Volume 10 Issue 1
Clubhouse: 3851 Hillsdale Dr., Auburn Hills MI, 48326
Phone: 248-276-1943  
Fax: 248-276-1944
Gate House: 276-1276

Association Manager: Karen Brierly
Cell: 248-722-5797

Resident Information and Notes | Karen's Corner | Events & Activities | Clubhouse Events
 January Calendar of Events | Communication from Homeowners Association Board

Special Recognition To Our Residents:
  • Special thanks to all those who helped set-up or clean-up at our Community Holiday Open House in December. The food was outstanding, the punches were delicious and the holiday spirit was astounding! The many hands that helped sure made it a great event! Thank you everyone!
     
  • We had our largest Women’s Tea and Luncheon in December. Apologies to everyone for having to postpone the date because of the weather conditions. We are sorry some of you had to miss it because of the change in date. However, It was a great event! The food was spectacular! That champagne chicken dish and angel food dessert were truly delicious thanks to Catering by Katherine. A very heartfelt thanks to those that helped set-up: Marian Hansen, Diane McDaniel, and Chris DeGroot. Also a very special thanks to all those who helped clean-up. The many hands sure made the job quicker and easier. Thanks to all!
     
  • A very special thanks to the Heritage Belles and Beau Handbell Choir for a great holiday season! They were successful in bringing great holiday music to many! Thanks to Nelson Davey, Bob Luttermoser and Alex Robinson in being our special elves in loading & unloading all that equipment time after time. It all has been appreciated by many! What a great way to end 2008!

Holiday undressing
At the clubhouse


Come on over and join us to pack up all the
holiday decorations and trees at the Clubhouse on

SAT., JANUARY 10TH AT 10:00 AM

When we are done, a light lunch will be served.

Sign-up to help us today!


BUNKO PARTY FOR EVERYONE!

Thursday, January 15th at 1:00 pm
$5.00/Person

Join us to play this fun dice game! If you haven’t played before, don’t worry! We will teach you as we go. It is a simple, fun and fast moving game that will soon be a favorite! Everyone is invited to play; it is not just a woman’s game!

There will be winnings, snacks throughout the afternoon and a dessert with coffee after play is done.

Don’t miss the fun! Be sure to join us for this afternoon of BUNKO fun!

Sign-up by January 12th (20)!


 


TRIVIA PURSUIT GAME NIGHT
AT THE CLUBHOUSE



FRIDAY, JANUARY 23RD AT 6:30 PM
$6.00 / PERSON

Be sure to mark your calendars to join us for this fun night of Trivia Pursuit. We play in teams; not individually. Question subjects vary; some more challenging than others! Dinner will be pizza, salad and
dessert. Coffee will be served. BYOB if
desired. Join the fun!

Sign-up by January 19.

 

RESIDENTS SENDING SPECIAL THANK YOUS:

  • Stan Golembeski writes: Dear Heritage in the Hills Friends and Neighbors: Thank you so much for the nice bouquet of flowers, cards and phone calls I received after my hospital stay for heart surgery. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness!
     
  • The City of Auburn Hills, Senior Citizen Services Shares:

    Dear Heritage in the Hills Belles & Beaus,

    Thank you so much for coming to the City of Auburn Hills Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony this year. We had so many compliments regarding the wonderful music your group provided. Everyone agreed the
    music was the perfect addition to a delightful event. And of course, the homemade cookies were an instant hit, and several people enjoyed them so much they kept coming through the line! What a tribute to your bakers! Once again thank you for your generous donation of time, service and talent! We truly are grateful!
    Sincerely, Karen Adcock (Sr. Services Director).

OUR THOUGHTS & CONDOLENCES TO RESIDENTS ...

  • Thoughts and prayers to resident and Board Member Bob Miller for the loss of his mother in December. She had been ill for some time but still never expected. Our deepest condolences to Bob & Sue Ellen and their entire family at this difficult time.

RESIDENTS IN OUR THOUGHTS …

Prayers for Continued and/or Quick Recovery To:

  • Billy Stringfellow

  • Norm Cloyd

  • Lynn Muka

  • Tom Buran

  • Dottie Buran

  • Jerry Zemla

  • Dean Balhorn

  • Joan Huffmaster

  • Stan Golembeski

YOU ARE INVITED TO A HOME BIBLE STUDY

Merl and Trudy Terry invite you to join them in their home for David Jeremiah’s Captured By Grace Bible Study. The study will be at their home on Tuesday evenings beginning January 13th. Call them for more information at 248-373-8525.

DO YOU LOVE STRATFORD OR SHAW FESTIVAL? - ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A HERITAGE TRIP IN JUNE?

The time is now to begin planning and making reservations. If you are interested in going on this trip, talk to Karen in the office as soon as possible. We would need 25-30 in order to plan!

WEIGHT WATCHERS PROGRAM AT HERITAGE

We will begin a new 12 week program (our second) on Tuesday, January 6th at 12:00 Noon. The cost for 12 weeks is $150. If you have Blue Cross, you will receive a 10% savings and only pay $135. Sign-up at the Clubhouse if you are interested in attending this session. What a great way to meet your New Years Resolutions! Sign-up NOW! Pay Weight Watchers direct at the first meeting in January. After this initial meeting, 12 consecutive weeks will follow. Call the Clubhouse office if you have any further questions. Hope you join us!

KUNDALINI YOGA FOR A HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Like Janus, the ancient Roman god of doorways who is usually represented as having one head with two bearded faces back to back, looking in opposite directions, we look back on New Year’s Eve 2008 and forward to New Year’s Day 2009 and the months to follow. January and February are the fresh beginnings for our resolutions and decisions to create our lives anew.

What is it that you would like to accomplish this year? What old habit would you like to rid yourself of? What new habit would you like to take on? As wonderful as most of our resolutions appear to be at the time we make them, the truth is that we rarely complete them. All sorts of things get in the way; money, time, location, transportation, and responsibilities to name a few.

However if one of your resolutions for this year is to improve your health, consider taking Kundalini Yoga at the clubhouse this coming Spring. It won’t cost much, it takes only 1.5 hours, it is nearby, it is easily accessible, and the only responsibility will be to bring a yoga mat and a blanket. The benefits to you will be great and plentiful.

Kundalini Yoga technology teaches you how to gain a strong immune system, vital glands, a strong nervous system and an awareness of the impact of your habits. Practicing this technology will improve your health and your consciousness. It will align the relationship between your body, mind and soul. Big claims, eh? Yes, but accurate. Kundalini Yoga has more than a thousand year old a legacy which comes through a Golden Chain of gurus and yogis to you. It is timeless and timely in the new year fill with apprehension and confusion.

Resolve to allow your soul, through your body and mind, to experience the world and new days through the experience of Kundalini Yoga. Class schedules will be announced. All classes are taught by resident and certified Kundalini yoga instructor Sherla Evans.

HERITAGE BOOK CLUB

There will not be a Book Club Meeting in December. The Book Club will meet again at the Clubhouse on Saturday, January 24th at 10:00 am. The book of the month will be The Turnaround by George Pelicanous.

Coffee and bagels are served each meeting. Everyone is welcome to join us! If you enjoy reading, come and see what we are all about! We would love for you to join us!

If you have any questions regarding the Book Club, please call Joyce or Bruce Sanders at 248-475-0854.

KUNDALINI YOGA FOR THE CHANGING TIMES

A sense of urgency pervades our times. Vast changes in our society, our consciousness, and our perceptions of the world and each other are occurring with intensity, speed and scope. Change is happening on all levels at once and it affects each one of us personally. Consequently, it is up to each of us individually to manage our minds and our own state of awareness to deal with the widespread and constant stress affecting our households and our nation.

The Five Sutras (Threads) of the Aquarian Age (now) as stated by Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga, are worth considering as ways to maintain mental calm and neutrality. 1.) Recognize that the other person is you. 2.) There is a way through every block. 3.) When the time is on you, start, and the pressure will be off. 4.) Understand through compassion or you will misunderstand the times. 5.) Vibrate the Cosmos, and the Cosmos shall clear the path.

Kundalini Yoga teaches us to be still, to develop self-control, intuition, and inner wisdom through Meditation. Through the technology of Postures we develop stamina under stress and clarity of values for decision making. We establish “yoga”, a union between our unit consciousness and the Infinite Consciousness. Kundalini Yoga also balances the body, mind, and spirit so that we can move in the world at our maximum capacity and experience. This yoga allows the natural unfolding of your own nature, and it is that strength and goodness of your own nature which will get you through these changing times.

Co-ed classes in Kundalini Yoga will be offered this Spring at Heritage in the Hills by certified Kundalini Yoga instructor, resident Sherla Evans. Watch the newsletter for start dates and times and consider joining us!


STITCHERS UPDATE

In December we mailed 53 blue and white scarves to the Special Olympics for their February, 2009 event. We have already collected 8 more! Thank you to all the knitters/crocheters for making these beautiful scarves!

We also mailed out 17 knitted wool helmet hats and 4 pair of slippers to our service men. We are proud of all of you.

WINNERS 0F AUBURN HILLS BEAUTIFICATION AWARD

In September, the Beautification Advisory Commission held it’s 17th Annual Beautification Awards Ceremony at the Auburn Hills Community Center in Auburn Hills. Awards were presented to Auburn Hills residents and businesses, acknowledging their hard work and creativity over the summer months. Beautifying our homes is the best way to keep Auburn Hills a beautiful community in which to live! The winners from Heritage in the Hills are:

  • Jim and Bobbie Baker
  • paul & Rose Normandin
  • Chuck and Jan Bentley
  • Sally Pine
  • Sylvia & Jim Bucknavich
  • Ginny Shelton
  • Marilyn Dewey
  • Fritz & Mary Troff
  • Sheri & Dick Kennedy
  • Heritage Hills Clubhouse

    CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

BOWLERS UNITE!

Come join our fun Heritage in the Hills Bowling Group. We play every Tuesday at 9:00 am at Classic Lanes in Rochester (off Crooks).  Cost is $1.50 per game and includes free coffee and cookies.  Balls and shoe available.  All skill levels are welcome.  This is a drop in group, not a league, although Larry Moran keeps track of our scores and averages.  New bowlers get a free game and a chicken dinner.  Any questions? Call Al Mosesso or Jan Mitchell Phillips). 

CARD & GAME FUN

BRIDGE
Mondays @ 7:00 pm; and Wednesdays at 1:00 pm

PINOCHLE
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

BINGO
Wed., January 28th at 7:00 pm - We play 10 games ($.25/card) - And 1 Cover All Game ($1.00 Per Card). Join us!!


Ponderings From the Manager


As winter sets upon us quickly, we have experienced an unbelievable amount of snow fall already. I ask for your patience when we receive a large falling of snow. Miller Landscape responds quickly to a storm however it takes them many hours to completely finish the snow removal in the community. With the last big storm they were in the community straight for about 23 hours. Just because you don’t see them in front of your home doesn’t mean they are not in the community. Someone is always first and someone is always last. We try to change the rotation so that it isn’t always the same place first or last. But you must remain patient and know that they ARE doing their job! Please remember that their priorities are the main streets and the Clubhouse. When those are done they will begin on your driveways, then your sidewalks leading up to your home and then the sidewalks in front of your home. With the last storm the city sidewalks were not done in a timely manner only because the machine broke down numerous times because of newspapers buried under the snow which destroy the machine. This is not only costly to Miller to have to fix the machine and replace parts, but it causes the sidewalks to be delayed in being cleaned. PLEASE if you have newspaper delivery to your home, add a newspaper box to your mailbox or ask your delivery person to make sure the papers are making it to your porch. When we have large snow falls as we have had, Miller has no choice but to stack the snow in front of your home. We have no where else to put it! We have to be sure to leave all hydrants open (or we get ticketed from the city) and we try to make entrances and exits clear to be able to see properly. Miller is not responsible for clearing your porch. IF you would like Miller to shovel your porch, you can pay them $5 to do so. If it is something you’d like to do each time it snows, contact Miller direct to make these arrangements. If you see damage on your property from a plow, please wait until Spring to report it to the office. They will repair any damage done at that time. Thank you for your understanding and patience while they are doing their best to get you plowed out after a large storm.

Remember that our snow policy states that if inclement weather exists when there is a scheduled bus trip, the trip will be automatically cancelled unless other notification is received. If tickets were purchased for the bus trip, all effort will be made to either reschedule or get a refund. This, however, is not always possible, but every effort will be made. For clubhouse activities, listen to the voicemail message or call the clubhouse to see if the event will continue.

If you notice a problem in the community such as missed trash pick-up, street lights out, etc. please call the Clubhouse office and leave a message on the voicemail if the office is closed. DO NOT contact the Gate House and report it to the security guards. They do not handle these community issues and must only report it to the office. Yes, I want to be alerted of these problems; and appreciate you letting me know .. so please call me direct. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!

In early December we had a solicitor in the community. It was a man (Scott) from Natural Way Lawn & Tree Service located in Lake Orion. He entered the community without stopping with the guard (gate was opened because of
malfunction at that time). He then was making deliveries to homes which he stated had been contacted prior to going to their homes. This was not true and was delivering to people already gone south for the season. When he was asked to leave and at the gate at exit, he was very rude. I called his manager (Jeff) to explain our policies and this man was just as rude and stated he would not follow our rules and policies and would do whatever necessary to get into the community; with or without our approval. The Board and I recommend that this company NOT be used in the community. They will not gain entry into the community without notice from an individual resident. Please think about if this is the type of contractor you want in this community!

To all those snow birds going south, we wish you a safe and healthy winter season. Be sure to notify us as to when you will be leaving and keep in touch!
 


 in January

BUS TRIPS IN JANUARY AND UPCOMING MONTHS

  • Sun., Jan. 4th - Movie Theatre for afternoon matinee at Great Lakes Crossing to see Valkyrie with Dick Hansen Call Dick at 248-475-2629 if interested.
     
  • Mon., Jan. 5th at 9:30 am - Car Pool from the clubhouse to Great Lakes Crossing to see Valkyrie. Call Tom Rapp at 248-340-7593 if interested in going.
     
  • Tues., Jan. 6th at 9:30 am - Casino Trip with Nelson. Sign-up immediately ($4).
     
  • Wed., Jan. 21st at 9:00 am - Men’s Breakfast Out and Auto Show at Cobo Hall. Admission cost at Cobo and breakfast on your own. Sign-up by 1-16 ($4).
     
  • Fri., Jan. 23rd at 11:30 pm - Ladies/Singles Lunch Out to Palm Palace. Try Auburn Hills newest! Lunch cost on your own. Sign-up by 1-20 ($2).
     
  • Sun., Jan. 25th at 3:00 pm - Marvin Hamlisch with the DSO - Tickets $37. He has been called “a one man sensation” and has won every major awards that exists: three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe awards. Beat the winter blues and warm up listening to the music and songs of the sensational Marvin Hamlisch. Sign-up now or by 12-25 ($4).
     
  • Wed., Jan. 28th at Noon - Beyond the Rainbow at Meadowbrook Theatre with lunch at O’Mally’s first. Tickets (including lunch and ticket) only $27.50. Join Judy Garland as she looks back from poverty to stardom as she sings “The Trolley Song,” “Over the Rainbow,” “Stormy Weather” and many other favorites from her career. This is a Michigan Premier, directed by Travis W. Walter. Don’t miss this winter’s escape! It will be a lovely afternoon! Sign-up immediately (no later than 1-10 ($3).
     
  • Thurs., Jan. 29th at 11:45 am - A Chorus Line at the Fisher Theatre. Tickets $35 (Limited Number). Sign-up now to see this spectacular show! Don’t miss it! Sign-up immediately or no later than 1-10 ($4).

TRIPS IN FEBRUARY AND BEYOND

  • Sat., Feb. 7th at 8:30 am - Knit Michigan at Sacred Heart Academy. Lots of vendors for knitting/crocheting needs. All proceeds go to Breast Cancer Awareness. Bring chemo caps for reduced admission price. Can’t go but would like to donate a cap? Bring them to the office. Patterns also available in the office. Sign-up by 1-29 ($3).
     
  • Wed., Feb. 18th for 3:00 show of Streetcar Named Desire at Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea. Tickets only $21. We will do lunch in Chelsea before the show. Sign-up by 1-16 ($5).
     
  • Sun., Feb. 22nd for 3:00 show of the National Acrobats of China at the DSO. Tickets $23.00. Come enjoy an exhilarating afternoon of spectacular acrobatics, tumbling, juggling and stunning feats of fun. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most amazing acrobatic companies in the world. Sign-up by 1-31 ($4).
     
  • Fri., March 13 - Sun., March 15th - Hand bell Festival and Conference in Akron, OH. Hand bell ringers, sign-up NOW to attend with us!
     
  • Sun., March 29th for 3:00 show of The Art of Bellydancing featuring the Bellydance Superstars! Tickets: $23. It’s an ancient art form that is centuries old. Its origins are shrouded in mystery. From the harems of Arabia to the great cities of Egypt and the markets of Marrakesh it has grown into a sensual dance that celebrates all women. At the DSO. Don’t miss the fun! Perhaps lessons included if desired! Sign-up by 3-1 ($4).
     
  • Thurs., April 23rd for 2:00 show at the Gem Theatre of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Tickets $34.50. This is a hilarious hit musical. It is “Seinfeld” set to music. It’s funny; it’s witty! Don’t miss it! Sign-up by 3-10 ($4).


in January
  • Tues., Jan. 6th at Noon - Weight Watchers Meetings begin 12 week session today. Sign-up NOW to attend. Pay at the first class directly to WW!
     
  • Wed., Jan. 7th at 7:00 pm - Euchre at the Clubhouse. Need at least 4 to play; would love to get 12 or so! Come play this fun game! Sign-up immediately.
     
  • Fri., Jan. 9th at 6:00 pm - Resident New Year Pot Luck - Bring a dish to pass and gather with neighbors and friends. No need to sign-up; just be sure to join us!
     
  • Sat., Jan. 10th at 10:00 am - Holiday Undressing at the Clubhouse. Lunch served following. Sign-up to help immediately.
     
  • Sat., Jan. 10th at 7:00 pm - Movie at the Clubhouse - What Happens in Vegas - $1.00 for popcorn and soda. Watch on the big screen! Sign-up by 1-6 (8).
     
  • Wed., Jan. 14th at 7:00 pm - The game of Rummikub at the Clubhouse. Don’t know how to play? We will teach you! It is a tile game very similar to Rummy. Come join us for a night of fun! Sign-up by 1-9 (6).
     
  • Thurs., Jan. 15th at 1:00 pm - Winter BUNKO Party - $5/Person. Come join us for an afternoon of fun with this fast moving dice game. For everyone; not just ladies! Men invited! There will be snacks, coffee and dessert served. If you’ve never played before, come along and we will teach you! It will be a favorite! Sign-up by 1-12 (20).
     
  • Thurs., Jan. 15th at 6:00 pm - Introduction to Yoga with Tracy Flynn. FREE CLASS. Come see what we are all about! No need to sign-up; just come join us!
     
  • Fri., Jan. 9th at 1:00 pm - Stitchers Knitch at the Clubhouse. Come bring your project and sit back and relax and craft along with us! Sign-up by 1-14.
     
  • Fri., Jan. 16th at 6:00 pm - Resident Social followed at 6:30 pm with Poker for Everyone. Try something new and come join us! No need to sign-up.
     
  • Sun., Jan. 18th from 1 - 3 pm - Heritage Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader Computer Club Meeting - Sign-up by 1-15.
     
  • Wed., Jan. 21st at 7:00 pm - Mexican Train - $1.00 (Payable There) - Come join us to play this fun domino game! Sign-up by 1-19.
     
  • Thurs., Jan. 22nd at 7:30 pm - Singles Game Night at the Clubhouse - $3 - We will have a choice of several fun games or bring one to share! Dessert and coffee will be served. Sign-up by 1-15 (8).
     
  • Fri., Jan. 23rd at 6:30 pm - Trivia Pursuit Game Night - $6/Person. Come first for dinner of pizza, salad and dessert. Coffee, tea and soda will be served. After dinner, get in your groups to play a fun game of Trivia Pursuit. Guaranteed laughter and fun! Thanks to Jim & Sylvia Bucknavich for sponsoring this event. Sign– up by 1/19.
     
  • Sat., Jan. 24th at 10:00 am - Book Club Meets at the Clubhouse. Everyone invited! Bagels and coffee served. No need to sign-up; just be sure to join us!
     
  • Wed., Jan. 28th at 7:00 pm - BINGO . Pay $.25 per card per game (10 games) and $1.00 per card for Cover-All. All monies collected for the pot per game. Come join the laughter, luck and fun! Sign-up by 1-21.
     
  • Fri., Jan. 30th at 6:00 pm - Texas Hold ‘Em - $20 (payable that night). Come join us for a little gambling fun. All monies collected are for winning pot. Sign-up by 1-24.
     
  • Sat., Jan. 31st at 7:00 pm - Movie at the Clubhouse - Mamma Mia! $1.00 for popcorn and soda. Come watch on the big screen! Sign-up by 1-27 (8)..
     

THE RED HAT HOT HONEYS HAPPENINGS

If you have any questions about the events listed or would like to join the Red Hats, please call Willie Swayze at 475-0012

On December 5th a group of our Red Hat Honeys had lunch at the Clansman Pub at Canterbury Village. Santa’s elves remembered some of the Honeys with a gift because they were good (or maybe because they just got a lucky draw with their name in a bag). It was great fun. As we left the Pub delightful snowflakes were falling and put us all in the Christmas spirit!

 Naturally, some of us had to visit the Christmas Barn and some stores.

Wishing all of you a healthy and Happy New Year!

Willie Swayze



(From the December, 2008 Board of Directors Meetings)

To increase communications about Board activities we are placing a brief overview of some of the topics discussed at each month’s Board meeting in the Monthly newsletter. Here are some topics from last month:

ASSOCIATION NEWS
  1. The Board of Directors is looking forward to the New Year and continuing to keep our Community an
    outstanding place to reside.
     
  2. As you are all aware, there have been problems with our entry gates. As these gates are over ten years
    old and finding replacement parts has become difficult, we are looking into replacing the present system. The Board met with a representative of Selectronics and received a proposal on the cost of replacing the gates. We are going to get bids from other vendors before a decision is made on the replacement.
     
  3. The Board is also in the process of purchasing new chairs for the dining room. We have selected a chair style and fabric and are waiting for pricing quotes before proceeding with this project.
     
  4. Members of the Board have been approached by residents regarding recent newspaper articles where
    age-restricted communities have lowered their minimum age requirements in order to attract more
    purchasers. The Board discussed this issue at our recent meeting and felt that this was not something
    we were interested in pursuing at this time.

MANAGER’S REPORT

The proposed resident craft show was postponed. The event will be added to the calendar sometime in the fall. Look for this opportunity to be announced in a newsletter next year in plenty of time for our crafters to prepare.

Thanks for all Heritage residents who participated in our Giving Tree project. Thanks to your generosity,
over 50 children will have a brighter Christmas.

Several residents have requested that we add either another elliptical machine or another Nu-step machineto the exercise room. We are going to look into adding this equipment and report back in a future newsletter.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Our treasurer reports that all is well on the financial front at this time.

ARCHITECURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Bernie Ris and Bob Luttermoser did their annual walk through the community to identify trees that need to be removed, both on common and resident’s property. After reviewing bids from multiple vendors, the Board voted to go ahead with this project. Our chosen vendor, B & E Tree Service of Oxford, has already been in the community and completed this project.