President’s Letter

By Jeff Janssen | Email
309-846-0250

Wow!  If you missed our last Board Meeting, you missed out on a special occasion.  We were honored to have 4 previous Fox Point Presidents in attendance to our meeting.  These Presidents played significant roles in the achievement of numerous key initiatives over the past decade.  Thank you for your contributions to Fox Point! 

In addition, we had one of our original residents, Gerry, join us for the meeting and give us a brief recollection of how Fox Point started.  Thank you all for being in attendance!  As always, all Fox Point residents are welcome to join our Board meetings (next meeting May 15th at 7:00 pm at the Village Church, just East of Fox Point). Board meetings are the 3rd Monday of the month and future board meeting dates may be viewed HERE.   Approved minutes of all Board Meetings are posted HERE.  We also post the Board Meeting Agenda on Nextdoor.com, before each meeting.

Please allow me to reinforce one of the topics that we covered at the last Board Meeting.  The Fox Point Board takes our finances very seriously and is constantly striving to best serve all 411 homes through the most cost effective means.  In fact, thanks to the dedication of previous Presidents and Treasurers, our Board has remained below budget year after year while maintaining either no dues increase or modest annual dues increases. 

Since our last major capital improvement of the new Fox Point Pool, we have continued to significantly grow our capital reserves.  Assuming the prompt receipt of remaining outstanding association dues from residents, we will continue with another planned sizeable deposit to the Capital Reserves.  And just in case you heard any rumors, we have no plans for a special assessment.

We regularly have residents suggesting potential amenities or improvements for Fox Point.  We encourage residents to share their ideas and to contribute to our neighborhood.  However, I will provide a gentle reminder that just because an item is brought to the Board it does not mean that it will become part of the plan for our community. 

Before any project is approved, please be assured that the Board will complete the necessary due diligence.  We would also host one or more town hall meetings to discuss with the residents whenever a significant capital expenditure is contemplated.  For example, before we moved forward with the new Fox Point Pool we hosted 4 town hall meetings.

On another note, a few of our community assets have recently experienced some unfortunate damage.  The replacement of tennis nets and signs, as well as repairing damage to entrance walls, increases our operating costs for the year.  So please help us in protecting our assets by reminding others of proper usage and reporting suspicious activity.  To quote one of our Board members, “If you see something, say something!”

Let’s work together to ensure that our community continues to be an outstanding place to grow families; to build relationships, and to simply experience the blessings of life.  Please contact me if I can be of service to you.

Treasurer’s Report

By Lynn Douglas | Email

Have You Paid Your Dues?

Our Annual Assessment funds ongoing and routine maintenance/ operation of Fox Point facilities and an amount that approximates annual depreciation of assets that will eventually require major repairs, restoration, and replacement. 

Payment of your 2017 Annual Assessment was due on 3/31/2017 and we appreciate most homeowners satisfied their obligation, on time. 

Past Due Notices with late fees have been issued to those with unpaid balances.  We are counting on everyone to do the right thing and take care of their obligation, today. Further information about the 2017 Annual Assessment may be found on the Annual Assessment page.

Pool

By Horace Seely-Brown | Email

What an exciting time of year!  Opening day (May 27th 10 am) is just around the corner and preparation is in full steam. You may have noticed activity around the pool over the past few days which will increase as the Opening Day nears. We have identified some minor “weather” related issues with the pool house and its piping, but all should be repaired promptly and keep us on schedule for opening Memorial Day Weekend. A full season schedule will be posted at Nextdoor.com as we near Opening Day and updated on the Pool Page.

We have started working on a plan to offer swim lessons to Fox Point residents ages 4 and 5, this summer. This program will somewhat mirror the tennis lesson program that has been in place for years. We look forward to sharing more on the program as it develops. Watch for updates on Nextdoor.com.

Lastly, the new pool furniture arrives in early May. To make room for the new, we must sell the old, roughly 60 lounge chairs and 20 “regular” chairs. We have reached out to local park districts and placed ads on Craig’s list but to date, have not had any offers. If anyone has an interest in buying a piece of Fox Point pool history or knows of a party that might be interested, please let me know. 

As always, if you have any questions/comments or would simply like to assist with pool endeavors, please let me know. See you around the pool soon!

Tennis

By Christine Mickey | Email

The Fox Point Tennis Courts officially opened this year on April 2^nd.  We look forward to seeing many of you on the courts this spring and summer!  

The tennis courts are only for tennis related activities.  There is NO BIKING, ROLLERBLADING, SKATEBOARDING, etc. allowed on the tennis courts.   

First Serve Management Company, Dana Joseph and Chris Cabanban, are very excited about another year managing the Tennis Program at Fox Point.  The Tennis Committee and First Serve have scheduled several new and returning tennis events for Summer 2017. This summer there are 2 tennis sessions of Junior and Adult Classes, Ladies League and Cardio tennis.  Session 1 runs from June 5 – July 6 and Session 2 runs from July 10 – August 3.  

First Serve also offers “create your own class” with a minimum of 3 students.  If you are interested in this, please contact Dana at 847-404-3174 or email dsj2@comcast.net.

See Tennis Class Schedules and Sign Up Form HERE   Or better yet, attend the Tennis Fest:

Tennis Fest – Saturday, May 6, 2017, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Fox Point Tennis Courts. First Serve is hosting this open tennis registration event.  Stop by the Fox Point tennis courts and bring the kids to meet the tennis instructors, play some fun tennis games and win prizes! 

Please RSVP via this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f084aadaf2aabfc1-foxpoint

Save the dates and RSVP for these upcoming Fox Point Tennis Events:

Tennis and Tinis – Saturday, June 24, 2017, 5:30 PM at the Fox Point Tennis Courts

All Fox Pointers are invited to Tennis and Tinis! Tennis players please register for the round robin tennis tournament and non-tennis players please join us for cocktails, dinner and socializing with your Fox Point neighbors. $40 per person includes dinner and drinks. RSVP by June 1st.

Limited tournament spots available. Everyone who intends to attend please RSVP soon via this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c48a8a92fa4fa7-tennis

Registration for the following events will open, soon:

Breakfast at Wimbledon – Sunday, July 16, 2017  – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Fox Point Tennis Courts

Wear your Wimbledon white and come out to enjoy breakfast and play in a round-robin tennis tournament.

Fox Point vs. Biltmore Tennis Tournament – August 27, 2017

Let’s keep the trophy in Fox Point! 

If you would like to volunteer to be on the Fox Point Tennis Committee, please contact Christine Mickey.

Lake Report

By Geoff Ommen

Several items to report this month about Lake Louise and Flint Creek happenings

Our lake maintenance company (EAM) began monitoring the lake for algal blooms in late March.  As of late April, algae treatment has not been necessary.  The aerators will be installed in the same locations as previous years.  EAM also repaired the carp barrier to the North of the spillway.  This fence helps to reduce the carp population in our lake, which is a good thing.

For several years, we have participated in a state lake management program.  This year, Beth Adler and Henri Kokke are our resident volunteer testing monitors.  They will go out every few weeks to check visibility depth levels and take samples for analysis by the Lake County Health Department.  If you see them out on the water, let them know you appreciate their help with lake management.

On Easter Sunday, Brad Marion and his two sons accompanied me onto the island for our annual geese egg abatement program.  This is approved annually by the Department Natural Resources because the geese population is very strong.  As you can imagine, geese droppings are not good for our lake health.  Geese come back to nest every year where they were born, so the more we disturb, the fewer will return.

Trillium, our creek land control contractor, performed a prescribed spot burn along Flint Creek in mid-April.  Burns are done to help control the plant population and allow us to plant more native, shoreline friendly plants that reduce erosion.  We usually get one day’s notice on burns, as weather plays a major part in our ability to do them.  Unfortunately, the email went to the wrong address this year, so I did not get a chance to let creek front owners know about the burn in advance.  You will see Trillium out and about during the Spring season planting, moving rocks and managing the banks to reduce erosion into Lake Louise.

Brian Mickey, our resident “harbor master”, and I have secured several new boat rack spots for the upcoming season.  If he has not already, he will be contacting people on the list waiting for boat spaces.  Our hope is to clear the entire list and energize the use of the lake by non-lakefront residents.  New picnic tables are also on order.  If you either do not need your boat rack spot anymore, or you would like to get on the list for a spot, please contact Brian at brianjmickey@gmail.com.

On a more social note, Jeff Dahnke is organizing a new event called Venetian night.  This event has been discussed for several years, and is a reality, this year. Mark Saturday July 8th on your calendar for the inaugural event.  The theme for Venetian Night is “Light up the Lake”.  We will have food and beverages at the marina with an official judge to declare winners of the boat decorating contest.  We will also have a few host families along the lake so you will be able to take the necessary shoreline break as you pedal or paddle around.  This event is open to all homeowners, with or without a boat.  More info to follow soon on Nextdoor.com. 

Lastly a bit of construction news.  For those of you that walk along the South sidewalk of Lake Cook road, you may have noticed a collapsed structure by the retention pond outflow into Flint Creek.  This culvert is an IDOT structure, not something owned by the village.  IDOT will be doing some work on the wing wall and will be doing some concrete patching starting in June or July.  These improvements are much overdue and very welcome.

Social

By Stephanie Paine | Email

Easter Egg Hunt Recap

Big thanks to Jodi Johnson for her demanding work in pulling the annual Easter Egg Hunt together.  We had over 100 children attend, which is higher than the typical 70 kids we’ve had in the last few years.  I appreciate the feedback on the event that many of you offered via NextDoor – I want to continue to improve our events! 

Electronic Payments for Social Events are live!

Many of you probably saw the announcement on Nextdoor earlier this month – we are now using SignUpGenius to facilitate electronic RSVPs and payments for all social events.  The process is EASY – simply RSVP for the event via SignUpGenius and select “sign up and pay.” SignUpGenius then links (securely) to Paypal so you can submit payment. With this upgrade to our process, we will no longer be accepting cash or checks for social events. 

NOTE – You will need a PAYPAL account to pay via SignUpGenius. If you don’t yet have one, the process is quick and painless – Here are the instructions.

Upcoming Events:

May 27 – Summer Kickoff BBQ on the lawn next to the pool

Join us for a BBQ to kickoff summertime in Fox Point!  This event replaces the Pig Roast we have had in prior years – it will be the same format, but instead, we will have brisket and pulled pork from Rock ‘N Ribs in Lake Zurich. You bring a side dish or dessert to share, and we will vote on the best dishes. Reach out to me, Jenny Postma or Kristin Cannon if you have any questions.  Adults are $20 and kids under 12 are $10.  Babies are free.  Invite your non-Fox Point friends and family  (please RSVP and pay for them yourself). 

RSVP and pay via this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c48a8a92fa4fa7-summer

June 3 – Fishing Derby

Big thanks to Brian Meier for chairing the fishing derby again this year!  This FREE event will take place at the Fox Point boat docks at 8:30 AM on June 3.  Please bring your own fishing poles and goggles for the kids – Brian will provide live bait and snacks.  Prizes will be awarded for the most fish and largest fish. 

RSVP here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c48a8a92fa4fa7-foxpoint

June 9 – Food Truck Friday…Martin’s Taco Truck

Martin’s Taco Truck will kick off our summertime Food Truck Friday series!  He will park his truck in the pool parking lot from 5:30 – 7:30 and serve up all you can eat tacos & quesadillas.  Choose from steak, chicken, and carnitas (pork), with a variety of toppings & guacamole.  Adults are $13 and kids under 12 are $6.  Babies are free. 

RSVP and pay via this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c48a8a92fa4fa7-foo

If you have any ideas for additional food trucks for June/July, please send them my way!

Mark your calendars for these other upcoming events:

–       June 24 – Tennis & Tinis, chairs: Christine & Brian Mickey

–       July 4th – Pool Games, chairs: Kris Jankowski, Steve Livingston, Steve Nuzzo

–       July 8th, Venetian Night, chair: Jeff  Dahnke

–       July 22 – Adult Pool Party, chairs: Stacy Boyum, Emily Colon, Lindsay Keenan

–       August 19 – Campout, chairs: Mike Fleming, Greg Paris, Mike Dimucci

–       September 16 – Garage Sale, chairs: Rena Slovick, Cara O’Hara

–       September 23 – Golf Outing, chairs: Marc & Doreen Muhs

Civic Affairs

By Erik Vandenbergh 

There have been a few questions revolving around the “outsourcing” of our newsletter over the last month, therefore, I am taking a quick moment to clarify the process.  Fox Point has no way of “hosting” the digital newsletter and therefore, it must be maintained and supported by a qualified company.  It goes without saying that this has a cost associated with it.

The primary role of Civic Affairs is to provide board oversight of our newsletter and website communications. That said, like the volunteers before me, I will be pulling the necessary reports together.  After the reports are pulled together, I will be passing them along to our Executive Committee to review and tweak (this is a new step) before the final copy is sent on to our vendor.  In other words, the lion’s share of time and effort continues to be volunteer, not independent contractor.

I hope this provides some clarity to those concerned with our new process, and I apologize for any prior confusion.

Please feel free to call or email me with any questions. 

Water Polo

Registration is now OPEN for the Fox Point Dolphins Water Polo Team!

We’re looking for all prospective players (boys and girls!) age 9-15 of all skill levels to learn/play this fun sport!   Practices are held on weeknights 2-3x per week from 4:45-6p. Matches are held on Monday evenings from 7-8:30p.  Fox Point team alumni, Colin Kerr is our Head Coach.

Both the Fox Point Swim and Water Polo Teams use the Team Unify facility for registration, online payment, and updates.

Visit the Fox Point Dolphins Team Unify site to enroll. 

Questions? Contact Margaret Graff/Parent chair at mgraff1126@msn.com.

New Neighbor Welcome

Sarah Giunchedi | Email

Please welcome Marty and Heidi Guthrie.

They arrived at their new home at 201 Fox Hunt Trail at the end of March along with their two daughters, a freshman at BHS and a seventh grader at BMS-Station. They’ve lived here in Barrington for fourteen years before moving to Fox Point. They are happy to be in a family friendly neighborhood.

Marty is a Glenview Firefighter who grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended Loyola University, and Heidi is an A&D Rep with Richelieu who grew up in Geneva, Illinois and attended Illinois State. The family enjoys several sporting events and is looking forward to some of the social events we have here in Fox Point.

Please help me welcome them to the neighborhood. PH: 847.830.9374