A SEASONAL NEWSLETTER DEVOTED TO LIBERTY PARK RESIDENTS

Inside this issue: 2011 Christmas Event SAF-T-NET

Liberty Park Residential Newsletter Winter/Spring 2012 Issue

Kindergarten Enrollment School Reminders 2012 Homeowner Meetings Pay Attention Walkers/Runners/Joggers Garbage Pick-up Yard Signs Patio Furniture/Planters Sewer Service Vacation Crime Prevention Vestavia Hills Activities 2012 Summer Bash Spring/Summer Activities Vestlake Recreational Badges Vestlake Swim Center Important Contacts Yard Sales Golf Carts Construction Work Animal Control

Liberty Park Community Christmas Event & Parade Liberty Park’s 10th Annual Community Christmas Event and Parade was a wonderful event for our neighborhood. Please join us in thanking Carol Adkins, Paige Hockman, Sheree Acheson and everyone involved for making this annual event fun for all!

2011 Christmas Event & Parade Photos

Alabama SAF-T-Net

(From FOX6 Website)

In response to devastating tornadoes in Alabama, the Tornado Recovery Action Council issued a report recommending telephone and digital alerting for Alabamians. Alabama technology company Baron Services is providing the SAF-T-Net system at no cost to Alabama residents. WBRC offers several apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry. All our apps are free to download and use. Residents can receive alerts via phone, email or text messaging for up to four (4) user-defined locations. The system provides enhanced location-based storm alerts to recipients. WBRC is doing its part to help spread the word about SAF-T-Net. You can learn more and sign up for the free service at: http://www.myfoxal.com/safe The Alabama SAF-T-Net is a multi-source site-specific network which includes: National Weather Service storm-based (polygon) tornado, severe thunderstorm, and flash flood warnings; Baron patented advisories for strong or dangerous twisting storms approaching designated locations; Mitigation messaging from Emergency Management; Breaking weather updates from media partners Of course, WBRC will continue to offer its own free news and weather apps and alerts for smart phones. Just search the Apple App Store, Android Market or BlackBerry App World for keyword WBRC.

Liberty Park Elementary Kindergarten Enrollment Welcome to Big School! Enrollment begins February 1st in the main office of the school. You must enroll by April 15th to be invited to Kindergarten Orientation in May with a big crayon on your mailbox. You can come by the office between 8:30 am and 2:00 pm. Please remember that your child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2011, and the following items must be presented in person in the school office by the parent or legal guardian: * Social Security Card * Blue Alabama Immunization Form * An original Birth Certificate * Current and Valid Lease, Warranty Deed, Settlement Statement, Mortgage Statement, or Current Property Tax Notice * A Utility Bill in your name for the current month, which shows your property address One Additional Item that ties you to your address: * Proof of Residency from the County Registrar of Voters * Current Vehicle Registration showing residence address * One other Bill mailed to you at your residence address * A Cancelled Check in your name for the current month showing residence property address If legal custody of a child is split between two parents, you must attach a Certified copy of the Court Order identifying each parent’s respective award of physical custody. If you have any questions, please call the school at 205-402-5400 and ask to speak to Sherry Finch. We look forward to meeting all the new kindergarteners in May.

SPRING BREAK MARCH 19-23 VHELP Dates to remember…. PTO Meeting Late Start TV Free Week

April 10 April 12 April 16-20

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

April 24

Inclement Weather Day

April 27

PTO Board Luncheon

May 1

Late Start

May 3

Kindergarten Orientation

May 8

May Day Play Day

May 23

Last Day for Students

May 24

School: www.vestavia.k12.al.us/lp PTO: www.vhelppto.org

LPMS Dates to remember…. Enrichment Conference April 3 PTO Meeting/Late Start April 12 Testing April 9-12 & 16 DQ Spirit Night April 17 Band & Choir Trips April 25-29 Inclement Weather Day April 27 Late Start May 3 Teacher Appreciation Day May 4 PTO Open Meeting May 7 DQ Spirit Night May 8 Lancer Faire/PTO Board Mtg May 10 6th Grade Field Trip May 11 8th Grade Banquet May 18

2012 Homeowners’ Association Meetings We would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend the annual homeowner meetings in January. We appreciate everyone’s comments and concerns. We would like to thank Chuck Marek for his contributions for the last two years as Resident Director for the Vestlake Owners’ Association and welcome Jim Smith who has taken his place. We would also like to thank Susan Ellis Hood for her two years of service as Resident Director for the Old Overton Single-Family Owners’ Association. By an overwhelming majority, Charles Machemehl has been nominated as Resident Director for Old Overton.

PAY ATTENTION FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY, PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS/ REGULATIONS. ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION, STOP AT ALL STOP SIGNS, USE CAUTION AT ALL CROSSWALKS AND DO NOT SPEED.

Walkers Runners Joggers Please be reminded to take caution and use the many sidewalks available rather than the street. Also, wear reflective gear while out in the early morning or late evening.

Garbage Pickup Garbage pick up is weekly on Monday and Thursday. Recycle is picked up weekly on Wednesday. Please retrieve your garbage receptacles promptly. Don’t overfill your garbage or recycle bins which could blow out into the street or your neighbor’s yard.

Yard Signs No signs are allowed in residents’ yards except an approved “for sale” sign ordered through the Liberty Park Residential Sales Office and your security company sign installed very close to the front of your house. Under no circumstance are advertisement, political, charity, etc. signs allowed.

Patio Furniture / Planters Please be reminded that patio furniture and accessories around your home must be consistent with the architectural design and color of the dwelling. No brightly colored materials and designs must be simple. This includes furniture, seat cushions, planters, porch swings, window boxes, etc. Planters/ pots must be limited to four small or two large and should never be empty. Window boxes are not allowed unless approved by the ARC and if not kept planted, will be asked to be removed.

Liberty Park Sewer Service / Enviro Services Enviro Services is your sewer service, not your garbage service. For billing questions, please contact Dee Kirkland at 945-6430. For those on grinder pumps, if you hear an alarm going off outside of your home or see a small red light flashing, please contact Southwest Water at 987-8352. Do not turn the alarm off without taking any action as the alarm means there is a problem.

CITY OF VESTAVIA HILLS POLICE DEPARTMENT Alberto (Butch) Zaragoza Mayor

Dan Rary Chief of Police

VACATION” CRIME PREVENTION TIPS Many of us go out of town for vacation and our goal is for everyone to have a safe getaway and secure home upon their return. Listed are some tips you may consider in attempt to ensure both! PRIOR TO DEPARTURE Do not advertise your vacation plans; don’t post them on facebook or Twitter “I wish you were here!” Try to ensure that there will be no deliveries while you are away; packages on the doorstep are a quick indicator that you are not at home. Enlist a trusted friend or relative to monitor your home while you are away, urge them to call the Police first if they see suspicious behavior at your home (you may be difficult to contact). Consider having them park a vehicle in your driveway occasionally, retrieve your mail and newspaper, place a garbage container on the curb on collection day. Make certain your trusted friend or relative has all of your pertinent contact information. Consider timers in the home for lights/radios and dusk to dawn sensors for outdoor lights. Your goal is to make the home appear occupied. Test your smoke alarms. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is functioning properly. Make sure you SET YOUR ALARM WHEN YOU LEAVE!!!! Go to www.vestaviahills.net and proceed to the Police Department section of the web-page. There under Community Services is a Vacation Patrol Request Form. Print the form, fill it out & drop it off at the Police Department (513 Montgomery Hwy.) Take photos of your valuables and write down serial numbers on applicable high valued items and store them on a disk or thumbdrive that is not in the home. Consider placing it and your most important valuables in a safety deposit box. “SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POLICE” City Hall 513 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-978-0124

City of Vestavia Hills Activities

www.vestaviahills.net

For over twenty-five years Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation has enjoyed very active, exciting Senior Programming. “Spirited” Seniors have participated in continuing Ballroom Dance Programs, Bridge, Bingo, Travel to all points of the Globe and extra special, “Special Events”. To participate in the programs contact Julie Harper at 978-0169 The Parks and Recreation Department also organizes a variety of courses and programs for all age groups. An excellent opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of other Senior Citizens in Vestavia Hills is to join the Vestavia Hills Senior Citizens Association.

The 2012 Liberty Park Summer Bash & BBQ This year’s Summer Bash is scheduled for June 16th at the Vestlake Swim Center. Look for an official invitation in the mail around June 1st but go ahead and mark it on your calendar. There will be lots of food and fun!

Spring/Summer Outdoor Activities With warm weather upon us, there are sure to be outdoor activities planned by many. If you would like to use the Pavilion at the playground, please remember it is available on a first come, first served basis. If you are planning a party and want to use the Pavilion area, you might consider posting a note on the bulletin board underneath the Pavilion a day or two before to let others know. When the pool opens in May, there will be a calendar placed on the bulletin board for residents to reserve dates for parties. No one can reserve the entire pool for a party. The Association does not make reservations for either area.

Vestlake Community Recreational Passes (badges) will be mailed out in April. They are for identification purposes so don’t forget to take yours with you when you visit any of the lakes, park or the pool so you are not asked to leave. VESTLAKE SWIM CENTER The 2012 swim season for Vestlake Residents will begin on Friday, May 18th. The Pool Monitors will be on duty seven days per week from May 18th through the 4th of July weekend. After that holiday, the Pool Monitors will only be present on weekends. The Pool Monitors are responsible for checking water and chemical levels throughout the day and requiring swim breaks as needed. Pool Monitors do not perform rescues, clean up after visitors or supervise unattended children. They also have the authority to enforce all rules and regulations related to pool use. Failure to abide by requests and decisions of a Pool Monitor is grounds for ejection from the facility and suspension of admittance privileges. The Pool Monitor will also be checking for your Vestlake Community Recreational Pass (badge). If you do not have your badge, you will not be admitted into the pool area. Guests are not allowed unless accompanied by a Vestlake resident. Badges and information will be mailed to residents in April. All members of the Vestlake Owners’ Association are requested to help ensure the rules are being followed. If you detect any abuse or vandalism, please call 945-6430 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On weekends and after hours, please call 969-5802.

Important Contact Information: Vestavia Hills Police Dept 823-1153 Sewer Emergencies-987-8352 Public Works Dept 978-0196 Alabama Gas 326-8200 LP Elementary School 402-5400

Fire Department 823-1296 Parks and Recreation 978-0166 Birmingham Water Works 244-4000 Charter Communications 877-728-3121 LP Middle School 402-5450

Liberty Park Security 969-5802 Animal Control 978-0151 Alabama Power 800-245-2244 Enviro Services 945-6430 VH High School 402-5250

Liberty Park Homeowners Association—Dee Kirkland 945-6430 or [email protected] Liberty Park Architectural Review Committee—Pam Eaton 945-6458 or [email protected]

YARD SALES YARD SALES ARE ALLOWED ONLY ON WEEKENDS AND ONLY OUTSIDE THE GATED COMMUNITY. DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ARE NOT ALLOWED. THE CITY OF VESTAVIA HILLS DOES REQUIRE THAT YOU PURCHASE A PERMIT FOR A YARD SALE.

Don’t forget to register your golf carts yearly If you are a new resident, please call or come by the Association Office and get a copy of the registration form and rules and regulations so you can get your golf cart registered as soon as possible to avoid a violation or fine. When you come to register your golf cart, please make sure you bring your completed Golf Cart Registration and Indemnity Agreement, your registration fee and the original liability insurance certificate issued by your insurance company.

CONSTRUCTION WORK Please be aware that no construction is allowed during holiday weekends. Please be courteous to your friends and neighbors by not scheduling any work during that time. Also, any construction on Saturday requires an approved Saturday Work Permit. If you have any construction going on at your property that requires workers to be present on a Saturday, you must come by the Association office or the Liberty Park Residential Sales Office and get a Saturday Work Permit approved. If this is not done, security officers will ask the workers to leave. No work is allowed on Sunday.

ANIMAL CONTROL OVERVIEW Animal/Dog control and the prevention of rabies in the City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, and within the police jurisdiction thereof, is governed by Chapter Four of the Vestavia Hills Code of Ordinances. The City's Code of Ordinances are published in a searchable database on the Municode website. On July 18, 2005, The City Council adopted Ordinance 2098 to amend Chapter Four of the Vestavia Hills Code of Ordinances. This new ordinance is now in effect. Below is a brief summary of some of the key provisions of the City of Vestavia Hills dog control measures. Please, refer to the current ordinance for details. Yearly rabies vaccination and proper documentation of same is required (collar and rabies tag). It is unlawful to keep vicious dogs unless certain requirements are met. Under State Code, owners are liable for personal injury caused by a vicious animal. It is unlawful to keep noisy dogs that are a public nuisance to ordinary persons in a neighborhood. Dogs are not allowed to run at large - they must be on a leash when not confined to the owner's property. Impoundment of dogs found to run at large within the City or its police jurisdiction is authorized by the City. The City has established the position of Dog Control Officer responsible for enforcing the Dog Control Ordinance. he/she has the authority to impound animals in violation of this ordinance and may under certain circumstances issue a citation to owners in lieu of impoundment of their animal. The fine must be paid to the City Revenue Department before the Dog Control Officer can release the animal, however. It is unlawful to interfere with the duties of the Animal Control Officer or his/her assistant. After hours, and on holidays and weekends, when the Animal Control Officer is not on duty, the Vestavia Hills Police Department will impound dogs running at large if it is deemed safe both for the police officer and the dog. If you have questions about the City's Animal Control Program, please call the Vestavia Hills Public Works Department at 978-0151. If you need to report a dog at large, a vicious or noisy* dog, please contact: Vestavia Hills Department of Public Works 978-0151—Monday—Friday 7am to 3:30 pm Vestavia Hills Police Department 823-1153—After hours, weekends and holidays

* Ordinance 2098 encourages neighbor-to-neighbor interaction as a first solution, and should those efforts fail, Ordinance 2098 outlines specific steps to move toward a mediated resolution of a noisy dog problem.

Liberty Park Property Owners’ Associations 8000 Liberty Parkway Suite 116 Vestavia Hills, AL 35242 205/945-6430