December 1, 2016
Dear Fellow Interlochen Home Owners,
41 Years of Christmas Lights—What a privilege it is to be a part of such a wonderful Arlington tradition. The Interlochen Christmas Lights began in 1976 when Carole & Bob Findlay encouraged their neighbors to decorate their homes to call attention to the brand new sub division in a former swamp. This is the 41th year of our unique, free, neighborhood volunteer event which has brought joy to millions of children of all ages. In 2014 we were honored to be voted “Texas Best” by fans of the Texas Country Reporter TV Show. Thanks to all of you for donating your time, your effort and your electricity. We charge no admission, we make no profit and we put up with all the inconveniences because it is so much fun to give back to our community during the Christmas season.
Visitor Holiday Traffic—We are happy to report that the City of Arlington is once again providing the funding for police overtime for traffic control during the Interlochen Lights. The Arlington PD will be controlling traffic for 10 nights. They will be at key intersections from 7 to 11 PM from December 16th thru December 25th. Visitors will be directed to follow the same route as the last few years with all cars entering on Westwood, turning left at Crowley and then right on Loch Lomond, Findlay and Porto Bello before exiting back out via Westwood.
Resident Holiday Traffic—There will be signage from the Public Works Department directing visitors to stay in the right lane on Westwood with residents keeping to the left. Please download and place the attached “Lake Interlochen Resident” signs on the dash of your cars so they are visible to the police and visitors. These signs may be copied and used for additional vehicles and for your holiday guests. Please hold up your signs and please show patience with the Police if they double check to make sure you are driving in the proper resident lane. To help make this work, please do not park on the street after dark and please don’t let your kids sell anything along the curb. There should be no soliciting of any kind. To save time, please take alternate routes against the flow of visitors when driving (i.e., try to enter and exit via Division & Crowley) and be extra careful if you are walking because many cars might not see you.
Lighting Awards—Ten decorating awards will be presented on Saturday December 17th. The HOA Board of Directors has once again decided to encourage increased participation by giving preference to homes that have not won an award in the last 2 years. There are awards for “Best Theme”, “Most Artistic”, “Best New Resident”, “People’s Choice” and, of course, the coveted “Griswald Award” for over the top lighting. There will be a new award this year for “Best Lakeside Display” in honor of our very first HOA President Vernon Porter who is retiring after over 40 great years on the Board of Directors. President’s Christmas Open House– Everyone who gets this e-mail is invited to 1418 Porto Bello Court between 2 PM and 5 PM on Sunday December 18th. Come for some Holiday Cheer and meet your neighbors. Don’t worry, guys, there will be multiple TV’s devoted to football.
Neighborhood E-Mail List—If you would like to be on our neighborhood contact list for news that concerns the Interlochen area, please send an e-mail to ralphallansobel@gmail.com. If you do not have computer access, call 817-675- 2252 and I will try to keep you informed via regular mail. Don’t forget to check out our great website www.lakeinterlochen.com.
2017 Waterline Dues—Your dues statement should soon be in the mail from our accounting firm. If you do not receive it, please let us know at once. All home owners currently paying over $250 per year will not get any increase. Those homes under $250 will be raised to $250 per our 2/3 vote of all residents at the 2016 Annual Meeting. Payment is due January 1, 2017 and penalty charges will apply after January 31, 2017 so please pay on time (Lakeside Residents Only).
2017 Annual Meeting—On Tuesday January 10, 2017 at 7 PM the Lake Interlochen HOA will hold our 44th Annual Meeting at St. Stephen’s Church at 1800 West Randol Mill Road. Please come early at 6:30 PM to socialize. Light snacks will be provided. Among the topics on the preliminary agenda will be the current financials, a review of our HOA Covenants and By-Laws, water levels and quality, impound area improvements and neighborhood safety. A complete agenda will be sent 10 days before the meeting. If you have any additional questions, concerns or topics that you would like to have discussed at the meeting, please e-mail ralphallansobel@gmail.com or call 817-675- 2252. (Lakeside Residents Only).
2017 Elections—Five directors will be elected to the HOA Board at the Annual Meeting for 2 year terms. Please e-mail or call if you would be interested in serving. (Lakeside Residents Only).
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Ralph Sobel, President
Lake Interlochen HOA
Resident Car Sign:
