Letter from the President: provided by Dick Heilman.

I am gratified to see the Committees being so productive. They have accomplished so much since the fall, and we can all look forward to even more progress. Being on a Committee is rewarding for the members too, as it tends to foster a feeling of doing something together, and offers opportunities for socialization and getting to know your neighbors better. There is always a need for more volunteers, and if anyone who is not on a Committee now would like to be on one, just let me or any of the Board members know and we will accommodate you.

Since becoming President in May'09, I have become a student of the POA Corporation Bylaws. Paul Cogswell, L. Noey and Jerre Elliott incorporated the POA in 1982. With incorporation came the adoption of the Bylaws. The "..purpose of the POA was to protect the personal and property rights of all members, their families and guests; for the purpose of promoting the safety and welfare of all members, families and guests; and for the rendering of such services as the Officers and Directors shall deem practical and appropriate to the general welfare and within the limitations set forth in the Articles of Incorporation". The first question I had concerned meetings and voting. I had heard numerous stories about the difficulties involved with getting anything voted on and passed.

Meetings: (Article III & IV)

Regular Meetings: (Section 1.) There shall be an annual meeting of the membership on a Saturday between May 1st and August 1st of each year..." That is the spring meeting that we have to elect the new POA directors.

Special Meetings: (Section 2.) "Special Meetings of the membership may be called by the President, Board of Directors, or by any group of members holding not less than 25% of the votes entitled to be cast as such meeting."

Board Meetings; (Article III, Sections 7 & 8.) "The Board of Directors shall meet regularly on a quarterly basis in March, June, September, and December." "Every act or decision by the majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be regarded as the act of the Board of Directors, ..and shall bind the Corporation.

At either a Regular or a Special meeting, a majority of the votes of a quorum of the members present in person or by proxy shall be the act of the members and shall bind the Corporation. A quorum of voters is 25% of the property owners. Remember that " husband and wife joint tenants, or tenants in common, or any entity owning property in Oak Ridge Estates shall be considered as one member and entitled to one vote." (Article II, Section 2) A quorum of voters would be about 47 voters, assuming that we have about 185 property owners. At our Dec 3rd meeting we had 37 members in attendance. Some were husband and wife. So we had 27 eligible voters; not a quorum. We will need to increase attendance at the meetings or use proxy votes (mail or email) to pass any items in the future.

At Board Meetings, a majority of the Board members constitutes a quorum, i.e., 4 out of the 7 Board members, and a majority vote of a quorum decides the vote. In Oak Ridge, we have had open Board meetings, i.e., open to all the membership, at least as long as I have lived here, and we will continue to do that. Voting on routine issues will be easier for the Board than the general membership, but Board members need your input to see what you want, so stay in touch with us. Nothing will be voted upon that has not been on a general meeting agenda and/or discussed at a meeting with the membership in attendance. Thanks for all your continued interest, participation and support. Anyone can view the Bylaws and deed restrictions on the web site at http//oakridgepoa.org under bylaws. Take a look and you might find other items for interpretation/clarification.
Dick Heilman and The POA Board

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Board Meeting Minutes:
(provided by D. Heilman, G. Graham, I. L. Blount and J. Harris)

December 2, 2009
Dick Heilman called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Those Board members in attendance were: Cheryl Mann, Gerri Graham, Jan Harris and Inger Lise Blount (excused were Cheryll Mabray and Cookie Puckett).

Previous Board activities included:

-A Special Board Meeting on 15 Oct'09-The Architectural Committee experienced a tie vote (2:2) on a building permit and asked the Board for a decision. Attending were all the board members except Cheryll Mabray (contacted by phone post meeting). Additional information not available to the Architectural Committee included prior oral approval before the establishment of the new Architectural Committee. After a review of the background information, the Board members were in agreement that approval should not be rescinded and the vote was unanimous in favor of the permit. The property owner and Architectural Committee were so informed.

-An email vote by all the Board members was held on 3 November'09 to approve/disapprove, (1.) renewal of the Firefighting Services with The City of Horseshoe Bay for 1 Nov'09 to 31 Oct'10. The vote was 5:2 in favor of renewing, and the contract was signed and delivered to the City on 9 Nov'09. (2.) A recommendation was received from Tom Graham (based upon 3 estimates) for hiring roofers to replace the fascia and re-shingle the community center. (All estimates were in excess of the insurance money received, but the insurance company would not allow more due to 'depreciation'.) The Board voted 7:0 to go ahead with the project that was started on 1 Dec'09.

It was agreed that the order of presentation of agenda items for the 3 Dec'09 meeting be changed to allow the Special Committee on Annexation to go before the reports of the Standing Committees because the information might be relevant to other committee reports.

The minutes of the previous meeting (3 Sep'09) were reviewed to be sure that we had closure on the action items.

-Treasurer's term will expire in May'10. Opportunity exists for apprentice-ship of the next Treasurer before starting the new term. = No-one had responded yet.

-Standing Committees and Special Committee have all met and are functioning.

-Justin Dunk has removed the bar-b-que smoker.

-Syl Gaisbauer and Bruce Parizek have repaired the Community Center benches.

-Community Center repairs have begun (fascia and roof).

-Suzanne Graham informed the Board that Rex Ramsower had donated $1,000.00 for a sprinkler system for the Community Center. The Board requested that the need for a sprinkler system be evaluated. A recommendation is expected from the grounds committee.

-Roger Harris installed "No Wake and No Solicitation" signs.

-Information on "Star Flight" for distribution to the community has not been received yet. (Dick to follow up with B. Manno, - post meeting the information was received and is communicated below.)

It was discussed and accepted that the Firefighting Services contract be placed on the agenda for the Sep. 2010 meeting for discussion in advance of the receipt of the actual contract (the actual contract is usually not received until late Oct. or early Nov.).

The meeting was adjourned.

December 3, 2009
Dick Heilman called the meeting to order at 7 pm. The Board members in attendance were Cheryl Mann, Gerri Graham, Jan Harris and Inger Lise Blount (excused were Cheryll Mabray and Cookie Puckett). Membership attendance was 35 (Attendance sheet filed). Cheryl moved that the minutes of the 4 Sep'09 as presented in the Acorn be accepted and was seconded by Gerri.

Treasurer's Report: (Cheryl Mann)

The Treasurer passed out the financial reports for review and questions. (Balance Sheet attached)

-The cost for Firefighting costs this year increased 10%; our taxable value increased 17%. Last year there was a little surplus of about $46,000 in the firefighting fund, so we are due to receive a refund of about $200. With the contract this year we will be paying $4,189/month. Not all property owners in Oak Ridge are helping to fund the firefighting costs. Following a question from the floor, it was reported that 42 of about 200 property owners have not paid.

-Cheryl reported that the Community Garage Sale made $1,943. The amount was less than last year, but we had less to sell. The Sale was a success socially, as many in the community helped and/or shopped and socialized.

Reports of Standing Committees:

1. Special Committee-Annexation (G. Blount)
   Gil described the work his committee has done and the facts found from interviews and documents. He handed out a table giving an example of cost estimates assuming a property value of $400,000, with a partial list of immeasurables. Based upon a survey (email and telephone) conducted by B. Parizek, several pages of frequently asked questions (FAQ)/answers were distributed. (Table and FAQ attached) It was suggested that at some point the POA Board might want to conduct an election to determine who is for/against annexation. The City of Horseshoe Bay has no interest at this time to annex Oak Ridge Estates. The Annexation Committee has finished its project with this report. The City of Horseshoe Bay in having a meeting regarding the annexation of the lake bottom 100 feet off shore on 15 Dec. Since Gil will be away, he requested that some Oak Ridge residents attend and report to the POA at the next meeting. P. Roth, B. Parizek and D. Heilman, among others said they would attend.

1. Architectural Committee (S. Graham)
   Suzanne reported that the committee was reviewing the guidelines for clarification and definition, and was considering a new fee structure. B. Sumrall encouraged diligence since lapses can affect property values.
2. By-laws/Legal Committee (D. Weirman)
   Doug reported that the committee was obtaining data regarding actual monetary needs for the community. They are determining what procedures can be legally used to change deed restrictions. He suggested that the committee might need to obtain money from the POA for legal opinions. Rick Mann added that the By-laws are for the POA Corporation and can be changed, but deed restrictions are not corporation based and affect the property owners and the POA has no guide as to how to change them. Being in the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Horseshoe Bay impacts us, and that complicates matters.
3. Communications Committee (J. Harris)
   The committee has welcomed new residents and passed on email messages to residents without email.
4. Community Center (P. Heilman)
   There was no rental of the center since the last meeting. There was rental of some chairs and tables. The center is rented 2 days in December.
5. Publications Committee (W. Meixner)
   The Acorn will be published in a few weeks. Wilda will send out a notice for articles for the Acorn about 2 weeks prior to publication. Bill Manno requested pictures for our web site.
6. Roads/Roadsides/Storage Committee (A. D. Robinett)
   Thanks to Les Fenter and Joe Toohey for trimming the trees overhanging the roads. We spent $3500 this year for mowing ($400 less than last year).
7. Social Committee (I. Parizek)
   There will be a Souper Supper Jan 16th with live entertainment. Ivy suggested using a voluntary 'donation bucket' to cover social function expenses with any money exceeding expenses going to a charity.

Old Business:

Thanks to the following who provided services:

1. No Solicitation/ No Wake signs erected (Roger Harris);
2. BBQ disposition (Justin Dunk)
3. Rebuild picnic tables (Syl Gaisbauer & Bruce Parizek)
4. Community Center fascia/shingles/electric wires (Tom Graham)
5. Community Center sprinkler donation (Suzanne Graham)-Board will determine how to use the money with approval of Rex Ramsower before the next meeting.
6. Lynni & Bill Melvin had bumpers installed on the community boat dock.

Other:

Monies due B.J. Johnson for improvements will be rolled into the POA account since the service was not performed.

Gerri Graham moved to adjourn and Cheryl seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8pm.

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Follow-up information on Air EVAC

Bill Manno brought to our attention at the Sep'09 meeting, the opportunity for Oak Ridge Estates membership to become a member of "AIR EVAC LIFETEAM". The service area includes IA, IL, IN, OH, WV, KY, TN, GA, AL, MS, AR, MO, OK, and Tx. It provides helicopter air ambulance transportation with over 1000 nurses, medics and pilots professionally trained for emergency medical situations. AIR EVAC works in cooperation with your local Emergency Responders. A call to 911 is the first step to take in any emergency. The 911 dispatchers are trained to get specific information about the medical emergency from the caller and determine what type of medical transportation best fits the situation. If the 911 dispatcher determines you would benefit from air medial transport, they will dispatch air and ground ambulances to your emergency. Air EVAC medical specialists are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some cases may call for emergency transport from an outlying medical facility to a larger hospital in a metropolitan area. They work with your physician and health care provider to make sure that you reach the appropriate medical facility as quickly as possible. A 1- year membership for a 2-member household costs $55.00. If you are interested in enrolling or want more information, you may call 800-793- 0010 or visit www.lifeteam.net on the computer.

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Follow-up information from the Social Committee

The Social Committee (Geri Graham, Cookie Puckett, Shirley Wells, Ivy Parizek) have outlined events for 2010. The first event will occur on January 16, 6:00 and will be a Souper Supper with "Live Entertainment." Six people are needed to provide soup, chili, or chowder with recipes that serve eight or more. Call Ivy (596-1500) if you can provide one of the above. Others are asked to bring a choice of the following: sandwiches, casserole, salad, or dessert. Crackers and drinks will be provided.

Two ideas will be tried this coming year.

1. Instead of scheduling a game day or a game night, games will be played after an event for those who wish to play games. For instance, after Souper Supper, tables will be left up for those who want to play cards, dominoes, or board games.
2. If you want to contribute money to cover the cost of the parties, a donation box will be set up. What is left over will go towards a charity.

Recent events:

Thanksgiving Community Dinner 2009 had a nice turnout of 53 people. Yummy food, pretty decorations, and good company made the day enjoyable.

Ladies Luncheon (3rd Thursday each month) was the traditional Cookie Exchange on December 17 at Cheryl Mann's house with Jan Harris as co- hostess. It was was a fun, fun, fun day. Rick served halibut in a puff pastry with delicious side dishes. Table game of matching Christmas Carols to silly pictures made us work as a team to figure them out. Then the White Elephant gift exchange followed. It was a surprise whenever anybody opened a gift because the White Elephant gift could be pretty, pretty silly, pretty cute, and pretty questionable. Before departure, each person filled a cookie box with over twenty varieties of cookies.

The following names were drawn for 2010 Ladies' Luncheon Hostesses. If a conflict comes up for your month, exchange with another. Anybody who wasn't at the party to draw a month and would like to participate, give Ivy a call (830-596-1500). November is the Community Thanksgiving Meal and three hostesses were asked to handle that large event. The following list will be posted on the inside cabinet door near the Center's breaker box:

JANUARY: Sharon Coffey & Jan Harris

FEBRUARY: Brenda Crews & Jo Manno

MARCH: Ruth Garrison & Shirley Wells

APRIL: Ruth Engel & Ivy Parizek

MAY: Suzanne Graham & Judy Martin

JUNE: Cheryl Mann & Carol Toohey

JULY: Dorothy Gaisbauer & Wilda Meixner

AUGUST: Gerri Graham & Carol Toohey

SEPTEMBER: Liz Hinkle & Katherine Walther

OCTOBER: Kandie Pieratt & Bobbi Walker

NOVEMBER: Pat Heilman & Cookie Puckett & Bonnie Raffels

DECEMBER: Helen Thompson & Ivy Parizek

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Other Information from the Community

Have you noticed that as you age you don't use your arms above your head? Have you developed a narrower stance? Are you less flexible? Is your balance not as good as when you were younger? Do you worry about falling?

A subtle stretching exercise that addresses all of these problems is Tai Chi (TIE-chee). Tai Chi involves a conscious awareness of your stance, alignment, and balance. It involves footwork so that you know at all times where your feet are in relation to your body (helps prevent falls). Practiced on a regular basis people who participate show a reduction in stress and improvement in digestive health.

For several years we have had a tai chi class for the residents of Oak Ridge. There is no charge for participating. We have never had a charge for participants but instead suggested a donation to be used for improvements of the Oak Ridge Center. From these donations we have purchased two trees for the community garden, storage furniture for both of the new bathrooms at the center, a large mirror, a plaque, and cash donations to Oak Ridge treasury.

If you, men or women, are interested and feel unsure about trying it, we can arrange for someone to meet with you individually outside of our regular class times and show you the easy movements. Our regular classes meet at 8:45 on Tuesdays and Fridays. No special clothing or equipment is required. It takes only about 45 minutes, and you won't work up a sweat or have sore muscles afterwards. Ladies don't worry about make-up and looking beautiful; you will have that Tai Chi Glow after you finish.

Some of the information above came from the Mayo Clinic Health Letter dated October 2009 and was submitted by Dorothy Gaisbauer and Dick Heilman.

A note from Sandra about the directories:

Some have emailed or called to pick up their Oak Ridge Directory and I haven't seen you. Some ordered the directory and have not contacted me at all to make arrangements to pick it up or in case of illness, for me to bring it to you. Some have notified me (part time residents) as to when you will be here. If you would like to have the new directory, and you do not have email, call me on my cell at 830-613-8226. I have tried to contact most of you but know I may have missed some.
Thank you so much, Sandra

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Items for Sale

I have a Queen Futon Frame and Mattress ($200) and a very new Sofa for sale ($600).
Thanks, Susie Vaughn, 210 410-1031, 302 Pecan Creek Drive

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Sad News

From Sandra T. Frances Booker called this morning to let us know that Mr. Black, one of our former neighbors, passed away this month in San Antonio. Services have already been held.

Comments were received from a couple of his neighbors. Homer Ahr sent this: Mr. Black was one of the "original Oak Ridgers". A wonderful man: quick to wave, happy to smile, kind to a fault. Heaven is a better place because of him. Sometimes I think we lose good ones around Christmas to remind us what's really important. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! And from another neighbor: Jim Black lived next door to us and was a great neighbor for almost twenty years! He watched over our house when we were away which always made us feel more secure. When our children were little, he helped them with the catfish they had caught. During their college years, he helped them with leaking water lines and other problems they faced when staying here alone. Joel and I really appreciated him because he also kept us informed -- we always knew how our kids and their friends behaved when they visited the lake! We will really miss Mr. Black!
Fran and Joel Elliott

Ethelyn Hogg Farmer passed away on December 8, 2009. Services were held in Caddo Mills, TX on December 12. Memorials may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, P. O. Box 199300, Dallas, TX. 75219. Remembrances should be sent to 9415 Fern Wood Forest, Houston, TX 77040. Ethelyn and Orval retired and moved to Oak Ridge where they were active in the community for many years, moving to Houston to be near family just a couple of years ago.

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Financial Statements: provided by Cheryl Mann, Treasurer

OAK RIDGE ESTATES
Balance Sheet
As of December 3, 2009

OAK RIDGE ESTATES
Income Statement
May 1, 2009 - Dec 3, 2009

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