Eagle Nest Blog

With so many colorful holiday lights in Eagle Nest, it was very hard for Social Committee members to choose a winner for this year's Holiday Lights Contest. In the end, this year's winner turned out to be Tom and Cindy Corbett , 8250 Warbler Way (above). Their festive display included a Santa in a tree, which added humor, but their Christmas geese sealed the win! They will receive a $25 gift certificate from Target. The runner-up home was the home of Norma Leverenz , 8232 Osprey Circle. Judging committee members loved Olaf! Deserving mention again were our 2012 winners, Brian and Brandy Schneider, 8331 Mockingbird Lane, who lit up their corner magnificently! The 2013 winners were Jeff and Renee Schwegman, 7818 Mallard, and the runner-ups were Jim and Kim Hardie, 7509 Teel Way. About one-third of homes were decorated for the holiday this year. Thank you to everyone who made our neighborhood a warm and welcoming place! -- Submitted by Alice Miley

A couple quick notes about the upcoming snow season ... Snow sticks: The Board has been actively working with our snowplowing contractor to avoid accidental damage to lawns and landscaping, so in the weeks ahead some residents may see orange snow sticks appear along the curb of their property. These sticks are the property of the Board, so please do not remove them (our plowing contractor will be responsible for the installation and removal.). Unfortunately, our budget does not allow for the entire neighborhood to be marked, so most of the sticks will be located along the curves and at the intersections. If you do not want snow sticks on your lots, please contact Clubhouse Manager Kelly Wright at kellygwright@yahoo.com . Broken mailboxes and posts: Recently, the Board surveyed the entire neighborhood to assess the condition of every resident's mailbox and post. This was done to help avoid potential problems for you before the heavy snows arrive. Those lots with loose anchors

Coming to your mailbox the first week of January: 2015: neighborhood association dues letters. For the fourth consecutive year, the Board is happy to announce that all residents in good standing will receive $40 credit, making the total $350 due by May 1 (late fees apply after June 1). Questions? contact Secretary/Bookkeeper Chris'e Van Meter at enpoa_sec@att.net .

Crime knows no barriers, so no neighborhood is safe from thieves, burglars and other law-breakers. Fortunately, our residents have reported very little trouble this year, a fact police attribute to the watchful eyes of neighbors and general precautions residents take in securing their homes and vehicles. Unfortunately, there has a been a growing rash of incidents in the neighborhoods and businesses around Eagle Nest. Click here to see the updated log of area crimes as reported by BRAG (Binford Redevelopment and Growth Program). It's not all-inclusive, but it shows a troubling trend of car break-ins, home burglaries and scams on the Northeastside. Want to subscribe to BRAG's email crime alerts? Contact BRAG Crime Watch Coordinator Pam Brown at (317) 652-1607 or at crimewatch@binford71.org And above all else, if you see something suspicious, say something -- call 911!

Eagle Nest residents have another activity that looks like it will become an annual event. The Cookies with Santa event on Sunday, Dec. 7, was attended by about 40 kids and adults. The kids enjoyed the cookie decorating and coloring Christmas pictures.  But the highlight, of course, was Santa's arrival!  After talking with each child and giving each child a chocolate Advent calendar, everyone participated in an energetic Chicken Dance and the Hokey-Pokey!  Then Santa played his accordion and played a fun game with the kids. The adults asked Santa for a Colts' win, and with the awesome TV in the clubhouse, we all saw the exciting finish! Go Colts! Thanks to social committee members Kelly Wright, Angie Corkwell, Renee Schwegman, Kathy Cruz and Kelly Dentler for organizing. Special thanks to Angie Corkwell for arranging such a fun Santa! The next neighborhood event is the second annual Beer Fest (adults only) on Sat. Jan. 24. -- Submitted by Alice Miley

As the official start of winter approaches, the Eagle Nest Board would like to remind residents of a few courtesy requests and protocols when snow is predicted: What residents should do: > Please move your vehicles out of the street and into your driveway or garage so that our snow contractor has unobstructed pathways to plow. The Board is not responsible for any "plowed" in vehicles or damage that may occur during plowing work. (Also of note: Any vehicle considered a road hazard or that remains parked in the same spot for more than 48 hours can be towed.) > Do not park on curves (Tanager Lane) or near any of the stop sign intersections. We need to ensure motorists have clear navigation routes and visibility. Obviously, this request is in the interest of safety. > If you live on a corner lot, it would be helpful to put vertical snow sticks along the curb so our plowing contractor can do the most efficient job. > Neither our plowing contractor nor the Boar

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin collecting fall leaves in Marion County beginning Monday, Nov. 6, through Friday, Dec. 5. Residents may dispose of as many as 40 bags of leaves per household each week during the collection window on their regular trash day. Each year, DPW collects about 2,000 tons of leaves through this free program. Indianapolis residents are asked to follow a few simple guidelines: Place leaves in plastic or specially built large paper yard waste bags. Place leaf bags outside by 7 a.m. on your regular trash day.  In cart areas, keep all leaf bags at least 3 feet away from trash carts so trucks can access carts. Keep in mind, any trash outside carts will not be collected.  It is illegal for residents to burn leaves in Marion County. Smoke from burning leaves pollutes the air with harmful particles and is hazardous to young children and people with heart and lung disease.   For more information, please contact the Mayo

Now that fall is well underway and the leaves are falling like snow, the Board would like to ask residents' help in keeping our neighborhood storm drains clear of leaves and other debris. Yes, it's chilly and windy out and more comfortable to stay inside, but it only takes 10-15 minutes to sweep the gutter and key sewer spots clear. The storm drains don't have to be along your property, either -- anyone can clear a clogged storm drain, of course. If you see a debris collecting up the street, perhaps in front of an older resident's house, do your neighbor a favor and lend a helping hand. Get the kids involved, if you have them.   Obviously, keeping storm drains clear helps overall drainage throughout the neighborhood, protecting our properties and avoiding street flooding during heavy rains. (The same can be said about ice jams and melting snow piles during winter thawing, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.) Thanks for your help and cooperation. -- Submitted

The Eagle Nest Board would like to thank everyone who turned out last weekend for the Playground Dedication and the Colts Watch Party. The dual event was held in recognition of the association's first major grounds improvement in decades (possibly even since the Clubhouse was built in the 1970s), as well as celebrate the great neighborhood life in Eagle Nest. Playground Dedication: About a dozen kids turned out throughout the afternoon to test the slides, the climbing poles, swings and other features of the new set. The Social Committee provided small prizes, cupcakes and juice boxes for the kids on hand to keep their energy going, too. The Board had hoped to have the project finished sooner (ground was broken Sept. 30, with work finished Oct. 23), but Recreation Unlimited's busy installation schedule and the late summer rains caused unexpected delays. Some have asked, why the dramatic move? The original equipment was falling apart and increasingly unsafe, and its loca

A resident in the 7800 block of Teel Way reported that two of her vehicles were vandalized on Tuesday, Oct. 14, sometime between 3 and 7 a.m. Apparently, the vandals poured sugar into the gas tanks of the vehicles, one of which was parked in her driveway and one in the street in front of her house. The resident said a police report was filed and that her insurance company estimated the damage at $2,800. The resident emailed to the Eagle Nest Board: "I wanted to make sure that our neighbors are aware. We have since made sure that all of my vehicles have gas caps that lock. We have lived in the neighborhood since 2001, and I have never experienced such an awful event." As always, please report any suspicious activity to 911, no matter how minor ( Click here to read a previous post on 911 use .). Bottomline, if you see something say something!

By now, many of you probably have seen all the construction activity at the Clubhouse. Our Playground installation project is well underway, and, weather permitting, should be completed within the next week. That means it's time to party! Save the date: Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014. Yes, the Eagle Nest Social Committee is planning a big dual event to mark the occasion -- a Playground Dedication Party outside for the kids, and a Colts Watch Party in the Clubhouse for the adults. Here's what the Social Committee has planned so far: Playground Dedication Party (outside Clubhouse): starts at 3 p.m. There will be little prizes for every kid, light refreshments and a group picture at 3:30 p.m. to mark occasion. This is the first major Eagle Nest grounds improvement in decades, so we want to start things of right. Thanks, of course, to all residents for their patience during the project. It has taken longer than expected, but the results will be worth it! Colts Watch Party (inside Cl

Just a quick update to let everyone know that construction on the playground will begin Monday. Recreation Unlimited of Noblesville, the vendor/installer for the project, was swamped with playground orders this summer, many of which were large out-of-state projects and schools. That means our Playground Dedication Celebration will move to the first weekend in October. Watch your friendly neighborhood blog for the day, either Saturday or Sunday. Be sure to bring the kids, because the Social Committee will have little prizes, snacks and a group photo for those on hand at 1:30 p.m. Questions or want to volunteer to help? Call Clubhouse Manager Kelly Wright at 847-7928 or email her at kellygwright@yahoo.com . The Board would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding for the delay in getting the project done. Sure, the Board could have chosen a different vendor and perhaps gotten things done a month or so earlier, but the Directors didn't want to sacrifice qu

Just a quick word of thanks to the handful of Eagle Nest residents who participated in the annual Fall Neighborhood Garage Sale last weekend. Sales were down a bit compared to the spring version, but it's always good to host an event that shows off our neighborhood's sense of community and unity. The Board appreciates residents' cooperation. -- Submitted by Scott Thien

Eagle Nest homeowners have another chance to clean out their garages (and other rooms) this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12 and 13, during the annual neighborhood fall garage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This sale has been advertised in The Indianapolis Star and other local communications. The weather looks good for the weekend, so hopefully that will mean good sales! -- Submitted by Alice Miley 

By now, every resident should have received their complimentary copy of the 2014-15 Eagle Nest Directory. The 63-page booklet features full-color bird/street name list, key school and city numbers, a complete list of residents and lot maps. If you didn't receive your directory, please contact Secretary/Bookkeeper Chris'e Van Meter at enpoa_sec@att.net . Also, if you haven't already, the Eagle Nest Board encourages you to enroll in our Constant Contact email blast, a free communication containing summaries of recent blog material distilled down into a convenient, easy-to-digest electronic format. The email blast comes out every month or two, and is a great way to stay in touch with neighborhood news and events. To enroll, simply email your name, lot number and email address to Secretary/Bookkeeper Chris'e Van Meter at enpoa_sec@att.net and she'll add you to our list of 300+ homeowners. Your email address will not be shared to sold to anyone. Have a

Just in time for the recent heat wave and heavy humidity, the Eagle Nest Pool staff has announced extended hours past the traditional closing after Labor Day. Pool Manager Susan Anderson says the pool will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 2, through Friday, Sept. 5, then reopen on weekends only through the rest of September. Hours will be: > Saturdays (Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27): from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. > Sundays (Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28: from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Per tradition, the first and last half hours will be reserved for adult swim on those days. In the meantime, a reminder that the pool is the rest of this week through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. only. Saturday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day), regular operating hours will be observed. Lastly, the Board has received many compliments about the remodeled bathrooms, and we're glad the results have been well-received. A few reminders/requests from the Board: > Please do your part to maintain the facilities

During the past week, two young men in their late teens or early 20s were seen along Tanager, Warbler and Bittern going door-to-door soliciting money for their "soccer team fundraiser." It's possible they were elsewhere in the neighborhood and may have other companions. While such efforts aren't uncommon this time of year, neighbors who interacted with the pair could tell they were anything but soccer players. They weren't wearing any official gear, didn't offer any club affiliation or team, were dressed in beat up clothes, had large tattoos on their forearms (not that anything is wrong with that; simply noted for descriptive purposes) and looked a bit rough. One young man had a medium build with blond hair and was carrying a small leather binder, the other was thinner and had dark hair. Both were uneasy and defensive when questioned. Based on the pair's body language and the way they approached each house, a neighbor who watched the pair make their wa

As summer winds down, so too will activity at the Eagle Nest Pool. Following are revised hours for the rest of this year's swimming season: > Sunday, Aug. 17 through Sunday Aug. 24: normal operating hours. > Monday, Aug. 25 through Friday, Aug. 29: 4 to 8 p.m. only > Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day): regular operating hours. > The Pool officially closes for the year on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Also, please exercise caution when walking in the newly remodeled Pool bathrooms. The floors can get slick when wet, so please no running and watch your step. The Board is working to find non-slick mats to put down until our contractor can improve the floor texturing, probably sometime after Labor Day. Also, please do not let children congregate in the bathroom. The (working!) showers and handicapped benches are not toys, so the Board asks parents to help ensure our facilities are respected and used properly. If you see something out of order, please let

The Eagle Nest Board would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to last Sunday's Annual Pool Party at the Clubhouse. The weather wasn't the greatest, but that didn't dampen the spirits of those who turned out for neighborhood camaraderie, kids games, swimming and lots of good food. Special thanks go out to Clubhouse Manager Kelly Wright, Pool Manager Susan Anderson and her fantastic lifeguard staff and our Social Committee for coordinating everything. It takes a lot of behind-the-scenes effort and planning to pull off an event like this, yet all went down without a hitch. More than a dozen neighbors contributed side dishes -- ranging from pastas to fruit salads to delicious deserts -- to accompany the 225 pieces of chicken and eight cases of beverages provided by the Board. Nearly everything was gone by the end of the event, which drew about 200 people throughout the afternoon. New bathrooms debut: Sunday also was the neighborhood's first opportuni

This year's Eagle Nest Annual Pool Party has special significance since it will be residents' first opportunity to see the remodeled bathrooms and all of the improvements on the main floor of the clubhouse.  The pool party will be Sunday, Aug. 11, from 1-4 p.m.  The Social Committee will provide  fried chicken and drinks.  We ask that residents bring a side dish to share.  Also, the lifeguards will be having games and prizes in the pool area. Come join the fun and celebrate the first major improvements made to the clubhouse in a long time! submitted by Alice Miley

The Eagle Nest Board of Directors would like to thank all the residents who paid their dues on time this year. We finished the collection cycle with all but six accounts paid in full, four of which were turned over to our legal counsel for collection after repeated attempts to communicate with the delinquent residents. In all, 13 of our neighborhood's 419 lots carry a balance at this writing: > four lots turned over for collection (Two of these four accounts have failed to pay dues the past years, and as a result have incurred hefty court costs and legal collection fees.) > one lot made partial payment > five lots have minor balances (mostly late fees) > three lots were improperly process during sale transactions Through it all, Secretary/Bookkeeper Chris'e Van Meter has done an excellent job tracking the accounts and keeping the Board apprised of our financials. The Board appreciates Chris'e's hard work, attention to detail and persistence. The ne

After months of research, the Eagle Nest Board is happy to announce work will begin soon on a new playground set at the Clubhouse. Recreation Unlimited of Noblesville has been contracted to install a model called Baby Bear (below), which includes several climbing options, two wide slides and two swings (one regular belt seat style and the other a baby seat). When finished, the playground space will measure 52 feet long and 32 feet wide and will include recycled rubber mulch for ground cover. The  equipment will be installed near the front of the pool, and a second gate entrance will be installed for easy access for parents. Work could begin in the next several weeks, and once started will take take five to seven days. At the latest the equipment will be installed by mid-September. The area identified for the new playground will require some dirt removal and installation of a 4-foot retaining wall. Once the project is done, parents are asked to keep children off the wall to ens

Eagle Nest has several ways for residents to stay in touch about neighborhood happenings -- all within easy access from your computer. Here's where to go to get official neighorhood news: > Email blast: Simply send your email address to Secretary/Bookkeeper Chris'e Van Meter at enpoa_sec@att.net and she'll add you to our private distribution list (your information will not be shared or sold). We currently have 339 addresses in our database -- that's 80 percent of the neighborhood -- and growing. Once you sign up, expect an email at least once a month, sometimes more depending on Clubhouse activity announcements. > Facebook page: Simply go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/ENPOA/253652287516  You need to be a Facebook user, of course. > Blog: Well, the fact that you're here shows you know the best go-to source for neighborhood news. Be sure to bookmark the site and check back often. Sure, there are other social sites used by our neighbors, but th

The Eagle Nest Board is proud to welcome new member Benjamin Smith, who was elected last weekend during the ENPOA Annual Meeting. Smith, who lives at 7906 Tanager Lane, is an Indiana native who went to high school in South Bend and graduated from Notre Dame in 2002. He and his wife Amy moved to Eagle Nest in 2006, and they have one son (born in 2013). Smith works for URS as a civil engineer designing roads and traffic signals. His hobbies include biking, hiking, cooking, reading -- and now working on behalf of Eagle Nest residents. He can be reached at (317) 979-3374 or benjamin.smith@urs.com   Smith fills the seat vacated by former Director Angie Obergfell, who served on the Board from 2012-14. A total of 55 ballots were cast by residents (13 percent of our 419 properties), a record return rate for the past several elections. There was one write-in ballot. Board members Alice Miley, Jason Van Meter and Scott Thien were re-elected for another term. Click here for a comple

It has come to the Eagle Nest Board's attention that area residents have been dumping refuse in the large blue Dumpster outside the Clubhouse. Please cease such action immediately and report any such activity to police. The Dumpster is intended for use only by the contractors remodeling our Pool bathrooms and is extremely expensive to empty. It has been overfilled with non-construction items, such as old children's pools, trash from Clubhouse rentals and other large items. About half of the Dumpster has been filled with items unrelated to the remodeling project, our contractors say. Suffice to say, the additional costs of emptying the Dumpster could be passed along to homeowners in the result of higher annual dues, and it's unlikely anyone wants that. If you see a resident -- or anyone for that matter -- placing refuse in the Dumpster, please get a description of the individual and their vehicle license plate number and report it to a Board member. Such information wi

On Thursday, July 3, Eagle Nest will begin a new annual event with a 4th of July parade of children's bicycles, wagons, skateboards and non-motorized scooters through the neighborhood. (In keeping with the Family Fun Nights schedule, the event is being held on Thursday, July 3, so residents can maintain the habit of weekly Clubhouse camaraderie) The event will start at 7 p.m. at the Clubhouse and will proceed down Teel Way before doubling back to the Clubhouse. Flags and streamers will be provided to all participants to decorate their rides. After the parade, the Eagle Nest Social Committee will provide hot dogs with buns, chips and lemonade at the Clubhouse. We ask families to bring a side dish or a dessert to share. After the hot dog supper, families can enjoy the pool and the fellowship with other participants. Other neighborhoods have done parades like this, but we're such Eagle Nest's effort will be one to remember. Put this fun event on your calendar! -- Sub

On Thursday, June 26, during Family Fun Night at the pool, a snow cone truck will be at the pool from 7-8 p.m.  Marco's Pizza will also sell pizzas from 5-8:30.  Come and enjoy the pool in the evening!

A reminder that the ENPOA Annual Meeting and Board Election is 7 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at the Clubhouse. As always, any resident in good standing is welcome to attend; the election will be held at the end of the meeting. Ballots with instructions and a list of candidates were mailed a month ago. Simply cast your vote(s) and drop your ballot in the Clubhouse mailbox, 8075 Teel Way, by 6 p.m. All ballots must include your lot number to be valid. Watch your favorite neighborhood blog for results. Can't make the meeting? There are lots other ways to get involved in neighborhood activities. Click here for a calendar of Clubhouse events . -- Submitted by Scott Thien

As many of you may have noticed, the City of Indianapolis repaved several cul-de-sacs in the neighborhood last week. The long overdue work targeted Dove Court, Quail Court, Mockingbird Court and parts of Mallard Way and Tanager Lane, with finishing work on the latter two expected within the next week. Before work began, dozens of "no parking" signs popped up in yards throughout several of the courts. Several residents called the Board seeking an explanation for the signage, but unfortunately the city never notified anyone about its intentions -- it simply installed the signs one day and began work the next. The city made quick work of it, too, with nearly everything finished in a day. Suffice to say, the affected courts desperately needed attention and resurfacing. Aside from saving on the wear and tear of vehicles, the improved roadways make for better curb appeal and help maintain our neighborhood property values. It's worth mentioning that the Board and former lo

As of June 3, about two dozen Eagle Nest residents failed to pay their annual dues on time (the deadline was May 1, late after June 1). That is a recent all-time high, despite the fact that the 2014 dues were reduced to $350 for the third consecutive year and residents were first notified of the amount due in January. It's worth noting that reminder letters were mailed to about 50 homeowners as of May 1 in hopes of nudging residents to meet the deadline. Unfortunately, 25 lots went unpaid by the deadline, and those accounts are in the process of being turned over to our lawyer for collection, per the Board's responsibility to protect the neighborhood's financial interests. Once in the hands of our attorney, the ENPOA Board no longer controls delinquent accounts. As a result, these residents lose the $40 one-time credit the rest of the neighborhood has enjoyed the past three years, and a $50 late fee has been added, per our Controlling Documents. Bottomline:

Now that the Eagle Nest Pool is open, Manager Susan Anderson and her fantastic lifeguard staff are preparing for another great round of swim lessons. The half-hour lessons are free and open to any resident (in good standing) and their children. Participants must wear appropriate swimwear and be accompanied by an adult spectator. Following are the dates and times: > June 9-13: 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. > June 16-20: 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Signup sheets are at the Pool, on the windows behind the patio area. Please be sure to bring your pool tags each time you attend the lessons.  -- Submitted by Scott Thien  

A reminder that the Eagle Nest neighborhood garage sale is the end of this week -- Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. The event will go on rain or shine. Friday is the "preview" day, while Saturday is the main sale day. The dates were chosen to coincide with surrounding neighborhood association sales in hopes of luring more traffic. To help promote the event, the Eagle Nest Board placed ads in local media, as well as posts on Facebook and this, your favorite neighborhood blog. Residents are encouraged to put signs in their yards or balloons on the mailbox posts to signal potential buyers. Click here for a list of other Eagle Nest events this year . Good luck on garage sale weekend! -- Submitted by Scott Thien

Eagle Nest residents, a reminder that one week from today -- Sunday, June 1 -- is the deadline to pay your annual neighborhood association dues. The total for 2014 is $350, which includes a $40 credit (issued three consecutive years, by the way). After that, all unpaid accounts will be turned over to our legal representation for collection. Once in the hands of our attorney, the ENPOA Board no longer controls delinquent accounts. Residents will be responsible for legal fees as well as a late fee. Further, any accounts unpaid by June 1 will result in the suspension of neighborhood privileges (i.e. no pool access, no clubhouse access or rental, etc.) until the accounts are brought current with our law firm. For perspective, five homeowners were unpaid in 2013 -- and those accounts remain in collection status, incurring court costs, legal fees and late fees. From a budget standpoint, those missing funds equal the neighborhood's electricity bill for one month (we pay for streetli

The summer season of the Eagle Nest Pool will begin on Sunday, May 25, at 11 a.m. with adult swim from 11-11:30 a.m. A reminder that swimmers will have to use the portable toilets in the parking lot during the remodeling of the restrooms, which is expected to be completed in late June ( click here for story ). Be sure to say hello to our fantastic lifeguard staff, and feel free to contact Pool Manager Susan Anderson with any suggestions/concerns/questions at aanderson16@yahoo.com . In the meantime, don't forget to celebrate the start of summer with our annual Ice Cream Social at the Pool on Monday, May 26, from 3-5 p.m. ( Click here for more events ) See you there! -- Submitted by Alice Miley

You may have noticed a flurry of activity at the Clubhouse recently. The Board's Pool Bathroom remodeling project is underway, a long overdue modernization that will include ADA accessible toilets, showers, baby changing stations, a storage/locker area for the lifeguard staff, wider doors and improved access and security. The project is the first major renovation of any type for the Clubhouse since the structure was built during our neighborhood's birth. In short, it was long overdue. Completion is targeted for mid- to late June, which means portable latrines (one for men, one for women) will be available for residents during the construction period. (Parents, if you have small children the Board recommends you accompany them to the latrines during pool use.) The Board had intended for the project to be completed by pool opening weekend, however several unforeseen glitches popped up during the off-season. Chief among them: The extreme cold caused a pipe burst between the

Two Eagle Nest residents have stepped up to join the Activities Committee to plan fun events for all residents. Renee Schwegman and Kathy Cruz join Kelly Wright, Angie Corkwell, Kelly Dentler, Chris'e Van Meter and Alice Miley in planning activities that will enable neighbors to get to know each other better. Renee and her husband Jeff have lived in Eagle Nest for seven years. They have two children. Kathy, who is Renee's sister, has lived here for five years with her husband Charlie, and they also have two children. Any resident who wants to join the Activities Committee should contact Alice Miley at alicemiley23@gmail.com. -- Submitted by Alice Miley

Eagle Nest's Activities Committee has set the summer activities schedule for the neighborhood. We're looking forward to a GREAT summer pool season after our long winter! For starters, plan to attend the Ice Cream Social on Monday, May 26, from 3-5 p.m. to celebrate the opening weekend for the pool. Every Thursday night throughout the summer, the Family Fun night at the pool will be accompanied by some special fun. Last year, Marco's Pizza sold $5 medium pizzas from the Clubhouse parking lot, and we will continue this popular activity for this summer. We will publicize the specific food truck closer to the date. A new event for this year will be the 4th of July Parade with a Hot Dog/Pitch-in celebration following. Kids can decorate their bikes or wagons for a short parade. The summer will conclude with the annual pool party on Sunday, Aug. 10. Plan to join us at the clubhouse this summer and get to know your Eagle Nest neighbors better. ACTIVITIES (full schedule to

As residents along Warbler Way have noticed, Citizens Energy Group has begun a project to replace the aging sewer lift control station on the south end of the street. The project calls for the removal of the control panel box and replacement with an updated, similarly sized unit. The utility has been granted right-of-way access from neighbors bordering the project. It's possible that the project will require the tear up of pavement in front of the lift station, Citizens officials say, depending on the condition of the feeder sewer lines. It's unclear whether water and sewer service be disrupted at any point during the project. When completed, the utility will install a privacy fence around the unit and replace landscaping. The project is expected to take three months and will be financed by the utility. No Eagle Funds will be used to support the project. Residents along Warbler Way were notified by mail about the project a couple months ago. Please use caution while

Be sure to bring your kids to Eagle Nest's second annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m.  Meet at 2 p.m. in the clubhouse, and the candy-filled eggs will be hidden in the playground area. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, and everyone can enjoy seeing their neighbors after our long winter.

If you’ve been to the playground at the Clubhouse recently, you’ve seen the deteriorated condition of the structures and the surrounding terrain. A recent inspection revealed that the center beam on one of the structures was split, the equipment was rusted in key spots and the slide was cracked, not to mention the horrid surrounding surface conditions. The Board didn’t want anyone getting hurt, of course, so members voted during the March meeting to have the current set dismantled and removed. Efforts are underway to research replacement options as well as relocation to a site near the front of the Clubhouse (The current site is too unstable and eventually will require massive landscape grading to preserve the hillside and surrounding trees.). A small committee led by resident Kerri Switzer has been formed to research the playset project. If you are interested in helping, please contact Kerri at kmmswitzer@roche.com or ENPOA President Scott Thien at scottthien@comcast.net

OK, it's not exactly neighborhood news, but close enough: Shadeland Station shopping plaza, anchored by Marsh, Planet Fitness, Subway, Dollar Tree and a UPS store, has been bought by a New York-based investment company for $9.5 million and will undergo renovation. The buyer plans to renovate the center’s interior and make improvements to outdoor signage in to modernize its overall appearance, according to a report by the Indiana Business Journal . For those who shop there, this certainly is welcome news for a plaza that inarguably has seen better days. Now, if only we could get the city to install sidewalks along Hague Road and repave 75th Street .... -- Submitted by Scott Thien

Interested in making your lawn, garden and flower beds more attractive? Looking for landscaping ideas or tips to rejuvenate your lawn after our harsh winter? Attend a meeting -- or better yet join! -- the Eagle Nest Garden Club. The group meets the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Eagle Nest Clubhouse, where members host informative programs and speakers about gardening. Our club is nationally certified and so popular that it draws several residents from surrounding neighborhoods. The next meeting is Monday, April 14. Participation is free. Can't make the meeting? Then be sure to mark your calendar for the Garden Club's annual plant auction on Monday, May 19, at 7p.m. at the Clubhouse. " This is always a fun event where members and Eagle Nest residents bring their divided potted perennials, plant transplants, new annuals or perennials and cut flower arrangements," said Garden Club President Sharon Danielson, "The auction is a g

Eagle Nest residents, Two car break-ins were reported last weekend on Shrike Court. The incidents occurred either late Sunday or early Monday. More details will be posted when they become available. In the meantime, please remember to keep your vehicles locked and avoid leaving your garage door opener visible in your car. Also, the Board recommends that you leave all exterior lights on at night to discourage thieves. If you see anything suspicious at any time, please call 911 and report it immediately.

Eagle Nest residents, A handful of inquiries have come in recently about the future of the neighborhood's aging swing/play set. Here's a quick update: While there are no plans to replace the equipment this year, the Board has budgeted $500 to repair the swing/play set, as well as replace the mulch that has been washed away/displaced  by our harsh winter. The Board does not have a specific date when the work will be done but the goal is to be ready by Memorial Day weekend. The good news is our 2015 budget includes substantial funds to replace and relocate the swing/play set. The current location has grown increasingly problematic because of erosion and tree growth. During the 2013 budget meeting, the Board decided it was time to stop flushing away neighborhood funds, so to speak, and spend the money for a more lasting solution. If you have suggestions about the functionality you would like to see in the new swing/play set (and companies we should consider),

Eagle Nest residents, Miller Pipeline of Indianapolis is continuing its work to upgrade our aging sewer lines. The company notified residents via letter recently that it would be in the neighborhood with its equipment this month (usually two or three large white utility trucks and several workers). The work involves inserting a sewer liner the length of existing sewer lines and likely will be centered around manhole covers and curb drains. To avoid disruption, the company asks residents: > To limit water usage that may discharge to the sewer system (including shower, washing machines, diswashers, toilets, etc.). Excess use could result in sewer backup. The company suggests running a little faucet water to fill the pipe traps so odors don't enter your home. > Do not park vehicles in the street near the work areas. > Be advised that due to weather this schedule may change. Questions/concerns may be directed to Richard Gregory at (317) 695-3895. The comp

Click here to read the latest Board minutes of the Eagle Nest Property Owners Association. Among the details you'll find: timetable for the Clubhouse pool bathroom remodel project how much the Board has spent in snow removal growing page views of the blogsite, and the month's most-popular links next events planned by the Social Committee date and time for the March Board meeting -- Submitted by Scott Thien

Eagle Nest residents, Find out what you can do to lessen the chance that you or your home will become the victim of a crime. Attend the BRAG-sponsored Crime Prevention Seminar at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 26, at Hope Community Church, 7440 N. Hague Road. The event led by the Marion County Prosecutor's Office is free and open to the public. Organizers will use area homes as good or bad examples that could invite crime. They also will explain how to protect your home and personal property from criminals, as well as increase the safety in our neighborhood. -- Submitted by Scott Thien

Eagle Nest residents, Do you want to know the latest on the proposed 82nd Street Widening Project, set to begin this summer? Mark your calendar for a public meeting at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Lawrence North High School, Room 195. According to the Indy.gov website , the $14 million project "will improve commuter and pedestrian safety from Hague Road to Fall Creek Road. The infrastructure improvements include widening the corridor from two travel lanes to four, street resurfacing, the addition and repair of sidewalks, curbs and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant access ramps, as well as drainage improvements where needed." At least two public meetings have been held in the past year. However, Wednesday's meeting is sure to include discussion of several topics concerning residents in Castle Cove and Castleton Estates. And because those developments are our neighbors, these issues will affect us, too: > The project could be pushed back to 2015. &

More than dozen people turned out for the inaugural Eagle Nest Winter Beer Fest on Saturday night at the Clubhouse. Participants brought more than 12 growlers of homecrafted and locally brewed beers, ranging from IPAs to blonds to flavored darks and more. Local breweries represented included Three Wise Men, Black Acre and Triton. The Eagle Nest Social Committee threw in for some light snacks, including some soft drinks (which surprisingly went unopened the entire night). Suffice to say, nearly all the the growlers were gone when the event broke up about midnight. There were card games, socializing among new and longtime residents and plenty of laughs. Resident Charlie Corkwell, husband of social committee member Angie Corkwell, stole the show by bringing several of his homemade batches, as well as a mini fridge fitted with a tap (Clubhouse Manager Kelly Wright is on probation for taking the last glass of that hugely popular beer.). Thanks also to Charlie for bringing h

Eagle Nest residents, As you may know, Indianapolis is expected to get 4 to 7 inches of snow starting tonight and through Wednesday afternoon. Please be a good neighbor and keep our roads and cul-de-sacs clear of vehicles so our plowing contractors can do their work quickly and efficiently. Vehicles left on the street create create extra work and labor hours for our crews, which translates into a bigger bill for the neighborhood association and ultimately could affect our annual dues -- and nobody wants that! Further, plowed in vehicles can be hazardous to drivers because of large mounds of snow packed around them, making visibility of the roadway difficult. As always, the Board thanks you for your cooperation and patience as our snow plow crews do their excellent work. -- Submitted by Scott Thien

Eagle Nest residents, Don't put your trash out tonight. Because of the expected extreme cold this week, the City of Indianapolis has cancelled pickups Monday-Wednesday. A double pickup of trash will be next Monday, Feb. 3. More details from the city's website: http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPW/Trash/Pages/TrashHome.aspx

By now, a lot of folks probably are tired of the snow. After the record storm earlier this month it's easy to understand why. But if your lot is fronted by a sidewalk, the Eagle Nest Board asks for your help in keeping the pathway clear. City of Indianapolis code mandates that home and business owners are responsible for clearing their own sidewalks and access ramps. According to the code, if snow or ice falls and builds up after 7 p.m., it must be removed or a path must be cleared by 9 a.m. the next day. If snow or ice falls or builds up on those sidewalks after 9 a.m., it must be removed or a path cleared by 7 p.m. Those who fail to do so could be subject to a $50 fine. But the real reason to clear our sidewalks isn't to avoid a fine. Simply put, it's the neighborly thing to do. Despite the weather, we have a fair number of residents who walk and job the neighborhood, including some with motorized wheelchairs. Further, depending on the circumstances, you could be

Now that Snowmageddon 2014 is over, it’s time for a Q&A about how Eagle Nest weathered the storm. The Board heard from several residents, many with questions, complaints and compliments, so the following themes are centered on those communications. First, reminder about how bad it was: Snow began falling the morning of Sunday, Jan. 5, and didn’t stop until the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 6. Official accumulation was 11 inches – about an inch an hour – the second-biggest snowfall in Indianapolis history, and the minus-15 temperature Monday morning was the coldest in 20 years. Most businesses were closed Monday, many on Tuesday. Lawrence Township schools were closed the entire week. Tens of thousands were without power, though luckily few in our neighborhood were affected. In short, it was very bad. (To read more about the severity of the storm, click here for a Page One Sunday story from The Indianapolis Star .) Question: How long did it take to plow the neighborhood? Answe

Residents should be aware that our plowing contractor is watching neighborhood conditions and may run his blade in certain areas to address ice ruts and slush buildup. In other words, don't be surprised if you find a pile of snow at the food of your driveway when you wake up or get home from work in the next day or two. Such continuing treatments are necessary to ensure the overall safety in the neighborhood. We want to see dry pavement as soon as possible! A handful of residents have complained about having to shovel multiple times since the storm hit, a fact that's simply unavoidable in some areas. Most residents, however, have been pleased with our crews' work and understand the challenges presented in plowing in such harsh conditions. If you've been out on Hague Road and other surrounding streets you know how well off we actually are. Finally, as warmer weather and possible rain approach this weekend, ice jams likely will form around sewer drains. The Eagle Ne

The Eagle Nest Board of Directors would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding as our contractors worked to clear our streets during extremely difficult and record-setting weather conditions. Granted, it took crews more than two days to finish our neighborhood (Warbler and Tanager courts were the last to be cleared Tuesday morning). But as many of you know, Sunday's storm was unlike any Indianapolis has seen in decades: heavy snow accumulations, deadly cold temperatures, massive business closures and power failures, and a mayoral decree to ban all road travel except for emergency vehicles. Our crews worked long and late hours, encountering mechanical challenges beyond their control. Yet in the end, all our streets -- including the cul-de-sacs, long ignored in years past -- were cleared better than most of the surrounding neighborhoods. Compare our final plow job to DPW's efforts on public streets and the value of our contractor's work becomes quite

Please remove vehicles from roadways before snowfalls. As of 4 p.m., our snow plowing contractor resumed work. Crews started by the 75th Street entrance and are working their way in, attacking the cul-de-sacs first, then cleaning up the main thoroughfares. So far, Osprey, Tern and Hummingbird have been done, as well as Goldfinch and Sandpiper near the 82nd Street entrance. Lots of work remains  on Dove, Quail, Mockingbird, Heron and Tanager, however. White Dove needs a lot of work, too, and the contractor is aware of that. The expectation is that the work will be completed today, hopefully by 8-9 p.m. In the meantime, the Eagle Nest Board appreciates your patience and understanding. This DPW truck was stuck near 75th and Hague Road today. The extreme conditions haven't been easy for our crews. The massive amount of snow and dangerous temperatures delayed work, and then Indianapolis issued a travel ban. Adding to the difficulties, some residents failed to remove thei