President’s Letter

By Mike Moran | Email

It is that time of year when your Fox Point Board starts to swing into action as we begin what is really the heart of the season for most board members!! It may not seem like it now but the pool will open in less than 90 days, the grass will need to be cut in short order, social activities will soon begin, and spring will be here early according to that crazy groundhog named Phil from Punxsutawney, PA.

We live in an incredible neighborhood in Fox Point and it is never more present to me than in the spring. The days start to get longer, the sun starts to shine brighter, and flowers begin their summer bloom as the colors of spring begin to appear. The kids start to play in the yards and we all start to get outside and enjoy our neighborhood as it wakes up from the long winter.

As the weather starts to change and we all start to enjoy the outdoors, please get reacquainted with your neighbors or the many great people that call Fox Point their home. Whether you choose to participate in one of the many social events or simply enjoy walks around the lake, please take the time to reach out to someone new, introduce yourself, and meet a new friend. Fox Point is an incredible place to live and raise a family but in the end it is really all about the people. Take time to smell the roses, take time meet the people, and take time to create new friendships with your neighbors.

It is going to be another memorable year in Fox Point!!!

Please drive safely around the neighborhood especially as we head into the spring and summer seasons.

Social

By Stephanie Paine| Vice President | Email

We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming spring social events! Thanks to all of the coordinators for their efforts. Please reach out to me at stephpaine@gmail.com if you’d like to get involved in an event or if you have ideas for new events.

Annual Card Party – April 12, 2019 at Makray

Melissa Mickey and Christie Hewlett are finalizing the details for this year’s card party! This event does tend to sell out so please mark your calendars! Sign-up/registration via SignUpGenius will open at 9:00am on Saturday, March 9th. Here is the link that goes live as of 3/9:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C48A8A92FA4FA7-foxpoint17

 Details:

The game is “capture the flag” (similar to Euchre)

Date: 4/12/2019 (Friday)
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Location: Makray Memorial Golf Club

Schedule for the evening:

6:00 –   7:00 Cocktail hour
7:00 –   8:00 Dinner
8:00 – 11:00 Card Game

Your entry fee of $55/person covers dinner, dessert, and prizes. There will be a cash bar. Payments will be collected via SignUpGenius at the time of registration.

You can pre-select your foursome or ask to be assigned to a team. We are looking forward to this great event!

 
Easter Egg Hunt – April 13, 2019 at 9:00 am

The annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place at the tennis courts and Fox Point Park. Kids 4 and under will hunt at the tennis courts, and kids 5 and up will hunt at the park & surrounding grass. Please congregate on the lawn near the pool house/parking lot and we will lead everyone down the path to the tennis courts & park 9 am. Given there is a mix of ages at the hunt, please tell your children to limit their hauls to 20 eggs so that everyone goes home with treats. Also – the ground will likely be muddy, so wear your rain/snow boots! A big thanks to Jodi Johnson for chairing the event.
*RSVP here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c48a8a92fa4fa7-foxpoint16

Summer Campout at the Boat Docks – Save the date for August 17, 2019!

The Fleming, Dimucci and Paris family selected a date for the annual campout – Saturday, August 17. School starts on a Tuesday this year so your kids will have a few days to catch up on sleep after the campout.

Treasurer’s Report

By Lynn Douglas | Email

As previously announced, our Annual Assessment for the 2019 calendar year is $1,025 and payment is due by March 31, 2019. Our accounting firm, Picker & Associates, mailed invoices to all owners of record in February. If you have not received an invoice or misplaced it, contact:

Linda Smith at Picker & Associates 847-541-4000

Included with the invoice, was a contact sheet to update your contact information. Please complete and return it with your payment. Payments should be mailed to:

Fox Point Homeowners Association c/o
Picker& Associates
750 Lake Cook Road Suite 375
Buffalo Grove, Il. 60089

Those who use their online bank system to issue checks, please make sure the amount and address are correct. If you prefer, you may make your payment via credit card Here – link to https://foxpointorg.wpengine.com/fox-point-annual-assessments/

NOTE: Effective this year, there is an optional $50 Pay for Use fee to store your non-motorized watercraft at the boat dock. Please watch the Lake Report in this newsletter in the coming months for updates and further information about reserving space and the fee.

Architecture

By Geoff Ommen 

Hello neighbors, as the weather begins to turn, we start to anticipate spring projects. There are some exterior projects that require FPHA approval and some projects that DO NOT require FPHA approval. If you are planning on an exterior project of any kind, please refer to the website to see what may or may not need approval.

At our February meeting, we discussed solar panel installation as it relates to the architecture process. There are several homeowners potentially considering installing solar systems. Because these programs are in their infancy and subsidized by the government, the “break even” rate on such systems is better than it normally would be. That said it would still take multiple years (5-7 depending on the position of your home) for homeowners to recoup the cost outlay.

The board decided that solar panel installation IS something that will fall under the architecture review process. If you are going to install solar panels, even the fancy ones from Tesla that look like real shingles, please submit the Architectural approval form to me and talk with your neighbors.

Click here for the current version of The Fox Point Architecture Guidelines

Happy remodeling!

Civic Affairs

By Margaret Graff | Email

Hello Neighbors – just a couple of updates from me this month.

First, a friendly reminder that April 2^nd is an important date for all of us as a part of the Barrington Community at large. Barrington District 220 has a referendum on the Ballot, It is a contested D220 School Board election, and there are Village Trustees up for election and Library Board member elections. Please consider doing your civic duty and voting – your vote matters.

Second, as I start to delve into how best to oversee Fox Point communication channels/public relations you can expect to see some optional surveys via NextDoor or email – with a goal of getting feedback, input and better understanding Fox Pointers perspectives.

Common Grounds

By Jay Roberts | Email

Come on Spring! As we get through the Winter over the next month or so, Common Grounds will start to kick back in gear.

I will be meeting with the new landscaping crew to get those guys up to speed and to set expectations up for this year. I’m hoping they will also be able to work with us to revitalize the south side entrance. To end the year, we had several dead plants that need to be replaced. Both entrances should be in top

shape and look nice all year long with the amount of traffic that goes by there every day.

As I’ve mentioned before, the monument walls and black decorative fence that sits on top will be another project that I’m looking to complete. I’m speaking with vendors now to get their quotes and thoughts on repair. I want to have that group lined up as soon as possible and be on their schedule once weather permits for that kind of work.

I’m still in communication with the village regarding the gas lanterns that are out throughout the neighborhood. They have their hands tied a bit since they must wait on Nicor to come out before they can completely repair the lanterns. Hopefully, by next month I will have a better update.

Pool

By Horace  Seely-Brown | Email

Pool season is fast approaching (believe it or not) and we are getting ready to kick it into high gear to be prepped and ready for another great season! While this newsletter is a great resource for updates, it is only published monthly and NextDoor has become a great resource for more timely updates. Please stay tuned as updates become more frequent, especially when it comes to the Swim and Water Polo Teams (see team updates at the bottom of this report)

In our last publication, we yet again mentioned our desire to move forward with a pool house renovation and the change in scope from simply needing a bit of TLC to something much deeper. At the February Board meeting, we outlined a timeline to move this project forward starting with approval of a base and alternate floor plan, construction drawings, contractor bids, and presentation to the neighborhood. We will certainly stay in communication as things progress; however I would expect us to present a path forward in concert with the pool opening.

We mentioned last month that Pool Watch has been retained as the management company for the pool. They are now accepting application for lifeguard positions. Unlike most private clubs, we do allow residents to be guards and expect a mix of both residents and non-residents this year. Over the years I have been asked about ongoing training for guards and ways to improve the cleanliness of the locker rooms. Both issues have been addressed with Pool Watch and we expect a continued high level of service in 2019.

As we begin to plan our swim lesson program for 2019, it would be greatly helpful for those interested to send me a quick note indicating their interest level. In 2018, we offered a program for those residents ages 4-6, from 11:10-11:45 during the week. If the interest is there, we will look to expand the program to new ages this year. I will have more details as they become available, but again, please send me your interest level.

If you have any comments/concerns or ideas to further improve our pool experience, please let me know! We welcome the feedback both positive and negative!

FOX POINT DOLPHINS

Each summer, Fox Point participates in the North Shore League of recreational youth water sports, competing with other residential/neighborhood club teams in the Northwest/North Shore suburbs. Year to year, the specific Dolphins Teams vary but include Swim, Water Polo and Dive teams. This is a great amenity/opportunity for Fox Point kids and parents alike!

Swim Team: We wanted to take an opportunity to update everyone on the happenings on the 2019 Fox Point Swim Team season. Below are a number of reminders, key dates and updates for the upcoming season. We are working hard to firm up schedules and will communicate as soon as possible.

• Participation: Children must be 5 years of age by the first day of practice – no exceptions – and be able to swim one length of the pool unassisted. If you are new to swim team, there will be an evaluation at the start of the first practice conducted by our coaches. The decision of the coaches are final. Note, there will be group swim lessons (separate from the swim team) offered again for children who are 3 years old and above who are potty trained. Communication for that will come out separately from Horace Seely-Brown.
• Registration: Online Registration is targeted to be up and running by late March / early April. Look for additional communications on registration fees and timelines in next month’s newsletter and on NextDoor
• Swim Team Start / End Date: Right now, the last day of school is targeted forJune 4th, because of the current meet schedule, there is a good chance swim team starts the day after on June 5th…at this point all is tentative. The season will conclude by July 17th.
• 2019 Meet Schedule: Given the high number of snow days this year, we are in the process right now of finalizing a revised 2019 meet schedule with the league. We are hoping to finalize in the next few weeks and will send as soon as we are able. As a reminder, there are 5 meets, typically held on Thursdays, but sometimes Tuesdays and 2 championship meets at the end of the season. Meets start promptly at 4:30 pm and usually last a few hours. Note, we have 3 HOME MEETS this year, so if your child plans to participate, remember a parent will be required to volunteer multiple times through the season.
• Practice Times: A similar practice schedule to years past will likely be followed, but will be confirmed by registration time. For planning purposes, here is the tentative practice schedule. Remember – grade guidelines are for the grade your child will be entering in the fall of 2019.
  • K through 2nd grade: 8:00 am – 8:45 am
  • 3rd grade through 5th grade: 8:45 am – 9:45 am
  • 6th grade to 15 years old: 9:45 am – 11:00 am

• Volunteers: We are confirming the volunteer coordinator for this season, and will be communicating volunteer needs and requirements as we get closer to the season. We are also re-evaluating the sub options for those parents that aren’t able to personally volunteer and need help. But again, if your child is participating, you or a representative from your family will need to volunteer multiple times as this is a community led organization.
• Swim Suit Try-On: We will have new suits this year, as the designs are in a two-year rotation. Swim Suit Try-On is tentatively scheduled forMarch 10th 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm at Village Church. Should this change, we will update you as soon as we are able.
• Coaches: We are finalizing coaches for the 2019 season. If you know people that are interested in, please have them email us at the below address. We will be hosting interviews in the coming weeks.

For any comments, suggestions, questions you can reach the 2019 Swim Team chairs @ foxpointswimteam@gmail.com. Please do not hesitate to reach out. Looking forward to a great season – Kristin Cannon, Jen Fleming, Jen Livingston, Jenny Postma, Tiffany Seely-Brown, Victoria Sivrais

Water Polo

Attention all Fox Point residents ages 9-15…..planning is currently underway for a fun season of water polo!  The Fox Point Water Polo team is a great neighborhood tradition for both boys and girls, and we’re looking to continue building on the momentum from last year.  If you haven’t tried it, water polo is a great opportunity to try a new sport and meet new friends of all ages from the neighborhood. 

Practices will be held twice a week for 1 1/2 hours and there will be one match/week from early June through mid-July, both to be held during beautiful summer evening hours at our pool and other neighborhoods’.  There is no volunteer commitment, as this team is completely run by the co-chairs and coaches. 

We are currently finalizing all details, but plan to send information regarding signup, practice times, and match dates/locations in the next few weeks. Stay tuned! 

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact one of this year’s co-chairs, Joanna Carl, Mary Monk, or Allison Meier.  Looking forward to a great season!  

Tennis

By Christine Mickey | Email

The Fox Point tennis courts are closed and locked for the winter. Thanks to First Serve Management Company for taking down the nets and windscreens. The courts will be put back up and running this spring when the weather remains consistently warm.

I am currently working with First Serve Management Company to schedule Fox Point tennis lessons and cardio tennis classes for this summer. More details will be available in April and May.

The tennis committee is looking for Fox Pointers to plan the summer’s tennis social parties. If you would like to volunteer please contact me! A few Fox Point tennis socials to look forward to in summer 2019 are the annual Cocktails on the Courts Party, Fox Point vs. Biltmore Country Club and new this year Fox Point vs. Barrington Hills Country Club. If any Barrington Hills members would like to help plan the new event please reach out to me.

See you on the courts!