Board meetings follow a standard format. They open with a roll call and then board members are asked to formally accept the minutes from the last board meeting. This is followed by the treasurer’s report, committee reports, a review of correspondence, a review of any legal activity with which the board is currently involved, a manager’s report that highlights matters of importance to the board, a review of old business and an introduction of new business. The floor is then opened to members who are asked to introduce themselves and state their Club section before sharing their thoughts about Club matters. Once all members have been heard, the floor is closed to members and open to board members who are free to bring up new topics for discussion. Once this portion of the meeting is finished, the meeting is typically adjourned.

Each month there is a board workshop as well. This meeting is usually held at 8:00 pm on the second Wednesday of the month. Often the matters that will be voted on at upcoming board meetings are discussed at length at the board workshop. Members are always welcome to attend.

These people—the indifferent, the inattentive, the self-absorbed—act as though the law doesn’t apply to them. Their behavior served as the catalyst that recently drove the Roads committee to recommend to the Voting Board that speed humps should be installed in specific locations around the Main Lake. And the same behavior drove the Voting Board to approve the Roads committee’s recommendation—the first round of speed humps are scheduled for installation later this month.

The fact is, our roads are shared by bicyclists and pedestrians (many of whom are pushing baby strollers, walking with small children, or being dragged around by pets). Injuring or killing one of them with an automobile (or having that fate befall you or a loved one) is a nightmare that ruins lives. Ignorance or disregard of the speed limit (legally it’s 25mph, with 15mph as the suggested speed limit on our roads) is not a viable defense. Neither is “I was running late.”

The speed humps are a physical reminder that will act to dissuade scofflaws from speeding through our community, but the message they send to members and non-members alike should be heard much louder and taken much more seriously: The Club values human life more than any individual’s commute time, and our roads do not exist as a high-speed shortcut or risk-free motor skills test. Plan to leave your home a few seconds earlier so that you don’t feel compelled to speed… at least not inside the very community in which you live. Demonstrate some self-awareness, show respect for your neighbors, be a responsible member of your community, and use a modicum of common sense and decency—please slow down on our roads.

Sunday, May 20th is the last, scheduled time for owners to retrieve their boats. All owners claiming their boat must complete the Boat Retrieval Form that is available online here and on page 2 of the most recent edition of the Newsette. The form may also be picked up at the Club Office. To recover your boat you must bring the completed form to the Maintenance Yard located on Glen Wild Way off Cherry Ridge Road by Ballfield 2 on May 20, 2012 between the hours of 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. If your boat has a 2011 boat sticker, please bring your 2011 membership card or owner’s badge.

Other topics on the agenda include:

• the installation of invasive species warning signs at boat launch areas
• potential plans for HLCC Ecology Day Event  and Exhibit
• improving the appearance and maintenance of our many Club properties

Chaired by Bob Reffelt, this committee is actively seeking new members and ideally would like representation from each of the lakes in our community. Members of all ages are encouraged to participate in whatever way they can. You can be a member of a committee even if your schedule does not permit regular attendance at the meeting. Meetings are open to all Highland Lakers.

Many garden centers sell bagged mulch in a variety of colors and types, such as cedar or pine. The Sussex Solid Waste Facility in Lafayette offers compost which is the result of processing leaves, grass clippings and brush. This is free, but you must shovel it and transport it. There are also several commercial sources of bulk mulch in Sussex County. They offer multiple varieties including twice-ground mulch which is recommended by many seasoned gardeners because it decomposes more quickly and provides the nutrients that nourish plants naturally.

Wood chips, though attractive, are often discouraged in a garden because they may have been created from trees that were diseased and therefore have the potential to spread disease in your garden. To be on the safe side, use wood chips on garden paths only.

Do you have garden-related questions? The Master Gardeners of Sussex County has a volunteer-staffed phone line that is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM. Telephone 973.948.3040.

The course is only open to Highland Lakes members so please register with the Club Office as soon as possible (no later than June 11) by providing a check for $45 payable to Highland Lakes Country Club–registrations will not be accepted after June 11.

Please be aware that a boat license is a separate document from a boat safety certificate and is required for operation on non-tidal water (water where the tide does not change) in the State of New Jersey. The boat license is not a replacement for a boat safety certificate, it is an additional requirement. Regardless of the type of boat (pontoon, canoe, row boat, etc.), if it has a motor the operator must have their boat license with them at all times. To obtain a boat license, go to your nearest NJ Division of Motor Vehicle Commission Facility. Persons must bring their NJ Boat Safety Certificate with them to apply for a boat license.

Doors open at 8 am, and the course begins promptly at 8:30 am.

 ***  PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION MUST BE BROUGHT TO CLASS  ***

What does it take to get this charming beauty? It’s simple – a donation to the Goodwill Fund. First offer over $25.00 takes it. Contact the Club Office – 973-764-4366.

Looking for volunteers to join the new
Highland Lakes Garden Club!
It will be hard dirty work with no pay.
AARP membershio not required.
Our mission is to improve the landscaping on the Club properties.
Reward will be seeing the beautification of our common areas.
Call or e-mail Barry Abrams
973-764-3498
barryabrams1@gmail.com 

Contact Barry as noted above if you would like to join in the fun.