A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY

OF ALPINE LAKE

FROM 1968 TO 1990

BY JESSE M. PRICE

1988

FWPW reported that an aerator, top dresser, utility cart, sprayer and 6 new golf carts were ordered.

The Lodge area fire siren was tested every Friday at noon.

In March, Property Owners approved building a float to be in the T.A. parade. Contributions were accepted to defray the cost of decorating it.

The Cookbook Committee paid for the umbrellas placed at the Boathouse.

The Entertainment Committee paid for a new stove for the Boathouse and also a new set of Bingo Balls.

The Gift Shoppe held monthly meetings to keep all apprised of profits or losses.

Windsurfing on the Lake. Mike Trent, a resident, was responsible for this sport.

There was a new dock at the Boathouse.

By November, the Lake was drained. DNR said a weir was needed at Limeplant Road and the maintenance area road. The weir was needed to measure the flow being discharged. Dick Csamer designed and installed the weir. Other "musts" were set forth!

The combined Cook Book and the Entertainment Committees paid for the new vinyl floor in the Boathouse kitchen as well as commercial grade carpet in the main room with inset for dancing. Estimated cost: $2,600.00.

Volume 32 of the Newsletter listed committees and the members thereof.

The second Homeowners Directory was ready in May, done by the Welcome Committee again. More sand was added to the Beach area and Homeowner Volunteers had a new float ready for the Parade.

The Homeowners Entertainment Committee scheduled several events —The Spring Fling, Luau and Halloween parties were some, all to be held at the Boathouse.

The Gift Shoppe had its first birthday in July. The second Annual Holiday Show was planned for October, in Conference Room A.

Volume 33 of the newsletter reported the former Alpine Campground was closed and once again for sale. Guest passes are available to Homeowners —$25.00 for 2 guests for 1 year, 1 home. It was not good for greens fees or lift tickets.

Homeowner and Engineer. Dick Csamer worked on the Sewer project which was to be completed in July. Five lift stations were installed along with several thousand feet of plastic pipe.

Volume 35, the December Newsletter, reported the following: - the November Board Meeting arrived at new assessments which were payable May I and September 1.

Improved lots — $345.00 to $480.00

Adjoining lots $184.00

Unimproved lots $240.00

In December, at the request of the Property Owners, a Road Committee was established.

Articles of Incorporation were filed with the WV Secretary of State.

The LAKE LEAK is overcome! Opening the Outlet Valve drained the Lake sufficiently to permit a large crevice to be filled with clay. This stopped the lake water from emptying into the underground limestone caverns.

Regarding the special sewer assessment, $112,932.00 was collected. $287,000 was stilled owed.

This year $2,870.00 was collected from 78% of Homeowners for the TAVFD, and $1,493.00 from 70% of Homeowners for the Employees Christmas gifts

Excerpts from the Nov-Dec Board meetings — the Gift Shoppe Committee refurbished Conference Room A by painting, wallpapering, installing fans, lighting and paneling. Gift Shoppe funds were used and volunteers worked under Chairpersons Dottie L. Csamer and husband Dick.

The Beach area was enlarged and a new dock was built at Boathouse.

Two lots were traded for the re-coating of the Tennis courts.

Board decisions-

RENTALS:

Beach and Picnic area—$60.00 plus clean-up

Deposit of $50.00

Boathouse—$ 100.00

MOUNTAINTOP LAW SUIT SETTLEMENT

$100,000 cash plus 40 lots of our choice and 2 parcels of land totaling approximating 41 acres.

Of the settlement, $30,000 to go for road repairs. The New Construction fee to be increased from $200.00 to $500.00 and to be used for Road repairs.

A Newspaper clipping of July 29 reports Boardsailing races were held at Alpine Lake. Mike Trent and Dave Swanson coordinated these races.

The Entertainment Committee parties for residents filled the Boathouse each time. Ruth Allen, Chairlady.

Bird (Bill) and Flower (Helen) Wylie conducted Bird and Flower Walks each Monday morning with good attendance.

The Property Owners Committee held meetings the first Saturday of each month, and made recommendations to the Board.

A Bridge Group met twice a month throughout Spring and Summer. The new restaurant Manager Ken Kirsch, served excellent food. Reservations were preferred.

A Flea Market Sale was held in the lower part of the Lodge, selling excess items in the Lodge plus donations from residents. Profit was to be used for a new sewer pump. Ceci Brandner was chairperson.

A Men’s Golf League Dinner was held at the Boathouse in August of 1989. Also an "August Festival" dinner dance was held in the Boathouse August 26^th.

About 100 attended the Annual Picnic.

The ALLGO Golf Tournament and luncheon was held September 9.

Amended By-Laws were mailed to all Property Owners,

Red Cross Swimming lessons began in September in Alpine’s pool.

A Candidates Night was held in October to meet Rich Hopkins and Phil Schenk who were running for an available Board seat.

The Gift Shoppe had its Christmas sale in Conference Room A from October I through October 31.

November and more activity on the Golf Course as earth was turned for additional holes. Groups of men and women were very active.

The Road Committee announced that repairs would begin in the Spring as weather permits.

December brought Cross-country Skiing when the snow cooperated.

The Courthouse sale of real estate for delinquent taxes listed about 50 of Alpine lots!

Concerned citizens of Alpine, through a lawyer, objected to the amended and restated Articles of Incorporation as approved by the membership. (Feb.)

In March a new GM Pickup was leased to replace the 1985 Jeep (90,000 miles) and the 1982 Ford Escort (75,000 miles). Both vehicles were to he sold.

In May, Marge Luther reported that $160.00 from recycling was given to Terra Alta City Park toward a new roof for the Community Building. Also $160.00 used toward radios for Security Guards plus $100.00 for Salvation Army Christmas toys. $100.00 also used to replace trees in the windbreak along Rhododendron Drive. There is still $40.00 in that recycling fund.

The ALPOA/Mountaintop lawsuit was settled in June. ALPOA received a parcel of land (14 plus acres) along the east side of the lake along Bluebell Dr. One section of it was made a "QUIET PLACE" in memory of all who loved ALPINE LAKE. A plaque was planned and donations were needed. Stone benches were placed near a big rock. Dedication was held October 7. LaRue Dorrell and Bill Wylie co-chaired this project.

Security was instructed to call Property Owners when their guests arrived. Residents were asked to inform Security when they were expecting anyone. Sometimes they get lost on the property!

The 2-day Parking Lot Lodge Sale netted $2000.00 and money was still coining in.

The Tennis courts were resurfaced and painted. Gate was locked with key at the Boathouse.

As of August a FAX machine was in the lodge for use of Property Owners, guests and the public.

In May of 1989 the Property Owners Committee under Jim Price, planned a Mountaineer luncheon to be held in the Boathouse. Menu -— Ham, baked beans, corn bread, tossed salad with ramps on the side, and Sassafras Tea.

Dimlin was sprayed in Luzerne, Geneva and part of Bern. These sections were badly infested by the Gypsy Moth last year. Dimlin works on larvae and is not poisonous or toxic

FWLW reported 11/10/89 that a LEASH LAW was included in the new By Laws as recommended by the Property Owners Committee.

The Employees Christmas Fund this year amounted to $2,550.00 and the TAVFD fund- $3,4 15.00. There was a total of 37 full-time and part-time employees this year.

1990

Gary Bunn became the new Manager on March 1. This same month Lodge rooms were being refurbished and the apartment was painted and new bedding, etc. supplied. FWIW reported a $10.00 fee for boat storage. There was also a 13-page report on a 5-year plan for capital improvements.

Tom Hawkins was placed in charge of Golf Course play. He set new rules.

Alpine was recycling aluminum cans, glass and newspapers. The T.A. High School took the newspapers to become NEWS FOR MOOS—shredded bedding.

A July suggestion — fly your American Flag when in residence.

The Board meeting of November 10, 1990 stated that the loss of availability funds caused a shortfall. Funds were borrowed from other accounts, which were covered by formal notes, indicating date of transfer and amount. Funds to be restored when available. Water & sewer availability charge was determined to be illegal.

Renters rights to facilities were pending.

FWIW reported on December 6—The General Manager stated there will he no visitors in the Lobby offices or upstairs office without first making an appointment or getting clearance from the Front Desk.

Bob Boal, President of the Board, called a special meeting Jan 12 to attend to Personnel matters and to appoint committee members, subject to their acceptance. 

COMMITTEES FOLLOW:

Beach and Pool Golf
Building and Maintenance Lake
Entertainment Nominating
Environmental Property Owners
Finance Roads

Skiing

Each committee selected a chairperson who was a full-time resident.

The second Annual Property Owners Mountaineer lunch was held on Memorial Day.

The Gypsy Moth spraying was carried out. Tanglefoot can also be used on individual trees.

Property Owners who were interested in beautification planted flowers around Alpine.

Boats had to be registered for an annual fee of $10.00.

The 3rd Homeowners Directory was available for $1.00. It was free to the new homeowners

The golfers are very active with ALLGO, ALMGO, SCRAMBLE, GUYS AND DOLLS.

The weekly picnics, plus Bingo, were well attended. Any profit was used to improve the picnic/beach area. Plans were for a larger pavilion, wash-house repairs, etc.

Recycling bins were set up in the lower parking lot to take white and green glass and squashed aluminum cans.

A Public Utility Board of Directors was elected (ALPUC) in July. The 3 members were: — Larry Bales, Jim Minor and Bill Wylie.

In August, Alpine hosted a group of children from the "Children’s Home" in Wheeling. An exciting day was planned with lunch, swimming, and watching the National Guard Parachutists practice using the lake for drops. Helen Wylie was instrumental in bringing them here from Camp Oglebay.

The Alpine Lake float took 1st Place in the Amateur Division of the Autumn Glory Parade, October 13 in Oakland, MD. The Prize was $100.00!

The Sanitation Committee reported the US Small Business Administration had monies for rural communities’ use and they were looking into the T.A. area. The T.A. sewer system was in bad shape and the lagoon at Hopemont was not satisfactory. Federal Money could include Alpine and Corinth. They would run a line to Alpines’ gate where it could be hooked up.

Some had home mail delivery at Alpine. If more wanted it, they were to write the US Postal Authority to do away with the cluster boxes, WRITE!

The Halloween Costume Party was a great success—planned by the Entertainment Committee.

The Gift Shoppe was staffed by some 30 volunteers who have contributed over 600 hours. It was solvent and contributed money for various Lodge improvements.

An Angel tree was in the Lobby for contributions used for children of the area. A Christmas Party for children of employees was held at the Boathouse with a Santa present.

September—The Board prepared a job description for the General Manager.

Also a chain of command was established.— such as who was Acting

Manager when Manager was off duty.

SPEEDING—1st warning by Security; 2nd warning-deny access to property.

Weekend garbage left by roadside before Monday collection will be picked up by Security. A $20.00 fee will be assessed to the violator.

No Yard Sales are allowed. They are not in keeping with the nature of the Resort. No directional signs by individuals either. They will be removed by Security!

In regard to construction — a permit costing 5% of cost must be obtained for all improvements — not to exceed $500.00. This was in regard to small utility buildings being built without permission.

Regarding Clotheslines:—see Declarations section 8j. Rule to he enforced!

A full-time road supervisor was approved by the Board. Berms to be graded, trees cut from roadways, culverts cleaned, ditching to prevent further erosion, snow removal and cindering plus providing water and sewer tap excavations. This from the Board minutes of 9/15/90.

March 1990— Bids were expected on the first part of work on the main

Lodge. Exterior of kitchen first, to replace buckled siding and insulation.

Repairs were budgeted for $10,000 of the monies received from the Mountaintop settlement of the suit. The new cap on the roof cost $2,500.00. Room balconies needed new decking, wrought iron needed refinishing, new decking around the dining room, and also there was a drainage problem in front of the Lodge. Nothing had been done to the Lodge through the years, said Jim Lake of the Road & Maintenance Committee. (This from Alpine Newsletter of March 1990.)

Board minutes of 9/15/90 — Charles Minor presented a proposal to rebuild Security building and add a restroom. The Board made a counter offer —trade 1 or 2 lots and include roofing the pavilion. Chas. Minor was to report hack.

3 suits for non-payment of assessments were pending.

12/6/90—Senator Rockefeller attached letter from the US post office, Charleston stating "No change in established service unless requested by developer".

BOARD MINUTES OF JUNE 21, 1990:

The Lodge roof was treated (fire retard) at a cost of $7,460.00.

From the same minutes:

Cost of Golf course expansion:

$300.00—Sand

$3,000.00—Seed

$6,000.00—Pipe

$5,000.00—lop soil

$764 .88—Bulldozer

$1,500.00—Stone

$500.00—Sand

TOTAL—$17,064.88

October brought the proposed ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF ALPUC (Alpine Lake Public Utilities Company) as amended and restated; also the PROPOSED BYLAWS. Copies were put on file. The Capital Improvement Budget for 1990-1996 —$1,611,996.00.

The November Alpine Lake’s Newsletter contained the following — Milton Crum did this research: Alpine Lake’s almost 400 property owners list home addresses in forty states, one territory and two foreign countries. West Virginia leads with 577. Maryland is next with 304 and then Pennsylvania with 200. Alpine’s snow birds brings Florida up to 64, Virginia scores 51 and Ohio 37. California, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York and Texas check in with 10 or more. Oregon in the NW and Arizona and New Mexico in the SW. There is Alaska and the Virgin Islands too. Even England and Australia are represented. What a marvelous community.

From the December 15 Board Meeting: — Approximately $635,000 was needed to restructure the debt plus $600,000 Motel Mortgage.

A RENTER POLICY was adopted. The beach would be available to renters, motel guests, and other authorized Visitors to the Resort.

All new employees, plus those transferred or promoted, were to be on probation for 6 months. They would not have paid vacations, absences or paid holidays and could be terminated during the first 6 months.

December 31—V. Marshall lawsuit-Swiss Section-easement (walking) was not to be used or maintained. It was closed 8/29/91. This was decided at a special Board meeting.

The Assessments were to remain the same as for 1989.

In reference to a group of residents calling themselves "Concerned Citizens" - they must have a spokesperson register with the Board in order to have any action taken on any issue