Volume 11 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 and clean-up at our Community Holiday Open House in December. The food brought was outstanding, the punches were delicious and the holiday spirit was astounding! The music by Charley Gehringer was inspiring! The many hands that helped sure made it a great event! Thank you everyone!
     
  • We had our largest Ladies Holiday Tea & Luncheon in December. Catering by Katherine did a
    wonderful job with the lunch. There were some great stories told with tea cups brought. A very heartfelt thanks to those who helped set-up: Nelson & Alex, Marian Hansen, Kay Kastran, Diane McDaniel & Bette McCullough. Thanks to LaVerne Luttermoser and Terri who helped make the angel ornaments that were a gift for attendance. A special thanks also to all those that helped clean-up after the event. The many hands sure made the event a huge success! Thanks to all for a beautiful and memorable event!
     
  • A very special thanks to the Heritage Belles & Beau Handbell Choir for a great holiday season! They were successful in bringing beautiful holiday music to many! Thanks to Nelson, Alex & Bob Luttermoser in being our devoted helpers in loading & unloading all the equipment time after time. Thanks to all who came to hear us at the Clubhouse. The choir works hard and we enjoy playing for you! We appreciate all the players and
    their continued dedication!
     


NEW YEAR WISHES TO ALL !

We wish you health … so you may enjoy each day in comfort.
We wish you the love of friends and family … and peace within your heart.
We wish you the beauty of nature … that you may enjoy the work of God.
We wish you wisdom to choose priorities … for things that come to you.
We wish you happiness and joy … and blessings for the New Year.
We wish you the best of everything … that you so well deserve.
Happy New Year! Karen, Terri and Alex
 


 


HOLIDAY UNDRESSING

Come on over and join us to pack up all the holiday
decorations and trees at the Clubhouse. Chili luncheon served for all those busy hands!
Sat., January 9th at 10:00 am
Sign-up to help us today!
 


VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU
TO EVERYONE!
We would like to thank everyone for all the generosity shown throughout the
holiday season. We truly appreciate the gift from the community plus all the
extra gifts we received from many. Your kindnesses will be long remembered and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Heartfelt Thanks to All!

With Fondness & Gratitude; Karen, Terri & Alex!
 

TRIVIA PURSUIT GAME NIGHT
AT THE CLUBHOUSE

Friday, January 15th at 6:30 pm - $8

Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for this fun night of Trivia Pursuit hosted by Jim & Sylvia. We play in teams and it’s a favorite! Dinner will be pizza, salad and dessert. Coffee will be served. BYOB if desired. Don’t miss out! Join the fun!

Sign-up by January 12th
 

RESIDENTS SENDING SPECIAL THANK YOUS:

  • Joe Goceljak shares: To All My Friends: Words cannot adequately express Briggi’s and my gratitude for your loving support during my recent illness. If it wasn’t a get well card, it was a pot of soup, a loaf of bread, cookies or just a word of encouragement, a warm hug and countless prayers. What a caring community!! Thank you for everything!
     
  • Rose Ferranti writes: To All My Friends at Heritage in the Hills: Thank you ever so much for the lovely flowers. It made my bleak hospital stay all the more brighter. It truly warms my heart to know that I have such good neighbors and friends. Your numerous phone calls, cards and care packages have truly touched me. Thank you for everything!
     
  • Fabiola Tonna shares: The quick response of Claire Emmons saved my life! Notwithstanding the fact that she did not have a car, she quickly used her brain and got help from Joyce Sanders. The weather was not complying .. Snow, drift, and ice complicated the drive but we still got to the hospital thanks to the heroic measures of these two active adults! I am so grateful to live in this heaven on earth little secluded place at Heritage in the Hills. Thank you Joanne Kraniak and Briggi Williams for the food you brought. Thank you to Ann Moran for driving me to church and most of all, thank you to all the neighbors that called. Thank you everyone for being so kind!

TO RESIDENTS!

Although the New Years Eve party did not occur because of lack of attendance, a very special thanks goes to the committee that worked hard in the planning. A very special thanks to committee member, Rita Fitzhenry for the design of the invitation in the newsletter in December. Job well done!

A special thanks to Dave & Shirley Purdie for the donation of our big Santa in the lobby by the white tree. The Santa Clause was a great addition to our decorating of the Clubhouse! We enjoyed it and thank you! We’ll look forward to Santa being there every year!

THANK YOU FROM LIGHTHOUSE OF OAKLAND

Thanks so much to Heritage in the Hills for their recent gifts and support of Lighthouse. During these difficult economic times, your donations will assist us in providing help to our friends and neighbors in need. Since 1972 we have been assisting families and individuals with basic human needs in Oakland County. We not only lend a caring and compassionate ear to those in crisis, we also help people find long-term solutions to underlying issues causing the crisis.

Services such as financial education and coaching, early childhood education, home buying seminars and a senior services program designed to help seniors stay independent for as long as possible. Through your gifts and support provided it will allow us to work in partnership with you as we tackle these everyday
challenges. On behalf of all of us at Lighthouse, we thank you for your generosity. Thomas Stowell, ED

HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO OUR HERITAGE FAMILIES

In December we lost a very dear resident, Don Cassidy. Don lost his fight to cancer after a short battle. Don was very active at the Clubhouse by maintaining all of our exercise equipment and arranging the room for the best safety and use of the room. We will miss Don greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Pat, and their family at this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with resident, Trudy Terry, who lost her sister in December. What a difficult time of year to lose a loved one. Our thoughts are with the family suffering this loss..

HITH SMARTER THAN A FIFTH GRADER COMPUTER CLUB NEWS - Submitted by Bob Wolf

Submitted by Bob Wolf

We will be starting fresh in January with Computer Basics, Beginner Microsoft Word and Excel Sessions, and starting to use the Internet. If you haven’t joined us yet, please stop in. If you’re an old timer to the Club, Welcome Back! We meet in the Clubhouse from 2 - 4 pm. The next Club meeting will be Sunday, January 31st. Hope to see you all there!!

Prayers for Continued and/or Quick Recovery To:

  • Virginia DePorre

  • Joe Goceljak

  • LaVerne Luttermoser

  • Betty Muscarella

  • Bunny Harms

  • Marge Allasio

  • Charlotte Quinn
     

HERITAGE BOOK CLUB

The Book Club will meet in the Clubhouse on Sat., January 23rd at 10:00 am. Come share a good book you’ve read with us!

Everyone is welcome to come! If you have those winter blues, come on over and join with us! We would be happy to have you join us!! There’s always coffee and a special treat served. If you have questions, please call Joyce or Bruce Sanders at 248-475-0854.

CARD & GAME FUN

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

PINOCHLE
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

BINGO
Wed., January 27th at 7:00 pm - We play 10 games ($.25/card) - And 1 Cover All Game ($1.00 Per Card). Join us!

DOGS ARE NEIGHBORS TOO!
(Taken from the Winter Edition of Senior Services from Auburn Hills)

Dogs have been “man’s best friend” since some prehistoric wolf cozied up to Cro-Magnon man’s fire for a mastodon snack. With apologies to our feline friends, dogs continue to be the most popular pets in the world today. However, some dog owners, through indifference or neglect, can allow their pets to become a nuisance to their neighbors and others.

That’s why most municipalities, including Auburn Hills, have ordinances outlining what canine behavior is acceptable and what behaviors can become an annoyance to residents. The following is an overview of the Auburn Hills ordinance which governs the responsibilities of dog owners in our City.

Within the City, dog owners must obtain a valid Oakland County dog license for their pets. Licenses are available through Oakland County Animal Control at 1700 Brown Road (248-391-4100). Licenses may also be purchased online via Oakland County’s website at http://www.oakgov.com. The website has information on costs, requirements, expiration dates and can also provide online applications.

According to the ordinance governing animals, pet owners are limited to five dogs over six months of age at a single residence. This prevents the establishment of “puppy mills” or the possibility of an uncontrollable number of animals. Dog owners are also responsible for keeping their yards, kennels, dog runs and doghouses clean and sanitary. They must be free of animal waste, uneaten food and the like to as to not attract insects or vermin and prevent objectionable odors. Dogs can only be confined to rear yards and dog houses which are regulated as accessory buildings under the City building code.

The ordinance prohibits owning “any dog which by loud, frequent or habitual barking, yelping or howling becomes a nuisance to occupiers of other property.” The harboring of dangerous dogs capable and having shown a tendency to attack, cause injury or threaten the safety of persons or other pets can result in the impoundment and possible destruction of the animal. In addition, the ordinance prohibits cruel, inhumane or neglectful treatment of dogs by owners.

Dog owners have responsibilities beyond their property as well. A dog must not be allowed to run at large and when off the owner’s premises must be under reasonable control. This means on a leash of suitable strength, and lenth and strength in relation to the size and strength of the dog. Dog owners must also not allow their pets to deposit droppings, anywhere other than where the dog is kept unless the droppings are immediately collected and disposed of properly. Being a good neighbor involved training your pet to be a good neighbor too.

The City of Auburn Hills’ animal ordinances were enacted to allow residents to enjoy their pets while maintaining a nuisance-free neighborhood. Following these few simple regulations can result in your “best friend” becoming your neighbor’s friend as well. Please feel free to contact the City of Auburn Hills Department of Community Development for more information or consult the city’s website at http://www.auburnhills.org.


Ponderings From the Manager


First to all you snow birds heading south, we wish you a safe and healthy winter season. Be sure to notify us when you will be leaving and keep in touch over the winter through an occasional call or email. We will miss you!

If you notice a problem in the community such as missed trash pick-up, street light out, etc. please call the Clubhouse office and leave a message on the voicemail if the office is closed. PLEASE 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. I really appreciate you letting me know these concerns, so please call the office directly. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!

With winter showing it’s roaring face, please 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 scheduled, listen to the voicemail message or call the Clubhouse to see if the event will continue.

As you are probably aware, the Clubhouse provides a subscription to The Oakland Press newspaper with delivery every day. We keep it in the lobby for everyone’s enjoyment. Everyone is welcome to stop in and read the newspaper at any time. It has come to our attention, however, that often the entire newspaper disappears. Please do not remove the paper from the Clubhouse. It is provided for the enjoyment of all residents. If there is something you’d like from the newspaper, you are welcome to pick it up the following day as we just recycle the paper. If you have questions or concerns regarding this issue, please come on in and talk to me about it! Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation in this matter!

With the upcoming snow forecasts, there are a few more reminders. If you have a newspaper delivery to your home, please be sure that the newspaper is picked up from the driveway or sidewalks. If the paper is buried and is not seen, it can cause real concern for the snow plow equipment. It not only damages the equipment (which is costly), it causes the sidewalks not to be done until the machine is operable again. Picking it up early will ease this problem! Talk to your carrier about a box on your mailbox or to deliver it to your porch to help this problem. When we have large snow falls Miller has no choice but to pile the snow in front of your homes. There is no where else to put it! We have to be sure to keep all hydrants clear and will try to keep entrances and exits clear to be able to see properly at the front of the community. Remember that 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 you see damage on your property from a plow, please wait until Spring to report it to the Clubhouse. Miller 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!

Now, on a personal note. I have to tell you all that I have had one of the most glorious holiday seasons this year. My whole family was gathered together with my Mom on Christmas day and it was very delightful. My son was in from South Carolina and was able to spend 10 days here in Michigan. My daughter and her family were here and we were able to spend lots of time together. It was truly the best! Thus, I apologize for the newsletter reaching you a little late! My son is getting married (here in Michigan) in July and we had fun doing all the wedding planning while they were here. It was very exciting! January will continue to be exciting for me. I am moving my residence from Rochester to Auburn Hills toward the end of the month. While the kids were here, they began helping me with the move by cleaning out the attic and such. I am very happy to be moving, but not looking forward to the work it involves as you all know! I actually will now be even closer to the community! I’m increasing my living space by double and it is a beautiful home. I just can’t wait! Thankfully, my son will be coming back in on the 21st to help me with the move. My daughter and her family will be helping too. I look forward to this change and know it will be a great 2010!

Blessings to all and well wishes for a healthy, happy and peaceful 2010!
 

SCHEDULED BUS TRIPS FOR JANUARY AND UPCOMING MONTH

  • Tues., Jan. 12th at 9:00 am - FireKeepers Casino (in Battle Creek) Coach Bus Trip - $35. FireKeepers offers a Las Vegas-style gaming floor with over 2,680 of the latest slot and video poker games, 78 table games including blackjack, Craps and Roulette; a live Poker room and exclusive high limit area. Five restaurants from fine dining at Nibi to a variety of flavors at the Mijem Buffet, and heart-warming comfort foods at Café 24/7. There’s something for everyone! 4 Hours of Gaming. Receive $20 gaming credit back and $5 food voucher. Back to Heritage by 6:00 pm. Sign-up by Jan. 5th. Need 25 to go!
     
  • Thurs., Jan. 14th at 11:30 - Lunch at Chapman’s Grill. This is a newly opened restaurant in Rochester Hills. It is on Crooks Road in the shopping center where the Secretary of State is located. It has a full, varied menu. It has good food! Come along with us to find this new favorite! Cost of lunch will be on your own. Sign-up by 1-11 ($2).
     
  • Thurs., Jan. 14th at 4:30 pm - Pot Luck Dinner at Auburn Hills Seniors. They provide the main course, bring a dish to pass. Cost is $2 at the door. There will be dance following the dinner. Come for the fun of it all! Make it a day without cooking! Go to lunch (above) and then dinner here! Sign-up by 1-11 ($2).
     
  • Wed., Jan. 20th at 9:00 am - Men’s Breakfast Out. Breakfast will be at Nikko’s on Walton in Auburn Hills. No need to sign-up; just come join us!
     
  • Thurs., Jan. 21st at 10:00 am - Resale Hop Bus Trip - We will go to some classy resale shops in Rochester and Lake Orion. We will have lunch at CJ’s in Lake Orion too! Lunch cost on your own. Come along and see some exciting things at great prices! Sign-up by 1-19 ($2).

TRIPS IN JANUARY AND BEYOND (Sign Up Available Now!)

  • Sat., Feb. 6th at 9:30 am - Knit Michigan at Sacred Heart. Fun day supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. All the local knit shops are there selling yarn and showing new patterns. Take knitted hats and get a reduction of admission. Sign-up by 1-31 ($3)
     
  • Thurs., February 11th for 1:00 Show - Wizard of Oz. Tickets only $20. Sign-up by Jan. 16th ($3).
     
  • Sun., Feb. 21st for 3:00 Show - DSO Pop Series Concert - Endless Summer: Music of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys. Tickets: $37.50. This is sure to be a great concert with great recognizable music! Come and enjoy with us! Sign-up by 2-1 ($3).
     
  • Fri., Feb. 26th for 11:00 Show - Disney on Ice at the Palace. Tickets only $10! This performance for seniors! You can bring a packed lunch in with you and a juice box or water (no glass containers). It’ll be one colossal party on ice, with all y our favorite Disney friends! Enjoy a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe! Sign-up by 2-10 ($2).
     
  • Fri., March 12th for 1:00 pm Show - Mel Brook’s Musical Young Frankenstein Tickets: $34.75. This was the winner of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and Broadway’s Audience Award for Best Musical. This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Frankensteen) as he attempts to create a monster—but not without scary and hilarious complications. The brains behind the laughter is mad genius and three-time Tony winner Mel Brooks himself - who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book. At the Detroit Opera House. Sign-up by March 1st ($3).
     
  • Thurs., March 18th for 8:00 pm show - Cherish the Ladies at DSO - Tickets $32.50. Cherish the Ladies is one of the powerhouses in Celtic music. Their spectacular instrumental talents, stunning step dancing and beautiful vocals evoke the magic of the Emerald Isle, creating an immensely entertaining show, brimming with spirit, wit and soul. Sign-up by Feb. 18 ($3).
     
  • Sun., March 21st for 2:00 Show - Avon Players for Hollywood Arms. Tickets: $16/ Watch for more information but sign up today or by 2-10 ($2).
     
  • Sun., April 18th for 3:00 Show - DSO Pop Series does “Bond and Beyond”. Tickets: $37.50. Sign-up by 4-1 ($3).
     
  • Thurs., April 22nd for 2 pm Show - The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Gem Theatre. Tickets $34.50. Watch for more information on this show!
     
  • Sun., May 9th - Garrison Keiller at the DSO. Tickets $38.50. 2nd time around; we loved this show last year. Sign-up by 4-30 ($3).
     
  • Fri., June 18th at Noon - Danny O’Donnell at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort - $109. Includes round trip motor coach, five hours of gaming and Danny O’Donnell tickets. Get back $20 Players card and $5 Food Voucher. Return to Heritage approximately 1:30 am. Sign-up by 6-01.
     


in January and beyond.
  • Thurs., Jan. 7, 14, 21 & 28th - Mah Jongg at the Clubhouse. Sign-up for specific weeks.
     
  • Fri., Jan. 8th at 6:00 pm - Resident Pot-Luck. No need to sign-up; just join us!
     
  • Sat., Jan. 9th at 10:00 am - De-robe the Clubhouse of the Holiday Decorations. Chili lunch will be served. Come lend us a hand and enjoy a great lunch! Sign-up immediately.
     
  • Sat., Jan. 9th at 7:00 pm - Movie at the Clubhouse. Movie will be Julie & Julia. $1 (pay there) for soda & popcorn.  Sign-up by 1-6.
     
  • Wed., Jan. 13th at 7:00 pm - Rummikub at the Clubhouse. Sign-up by 1-10.
     
  • Fri., Jan. 15th at 1:00 pm - Stitchers Knitch by the fireplace! Sign-up by 1-13.
     
  • Fri., Jan. 15th at 1:00 pm - Duplicate Bridge in the Card Room. Contact Willie Swayze to sign-up.
     
  • Fri., Jan. 15th at 6:30 pm - Trivia Pursuit & Dinner Social - $8. Dinner will be pizza, salad & dessert. Coffee & soda served. BYOB if desired. Join us for a fun “team” play night of Trivia Pursuit. Hosted by Jim & Sylvia Bucknavich. Sign-up by 1-12.
     
  • Wed., Jan. 20th at 7:00 pm - Mexican Train. Come join us for this fun game. We will teach you how to play. Cost is $1 (payable there). Sign-up by 1-15.
     
  • Fri., Jan. 22nd at 6:00 pm - Resident Social followed by Poker for Everyone at 6:30 pm. No need to sign-up; just feel welcome to come on over and join us for a fun evening of a social gathering and poker!
     
  • Sat., Jan. 23rd at 7:00 pm - Movie at the Clubhouse. Movie will be Cadillac Records. $1 (pay there) for soda & popcorn. Sign-up by 1-20.
     
  • Wed., Jan. 27th at 7:00 pm - BINGO at the Clubhouse. Beat the winter blahs by coming over and having some fun with BINGO. We play 10 games at a quarter per card and one cover all for $1 per card. All winnings given back to the winners! Will it be you? Sign-up by 1-22.
     
  • Fri., Jan. 29th at 6:00 pm - Texas Hold ‘Em at the Clubhouse. Cost is $20 (payable there). Come join us! Sign-up by 1-26.
     
  • Sun., Jan. 31st at 2:00 pm - Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader Computer Club. Sign-up by 1-26.
     

CLUBHOUSE EVENTS FOR JANUARY AND BEYOND (AVAILABLE TO SIGN UP NOW!)



(From the December, 2009 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:

The Board of Directors wishes a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe Holiday Season to all.

ASSOCIATION NEWS:

Several members of the Board were in attendance when the State Court of Appeals heard our appeal in our lawsuit against the developer. We must now wait for a decision which could take anywhere from thirty to ninety days. We will keep you apprised of any decisions made by the Court.

The October financial numbers were not yet available but our treasurer stated that our finances were in very good shape at this time.

Our manager reported that the Thanksgiving Dinner was fully subscribed before the cut-off date. This is
always a popular event so remember to sign up early next year.

Plans are well underway for a New Year’s Eve party. The committee has been working hard to make this a special night and all residents and their guests are encouraged to attend.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE:

New Board member, Ken Marzorati, has agreed to head the Architectural Review Committee.

We received a complaint that one of our trees fell on property in Rochester Hills which backs up to
Heritage common area. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the Rochester Hills residents have been extending their lots and encroaching on Heritage property. These residents will be contacted by our attorney and requested to respect our property lines. .