WISHING YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have enjoyed hosting this blog over the last several years.  I hope that the information posted is helpful to all who read it.  I enjoy you comments and questions.  If you are serious about wanting a direct answer from a board member I ask that you address the board members at their email address which is IPOIA.Board@gmail.com
Once again, since this is a personal message from the BLOG POSTER, God Bless and Happy New Year!  Karen Sikora

A SLIDING GATE WITH KEY LOCK HAS BEEN INSTALLED AT THE BOAT RAMP LOCATED AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT.  IF YOU CURRENTLY HAVE A KEY THAT FITS THE GATES AT GALAHAD AND TRISTAN IT WILL FIT THIS LOCK.  If you do not have a key, one may be purchased for $5 at the IPOIA office.  Only one per family will be issued.  The gate must be locked once you launch your boat.  As of this date only trolling motors are allowed.

BEFORE AND AFTER - CLEANUP CONTINUES

When the Community Bulletin Board was first put in place it was for Garage Sale, Lost Pet, etc. type postings which were at one time plastered all over the guard shack at the front entrance.  We did however, allow businesses that provided services to our residents to place a sign in this location as long as it was neat and on a stake to be posted around the bulletin board.  As you can see from the before picture it became quite a mess.  Please remember, the City of Ivanhoe does have ordinances in reguards to signs and this area is being maintained so that residents can use it to post items for sale, garage sales, lost pets, etc.  We do ask, that after the event you please remove your sign.

SECURITY AT PARKS AND LAKE AREAS

It has been brought to the attention of the IPOIA Board that some undesirable activities are taking place in some of our park areas.  If you see suspicious activity, please contact the Tyler Co. Sheriff Dept. at 283-2172 or Don Saenger 377-2199 (IPOIA Security).
Plans are also being made to install lights in park areas that do not have them and to put up barriers to stop vehicles from driving down into the park areas at night. 

THE WORK CONTINUES..........

Thanks go to George Koepke for the two new bulletin boards that have been installed at the City and IPOIA office to replace the one that was falling apart.  Also, thanks go to Ron Sikora and Don Saenger for help with the installation.

ANIMAL CONTROL IN IVANHOE

Even before Ivanhoe became a city, there was a problem with dogs running loose and causing residents problems.  I know from personal experience that there were two times that dogs threatened me in my yard as well as when I was walking for exercise.  Many residents have complained that they can not even use the walking trail at Helipad Park because of the dogs.  As we drove into Ivanhoe after dark one day last week there was a pack of dogs running together and as far as I could see, none had collars.  Below is a letter that was sent by a City of Ivanhoe Council member in which he asks that I post this on the IPOIA blog for your information.  I urge you to make plans to attend the workshop that is scheduled for January 3 at 7 p.m. @ the  Buck Priest Community Center.

On Dec. 10th, two city council members met with Robert Bentz and received a lot of information on how to set up an animal control program.  This is what Mr. Bentz does for the city of Woodville.  We are in the process of actively working to purchase traps, kennels and other material to set up our own shelter.  We will have a "Workshop" on Jan. 3rd to gather citizen input prior to setting up our animal control program.  Our program will include working with a veterinarian to insure all dogs and cats have rabies vacinations which is the law.  We will also include education for our citizens on our zoning ordinance as it pertains to "animal control".  We feel that within 30 days we will have a plan in place and then we will put out FLYERS and other communication information that will allow our citizens 30 more days to comply with the ordinance before we trap animals.  Joe McIntyre

CELEBRATING THE CITY OF IVANHOE'S SECOND ANNIVERSARY!

I know this is the IPOIA blog but I felt it was important today to mention that we all got together as a community to celebrate our city's second anniversary.  A BIG cake was donated and made by Jeanette Bourque and lots of good food was brought to be enjoyed by all.  Thank you to the Friends of Ivanhoe for doing all the set up and the wonderful decorations and door prizes. 

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

IPOIA AND CITY RESPONSIBILITY CLARIFICATION

I feel it is important for clarification to be made once again on the responsibilities that the IPOIA have as apposed to the City responsibilities.  When Ivanhoe became a city two years ago the roads and dams were turned over to the city.  They are no longer the responsibility of the IPOIA.  Your maintenance fee's of $6 per lot and the sticker fee's are used for the parks and lakes and insurance costs for the buildings.  If you wish, you may come by the office and pick up a detailed list of where these fee's are spent.  We have heard several comments from residents that money is being spent to asphalt the park walking trail and in front of the community center and the roads are in such bad repair.  Your taxes which are paid to the city are what is used to do road and dam repair. If you have questions concerning the roads and the dams, please contact the city office.   

RE-SURFACING WALKING TRACK AT HELIPAD PARK

Work has begun at the walking trail at Helipad Park.  Many of the residents of Ivanhoe have asked that the walking track be refinished because it is a wonderful place to walk for health reasons.  In an overwhelming vote, the IPOIA board decided that it would be money well spent and beneficial to so many residents to refinish the track.  At the last IPOIA meeting John Paul Feeley requested that the board also consider adding a walkway to the helipad to make it easier to move people to the Life Flight helicopter in an emergency.  In co-operation between the City and the IPOIA, the City offered to split the cost of the walkway to the Helipad.  This is a project that greatly benefits all of the residents of Ivanhoe.  Work will also begin today on refinishing the walkway to the community center as well as adding handicap parking in front of the center (pics will be posted later).  Remember:  The funds that are used to improve your park areas are from maintenance and sticker fees that you pay to the IPOIA.

IPOIA Maintenance Fee Statements for 2012

YES, it is that time of year!  Pictured are volunteers handing out the 2012 Maintenance Fee Invoices that will be mailed out within the next week.  Many residents took this opportunity to pick up their statement and even pay Saturday to save the IPOIA the expense of mailing the statement out.  The new stickers for your vehicle, boat and golf cart are available to be purchased for a charge of $5 per sticker.  A reminder:  Since the office is staffed by all volunteer's, office hours are Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.  After receiving your statement, if you would like to drop off your payment at a time when the IPOIA office is not open, you may enter the City Office door and immediately to your right on the wall will be a locked mail box where your payment can be deposited.  Please make sure that you identify your property by writing the property or county ID # in the memo section on your check.  We would really appreciate at this time that you do not place cash in the box.  If you would like to make a cash payment, please come by when the office is open.  NOTE:  In an effort to keep our database updated if you have a change in phone # or any other changes please make note of that and include with your payment.

IPOIA Board 2011-2012

From left to right:  Mollie Vieau-Member, Chuck Vonderlin-Treasurer, Connie Rudd-Secretary, Patsy Morris-President, Karen Hamilton-Member, Don Saenger-Member, Ron Sikora-Vice President.  Reminder:  Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.  at the Buck Priest Community Center.

IPOIA Regular Monthly Meeting

This Saturday at 10 a.m. is the monthly meeting of the IPOIA.  The City of Ivanhoe Meeting will be held following the IPOIA meeting.  All members are invited to attend.  Market Day's which was held on Nov. 5th was a great success and a great time was had by all who attended.  Thanks to the Ivanhoe Volunteer Fire Dept. for the excellent hamburgers.  A special thanks to Karen Hamilton and all the Friends of Ivanhoe who volunteered.

NOVEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

COMMUNITY CENTER WORKDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15TH

In preparation for Market Day's in November we are going to "spruce up" around the community center.  Everyone, no matter your skill level is invited to come out and help as we paint, mow, landscape, do a little of this and that around the center.  Coffee will be perkin' for you early folks and if you can come later that is fine too.  We will get started around 7 but you come when you can. 
LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.  See Ya There Neighbor!  If you have any questions, call Ron at 377-1936.

IVANHOE MARKET DAYS - SAT. NOVEMBER 5TH

If you didn't attend last year, you missed a great time.  Please mark this day on your calendar and make plans to come out and visit with your neighbors and buy some early Christmas presents!  Thanks to Karen Hamilton and the Friends of Ivanhoe for all your hard work.

OCTOBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

MONTHLY PARKS AND LAKES REPORT

September has been a quiet month with the kids back in school and vacations over with.  Again, let me thank all of you who volunteer your time and equipment to mow our parks.  We have not mowed as often as I would like, but due to lack of rain we didn't want what grass we did have burning up.  There have been some reports of damage done to signs in the parks and dam areas.  REMEMBER:  If you get caught, charges will be brought against you.  Please note that the big dumpster is no longer at the community center.  It is put there during the summer months so people using the swim area or community center can get rid of their trash.  Thank you to Byron and Aileen Holley for the donation of the three cement pots with flowers for the front of the office area.  On the Clean-up/Repair Community Center Day which is scheduled for October 15th, more work will be done to improve the front of the office area.  We have several projects planned over the next couple of months in the park areas too, just needed to wait for cooler weather....I will keep you posted on what is planned and if you would like to help, you are more than welcome.  Ron Sikora, IPOIA (Parks and Lakes) 

OCTOBER MONTHLY IPOIA MEETING

The October IPOIA meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 8th at 10:30 a.m.  at the Buck Priest Community Center. 

IPOIA - EMAIL ADDRESS

This Blog was established to keep you informed about the happenings in Ivanhoe.  Your comments are appreciated but we feel that property owners need a personal contact with a board member for some of the questions that have been asked on the blog.  Therefore, your IPOIA Board has set up a email address so that you can send your comments/questions in and you should receive an answer within 24 hours.  Remember one very important fact.  The IPOIA is only responsible for the Parks and Lake areas within Ivanhoe so we ask that you only email questions concerning the IPOIA.   All other questions need to be directed to the City of Ivanhoe.  IPOIA.Board@gmail.com

FYI

Here is some interesting information if you are over 60 and need a ride into town.  The East Texas Support Services, Inc. will come to your house, pick you up and take you to town and bring you back home when you are finished.  For Veterans or the disabled if under 60, the fee is $5.  Please call 1-800-256-6111 or 409-384-8751.  If these services are not used, we may lose them in Tyler Co. If you  know anyone who might benefit from this service please give them the phone numbers.  The Rural Transportation Driver that I spoke with is going to drop some flyers off at the office with more detailed information and I will post when they become available.   

SEPTEMBER 2011 IVANHOE NEWSLETTER

September 2011 Annual Meeting Report

Wow! What a great Annual Meeting. The room was packed and we took care of business. The property owners in Ivanhoe ROCK!
Here is the line up of the Board of Directors, IPOIA:
Patsy Morris - President
Ron Sikora - Vice President
Chuck Vonderlin - Treasurer
Connie Rudd - Secretary
Karen Hamilton - Member
Mollie Vieau -Member
Don Saenger - Member
Welcome back to Chuck Vonderlin and new member Don Saenger
The "Friends of Ivanhoe" put on a great sack luncheon and don't forget about Market Days which will take place November 5th. Outside booths available to rent just contact Karen Hamilton 409-283-2832

OFFICE HOURS FOR THE IPOIA
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Saturday 9 am - 3pm

IPOIA ANNUAL MEETING - SEPTEMBER 10

The IPOIA Annual Meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the community center. The annual meeting is open to all property owners however, you must be member in good standing to vote. We will have a BBQ sandwich luncheon with chips, dessert and a drink for $5 and will start serving once the city meeting is over. So, come have lunch, visit with your neighbors and stay for the annual meeting at 2 p.m.

UPDATE ON IVANHOE PARKS AND LAKES

This notice is for all who read the blog and don't live out here full time. If you haven't made a trip to Ivanhoe this summer, you are probably unaware of the terrible drought we have experienced. Our lakes are way down and we have had to restrict the use of motorized boats on both Lake Charmaine and Lake Galahad. Old Timers from this area have said that they have never seen it this dry. Many of our trees are stressed and it looks like many have died. It has been a hot summer and as of this writting no relief in site. It gets pretty bad when you almost (notice I said almost) wish for a tropical depression to bring us rain. If you do decide to come and check out your property, please remember the BURN BAN is on with zero tolerance. A spark from a grill or cigarette could cause a fire with our current dry conditions so please be careful. Even though we have had these conditions, work has been done in many of the park areas to improve them for future use. You will notice new signs have been installed and bulkheads replaced to protect our parks for use by property owners and their guests. Plans are being made to improve playground equipment and do much need work on our community center this fall.

Ron Sikora, IPOIA Parks and Lakes Chairman

BULKHEAD WORK COMPLETE AT COMMUNITY CENTER

The bulkhead repairs are complete at the community center swim area. Thanks to Truman for doing a great job!

BULKHEAD REPAIRS STARTED AT COMMUNITY CENTER SWIM AREA

Bulkhead replacement is underway and should be finished before the weekend. Please be aware of construction area.

AUGUST 2011 NEWSLETTER

RAINBOW AT LAKE CHARMAINE

Took this picture at the Lake Charmaine Community Center park yesterday. We did receive some rain this past week but our lake level has remained the same. We still need several inches of rainfall to begin filling our lakes again. Thank you for observing all posted signs in our parks and lake areas.

KWUD Local Radio Station

Check this out on the web. It is a great source of local information and weather radar.

WALKWAY TO NEW ENTRANCE IPOIA OFFICE

Volunteer's showed up bright and early this morning to build the new walkway for the entrance to the IPOIA office.

Sherwood Forest No. Park Cleanup Update

We got the clean up done before we were blessed with some much need rain! The park looks great. We are looking for volunteers that would be willing to mow this park on a regular basis. Please contact Ron at 377-1936.

BULKHEAD REPAIR PLANNED

Bulkhead replacement is scheduled to start the week of July 18th on the bulkhead located at the community center swim area. During this time the area will be roped off and off limits for safety reasons. If you want to take a swim there is a swim area located at Candy Cane Park and Charmaine So. Park. Water levels are very low and since there is no boat traffic swimmers have been leaving the designated swim areas. Please remember, you swim at your own risk. Once the lake levels return to normal you will need to remain in the swim areas for your own safety. We are working hard to clean up our park areas and the residents of Ivanhoe are responding by removing their trash when they leave. Plans are in place to repair or replace playground equipment and picnic tables. We love volunteers. You might have noticed the signs that say "Parks are maintained by Volunteers for your enjoyment". If you would like to help, please contact Ron Sikora at 377-1936.

STUFFED POTATO DINNER - AUGUST 13TH

The Friends of Ivanhoe will sponsor a Stuffed Potato Dinner on Saturday, August 13th right after the City of Ivanhoe Meeting (around 12:30). Menu is Potato with all the trimmings, Dessert and a drink. Your Potato can be with Chili or BBQ for $8 or without for $6. Dine in or carry out. Tickets are on sale at the IPOIA office on Friday, Saturday or Sunday during regular office hours. You may also purchase a ticket from any Friends of Ivanhoe Volunteer. All proceeds benefit our community.

SHERWOOD FOREST NO. PARK CLEANUP - JULY 16TH AT 7:30 A.M.

Ivanhoe Residents - Here is an opportunity for you to be a part of a great bunch of people who volunteer their time and help keep our parks in shape. This month we will be working at Sherwood Forest No. Park starting at 7:30 a.m. to beat the heat. Since this park has not been cleaning in several months, there is tall grass on the waters edge (bring your gas weed eaters) and fallen branches that will need to be picked up. If you have any questions, Call Ron at 377-1936. We also mow the community center on a volunteer basis. If you see the grass getting long and needing a mow job........do it! You won't hurt my feelings. Ron Sikora Chairman Parks and Lakes

July 2011 Newsletter

Click on the page you wish to see and it should enlarge to read.