Announcements and Events

• The Springs Newsletter November 21, 2018

  Click here to view the current newsletter.

• Holiday Party

  RSVP **Early**

  Date: Saturday, December 1
  Time: 6:00 PM
  Place: Clubhouse

  Don’t miss the Holiday Party. On Time Catering will be providing our menu of beef tenderloin, marinated chicken breast, potatoes au gratin, green beans, candied carrots, garden salad, rolls, and sweet and unsweetened iced tea. Dessert will be provided by our residents. All bakers who enjoy an appreciative audience are encouraged to contribute to our ‘dessert room.’

  This is an RSVP event and the only event when guests are charged. Please RSVP to lizatthesprings@gmail.com by SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 AT THE LATEST. If you bring guests, there will be a $20 charge for each guest’s dinner. As in the past, we will be taking voluntary ‘thank-you’ contributions for Bill Conrad. Everyone is encouraged to sign his card when arriving at the clubhouse. Feel free to email Liz Roland with any questions or concerns.

  Liz Roland: Social Committee

• Firewise Fall Cleanup

  It is an ill wind that blows nobody good. Several of us had big trees come down during Michael’s appearance. If you hired a professional tree service to clean up for you, please save and copy your invoices for the cash match part of our 2018 Firewise grant to pick up our wood debris. Please email the invoices to me or let me know, and I will come by and pick them up.

  Please remember to stack your pile on the front edge of your property, not on the shoulder grass. Also, do not have any logs more than 6 inches thick or 8 feet long. The wood will be collected during the first week in December.

  Contact me at curtisish@gmail.com or 336-859-5338.

• FAQ: Front Gate Access – Security Enhancement

  Q: Why are the current gate clickers a security concern?

  A: We all chose to live in a gated community for numerous reasons. One of the biggest reasons is the security and safety it affords. As a result, residents have an expectation that our well-being will be protected as much as possible within financial limitations while maintaining a reasonably convenient level of access to the community for residents and authorized visitors.

  Unfortunately, the current generic gate opener clickers have many pitfalls that negatively impact community security, for example:

  • Current clickers allow access to the community 24/7 to anyone who has them. Unfortunately, there is no record of who purchased clickers or what happened to the clickers when the original purchasers sold their home or lot.
  • Current clickers can and have been programmed into vehicles (a standard system called HomeLink). Not a problem if ONLY property owners/residents have programmed vehicles. That is not the case. And because the clicker code is generic, there are no means to establish how many vehicles (authorized or unauthorized) have 24/7 access to our community.
  • Current clickers can and have been programmed into other generic clickers, essentially giving access to our community and its facilities.
  • There is no accurate count of the number of clickers sold, nor the number of active clickers.
  • Some property owners believe the clickers use their 4-digit assigned gate code. This is false – the current clickers cannot be “tracked” in our security system.

  Q: What features of the new remotes will improve security?

  A: Several features of the new remotes will enhance our community’s security and safety and help ensure our amenities remain available for use by residents and lot owners:

  • We’ll be able to maintain a record of active remotes, and our system allows for activation or deactivation of the new remotes as residents move into and out of the community or when they are lost or stolen.
  • The new remotes are uniquely encoded and cannot be programmed into other generic remotes or personal vehicles, preventing the spread of unauthorized gate access.
  • The new remotes, in conjunction with our recently upgraded gate system, provide future long-term opportunities for improved accessibility and security for other areas within our community (e.g., boat storage, boat launch, pool, etc.).
  • They transmit a unique device code, which will be associated with a 4-digit code in the database, providing control and tracking in the event an incident occurs.

  Q: How did the security committee decide on this option?

  A: The security committee reviewed a variety of options to improve our current gate system security.  This included meetings with our DoorKing representative (front gate and gate code system provider),  Uwharrie Point community association manager and security committee (for an orientation and tour of their gates and access control systems), and Heron Bay and Badin Shores community gate system overviews.  Additionally, a comprehensive Internet search was conducted to locate access control systems appropriate for our community.

  Options evaluated include windshield or headlight tags, front license plate tags, access cards, guarded front gate, bar codes, and encoded remotes.  The new encoded remotes option was chosen based on our community size, gate traffic, ease of use, and financial considerations.

  Q: What will it cost me?

  A: The only cost to lot owners is for the new remotes, and they are optional. You may continue to enter The Springs using your personal code. Should you want the new remotes, they are $35 each with an initial limit of 2 per lot (or group of lots if ownership is the same).

  Q: Why should I have to pay $35 for a remote when I previously purchased a clicker?

  A: We all have ongoing community access with our 4-digit gate code. This is provided to us as part of living in this community, and our HOA dues help fund the gate system and its maintenance. The remotes have been an optional community access method with an associated additional cost. The cost helped recoup the purchase of the generic remotes. This will also be the case with the new encoded remotes.  The $35 cost will help recoup their initial bulk purchase.

  Q: Why can I only purchase 2 remotes initially?

  A: We established a 2 remote limit to help ensure a fair and timely initial distribution of the new remotes to the full- and part-time residents who need them the most. After the initial transition period, you will have the opportunity to purchase more remotes.

  Q: What is the range of the new remotes?

  A: The new remotes have a range of 50-100 feet, similar to the current clickers.

  Q: The old remote is programmed into my vehicle’s HomeLink button; will it still work?

  A: No. The old remotes used a single, common code and that is what your HomeLink button is programmed with. The new remotes transmit a different, unique code that is linked to the lot owner.

  Q: Can I program the new remote into my vehicle’s HomeLink button?

  A: No. The enhanced security features of the new encoded remotes make them incompatible with HomeLink.

  Q: Will my 3-digit directory code change?

  A: No, it stays the same.

  Q: Will my 4-digit access code change?

  A: No, it stays the same.

  Q: Who is eligible to buy the remotes? Lot owners, residents, contractors, visitors, friends, realtors, utility workers, police, fire department, EMTs, mail carriers, delivery drivers, etc.?

  A: New remotes will only be sold to Springs’ residents and lot owners. All other personnel entering The Springs will use the gate directory, special purpose 4-digit codes, or the yelp-activated gate opener for first responders.

  Q: Can the new remotes be mailed to me?

  A: No, to ensure the new remotes are purchased by residents and lot owners only, we regret we won’t be able to mail them. We will provide opportunities to purchase the new remotes in person before the old clickers are deactivated. Beginning in January, the Security Committee will sell them to residents and lot owners at mutually convenient times and locations.

  Q: What is the schedule for this change?

  A: The implementation schedule is as follows:

  • October 4 – Finalize implementation plan, schedule, and communication plan.
  • Immediately – Discontinue sale of the current generic clickers.
  • Mid October – Send initial communication via the newsletter with a link to the FAQs.
  • Late October – Send reminder notification in the newsletter.
  • Late October – Schedule installation of the encoded remote reader at the gate.
  • Late October to Early November – Test new encoded remote system.
  • Early November – Send newsletter communication announcing the date, time, and location for sale of the new remotes.
  • Mid November – Begin sale of new remotes (initial limit of 2 per household).
  • Early December – Send reminder notification that old gate clickers will be deactivated effective January 1.
  • Late December – Send reminder notification that old gate clickers will be deactivated effective January 1.
  • January 1 – Deactivate old generic gate clicker equipment.
  • Ongoing – Distribute additional new remotes to residents and lot owners.

   

  We appreciate your support and understanding as we all strive to improve the safety and security of our community, our facilities, and our homes.

• The Springs 2019 HOA Annual Meeting

  2019 HOA Annual Meeting

  Date:  Saturday, January 26, 2019

  Time:  7:00 PM (Social gathering prior at 6:30 PM)

  Place: Southmont Fire Station
  11030 NC-8
  Lexington, NC 27292

  In the coming weeks, we will be publishing articles about the annual meeting in the newsletter with links to all information presented in previous editions to serve as a handy reference for you.

• Newspaper Delivery Options for The Springs

  Newspaper	Website	Published	Carrier Delivery	USPS Delivery
  Asheboro Courier-Tribune	www.courier-tribune.com	Daily	No	Delivered next day after publication
  Charlotte Observer	www.charlotteobserver.com	Daily	No	Delivered same day of publication
  Denton Orator	www.dentonorator.com	Wednesday	No	Delivered on Wednesday
  Greensboro News & Record	www.greensboro.com	Daily	No	Monday-Saturday Delivered next day after publication
  High Point Enterprise	www.hpenews.com	Daily	No	Delivered next day after publication Saturday & Sunday mailing on Monday
  Lexington Dispatch	www.the-dispatch.com	Tuesday –Saturday	Yes	Mail delivery not practical
  Salisbury Post	www.salisburypost.com	Daily	No	Delivered next day after publication except Saturday & Sunday mailing on Monday
  Wall Street Journal	www.wsj.com	Monday – Saturday	No	Delivered same day of publication
  Winston-Salem Journal	www.journalnow.com	Daily	No	Delivered next day after publication

  Please note: All of the above publications have some form of online editions available.
  Subscription and delivery options may change.  Please contact the newspapers directly.

• Internet Options at The Springs

  Update: New Viasat-2 High-Speed Internet Option Currently Available
  Ken Vander Schaaf       Posted in Off the Cuff on October 10, 2018

  I have just received word from Stephanie Smith at Carolina Connections (formerly Country Cable) that Viasat is now finally offering high-speed internet service from their Viasat-2 satellite. For the first time, they are allowing the Springs to get a signal from their “small beam” which provides download speeds up to 30 Mbps and larger data packages before being de-prioritized.

  When I tried to research directly from Viasat’s website, it showed that due to high demand no service was available at all from Viasat for area code 27239, but Stephanie confirmed that addresses in The Springs can indeed be installed by her company. If interested I suggest calling Stephanie Smith at Carolina Connections at 336-585-1314 to get the latest details.

  Update: Excede’s New Satellite Still Not Operational
  Ken Vander Schaaf       November 6, 2017

  Just want to give those looking at satellite internet options an update on the status of Exede’s new satellite, Viasat-2. This satellite is still approaching its geostationary orbit and is therefore not yet operational. What is confusing is Exede is now offering some unlimited data plans, but they are still utilizing Viasat-1, their current satellite, not service from the new higher capacity satellite.

  My recommendation to those who have not committed is to wait until early next year. That way you will probably receive the greatest enrollment options and install the right equipment to take advantage of this new satellite. For those who currently use Exede please be patient as you wait for their capacity to improve with the new satellite becoming operational.

  The following report was prepared by Ken Vander Schaaf and presented to the HOA Board at its last meeting.

  Review of Internet Options for The Springs at High Rock

  As of April 13, 2017

  Below are the findings of the potential options for internet providers willing to service the residents of The Springs at High Rock.  As the technology continues to develop the options may change as well over time, but these findings are based on current knowledge.  In the following summary, abbreviations are:

  • MB:  one million bytes, or roughly 8 million on-or-off signals.  A high-quality digital picture is about 0.3 to 3 megabytes.
  • GB:  one billion bytes
  • MS:  millisecond (1000th of a second)
  • Ping, or latency:  measures the time for a signal to travel to its source and back; it is especially important in satellite transmissions
  • 4G:   fourth-generation cellular telephone system

  Windstream

  Windstream will provide internet service via DSL to some Springs residents.  However they are not willing to expand their service to the entire neighborhood.  Furthermore, their website indicates, and Customer Service has confirmed, that new service is not available for addresses on Healing Springs and Rocky Cove. Reported speeds for those currently serviced by Windstream are varied, depending on the amount of demand on the system.  Typical speeds reported locally are 1-3 MB/s download, .7-1 MB/s upload and 20-116 MS for ping.  A key advantage of Windstream is that they do not have a data cap on the amount of downloads provided per month.  Reports of residents being unhappy with Windstream service are prevalent.

  Windstream may be a viable service option for current customers, but is not an option available for all residents.

  Verizon Wireless

  Verizon Wireless recently introduced an Unlimited Data Plan to its 4G cell phone service.  The unlimited data actually is for 22 GB/month at 4G speeds for cell phone data applications and then is throttled back to 3G speeds for the remainder of the month.  It also provides an additional 10BG/month at 4G speeds for the cellphone’s hotspot connection to be used for other connected devices.  The internet speeds are dictated by local cell tower activity level with slower responses during periods of high local cell tower activity. Local users of this service have experienced speeds of 7-9 MB/sec download, 4-10 MB/sec upload and .04-.08 MS latency speeds. Residents who have a strong Verizon Wireless signal appear to be satisfied with this service. With the “Unlimited” plan, their primary data limit concern may be mitigated.

  Verizon Wireless appears to be a viable option for those residents with strong Verizon Wireless signal.

  Hughesnet (Gen 5)

  Hughesnet has launched a new satellite, the Echostar 19, on December 18, 2016.  In March, Hughesnet started offering its “Gen5” service with service plans claiming 25 MB/sec download, 3 MB/sec upload and 500MS latency speeds.  They offer differing data limits per month ranging from 10GB to 50GB.  I am unaware of any local residents currently using this new HughesNet Gen5 service, so have no actual speed results. To have access to Hughesnet service there must be a clear line of sight to the satellite on the southern horizon.

  Hughesnet Gen5 may be a viable option for residents who have a straight line of sight to the southern horizon.

  Exede

  Exede currently is offering 12 MB/sec download, 3 MB/sec upload, and 700 MS latency speeds with data limits of 12, 25 and 50 GB/month.  They are currently experiencing technical issues with their ViaSat-1 satellite that services this area, resulting in much slower than advertised speeds.  To have access to Exede service there must be a clear line of sight to the satellite on the southern horizon, similar to satellite TV service.  Exede has a new satellite, ViaSat-2, at Ariane’s launch complex in French Guiana, originally scheduled to launch April 25, 2017, but now likely to launch in June. This new satellite should provide much improved capacity and speeds will again be offered at up to 25 MB/sec downloads and up to 150 GB data limits. Due to the recent launch delay, Exede no longer is offering this Freedom 150 plan.

  Exede may be a viable option for residents who have a straight line of sight to the southern horizon, but it may be prudent to wait until their satellite capacity increases.

  Time Warner (Spectrum)

  Time Warner, now branded Spectrum, was contacted to determine if they were willing to provide internet service.  After providing them the addresses of every home built in The Springs and several months of no responses they finally did indicate that they would be willing to provide service.  Their preliminary proposal stated the construction required to connect one site in The Springs would include 25ft of new aerial, 6,065ft of fiber overlash and 375ft of fiber underground.  However, their “Customer Contribution” would need to be $848,930.92.  Even shared among all 99 residents in The Springs, the cost seems prohibitive.

  Time Warner (Spectrum) does not appear to be a viable option for The Springs.

  Open Broadband LLC

  Open Broadband’s approach to providing internet service was to connect The Springs and Salisbury’s fiber optic internet service via a microwave antenna located on the Fire Tower.  A second microwave connection would be installed in the boat parking area.  From there the internet signal would be transmitted via a mesh network to the houses on the lower level of The Springs.  For homes on the upper level the internet signal would be transmitted via another mesh network directly from the Fire Tower.  Originally Open Broadband was planning to attach the mesh network to the existing street lights.  It was then learned that Energy United owned the street lights and EU would not allow any network devices to be attached to the street lights. After that Open Broadband appears to have dropped any interest in the project.

  Open Broadband LLC does not appear to be a viable option for The Springs. 

   

• Activities and Volunteer Opportunities at The Springs

  ACTIVITIES

  Yoga:  Mondays 6:30 PM – Denton Library

  Exercise Class:  Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 8 AM – Macedonia Church,  Southmont
  Contact: Evelyn Parks 336-859-4480

  Women’s Pickleball: Tuesdays – 9:30 AM Spring/Summer/Fall
  Contact: Joyce Ish 336-859-5338

  Ladies’ Bridge: Wednesdays – 1:00 PM
  Contact: Carol Svatek – 336-859-0697

  Line Dancing: Thursday & Friday – Denton Civic Center – 1-1:30 PM, Beginners
  Contact: Ronnie Kruger 336-859-0692

  Springs’ Book Club (Coed):  3rd Thursday of the Month – 7 PM
  Contact: Liz Roland 336-859-2795

  High Rock Book Club: Denton Library – 2nd Thursday – 10 AM
  Contact: Kathy Sill 336-793-2359

  HOA Committees: See the Committees page of our website

  VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AREA

  Denton Elementary: Lunch Mentor Program (The “Lunch Bunch”)
  305 W Salisbury Street
  336-859-0599

  Middle & High School: Mentor Program for students at South: CSI (Community in Schools)
  Kevin Firquin (kfirquin@davidson.K12.nc.us)

  Family Resource Center: 338 W Salisbury Street, Denton
  336-859-5399
  http://www.southdavidsonfrc.com/

  Denton Library: 310 W Salisbury Street
  336-859-2215

  Meals on Wheels: Jacob L. Gordon, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Davidson County Senior Services
  555-B West Center Street Ext., Lexington
  336-242-2290

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