Happy Holidays

Your Neighborhood, My Neighborhood, Our Neighborhood... DECEMBER 2013

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8

Board Of Directors President: Position Open VP: Position Open Secretary: Lisa Whalen [email protected] Treasurer: Dave Campagna [email protected] Operations: Tim Salzbrenner [email protected] Newsletter: Nancy Sayles [email protected] Membership: Annie Beck [email protected] Website: Laurie Brodeur [email protected]

Members At Large: Brian Fontana [email protected] Bob Narducci [email protected] Lyle Krueger [email protected] Bonnie Farkas [email protected] Doug Larson [email protected] Alex Myers [email protected] Brigette Porro [email protected]

Committee Chairs New Neighbor Coordinator: Chris Olson [email protected] Lost and Found: Rose Bockleman [email protected] Social Clubs: open position Garage Sale: Rose Rutherford [email protected] Security Alerts: Dave Beck [email protected]

Millard School District Rezoning Impact to Armbrust Acres Residents As many of our Armbrust residents know, the Millard School Board recently conducted several community sessions to solicit feedback on their proposal to redraw the school district boundaries. The primary driver for this initiative is because some schools are

to this by moving students to On average, the Armbrust Millard North High School. Acres neighborhood adds While students can still opt approximately twelve new into other Millard Schools on students to the district each This does take into a limited basis, busing year. consideration some Armbrust support is only provided to students being sent to private the schools which are within schools or to Millard schools designated district outside of their designated boundaries. Also, plans for current students of Russell school.

Middle School and Millard West High School are unclear. There are some options on the table which could include allowing those students to remain at the current school, being over loaded with new but new students would students while other schools attend their new designated are being under utilized. One school. of the plans under proposal w a s r e v i e w e d w i t h The school district is asking community members and for feedback from residents includes a change for all and may still consider other Armbrust Acres residents and ideas for balancing the school volumes. The final decision their children. is slated for December 2nd, Elementary School: 2013, so if you would like to Currently, most Armbrust voice your opinion, you must elementary students attend do so quickly. We have Morton Elementary. The new included the e-mail addresses proposal does keep this the of some of the school district same. board members at the end of Middle School: Currently, this article if you wish to most Armbrust middle school contact them. students attend Russell Middle School. The new proposal does make a change to this by moving students to North Middle School. High School: Currently, most Armbrust high school students attend Millard West High School. The new proposal does make a change

Some other considerations that were voiced by Armbrust residents include changes in home values due to the new school zones and parents/ students dealing with more complex traffic patterns. There is still some time to have your voice heard. Please contact any of the below school board members if you would like to offer any suggestions or to give your opinion on the change. Keith Lutz – Superintendent: [email protected] Mike Pate – President: [email protected] Patrick Ricketts – Vi c e P r e s i d e n t : [email protected] Mike Kennedy – Secretary: [email protected] Dave Anderson – Treasure: [email protected] Paul Meyer – Board Member: [email protected] Linda Pool – Board Member: [email protected] Thank you!

There are currently 6 homes for sale in Armbrust. The average price is $ $263,583 with an average market time of 54 days. There have been 19 homes sold in the last year. Average price was $ 276,000 with an average time of 65 days. Currently there is 1 property pending. Please call one of us for a complete market analysis report. John Rohwer 402 - 677-1111 or Char Smith 402- 677- 9279.

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8

Don't Miss Out on a Great Opportunity! NewsletterAdvertising We are always looking for new businesses to support Armbrust Acres in the form of ads or inserts in the newsletter. The newsletter is delivered to you every month and brings you news, general information, tips, fun and many more things. In addition you also see advertising which can help you to find the right company for the job you need done around the house or a service you would like to take advantage of. You can help us to support the newsletter

and possibly make it even better with you contribution or an ad if you own a company or know someone who owns a company, who could possibly benefit from advertising their business to ArmbrustAcres residents. For more information, please contact Nancy Sayles at armbrustadvertising@ gmail.com or (402) 699-2486.

contest (see page 6), and the Snowman contest. Our main event is our Independence Day celebration. This event is not just for the Armbrust Acres residents but brings in many other visitors from throughout the neighborhood. We are always looking for sponsors for our events throughout the year to make these even better. If you would like to become a sponsor or know someone who 2014 sponsors needed would like to become a sponsor, please Throughout the year we organize c o n t a c t N a n c y S a y l e s a t different events for the Armbrust Acres [email protected] or residents. Like the Halloween-Costume (402) 699-2486.

Snowman Building Contest 2013-2014 The days are getting shorter and colder!

We are inviting you to participate in the 3rd Ambrust Acres Snowman Building Contest!

We are looking for a sponsor! If you are interested, Please contact us at [email protected]! Print: abc printing Your Neighborhood, My Neighborhood, Our Neighborhood...

Distributed to 553 homes in Armrust Acres every month.

This newsletter is produced by the Armbrust Acres Homeowners Association since May 2011.

Armbrust Acres Homeowners Association www.armbrustacres.com

NO CLASS TIMES! Mention this newsletter and receive a FREE Workout and 10% off Enrollment. 9Round is the ultimate Kickboxing Workout, no experience is needed. Our Circuit style training is perfect for any fitness level. 9Round is Armbrust Acres Resident Owned. The 9Round circuit is designed to be fast and challenging with a pinch of killer fun so that members stay engaged while getting in their best shape ever. The 30-minute (in front of Walmart and a building program is structured in a convenient circuit west of Ridgeview Animal Hospital) format, so that you don't have to ever skip your workout because of your ever changing schedule. T h e w o r k o u t c h a n g e s c o n s t a n t l y,

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8

Armbrust Acres News December Board Meeting The date and location for the December board meeting has yet to be determined. The monthly board meetings are for anyone who is interested in the social activities being planned, status updates on the various projects going on such as our landscaping initiative, to gain a better understanding of the association financials, or to see if you would like to become a member of the board. Ideas and comments are always welcome.

Roofing Questions If you have any questions regarding installing a new roof, look under the roofing tab on our website www.armbrustacres.com. Any further questions can be directed to Brian Fontana at [email protected].

AAHABoard - Open Positions The position of the President and Vice President are open on theAAHAboard. If you can share some time and new ideas with the board, please join our monthly board meeting in order to get a feel for it. During the time we are looking for a new President and Vice President, MemberAt-Large Brian Fontana will act as President. For more information please contact Brian Fontana at FOUND: November 12, 2013 - Honda [email protected] or (402) 894-2173. car key. Found on front porch along Social Committee Chair Needed with theAAnewsletter. Please contact Rose Bockelman if you We need caring and committed have any information about lost or neighbors like you who are willing to found items at 402-697-9250 or email take an active role in making this a great place to live. Whether it’s preparing [email protected].

Did you know?

Easter eggs, helping plan National Night Out, or picking up a party item at the store, you can do as much or as little as your schedule allows. Most importantly, you will make new friends and help continue to make Armbrust Acres a wonderful place to be. Some example of the responsibilities are to set up the Progressive Dinner as well as setting up a social connection alert email system. Please think about offering your time to help with these events. Anyone who is interested should contact Brian Fontana at [email protected] or (402) 894-2173.

December is the first month of winter and the last month of the year. National Cookie Day is December 4th. Other snacks celebrated this month include pie, cotton candy, chocolate brownies (mmm!), cocoa, and cupcakes. In the United States the month is associated with Christmas. There are Christmas decorations, sales, and parties. Many people spend their time Christmas shopping.

Birth Stone: Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite

Birth Flower: Holly, Poinsettia

Nebraska Children's Home Society Project ELF 2013 - It is not too late! As many of our residents are aware, the Nebraska Children's Home Society has a holiday gift-gathering program for children called "Project Elf". Armbrust Acres has been a proud participant of this program for the last 23 years. NCHS has been serving children in Nebraska since 1893 through its Pregnancy, Parenting & Adoption, Foster Care, Early Childhood programs, and the Children and Family Center. If you would like to participate by providing gifts, please send an e-mail with the subject line “Project Elf” to [email protected]. We will send you the latest list of the children's names, age, gender, and a

couple of items they have indicated they would like. Additional instructions will also be included. If you have any questions or would like to sponsor multiple children, please call Char Peterson, our local NCHS representative, at 402-334-5611. There

are over five hundred Nebraska children the NCHS is trying to provide for during this holiday season, so every bit helps. Over the years, Armbrust Acres residents have sponsored over 2,000 kids. An amazing accomplishment all residents should feel proud of. Let us continue to help make this holiday a little happier for these children. There will be a gift gathering party at Char's home, 16128 Barbara Circle, from 5:30 to 7:30 on Wednesday, December 4th. Gay Emry and Char will be your hosts for the evening. Representatives from NCHS will also be available for tax receipts and to answer any questions you may have.

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8

8 Tips To Prepare Your Home For Winter The fall Equinox is a good time of year to start thinking about preparing your home for winter, because as temperatures begin to dip, your home will require maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape through the winter. This is known as winterizing your home. 1) Furnace Inspection ?Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts. ?Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly. ?Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat. ?If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.

prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows. If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields. ?Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.

?If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.

7 )Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces ?Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires. ?Ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned to prevent winter injury. ?Plant spring flower bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot winter over such as dahlias in areas where the ground freezes. ?Seal driveways, brick patios and wood decks. ?Don't automatically remove dead vegetation from gardens as some provide attractive scenery in an otherwise dreary, snow-drenched yard. ?Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area.

4) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts ?If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams. ?Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home. ?Replace worn roof shingles or tiles. ?Clean out the gutters and use a hose to 2) Get the Fireplace Ready spray water down the downspouts to 8 ) Prepare an Emergency Kit ?Cap or screen the top of the chimney to clear away debris. keep out rodents and birds. ?Buy indoor candles and matches / ?If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a 5 ) S e r v i c e We a t h e r - S p e c i f i c lighter for use during a power shortage. while, call a chimney sweep to remove Equipment ?Find the phone numbers for your utility soot and creosote. companies and tape them near your ?Drain gas from lawnmowers. ?Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a ?Service or tune-up snow blowers. phone or inside the phone book. dry place away from the exterior of your ?Replace worn rakes and snow shovels. ?Buy a battery back-up to protect your home. ?Clean, dry and store summer gardening computer and sensitive electronic equipment. ?Inspect the fireplace damper for proper equipment. opening and closing. ?Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ?Store extra bottled water and nonperishable food supplies (including pet ?Check the mortar between bricks and ice-melt / sand tuckpoint, if necessary. food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access 6 )Prevent Plumbing Freezes 3) Check the Exterior, Doors and ?Locate your water main in the event you location. Windows need to shut it off in an emergency. ?Prepare an evacuation plan in the event ?Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and ?Drain all garden hoses. of an emergency. exposed entry points around pipes; seal ?Insulate exposed plumbing pipes. them. ?Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your Source: www.about.com ?Use weatherstripping around doors to AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7

Need a New Roof? - Make it the LASTIME! ?

Give Your Home A Beauty Makeover Whatever the style, color or finish of your current roof, there is most likely a Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof that will match the appearance of your home.

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Strength for the Long Run Life is hard. Mother Nature is harder, especially on non-steel roofing materials which begin to deteriorate immediately after they are. A Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof, however, can take extreme weather conditions and still look and protect like new for a lifetime.

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Beautifully Efficient There’s more to the beautiful colors and designs of a Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof than meets the eye.

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Putting Our Warranty Where Our Mouth Is You don’t need to take anyone’s word for how long a Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof will last. Our roofs come with impressive warranties including a 120 m.p.h. Wind Warranty, a 2.5 inch Hailstone Warranty and a Non-Prorated Warranty for the Lifetime of its Owner (transferable).

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Standing Up for Durability If you’ve heard anyone say that a metal roof shouldn’t be walked on, they’re obviously not talking about a Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof.

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Estimating Your Enjoyment When you compare the features and benefits of a Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof against all others, you’ll see there really is no comparison.

The initial cost of installing a Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof may be more than with other roofing materials. However, the money a homeowner can save is significant, because a Gerard roof will be the last roof you ever buy. A Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof adds to your home’s beauty and to its resale value. Finally, insurance companies in many states will lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums by as much as 35% due to the proven protection of a Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof. “Good for a Lifetime” vs. “Sooner or Later” The average life of a non-steel roof is approximately 17 years. For example, asphalt, or “composition” shingles can require re-roofing every 10 to 20 years or sooner! Compare that with a Gerard Stone Coated Steel Roof that includes a warranty that is good for the lifetime of the owner (transferable).

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8

Halloween Costume Contest 2013 This year's Halloween celebration fell on a perfect fall day. The children (and some adults) dressed up in their spookiest, scariest, cutest, or heroic costumes. A few of our residents submitted pictures of their kids in hopes of

winning our annual Halloween costume contest which was sponsored this year by Silk Smiles. This year's winner is Abbie Tucker (12) as 'Medusa'. Abbie won $50.00 for her creative costume!! CongratulationsAbbie!!

We would like to thank all of our participants and hope to see great Halloween pictures next year again! Thanks for turning on your lights for the kids

Winner

Kate Lamme age 4 (Bumblebee)and Will Lamme (Elmo) age 22 months

Follow Armbrust Acres Homeowners Association Henry Fereday

Abbie Tucker (12) Medusa Julia (7) & Henry (4) Libis as Minnie Mouse & Skelebones

Chayce (Dragon) and Cayden (Spider) Sayles; 3 and 4 years old

Luke (fireman) and Sarah (Tinkerbell) Scott, children of David & Theresa Scott

Sponsored by:

Chayce Sayles (3), Dragon

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8

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NEWER ROOF.

LOWER RATE.

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402-505-7701

[email protected] Your home’s newer roof could save you money on your homeowners insurance. Call me today to find out how.

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8

10 % OFF Coupon Decorate your your home for the Season ! Bring a smile to someone special!

Offer valid for the entire purchase. You must present coupon at the time of purchase! Cannot be combined with other coupons. Coupon valid until December 31th, 2013.

Credit Cards, Cash & Checks are accepted.

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6 Legal Tips for Safe Cyber Monday Shopping More and more holiday shoppers are choosing to avoid the chaos of malls and department stores by shopping online. Cyber Monday, the biggest online shopping day of the year, falls on December 2nd. The following tips will help ensure you are able to focus on holiday fun rather than legal disputes with online retailers. If you need assistance resolving an online dispute contact your provider law firm today.

Beware of pricing that is too good to be true. Scammers often set up dummy websites, auction listings or ads that offer popular items far below market value. These scammers will kick into high gear for Cyber Monday. Trust your instincts and beware of scam sales. ?Shop from trusted online retailers. ?When using an unknown online retailer,

do your homework.

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?Review marketplace seller rating information and negative feedback from previous buyers. ?Read and save a dated copy of the retailer’s return policy. ?Keep payment information secure. ?Never pay for items purchased online with wire transfers, money orders or cash.

Source: www.legalshield.com

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7

Got Hail Damage or Need Someone Help You Fix Up Your Home? Call For A FREE Estimate!

WE DO IT ALL! Licensed - Bonded - Insured

? Roofing ? Roof Repair ? Siding ? Decking ? Brick Repair ? Insulation ? Sunrooms ? Patios ? Home ? Additions ? Fencing ? and more

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8

New Neighbors: Welcome to Armbrust Acres! THE LAMME FAMILY as they stroll through the neighborhood. Sara and Bill moved to Armbrust Acres They also enjoy having their favorite restaurants and shops around. over Labor Day weekend 2013. Bill is originally from Fremont, Nebraska and Sara grew up in Winner, South Dakota. After Sara finished high school in her hometown; she went to Mt. Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota and finished up her education by studying at Creighton University. Today, Sara works as an attorney for a local law firm. Bill, also focusing on law, went to study at the Midland Lutheran College and UNL College. Today, Bill is a successful project manager working The Weitz Co. Sara and Bill have two beautiful children, daughter Kate (4) and son Will (22 months). While spending time with their children, playing outside and walking their two golden retrievers, the Lamme family loves Armbrust Acres for its mature trees

THE O'CONNELLFAMILY Sean and Meghan O'Connell moved to 167th Street inAugust, 2013. The O'Connell's previously lived very close to Lake Zorinsky and wanted to stay nearby, so they chose Armbrust Acres. Both, Sean and Meghan are originally from Sydney, Nebraska. After high school they both attended the University of Nebraska.Sean works for First National Bank and Meghan is employed at OlssonAssociates. The O'Connell's are proud parents of Fallyn (2) and Johnny (2 months). Besides chasing their kids around, Sean and Meghan enjoy long distance running (which some could argue are one in the same!!). The proximity to Lake Zorinsky, LifeTime Fitness and many other great places to eat close by, madeArmbrust the perfect choice. Welcome toArmbrustAcres!

Call to Schedule Your Fall Aeration & Over-seeding!

Go Green with Green Wings! ? ? ? ? ?

Fertilizing Mowing Sidewalk Edging Aeration Power Raking

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Lawn Renovation Paver Patios Retaining Walls Water Features Sprinkler Maintenance

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Your Resident Lawn & Landscape Partner - Tim Salzbrenner!

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8

Residents to Residents SERVICES Need a babysitter/kidsitter? Searching for someone who's great with kids, Red Cross certified, and knows CPR in case of emergencies? Call Max at 402-5470016! Would you like to announce a special occasion like a wedding or an engagement, birthday or anniversary? Is there something we can help you sell? Simply send an email to [email protected]. Publishing restrictions may apply, depending on the content you provide. You will be notified in such case.

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti Ingredients (Original recipe makes 3 dozen) ? 1/4 cup light olive oil ? 3/4 cup white sugar ? 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ? 1/2 teaspoon almond extract ? 2 eggs ? 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ? 1/4 teaspoon salt ? 1 teaspoon baking powder ? 1/2 cup dried cranberries ? 1 1/2 cups pistachio nuts

may be sticky; wet hands with cool water to handle dough more easily. Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until logs are light brown. Remove from oven, and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven heat to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Cut logs on diagonal into 3/4 inch thick slices. Lay on sides on parchment covered cookie sheet. Bake approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until dry; cool.

Directions Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). In a large bowl, mix together oil and sugar until well blended. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, then beat in the eggs. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder; gradually stir into egg mixture. Mix in cranberries and nuts by hand. Divide dough in half. Form two logs (12x2 inches) on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Dough

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Armbrust Acres Fun For Old And Young