Owners Update - April 2013
Ya know, you’d think that, if there wasn’t much snow in Park City, it’d start warming up. Ha! The season’s closed and, except for a snow dump over the weekend, you can see the dirt in most areas where there was several feet of snow in the past. Global warming? Nah, just tough sledding all over the valley. Skiing, too. There may not be much snow but the cold temperatures persist. The good news is the beautiful spring has sprung and it’ll be summer soon. Hiking, biking, fishing; wishing for a bite from something other than a mosquito.
Let’s get to the news...
Skiers Lodge Owner Meeting
In February, the annual meeting of Skiers Lodge owners was held at the Salt Lake Public Library in Sandy. The owners in attendance learned a little more about the planned refurbishment, participated in the election of directors, and some won prizes in a drawing. In the election, the incumbents were re-elected to serve another two-year term each. The candidates and their respective vote totals were:
candidate list
| Pat Noffsinger |
145 |
| Doug Thomsen |
133 |
| Shane Wright |
134 |
| Alan Wright |
78 |
The current board officers, President Frank Steele, Vice President, Preston Hunt, Treasurer Shane Wright, and Secretary Pat Noffsinger were asked to serve another year in the same offices.
Starla Serda of Trading Places International reported on the year-end status of the Skiers Lodge finances. She told everyone there had been a net operating loss of $6,485 but that it amounts to less than two percent of the total budget. This included reserve expenditures totaling $7,442. There is a cash balance in the reserves of $90,872.
Two drawings were held for free Trading Places exchanges. The winners were Marvin Loosle and Mike Thornell.
The meeting was opened to questions, comments, and suggestions from the owners. Among the subjects covered in discussion were the association’s bad debt (billing and collection) procedure, the progress of the special assessment for refurbishment (see article below), and controls for construction during the refurbishment.
There was also a report from Trading Places about resales scams. Here’s more on that...
Resales Scams
Owners of older timeshares like Skiers Lodge get piles of postcards in their mail every day, and several telemarketing calls a month all offering solutions for offloading a timeshare. These contacts are often by organizations asking for $5,000 or more in advance to sell a timeshare and transfer it to the new owners.
Groups like Timesharing Today, Timeshare Users Group (TUG), and AARP have used the internet to spread the word that many of these offers are scams. In Florida alone, the state's attorney general logged 12,257 complaints about timeshare fraud in 2010, and the number is growing. Florida has targeted boiler room fraud operations victimizing timeshare owners, especially elderly ones, and has managed to put several in jail. Other states are doing the same.
In addition to the groups listed above, the ARDA-ROC Timeshare Resale Resource Center has extensive information about resales, as well as an on-line survey where owners can share their resale experiences. Click here to go to their one-stop resource about the resale process and unscrupulous resale and marketing companies.
Don’t get caught in this situation! If you are tempted, call Trading Places International at 866-218-2789 before sending any money or signing a contract.
Here are three red flags indicating a possible scam:
- They ask for a fee up front and it’s a big one
- They want you to pay the fee with your credit card
- They are either vague or won’t answer questions about their performance
A good rule is to assume legitimate resale companies don’t do telemarketing, email, or direct mail solicitations.
Don’t forget: You’ve never met these people. Be sensible. Pretend your mother is watching.
Room Phones
Last time we told you the board was looking into taking the telephones out of the rooms to save money. A letter has been sent to the telephone company to come and get them and they’ll be gone soon. We’ll still have the phone in the office, the fax line, and, of course, Wi-Fi. But, with the proliferation of cellular phones, the land lines were getting little if any use and we found that several thousand dollars a year could be saved by removing the room phones. In a small association like Skiers Lodge, that can have a big impact on keeping the maintenance fees from going up too much.
Resort Refurbishment
A committee of the board and management – Nancy Scott, Shane Wright, and Darryl Hoyt – met recently to set priorities for the refurbishment. The consensus was that, with all the planning needed, the upgrades will take at least two years to complete. Not only must an installation schedule be worked out, there needs to be a coherent plan covering the entire project. Without one, there’s a risk it will be done piecemeal and will end up uncoordinated and mismatched. That plan will be in place shortly.
This is also a good time to report on the progress of the special assessment. So far, about half of the total amount has been paid by owners. Some opted to pay in full and benefit from a discount; others elected to use the three-year payment plan. We are grateful so many of you have been pleasant, even if grudgingly, about the special assessment.
There’s no way to sugarcoat it: everyone hates special assessments. Being asked to pay more than the usual maintenance fee not only puts a damper on your day but also a dent in your wallet and the board is sympathetic to both. In a perfect world, special assessments wouldn’t exist – or any other type of assessments, for that matter – but, sadly, sometimes they’re a necessary evil.
While the board makes its best effort to budget in advance for all types of projects, occasionally more is needed. When this happens, we have to call on you to pitch in. Just remember, though, this refurbishment will benefit all.
In the words of Skiers Lodge Board President Frank Steele, “Of course, we don’t take a special assessment lightly. Not only do we understand that special assessments can be a hardship but, since we’re owners too, they’re an extra financial burden on us, as well. To ease that burden, we offer a payment plan whenever possible.”
Still, paying a special assessment is about as much fun as having a root canal. But, it’s an investment in the future and will help keep our resort a beautiful place to visit for years to come.
Park City Events & Activities
Whoever said you can't please all the people all the time has never visited Park City in the summer. Our world-class resorts convert their lifts and runs into miles of biking and hiking trails and endless summer activities. Here, the skies are perpetually blue, the foothills are covered with wildflowers, and the cool mountain breezes make summer temperatures a whole lot more enjoyable. If you're into thrills, try out the summertime version of the bobsled at the Utah Olympic Park. And treat your cultural side to some of the most entertaining arts and music festivals at any elevation. Just check out our action-packed Calendar of Events and start planning your Park City summer vacation.
Friday May 03, 2013
Stand-Up Comedy
May 03, 2013 - May 04, 2013 @ 8:00pm
Egyptian Theatre
Stand-Up Comedy with headliners Patrick Keane and Todd Sawyer. Comedy can make light of the everyday absurd! Enjoy the humors of Park City nightlife with a cold beer and some hearty laughs. Shows Friday & Saturday nights. Tickets: $19 and up.
Saturday May 11, 2013
Kids Day on Historic Main Street
Take the family downtown for a wide variety of kid-friendly activities like pizza making, cookie decorating and theatre production, all hosted by the establishments along Main Street. Parents can sit back, sip a cup of coffee or tea, and know that they have an afternoon where the activities are already taken care of.
Friday May 17 & 18, 2013
John Gorka - Acoustic
8:00pm @ Egyptian Theatre
John Gorka's music demonstrates an easy melodic sensibility: Nothing is contrived or overproduced. His work is built around little more than his unmistakable voice and the simple, clean sounds of his guitar. Rolling Stone magazine called him "the preeminent male singer-songwriter of what has been dubbed the New Folk Movement."
Friday May 24, 2013
Jefferson Starship - in Concert!
8pm @ Egyptian Theatre
Evolving from Jefferson Airplane in the early '70s, they were among the most successful arena rock bands of the '70s & early '80s. An evening of songs from their 'psychedelic' era: "Miracles", "Somebody to Love", "Count on Me", "Jane", & so many more hits!
Friday May 31, 2013
Park City Gallery Stroll
The last Friday of each month, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., members of the Park City Gallery Association offer a unique showcase highlighting artists, special exhibits and art events. The Gallery Stroll is a free community event that gives locals and Park City visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments while exploring Park City's exciting art scene.
Help Us with Housekeeping
We’ve said it before but it’s worth repeating: When you check out, please do the same things you would when leaving your home; turn out the lights, dump the trash and garbage, and, if you have any dirty dishes, put them in the dishwasher and start the wash cycle. It cuts down on housekeeping which saves you money.
And, finally…
Think you know Utah? Try this quiz. We’ll have 10 questions for you this time and in the next issue we’ll give you the answers and 10 more questions. Here goes...
- How many governors has Utah had since it became a state?
- 23
- 17
- 19
- 26
- Can you identify Utah's state:
- Hymn
- Rock
- Tree
- Gem
- Animal
- Fish
- In what year did Spanish Franciscans Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Velez de Escalante become the first Europeans to travel through the territory now known as Utah?
- 1776
- 1540
- 1820
- 1720
- Where did the name Utah come from?
- “Yutah,” a Shoshone word for mountains
- “Utahah,” an Anasazi word for people of the north
- “Ewtah,” a Navajo name for Shoshones who lived in the area
- “Uttah,” a Book of Mormon word for mountains
- States are allowed to have two statues of famous residents in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol. Until 1990, Utah’s only statue was Brigham Young. Who was added that year?
- Philo T. Farnsworth
- Ab Jenkins
- Reva Beck Bosone
- Maurice Abravanel
- What was the name of the pre-historic lake covering most of what is now Utah, and who was it named for?
- The first white person known to have visited the Great Salt Lake arrived in 1852. Who was he?
- John C. Fremont
- Kit Carson
- Jedediah Smith
- Jim Bridger
- Match the following counties with their county seats:
- Daggett
- Summit
- Kane
- Juab
- Uintah
- Emery
- Grand
- Garfield
- Piute
- Wayne
- Daggett
- Summit
- Kane
- Juab
- Uintah
- Emery
- Grand
- Garfield
- Piute
- Wayne
- The first pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in July, 1847. What was the total number that arrived that year?
- 3,490
- 1,637
- 642
- 2,211
- In 1857 the government sent troops to escort a new, non-Mormon, territorial governor to replace Brigham Young. Who was he?
- Albert Sidney Johnston
- Alfred Cumming
- John Milton Bernhisel
- John W. Dawson
Well, that’ll do it. In the immortal words of some unknown texter, TTFN.
Owners Update - December 2012
It’s not even December 21st yet and it appears winter has already started. We’ve had a few days of snow but, because the weather can’t seem to make up its mind for sure, it comes and goes. White, then tan, then brown and muddy, then gone. And it definitely has been cold with some mornings in the teens. When it gets really cold, the words you speak freeze in mid-air and later after it warms up you can hear disembodied voices all over town. ? Aren’t you glad that’s not really true?
In October we asked you to send us some pictures of fall foliage. We made the same request of Park Hotel owners and received several really nice shots. One couple said that, not being skiers, their week 43 is a good time to hike and bike and sometimes they get to enjoy the change to fall colors. Occasionally they even get a little snow. See the change here:
If you have any pictures of Park City and environs you’d like to share with your fellow owners, forward them along with the location and the date you took them, and permission to use them to darryl.hoyt@tradingplaces.com. Send the highest resolution version you have.
Park City Update
Speaking of winter coming early and it being cold, we see that the ski areas are making snow already. Normally that’s not a big deal, but right now they’re making snow in the afternoon. Some locals say they don’t remember the last time the resorts made snow in the afternoon.
Recently, Skiers Lodge affiliated with Interval International to offer our owners a third choice after Trading Places and RCI. Interval is preparing their new catalog with pictures of the resort and information about the facilities and the area. They will also be putting it on their website. You’ll be receiving a mailing from them soon.
Nancy is getting ready for the refurbishment of Skiers Lodge which will start next year. We’ll be working with a local designer to find suppliers and sources that can get the job done quickly and work with short installation times. You’re gonna love the way it looks when it’s done.
Skiers Lodge’s annual meeting of the owners will be on Saturday, February 16, 2013. It’s an opportunity for you to learn a little of what the board of directors does as the governing body of the owner association. There’ll also be an election of three members of the board. If you’d like to throw your hat in the ring and run for election, click here for a nomination form. As of this writing, the three incumbent members are expected to run for re-election but you have a chance, too.
Doggonit
In keeping with the subject of nominations for board positions, here’s something that’ll give you a laugh.
Beatha Lee, a wheaten terrier, was unanimously elected as president by an Annandale, VA association after her owner put her on the election ballot out of sheer frustration. As the community’s president for three consecutive terms, he wasn’t eligible to serve again and the nominating committee couldn’t find anyone else willing to run.
As in most association elections, the owners only knew the candidates’ names and qualifications from the voting materials mailed to them. Beatha the terrier was described as a new resident who liked neighborhood activities and the outdoors, and had experience overseeing a 26-acre estate (turns out the “estate” is the community). The truth came out in the association’s newsletter after the election. Reactions ranged from outrage to amusement.
Interestingly, Beatha remains “acting president,” and her owner, the former president, serves as vice president. Still, many wonder how good a board leader the pup can be. “Would the owners hound her out of office? Would she roll over if things got tense? How would she deal with pet peeves?”
Joking aside, this story is as much about resident apathy. While limiting board members to three terms was meant to give others a chance to serve, it forced the only man willing to run for the position to take creative measures. Please think about nominating yourself for the February 2013 Skiers Lodge board election. But don’t send us the name of your dog.
Special Assessment Update
There have been some questions about the necessity of the special assessment that was on your recent maintenance fee billing. Some owners question the need; others are concerned about the cost. Here’s a little of what we’ve heard, along with some answers.
"I can't afford the increase.”
Don’t forget that Skiers Lodge is a business whose primary purpose is to maintain its common assets for the good of the homeowners in the community. The years have taken their toll on the building and the furnishings. The board has tried to keep the annual fees as low as possible by putting off certain necessities. It’s time now to do them.
“I won't be here in 15 years. Why do I have to pay for this now?"
The problem with this logic is that all owners benefit from the use of all the facilities all the time whether they stay at Skiers Lodge or exchange to somewhere else. Remember – some of what you’re currently enjoying is capital improvements paid for by other members before you bought your week.
"Our fees are already too high!”
Given the obvious need for improvements at Skiers Lodge, the question is, “What would you be willing to live without to keep the fees low?” By comparison to many other timeshares in the world, the annual fees at Skiers Lodge are a bargain. The planned improvements are going to make your vacation even nicer than in the past.
NOTE: Evidence that a lot of owners are behind this project is the fact that many have already paid the assessment in full. Of course, they get a discount for doing that instead of taking three years to pay it, but we see it as also being a vote of confidence in Skiers Lodge.
We hope you are as excited as we are about this project. It is going to give us a building and interiors that will be consistent with the beauty of the new backyard.
What to Do in Park City
Of course, the biggest Park City annual event is coming up in January: Sundance. One of the best known and most highly regarded film festivals in the world is scheduled for January 17 through 27, 2013. As always, there’ll be films, panels, music, and activities. Also, the Sundance store is now open on Swede Alley if you’re in Park City and, if you’re not, it can be found on line at www.sundance.org/store/. For schedules, activities, film lists, and information about the festival in general, go to www.sundance.org/festival.
One of the fun things also done in the city during the winter is the annual presentation of A Christmas Carol on the Air. The holiday classic "A Christmas Carol" will be told as a live radio broadcast with a few clever twists on the old tale! It’s an original work starring Utah Shakespeare Festival founder Fred C. Adams as Scrooge. December 19 - 22, 2012.
Also at the Egyptian you can see three different musical tribute shows during the last week of December. The shows feature bands doing the music of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Who.
Don’t let the shortest day of the year leave you in the dark! Be here for the Winter Solstice Electric Parade on Friday, December 21st. While most people enjoy driving through neighborhoods listening to Christmas music and looking at holiday lights, Park City has taken it one step further and made it mobile. Beginning at 6:00 pm on Friday the 21st the vehicles will leave City Park and proceed up Park Avenue to Main Street. KPCW will be broadcasting holiday music at 6:10 pm which is about the time the vehicles will be on Main Street.
Here’s last year’s winner:
Use these links to find other things to do while on vacation in Park City.
And, finally…
In place of our usual suggestions about amusing and entertaining things to do with your smartphone or tablet computer, here’s a little food fun (better than a food fight) for the holidays.
It's the Most Fattening Time of the Year
(Sing this to the tune of It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year)
It's the most fattening time of the year
With that pumpkin pie filling
And everyone swilling
Down eggnog and beer
It's the most fattening time of the year
It's the lip-smacking-est season of all
While you're shopping you're cheating
Impulsively eating
That junk at the mall
It’s the heav- heaviest season of all
There'll be turkeys for basting
And stuffing for tasting
And giblets and gravy will flow
There'll be cookies that mom baked
And leftover fruitcake
From a Christmas a long time ago
It's the scale flattening time of the year
While your diet you're blowing
There's calories going
Straight down to your rear
It's the scale flattening time of the year
There'll be after meal dozing
And arteries closing
Cholesterol levels will grow
It's too cold to go jogging
Too brisk for tobogganing
So pass me a hot buttered roll
It's the most fattening time of the year
All those gingerbread shingles
And chocolate Kris Kringles
Will tremble in fear
It's the most fattening time,
It's a belt loosening time,
It's the most fattening time of the year
Owners Update - October 2012
Greetings from the high country. We’ve got the latest from Skiers Lodge and Trading Places.
Fall started last month (September 22nd) so it’s getting to be that time of year when the temperatures start to drop a little during the day and a lot at night. The trees got the signal to start their annual coloring contest a little early this year. But, as usual, it was beautiful.
If you have any photos of autumn in Park City that you’d like to contribute, forward them along with the location and the date you took them to darryl.hoyt@tradingplaces.com. Send the highest resolution version you have.
Winter Safety
Speaking of the cold weather, each year we find evidence that some of Skiers Lodge guests have used charcoal starter to ignite a fire in the fireplace in their unit. Yup, no kidding. We’re sure you all understand how dangerous that is and you’d never do it yourself but there are some who might consider it so we mention it here. Please, if you’re having trouble getting a fire started, call the office for help.
Resort Update
The refurbishment plan is coming together and will begin shortly. Interior things will be done as units are available and with more intensity during the first maintenance period next spring. Billing of the regular maintenance fee and the special assessment will begin shortly. Be sure to send your payment as soon as possible so the regular bills get paid and the refurbishment plans can be solidified. You’re going to love the way the rooms and the building will look when competed. We’ll have pictures for you every other month in this eblast newsletter.
The Moose-capades are in Town
State wildlife officials tranquilized a family of moose next door to our sister resort Skiers Lodge on Tuesday, August 28th and relocated them out of Park City. An adult moose and two young were seen at 9:46 a.m. outside the Park City Library and Education Center in the 1200 block of Park Avenue. They eventually wandered across the street to Skiers Lodge to enjoy lunching on the trees out front. And without a reservation. What nerve!
Bruce Johnson, a state wildlife officer assigned to Park City and surrounding Summit County, said a crew of wildlife officers responded, tranquilized the animals, and then moved them out of the Park City area. Johnson said the moose were not harmed by the tranquilization.
Moose are plentiful in the Park City area and sightings occur regularly. At least two reports in the same week involved a moose family in Old Town, likely the one that was relocated on Tuesday.
Here are some great pictures taken by Skiers Lodge exchange guest Peter Balbo.
Winter Promotion
Deer Valley Resort is excited to offer the new Discovery Pass program specifically designed for fractional and timeshare owners who pay property taxes to the state of Utah.
A link to the order form for purchasing the Discovery Pass is below. Program guidelines and restrictions are on the order form. Be sure to have a copy of your maintenance fee billing available. There is a line on it for property taxes which will be necessary to prove your “resident” status.
Discovery Passes are available now at the Snow Park Ticket Desk 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until resort opening on December 8, 2012. Regular ski season hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Please be sure to bring the required documentation as noted on the order form. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Program contact information:
Deer Valley Ticket Office
P.O. Box 889
Park City, UT 84060
Phone: 435-645-6625
Fax: 435-645-6940
Email: tickets@deervalley.com
Click here to download order form
HOT TIP — Ask at the front desk for the name of the Park City ski shops that give Park Hotel owners a discount.
Resort improvements
We thought you’d like to see more pictures of the new back yard at Skiers Lodge. These were taken by exchange guest Peter Balbo.
FYI
Mountain Town Olive Oil has moved from inside Park Hotel. They are now at 613 Main Street, right next door to Park Hotel where you can still find the finest and freshest extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars in Utah. Did you know that 2 teaspoons a day of olive oil can help reduce risk of heart disease, fight high cholesterol, and even help you lose weight?
Something to Think About
The ABCs of Ownership
Always be proud of your timeshare; you have guaranteed yourself many happy hours of fun and relaxation.
Be timely with your maintenance requests.
Communicate; if you send someone to use your week, notify the resort beforehand.
Don't bring pets; they're nice but not allowed.
Enjoy your resort! It's beautiful!
Feel free to make suggestions. Your elected board works on your behalf. Written suggestions from you are their only way of knowing what you want.
Give your neighbors their due rights; loud music or just plain noise often disturbs them.
Help us keep your resort looking good; pick up papers and trash.
Invest a little time in reading your rules and bylaws; an informed owner is much happier.
Just relax; whatever you want to gain from your ownership is so much easier to find if you unwind and relax.
Know that your resort is very popular and therefore very busy; many people want to enjoy what you own.
Leave your unit in good condition; dishes washed, trash picked up, personal belongings removed.
Manage your vacation time wisely.
Never cease promoting your resort and encouraging other guests to buy a week.
Observe what your board is doing; always read whatever is sent you from Park Hotel.
Pay your maintenance fees when they're due. If you’re delinquent, you lose all privileges and use of the resort.
Quash rumors. Don't let anyone “bad–mouth” your resort. Counter with the facts.
Rest assured that your board and your management company always work to maintain your resort at the highest level at the lowest cost.
Suggest what you can; your board of Directors welcomes your input.
Thank the people who operate your resort; housekeepers, maintenance, front desk people, and especially the board. They work hard for you.
Understand that the others who own here and those who operate your resort are human beings; the only people who don't make errors are the ones who don't do anything.
Verify your arrival before you leave for Park City; owners have been known to travel a long way only to find out they're a week early or late.
Walk proud; people from all over the world have been here and told us what a wonderful place we have!
Xplore the wonderful attractions of our area.
You make it all worthwhile; a resort without people is nothing.
Zero in on what you have; learn your “ABCs.”
What to do in Park City
Use these links to find out what you can do while on vacation in Park City.
A diversion
They say the brain is like any other muscle in your body; you need to exercise it to keep it fit. Here’s an easy one. See if you can find the “c.”
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooocoooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Sorry, the only prize is the knowledge that you’ve gained a few seconds of life by keeping your mind in shape.
And, finally…
With Election Day right around the corner and the presidential race still too close to call, this seems like a good time to help you keep up. And in today's mobile world, the easiest place to start may be on your phone. Here’re some things you can use on your smartphone or tablet.
For 2012, there’s a slew of smartphone apps out there, including ones from both presidential campaigns. You can get news coverage almost anywhere so this list focuses on sites that go a step further into the political arena.
In no particular order, here's a roundup of apps political junkies might consider downloading in this election year. FYI – The links actually take you to the iTunes Store where you can download the apps. In the interest of full disclosure, we don’t make anything off the fact that these links go through the Apple Store; it’s just the way we found them on the internet. They can all be downloaded by searching the internet by name and downloading directly.
-Mitt's VP – Although the name implies it’s about Paul Ryan, the link actually goes to the iTunes Store where you can download the Romney-Ryan App. You can learn about the campaign, get the latest news and updates, donate, and share campaign information. (Free for iPhone)
-Obama for America – This Obama campaign app is all about grassroots organizing. It maps out registered Democrats near your address (which has raised some privacy concerns), when and where the nearest Obama-related events will take place, and lets users sign up to donate or volunteer for the campaign. (Free for iPhone)
-OpenStates – This app from the nonprofit watchdog group lets you track any and all action going on in state legislatures. Find your state legislator and follow particular bills, legislators, or issues in all 50 states. (Free for iPhone)
-Polltracker – Political website Talking Points Memo's app provides updated data on political polls for races across the country. (Free for iPhone)
-Dollarocracy – From the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign finance watchdog, this app allows users to investigate the money in politics. The app compiles lists of top donors, industries, and locations giving money to politicians, interest groups, and political races. (Free for iPhone)
-Politifact – This mobile "Truth-O-Meter" fact-checks politicians and pundits. The app also groups trending issues and sorts its rulings by subject and people. ($1.99 for iPhone and Android)
-Congress+ - This app contains extensive information about representatives in Congress, including each member's contact info, legislative activity, mini-biography, and prospects for re-election. ($0.99 for a lite version, $4.99 for full; both for iPhone)
-NPR News – National Public Radio lets users read news articles and listen to NPR stations across the country, live or on demand by program. With hundreds of affiliates nationwide, it provides local and national news coverage from just about everywhere. (Free for iPhone and Android)
-C-SPAN Radio - Another radio-oriented app, but this one allows users to listen in on Congressional hearings and as well as political analysis and lectures. (Free for iPhone and Android)
-Super PAC App - This app allows users to point their phone toward a political commercial and instantly find out the group behind it. (Free for iPhone)
Let us know if you have a favorite application or link to a fun website. Send it to darryl.hoyt@tradingplaces.com and we’ll put it in a future eblast…as long as it’s decent, of course.
Owners Update - August 2012
Welcome to a new form of communication for Skiers Lodge — the eblast. For a long time, the board of directors and management have wanted to improve communication with you, the owners. A lot of ideas have been kicked around: a Facebook page, an Internet user group, a dedicated website, etc. Whatever you can think of probably has been considered The board decided on a bi-monthly email message to all Skiers Lodge owners who have provided their electronic address. And, this is it, the very first one.
We’re going to bring you news, general information, photos, etc. on a myriad of subjects covering resort operations, board business, answers to questions, a few fun things, and some little known but useless knowledge. So, let’s begin.
Resort Improvements
Several things have been done onsite that have greatly improved the property. No doubt you already know about the upgrading of the “backyard” at Skiers Lodge. The work began a couple of years ago with a general rebuilding of the retaining wall, the lawn, and the drainage system. One of the biggest problems over the years has been the water drainage – or, more to the point, the lack of it – behind the building. Water continually pooled on the lawn in the summer and froze on the walkway going up to Sweetwater Lift Lodge in the winter. And the water that did get through the drains back there usually ended up damaging the garage ceiling and making puddles on the garage floor because of inadequate outflow.
Board member Shane Wright supervised a major renovation that involved completely rebuilding the retaining wall and redesigning the landscaping and drainage both in the backyard and out front along the street. The retaining wall area is now terraced and has new plants and trees, and the lawn sports a proper drainage system that prevents water from pooling and has allowed our maintenance man, Nate, to fix the garage ceiling. Through the past two winters there is no evidence whatsoever of water getting in the garage. Thank you Shane and Nate.
Here are a few pictures of the area before and after the renovation.
Further Improvements
The board of directors has been talking about refurbishing the rooms, as well. There is a great need for upgrading the furnishings and the décor in general. Nancy Scott has been given a list of things the board and management have determined need most to be done and she’s getting bids and prices together for an interior renovation that will likely start in 2013.
Here are some of the items on the wish list, in order of preference, based on a survey of owners done in 2011 and a physical review by the board of current conditions:
- Upgrade bathrooms
- Gas fireplaces
- Carpet w/heavy pad
- Resurface all walkways
- Paint exterior
- Sand blast & paint steel stairs
- Repair ducting
- Paint interiors
- Garage ceiling
- Second floor awning (walkway cover)
- Granite counters
- New furnace
- Flat-screen TVs
- Sofa sleepers (replace or recover)
- Shade or tint clubhouse windows
- Bi-fold closet doors
- New appliances
- Update wall outlets (color, GFI, etc.)
- Retile where needed
- Upgrade beds, linens
- Replace chairs
- New railings
- Update artwork inside
- Lever handles on interior doors
- Elevator
- Solid core or metal entry doors
- Clubhouse exhaust fan
- Rehab guest laundry
- Crown molding & new baseboard
- Upgrade living room & kitchen lighting (cans)
- Install coaxial cable in walls
- Pool table in clubhouse
Of course, none of this comes free. Fortunately, the Skiers Lodge reserve fund is a lot healthier than it’s been in a long time so most of these things can be done without much sacrifice by you the owners. That doesn’t mean it won’t cost you anything extra; it will. But, based on a show of hands at the annual meeting of the owners in February 2012, virtually everyone present wanted the work to be done and was willing to pay whatever it takes in order to preserve the integrity of the resort and bring the property back to its original standard.
In their June meeting, the board talked at length about the amount needed. They agreed that a special assessment of 1½ times the maintenance fee is needed and should be included with the 2013 billing sent to Owners in late October. Owners will be allowed to pay the special assessment (and their regular maintenance fee) monthly over a period of three years. However, anyone who pays the full special assessment by January 1, 2013 will be given a 10% discount.
Interval International Affiliation
At the June meeting, the second largest timeshare exchange company, Interval International (I.I.), made a presentation to the board of directors asking that Skiers Lodge affiliate with them. After seeing the presentation and asking lots of questions of the I.I. rep, the board decided to affiliate. A number of special bonuses will be forthcoming from Interval for Skiers Lodge owners as a result of the new alliance. Interval will send an introductory mailing to all our owners outlining the many benefits of affiliation with them, as well as explaining the special rewards of being a part of the Interval family of resorts.
You now have the option of trading with three different exchange companies: RCI, I.I., and Trading Places.
Property Tax Reduction
Recently, our management company, Trading Places International, worked with a local company to appeal the Skiers Lodge property taxes. To make a long story short, the appeal was successful and the taxes were reduced by about 56% on the one-bedroom units and 33% on the two-bedrooms. This has produced a considerable saving for the association.
Deed Recordation
We’ve mentioned this before but it bears repeating. We wanted to know how many SLC owners recorded the deeds to their weeks after they bought them. We found that of 817 currently active contracts, only 331 (40.5%) currently have recorded deeds. Why is this important? If you want to put your Skiers Lodge ownership in a trust, or transfer it to a friend or family member, or just sell it outright, you’ll need a recorded deed to prove you actually own it.
To find out if your deed is recorded, first look for it in your files. If you find an original and it has a recording stamp – probably in the upper right-hand corner – you’re OK. If you have an original that doesn’t have a recording stamp, take it to the Summit County Recorder’s office where it can be recorded for about $10. Or it can be done by mail.
You can check whether your deed is recorded at www.summitcounty.org/recorder. Or, you can contact the recorder’s office at (435) 336-3238, 60 North Main, PO Box 128, Coalville, UT 84017. Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Unfortunately, if your deed is a copy and it doesn’t have the recording stamp or you can’t find it, there isn’t much, if anything, that can be done.
A Rainbow Turned to Stone
In Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, down near The Four Corners, stands Rainbow Bridge, the world's largest known natural structure of its kind. The abstract sculpture carved of solid sandstone is a natural rock span 278 feet wide and 309 feet high. The arch has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time from the neighboring American Indian tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge sacred, to the 300,000 people from around the world who visit it each year.
Neighboring Indian tribes believe Rainbow Bridge is a sacred religious site. They travel to the location to pray and make offerings near and under its lofty span. Special prayers are said before passing beneath the Bridge; neglecting the appropriate prayers might bring misfortune or hardship.
On May 30, 2010, the National Park Service commemorated the 100th anniversary of the site becoming a National Monument.
If you go, please visit Rainbow Bridge in a spirit that honors and respects the cultures to which it is sacred.
Board Meeting Recap
The board has met twice so far this year, once in February and again in June. Here’s a review of what they did.
In February, the board meeting was right after the annual meeting of the owners. At the annual meeting the incumbent members of the board – Frank Steele, Preston Hunt, and Robert Foxley – were each re-elected to serve another two-year term. The board agreed that the officers should remain the same at least until next year. They are: President, Frank Steele; Vice President, Preston Hunt; Secretary, Patricia Noffsinger; Treasurer, Shane Wright; the Directors are Robert Foxley and Douglas Thomsen.
Also in the February meeting, management reported that the association has a delinquency percentage lower than most resorts. There was also discussion of the need for refurbishing the resort inside and out and whether a special assessment would be needed to do all the things the board and owners want. The total cost will likely be in excess of $225,000, some of which would be covered by reserves. At the June meeting, the board agreed that a special assessment would be needed to do everything that should be done in a refurbishment. (See related story above.)
Also in June, management reported that the association is operating with a favorable variance to budget. Even though it will probably balance out by the end of the year, it is a good sign. The delinquency percentage continues to run a little under last year’s figure.
Nancy Scott reported that a number of maintenance concerns were addressed:
- A new motor for the spa was installed at a savings
- The outdoor furniture was repainted
- Three bedrooms were repainted during maintenance week.
- All bathrooms have been updated with shower curtains instead of glass enclosures
- WiFi is accessible in all the condos
As reported above, the board agreed to affiliate with Interval International.
The next meeting of the board will be in September at which time the budget for 2013 will be adopted.
What to Do in Park City
Park City is legendary for “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” but once the snow is gone there’s still a lot to do in the lush green mountains and valleys. Some think it’s the best time of the year. Here are a few things to do when it’s not 30 degrees outside.
Mountain Town Music
Free open air concerts evenings throughout Park City and Summit County
www.mountaintownmusic.org
- Tuesdays at Stein Ericksen Lodge
- Wednesdays at Deer Valley Resort Outdoor Amphitheater
- Thursdays at Newpark & Silver Star Cafe
- Fridays at Canyons Resort & Silver Star Cafe
- Saturdays at Canyons Resort and in Miner's Park on Main Street and
- Sundays on Main Street during Park Silly Sunday Market
Wednesdays through mid-Oct Park City Farmer's Market
12pm-6pm Canyons Resort
http://parkcityfarmersmarket.com
Sundays through Sept 23 Park Silly Sunday Market
10am - 5pm Every Sunday from June 10th through September 23rd (EXCEPT first Sunday in August) Historic Main Street
www.parksillysundaymarket.com
Last Friday of Every Month Gallery Stroll
6 to 9 pm Main Street, Park City
www.parkcitygalleryassociation.com
Through August 31st Redstone Gallery Closing
Every piece in the gallery is discounted 30% until it's all gone
www.theredstonegallery.com
And, finally…
To finish of this first eblast, here’re some fun things you can use on your smartphone
Apps:
Shazam listens to music, identifies it, and tells you where you can buy it and a lot more
Gesture Search lets you use a swipe of your finger to find contacts, bookmarks, applications, music, etc.
Mouse Wait tells you how long you must wait for rides at Disneyland and a lot more. There’s one for Disney World, too.
TuneIn Radio lets you tune in radio stations – good thing since it has that name, right? Seriously, it lets you listen to thousands of radio stations anywhere you have access to WiFi.
Jewellust is a variation on Bejeweled and other games with “Jewel” in their name. Very addictive.
Web Sites:
Crackberry for anyone with a Blackberry.
Amazon Appstore lets you download one paid application each day for free.
TripAdvisor has information on hotels, restaurants, etc. around the world.
Snopes lets you learn the truth about those weird emails you get from your friends.
World Factbook has information on just about every country in the world. The site is run by the CIA; who would know more about countries than them?
Let us know the name of your favorite application or link to a fun website. Send it to darrylh@tradingplaces.com and we’ll put it in a future eblast…as long as it’s decent, of course.
We hope you enjoyed this new form of communication with Skiers Lodge owners. We look forward to sending you many updates.