you know which vent belongs to which unit?

A: Homeowners are responsible for their dryer vents. To find out which one belongs to your unit you can turn the dryer on and go outside to see which flap is moving. The dryer vents can be cleaned from the inside out by using a low pressure blower. There are many companies that provide this service as well. The dryer vents should be cleaned out annually to avoid any buildup and potential fire hazard.

Q: What is the current percentage of renters?

A: 18%

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

Gutter Cleaning

2012-01-23T21:48:00.000-05:00

The gutters will be cleaned beginning on Monday, February 6^th.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

Annual Meeting

2012-01-11T13:33:00.000-05:00

The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 28^th at 10am. You should receive your notice this week. Please be sure to return your proxy prior to the meeting. There’s no need to bring your proxy to the meeting because you will vote in person. There are three seats up for election. Danielle Clark and Josh Williams are the two remaining Board members. The nominees that we so far will be introduced at the meeting along with anyone nominated from the floor. We look forward to seeing you there!

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

Christmas Tree Recycling

2012-01-03T12:33:00.000-05:00

For your convenience, a container will be delivered to The Retreat by Wednesday January 4^th for Christmas tree disposal. The container will be placed next to the compactor and will remain until Monday January 9^th. ONLY Christmas trees should be placed in the container. All decorations must be removed from the tree prior to disposal.

Charleston County's Environmental Management Department will be recycling real – not artificial – Christmas trees and turning them into compost for residents to use for gardening this spring.

Residents can drop off their tree and receive a free bag of compost at the Bees Ferry Landfill (1344 Bees Ferry Road in West Ashley) between Jan. 2 - 9. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

All tinsel and ornaments must be removed from the Christmas trees before recycling.

Charleston County residents who live within a municipality can recycle their trees without going to the Bees Ferry Landfill. These residents can put their Christmas tree on the curb for their municipality's yard waste pick-up or take it to their nearest convenience center. The municipality's haulers will then take the trees and other yard waste to Charleston County's Bees Ferry Landfill, where it is transformed into compost.

Residents should check with their municipality to find out their yard waste pick-up day and other requirements.

"We strongly encourage residents to dispose of their real Christmas tree in the correct way by recycling it at the County's compost facility or by putting the tree out at the curb with other yard debris," said Theresa Martin, a marketing specialist with Charleston County's Environmental Management Department. "One tree can make roughly 10 to 15 pounds of compost, which is valuable to many people who enjoy gardening in the spring."

Information provided by Charleston County.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

Elevators Down for Testing Beginning 1/9/12

2011-12-14T08:59:00.000-05:00

The elevators will be tested beginning on Monday, January 9^th. The testing will require the elevator to remain off for ½ to a full day so you will need to plan accordingly. Please see below for an explanation of the required testing.

Effective September 2011, the State of South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations (SCLLR) has adopted ASME A17.1 2010 elevator code to the existing ASME A17.1 2004 elevator code we are currently operating under. It will be required under section 8.6.5.16.5 of the 2010 code, that all hydraulic elevators in the State of South Carolina with a “rupture/earthquake valve” currently existing and located in the elevator pit area (attached to the hydraulic oil line) must now perform a five (5) year “full” load test which will require bringing in test weights equaling the capacity of each elevator. This test will mimic the reactions of an oil line being compromised/severed to determine whether or not the “rupture valves” are working correctly if in the event of an earthquake to ensure further safety of all passengers. The Annual Relief Valve testing that we have been performing in the past and currently underneath the current 2004 code, will still remain in place and those records are still being submitted and on file with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations.

The State of South Carolina inspectors will have to be “present” and on site during the 5yr Full Load testing procedures. Due to the testing requirements, this will impede on your buildings elevator downtime and traffic flow during the testing and/or failure of the valves which have not been required to be tested since the original installation and will take approximate ½ to full day minimum to complete.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

2012 Assessments

2011-12-01T11:44:00.000-05:00

Your Board of Directors recently met and approved your operating budget for 2012. We are pleased to announce that the 2012 assessments will remain unchanged. Your new coupon booklets will be ordered this month and you should receive them in time to pay your January assessment. Please remember that all assessments are due by the first of the month and are considered late if received after the 15th. If you own a garage, please remember to include the annual garage assessment with your January payment.

If for any reason you do not receive your booklet please notify us immediately, but do not let this delay your payment. You can pay your assessment in several ways: 1) Send your payments to the Columbia lockbox at Post Office Box 912, Columbia, SC 29202; 2) Go online to www.cmgcharleston.com and select “online payments”, you will need your account number which is noted above for this option if you have not already setup your account; or 3) Download the form from our website and set up ACH for automatic draft of your assessments.

Please note that any payments received at the office on Folly Road will be mailed to the lock box for processing. Any payments received that are made payable to CMG and not the Association will be returned to the homeowner. Both of these circumstances may delay posting of your payment resulting in unnecessary late fees.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

James Island Burglaries

2011-11-16T10:39:00.000-05:00

From: Shelor, Trevor [mailto:SHELORT@charleston-sc.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 11:05 PM
To: crimeprevention
Subject: From Sgt. Shelor – James Island Burglaries

James Island Neighborhood Presidents and Residents,

Please be advised there have been several daytime home burglaries reported over the last couple weeks in the areas of Riverland Woods, neighborhoods off George Griffith Blvd. and off Dill Bluff Rd area. This week Monday and Tuesday a series were reported in Marlborough off Houghton Dr. These involve mostly back-doors being kicked in and theft of big-screen televisions and electronics.

Please be on look-out for any suspicious persons walking the neighborhood or in neighbors' yards. Call 911 if you see anything suspicious.

Sometimes burglars will knock on the front door first, as if soliciting. After receiving no answer they then procede to burglarize. If strangers knock on your door, rather than staying quiet, consider calling out to them you are home but are not interested, then call police with their description and direction of travel.

Be sure to lock all doors and windows, set alarms, and keep inventory of all serial numbered items, particularly large TVs and game systems.

Sgt. Shelor - Crime Prevention Unit

Unleashed dogs in the neighborhood

2011-11-08T05:34:00.000-05:00

Please remember that all dogs must be leashed at ALL times when they are outside of the units. There are NO “free zones” for dogs to roam unleashed. This is not only a Retreat rules, but a City of Charleston Ordinance. A violation of the Ordinance could result in significant fines from the City.

In the recent weeks we have had several reports of unleashed dogs. The leash laws are extremely important to maintain safety in the community. If you witness any uncontrolled dogs in the community, please try and find out which unit they belong to so we can inform the dog owner of the necessity to leash the dogs.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

Community Library

2011-10-14T22:43:00.000-04:00

Thanks to an anonymous donation of books,

we have established an honor system library

located in the clubhouse kitchen cabinets.

Contribute only books you do not want returned

to you.

Return books for others to enjoy when you have read them.

When donating or returning books, please place the books on the lower two shelves of the cabinets.

Please Enjoy!

Community Social Event-Octoberfest

2011-10-14T22:42:00.000-04:00

It’s time for a party!

Thursday, October 20^th

6:45PM till ?

At the clubhouse following the

Home Owners Association Meeting

At 5:30PM

Brats and Dogs will be provided by the HOA.

Bring a small dish to share

BYOB&S (bring your own beer & stein)

Or beverage of choice.

Come dressed in traditional costumes if you can :-}

if not come as you are!

All residents of the Retreat are encouraged to

Attend following the HOA meeting.

Fire Alarm and Sprinkler repairs

2011-09-21T15:16:00.000-04:00

Hiller Systems has been contracted to do some needed repairs around the property. They will be replacing emergency lights, exit lights, sprinkler heads and doing other necessary repairs as they pertain to the fire alarm and sprinkler systems. The technicians have a lot of work to do and charge by the hour, so please direct all questions or concerns to me or Kristina.

Jennifer Seabrook – jseabrook@cmgcharleston.com 795-8484 ext. 329

Kristina (Tina) Drahos – tdrahos@cmgcharleston.com 795-8484 ext. 330

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
CMGCharleston.com

Janitorial

2011-09-09T00:56:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, Leon has been out sick all week. He will do his best to get caught up when he returns.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-22T13:31:00.000-04:00

The pool furniture will be stored this week in preparation for the possible impact of hurricane Irene.

Please visit the website for our Hurricane Planning Guide which includes a supply checklist, emergency numbers and other important information.

www.cmgcharleston.com/storms.htm

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

Gutter Cleaning & Pest Control

2011-08-11T18:18:00.000-04:00

The gutter cleaning is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16^th.

The pest control is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 22^nd.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

Hurricane Season

2011-08-02T21:09:00.000-04:00

Hurricane season is in full swing. Please visit our website page www.CMGCharleston.com/storms.htm for information about storm preparation.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

July Board Meeting

2011-07-27T19:11:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, the quarterly board meeting sign has gone missing. By the time this was discovered it was too late to order a new one prior to this month’s meeting. However, the sign will be replaced before the next meeting.

There were several landscaping items that were approved at the meeting. The Board approved gutter cleaning which will be scheduled in the next couple of weeks. The full set of minutes will be distributed to the owners before the end of next week.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

Quarterly Board Meeting

2011-07-20T16:27:00.000-04:00

The July Board meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, July 21^st at 5:30 in the clubhouse. We hope to see you all there!

Respectfully,

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

CMGCharleston.com

Termite Report June 15,2011

2011-06-21T09:28:00.000-04:00

Retreat at Riverland Owners:

I wanted to bring you up to date on the termite swarming that we have seen thus far at the Retreat this year. We have received 12 calls this year requesting us to look at live insects. In every case but one it was determined after a thorough inspection that the swarmers had entered from the exterior after having flown into the building and attracted to a light source. We had one first floor unit where termites had exited the sheet rock on an exterior wall creating an opening about the size of a pencil eraser. This area has been repaired and the exterior of the unit has been treated as well as the wall void between the brick and sheathing.

We replaced the wooden monitors in every bait station within the property with the new Always Active Bait last year. This is the latest advance in the Sentricon Baiting System and Atlantic was actually given permission by Dow AgroSciences to install the product several months before it was available to the general pest control market. While the new label allows for annual station checks we have continued to monitor quarterly. On our last site visit in early May we discovered only one active station within the entire property.

During our recent inspections we have discovered 3 trees that had active infestations of termites. All of these have been treated and continue to be monitored. Additionally I have taken on the task of attempting to survey all the trees within the interior portion of the property as defined by the walk way path. I would estimate that I am about 50% complete and would hope to finish in the next couple of weeks.

Once again We thank you and the property owners for your business.

Robert F. Townsend Jr.
General Manager
Atlantic Inc., Pest Management

Termite Swarms

2011-05-31T11:27:00.002-04:00

We have had several owners report termites inside their units. Unfortunately, it is that time of year again. It is not uncommon to see the winged (swarmer) termites in the spring. Swarming season in Charleston typically lasts from February through late May or early June. If you witness any termite activity in your unit, please contact Atlantic Pest at 795-4010 so they can rule out any infestation.

Community Updates

2011-05-16T16:28:00.000-04:00

-The new icemaker was installed in the clubhouse last week.

-The exterior trim painting on buildings 500 & 1100 has been completed. The painting of the entrance columns on the remaining buildings is finished. The breezeway work in building 600 (repair, caulking & painting) will begin next week. This is the same scope of work that was done in the 500 building.

-A very minimal pine straw application has been completed. The intention of the Board is to have the spring application last through the year. In the last few years, the Retreat has had one full application in the fall. However, with the trees losing their leaves this time of year, the fall is not the best time. In the future, the full straw application will occur in the spring.

-Many landscaping projects have been completed recently. These include the pond bank restoration near the compactor, the addition of shrubs and flower beds in the center island of the entrance drive, turf replacement at the entrance and near the pool.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)
Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329
www.CMGCharleston.com

*My computer recently crashed and I lost many emails from April 28th through May 2nd. If you sent an email during that time and have not received a response please resend it and accept my apologies for the delay.

Visit us on Facebook

2011-04-20T12:48:00.000-04:00

Check out Community Management Group’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CMGCharleston.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Quarterly Board Meeting

2011-04-17T10:53:00.001-04:00

The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, April 21^st at 5:30pm in the Clubhouse.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

http://www.cmgcharleston.com/

Building Rep Meeting Updates

2011-04-08T08:15:00.000-04:00

-Ducks in the pool are preventing the pool from staying clean. Jen has ordered a plastic owl to try to deter them.

-The Board and the Greenery are working on finalizing the Spring planting and improvements.

-Leon will be on vacation next week, please understand that CMG will have their cleaning crew come 3 days to do minimal cleaning.

-Bldg representatives in attendance reported that all seem very pleased with the pressure washing.

-The quarterly Board meeting is scheduled for April 21^st.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Pool Access

2011-03-23T15:55:00.000-04:00

On behalf of the Association, genuine thanks go out to those of you who have caught up your Association account. Regrettably, there remain some owners still not paid 100% current. Collection procedures are followed at Board direction to secure all balances and hold down Assessments for all property owners.

Pool gate lockouts are part of the process. Remember that if a fob doesn’t work and you let people in, they become your guests and you become responsible for them. It is also important to remember that leaving the gate ajar makes those people your guest and allows unpaid members and non-residents to use the amenities YOU pay for. Plus it is a violation of safety laws to prop the gate.

Your Association asks that you remind all owners of this information if you are approached to open the gate for others. All must arrive with a valid pool access card/fob for access to protect all property owners and the Association. You may refer them to our office at 795-8484

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Pressure Washing Schedule

2011-03-22T22:42:00.000-04:00

As of today, the pressure washing schedule is as follows:

3/28 - Bldg. 100

3/29 - Bldgs. 200 and 300

3/30 - Not on-site

3/31 - Bldg. 400

4/1 - Bldg. 500

4/4 - Bldg. 600

4/5 - Bldg. 700

4/6 - Bldg. 800

4/7 - Bldg. 900

4/8 - Bldg. 1000

4/11 - Bldg. 1100

These dates are contingent on the weather and other unforeseeable interferences.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Quarterly Board Meetings

2011-03-21T22:45:00.000-04:00

The quarterly Board meetings for 2011 are scheduled on the following dates:

April 21^st

July 21^st

October 20^th

The Board meetings will be held in the clubhouse beginning at 5:30pm.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Gutter cleaning, pressure washing & more

2011-03-13T06:07:00.000-04:00

The annual gutter cleaning will begin Monday, March 14^th. At this time, Superior View will post notices for the pressure washing which will begin on Monday, March 28^th. All porches should be cleared of all personal items to avoid any potential issues caused by the spray. Please be reminded that porches are not included in the pressure washing services. However, if individual owners would like to have their porches cleaned while the exterior work is being completed, Superior View is offering a special price of $35 per porch. You will need to contact Superior View directly to have this scheduled prior to March 28^th to secure the reduced rate. (Superior View 224-9854 or superiorviewinc@yahoo.com)

Building 500-Repair work will begin on Monday, March 21^st in the breezeways of the 500 building. The contractors will be securing the siding that has pulled away from the wall, caulking all seams and painting the entire breezeway, excluding the floors.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Retreat at Riverland Association Cookout

2011-03-01T12:47:00.000-05:00

RETREAT RESIDENTS

you are invited to a

COOKOUT

On Sunday March 20, 2011

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and

soft drinks will be provided

by your Homeowners Association.

Residents are requested to bring a dish to share

and provide their own alcohol, if desired

Remember… Glass containers are not allowed in the pool area and

you must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol on The Retreat property.

Retreat at Riverland Association Cookout

2011-03-01T11:36:00.000-05:00

RETREAT RESIDENTS

you are invited to a

COOKOUT

On Sunday March 20, 2011

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and

soft drinks will be provided

by your Homeowners Association.

Residents are requested to bring a dish to share

and provide their own alcohol, if desired

Remember… Glass containers are not allowed in the pool area and

you must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol on The Retreat property.

Clubhouse

2011-02-23T08:43:00.000-05:00

The new machines were installed last week. However, a new outlet was necessary for the treadmill. The electrical work has been completed and the technician will be there today to calibrate the treadmill and have it ready for use.

The mat flooring in the fitness center has been torn. Please be very cautious around this area until we are able to get the necessary repairs done.

The icemaker in the clubhouse is not working. The repair tech will be there this week, but if parts need to be ordered it could take a couple of weeks for the repairs to be completed.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Fitness Equipment

2011-02-15T01:01:00.000-05:00

The new treadmill and elliptical are scheduled to be installed on Tuesday, February 15, 2011. The regular quarterly maintenance will be performed as well.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Annual Meeting

2011-02-02T08:40:00.000-05:00

The Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, January 29^th. The meeting went exceptionally well. The meeting minutes will be posted next week.

Board Members

Phil Baugus-President

Josh Williams-Vice President

Danielle Clark-Treasurer

Karen Fowler-Secretary

John Grooms-Director

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Annual Meeting

2011-01-18T20:11:00.000-05:00

The Retreat at Riverland’s Annual Member’s Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January, 29^th at 10am. The meeting will be held at the James Island Presbyterian Church located on the corner of Ft. Johnson and Folly Road. There are two seats up for election and currently there are two nominees. If you are interested in running for the Board, please send an email to tdrahos@cmgcharleston.com.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Christmas Tree Recycling

2011-01-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

Citizens Asked to Recycle Christmas Trees, and Other Tips for a “Greener” Holiday

Recycle your Christmas tree January 2-9 for a free bag of compost

Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department staff would like to remind all residents that they are here to help citizens make their holidays a little “greener.”

“About 25 percent more waste is generated this time of year, but much of it is recyclable and need not be destined for the landfill,” said Nancy Carter, Charleston County Environmental Management Department’s Community Representative. “Recyclable products have value and will generate revenue that flows back into the county. Recycling also provides jobs in addition to many environmental and health benefits.”

Christmas trees and greenery can be recycled (please remember to remove all tinsel and ornaments). Some municipalities will pick them up curbside, or they can be taken to a convenience center (locations listed below). The trees picked up curbside are transported to the Bees Ferry Landfill to be ground and composted. Residents who drop off a tree at the Bees Ferry Landfill from January 2-9 will receive a free bag of compost.

Cardboard, all mixed paper and commingled products (plastics #1-7, glass containers and aluminum and steel cans) can also be recycled through the curbside program and at the numerous drop-site locations and convenience centers located throughout the county. The convenience centers also accept used motor oil and cooking oil, electronics, household hazardous materials, batteries, paint, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and holiday light strands.

Residents should note changes in the schedule over the holidays. All convenience centers will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24 except for Bees Ferry Landfill, which will close at 2 p.m., and all will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Curbside recycling schedules will not change during the holidays.

For more information on recycling, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org.

Hours of Operation

Bees Ferry Convenience Center (staffed center):
Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
Except Sundays, open 1 - 6 p.m.

Charleston County Recycling Center (13 Romney Street, downtown Charleston):
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday

All Other Convenience Centers (staffed centers):
Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
Except Wednesdays and Sundays, open 1 - 6 p.m.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Fitness Equipment

2011-01-05T09:32:00.000-05:00

The Board has approved the purchase of a new commercial grade elliptical and treadmill for the fitness center. The machines have been ordered and are expected to arrive in about two weeks. They will be installed within days of their arrival. There is also a new quarterly maintenance agreement with a local company for ALL of the fitness equipment.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Annual Meeting

2010-12-22T08:58:00.000-05:00

The Annual meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 29, 2011. The meeting is being held at the James Island Presbyterian Church Gymnasium at 10am. The official meeting notice will be mailed to each owner within the next week or so. Please be sure to return your proxy to our office prior to the meeting even if you plan on attending. We look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

CHRISTMAS and HOLIDAY SAFETY

2010-12-09T09:54:00.000-05:00

CHRISTMAS and HOLIDAY SAFETY

Christmas and the holidays are an exciting and busy time but with all the joys of the holiday season come potential safety hazards that can cause injury or even death. Help prevent injuries at Christmas and during the holidays by following these tips:

Christmas tree safety begins with the selection and purchase of a fresh tree. When buying a live pre-cut tree, make sure the tree is still alive and healthy. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from the branches, and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. Pull on the needles. The trunk should be sticky and the limbs should be very flexible. Lift the tree and bounce the cut end on the ground, if a bunch of needles come tumbling off, it isn’t a safe tree to take home.
When you get the tree home, cut off the bottom two inches of trunk to expose the fresh wood. This will create a fresh, raw cut for the tree to soak in water, allow for better water absorption and helps keep your tree from becoming a fire hazard.
Keep your tree well hydrated. Keep the water in the stand well above the fresh-cut bottom of the trunk.
Christmas trees dry out with heat, so place your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces or heater vents.
When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant”.
Unplug the lights and decorations when you are not home.
Check each set of tree lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs and loose connections.
Never run electrical cords under the carpets or rugs, over nails or in traffic areas.
Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them. Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.
Remember that mistletoe, holly berries and Christmas cactus are poisonous if swallowed.
Use care with “fire salts”, which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten.
Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Janitorial and Fitness Equipment

2010-12-09T09:46:00.000-05:00

Leon will be cleaning the light fixtures at the building entrances over the next few weeks. We are currently looking into solutions for the cleaning of the ceilings at the building entrances as well and hope to have something in place for January.

The Board has approved the replacement of the treadmill and elliptical. We are currently looking for the best price.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412
843-795-8484 x329

www.CMGCharleston.com

Holiday Crime Prevention

2010-11-22T11:59:00.000-05:00

As the Thanksgiving and Christmas season approaches, the Charleston Police Department wishes to assure you and your neighbors that we are taking measures to combat and prevent the normal increase in criminal activity which occurs this time each year. We also wish to stress the importance of citizens doing their part to protect themselves by not presenting opportunity-criminals with the chance to ruin your holiday.
Additional officers will be on high-visibility patrol around shopping areas, banks, and the like. They will also be available to provide bank escorts for businesses that request them.
A particular problem this time of year is theft from automobiles and residential burglaries. These are the most preventable crimes. If citizens remove the opportunity, the crime is less likely to occur, and some types cannot occur at all.

While Shopping or Going Out:
• Secure valuables out of sight in your trunk. BUT, Be aware that many cars now have fold-down seats or a remote trunk release inside the car. These conveniences make your trunk vulnerable to thieves willing to break a window.
• If at a mall or a shopping center, periodically go to the car and lock away purchases so they will not “disappear” when you put them down trying-on clothes or at the food court.
• Safeguard your purse, wallet, bank cards, and personal information. Identity thieves thrive in this environment.
• Keep close tabs on your children while shopping. With so many people it is easy for them to become lost. Make sure they know their full name, your full name, address, phone, and your cell or pager number to reach you if you get separated.
• Be aware of your surroundings going to your car, going into and out of your house, and while at the ATM.

At Home:
• Make sure to keep doors and windows locked.
• Turn on outside lights at night.
• Report persons or vehicles roaming your neighborhood, day or night so police may check them. They may be simply looking at Christmas lights, or they may be “casing” houses to burglarize.
• Place your tree where the gifts will be less visible from outside. Thieves like window-shopping through your windows.
• After Christmas, don’t put the empty boxes out on the curb. This makes it easy for burglars to decide which houses to burglarize (ie: new computers, TVs, electronics, video games…). Break down boxes and put them in the trash, making sure to save all paperwork. Also remember many electronic devices require original boxes for warranty repair.
• Immediately make an inventory listing the model and serial numbers of new items (and old ones if you haven’t already) and engrave personal markings on them

If Leaving Home (On a trip or just for a little while):
• Make it look like you are still there.
• Timers on exterior lights, interior lights, and TVs will help make it look like you are home. Don’t leave an answering machine message saying you are gone, in fact turning it off would be better.
• Double check all doors and windows, including second floor and basement. The doors should have dead-bolts; key locks for windows are also available.
• Have the neighbor pick up mail, papers, and ads, put out your trash can, and park in your driveway. Give them emergency and cell numbers to reach you.
• Call the police department to request a periodic residence check (“Keep-A-Check”) while you are away. (CPD Dispatch 577-7434)
• When you return, look around outside first. If you see any evidence of a break-in, do not go inside. Go to a neighbor’s house and call police. The burglars could still be inside.

While traveling: THINK SAFETY
• Before you leave, inspect the car for safety (lights, belts and hoses, fluids, wipers, tires-both wear and air – DON’T FORGET TRAILER LIGHTS).
• Pack expensive items in the trunk, or under coverings to keep them out of sight.
• Pack safely. Items stacked in the back of a van, wagon, or SUV will become 60mph missiles in a crash! They also block the driver’s view. Items secured to the roof greatly alter the vehicle’s handling in wind and emergency maneuvers.
• When you stop, take the keys and lock the doors. This applies all of the time, at home and away. An unlocked, running car invites a thief.
• Use a CLUB or other device when parking for the night or at shopping centers Keep doors locked while driving. It adds strength in a collision.
• Use seat-belts and child restraints properly.
• Be careful with bank, gas, and credit cards.
• Take regular rest breaks.
• Never send your children into restrooms alone.
• Store money in separate places to minimize loss or theft.
• Stay on roads you know and take maps, cell phones, and chargers, as well as safety items like blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, a jack, and a good spare tire.
• Drive carefully- better than those around you. You need to get there alive!

Have a wonderful holiday season. Remember, most crimes and accidents are preventable. Officers are working hard to locate and stop crime, but everyone must do their part to lower their risk.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com

Community Updates

2010-11-10T07:52:00.000-05:00

The pool decking work is complete. The new surface looks great. The grill deck was also cleaned and redone. The Board is very pleased with the work.

The plexi-glass on the message board has been ordered and will be replaced by Thursday.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com

Fireplace Instructions

2010-11-10T07:21:00.000-05:00

Fireplace Instructions:

The sensors on the pilot are very sensitive and must be clean. A small pet hair would keep it from lighting. Carefully take your logs off (warning, the log break easy), noting how they are placed because there position is critical to the fireplace operation. Take the vacuum with the brush attachment and carefully clean the pilot area. Some people take the computer compressed air cans and blow it out.
With the logs out, go through the lighting process. Note that because it has been off for sometime it will take up to 20 to 30 minutes to clear the air in the line and get gas. Also your thumb will get very sore holding that pilot button in for that long. Use your ears and nose to determine if there is a flow and when it turns to gas. When you smell gas, hit your striker. If it lights, hold the pilot button in for another 30 to 40 seconds for the thermocouple to heat up. Then release the pilot button.
With the pilot burning, replace the logs. There is an upper and lower burner and the flame must pass from the pilot to the lower burner. The logs are designed to assist that passage therefore position is important. With the logs back in place, turn the fireplace on to see if the operation is correct.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com

Halloween Safety Tips

2010-10-26T15:41:00.000-04:00

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

TIPS FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS

§ Carry a flashlight with you for visibility.

§ Always stay in a group with an adult!

§ Never enter a stranger’s house or car for a treat!

§ Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the grass away from the street.

§ Look both ways before crossing the street and if you are wearing a mask take it off.

§ Wait until an adult can check your candy before you eat any of it.

§ Only accept treats from neighbors or friends you know!

TIPS FOR PARENTS

§ Plan costumes that are bright and reflective! Consider adding more reflective tape to

costumes + trick or treat bags.

§ Always carry flashlights.

§ Masks can limit or block eyesight, consider makeup or cut the mask eyeholes bigger

so they can see. Remind children to remove their masks to cross the street!

§ We recommend that children do not use props like guns, knives, or swords.

However, if they are used, make sure they don’t look real!

§ Clear hazards from your property. Remove obstacles such as flower pots and garden

hoses, so children won’t trip on them rushing from house to house.

§ Remind your children not to eat the candy until an adult has checked their treats!

§ Your child’s school may be having a Halloween party. Call the School and ask.

§ Please explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism.

TIPS FOR BUSINESSES/MOTORISTS

§ Heighten your awareness and be cautious of purchases that may have the potential

to cause personal injury or property damage – such as paint ball guns or large quantities of eggs.

§ Drive slowly and cautiously through your neighborhoods. Remember children may not look before crossing the street.

Please report any suspicious activity immediately to the local law enforcement agency. As always in an emergency call 911. Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!

From our friends at the United States Attorney’s Office

District of South Carolina

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sc

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com

Landscaping

2010-10-13T07:37:00.000-04:00

Pine straw-The pine straw is scheduled to be delivered next week.

Pergolas-The Board found a vendor that can replace the wooden structures with a manufactured material that will keep the bees and woodpeckers away. They have chosen to begin the replacement work on the 700 building. The work will begin within the next couple of weeks.

Pool deck-The Board was presented with several bids to reseal the pool decking. Residential Painting was chosen as the preferred vendor. This is the same company that painted the metal work throughout the community. The work will begin within the next couple of weeks.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com

Pool Deck & Pergolas

2010-09-29T08:51:00.000-04:00

The Board has three proposals for the cool decking around the pool. A decision will be made and the work should be scheduled for early November.

The Board found an alternative to the wood pergolas. They are discussing trying the new product on the entrance that is in the most need of repair. They will determine if the others will be done once they see the final product.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com

Propane Safety Information

2010-09-14T17:34:00.000-04:00

Can you smell it?

Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray or a dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling propone due to their age (older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell); a medical condition; or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

Propane gas detectors

Under some circumstances, you may not smell a propane leak. Propane gas detectors sound an alarm if they sense propane in the air. They can provide an additional measure of security. You should consider the purchase of one or more detectors for your home.

GUIDELINES regarding propane gas detectors:

§ Buy only units that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

§ Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and maintenance.

§ Never ignore the smell of propane, even if no detector is sounding an alarm.

Carbon monoxide AND your safety

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)?

You can’t taste or smell CO, but it is a very dangerous gas, produced when any fuel burns. High levels of CO can come from appliances that are not operating correctly or from a venting system or chimney that becomes blocked.

CO CAN BE DEADLY! High levels of CO can make you dizzy or sick.

If you suspect CO is present, act immediately.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com

Hurricane Preparedness

2010-08-31T20:29:00.000-04:00

The tropics are active so it’s a good time to review some important hurricane preparedness tips.

YOUR OUR HURRICANE PLAN:

_ Have a practice drill to determine what everyone’s responsibility will be.

_ Check all fire alarms, smoke alarms, etc. for proper operation.

_ Know your evacuation routes and determine which route you will use should an evacuation order be issued.

_ Determine in advance your evacuation destination. If you will not be staying with a friend or family member, make hotel reservations at this location as soon as a “watch” is issued. Remember, that during an evacuation several towns may be evacuated at the same time and hotels will fill up quickly in all surrounding areas. Reservations can be cancelled.

_ Make a decision about vehicles. If you have more than one vehicle and will not be taking all of them with you determine where the other vehicles will be left during the storm.

_ Make a decision about boats and other recreational vehicles.

_ If you have pets, determine whether they will evacuate with you or be placed in a shelter.

_ Have a list of phone numbers, such as family members, doctors, employers, insurance company’s, etc.

_ Make arrangements for extra cash on hand.

_ Catalog all personal items NOW. Include description (brand name, model number, age, purchase price, place of purchase, etc.) Take a picture of everything and make two copies of the pictures and lists. Keep one copy with you and send the other to a relative or friend out of town. Never give the insurance company the only copy.

_ Have a secure place for all valuables & documents that you will need to take with you, such as birth certificates, property deeds, insurance policies, etc.

_ Determine an out-of-town person who can be a “point of contact” to communicate messages if communications are down for an extended period of time.

_ Prepare and maintain a “Hurricane Kit” (a list of recommended supplies is included). It is recommended that you have approximately 7 gallons of water for each person and food supplies for a minimum of 2 weeks.

_ Check all flashlights, battery operated radios & TVs, and other supplies in your “Hurricane Kit” for proper operation.

_ Evaluate your home to determine if you can make improvements that will provide better protection. If you have an older home, getting a professional opinion about updated building codes, etc. may be helpful in determining beneficial improvements.

_Secure any porch/patio furniture

AN IMPORTANT NOTE:

All public safety operations in the field will cease once the winds reach a sustained speed of 60 mph. These conditions are risky to the safety of law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel. If you have an emergency during this time, if you are stranded by rising water or if you have chosen to ignore the evacuation notice and then change your mind, once the winds reach this thresh-hold, public safety personnel are not going to be able to assist you. However, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will remain operational and as long as you have telephone service, information can be received from the EOC to help you until someone can reach you after the winds calm down. WAITING TO LEAVE MAY JEOPARDIZE YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS. Once the wind speed reduces to below 60 mph, public safety crews will once again respond to emergency call.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com

Updates

2010-08-19T05:56:00.000-04:00

Landscaping-Many of the damaged grass areas are filling in nicely.

Erosion-A report was put together of all areas that could benefit from installing tubing on the downspouts to reroute the water. We are currently getting a quote to have this work completed.

Large TV-Comcast came to repair the television last week. It was working, but has again returned to the previous condition. Comcast was called back out to address the issue.

Orange Wiring-Comcast has installed bright orange wiring in two locations around the community. They have been called several times to remove this temporary wiring.

Parking Lot Painting-The notices were emailed this week. The painting will begin next week.

Quarterly Pest Control-Pest control will begin next week.

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Manager

Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x304
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com

HVAC Maintenance

2010-08-03T15:02:00.000-04:00

Cleaning Your AC Condensate Drain

The most common method of cleaning, is to gain access to your drain line... whether that is within a cleanout or from inside the evaporator coil drain pan, and simply flush the line with either compressed air or a water hose, forcing everything from the inside to outside. (Never flush water from outside the home, to the inside of the unit, a mess will occur!)

If you don't have access to an open end of the drain from inside, you may need to disconnect or cut the drain line to perform the cleaning. This should be done at least once every year and more often in areas where you use air conditioning more than 6 months of the year! Doing so will prevent the AC drain from leaking water into the home!

http://www.webhvac.com/2009/04/clean-your-air-conditioner-drain-before-it-leaks/

AC Drain Clean Out

If your home is equipped with a central air conditioning system you may have noticed a drain line on the outside dripping water near the air conditioner. This line drains condensation from the inside air handler to the outside. If this line clogs (usually from algae) it can cause water damage inside the house.

You can prevent a clog by simply pouring a cup of household bleach into the line from the inside. To remove a clog once it has occurred, attach a wet/dry vacuum to the drain line outside (removing the paper filter first) and suck the clog out.

http://www.dannylipford.com/home-improvement-video/ac-drain-clean-out/

Thank you,

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)
Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com

New Doggie Station

2010-08-03T14:27:00.000-04:00

A new doggie pot station was added along the sidewalk just past the entrance circle behind the 500 building. It is conveniently located just along the sidewalk, but strategically placed to be the least visible from the street.

Thank you,

Painting

2010-07-21T08:35:00.000-04:00

The gate and stairwell painting has been completed for buildings 400-1100. The Board recently approved some additional work to include the gates at the pool, the top of the pool fence and the 4 benches located throughout the community. This work will likely be done sometime next week.

The next big project we have coming up is the parking lot restriping. This will be a bit of a hassle for some folks as the parking areas will need to be roped off for a period of time for the painting to be completed. All residents will be notified ahead of time so that they can make other arrangements for their vehicles during the scheduled painting.

Thank you,

Quarterly Board Meeting

2010-07-07T14:03:00.000-04:00

The upcoming Board meeting is scheduled to be held at the clubhouse on Thursday, July 15^th at 5:30pm.

Thank you,

Painting

2010-06-23T08:50:00.000-04:00

BUILDINGS 400-1100 GATE & STAIRWELL PAINTING

The painting of the gates and stairwells will begin on Wednesday of this week. The contractors will begin with the 400 building doing all of the necessary prep work. They will prepare the railings, clean the mess and move to the next building. Once all buildings are prepped they will move back to the 400 building to begin painting. They are going to paint the two side entrances on one day and the front entrance on the second day so getting in and out of the buildings won’t be an issue. They anticipate being able to complete two buildings a week. The expected schedule is as follows:

Week of 6/23-Building 400

Week of 6/28-Buildins 500 & 600

Week of 7/5-Buildings 700 & 800

Week of 7/12-Buildings 900 & 1000

Week of 7/19-Building 1100

The first week and last week are both half weeks for a total of 4 weeks. This schedule will be adjusted for extreme heat and rain when necessary.

Thank you,

Community Updates

2010-06-09T10:56:00.000-04:00

Bartlett Tree Service will begin the annual pre-storm tree work the week of June 14^th. They will concentrate on maintaining a 6 to 10 foot gap between the trees and the buildings. Trees to be removed are the three sycamores between buildings 900, 800 and 700; a large pine, whose root system is damaging the parking lot asphalt on the left side of 600 building; the 12-foot clearance (between the road and the trees) will be reestablished on the entrance road. Other numerous items will be done.

The painting on stairways and entrance gates will also start in June. Buildings 400 through 1100 will have sanding and painting done. Buildings 100 through 300 were done last year.

Repair and painting of the pool decking will be put off until the end of the swimming season. Three different vendors reported that repair was out and replacement of the cool decking was required. This will hit the 2010 budget harder than expected.

Umbrellas were purchased for the pool. They were on special at Costco ($20 a piece) and the pool users seem to enjoy them. They must be stored when a storm approaches.

Termites are swarming. The 400 building acquired an infestation over the holiday weekend. Atlantic Pest Control did a great job in handling the problem.

A good price was negotiated for restriping the parking area. The lines are starting to disappear. The asphalt will not be resealed at this time. While it would refresh the parking lot, any other benefits are just not there.

Thank you,

Quarterly Pest Control

2010-05-12T08:37:00.000-04:00

The quarterly pest control will begin on Monday, May 24^th and continue through Thursday, May 27^th. A reminder sign will be posted in the front of the community the week prior and details will be posted on the message boards at that time. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office.

Thank you,

Cardboard Recycling

2010-04-28T09:01:00.000-04:00

Release Number: 3099

Date: April 20, 2010

County Expands Recycling Program to Accept Cardboard at Curbside

Charleston County will begin picking up corrugated cardboard and more paper items during its normal curbside recycling routes

During last Saturday’s 11^th Annual Earth Day Festival, Charleston County Council member Colleen Condon announced that Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department has expanded its recycling program to accept corrugated cardboard as part of its residential curbside recycling program. Corrugated cardboard is considered cardboard boxes with a middle “waffle-like” layer.

In addition to cardboard, the County is now also accepting all paper items to include envelopes with plastic windows, gift wrapping paper, etc.

“We are excited to announce that Charleston County now accepts cardboard and all types of paper in our curbside bins and drop sites,” Condon said. “If you can tear it, recycle it in your bin.”

In honor of Earth Day, the County has compost on sale for the month of April at the Bees Ferry Landfill for $1 per bag or $5 per ton, which is half off the regular price.

How to recycle cardboard:

Residents with curbside service can now place cardboard at the curb with their regular recyclables that are placed in one bin for plastic bottles, glass bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans and aerosol cans, and in another bin for paper, such as magazines, newspaper, junk mail, paperboard (examples: cereal boxes, tissue boxes, etc.) and office paper.
Curbside residents should flatten and place cardboard boxes, up to three feet by three feet in size, between or under their two bins or inside a separate bin. Curbside recycling in Charleston County is collected bi-weekly in the urban areas starting at 7 a.m.
Rural residents, as well as curbside users who have cardboard pieces larger than three feet by three feet, can drop their cardboard off at the drop site locations and County staffed Convenience Centers. Charleston County Environmental Management maintains 40 cardboard drop sites and eight Convenience Centers located throughout the County.
Residents in the rural parts of the County can utilize drop sites and Convenience Centers for recycling services. Drop site locations are open 24 hours per day and seven days a week and are not staffed. Convenience Centers are staffed by Environmental Management Department employees.

Residents can call (843) 720-7111 or visit recycle.charlestoncounty.org to find out their recycling collection day, the nearest drop site location, and Convenience Center addresses and hours of operation.

Thank you,

Board Meeting

2010-04-14T08:48:00.000-04:00

The next scheduled Board meeting will be held this Thursday, April 15^th at 5:30pm at the Retreat clubhouse. The meeting dates are also posted on the message boards near the mail kiosks.

Thank you,

Spring Time

2010-04-06T06:34:00.000-04:00

As occupants of the Retreat, we need to be reminded of a few things to get our units ready for the summer:

1) There are four smoke detectors in every unit. It really is time we quit procrastinating and change out the nine-volt batteries in these detectors. Please understand that these smoke detectors are only to warn you in the event of smoke in the unit. They are in no way connected to the outside alarm or the sprinkler system.

2) The filter on your air conditioner should be changed. Most recommend this change to be done every three months. The size is 18 X 14 X 1. We can get this filter at Harris Teeter, Publics and Ace Hardware, all on Folly road. During the operation of your air conditioner, periodically look at the small drain pan, on the floor, near the hot water heater. If there is ever water in this small pan, you probably have a problem with the air conditioner that should be tended to immediately. Call a service man. If not corrected you may flood out your unit as well as the neighbors below you.

3) Shut the gas off the fireplace. Leaving the pilot on will waste dollars as well as add heat in your unit.

4) Porches are very visible as you walk in the parking areas. Let’s give them a badly needed spring-cleaning. Fans have accumulated dirt and the ceiling of the porches needs sweeping.

Thank you,

Pressure Washing

2010-03-31T07:46:00.000-04:00

The pressure washing has gone extremely well. Superior View has done a great job of clearing out the clogged gutters and cleaning the exterior of the buildings. They will be finished with the project by the end of this week.

Superior View is offering a special to clean the porches for $20 each. If you are interested in having your porch pressure washed, please contact Phil with Superior View. He can be reached by phone at 843-224-9854.

Thank you,

National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive

2010-03-16T13:42:00.000-04:00

National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive occurs every year on Mother’s Day weekend. This is the nation’s largest one-day effort to help needy families. All of the food that is collected, last year it was 100,000 pounds, comes to the Lowcountry Food Bank. It’s so easy to donate. Just leave a bag of food at, in or by your mailbox and the letter carrier will pick it up and bring it back to the local post office.

For more information visit the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive website at http://www.nalc.org/commun/foodrive/

Thank you,

Pressure Washing and Gutter Cleaning

2010-03-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

The Board has reviewed the bids and selected a vendor to complete the pressure washing and gutter cleaning for the Retreat. The work is scheduled for this month. All owners and residents will be notified at least 10 days in advance in order to allow time to prepare.

Thank you,

2010 Action Items

2010-02-16T17:00:00.000-05:00

The stated action items are to be carried out throughout the coming year. Factors, not yet established are cost and vendor availably, so changes could be made.

1) Path: The portion of the walking trail not adjacent to the Apartments has been completed and paid for. This vender exceeded our expectation. The landscape people have still hit the path with their powerful blowers and not only blowing off debris but part of the sand. The landscapers have been contacted and will reduce the power on their blowers to minimize the sand loss. The remaining path section adjacent to the apartments has a quote for $3,000 for path repair and sand. Jennifer has made a proposal to the Apartment management to share the cost and it was received positively but as of yet no agreement.

2) Building Trellis: An earlier survey provided information on the extent of the damage caused by the Pileated Woodpeckers in their search for the larva of the Carpenter Bees. Special note is the Carpenter Bees return to their birthing place for their nest, so the number gets exponentially larger each year. There were a total of 96 boards damaged through the complex. Some entrances suffered more damage than others. Search and quotes are now being sought to locate a colored synthetic wood replacement. Five trellises have been identified for complete replacement utilizing the undamaged portions for repair of some of the other trellises.

3) Cleaning Gutters: This is a routine maintenance item. This year we are going to clean all gutters including the garages. The vendor that gets the contract will provide us with a roadmap of gutters that need repair and which have leaf guards. This cleaning effort should be completed prior to the building wash.

4) Building Wash: Washing will include eleven buildings, garages, pool house, and clubhouse, sidewalks, BBQ Grill Deck and mail kiosks. Last year we used two different suppliers. One used high ladders and physically washed the walls. The second used high-pressure wands for the high reaches. The first was labor intensive and therefore costly. The second didn’t do well on the higher levels. Both methods will be considered this year.

5) Pool: The pool decking will get attention this year with repair of chipped sections and painting. Warmer weather will be necessary for better painting results.

6) Swimming Pool Filtration: Consideration is now being giving for converting the filtration system from chlorine to salt system. Other than the missing smell of chlorine, pool users will not be able to detect the difference. This conversion was scheduled for December of last year but the final quote on the conversion proved to be a little high. There needs to be a better deal reached.

7) Stair Iron and Railing: Last year we cleaned and painted buildings 100 thru 300. This year consideration will be given to the remaining buildings keeping in mind the experienced we gained last year. This is again, a warmer weather job.

8) Propane: Presently there is a study being preformed on propane usage. The cost for the last two years indicates a terrific bargain for the owners. Savings could be realized if propane was cut off for the five summer months. Pros are the dollar savings and cons are the necessity of owners having to relight their pilots in the fall. The study should be concluded by the end of April and the decision will be made then.

There are considerable more items, which are being worked on for the savings of dollars for the owners. It might be a little soon to express these efforts now, but more memorandums can be issued.

Regards

The Retreat Board

Annual Meeting

2010-02-01T17:24:00.000-05:00

Despite the wet weather we had a good turn out for the Annual meeting. Thank you to all those in attendence. Although, Charlie Wilson was expected to run in the 2010 election he removed his name from the ballot. Danielle Clark and Josh Williams were elected to fill the two open seats for a term of three years. The new Board members, their positions and terms are listed below.

Phil Baugus President (2009-2012)

Josh Williams Vice President (2010-2013)

Danielle Clark Treasurer (2010-2013)

Phyllis Moseley Secretary (2008-2011)

Gerry LaCaille Director (2009-2012)

Thank you,

Updates

2010-01-20T08:25:00.000-05:00

The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 30^th at 10am.

A new janitor was hired last week. His name is Leon. Please remember to direct all of your questions, concerns and requests to Jen Seabrook or Kristina Drahos.

The gutters are scheduled to be cleaned this month.

The yellow lights in the halls have proven to fail within a few weeks. This has been true for 3 different brands. An electrician has been hired to investigate the issue. In the meantime, the white bulbs will be used as replacements.

Thank you,

2010 Annual Members Meeting

2010-01-06T21:12:00.000-05:00

The Retreat at Riverland Homeowners Association annual meeting will be held January 30, 2010 at 10:00AM at the James Island Presbyterian Church Gymnasium, 1632 Fort Johnson Road.

There are two seats up for election each holding a three year term. Charlie Wilson and Josh Williams’ terms will expire and both are expected to re-run in the 2010 election. . Danielle Clark has accepted a nomination and has provided the brief bio below.

This community is truly a treasure, and I believe this is due to the wonderful residents and how much we care about our homes. After moving to the Retreat in May, I became involved in the building representatives and am now running for the board. My major interests in joining the board are to increase communications between the board, the building reps, and the residents as well as represent the desires of our young professional population. I am currently in the MD/PhD program at the Medical University of South Carolina and have business management and sales experience.

Thank you for your consideration,

Danielle Clark

If you are interested in volunteering on the Board, please submit your information to Community Management Group.

Thank you,

2010 Assessments

2009-12-09T07:31:00.000-05:00

The Board is happy to announce that your assessments will not increase in 2010. However, the assessments will no longer be rounded to the nearest dollar amount. The annual assessment will be divided into 12 equal payments. See schedule below. Additionally, the 5% discount will no longer be an option for prepaid accounts.

            2009                                        2010

           $252.00                                  $252.48
           $287.00                                  $287.37
           $282.00                                  $281.23

Thank you,

Building Gates and Janitorial

2009-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

100 Building-There is an issue with the original gate code for the 100 building. If you are having trouble getting into the building, please call Community Management Group to get a working code.

500 Building-There is an electrical issue with the two side gates. We have the electrician coming out to make the necessary repairs and the gates should be working properly within the next few days.

Unfortunately, our janitor’s father passed away last week. Derrick should be back today and will catch up on missed work throughout this week. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Thank you,

Leasing

2009-11-11T02:59:00.000-05:00

The Building Representatives are doing a great job in helping us track the move-ins and move-outs throughout the community. However, in order to keep more accurate records it is imperative that all owners who lease their units provide Community Management Group with a copy of the executed lease and a copy of your tenant’s HO-4 policy. If the lease began anytime after July 1, 2008 a security deposit and moving fee is also required. Additionally, these owners need to complete a tenant information form which verifies that their tenants have read and understand the Rules and Regulations of the community. Owners and tenants alike should all have their vehicles registered and a decal placed on the bottom left hand side of their windshield. If you have any questions regarding any of this information please contact our office.

The phone number that can be used to bypass the automated system is 795-8470. You may also call 795-8484 and when you hear the voice press 329 to reach me or 330 to reach my coordinator, Kristina.

Thank you,

General Updates

2009-10-21T10:08:00.000-04:00

Janitorial-Unfortunately, Nathaniel is dealing with some personal issues and will no longer be able to perform the janitorial duties for the Retreat. However, we have offered the position to a gentleman named Derek and he has accepted. He has given his notice with the City of Charleston and will begin work this coming Monday. Please note that any issues you have regarding any aspect of the property should be addressed with me directly. Derek has been instructed to refer all residents to me with concerns, questions or comments so that they may be properly addressed.

Phone Bill-The Retreat has 47 phone lines so the monthly bill is a bit costly. The previous account was held with Spirit Telecom out of Columbia. Community Management Group contacted the local vendors and was able to secure a deal with AT&T that will reduce the monthly cost by about $300 as well as provide an initial credit of nearly $2,100. We are all very excited about the savings.

Annual Meeting-The Annual meeting is quickly approaching and will be held at the end of January as usual. A notice will be mailed to each owner at least 30 days prior to the meeting describing the date, time, location, etc. There will be two seats up for election. If you are interested in volunteering to serve on the Board of Directors for a three year term, please contact me directly.

Thank you,

Air Force in Charleston

2009-10-02T12:54:00.000-04:00

On Friday, October 2, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. the United States Air Force will perform a low level fly-over of the Citadel Parade Grounds. A C-17 and a B-25 will fly at low levels over James Island, West Ashley and peninsula Charleston. Citizens shouldn’t be concerned about this event. This information was provided to the Charleston Police Department by the USAF Public Affairs Office.

Jennifer Seabrook
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412

O:   843-795-8484 x329
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com