March 2021 LOOK INSIDE - BridgeMill Community Association
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March 2021
LOOK
INSIDE
LOOK
INSIDE
What takes under
5 minutes?
See pages 12 & 13 April 16 & 17, 2021
What takes under
5 minutes?
See pages 12 & 13 April 16 & 17, 2021
Call
about our
spring
specials.
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131 Holly Street | Canton, GA 30114 | manorlakebr.com
Inside This Issue
Our Family has been keeping A Message from the President.............................................................................. 4
Your Family comfortable Contact Information.............................................................................................. 5
since 2001 Welcome to the BridgeMill Community............................................................. 6
AAAAA BridgeMill Cares..................................................................................................... 8
OUR CUSTOMERS
LOVE US!
Architectural Review Committee Report......................................................... 10
but small enough to care
our needs, .
ndle all of y ARC Request for Modification............................................................................. 11
ou g h to ha
en
We are large Dear Mrs. Kravitz...................................................................................................12
COOLING SEASON PRE-SALE
Happy Gardening...................................................................................................14
Get up to Home & Yard of the Month..................................................................................16
$1,000 OFF Resident Historian.................................................................................................18
a brand new system with financing up BridgeMill Athletic Club......................................................................................20
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Volunteer Opportunities.....................................................................................20
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1 Year Preventative Maintenance The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly About Social Media..................................... 24
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Treasurer's Report................................................................................................ 25
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Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship Seeking 2021 Graduates!...................................................................................... 30
On the cover -
Peace of mind your system is ready for the heat! Photo submitted by Nick Zincone,
Spring Yard Sale.................................................................................................... 32
a BridgeMill Resident
*Offer expires 4.15.21. Financing based on approval.
Cannot be combined with other offers.
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ANY PLUMBING
OR HVAC
STANDARD On the cover:
REPAIR Photo submitted by
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As an essential business and we're taking extra precautions:
sales@kda-communications.com
wearing gloves, booties, staying a safe distance
from customers, and sanitizing. The Cascade is a publication of KDA & Tlehs. Subject
matter published is the opinion of the author and does
not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher of
this newsletter. Professional advice should be obtained
before making any decision in which a professional
is readily available. Advertisers assume responsibility
for the content of the ads placed in this publication. Material published may not be
678-606-9020
reproduced without the written permission of KDA & Tlehs.
The contents of this newsletter are provided for the members of the BridgeMill
www.anytimehvac.com neighborhood as a courtesy only. No representations are made as to information
presented, the quality of the goods or services advertised, or the veracity of the
info@anytimehvac.com statements relating to the goods and services. The printing of opinions, information
or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the neighborhood of such
Our family has been growing CN209112 MP210277 opinions, information, goods or services.
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The Cascade • March 2021 3
A M e s s a g e Fr o m Th e P r e s i d e n t
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Your new 2021 BridgeMill Board of Directors held its first
Open Meeting and Executive Session on February 8. Many plan. The Architectural Review Committee is starting a
of you attended via Ring Central. Thanks to all who at- review and update of the BridgeMill Community-Wide
tended and for your comments and support. Our goal is Design Standards to clarify standards where needed.
to provide open communication, and we welcome partici- Once completed and approved, all homeowners will re-
pation from all homeowners and residents. ceive a copy for guidance. The Communication Commit-
tee assesses ways to communicate with homeowners
President's Day was February 15. Many homeowners cele-
more effectively through The Cascade, the Website, and
brate this special day by displaying American flags in their
email blasts.
front yards. Over 800 homeowners display a flag by par-
ticipating in the Knights of Columbus Flag Days Program. Much appreciation goes to Mike Gerdes, our Website
Participation increases after each flag display. Several chair, for diligently working to keep BridgeMill.org up-
community volunteers, including myself, help to install dated. We intend to keep our Website updated to inform
the flags for each event. If you are interested in participat- all homeowners and residents of happenings in
ing in the K of C flag program, please reference previous BridgeMill.
issues of The Cascade via the Stay Connected tab at
We welcome new volunteer members. If interested in
BridgeMill.org.
volunteering your time and talent, please access
The infamous Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Feb- BridgeMill.org. Please select Committees, and Join a
ruary 2, Groundhog Day, forecasting six more winter Committee to complete and submit the form provided. As
weather weeks. If he had not seen his shadow, the fore- always, we offer sincere appreciation to all volunteers
cast would see us enjoy an early spring. To date, our win- helping to keep BridgeMill a thriving and beautiful com-
ter weather has been mild, keep your fingers crossed that munity in which to live.
this continues! Regardless of Phil's forecast, please re-
Upcoming events include the Community-Wide Yard Sale
member spring is near, and the season offers us all the
currently scheduled for April 16 & 17 and our Home &
opportunity to ready our lawns and landscaping to con-
Yard of the Month program's resumption in May (please
tinue to keep BridgeMill beautiful.
refer to complete information inside this issue). Other
The BridgeMill volunteer committees are actively working activities are in the planning stages. Please watch for
in support of all of us. The Welcome Committee is work- email blasts and further details in future issues of The
ing to establish a safe and effective process to greet our Cascade.
neighborhood newcomers. The Landscaping Committee
Thanks for your support, and please stay safe!
is inspecting and evaluating BridgeMill common areas to
optimize aesthetic value and create cost-effective mainte- Sincerely,
nance designs. Also, the Committee is developing a 5-year
David Brubaker
road, sidewalk, curb and sign infrastructure improvement
Working Together To Keep BridgeMill Beautiful
4 BridgeMill • March 2021
2 0 2 1 B o a r d o f D i r e ct or s
President .................................................................. David Brubaker
Vice President .................................................................Tom Teague
Secretary .................................................................. Christine Dobbs
Treasurer ......................................................................... Jeff Jackson
Member at Large ............................................................. Bill Warren
Division Manager .......................................................... Cathy Green
Community Association Manager ............................. Melody Daniel
Administrative Assistant .............................. Jessica “Jess” Williams
Questions? Concerns?
Comments?
Please contact us!
Send BridgeMill Community Association
payments and communication to:
3542 Sixes Road
Suite 108
Canton, GA 30114
Call (770) 345-1888
management@bridgemill.org
Office hours —
Monday to Friday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Theresa Brubaker, Chair
Mike Gerdes
Amy Knauf
Gary Pippel
Faye Webster
Nick Zincone
& Mrs. Kravitz
With Christine Dobbs as our
Board of Directors Liaison
The Cascade is a monthly publication sent to each BridgeMill mailing address by the middle of each month and is
not addressed to an individual homeowner or resident. If not received by the 20th, please contact the office.
Web versions of The Cascade can be found under the Stay Connected tab at BridgeMill.org.
The Cascade • March 2021 5
It takes a lot of hard-working individuals and teamwork to keep BridgeMill running and looking good.
The Association wants to make sure that everyone
in the community knows and understands the many
different roles within our community and the relationships.
B r i d ge M il l C o mm un i t y C o m mu n i ty Ma n age me n t
A s s o c i a t i on A s s o c i a te s
The BridgeMill Community Association, Inc.,
otherwise known by some as the HOA or Associa- The role of Community Management Associates
tion, consists of 2,820 homes. BridgeMill was (CMA) is to serve the Board and our community.
built in multiple phases throughout the years, CMA provides assessment collection, accounts
beginning early 1997 on Lake Allatoona's shores payable, official record storage, annual budget
to as late as 2016 when the building finished in preparation, regular property inspections, nego-
The Manor at BridgeMill. The community associ- tiations of contracts, and common area manage-
ation office is located at 3542 Sixes Road Suite 108 ment, along with enforcement of the Associa-
Canton, GA 30114. This office is also where the on-
tion's rules, regulations, and policies. Manage-
site staff helps the community Monday through
Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Various meetings ment Staff consists of Melody Daniel, On-Site
are also held in the office every month, including Property Manager; Jessica “Jess” Williams, Ad-
Board of Directors, ARC, Landscape, Website, ministrative Assistant; and Cathy Green, Divi-
and Welcome Committee meetings. Homeowners sion Manager.
can purchase BridgeMill standard mailboxes and
supplies at the office and discuss any manage-
ment concerns or questions. B o a r d of D i re c t o r s
The BridgeMill Board of Directors comprises five elected BridgeMill Homeowners
who volunteer their time to serve BridgeMill on behalf of all 2820 homes. Directors vote each year to
determine officers. Our 2021 officers are President David Brubaker, Vice President Tom Teague, Secre-
tary Christine Dobbs, Treasurer Jeff Jackson, and Member at Large Bill Warren. Each Board member
has a specific role, as defined by the Association Bylaws. The Board of Directors meetings take place
on the second Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. The Board's agenda includes items for the commu-
nity, such as ongoing community maintenance and improvements, major projects, new ventures,
homeowner concerns, and other areas needed to move the BridgeMill community in a positive direc-
tion for the future. The Board's goals are to maintain the community at its best and improve property
values while providing clear communication to all residents.
All amenities/facilities in BridgeMill are owned by a
private club and managed by a separate manage-
ment company.
B r i d ge M il l
The BridgeMill Athletic Club (BMAC) is a separate
A t h l e t i c C l ub entity from the BridgeMill Community Association
and IS NOT part of the BridgeMill Community As-
sociation.
6 BridgeMill • March 2021
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OPEN The Cascade • March 2021 7
Monday–Friday 9am–6pm
It is indeed an honor to shine a spotlight on a dear lady who has a heart
of gold right here in beautiful BridgeMill! Viola has called BridgeMill
her home for 15 years since moving from the Towne Lake area. Her
daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Andrew Eklind, along with their
two children, Cruz (10) and Ellie Blair (6), live just two minutes down
the road from her in BridgeMill, enabling her to be the doting
“Grammie” at any time of the day and night.”
BridgeMill is a place for all generations!
"Papa" Ray, Cruz, Ellie, "Grammie" Viola,
Amanda, and Andrew
8 BridgeMill • March 2021
Viola is often seen volunteering countless hours here in
BridgeMill by chairing the Welcoming Committee, delivering
every new BridgeMill resident a welcome packet and a big smile
(pre-COVID). She attends the monthly HOA meetings and plans
and organizes the annual "Light Up BridgeMill" event to begin the
Christmas season. She always has a smile on her face and is will-
ing to help in any way! Viola has never met a stranger and happi-
ly spreads her love to all.
You will find her serving the Homeless
Veterans here in Cherokee County
with the American Legion outside of
the community. Each week, she spends
many hours volunteering her time and
energy gathering household items for
our local veterans, then plans and or-
ganizes large scale garage sales with all
the proceeds from the sales awarded
back to the homeless veteran organiza-
tion. Viola also devotes her time at the Georgia National Cemetery each year, laying
wreaths at each gravesite to remember our fallen heroes, honor those who serve, and
teach our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. No
doubt that she has made a difference to many people's lives that the veteran's chari-
ty has helped! She takes the initiative in what-
ever awareness drives they have, and she per-
forms exceedingly well in cre-
ating awareness about the
charity. Her love for our
country and our soldiers is
contagious! She makes every-
one better with her positive
attitude!
If this is not enough, Viola also finds time to spend at our surrounding
assisted living facilities by devoting her time visiting with the elderly. She
listens to their stories showing that quality time together is truly the best
gift to share.
She has been an integral part of the BridgeMill community, and I am more
than happy to recommend her for this honor. Viola Ross, THANK YOU
for helping make BridgeMill a perfect place to call home!
By Susan Rubin
Please submit honorees for “BridgeMill Cares” to BridgeMillCares@gmail.com
The Cascade • March 2021 9
Architectural Review Committee
Report
BridgeMill Cares is searching for uplifting stories of great
people performing duties above and beyond during these un-
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) meets the first
usual times. We want to honor residents who are teachers, and third Mondays of each month. The committee's goal is
doctors, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement, military, and to review all requests that are appropriately submitted, and
all other heroes living in our community. Do you know some-
then promptly approve as allowed under the BridgeMill
one or a group of people worthy of being an honoree in our
BridgeMill Cares column? We want to know who they are so Covenants and Community-Wide Design Standards. New
we can share their uplifting stories with our community. If procedures ensure that a "check-list" is used for early re-
you would like to recommend a particular person or a group
view of submitted requests & materials so that email follow
of big-hearted people, please email your submission to
BridgeMillCares@gmail.com. up can be sent to homeowners when information is miss-
ing or incomplete, thus minimizing delays in the review
process. There are separate forms for the following re-
quests: Fences, Roofs, Pools, Landscaping, and Painting, as
well as a general Miscellaneous request form. Please note
that a layout of your property called a "plat" is required for
any fence or pool. Forms can be submitted online or to the
office.
If anyone needs assistance in completing the required doc-
uments, please contact the Association Office at 770- 345-
1888 or send an email to management@bridgemill.org to
schedule a meeting with an ARC team member who will be
happy to help. We appreciate residents improving their
property and making BridgeMill a great place to live.
BE THE CHANGE THAT Specific ARC Forms can be found on our website at
www.BridgeMill.org under the HOA Documents and
WE NEED TO SEE IN THIS Forms tab.
WORLD Note: If you are replacing or repairing anything on the
exterior of your home/property with the same material,
design, and color, you DO NOT need ARC approval – But if
you want a "golden ticket" to show neighbors you are "all
2myPlace is a 501(c)(3)/non-profit, dedicated to “bridging good" then feel free to sign/send form stating request. If
education with opportunity." Our goal is to reach and teach
you are CHANGING anything on the exterior of your
teens and young adults by offering coaching in life and social
skills, keeping them strong, safe and confident. Our audio home/property, approval is required. **Please remem-
workshops are led by teens. We introduce the dangers of ber that electronic paint samples will not be accepted.
Human trafficking, bullying, lack of confidence, anger and
stress, and anything else they want to address. In February 2021, the ARC reviewed 57 requests...
Real Beginnings is our program dedicated to helping women • Miscellaneous – 16
(who’ve been sex-trafficked, abused, or addicted) ready to
re-establish their lives, following a recovery program. • Roof – 4
We offer the services necessary to thrive, such as: housing,
transportation, psychological services, food, • Pool – 6
clothing, and medical and dental.
• Landscaping – 17
Please help by making a tax-deductible donation
at www.2myPlace.org • Paint – 8
If you can volunteer services- please get in touch! • Fence – 6
Cindee Sapoznik~Founder/CEO
770-815-6044
10 BridgeMill • March 2021BRIDGEMILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
Architectural Review Committee “ARC” Request for Modification: ARC.1
I understand this application is based upon and sets forth requirements found in the Declarations of Protective Covenants, Conditions,
Restrictions, and Easements For BridgeMill, Art. VII, Art. VIII, and the BridgeMill Community-Wide Design Standards,
Homeowner Name: Date:
Please PRINT
Address: Home/Cell Phone:
Email: Best Daytime Phone:
Please do not start your project until you receive a written response from the Architectural Review Committee with the “golden
ticket”. Projects started without approval are subject to fine. Submit this application and “ARC Part 2” with all required
documentation to the BridgeMill office, 3542 Sixes Road, Suite 108, Canton, GA 30114 no later than 4:30 PM on the
Thursday prior to each meeting on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month. Upon receipt of completed request you will
receive a confirmation email. Upon approval, you will receive a notice and “Golden Ticket” to place in a front window. The golden
ticket sheet must be displayed and visible to the street from the front of your home until project is complete. Upon completion sign and
return the “golden ticket” sheet to the office for filing. Projects begun without ARC approval are subject to fine.
1. All major modifications will require the submission of the following items AND a form from number 2 below.
a. Photograph of both the front and back of your home – including “line of sight” from the golf course if your home backs to
the golf course. DOES THIS HOUSE BACK TO THE GOLF COURSE? YES or NO (circle one)
b. Map/drawing of property lines including footage from the property line to the proposed structure.
c. Dimensions and location on the property of the proposed pool, fence, or pergola, deck, porch etc. (specifically the
distance from the property line and the house to the modification).
d. Sample/type of materials being used to include, color (neutral and earth tones are required when applicable) and a paint
sample and/or photograph of the materials. All original paint and color samples must be provided to the office (email
and photo of color/sample are not acceptable).
e. A drawing or “example” color picture/photo of the proposed structure itself, i.e., deck, pool.
f. Neighbor approval if tying into adjoining fences (materials inside your property line if not tying into existing fence) You
are required to maintain all your property/area outside of the fence, or be subject to violation, fines and abatement.
2. In addition to the ALL requirements of number 1 above, you must submit a separate ARC form, a thru f identified below, to the
BridgeMill Community Association Office for each modification you plan to make and ask for approval. Attach one or more
of the below forms as needed.
a. Fence – Height, style, measurements, materials, color.
b. Exterior House Color - (Trim, Shutter, Doors) ((Change of color) You must submit a color sample. Manufacturer name,
color name and number are required. Photo of house and manufacturer “chips” are required. See form info
c. Pool - In addition to the requirement of Number 1 above, please include samples and/or photo to identify the type of
material to be installed, i.e. gunite or vinyl. You must also provide information as to the location on your property of
where the pool filter equipment will be placed.
d. Roof Replacement – color and materials.
e. Landscape Changes – Landscaping, tree removal, shrub redesign, etc.,
f. Miscellaneous - Deck, Screened in Porch, Gazebo/pergola- drawings or sample photo w/size and detail; Driveway
Expansion- drawings and materials; Play equipment; statuary; Retaining Wall – material (neutral earth tones); Room
addition – Drawings, Plat; Storage shed – drawings and materials (neutral earth tones).
HOMEOWNER RELEASE: Homeowner grants permission for members of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and the
Board of Directors, BridgeMill Community Association, Inc. (BMCA)., their agents, and/or representatives to enter onto the property to
make reasonable observations and inspections of the requested modification and completed project. The Applicant(s) represent and agree
by the Request submitted, that all the representatives and workers, including but not limited to, Architect, Engineer, Contractors,
Subcontractors, and agents and employees shall be made aware of requirements of the ARC and the Covenants and Bylaws of the
BMCA. It is also agreed that the Homeowner/Applicant has the responsibility to ensure that all shall abide by the procedures and
guidelines found in the Declaration of Covenants of BMCA. Homeowner/Applicant further represents and verifies that all applicable
license and permits have been or will be obtained in accordance with all rules, regulations and laws.
Homeowner Signature: Date:
By signing this application, I have read, understand and agree to the Homeowner Release printed above.
TheThe Cascade
Cascade • September 20201111
• March 2021Dear Mrs. Kravitz...
Dear Mrs. Kravitz: I had a dream last night that I drove through BridgeMill and all street gutters and storm
drains were free of leaves and litter. I truly had this vision of beauty and wished it had not been just a dream. I
wish all of our neighbors would take the initiative to keep the areas in front of their homes swept clean. Would
you please address this in one of your upcoming columns? Thank you! --- Anonymous
Dear Anonymous: Oh my, Mrs. Kravitz has
had this very dream. If only our neighbors
would notice the litter and leaves that build up
daily. Should we only dream, or can we do
more cleaning up of our surroundings?
Shortly after receiving your email, Mrs. Kravitz ran an experi-
ment using a broom, dustpan, and garbage bin and proceeded
to clean up a storm drain nearby. Check out the before and
after pictures showing the results! It was well worth the few
minutes it took to perform the actual labor to improve this
particular storm drain's appearance.
Some of our neighbors may not be able to perform such clean-
up. When this is the case and a nearby neighbor cannot assist,
please contact Steve Ralston, Cherokee Roads & Bridges, at
770-345-5842. Please keep in mind that when Cherokee Coun-
ty is asked to conduct such cleanup, it may take some time to
be satisfied. The first line of defense is to take a small amount It took a whopping
of time to do this work ourselves. 4 minutes, 27 seconds &
93/100 of a second
Aside from the unsightly appearance of the build-up in our to complete the
gutters and storm drains, it is imperative to keep these clear of daunting task of
debris. Allowing this build-up of leaves and other debris can cleaning up this storm drain!
clog the drains and impede overall functionality. This debris Do any of us waste
more than
can cause backups/flooding and affects our creeks, lakes, and
that amount
drinking water sources. Please remember never to sweep or
of time in a given day?
blow any debris into our storm drains. Residents and home-
owners who utilize lawn care services should also instruct YES!
them never to do this.
12 BridgeMill • March 2021Be watchful for unsightly conditions in front and
along the sides (on corner lots) of your home to
ensure a vision of tidiness.
We can all do our part to
participate in cleaning up BridgeMill!
Let's make it happen!
Our Cherokee County Public Works responds! Call Cherokee County
See broken curbs and sidewalks? Public Works
Report them and enjoy the results! 770-345-5842
Have a question? Email Mrs. Kravitz — DearMrsKravitz@gmail.com
The Cascade • March 2021 13On your Mark! Get Set! Go! Spring is near!
By Faye Webster
The calendar says spring is near, but the cold March wind may have you thinking other-
wise. March is the starting bell for those of us who live to get back into our gardens! Be-
lieve it or not, what you do beginning this month will make a difference when late
spring and early summer arrive!
I think I will buy my annuals today! NOT!!
March is when we usually enjoy average high temperatures in the 60s and 70s with
average low temperatures in the 30s and 40s. However, March will likely bring us
another night or two with frost and below-freezing temperatures.
Granted, we are all tempted to start loading up on every beautiful plant we find in
the garden centers that abound in our area. But remember, the regular last frost date
for our area is April 15, and those tender plants need warm temperatures and warm soil to
thrive, so be patient. There will be plenty of plants to go around!
If you couldn't help yourself, watch the weather reports. If the prediction is to expect frost, cover your new
plants overnight with a sheet, old tablecloth, etc. but avoid using plastic!
To do NOW!
Rake leaves and mulch away from beds to allow the foliage of spring-flowering bulbs and perennials to
begin coming up.
Dig up and divide perennials now and add new ones to your garden beds. Most perennials can be di-
vided, and some perennials prefer being divided in the late summer instead of early spring. These include
peony, lily, and bearded iris.
Fertilize your roses that have been pruned to about 12" high. If possible, use a fertilizer specially made
for roses.
Feed your camellias and azaleas now. If azaleas show signs of lace bug damage, treat with a systemic
product (i.e., Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control).
Repot your houseplants. This is the perfect time to give indoor plants a new lease on life by transplant-
ing them into a larger pot with fresh soil.
Weed! Weed! Weed! This is a never-ending war and one you can quickly lose!
Happy Gardening! Send questions, suggestions and comments to: BridgeMillGardens@gmail.com
14 BridgeMill • March 2021MARCH MADNESS
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FOR OUR FRONT LINE
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770-445-0870 • Call us for more information
A Fresh Approach to Senior Living
Your Story
Grows Our Story
For three decades, we have been growing
our story through listening to those we serve.
Our commitment to meaningful relationships means
Arbor communities are rooted in connections that last
for years. Everyone has a story to tell, and we can’t wait
to hear yours.
Call 770-214-4023 and visit today. ArborBridgeMill.com/Active
INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | DEMENTIA CARE
The Cascade • March 2021 15Program resumes in May and
will run through December!
The Nominating Committee
will select two
winners per month.
“Home & Yard of the Month” Judging Criteria:
Manicured yard, offering beauty, originality, and creativity
Walks, driveways, and curbs edged and swept clean Nominate with the nominee's address.
Shrubs neatly pruned Snap a photo of the house/yard, if possible.
Email nominations to:
Garbage cans out of sight
BridgeMillYOM@gmail.com
Toys and bikes not strewn about
Judging is based solely
Hoses rolled up and out of sight on the total exterior appearance of their
No boats or RVs parked on the property home and front/side yard as viewed.
Current on HOA assessment—past and present We will do the rest and check it out!
No current or outstanding covenant violations
Fences in good shape, no missing or dangling shutters, painted surfaces are presentable
Upkeep of the yard can reflect the efforts of the residents themselves or that of a professional landscaper or
groundskeeper
HOA Board members are not eligible
Winners must maintain their yard in the same manner that allowed them to win the title
Homes with a “For Sale” sign are not eligible
$175 Cash Prize
Grand
from the HOA Prize
+
$175 Featherstone’s Grille
Gift Card from BMAC
All sixteen “Yard of the Month” winners must remain in good standing,
with the HOA, to be eligible for the drawing.
The Grand Prize will be awarded to one lucky winner at the 2022 HOA Annual Meeting.
16 BridgeMill • March 20212019
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INC.
The Cascade • March 2021 17G o n e a r e t h e D a y s o f t h e W h i t e P i c k e t Fe n c e
B r i d g e M i l l —Billed as homes priced from $120,000 to $600,000 twenty-three years ago! The sales office had a Community
Fact Sheet promoting this new community advertising, "Premium homesites offering desirable features such as golf views, lake views,
and private and forested backyards. And a select team of Atlanta's blue-ribbon builders offers the finest collection of homes, offering
an outstanding choice of architectural styles and floor plans." It went on to say that, "BridgeMill is located in the market-proven area
of South Cherokee County, located at Sixes Road and Bells Ferry Road, just 3 miles west of I-575 and only minutes from the services
and conveniences of Towne Lake."
Towne Lake was well into the development phase, and the demographics showed a significant shift north from the Northern Arc.
Today the Cherokee Chamber shows that the current population in Cherokee County is 232,500 and will add another 160,000 residents
by 2040, bringing the total to approximately 392,500.
ARC Senior Communications Coordinator Jim Janquish recently gave the reasoning behind the fast-growing County. He said this.
"The northern suburbs are growing quickly due to the relatively low housing costs and good schools," he went on to say, "Cherokee is
seen as a good place to raise a family. Woodstock and Canton are vibrant, growing communities that attract singles and families to
the area. Outside of those more urban areas, there is plenty of land, and there are numerous affordable, attractive neighborhoods all
around."
Commissioner, Scott Gordon, went on to say that, "The latest reports say that the county workforce that commuted outside the county
to work in 2014/15 had dropped slightly from 80% to 70%." He went on to say, "This is good positive news. However, we still have a
long way to go before we are better balanced between living, work, and play inside the county footprint." Twenty years ago, I did work
outside the County because I was a sales engineer whose territory was the lower 48 and Toronto. Today? I hardly leave Cherokee
County.
I can't disagree with him, but one part of his quote caused me to zero in on
his comment regarding "relatively low housing costs." When I travel
around the circumference of BridgeMill, I don't have to go too far until I
see billboards showing three and 4-bedroom homes starting at $350,000.
That's pretty close to the means of our community twenty years ago. And
from what I see from the road, they are pretty tight together. There is hard-
ly room for a berm. Take a look at the picture to the right showing how
tightly they are now building in individual sections of the country. It is
beautiful from the street. I realize that BridgeMill has a pocket of these
condensed homes, and they offer a nice design, well laid out, and blend
into the landscape.
Saying this, I am sure you realtors would like to sit me down and have a good debate with me. I am well aware that these new neigh-
borhoods have a market, or they would not be building them. There is a
substantial segment out there (the baby boomer generation) aging and fast.
I am a couple of years older than they are, and although I can still get on
my hands and knees to clean my wood floors, it is becoming more difficult.
A couple of years ago, I looked forward to gardening, but it just isn't ap-
pealing to me anymore. And it wasn't too many years ago that when I
washed my car, I could lean over and clean my wheels and wheel wells.
Now? Where one knee on the concrete would be enough, I now have to
get on both knees to clean them. All of a sudden, a tight three-story town-
home with an elevator looks more appealing to me! Take a look at the pic-
ture of a three-story townhome to the left. Will this be next?
18 BridgeMill • March 2021Convinced that this is how the real estate market is going, I thought I would pull out my contract papers from twenty years ago. I
was fortunate enough to be able to custom build my home. I knew this would be my last home, and I well understood what my life-
style was. Below, I will share the costs in 2000 – 21 years ago!
The figures are taken from my original contract dated August 9, 2000
$ 600 42” cabinets consisting of 2 double wide, 2 single wide and one over the range
$ 350 Crown molding around the cabinets $ 525 Garage door opener 2-stall
$ 225 3 Elongated commodes $ 175 BBQ gas stub—back patio
$ 1100 A 12 SEER upgrade air conditioner $ 1100 A 90% efficiency upgrade furnace
$ 100 Tilt tray in kitchen cabinet $ 100 Ceiling fan wire and brace
$ 625 5 Recessed Lights in the kitchen $ 900 Berber carpet throughout the living & dining rooms
& the entire upstairs
$1 in 2000 is equivalent in purchasing power to
about $1.51 today, an increase of $0.51 over 21 years.
The dollar had an average inflation rate of 1.99%
per year between 2000 and today, producing
a cumulative price increase of 51.26%.
I wish I could put my hands on the paperwork that I built in East Cobb 38 years ago that was built on a 1/3 acre and had a small forest
in the backyard, but I can’t. What I do remember was it had to be under $100,000. What I also remember is the home I built in Illi-
nois in 1973. It was very similar to the home I built here and it was in the $70,000 range.
It appears that the days of the white picket fence, oval driveways, and a
second kitchen in the backyard are about over. Check out the picture here
on the right to see where these folks will have neighbors right next to
them. And look very closely if you will - the building comes within six feet
of the sidewalk and the street. Again, very attractive and nicely done. I see
this already in Woodstock.
In closing, we need to be very happy with what we have here in BridgeMill
and, in addition to that, keep our properties looking fresh, well taken care
of, and inviting. I was born, raised, and educated in an old neighborhood
built during WWI. Depending on the lot, we would see bungalows, Cape
Cods, one and two-story apartments, and garages off the alleys. To drive
by there today, it looks like a dilapidated neighborhood. I believe the Cape
Cod my Mom and Dad owned still has the roof Dad and I laid fifty years
ago. When I came home from school, my wife and I purchased a two-story Dutch Colonial, and that neighborhood looks much like it
did in 1972. And my two-story traditional that I built when I moved down here in 1983 looks like the termites have hit it.
We have a choice, and I believe I already see many renovations going on here in BridgeMill this spring. It was difficult enough paying
$525 for a garage door opener, let alone paying for another one.
Gary Pippel
Resident Historian
Picture credits go to Architectural Digest, Engineered Wood magazine, and the JW Collection.
The Cascade • March 2021 19ATTENTION: All
amenities/facilities
in BridgeMill are
owned by a private
Vo l u n t e e r
club and managed by
a separate manage-
ment company.
The BridgeMill Ath-
letic Club (BMAC) is
Opportunities!
a separate entity from the BridgeMill Community Association
and IS NOT part of the BridgeMill Community Association.
The amenities/facilities located in BridgeMill, include the play-
ground, basketball and tennis courts, golf course, pool, and fitness
center. These facilities are owned and operated separately by a pri-
vate athletic club known as The BridgeMill Athletic Club, a sepa-
rate entity from the BridgeMill Community Association, Inc. HMS
Golf Management manages the club facilities, not the BridgeMill Opportunity awaits!
Community Association or its management. You must be a mem-
Applications are available by accessing
ber of the club to take advantage of the amenities/facilities. Anyone
living inside or outside the BridgeMill community has the oppor- www.BridgeMill.org,
tunity to join this private club at various membership levels. All select “Committees,”
residents are encouraged to look at the club information and sign
up. Please remember HMS management will address all billing, &
charges, club property maintenance, or other club issues. “Join a Committee”
Please Note: The BridgeMill Community Association, to complete and submit.
Inc. does not have “monthly dues!” "Assessments" are
payable only one time per year to the Association.
Frequent patrol of all Athletic Club amenities is due to securi- Board of Directors
ty concerns and issues experienced by the Club. The play-
ground, open field, cart/walking paths, parking lots, and pa- Liaison Positions
vilion are available to Athletic Club members and their guests Architectural Review Committee - Tom Teague
only. The golf course cart path, which runs between the main Communications Committee - Christine Dobbs
BridgeMill entrance and the pool remains accessible to resi-
Election Committee - Christine Dobbs
dents; however, please exercise caution during use as carts
and golf balls can be dangerous to pedestrians. Holiday Committee - Bill Warren
Landscape Committee - Tom Teague
Please Remember: The use of golf cart paths and the property Welcome Committee - Bill Warren
belonging to BMAC is NOT for walking dogs, bike riding, pedestri-
an walking/jogging/running, sledding, or other unauthorized ac-
tivities. Trespassing is illegal and could present a dangerous con-
dition due to golf balls, etc. Please remember that damage to the
golf course and club property affects us all.
Community cooperation is appreciated!
Involved and
caring neighb ors
M A K E a D I F F E R E NC E
JOIN US!
Call BMAC at 770-345-5500
to inquire about membership.
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The Cascade • March 2021 21• BridgeMill Board of Directors Meeting @ 6:30 pm — April 12th
• Landscape Committee Meeting – March 9th, April 6th
• ARC Meeting — March 15th (Request Deadline—Thursday, March 11th)
April 5th (Request Deadline—Thursday, April 1st)
April 19th (Request Deadline—Thursday, April 15th)
Please Note: ALL ARC requests must be received by 4:30 pm on the Thursday before the committee meets.
Please refer to the dates indicated above. Requests received after the cutoff date will be reviewed by the
committee at their next meeting. The ARC meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. There will be no ex-
ceptions for requests turned in after 4:30 pm on the Thursday before the committee meets. It takes time to
prepare the multitude of requests for the committee to review.
Spring Community-Wide Yard Sale — Friday, April 16th— 9:00 am—2:00 pm
Saturday, April 17th—8:00 am—3:00 pm
Stay informed! Please be sure to be included in our
"email blasts" regarding important community in-
We welcome new homeowners! formation. Submit your contact information to
Melody Daniel at management@bridgemill.org.
A "Web Welcoming Letter"
will be mailed to all new
homeowners once
Community Management Associates
Owner Login Portal
(CMA) receives the Deed.
Use your CMA account to access transactions, view vio-
The account is then transferred/ lation and architectural modification letters, make
updated to the new homeowner. payments, and more.
This welcoming letter will Go to Owner Login at:
include CMA's www.CMACommunities.com
portal information,
login instructions and password. Don’t know your CMA account number?
Please contact Melody Daniel at:
management@bridgemill.org
22 BridgeMill • March 2021Mr. Electric of Canton
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The Cascade • March 2021 23T H E G O O D,
T H E B A D,
& T H E U G LY
Di d you know ?
Social media sites, such as Nextdoor and Facebook, are NOT administered or monitored by,
or officially associated with the BridgeMill Community Association, Inc. (BMCA).
The BMCA Board of Directors has pledged to keep residents informed through direct and online com-
munication while being transparent and providing information of interest to the community by ap-
propriate means, which may include posting to social media, email or other online services.
Social media is not a method or means of communicating with the Board of Directors or Management
staff.
For the fair and equal treatment of all in our community, any resident may contact the Board of Di-
rectors and Management to discuss issues and concerns. You may email management@bridgemill.org
or send a letter to the Association at BMCA 3542 Sixes Rd, Suite 108, Canton GA 30114.
Residents are welcome to attend the open session of the Board of Directors meetings held the 2nd
Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Executive session follows immediately after the “open session”
and is closed to residents.
Negative posts on social media affect your neighbors and our entire community!
Let us help you create a unique & colorful landscape
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Create a back yard oasis
Too shady for grass? Let’s talk solutions
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4256 Earney Rd Woodstock GA 30188
770-442-3901 autumnhillnursery.com
24 BridgeMill • March 2021Treasurer's Report
BridgeMill Community Association Receivables by Month 2020 vs 2021
Income Statement Summary $450,000
YTD as of January 31, 2021
$400,000
As of January 31, 2021
Actual Budget Variance $350,000
$300,000
Income 23,041 4,937 18,104
$250,000
Expenses
$200,000
Administrative 37,979 21,993 15,986
Grounds & Landscaping 4,621 5,241 (620) $150,000
Repairs & Maintenance 870 1,583 (713)
$100,000
Safety 146 33 113
Utility 1,674 2,438 (764) $50,000
Total 45,291 31,288 14,003
$-
Income (Loss) (22,250) (26,351) 4,101
2020 2021
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The Cascade • March 2021 25There are few additions to your home that are more aesthetically pleasing than a well-manicured yard, yet it seems
like they are a continual money pit that requires a great deal of time and money to keep your yard looking good.
This article intends to give you some helpful tips and tricks to improve both areas, which will also help you be a
better steward of our shared water resources.
Design
Proper planning in developing a new or existing landscape is a critical component of the beginning of your re-
source-saving experience. We have a pamphlet available in our lobby or online at the URL below titled "Water-
Wise Landscape Guide" that helps guide you through the process of mapping your landscape and taking things
like wind direction, sun exposure, and drainage swells into consideration. This pamphlet also gives you useful tips
and tricks about creating watering zones based on need, plant placement, and recommended soil amendments. In
total, it is a 7 step process this resource walks you through to create a landscape that will be water-efficient and
requires less overall maintenance. We recommend reaching out to the UGA extension office or a landscape profes-
sional for those that may find this a little overwhelming.
https://northgeorgiawater.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/MDC_WaterWise_Landscape_Final-7MB.pdf
Watering
Watering based on a plant's need rather than a regular schedule is better for the plant and your wallet. Grass
should bounce back when you walk on it. If your footprint still shows up several minutes later, it may be experi-
encing a lack of water and needs irrigation. On the other hand, if you had several inches of rain a few days prior,
you most likely do not need to water your yard again. A helpful interactive tool to determine watering needs can
be found at https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/water-rate-calculator. This website
allows you to calculate how much you should water your yard based on location, type of grass, and recent rainfall.
Tips:
Water lawns and outdoor plants only between 4 pm - 10 am. It's Georgia law.
More plants die in Georgia from overwatering than under-watering. One inch of rain or water every 7-10 days
is all your plants need.
Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Water the base of the plant instead of the leaves. This action saves water and reduces disease.
Drip irrigation for most plants provides a more effective way (30%-50% less water use) due to the lack of evap-
oration loss from system types.
Nitrogen promotes water –demanding new growth. Fertilize less and use a fertilizer that contains nitrogen in a
slow-release form, such as an organic product.
Group plants with the same watering need together.
Look for EPA WaterSense labeled Irrigation Controller, which acts as a thermostat for
your sprinkler system, telling it when to turn on and off based on local weather and
landscape conditions.
Install a rain gauge in your yard to monitor weekly rainfall.
26 BridgeMill • March 2021Mowing
When it comes to mowing the lawn, shorter is not always better. Cutting your grass too short slows the growth and
makes it more susceptible to heat and drought. By allowing the grass to grow a little taller promotes deeper roots
and makes for a healthier lawn. We recommend that you mow your yard more often to prevent cutting more than
1/3 of the grass length at one time. Otherwise, you risk shocking the grass. Refer to the chart below for different
types of grass for recommended mowing heights.
Turfgrass Inches
Centipede 1"-1.5 "
Common Bermuda 1"-2"
Hybrid Bermuda 0.5"-1.5
Tall Fescue 2"-3"
St. Augustine 2"-3"
Zoysia 0.5"-1.5"
Mulch
Besides serving as an attractive addition to your yard, mulch serves your plants' essential role by preventing evapo-
ration, inhibiting weed growth, preventing soil erosion, and moderating soil temperature. Organic mulch such as
hardwood chips, straw, leaves, pine needles, or grass clippings will help improve soil condition by adding nutrients
as it decomposes. Inorganic mulches like rocks, pebbles, or gravel may help to eliminate weeds. Avoid using rock
mulches in sunny areas or around non-arid climate plants, as they radiate large amounts of heat and promote water
loss that can lead to scorching. Leave a few inches of space between organic mulches and the base of trees or other
woody plants to prevent rot. Apply 3" of mulch under plants in your landscape. More than that can restrict water
flow to plant roots.
Tips:
Extend mulched areas 2-3 times beyond the tree canopy spread.
Placing newspaper under organic mulches improves soil and water retention.
Remove weeds and thatch as necessary, so they don't compete with your desired plants for water.
Resources:
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/turfgrass-and-
water-efficiency
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/landscaping-
tips
"Water-Wise Landscape Guide for the Georgia
Piedmont" printed by UGA Cooperative Ex-
tension
"Water Conservation Tips" printed and created
by the Metropolitan North Georgia Planning
District
*Just as a reminder, if you have a particular topic or question you would like us to address,
please send it to ccwsaea@gmail.com.
The Cascade • March 2021 2728 BridgeMill • March 2021
The Cascade • March 2021 29
We a r e s e e k i n g C l a s s o f 2 0 2 1 G r a d u a t e s !
Let us help you celebrate your children's graduation!
Please send the graduate's name, graduating school, photo, plans after graduation,
and any other information you would like to share to admin@bridgemill.org.
Please put "GRADUATE" in the subject line.
We will recognize all submissions in our June Cascade.
We must receive requests by May 10.
Please include a contact number with all submissions.
The Cherokee County Fire Department is happy to report
that BridgeMill experienced no fires during the
Keep The Wreath Green fire prevention campaign
this past December. The County experienced a total of
eight fires, which is down from the previous year. Most
causes were from unsupervised cooking or starting from a
source like an unattended grill or improper disposal of
ashes after using a fire pit.
There were seventeen wreaths located across the County.
The program's promotion appeared in The Cascade,
The Cherokee Tribune, and during an interview
on Fox 5 News.
We must always practice fire prevention
to save lives and property!
30 BridgeMill • March 2021THANK YOU.
To all of our dedicated neighbors working in
hospitals, grocery stores, home services, restaurants,
our teachers, and other essential workers keeping us
going through this uncertain time,
we thank you.
The Cascade • March 2021 31Have you replaced your mailbox?
If you need to do so, it’s an easy fix.
Stop by the office and purchase a
new mailbox for $63 (w/flag kit)
+ $2.50/number needed.
April
16 & 17
Numbers sold separately
Friday, April 16,
from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Community Contacts &
Cherokee County Saturday, April 17,
Animal Control .........................................................678-493-4080
Animal Shelter ..........................................................770-345-7270
Chamber of Commerce ............................................770-345-0400
from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.*
Health Department—Canton ...................................770-345-7371
Humane Society .......................................................770-592-8072 *The community-wide yard sale
Marshal's Office........................................................678-493-6200 is subject to change or cancellation
Parks and Recreation...............................................770-924-7768
Roads and Bridges...................................................770-345-5842 based on national, state,
School District ..........................................................770-479-1871 and local pandemic
Sheriff's Dept—BridgeMill Precinct ........................770-479-4766
Street Light Outage ..................................................770-479-1813
health directives,
Tax Commissioner—Canton ...................................678-493-6400 which are being monitored by the Board.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta—Scottish Rite ........404-785-5437
Driver's License—Canton Location ............................678-413-8400
Northside Hospital Cherokee ......................................770-224-1000
Poison Hotline .............................................................. 800-222-1222
US Army Corps of Engineers—Cartersville ...............678-721-6700
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center .........770-793-5000
For all your taxation, bookkeeping, and accounting needs.
We are here to help!
Samantha Kirkpatrick, CPA
306 Creekstone Ridge · Woodstock, GA 30188
Phone 770.975.1609 · Fax 770.975.4638
Samantha@signatureaccountant.com
32 BridgeMill • March 2021You can also read
