Kingspoint Crier: October 2023
Letter from the KP Presidents
Dear Kingspoint Club Members,
We held a Members’ meeting in October to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the 2023 pool season and to evaluate our options and goals for the 2024 pool season. We also discussed upcoming vacancies on the 2024 Club Board.
We followed-up the meeting with a survey sent to the Membership where they could evaluate pool contracts, staffing, hours, and dues options, and also write-in their own feedback. Thank you to everyone who came to and participated in the meeting, and also, thank you to everyone who completed the survey. We are carefully considering your feedback as we make decisions concerning the 2024 swim season.
Kingspoint Club Board Members: We are soliciting nominations for the Kingspoint Club Board for 2024. If you would be interested in learning more about one of these positions, please contact kppresidents@gmail.com for a list of job descriptions.
There are four elected positions–Co-Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer. Of the four elected positions in 2024, we still need to fill the Co-Presidents (2 individuals) positions. The Board would consider having 1 President and 1 Member-at-Large in place of co-Presidents. Each term is two-years.
There are also three board-appointed positions–Clubhouse Coordinator, Membership Chair, and Facilities Chair. We still need to fill the Facilities Chair position on the board. This position has a one-year term and is appointed by the board.
Social Committee: Join the KP Social Committee for a Scary Halloween Party at the Clubhouse
What: Scary Halloween Party & Costume Contest
Who: KP Club Members
When: Tuesday, October 31st 4:30-6:00 (trick or treating 6-8 per WJCC)
Where: KP Clubhouse & the Green
*Chili (meat and vegetarian) & pulled pork will be served with apple cider and lemonade
*BYOB
*Please bring a spooky side to share
*Best child and adult costumes win a prize!
*Please sign up to help our hard-working volunteer social committee!
Club Rules: The Board updated and approved the Club’s Rules. They had not been officially updated since 2012. To view the complete list of Rules, please visit the Club Rules page on our website.
Dues: Thank you to members who have already paid their dues. Just a reminder that dues are $700. If you pay dues quarterly, the FOURTH payment of $175 is due now. Please pay in a timely manner. Jim Gravgaard, the KP Club Treasurer, will be sending electronic invoices to members via email; these invoices contain a link to allow you to pay the invoice electronically. You can also send your dues via a check made out to the Kingspoint Club, Inc., P.O. Box 365, Williamsburg, VA 23187. Questions? Please contact KPWilliamsburg@gmail.com.
Capital Campaign for the Dock: If you would like to make a gift to the Capital Campaign for the Dock, we welcome your donations. Gifts may be dropped off to the Treasurer, Jim Gravgaard, at 110 Overlook Drive (please call/text 804-370-3098 to let him know) OR they can be mailed to the following address: Kingspoint Club, P.O. Box 365, Williamsburg, VA 23187.
Facilities Committee Members: Dave Stanhope has returned to the Facilities Chair position. He is actively looking for project teams and additional committee members to assist on various projects throughout the year. Please reach out if you would like to help (KingspointFacilities@gmail.com).
Membership Committee Members: Meredith Robertson, the Membership Chair, is actively looking for more committee members to assist in reaching out to welcome new residents. Please reach out if you would like to help (KPMembership@gmail.com).
Clubhouse News: In addition to replacing the floor in the main part of the clubhouse in May, we replaced the floor in the kitchen. It was a much-needed update to a beautiful space. Come see for yourself! And, if you have a graduation, birthday, anniversary, baby shower, book club, work party, or other special event, please make a plan to book your rental today! Please contact Denise Koch at KPClubRentals@gmail.com or call 757-870-0900.
Clubhouse rental rates in 2023:
KP Resident Club Member: $50 rental / 1x per calendar year
KP Resident Club Member: $150 half day ( 4 hrs.) /$200 full day (8 hrs.)
Non-KP Resident Club Member: $350 half day (4 hrs.)/ $550 whole day ( 8 hrs.)
Non-Club Members: $400 half day ( 4 hrs)/ $600 whole day (8 hrs.)
Recurring rentals for KP Club members: $25 per hour / 6 mo. contract
Website: www.KingspointClub.org Be sure to check it out. You can find everything Club related, including current and past Criers, on the website. Let’s take a fun trip down memory lane. Please share any photos that you have of activities, members, and the natural beauty of the pool, the clubhouse, the green, and the dock with (KPCrier@gmail.com). We would love to highlight the wealth of incredible Club memories we have created through the years.
Thank you,
Sarah Huber and Kim Lavach,
Co-Presidents, Kingspoint Club
Kingspoint Calendar
October 31 – Halloween (party at the clubhouse at 4:30 and trick-or-treating 6-8)
November 14 – Womens Club Luncheon (more details below)
Kingspoint Club Board
President — Sarah Huber and Kim Lavach
kppresidents@gmail.com
Treasurer — Jim Gravgaard
KPWilliamsburg@gmail.com
Secretary — Anna Thomas
KPSecretary757@gmail.com
Membership — Meredith Robertson
KPMembership@gmail.com
Facilities — Dave Stanhope
KingspointFacilities@gmail.com
Clubhouse Coordinator — Denise Koch
KPClubRentals@gmail.com
Additional Club Contacts
Social Committee Chair — MaryKate Galke
KPSocialComm@gmail.com
Landscape Director — Nancy McDonald
peachstreet258@gmail.com
KP Crier Editors — Margaret Pizer and Dave Parrish
kpcrier@gmail.com
The Kingspoint Club, Inc. oversees our community’s recreational property on Northpoint Drive. This waterfront site includes a beautiful clubhouse, neighborhood pool, picnic area, dock, and a children’s play area. The KP Club operates the pool and clubhouse and organizes neighborhood social events for members. Membership in the Club is optional for residents, and includes use of the pool, boat ramp and dock. Members may also rent the clubhouse and pool for social events. Membership is required to attend some Club sponsored social events. Non- residents may also pay annual dues to use the pool and the clubhouse. For more information or to join, contact KPMembership@gmail.com.
Kingspoint Neighborhood Association October News
As we enter the season of celebration, thanksgiving, and abundance we all have a great deal to celebrate and appreciate here in Kingspoint. It has been a good year in our community. Many hands make light work, and we all appreciate the work of the many volunteers who keep the community humming. The thoughtfulness and dedication that Kingspoint neighbors show to one another and to our neighborhood ensures that Kingspoint remains vibrant, caring, and beautiful.
Kingspoint neighbors are helping to set the mood for Halloween with such creative displays this year! If you have not yet had a chance to walk around our neighborhood and enjoy all the autumn and Halloween decorations, please take time to walk or drive through the community soon. There are lighted displays, pumpkins and cobwebs, pots of bright flowers and festive fun on every street.
We are looking forward to Halloween Trick-or-Treating on Tuesday, October 31, from 6PM-8PM in James City County. The Kingspoint Club’s Social Committee has organized a Halloween party for members at the Clubhouse, with Trick-or-Treating to follow at 6PM.
Please remember to have the little ones carry lights and wear colors easily seen after dark. All neighbors can assist by leaving their streetlights burning to make it brighter and safer for those out celebrating.
Neighbors who aren’t participating in Halloween Trick-or-Treating should leave their porch lights off.
Now that days are growing shorter, please take extra care to make sure you are visible when you are out walking, jogging, or biking so there are no close calls with drivers. Lights and reflective clothing will help ensure your safety and alleviate stressful moments for folks heading out in the morning or coming home at dusk.
David Miller has been overseeing our project to bring electricity to the front entrance and tells us that we should have new lights on the Kingspoint sign around November 1. He has done a great job of working with the contractors, the county, and with Dominion Power to bring this effort to fruition. The effort is not inexpensive, however, and so we are making a follow-up membership appeal to new neighbors and to those who did not contribute annual membership dues to the KPNA last spring. Anyone who wants to help support this effort to light the entrance may leave their contribution with Treasurer Karen Schneider at her home at 100 Kingspoint Drive. We appreciate everyone who contributes and supports the work of the Neighborhood Association.
Lately I’ve had contacts from neighbors telling me that there are stray chickens pecking about in their yards. Everyone who buys a home in Kingspoint is expected to sign the Covenants which follow the deed to their home, and the covenants clearly prohibit keeping livestock. (Covenant #5, in your 2023 Directory) It is a health issue, especially these days when the Avian Flu has affected poultry flocks across the country. There should be no chickens in Kingspoint. If you see wandering chickens, then you should call either animal control (757.565.0370) to request that they are picked up or call our county zoning office (757.253.6718) to complain.
Please make your plans now to vote on or before November 7. Your vote is very important in this mid-term election with seats on the Board of Supervisors and the School Board in play. Our neighborhood votes at Laurel Lane Elementary School. Anyone who hasn’t voted already will find the information and contacts you need on the JCC Office of Election’s website. Here is complete information about the options available to you to vote this year. Visit the VOTE411.org website to learn about the races on our ballot.
We spot a wide variety of wildlife in Kingspoint. Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website for easy reference materials should unusual wildlife that may turn up in your yard. Cornwells Wildlife Control (757.264.6369) will safely remove a variety of animals from your property and will help you close openings to your home to keep wildlife out of doors. Any birdseed, small pets, or food left outdoors overnight may attract unwelcome visitors.
Many thanks to Ann Hobson and her volunteers for their continued work at our neighborhood entrance. Tom Mahone and Chris Bonday are continuing their dedicated efforts to keep the grass neatly trimmed. If you are willing to join our crew of volunteers to help with maintenance chores at the entrance, please get in touch with Ann at annhobson1010@gmail.com.
If you are new to the community, or have a new family living near you, please let us know so we can visit with a copy of the Kingspoint Directory and include them in the 2023 listings. Contact kpwebmistress@gmail.com to be added to or removed from our email news list. Please visit our KPNA website for news and useful community links.
Elizabeth McCoy kpwebmistress@gmail.com
for the Kingspoint Neighborhood Association Board
Kingspoint Neighborhood Association
KPNA Board President — Elizabeth McCoy — e.mccoy105@gmail.com
Secretary — Kenita Hill — arubahill@gmail.com
Treasurer — Karen Schneider
Members at Large — Ann Hobson, Harvey Manning, Melody Nichols, David Miller, Mary Haines, Joseph Bailey
Kingspoint Women’s Club News
The Kingspoint Women’s Club will be meeting at noon on November 14th from noon to 2 PM for a salad luncheon. We are asking the member to bring a salad to share if their last names begin with the letters A through M and bring a dessert to share if their names begin with with the letters N through Z.
All who wish to attend are invited. If you have a new neighbor, ask them to come with you.
The hostesses are Virginia Bendura and Mary Grogan. Emily McDowell will provide a beautiful flower arrangement.
Options for Autumn Leaf Clean-up
It is that time of year when leaves float on every strong breeze, covering our walks and driveway just hours after we last cleaned them. The many different species of trees in our community almost guarantee that we will have a long season of managing fallen leaves. We have several options for what to do with them all.
Nature designed leaves to trap carbon, nitrogen and other elements and compounds in the air during the summer, allowing these nutrients to return to the soil as leaves decompose during the winter. It is an elegant recycling operation to build the soil and naturally fertilize the trees. Deciduous trees are critically important for filtering and sequestering carbon, carbon monoxide and other ‘greenhouse gasses’ from the air we breathe, even as they replenish our oxygen supply.
Even if we don’t want to leave downfallen leaves on lawns and flower beds, we can still make use of them by simply chopping them up with the lawn mower or composting them in out of the way areas of our properties.
Whether you have a bagging mower that allows you to gather the chopped leaves and then spread them as mulch, or whether you just leave them where they fall as you mow the grass, leaves can be appreciated as ‘free fertilizer.’ Not only do they enrich the soil, but they also protect bare soil from erosion during fall and winter rains.
If these solutions aren’t practical for your situation, county residents may drop off leaves free of charge at the Jolly Pond Convenience Center, 1204 Jolly Pond Road, daily between 7 a.m.-5 p.m. during these dates: Nov. 12- and Jan. 15. Leaves dropped off by residents will only be accepted in clear bags no larger than lawn or leaf-size (40 gallons or less). Outside of these dates, residents must by ‘coupons’ to drop off yard waste.
The County will provide one round of curbside leaf collection. Leaves will be picked up in Kingspoint December 1-7 . Leaves must be bagged in clear bags and left at the curb by 8 AM on the first day of collection. No other yard debris, such as downfall limbs, will be collected.
Leaf burning isn’t permitted in our area. County staff asks that we all keep leaves out of the drainage culverts, so they don’t end up in our neighborhood lakes. If you have a county-maintained drain around your property, please help to keep it clear of leaves and other debris.
Subscribing to the Crier
Starting this month, we are using the new website’s email list management feature to notify subscribers when a new Crier edition is published. Current Crier subscribers have been manually added to the email list. If you know someone who wants to get emails when the Crier is published online, please ask them to visit this page and sign up using the form below. You can now also unsubscribe by clicking the unsubscribe button in any Crier notification email.
If you have trouble using the form and unsubscribe link, please contact kpcrier@gmail.com and we can make your changes manually.
Your Photographs in the KP Crier?
It is always great to see beautiful pictures of our neighborhood. If you want your photos featured in the Kingspoint Crier, then please send them to kpcrier@gmail.com. We cannot guarantee that every photograph will be featured, and we reserve the right to crop and rescale the photographs to limit the file size of the Crier.
New Crier Format
With the launch of the new Kingspoint website, the Crier will be published in this blog format. Please contact the editors at KPCrier@gmail.com with feedback, corrections, advertising requests, and more. Thanks!
Publishing in the Crier
If you have an event to share with the Kingspoint community or some news to report that you would like to see posted in the Kingspoint Crier, please send your contributions to kpcrier@gmail.com before the 20th of the month. The editors reserve the right to refuse and edit any submissions; the editors will not run any articles that overly or covertly target specific demographics or neighbors.
Facebook Page
Kingspoint neighborhood has its own Facebook page to add info, photos, items for sale, invite neighbors to a last minute movie or bbq, post last minute updates for swim meets, cancellations, etc. This page is a "Closed Group", so you will have to "request" to be added (this prevents just anyone from joining the group and posting spam). But all residents are encouraged to request an invite!
Here is how you do this: Click to go to the KP Facebook group. It will say it’s a closed group, and then in the upper right corner, under the photo, you click on ‘JOIN GROUP’. The Admin for the group will approve all KP residents!
Little Dolphins
Looking to connect with other parents in the neighborhood? Consider joining the “Little Dolphins” Facebook page. It’s a network of parents in the neighborhood with kids ranging from babies to teenagers. (Just search for "Little Dolphins Kingspoint" on Facebook). It’s a nice way to meet parents in the neighborhood with similarly aged kids. If you aren’t on Facebook, or if you are having problems joining the group, email Tracy Sohoni, tracep@yahoo.com
Neighborhood Ads
Pet Sitting: Available Daily and Holidays, 4 years experience. Yuko Sato phone: 757-634-5447
Pet Sitting: Haley Elton offers dog walking and pet sitting services. Available daily. Contact her managing agent, Norman Elton, at 757-293-8346.
Baby Sitting and Pet Sitting: Carolyn Clinton is available for baby sitting and pet sitting. 757-903-7777. Twins John and Catherine Clinton are also available for baby sitting and pet sitting. John also mows lawns. Call their mother Susan Clinton @ 757-903-7205.
Baby Sitting and Pet sitting/walking: Hello all! My name is Lexi. I am a pet sitter and babysitter who has attended a CPR class and a training course for babysitting. I have lots of experience with animals of all types and breeds. Some other services I offer are watering plants, collecting mail, or taking care of your house while you are out of town. For reasonable rates and more details call or text 757-298-8798.
Daily pet visits, walks, overnight in your home: Experience with dogs, cats, birds, giving medica- tions. Retired teacher. In business since 2016. Lisa Garber. 757-848-8331 or beastiebestiesofwilliamsburg@gmail.com.
Advertising Policy
The advertising policy for the Kingspoint Crier is as follows: business related ads are $10/ edition for a business card ($100/yr); $25/ edition for quarter page ($260/yr); $50/ edition for half page ($525/yr). We can provide an invoice if necessary. The space will be limited to a reasonable size to be determined by the Crier editors and space constraints of each edition; small ads of one, or two sentences, from residents and non-resident club members are free as a community service; non-profit and children’s ads are also free.
