Message from the President

As winter comes to a close, we are facing some interesting issues that will impact SVEA going forward. One is the continued feeding of the elk, and the resulting attraction of and the presence of predators – cougars and wolves – in our residential areas. Obviously, this presents some potential, if not actual, risks to domestic animals and/or humans. Over the next few months your board will be considering how to address the issue of owners feeding the elk on their property. While we would prefer not to take a position of whether elk should continue to be fed in a responsible manner so as to avoid attracting elk into residential areas and hence their predators, we will be forced to evaluate whether feeding on private property is in violation of Elkhorn’s master declaration in that it creates a health and safety issue.

One Community, One Town has been another ‘hot button’. Your SVEA Board was concerned enough over the potential negative impacts to the Elkhorn Association that SVEA made the decision to take a position against the proposed consolidation. Our communication of April 15, 2009, sent to all SVEA Owners, reflected our concerns, which were risks to our 1800 acres of open space and our loss of voting power. At this time we are pleased to report that the proponents of the consolidation idea have publicly announced the end to their efforts. While we are pleased with this announcement, your board continues to believe that there are some areas that may represent opportunities and benefits to both communities. We will continue to work with the City of Sun Valley, which has shown a willingness to explore these potential opportunities, to try to achieve cost saving benefits for everyone. Thank you for your participation and continued support.

James Fletcher, President

Despite today’s global economic climate, our finances are in solid shape, a reflection of SVEA’s consistent and conservative management of funds. The bottom line: As a whole, our revenue and expense numbers are coming in slightly ahead of plan. The chaos in the broad financial markets has resulted in late dues payments from a handful of owners, but savings on Employee Health Insurance and Snow Removal have helped offset those delays in revenue. The Harker Center Remodel is also slightly below planned expenses.

Patty Rosewater, Treasurer

SVEA works hard to make sure all of our assets are safe and secure.   While we mourn the failure of our local First Bank of Idaho, we are able to report that all funds are available, safe and it's business as usual -- only with US Bank of Minnesota rather than First Bank of Idaho.  

"Our excitement grows as excellent progress continues," related Cris Thiessen, who heads the Harker Center Improvement Committee. "Interiors of all buildings are nearing completion with exterior painting, landscaping and other site work expected to be complete by early June. Overall, the project is on schedule and within budget so come take a look at our long awaited improvements."

"Our association works because of the dedication, commitment and hard work of our professional staff which implements the policies of the SVEA Board of Directors," related Board President Jim Fletcher. "The nine-member Board in turn must reflect the needs, values, and desires of our community. Being a Board member is enjoyable, rewarding and above all, necessary to maintain excellent facilities, amenities and accompanying services," Fletcher continued. "Only by having members who represent the varied views of homeowners can we balance all your needs."

The SVEA Board of Directors has expertise in the areas of law, finance, communication, construction and amenity direction. At the end of the year, three board member positions will be open. "We are looking for prospective board members who are willing to add their expertise and commit their time to implement SVEA’s strategic vision of "maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Elkhorn", related Pam Bailey who heads the nominating committee. "In order to keep the balance of full-time and part-time residents we currently need members who live in Elkhorn full-time", she said. The nominating committee is comprised of Board Members and non board members and will be visiting with all applicants in early August. Those wishing to run for election will be included in the annual meeting proxy information.

The SVEA Board Member Application is available on the web site, www.elkhorn-assoc.org {click on Board of Directors and then click on (Board of Directors’ Application) immediately under the heading}. Applications may also be obtained at the Harker Center office.

All pool users and tennis players, using both the Village and Harker facilities, will be asked to sign themselves in. This process will be made easier than ever through SVEA’s new amenity software program. Sign-in sheets are a thing of the past!! Owners and guests will be able to sign in by scanning their amenity card. Owners will be issued a barcode that can be affixed to the back of their existing amenity card. As an owner’s existing card expires they will be issued a new amenity card with a permanently imprinted bar code for easy amenity access.

The Elkhorn swim season officially begins on May 23, Memorial Day weekend. Because of the positive feedback received from staff and pool users last year, the 2009 operations will be:

The Harker Pool opens June 13, and closes September 1, 2009. The pool will operate, fully staffed with lifeguards, from 11 am to 7 pm daily.

The Village Pool opens May 23, and closes September 30, 2009. The pool will operate from noon to 8 pm daily. In addition, Monday through Friday adult lap swimming is scheduled from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Children, supervised by a responsible adult, may access the pool beginning at 10:00 am but will be restricted to swimming in a designated, roped off area during adult lap swimming hours. There will be no lifeguards on duty at any time; however, attendants will be available to check in property owners and guests and issue towels.

The Harker Center Pool will have a fabulous new entrance lobby, a new sauna, new outdoor hot tub, new shade canopies, new storage building, new access to the Harker Park, and renovated men’s and women’s changing rooms and showers. Also at Harker; conversion from the standard chlorine sanitation method to a salt water system is good news for those who have sensitivity to chlorine.

The Village Pool will sport new shade canopies and a solution to the unsightly "pink grout" problem in the showers, changing rooms and hallways has been implemented.

The Pool Committee and staff are excited to report that Jenna Rade and Connor Wade are returning as Pool Co-Managers and will be bringing back many familiar life guards and attendants to make your swimming experience the best possible. Please let us know how we can continue to improve!

Pool Contact Information:
Village Pool after May 23rd      208-622-3047
Harker Pool after June 13th      208-622-3213

Water Aerobics - Britta von Tagen will be returning to the Elkhorn Village Pool this summer with her Shallow Water Exercise program. This workout will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 am, beginning June 16th (weather permitting). Britta’s classes focus on the "five sensations"; strength, agility, mobility, stability and flexibility. For more information please call Britta at 208-720-3663.

Scuba - Wendy St. Jean, owner of Ketchum Dive Adventures, will again offer scuba instruction with her confined water sessions taking place at the Elkhorn Village Pool. Wendy coordinates with her students and our pool staff to schedule pool times that work for all. For more information please call Wendy at 208-726-5424.

The 2009 tennis season begins May 15 — Bill Van Deinse is returning to manage the tennis programs and your Tennis Committee has been hard at work to make 2009 the best season ever! Village tennis courts will open May 15. Harker Center tennis amenities are scheduled to open June 1, depending on construction completion. Nets are currently in place at the Village for your open play enjoyment; however, due to the construction disturbance at the Harker Center, play will not be allowed until the site work is fully completed. Your patience is appreciated and we know the results will be worth the wait!

SVEA has a beautiful new Harker Tennis Pro shop, complete with restroom facilities, lobby/registration area, a kitchenette, storage area and new patio with shade awning and furniture. New water coolers (like the Village) are also being installed on the Harker courts.

At the Village Tennis location the CG-Elkhorn owned shack will receive some much needed maintenance, a shade canopy and patio furniture. SVEA is continuing to work with the CG-Elkhorn developers (owners of all land immediately outside the tennis courts) to enable construction of a new facility with rest rooms at the Village. In the interim, restrooms are available at the Village Pool from 8 am to 8 pm weekdays and from 12 noon to 8 pm weekends and holidays.

With a goal of enhancing and expanding the tennis court usage, new clinics and socials are planned for the 2009 season.

• First-time tennis enthusiasts can now learn to play tennis at Harker. One and ½ hour; three-day a week clinics are available.
• Those wanting to improve their skills can opt for intermediate three-day clinics and tennis aerobics.
• All clinics are limited to six players
• And for those who are looking for something more casual, come to "Drop-In-Tennis on Fridays. The pro will sort out the partners and play.
• After-tennis-Socials are also planned.
• Looking for a partner? There will be lists posted on our new bulletin board for those looking for a pick-up game or a partner. So, come out and play!!!

Court reservations may be made 72 hours in advance of play. This gives a little more time to schedule and confirm your game. During the months of July and August open play reservations for Harker courts may be made from 8:30 – 10:00 am and from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Reservations at the Village Courts may or may not be restricted to the same time blocks depending on court usage. Don’t forget to cancel your reservations in a timely manner or you may forfeit your ability to make future reservations.

Based on overwhelming support of tennis guest-fees in our member-survey, the Board of Directors has approved the $10 non-cardholder guest fee again for 2009. In conjunction with guest fees each property will be issued a 12-guest punch-card. The punch card will be maintained electronically through the new amenity software. The problem of leaving your guest punch-card at home, or use by multiple family members at the same time in different locations, will be eliminated with the new amenity card software program. Tennis guest fees will not apply to lessons, clinics, socials, camps or ladies’ and mens’ days.

Scheduled tennis program and fee information will be available after May 15, 2009 at both tennis locations, the SVEA office and on the website. Come by and pick up a schedule of all our fun and challenging programs. Or, to schedule ahead for your vacation, call the Pro Shop at 208-622-9281 to get on the list. Clinics for property owners will be $75 for a three-day session.

Tennis contact Information:
Harker Tennis Courts 622-9281
Village Tennis Courts 622-5535

Earlier this year the Board of Directors appointed a Golf Ad Hoc Committee to meet with the CG-Elkhorn Golf Club in an effort to expand the existing golf benefits provided to SVEA owners and their resident guests. Cris Thiessen and Sid Alpert have been successful in negotiating the following expanded tee times and rates effective with the 2009 opening of May 22nd or as soon as weather allows:

Tee Times: In addition to the guaranteed tee times of 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and anytime after 3:00, SVEA owners and their guests, who are residing in Elkhorn, may now take advantage of any available tee times after 2:00 pm during the summer (June 18 – September 7) and after 12:00 pm during the shoulder and early/late seasons. Nine-hole tee-times and rates will be available during the afternoon. New twilight rates will be available Monday through Thursday after 4:00 pm in the summer and after 3:00 pm in the shoulder and early/late seasons. Depending on space availability, accommodations will be made to allow two groups to play back to back (must be at least 6 players) rather than starting off an hour apart. Please call the Elkhorn Golf Club at 208-622-3300 to reserve a tee time.

Our thanks to the committee and to Elkhorn Golf Club!

The Elkhorn Golf Club is an important part of our community. The new owners and management have done an exceptional job of creating and maintaining this facility. It is a very large undertaking and we encourage you to do your part in protecting and respecting this private property. SVEA owns over 1800 acres of open space and many trails and hillsides suitable for walking dogs, running or hiking. We also own and maintain the Harker Park for both children’s and adult’s activities. Please remind your guests and children of the restrictions in place to protect the golf course as private property. Thank You!

The Clubhouse Restaurant: Also, as a reminder, the Clubhouse Restaurant is open to Elkhorn Owners and their guests. Hours of operation are daily from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm with the bar remaining open until 7:00 pm. This venue provides a fantastic setting and beautiful views, along with a wonderful lunch, early dinner or a cocktail on the deck. Plan to stop by!

AT&T cell service is up and running with the addition of a new cell antenna and we are told by users throughout Elkhorn that service has significantly improved.

Spring is here and with it the arrival of abundant wildflowers. While you are waiting for the higher mountain trails to be free of snow you can take advantage of trails in our immediate area that offer excellent views as well as wildlife and wildflower encounters. Two of the most popular locations are the trail(s) leading from the water and sewer storage tank off of Horseshoe Road that intersect with the Proctor Ridge trail, and the Dollar Mountain trail along the ridge above the Elkhorn ski lift. Access to this trail is either at the top of Elkhorn hill, between the golf course

greens or under the Elkhorn ski lift. Staff continues to work on the computer mapping of all open space trails as time allows and will inform you when it becomes available.

SVEA is working hard to control the massive infestation of noxious weeds within Elkhorn. Our 2009 budget includes a line item of $22,800 for the spraying and pulling of weeds. We will be coordinating our work with the City of Sun Valley, the Forest Service and BLM in an effort to avoid re-infestation. In addition, we need your help. If you spend time in the open space areas or if your property borders open space and you know of problem areas that we are missing please let us know. If any of you would be interested in participating we would like to host an "Elkhorn Weed-out Day" where we can learn to identify weeds, spend some time pulling and bagging noxious weeds, and finish with a complimentary lunch at the Harker Park. We have selected two potential dates and based on your responses will move ahead with organizing this fun and rewarding event. Please let us know if Thursday June 18th, or Saturday June 20th will work for you. If enough interest is generated we will finalize plans and inform all interested of the details.

Elkhorn Country Store: The local Elkhorn Market is open for your convenience with daily hours from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. The Market hosts a very nice selection of beer, wine and groceries. Stop by for the ‘Off-Season $2 Latte Special’ and watch for an announcement of a mid-June celebration featuring live music and wine tasting to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the store.

The Elkhorn Supper Club: The Restaurant at Elkhorn Springs will reopen on June 19th for their summer series of weekend dinners showcasing the culinary talents of some of Idaho’s best private chefs. Each weekend (Friday and Saturday nights) a different chef will be preparing a three-course, preset menu. The price is expected to be $35 per person but may vary depending on the menu. For reservations or additional information please call 208-726-3800.

In addition to the supper club, this beautiful facility is also available to rent for private parties.

Ketchum Parks and Recreation Department provides many programs for Sun Valley and Elkhorn children. To learn more for your summer planning, go to www.ketchumidaho.org (Parks and Recreation). Many programs are offered for children of all ages including tennis, softball, swimming, skateboarding, mountain biking, volley ball, rock climbing, golf and baseball. Brochures and applications are available through Ketchum Parks and Recreation. In addition to the above, there are also children’s activities available through Elkhorn Kids Camp www.elkhornkidscamp.com, Sun Valley Company Youth Center www.sunvalley.com, and the Galena Youth Adventure Camps www.galenalodge.com.

In our winter letter we informed you of the cougar sightings in Elkhorn. Those of you who live here full-time or read the local papers are aware of the Phantom Hill wolf pack (ten members strong) that spent several weeks following the elk wintering in Elkhorn and the surrounding communities. With the arrival of spring, the elk are retreating to higher ranges and the cougars and wolves are likely following. However, the bears living in Elkhorn who hibernated through the excitement of the cougar and wolf encounters are now awake! We have received several reports of scattered trash and damage caused by the hungry bears. The best way to avoid possible damage to your property is by placing your trash containers outside for pickup only on Tuesday morning. Answers to questions and additional information regarding wildlife can be obtained from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game at 208-324-4359.

Friendly Reminders

Spring is a great time to assess the exterior of your home for any needed repairs or painting.  If a painting project with a color change is in your plans, please contact the office for prior approval.     Be a good neighbor and be sure to return your trash containers to their enclosed or screened location following Tuesday’s trash pickup.   Thank you to all who control and pick up after your dogs.

SVEA Summer Membership Meeting and Barbeque

Date: Friday, July 17th, 2009 Place: Harker Center Park Meeting: 5:30 pm Barbeque: Following Meeting BBQ is free for property owners with current amenity cards; $10 each for additional guests

Owner Name ________________________________________

Elkhorn Property Account # ____________________________

Number of people attending ____________________________

Kindly return this RSVP by July 10th for our caterers’ final count.
Please return to: PO Box 1708 Sun Valley, ID 83353
Or fax to: (208) 622-3215 or email to svea@cox-internet.com

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