Well, Skippity do-da!

I thought the point of blogging was to "get a load off" - and without contrasting opinions it wouldn't be very entertaining!

CarleyBird is right.  There have been various abuses of power by some Board members and certainly reckless spending of OUR funds, but with the elections a month away perhaps things will improve....

Ours is a PROPERTY owners Assn., not a hhomeowners, it might be better for all if the current Assn. was disbanded and another formed for Home owners living within the Community water district only. Those who chose to live in the more rural areas should be independent and not rely on someone 'minding' them.

The latest ($1000 unnecessary) mailing from the Board says  basically -  we need more money because we can't budget within our means and , by the way - you are on your own as far as security goes.  That's good in your opinion?

Now Skip1 - You can always start your own website or even a blog if you don't like not being able to 'control' ours!!?

I do hope you can back up your claim that items on our site are "a rip or downright sleazy"? Can you?

f.y.i. the company with the Lockbump is making a point - it is called "advertising" & their product has a legitimate use for official agencies.  Perhaps when you see a certain insurance Co's  ads you believe there are "cavemen" roaming around still?

We have contacted the Board and the Assn., to little avail.  All the problems still exist.  Had the Board accepted our offer of using the website themselves instead of disowning it, they could have saved us all several thousand dollars already by contacting  e-mail savvy members electronically..  Why didn't they even discuss it?

Please enlighten us - what "selfish goals"?  Is hoping for better management of of the Association selfish?  And - no - we do not intend to use an ambulance - ever!, and we don't go out if the weather is inclement!  We delayed moving here almost 20 years because we knew it would be impractical if we needed to go out every day - as should anyone who moves here - access is not guaranteed year round!

If anyone happens across this blog, as I did, and manages to make it though all the pages, I hope they sense the misinformation posted here.    The blog should have stopped long ago, and a new one started that doesn't revolve around negative bull.  The original post by charleybird which appears at the top of every page is erroneous in it's contentions and has been answered a number of times by those who have spent more than once, and more than the first hour of meetings.

Right, moday, we all know you would never post anything that is even remotely biased!  Your entire website and posts are geared to promoting negative ideas about the association, promote your own biased opinions, and sell your products (some of which are a rip or downright sleazy--who would want to teach their eleven year old daughter to pick locks?).  I can hear you tittering in the background.  Why don't you bring whatever positive ideas you have and use all that energy for the good of your neighbors rather than to promote your own selfish goals? 

90%? vehemently?  That would be about 10 people. You have every right to to complain and question the board, as others have at the meetings.  You can even petition the board with those 10 on your side, or more perhaps.

I'm sure you would be the first to complain when an ambulance couldn't make it to your door because of no maintenance and snow removal.  

An AFP website is good - if it is possible to have an UNbiased view on things.  Or, is this why the Board would not endorse the private site despite being offered access to it?  Like state run news - you only get one perspective.

When will we be able to see it?

Will we be able to comment on the fee increase?  Almost 90% of active members are vehemently against this - and most are prepared to withhold their dues in protest!

Oh My!

Charleybird I agree, no matter what, our community is talking, writing, thinking and participating in decisions about our Association.

I'm pretty excited about the upcoming election. We'll have our Meet the Candidates Night, where we can ask questions from those that are running for the board and find out what's important to them.

I always said that Alpine Forest is the best community to live in, cause our neighbors really do care about each other. When I ran for the board last year my agenda was to expand our neighborhood watch program. I wanted all our different neighborhoods to come together and form one big active neighborhood watch. I wanted our Security Department and our C.E.R.T. program incorporated.

I wanted people talking. I think communication and sharing ideals is a worthy goal. Can you imagine if we took all our positive energy and directed it towards making our community a better place to live?

So Charleybird I'd like to thank you for asking your innocent question way back when. You've proven that at least 14(? )people cared enough to write in but most importantly over 1500 people came to READ!

        & nbsp;       &n bsp;      thanks again,

        & nbsp;       &n bsp;      mary

Mary, as I "sort of" aplogized for my negitive comments about a certain someone I have been at the end of my rope with the way things are right now and could only hold back my comments so much.

But I do agree that negitive comments only make things worse. I haven't been happy with the way things have turned with this blog that I started with an innocent question, but as moday said at least our community is reading the comments.

I think that when we get an official web site there won't be any room for negitiveness, it will be an informational site only with the sole purpose of saving money from mailings and to be an electronic newsletter (saving money). You could put a blog zone like this one for personal comments and oppinions but then it would be monitered by yourself or whoever is the office manager at that time. - We need an official site !

Hiitzme , sounds good to me , make it a sat. about 19:00 and I will be there!

Dean:}

Hi All,

  I know I haven't commented in a long time. I was disillusioned with the "nastiness". I too begged that we could get a lot more accomplished with" honey and not vinegar."

  There are two sides to every story, and if you decide to look at a situation in a negative light, you will perceive it that way. If you look for the silver lining you will find it. I always look for the silver lining. I said earlier in this blog that if we could get a web-site up and running it would be a great thing for Alpine. I would be proud to think that I had a positive hand in relying needed information to our homeowners 24/7. I thought Modays site was it. I was very impressed with the speed in which they got their site up and running but like I said I became disillusioned about the negative aspect. I must add I have taken a lot of "grief" for my support of this site. I was told that if I wanted a web-site all I needed to do was present it to the board. I did just that and am now working with a gentleman on getting an "official" site up. One that will be using more of the "honey" theory. There are so many positive things about our community that we all should be proud of. Like I said before, we have problems, but that is the nature of the beast. and we can all work together to make Alpine what we want it to be...I'll still stand by my comments. Alpine is made up of over a thousand property owners, you dictate how it's run by the board you vote for, the people have the power in their hands. Vote!Vote Vote!  But you do need the correct information to make the best choice. That's what I'm hoping our new site will accomplish, we're working to get it presentable shortly.

   As to the "Meet the Candidates Meeting". The concept was brought up at the last meeting but we didn't come to a decision as to when and where. There were only "two" candidates present at the time. It is a wonderful idea because this is information you need in order to make your choice so come on candidates you decide when  you want to have your meeting.

        & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;      Mary

OK  No Meeting?  it did sound I like a good thing to have , the people that could make it would be able to here and see candidates and word would get around, wow the old way!.

I have seen the Mr.S.come and go, Alpine is still here after 38 years so moday and the rest of you that care hang in there!             I have a map of past Prest./Board and the paving to there lot or exter work done so I will just add S. to it !!!!!!! and no I get no more than the rest of you get !

Moday please change the 1970 to on the Board 1990 , I'm only 51 ? now?OK

WE CAN GET ALPINE BACK ! TO THE EASY GOING, GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!

DEAN:}

rgwarkintenr, thank you for adding your comments/opinions. No, 14 persons commenting is not too impressive nor does it carry much clout, so your statement of not wanting this to deteriorate into just a place to vent is a little late because that is exactly what it has turned into. I hate that it has and also would like to see something happen that would wake everyone up to the need for us to have a web site.

I know that I have said a couple of things that were personal attacks on a certain person and at the time i was sorry for them, but also at the time I really wanted to make my point enough so he/she would understand the seriousness of their actions. I try.

As gillfish said though,1462 views is pretty impressive. I wish they all would start their own comments on the alpine web site that moday has set up since we don't have an official alpine hoa web-site.

maybe mary will be able to get an official web site up and running.

Well it maybe time to start  in on thing that are going on!!!

Maria was a very good office manager , years ago she had taken over after my x wife left and there was a lot to learn in a short time ,Shelly had help set up the office with new comp. /software and getting Alpine full up on are own , we had a lot things to take over ! Shelly was good at it and help Maria step right in.

OK I getting real Ty ired of holding back and keeping Quiet about all the things that are going on and even some of things being said about Alpine by some of the people right here! ,Some you have a lot to learn about   'Alpine' ? ask me about the History       it my open your eyes? to some of the things that keep getting through-en out there?

I have NOT heard about (so far) about the 'Meet the Candidates'  I did happen to see it at the (unoff. ) Alpine site? and will be here.  Wow 2008 and still no site!!!

Would you really like to know about the pool and tennis court ! how about the trash ! maybe the roads! ask me sat.!  just be there! alpine is were you live or do you?

Dean Warren:}

I have just received the following unsolicited e-mail from one of our non-resident Alpine property owners who writes...

I just found out Maria no longer works for Alpine Forest. Not sure why, but I know one thing, she was the best person for that job. She helped us in so many ways. I just can't imagine that office without her. Its been very hard to build there, and she was always there helping in anyway she could. Without her holding that office together, I think it is all down hill from now on. I'm now thinking about selling our property.

Donna Christensen

Thank you Donna.

We called the office this morning and they are certainly in state of chaos, not even aware that some potential candidates don't even know of the 'Meet The Candidates' meeting this coming Saturday evening.

Is this yet another intentional ruse to hinder the election so two of the old board members run unopposed? Their computer is now offline and they are very confused to say the least

Pergite

1462 views is impressive! That means a lot of people are viewing this site. I agree with rgwarkentinr that civility woks best. I am all for keeping our guards & Homeowners Association. I am one of the ones who have a hard time staying involved and committing myself to a cause no matter how important.

The Association needs to bring themselves into this decade and get an official website and rehashing what needs to be done is absolutely important to the Home Owners in Alpine. Communication is a valuable tool. Lets all stay rational and civil in our communication so that what we say is respected and valued.

This website is great but 85 comments from 14 users is not vary impressive nor does it carry much clout.  It is a great beginning but we need a lot more participation to accomplish anything of value unless we want this site to deteriorate into just a venting forum.  We need to do something do get people acquainted with this website.  Also, as bad as some things are in Alpine, it does not help to be hostile to those who are at fault.  If I read the disclaimers above this comment box correctly it says: "no profanity or personal attacks."  I haven't noticed any profanity but I can't say the same for personal attacks.  We can change things without being like that.  I know, it really riles you to see some of the stuff going on here,  but honey attracts more bees than vinegar.  I have been badgered by the powers that be myself.  Do we need change?  Yes.   Does "our" association have some problems?  Yes.  But only 14 people going back and forth isn't enough.  We need a lot more folks involved.  Sorry I don't have all the answers but chew on this view a bit and see if we can't come up with some ideas.

Randy Warkentin

Good old Charlie Bird. We all appreciate your comments. The present and soon to retire Board under self appointed President Smith should go down on their hands and knees and apologize to our office Manager Maria McAlister, begging her to return.

She has suffered enough and she should be re-instated before the new Board takes office or the very election process itself will be impeded. The resultant work load without her should be suffficient to encourage them.

Does the present Board have the sensitivity or the guts to do it?  AN INTERESTING QUESTION. At least it would give them a last chance to redeem what is now widely recognised as a failed administration.

Pergite