Village Park Ribbon Cutting…the Culmination of Nearly Four Years of Playground Projects

On Sunday, November 10,Jeremy Benkin and his

son, Sam, cut the ribboncelebrating the new equipmentat Village Park. This ribboncutting culminates nearly 4years of playground projects.

In 2010 after months ofplanning, the PlaygroundCommittee updated theequipment in Ben’s Park, then in2012/2013 a new playgroundwas installed in Sunset Park,and finally, new equipment forVillage Park was just installed.Harbor Town initiated theplayground projects because thedemographics of the

neighborhood were changing…more families with young children were residing inthe neighborhood. In fact, an estimated 125 children now live in Harbor Town.Aside from being fun for kids, playgrounds enhance our community by creatingspaces for families to gather and get to know each other better. Playgrounds alsohelp us attract new residents with small children.

The latest park, Village Park was an important project. The park is situated in alocation near quite a large number of families with children. Also, the park iscentrally located within District 4. This park is a favorite gathering place for manyfamilies. The addition of a “tot” table and whimsically themed walkways helps tomake the park especially inviting.

So, please stop by and take a look at our new equipment in Village Park, and takea look too at our growing group of families with small children.

A newsletter for residents of Harbor Town • December 2013- January 2014

Jeremy Benkin and son, Sam, cut the ribbon re-opening Village Park.

Harbor Town Board MeetingsThe following is the Board Meeting Schedule through June:No December Meeting, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March. 17, April 21,May 19, and June 16. All meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. in theBelle Memphis Conference Room of the North Building ofRiver Inn.

Social Club ScheduleHere is the schedule for Harbor Town Socials for 2013 - 2014:• Tues., Dec. 10th, Barbara & Bryan Simmons, 798 River Park • Tues., Jan. 14th, Dianne & Brad Champlin, 836 River Park • Tues., Feb. 11th, Betsy & Dick McStay, 964 Harbor View Dr.• Tues., Mar. 11th, Gail & Phil Gray, 769 Harbor Isle Circle E.• Tues., Apr. 8th, Rachel & Joe Douglass, 857 Harbor View Dr.• Tues., May 13th, Cathy & Bill Wilson, 785 River Park Dr.Each evening begins at 6:30 and ends at 8:30 p.m. Bring anappetizer to share and whatever drink you prefer. Meet newneighbors and hear news of the area! No RSVP required.

New Harbor Town New Website We are pleased to present to you a new, easy to navigate,smartphone- and mobile-device-compatible website forHarbor Town. Start using it today! It will help us all promoteHarbor Town, our businesses, the Harbor Town lifestyle, andour connection to the river.

Thanks to the Board initiative to get this done. And a realdebt of gratitude is due to Robert Marcy, who shepherded theadvancement and building of the new site through a websitedevelopment firm.

After you have some time to explore the site, give usfeedback so we can continue to enhance the website. We arein particular need of good Harbor Town photos so if you takesome photos in the neighborhood, please send them to us!

Annual Meeting RecapThe Annual Meeting of the Harbor Town CommunityAssociation was held at the Maria Montessori School, Nov. 18,2013, commencing at 5:30 p.m. The Annual Meetingpresentation by Craig Cardwell, Association President, can belocated on the website, www.harbortownmemphis.com.

The Association Office We are in the space at 740 Harbor Bend in the front space ofthe Maria Montessori School (Suite 1), right across from MissCordelia’s. Please come and visit us!Elizabeth Glasgow, Association ManagerErin Walker, Association Assistant(O) 901-523-9853 (Fax) 901-523-9855; Emergency Pager (for EMERGENCIES ONLY, please) 901-374-1143

Welcome New Harbor Town Residents! Mark & Veronica Ploucha, 925 Harbor ViewCraig & Kathleen Wilsoe, 135 Harbor Ridge Lane SouthHarold & Christine Roberts, 1005 Island Park DriveAmado & Nancy Freire, 113 Village Lane

Aaron Paintingand Home Repair

901-337-6828Free estimates

Residential and commercial,

interior and exterior, sheetrock repair,

pressure washing, rotted wood

replacement, window and roof

repairs, gutter cleaning, carpentry,

fences and decks, 28 years of

experience and excellent references.

Member Better Business Bureau:

A+ Rating

Licensed and Insured

We’re not satisfied

until you’re satisfied.

Don’t Let Your Name Show Up On The Delinquent Homeowners ListFourth quarter Homeowners Assessments were billed on Oct. 1 and were dueOct. 31. A late fee in the amount of $25.00 was charged to all accounts notpaid by this date. If you process it though your bank on or after the 31st ofthe month in which it is due and we do not receive the payment from the bank and you are charged a late fee, this late fee will NOT be removed. NO EXCEPTIONS! There are several ways to pay your fees:1. Auto-debited from your account (please contact the Association Office foran auto-debit form).

2. Mail to Association Office at 740 Harbor Bend, #1, Memphis, TN 381033. Drop off personally to Association Office (address above)4. Drop in the Harbor Town Drop Box Located on the east side of the MissCordelia’s building that faces the school. The box is attached to the side ofthe building and says “DROP BOX” on it. DO NOT DROP IN ANY OF THEMAILBOXES PLEASE!

Delinquents as of 11/14/13 – Harbor Town owners over 90 days past due with a balance of over $100.00• Joe & Brooke Conway, 127 Harbor Town Boulevard• Clarence & Kay Davis, 787 Harbor Bend Road• John DeVincenzo, 837 Harbor Bend• Greg Ericson, 914 River Park Drive • John and Michelle McKissack, 171 Harbor Village• Osie Lewis, 994 River Currents• Christine Stephens, 177 River Lights Lane

Avoiding Conflict with the Neighbors

We all can just get along. The key?Communication. It’s often the best way toprevent and resolve conflict before it

reaches the legal system. You don’t have to be friendsor spend time together to achieve a peacefulcoexistence, but you should try to be a good neighborand follow these tips:

• Say hello. At the mailbox, while walking the dog orwhen you see a moving van arrive, introduce yourself.Learn your neighbors’ names and regularly offer afriendly greeting.

• Provide a heads up. If you’re planning aconstruction project, altering your landscaping orhosting a big party, contact your neighbors beforehand.

• Do unto others. Treat neighbors as you would liketo be treated. Be considerate about noise from vehicles,stereos, pets, etc.

• Know your differences. Make an effort tounderstand each other. Differences in age, ethnicbackground and years in the neighborhood can lead todifferent expectations or misunderstandings.

• Consider the view. Keep areas of your property thatothers can see presentable.

• Appreciate them. If the neighbors do somethingyou like, let them know. They’ll be pleased younoticed, and it’ll be easier to talk later if they dosomething you don’t like.

• Stay positive. Most people don't try to createproblems. If a neighbor does something that irritatesyou, don’t assume it was deliberate.

• Talk honestly. Tolerance is important, but don’t leta real irritation go because it seems unimportant orhard to discuss. Let your neighbors know if somethingthey do annoys.

• Be respectful. Talk directly to your neighbors ifthere’s a problem. Gossiping with others can damagerelationships and create trouble.

• Remain calm. If a neighbor mentions a problemthey have with you, thank them for the input. Youdon’t have to agree or justify any behavior. Wait for anyanger to subside before responding.

• Listen carefully. When discussing a problem, try tounderstand your neighbor’s position and why he or shefeels that way.

• Take your time. Take a break to think about whatyou and your neighbor have discussed. Arrange tofinish the conversation at another time.

Are You Ready for Cold Weather?

Fall is the time to prepare for winter—cold and wetconditions not only make you miserable, but they can

damage your home. Some winterizing can wait, some can’t.Make a list of what needs to be done, and tackle the time-sensitive tasks first. Here’s a simple checklist from theassociation to help you get a jump on winter.

Indoor Winterizing• Examine doors and replace weather-stripping as needed.• Examine window caulking and reseal where needed.• Examine and repair vents where needed.• Clean chimneys and flues.• Remove items near heat vents.• Place nonskid runners or door mats outside to help keep

water, sand and salt out of the house.

Outdoor Winterizing• Cut back tree branches and shrubs

that hide signs or block light.• Examine outdoor handrails and tighten if needed.• Turn off electrical breakers for outdoor equipment.• Close hose bibs.• Clean out gutters and downspouts.• Clear yard drains.• Spray outdoor locks and hinges with lubricant.

Assemble, stockpile or refresh winter supplies:• Batteries• Candles and matches• Ice melt and deicer• Sand• Snow shovels• Generator fuel• Antifreeze

Massage TherapyNail Care

Facial ServicesSpa Packages

90 Harbor Town Square, Ste. 101Memphis TN 38103

harbortowndayspa.comEmail: dayspa@bellsouth.net

Wed. & Thurs. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We accept Visa, Mastercard,and American Express.By appointment only

(24-hour advance notice.)

Photo by Betsy B

ird

Tips for Protecting Your Identity During the Holidays

Identity theft is a problem any timeof the year. However, whileconsumers are focused on giving

during the holidays, crooks are focusedon taking. If there’s one thingconsumers don’t need, it is dealingwith identity theft during the holidays.The National Foundation for CreditCounseling (NFCC) offers thefollowing tips to help consumersprotect themselves during the busyholiday season:

• Be aware of your surroundings.Sidewalks and malls will be crowdedand shoppers will be distracted—theperfect combination for a pick-pocket.If someone bumps into you, don’tassume it was an accident. Womenshould clutch purses closely at theirside or in front of them with the wallethidden at the bottom. Men should stowwallets in an inside coat pocket.

• Don’t carry large sums of cash.Charge your purchases or use a debitcard. Just remember that credit cardsoffer some protections that debit cardsdon’t. When you use a credit card, youcan dispute a purchase before payingfor it. With a debit card, themoney is removed from youraccount at the time of thepurchase. A thief can wipe outyour checking or savingsaccount before you ever realizethe theft has taken place.

• Guard your PIN number atthe ATM. Be aware of anyonelurking around the ATM, and ifsomeone is standing too close,simply ask him or her to stepback. Thieves can also installdevices that read yourinformation at the ATM withoutyou knowing it. If you notice anythingunusual about the ATM, use a differentone, and report what you’ve seen tothe bank.

• Don’t let your credit card out ofyour sight. Unscrupulous clerks or

waiters can copy your cardinformation or swipe your card into asecond card reader and later make anew credit card for themselves. Worseyet, they can sell your information toan organized crime ring.

• Lighten your wallet. Removeanything from your wallet that youdon’t absolutely need to have with you.That way, if someone is successful instealing it, they won’t get as much.Never carry your Social Security cardwith you, but check other cards thatmight use your SS# as an identifier. Ifyou’re not going to be using yourcheckbook, leave it at home.

• Make copies of your credit cards.Copy both sides of all your cards. Ifyou lose your wallet, you’ll have easyaccess to all of your account numbersand phone numbers, allowing you toalert your bank immediately.

• Keep up with all receipts. Not onlywill you need them to make returnseasily, but crooks are very interested instealing the information they contain.Never stuff the receipts into your carvisor or leave them exposed in any way.

• Open your credit card statementsas soon as they arrive. Check the billfor any unauthorized purchases. Evenbetter, keep a watchful eye on youraccounts by going online and reviewingyour accounts each week. If you notice

anything out of the ordinary, report itimmediately to your bank. Doing sowill likely remove any paymentresponsibility you might have forfraudulent purchases.

• Secure all personal informationeven while at home. Unfortunately,many times an ID thief is someone weknow. During the holidays, you mayhave guests in your home. Removetemptation by putting personalinformation out of sight.

• Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service.Such services alert you via emailanytime there is an inquiry or otheractivity to your credit report. In otherwords, if someone tries to open anaccount in your name, you’ll knowabout it. Such services are offered byall of the major credit reportingbureaus, and could be money well-spent.

• Order your credit report.Consumers are allowed one free creditreport every 12 months from each ofthe three bureaus. Order a report nowfrom one bureau, and order another

one in January from adifferent bureau. This willgive you a good snapshotof activity and will alertyou to anything unusual.

In spite of all yourefforts, if you arevictimized by ID theft,contact an NFCC MemberAgency for help. Theircertified counselors canwalk you through the stepsto recovery. To find theagency closest to you, dial(800) 388-2227, or go

online www.DebtAdvice.org. To locatea Spanish speaking counselor, call(800) 682-9832.

For more information and tipsabout identity theft visit NFCC atwww.ProtectYourIDNow.org.

You are invited to AllHarbor Town Board Meetings

A ll meetings of the association board are open meetings.Residents are encouraged to observe meetings and read

approved minutes. Residents who wish to address the boardare welcome to do so during the homeowner forumconducted at the beginning of each business meeting.

Here are few tips for participating:1. Put it in writing. You will get the best response if youput your question or opinions in writing prior to themeeting. This isn’t mandatory, but it helps you and theboard. Some issues may require a little research by themanager. Also, the board can serve you better if membershave time to consider your concern.

2. Call ahead. As a courtesy, the association asks that youphone and let the manager know that you wish to addressthe board. This also allows us to notify you if a meeting iscancelled for any reason.

3. Plan your remarks to last no longer than fiveminutes. Board members enjoy visiting with residents;however, the meeting agenda is always very full, and thefive-minute limit ensures that all business gets conducted.This doesn’t mean big issues can’t be presented. If yourconcern requires more time, please summarize it in fiveminutes, and the board will add it to the agenda for the nextmeeting.

4. Don’t expect an immediate response. Board membersdon’t act independently. All issues require discussion andsometimes a vote. Sometimes an immediate answer ispossible, but it’s just as likely that you won’t get a responseuntil after the meeting.

5. If you need information, call the manager. Thepurpose of the Homeowner Forum is for residents to shareopinions and concerns with the board. Residents seekinggeneral information (like a status report on a project or theboard’s position on an issue) can get a more immediateanswer from the manager. Source: Community Associations Institute. One of the whimsical imprints on the sidewalks in Village Park.

When You Should Go to the ER

No one ever plans on being ina car accident or having aheart attack. But accidents

and unexpected illnesses can, anddo, happen. According to the Censusfor Disease Control and Prevention,more than 339,000 Americans aretreated in emergencydepartments across thecountry every day. Those who arrive in theemergency room (ER) byambulance usually have alife-threatening conditionthat requires rapidtransportation so theycan receive care uponarrival. Others who comeby car or on foot will betreated based on theseverity of their illnessesor injuries, not on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Some situations clearly requireemergency medical attention, such asa stroke. But other cases are not soclear cut. What about a swollenankle, unexplained fever, orpuncture wound? The AmericanCollege of Emergency Physiciansoffers a list of symptoms that indicatea medical emergency, including:• Problems breathing• Shortness of breath• Pain or pressure in the chest or

upper abdomen• Vision changes• Disorientation or confusion• Sudden or severe pain• Bleeding that doesn’t stop• Persistent, unexplained vomiting• Coughing up or vomiting blood• Suicidal feelings• Unusual abdominal pain

If you believe someone is havinga medical emergency, go to the ER orcall 9-1-1 if the condition is life-threatening or the person’s conditionmay worsen on the way to the

hospital. It is important to be awarethat some conditions may seemminor, but could become serious ifnot treated. In situations that may ormay not be a medical emergency, calla doctor’s office first or go to a walk-in clinic.

A walk-in clinic also may becalled a minor emergency, urgentcare or immediate care center. Theydo not require appointments and areoften open evenings and weekends.Walk-in clinics are good options ifyou do not need the high-level ofcare provided in an ER, but insteadhave a minor emergency such as acut that requires stitches, sore throat,sprained ankle or other illnesses thatare not life-threatening.

If you do not have to go to theER, be prepared. Bring a list ofcurrent medications, including howlong the medicine has been takenand how often. Include a list ofallergies as well as a medical historyform if you have one. If possible, callyour primary care physician ahead oftime so they can order lab work ifneeded or alert ER staff about yourcondition. If going to the ER withyour child, bring an immunizationrecord and a comfort item to helpsoothe your child.

When going to the ER formedical emergencies that are notlife-threatening, you also may wantto bring something to read andmoney for snacks or a soft drink. Tryto remain calm so you are better ableto communicate with the doctors

and nurses who are thereto care for you or a lovedone.

One program at theSaint Francis Hospitalsallows patients to skipthe waiting room formedical emergencies thatare not life threatening.With the InQuickERprogram, simply holdyour place online andwait in the comfort ofyour own home.

“We know peoplewant more convenience

and communication in the ERexperience,” explains Trish Higgins,emergency room director at SaintFrancie Hospital-Memphis. “Whileestimates and averages aboutemergency room wait times mayvary, many emergency room patientsend up waiting several hours inwaiting rooms with no indication ofwhen they’ll be seen. With thisservice, users enjoy the convenienceof choosing where they wait with aprojected time they will see ahealthcare professional in theemergency room.”

InQuickER does not affect thewait times of other emergency roompatients, nor does it allow certainindividuals to “cut” in front ofothers. Additionally, if the projectedtreatment time changes due to aninflux of patients requiring prioritytreatment, the user will be notifiedand given an alternative time.

Text courtesy of Saint Francis Hospital

Volunteers: You Make the Difference!

Harbor Town Board of Trustees 2013-14

Thank you to our wonderful Harbor Town Volunteers in2013: Cindy Barnett, Christy Riggs, Sally DiScenza,

Johnny Ko, Sherri Tipton, Ted Mackey, Sara Yarrow, JasonHarrison, Betsy Bird, Jim Summers, Alena Allen, Tim Soro,Jennifer Himes, Raymond Berglund, Diana Shearer, JoeyAbel, Harold Wingood, Kathy Kelley, Eric Nielsen, Michelle McKissack, Dennis Abernathy, MeganDress, Phil Gray, Erin Lindberg, Jodi Rump, Jane Pirani,Danny Richardson, Annette Sharpe, Landon Myers, MonicaMetzger, Jan Bouton, Cherita Jackson, Billy Bond, VictoriaClark, Robert Marcy, Karen Soro, Charley Tipton, ValerieHall, Russell Carter, Mary Keife Hyland Jerry Schwartz,Ashley High, Jeremy Benkin, Carol Slaughter, Tony Bologna,Renee Trammell, Rhonda Harris, Debbie Summers, TonyaTittle, Margaret Cardwell, Kay Clark, Kinzie Bird, JulieBinder, Gail Gray, Lee Harris, Emily Kirk, Andre Jackson,Cristina Guibao, Andy High, Robert Hayes, MonnaBarnhart, Sander Snowden, Cindy Dave, McCandlessSchroeder, Jack Shearer, Kelsey Johnston, Carlene Spence,Troy Glasgow, Pam Mackey, Carolyn Harvey, Dawn Nielsen,Nicole Storey, Cathy Abel, and Craig Cardwell.

Craig CardwellAssociation President (elected 8/12) 523-9721 (h), 899 Harbor Bend Roadcraigcardwell@me.com

Dawn NielsenChairman, District 1 Representative (elected 8/12)283-5887 (c), 809 Harbor Isle Circle East dawnnielsen@mac.com

Bill GravesDistrict 2 Representative (appointed 10/13)521-9101 (h), 860 Harbor Crest Drive Billgraves10@msn.com

Cristina GuibaoDistrict 3 Representative (elected 8/13) 485-3330 (c), 1029 Island Park Circle cguibao@gmail.com

Megan DressDistrict 4 Representative (elected 8/13)289-9644 (c), 989 River Landing megandress@gmail.com

Emily KirkApartment Representative (appointed 7/13) 526-0322 (w), 671 Harbor Edge Dr. htmanager@carterhaston.com

Nicole StoreyApartment Representative (appointed 8/13)615-208-9724 (w)3301 West End, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 38203nstorey@carterhaston.com

Russell CarterSecretary, Commercial District Rep (appointed 08/08) Owner, Movie and Pizza Company527-2233 (w), 110 Harbor Town Square521-9034 (h) memtiger110@yahoo.com

Elizabeth Glasgow, Town Manager 523-9853 (w), 740 Harbor Bend, #1523-9857(fax)eglasgow@henryturley.com 674-4837 (emergency cell)

Emerald City Custom Painting

901-383-1332Interior • Exterior • ResidentialCommercial • Pressure Washing

Wood RepairBBB Rating: A+

We have painted over 30 homes in HarborTown. We know how to make them last!

Owner: Bill HargraveEmeraldcityy2k@aol.com