Summer 2014
Aspenhof Celebrates the Big 5-0
Aspenhof founder Ed Boyce and Beverly Rafter (cabin #40) cut the 50th anniversary cake. Rafter also baked the cake for the 25th anniversary celebration in 1989.
A
spenhof cabin owners celebrated the 50th anniversary of their A-frame community on June 14 with a reception that featured food, drink and founder Ed Boyce reminiscing about those early days of 1964.
“This is a pleasure for me (to see how Aspenhof has prospered),” said Boyce. “I was 28 years old when I started this and I didn’t know a darn thing.”
Pausing for comic effect, he added: “I still don’t.”
Boyce, who later went on to develop another cabin community in Warren County (Innsbrook), noted that his family has been involved in such projects for four generations. He said his father helped him with Aspenhof and his son and grandson are associated with Innsbrook.
Recalling the difficulty of carving out a community in the hilly, forested terrain of Aspenhof, Boyce said he frequently bounced over the trails in his trusty Jeep with a load of explosives in the back: “We blasted a lot of dynamite around this place.”
Boyce praised current owners for their diligence in maintaining Aspenhof.
“I can’t say enough about what a good job you all have done in keeping the spirit of Aspenhof alive and the grounds meticulous,” he said. “It really looks good.”
Teresa Wetzel, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, presented Boyce with a key and hang-tag. Trustee Mark Bremehr cautioned that the key carried responsibilities. “If we catch you in here without the hang-tag, you’ll be subject to a fine,” he said to laughter.
More than 100 cabin owners and their guests attended, among them several who have owned property in Aspenhof for more than 20 years. Amy Tanner (cabin #25), whose parents purchased their cabin in 1965 shortly after she was born, was recognized as the owner in attendance with the most tenure.
The affair, planned and executed by Trustee Vicki Adrian and a host of volunteers, featured food catered by Holly Cunningham (cabin #144). Attendees also received commemorative drink glasses in a special gift bag.
From the Chairperson
Come on in; the summer’s fine
Summer season again at Aspenhof! Whether it is your first season, or your 50th, summer is always our busiest time of year because so many of us love to relax at the beach, in the lakes, on our decks, in our boats, or with a fishing pole in our hands.
The development of our new entry is under way and has gone relatively smoothly to date. We will continue to provide updates via the Google group.
Because there are more people out in the summer, a few common-sense reminders are appropriate:
· Please remember to drive slowly on our roads! It is not only a safety issue for walkers and other drivers, but it is also saves us maintenance costs.
· Be a good citizen and pick up after yourself or your guests at the lake. After weekends especially - too often lately - garbage, cigarette butts, and broken equipment have been left for someone else to clean up.
· If the dumpster is getting full, don't leave plastic bags of garbage for the animals to scatter --simply take it home with you. Be mindful of the types of trash that CANNOT be left because the provider will not take it. The dumpster is there for the convenience of all, not for the abuse of a few.
We've had a beautiful place to come to for 50 years, because of the good stewardship of prior owners. It is up to all of us now to keep it beautiful for the next 50 years and beyond.
On behalf of the board, welcome to the following new cabin-owners:
# 20 -- Tracy and Jeff Gruener; #55 -- Patrick and Summer Kohring; #69 -- Greg and Stacy Sayuk; #71 -- Frank "Keat" Wilkins; #157 -- Matthew and Angela Ricketts
See you out in the country!
Teresa Wetzel, Chair of the Board of Trustees
No, it’s not an alien landing site. It’s a future butterfly garden. Paul and Darlene Schroeder (cabin #148) have volunteered to cultivate a garden of milkweed and other butterfly munchies for our colorful friends, who are experiencing decreased numbers. If all goes well, the buffet for butterflies should be ready for dining next year. The site is between Aspenhof Road and the dumpster.
Down the roads
Rockin’ and rollin’
We are off to another fun-filled summer, and we hope the roads will assist us with some smooth traveling. You can do your part to preserve our roads and your vehicles by observing the 15 mph speed limit. Rock and road labor, as you may know, are our No. 1 expense. Let’s save our roads and save money.
New this year is a defined parking area for fishermen and nature-trail hikers on the south end of the lake, at the intersection of Matterhorn and Interlaken. No more getting stuck in the mud!
The new entrance road has certainly changed Aspenhof’s appearance from Highway 47. We’re all looking forward to the completion of the MoDot project later this summer or early fall. In the meantime, safe travels.
Dave “The Roadie” Kroger, Trustee (roads)
Lakes
Bigger, healthier bass
We’re making progress. The average length of this year’s Fishing Derby bass catch increased by one inch (10.8 to 11.8) and average weight by .22 pounds (.49 to .71). This average weight in relation to its average length was 82 percent of the standard for healthy bass. That’s up from 74 percent last year.
What does this mean? It means our fish are getting bigger and, consequently, healthier. It means we may someday expect to catch fish averaging a few pounds instead of ounces, with an occasional lunker or two.
What can you do to contribute to this progress?
1. Harvest more bass. Remove and dispose of them, preferably by cleaning and eating them. (They’re very tasty.) Our plan has been to remove 300 bass every year until their relative weight of 100 percent is achieved. Please notify me () of the number of bass you have removed after each fishing trip. I’ll report our progress periodically via the Google Group. As I’ve previously reported, harvesting bass is a recommendation of the Missouri Department of Conservation. Simply put, we have too many bass to feed.
2. Release tagged fish. If you catch a tagged bass with (a yellow tag about an inch long attached near the top fin), remove your hook carefully so as not to injure the fish and put it back into the water. We want these tagged fish to remain in the lake and healthy for a few years so that eventually they can become collaborating evidence of success.
Jim Reddy, Trustee (lakes)
Jake Kroger (left, cabin #14) and Ben Jordan (cabin #38) show off their prize-winning catfish at the 9th annual Aspenhof Fishing Derby, which attracted a record 49 entrants on Memorial Day Weekend. Jake’s top cat measured 23 inches and Ben’s was 21 inches.
Remember: Only YOU can prevent dumpster
abuse. Please dump only approved items and
don’t overload the dumpster. Thank you.
Down in the dumpster
As many of you saw and read on the Google Group, we had issues at the dumpster over the Memorial Day weekend. The Board would like to remind everyone that the dumpster is a luxury. Before it was added back in 2007, everyone had to cart their trash back home to depose of it.
The ground rules then, as now, were: Only household trash is permitted. No construction debris or appliances are allowed in the dumpster. Large boxes are to be broken down or taken home.
When cabin owners (or their guests) add excess trash, it leaves little or no room for the normal waste. The result is an overflowing dumpster at the end of the weekend. We do not pay the dumpster company to clean up the area, nor do we have a cleaning crew. This is on the honor system. So, please be considerate of others. Observe the rules, and if the dumpster is full, take your trash home.
Mark Bremehr, Trustee (security)
Fireworks on the Fourth
Once again this year, the Board of Trustees has approved a fireworks display, weather conditions permitting, at the big lake on the Fourth of July (rain date is July 5). The shooting should begin about 9:15 p.m. from the dam. For safety reasons, this is the ONLY fireworks permitted at Aspenhof. The display is courtesy of Maureen Donlin and John Tavis (Cabin 15). Those who would like to donate to help with expenses may send a check to Maureen Donlin at 910 Curran, Kirkwood, Mo. 63122 or contribute at the show.
Boats and trails
Attention: All hands
Welcome all new and veteran boat owners to the lakes at Aspenhof. Summer is the ideal time to get that boat off the rack and in the water. Please remember, water safety is always in season. For safety and security purposes, all boats are to be numbered with the lot number of the boat owner. Three-inch mailbox-type vinyl numbers, which are available at hardware stores, work well. Numbers on some boats did not survive the harsh winter, so please check to see if your boat numbers needs to be replaced. Boats without numbers will be removed from the racks to make room for those that do display the cabin-owner’s lot number. A reminder: boat storage fees are $25 the first year and $10 thereafter for each boat. Plans are underway to make repairs to those racks that did not make it through the harsh winter.
Cabin owners who have outgrown or are beyond using their boat have a rare opportunity to be a “boat angel.” We have several new owners who would love to have their youngster develop new skills, learn water safety, canoe paddling, boat rowing, etc. Donate or sell your boat to someone who will use it. It could win the Regatta and make a youngster happy! Contact me for details.
Bob Eade, Trustee (boats and trails)
Join the Google Group
For the latest news, join our Google Group at http://groups.google.com/group/Aspenhof
New curb appeal for Aspenhof. The view has
changed drastically since construction began
this spring on the reroute of Highway 47. This
is our new entrance road, looking north.
*
You gotta go to the Regatta
Mark your calendars for Aug. 30 and 31. That’s the weekend that has become a family tradition at Aspenhof. Early on it was known as the Septemberfest. Eventually, it became the annual Regatta. Highlights include games, swimming, boating, rafting, golf, food, music, fellowship and cabin tours.
Please consider becoming a volunteer to ensure the 2014 Regatta, in the year of our 50th anniversary, goes on the books as yet another success. In addition to providing a way to give back to the community, this is an opportunity to get to know a few more of your Aspenhof neighbors. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and I will be happy to find a task to your liking. Contact me at . See you at the beach.
Vicki Adrian, Trustee
Aspenhof Board of Trustees
Mark Bremehr – [Security] Cabin #33
414 Bismark Ave.
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Cell: (314) 960-5092
Email:
Bob Eade – [Boat area/trails] Cabin #142
917 Prairie View Ct.
Washington, MO 63090
Home: (636) 239-0456
Email:
Ray Jordan – [Secretary/ Announcer editor] Cabin #38
7013 Deerpath Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63123
Email:
Dave Kroger – [Roads] Cabin #14
9007 Skycrest Dr.
Crestwood, MO. 63126
Home: (314)-849-0314 Cell: (314-712-3968
Email:
Vicki Adrian – Cabin # 23
115 Gunston Hall Dr.
St. Charles, MO 63304
Home: (636) 300-9542
Cell: (314) 497-3350
Email:
Kurk Andrew - [Permits/Inspections] Cabin #139
824 West Essex Ave.
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Cell: (314) 486-3712
Email:
Jim Reddy – [Lakes/Beach] Cabin #98
623 Coach House Dr.
Hazelwood, MO 63042
Cell: (314) 322-1347
Email:
Karel Smith – [Treasurer] Cabin #83
14308 Conway Meadows Ct. E #307
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Cell: (314) 640-4897 Home: 314-275-7717
Email:
Teresa Wetzel – [Chair/Indentures] Cabin #121
7331 Northmoor
St. Louis, MO 63105
Cabin: (636) 456-2677
Home: (314) 725-1648
Email:
Meet the candidates
Two newcomers and an incumbent are seeking positions on the Aspenhof Board of Trustees. Carol Neuwirth (cabin #80) and Garry Stockmann (#92) are seeking first terms and Ray Jordan (#38), a second. They will be on the ballot when cabin-owners vote at the annual owners meeting Aug. 31. Three three-year terms are to be filled. Also up for approval is the 2014-15 budget.
Stockmann’s background is remodeling. “I have been in the commercial and residential remodeling business for over 30 years, and a business owner for 10 years. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve as a trustee and feel that my experience in … construction will make me an asset to the Aspenhof community.”
Neuwirth has experience as a business owner and educator. “I appreciate the sense of community and pride that Aspenhof owners have, and embrace the opportunity to sit on the Board of Trustees to help preserve that feeling. I believe that my experience as a business owner and educator along with working with the public on a daily basis would be an asset to the Board.”
Jordan is a retired journalist. He currently serves as secretary of the Board and editor of the Announcer.
2014 ELECTION BALLOT
USE THIS BALLOT AT OWNERS MEETING, LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Trustees
(Vote for three candidates, one ballot per cabin)
-----Carol Neuwirth, cabin 80 (1st term)
-----Garry Stockmann, cabin 92 (1st term)
___ Ray Jordan, cabin 38 (2nd term)
-----
2014-15 proposed budget
(budget to be distributed at meeting)
-----FOR
-----AGAINST