Neighborhood Luau

Forest ChaseA wonderful place to call home

Newsletter, Issue 11SUMMER 2015

July-Sept

The annual Luau event was hosted and sponsored by Forest Chase HOA on June 13, 2015 at the common area. All members were invited and their guests too. There was an outstanding attendance. The Fast family catered the entree a delicious pork tenderloin on a bed of yellow rice. The Fritz family brought out two bounce houses and a sno cone machine. We set up tents, decor and families brought a cover dish of food to share. It was a beautiful day to enjoy the company of neighbors, meet new people and catch up on each others lives.

Nature Notes by Roseanne Guerra, Forest Chase HOA Secretary and Atlanta Audubon Master Birder

The Forest Chase FoxesEvery spring since at least 2013, neighbors have reported seeing red foxes in Forest Chase. Why in the spring? Because foxes, like most wild animals are raising youngsters (called kits), and are forced to be out and about doing extra hunting to provide for their families. Should we worry about these wild predators wandering through our back yards? For the most part, no, but the more you know, the better off you and the foxes will be.

The first thing to know is how to identify that dog-like animal crossing Forest Way in front of you. There are two types of foxes in the U.S. (including Cobb County): red foxes and gray foxes. Gray foxes have splashes of red on them and are easy to confuse with red foxes. The thing to look for is a BLACK-TIPPED TAIL. Gray foxes are also the only foxes that can climb trees. To my knowledge, gray foxes have never been spotted in Forest Chase,

but they have been trapped in northeast Cobb. In contrast, red foxes have black socks and a WHITE-TIPPED TAIL. Red foxes are more likely in suburban areas such as our neighborhood.

The third possibility is a coyote. They are around! I captured videos of coyotes travelling along our creek in February, 2012. Coyotes average about twice the size of foxes (22-33 pounds vs. 9-13 pounds). Coyotes have no doubt been responsible for some missing cats around Forest Chase. On the other hand, my spoiled house cat weighs more than an average fox (He is NOT FAT. Hes FLUFFY : ) ). Coyotes are grizzled-gray and -tan, and are proportioned more like dogs. Foxes have much shorter-looking legs. By the way, there were not always coyotes in Georgia. Until the mid 1900s, there were red wolves instead. Because red wolves were hunted to extinction in Georgia, the smaller coyote has moved in to fill the wolfs niche. Red foxes are considered carnivores because a large portion of their diet

includes rabbits, rats, mice, squirrels, birds and insects, however they also will eat carrion (i.e., roadkill) and vegetation including all types of fruits, nuts and berries. However, do not attempt to feed our wild foxes. It is best for the foxes to stay wild.

I enjoy hearing everyones fox reports. My next door neighbor Mac spotted one a few years back with a rabbit in its jaws (evidence that it

was heading to a den with youngsters). My daughter and I had an encounter a few years ago as I drove her to Davis Elementary early one spring morning: the fox crossed Forest Way in front our car, stopped and sat in the middle of the road for a moment, and then continued on its way. It disappeared like a lucky ghost. I hope we always have our Forest Chase Foxes.

Theres lots of free fun to keep your family busy all summer! Included here are some museums and parks that you might not even have known about! Indoors and Out...Anne Frank Exhibit, Sandy Springs: The 600 photograph and more than 8,000 word exhibit tells the story of young Anne Frank, from her days of freedom in the 1930s to her hiding with her family in Amsterdam, to her 1945 death in the Bergen-Belson concentration camp.

David J. Sencer CDC Museum at CDC Headquarters: Ever wonder how CDC scientists merge old-fashioned detective work with high-tech science to crack the cases of mystery diseases? Get the Story!

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta- The Monetary Museum: By exploring an exhibit of historical artifacts, youll discover the fascinating story of moneyfrom barter to modern times. Youll also learn about the turbulent history of banking in America and see examples of rare coins and currency.

Georgia Governors Mansion Tours: Public tours are conducted throughout the year on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. The tour is a hybrid of a guided and self guided tour.

Georgia State Capitol Tours: The Georgia Capitol offers visitors an opportunity to view first-hand the most important government building in the state.

KSU Museum of History and Holocaust Education: Offers a wide variety of exhibitions and educational topics for 5th grade and older.

Marietta Fire Museum: Has many items on display used by the Marietta Fire Department dating back to the 1800s. The museum has fire service clothing, equipment and antique apparatus.

Martin Luther King National Historic Site: You will find the places where Dr. King was born, lived, worked, worshipped, and is buried. Hear his story, visit the home of his birth, and where he played as a child. Walk in his footsteps, and hear his voice in the church where he moved hearts and minds.

Museum of Aviation, Warner Robbins (A U.S Air Force Museum: The second largest museum in the U.S. Air Force with a collection dating from a replica of an early 1896 glider to modern-era aircraft.

Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking: The midtown museum is an internationally renowned resource on the history of paper & paper technology. In addition to more than 2,000 books, the museum features a remarkable collection of over 10,000 watermarks, papers, tools, machines, and manuscripts.

Atlanta Beltline: A 22-mile loop of historic rail corridor has been transformed into a new pedestrian-friendly transit system linking over 1,200 new acres of greenspace and 33-miles of multi-use trail around Atlantas downtown core. The Atlanta BeltLine connects 45 different neighborhoods.

Historic Oakland Cemetery: Less than a mile from the heart of downtown Atlanta, this garden cemetery, founded in 1850, is the final resting place of many of Atlantas settlers, builders, and most noted citizens like Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell, and Maynard Jackson. It is also a showplace of sculpture and architecture, and a botanical preserve with ancient oaks and magnolias.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign.

Kennesaw Skate Park: Georgias 40,000 square foot skateboarding nirvana - a completely authentic Street League Pro-Style facility with the very same ramps, obstacles and rails that the pros ride in major competitions.

Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary, Locust Grove: A 250 acre sanctuary for abused, unwanted and neglected animals. A beautiful park like setting with paved pathways. See -Baloo, Leo, & Shere Kha (black bear, African lion, Bengal tiger)

Reynolds Nature Preserve, Morrow: This 146 acre nature preserve is a perfect example of rolling hills in the Piedmont region of Ga. With over 3 miles of hiking trails a visitor can explore the highest ridges in the county in a mixed oak-hickory-pine forest down to the wetlands and ponds fed by natural springs. Step back in time and admire old farm equipment, spring houses, and a barn dating back to 1867. Stop in the Nature Center to see live animals, environmental displays or talk to a ranger!

Silver Comet Trail: travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. The quiet, non-motorized, paved trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible. The trail is 61.5 miles long, and starts at the Mavell Road Trailhead in Smyrna. It ends at the Georgia/Alabama state line.

Your opinion matters- Online SurveyEveryone has an opinion but not all are shared. The FCHOA Board of Directors try our best to listen to the voice of our community and respond appropriately.

?Did you know? You can e-mail us at FCHOAinfo@gmail.com OR drop a compliment, comment or suggestion in the Drop Slot at the pool property OR you can call us on our personal phone lines listed on www.ForestChase.org.

Even with ALL of these options to share your opinions some of our residents havent had a voice yet. In an effort to get them to give us input a basic survey was developed with gathering information in mind. We plan to give you some of the results and responses in our next newsletter.

IF you havent taken the survey yet... its free and anonymous!

Go to www.ForestChase.org and click Member Survey under the Documents & Forms tab.

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Summer is here and one of the fun things we like to do as a family in the summer is the FREE Summer Movie Series that many theaters run all summer long in the mornings. Especially on those rainy days, lazy days or just the days when you dont feel like melting in the sun.

Theaters fill up fast so families are encouraged to show up early and grab their seat. Most theaters will open one hour prior to show time to purchase your tickets & concessions if you choose and find your seat. If you have questions please contact the theater itself for more information. And always be sure to check the website links for any potential viewing changes.

Carmike Cinemas Summer Kids Series Carmike Riverstone 15 - Canton THURSDAY @ 10 a.m.

*$4 admission all seats includes small popcorn and small drink.

July 09 - Shrek Forever AfterJuly 16 - MarmadukeJuly 23 - ToothfairyJuly 30 - Spongebob - Sponge Out of WaterAugust 6 - Paddington

Regal Summer Movie Express Regal Town Center Stadium 16 - Kennesaw

Summer Movie Express runs Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10am. Both movies will be shown on both days on a separate screen. Admission is $1 and normal concession prices.

July 8 & 9 - Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb(PG) & Penguins of Madagascar (PG)July 15 & 16 - Madagascar 3 (PG)& Dolphin Tale 2 (PG)July 22 & 23 Muppets Most Wanted (PG) & Alexander and the Very Bad Day (PG)July 29 & 30 -The Lego Movie (PG) & The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (PG)

Summer Movie Series Georgia Theater Company Cherokee Stadium Cinemas - Woodstock/Towne Lake

Movies play Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10 am. Same movie both days each week. Doors open at 9:15 am. Admission is $1, $1.50 Kids sized popcorn, $1.50 Kids Sized drink. MOVIES: Check their website.

Studio Movie Grill Childrens Movie Series Studio Movie Grill - Holcomb Bridge, Alpharetta Mon-Fri at 11 a.m. Admission is $2.

July 6-10 Horton Hears a Who July 13-17 How to Train your DragonJuly 20- 24 Ice Age 2July 27-31 Monster VS Aliens Aug 3- 7 Kung Fu PandaAug 10-14 Puss in BootsAug 17-21 Turbo

Summer Movies!

FLASHBACK - Goals of the Board of Directors

circa 1999

Time flies when you are busy. FCHOA started over with a completely new board of directors in January of 2012. Today, four of the original members are still volunteering their time, talent and passion for making Forest Chase a wonderful place to call home. As a board we have made significant strides in our original goals: 1. Build communication 2. Build trust 3. Be transparent in budgeting/spending1. Build communication- ForestChase.org website fully functional Two online forums (Facebook & Nextdoor.com) Quarterly Newsletter delivered (for three years!!!) Posted notices and banners for events E-mail address setup and checked regularly FCHOAinfo@

gmail.com Drop box installed at pool house2. Build trust- Personal contact info on website to ensure availability of

board of directors Posted board meeting minutes for every meeting in a timely

manner Follow through on concerns, input and offers for help

3. Be transparent in budgeting/spending- We have been in the black since our

appointment as a board. Host our annual Cookie Swap/Annual

Membership Meeting at the Public Library. Budget posted and voted on every year Minutes reflect spending and votes to spend. Minutes reflect the checking account

balance. Email address setup and checked Reconcilation done monthly and maintaned

on Quickbooks online Taxes, insurances, government fees paid on

time and accurately. We have NO debt!

Forest Chase Homeowner Association2015 Membership Invoice

Membership Levels:p Full Membership (Pool + Civic) = $325p Civic Membership = $100p Outside* Pool Membership= $375 *residents that do not live in Forest Chase

Two ways to pay for your membership:1. Online at www.ForestChase.org Join and pay online. Quick, easy and safe.

2. Mail in payment with invoice Complete and mail invoice below.

Please complete ALL sections below to have your account credited. We will not share or sell your information, it is only for contact and communication.

Check a box for membership level above!

Contact name(s): list all family members ___________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________ e-mail: ______________________________

Phone(s): home _________________________ cell _________________________________

Mail this completed form with check payable: Forest Chase Homeowners Association, PO Box 670403, Marietta, GA 30066

Questions or inquiries can be made to: Ginger Pearson, Treasurer (770) 851-5925 pear452@gmail.comCindi Williams, President (352) 598-0271 FCHOAinfo@gmail.com

A green ribbon will be tied to your mailbox to show that your household supports the FCHOA! We appreciate your participation in this ribbon tying.

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent

A super special THANK YOU to the Flahie Family for the cell phone shelves in BOTH pool bathrooms! What a great addition to the area!

Journey & Cindi Williams take walks with a long-arm trash grabber (only $2 at Harbor Freight) picking up litter. Keeping Forest Chase clean! :)

Banana tortilla wraps: Take a large tortilla, spread some peanut butter (or Sunbutter to keep it nut free) all across the wrap, then spread some honey on the wrap, place a full peeled banana on one side of the wrap and then roll. This can be eaten whole or can be cut into sushi type bites.

Kale Chips: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Toss fresh Kale leaves with about 2 Tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with some sea salt. Bake for about 20 min. or until crispy! Perfect for trail snacking without weighing you down.

Smart Summer Snacks

770-641-7034www.bounceatlanta.com

We have bounce houses, waterslides, dry slides, concessions items, obstacle

courses, dunk tanks and yard cards!

Calendar & Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENTS www.ForestChase.org EVENT CALENDAR

Please do NOT open pool gate for ANYONE, this is a liability. Any member will know the code and will not need help gaining entry.

Pay your FCHOA dues online. Visit our website www.ForestChase.org for payment options and important information.

Do you want to have an event listed? E-mail FCHOAinfo@gmail.comForest Chase HOA reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication.

social media mgmt - design production - marketing

www.cindi-withaneye.com 352.598.0271

creative consultation & photographyCindi with an eyedea

Alfaro Landscaping, LLC

Residential and Commercial15 years of experience

yard maintenancepine straw

sod installationmulch

trimming

JuanLawns@gmail.com 678.438-6795

IMPORTANT DATES

July 4, 2015 Independence Day Holiday August 2, 2015 Friendship DayAugust 3, 2015 First day of school year 2015-2016 September 7, 2015 Labor Day Holiday

Sept. 21-25, 2015 Fall Break Cobb Ct. Schools TBD in September FCHOA pool closes for the season