Saturday, November 15, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Let the Paving Begin
The big county road trucks are working on Pine Street today November 10th. It will really be nice to have our roads resurfaced. Some of our members have asked about private streets being paved. I was told that if the street your house or property is on has a blue street sign that it is considered a private road and does not fall under county paving. Those roads were, I 'm guessing once a driveway to a house on the beach and as time went by parcels of land were sold off and other houses were added to the original "driveway." In order to get those paved those living on the road must get together and fund their own paving. I am sure that Mr. Harrell, address in previous post, can explain this better than me if you still have questions.Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Grayton Street Paving Update
The District Five crews should begin the prep work for the overlays as early as tomorrow, Thursday, November 6. The contractor performing the overlays is scheduled to begin work on Wednesday, November 12. They will be placing the message boards in the area to notify everyone that the construction will be taking place.
The following streets will be paved:
Pine Street, Yaupon Street, Garfield Street, Magnolia Street, Grayton Oaks Avenue, and Lydia Avenue.
Any Questions You Can Contact:
Starsky Harrell,
Work Program Manager Walton County Public Works Division ,
97 Montgomery Circle
DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435
Phone: 850-892-8108
Fax: 850-892-8094
Email: harstarsky@co.walton.fl.us
The following streets will be paved:
Pine Street, Yaupon Street, Garfield Street, Magnolia Street, Grayton Oaks Avenue, and Lydia Avenue.
Any Questions You Can Contact:
Starsky Harrell,
Work Program Manager Walton County Public Works Division ,
97 Montgomery Circle
DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435
Phone: 850-892-8108
Fax: 850-892-8094
Email: harstarsky@co.walton.fl.us
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Grayton is Getting Paving
The following streets will be paved soon:
Pine Street
Yaupon Street
Garfield Street
Magnolia Street
Grayton Oaks Avenue
Lydia Avenue
As soon as we get notice of the paving schedule from the county will also post those dates.
Pine Street
Yaupon Street
Garfield Street
Magnolia Street
Grayton Oaks Avenue
Lydia Avenue
As soon as we get notice of the paving schedule from the county will also post those dates.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Southern Living Grayton Article
Article that mentions Grayton and local eating places in the area.
http://www.southernliving.com/southern/travel/weekends/slideshow/0,14243,1830302-1,00.html
http://www.southernliving.com/southern/travel/weekends/slideshow/0,14243,1830302-1,00.html
Monday, September 22, 2008
Recent Storms and the Sand at Grayton
If you are wondering how the beaches at Grayton faired after the recent hurricanes in the Gulf...check out the following article from the Sun.
http://www.waltonsun.com/news/sand_2248___article.html/beaches_beach.html
http://www.waltonsun.com/news/sand_2248___article.html/beaches_beach.html
Sunday, September 14, 2008
NO OCTOBER STREET DANCE THIS YEAR
It is with many regrets that your GBNA Board has decided to cancel the October Street Party that has been held in October in the past. Last year there was a very small turnout and contracts for food and a live band had already been signed. It was a very large expense with a turnout of less than 40 members. It seemed to the board that October was a busy month for our members with football games and family obligations. There just didn't seem to be a perfect weekend to choose for this year's party. Your Board has decided to put future October parties or perhaps a second party at a different time on the agenda for our annual meeting to be held next year. This will allow the Board to get feedback from our membership.
The Board would be happy to have any future party suggestions emailed to us from our membership. You can do that by using the following email: yzarctoo@aol.com or by leaving a comment on this blog entry.
Friday, September 12, 2008
July Minutes
Grayton Beach Neighborhood Association Meeting
July 17th, 2008
The GBNA meeting was held at Grant Blackwell's home on July 17th at 4:30 PM. The members present were:
Grant Blackwell
Ann Morrell
Pat Murphy
Shirley Sahlie
Jean Silva (conference call)
Linda Eyre (conference call)
Guest: Larry Jackson
Frank Moultrie (ABSENT)
The meeting began with the reading and approval of last month's minutes, followed by a brief discussion about the July 4th parade. It was agreed that Kitty Taylor would take charge of "hosting" the event, by sending out flyers, procuring the refreshments and providing the space for the gathering. Grant agreed to begin the parade by reminding potentially overenthusiastic paraders to be respectful of the spectators.
Treasurer’s Report
Shirley S. reported that landscaping services from Blue Mountain Lawn and Plant Cr cost $45 in June and $125 in July. Larry J. requested reimbursement for $12.44 for GBNA business expenses. A July 14th deposit of $250 was made from new and renewed memberships.
( August 2008 Update: Shirley S. and Pat M. updated the signature page for Bank Trust as per the June meeting discussion. Currently, the approved signatures for accessing GBNA funds are: Larry J., Ann M., Pat M., and Shirley S.)
Membership
Larry J. updated our membership info for us: GBNA currently has the same number of members (167) as last year, but fewer lots (205 lots this year/210 lots last year). There are 25 new members - some replaced ex-members, of which 22 were non-renewals. Larry recommended that he draft a letter, to encourage non-renewing members to rejoin. Ann M. will attend to the mailings.
Capital Improvements and Concerns
Grant B. updated us on his continued discussions with County Commissioner Cindy Meadows regarding road and drainage improvements. Although the potholes have been filled, and sand has been added near the pump station, other road repairs have not been addressed such as right of way maintenance and upgrading speed bumps. Grant has agreed to set up an August meeting with Cindy and Mr. Brown from the Public Works department to walk around the community and see firsthand what needs to be done.
All members expressed their frustration at the lack of county services for our community, including adequate and timely road repairs, beach access and right of way upkeep, law enforcement and traffic control. Grant suggested that we approach both the county and the media and stress our historic importance to the Walton community. On a positive note, Ann mentioned that she posted a link to the New York Times article about Grayton on the blogsite.
This led to a discussion of how to go about researching Grayton's history. Ann, Shirley and Pat agreed to begin the process of soliciting information by interviewing some of the older residents, and contacting the library for old books, photos and Grayton Art Festival posters. It was agreed that this information would help in establishing a timeline, which could be useful in seeking a historical designation for the town. The October street dance and party was proposed as the best place to start gathering stories and assistance in the task.
Communications
A discussion was held as to why we aren't getting any input from association members. Ann commented that although the blog has received over 2000 hits, there is little to no e-mail correspondance from members. (Larry and Ann check the correspondance regularly). It was suggested that we revisit our communications methods, and investigate adding online surveys and forums, and bulk e-mailing to either the webpage or blogsite. Since the webpage is paid until March, Grant agreed to contact his tech-savvy cousin to critique the current page and help us to decide what to do.
Landscape Triangle
Since the cost of providing electricity to the landscaped triangle could run as high as $2800 with conventional wiring, it was agreed that a solar panel would provide the most economical means of lighting the area. Larry J. has agreed to procure the solar lights.
Beach Committee
The board members agreed that before forming a beach committee, (see June blog), we should decide which communications method - improved webpage, online survey, online forum - will be the best method of sharing ideas and concerns with other association members.
GBNA Logo Contest
As a final note, Ann commented that she still has received only two entries for the GBNA logo contest. Send in your entries! (by hand, or via this blog)
The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, August 21st, at 4:30 at Ann Morrell’s house. *Note: This meeting was cancelled due to the fact that several members could not attend, The next meeting date is TBA.
Meeting adjourned.
Submitted by
Pat Murphy
July 17th, 2008
The GBNA meeting was held at Grant Blackwell's home on July 17th at 4:30 PM. The members present were:
Grant Blackwell
Ann Morrell
Pat Murphy
Shirley Sahlie
Jean Silva (conference call)
Linda Eyre (conference call)
Guest: Larry Jackson
Frank Moultrie (ABSENT)
The meeting began with the reading and approval of last month's minutes, followed by a brief discussion about the July 4th parade. It was agreed that Kitty Taylor would take charge of "hosting" the event, by sending out flyers, procuring the refreshments and providing the space for the gathering. Grant agreed to begin the parade by reminding potentially overenthusiastic paraders to be respectful of the spectators.
Treasurer’s Report
Shirley S. reported that landscaping services from Blue Mountain Lawn and Plant Cr cost $45 in June and $125 in July. Larry J. requested reimbursement for $12.44 for GBNA business expenses. A July 14th deposit of $250 was made from new and renewed memberships.
( August 2008 Update: Shirley S. and Pat M. updated the signature page for Bank Trust as per the June meeting discussion. Currently, the approved signatures for accessing GBNA funds are: Larry J., Ann M., Pat M., and Shirley S.)
Membership
Larry J. updated our membership info for us: GBNA currently has the same number of members (167) as last year, but fewer lots (205 lots this year/210 lots last year). There are 25 new members - some replaced ex-members, of which 22 were non-renewals. Larry recommended that he draft a letter, to encourage non-renewing members to rejoin. Ann M. will attend to the mailings.
Capital Improvements and Concerns
Grant B. updated us on his continued discussions with County Commissioner Cindy Meadows regarding road and drainage improvements. Although the potholes have been filled, and sand has been added near the pump station, other road repairs have not been addressed such as right of way maintenance and upgrading speed bumps. Grant has agreed to set up an August meeting with Cindy and Mr. Brown from the Public Works department to walk around the community and see firsthand what needs to be done.
All members expressed their frustration at the lack of county services for our community, including adequate and timely road repairs, beach access and right of way upkeep, law enforcement and traffic control. Grant suggested that we approach both the county and the media and stress our historic importance to the Walton community. On a positive note, Ann mentioned that she posted a link to the New York Times article about Grayton on the blogsite.
This led to a discussion of how to go about researching Grayton's history. Ann, Shirley and Pat agreed to begin the process of soliciting information by interviewing some of the older residents, and contacting the library for old books, photos and Grayton Art Festival posters. It was agreed that this information would help in establishing a timeline, which could be useful in seeking a historical designation for the town. The October street dance and party was proposed as the best place to start gathering stories and assistance in the task.
Communications
A discussion was held as to why we aren't getting any input from association members. Ann commented that although the blog has received over 2000 hits, there is little to no e-mail correspondance from members. (Larry and Ann check the correspondance regularly). It was suggested that we revisit our communications methods, and investigate adding online surveys and forums, and bulk e-mailing to either the webpage or blogsite. Since the webpage is paid until March, Grant agreed to contact his tech-savvy cousin to critique the current page and help us to decide what to do.
Landscape Triangle
Since the cost of providing electricity to the landscaped triangle could run as high as $2800 with conventional wiring, it was agreed that a solar panel would provide the most economical means of lighting the area. Larry J. has agreed to procure the solar lights.
Beach Committee
The board members agreed that before forming a beach committee, (see June blog), we should decide which communications method - improved webpage, online survey, online forum - will be the best method of sharing ideas and concerns with other association members.
GBNA Logo Contest
As a final note, Ann commented that she still has received only two entries for the GBNA logo contest. Send in your entries! (by hand, or via this blog)
The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, August 21st, at 4:30 at Ann Morrell’s house. *Note: This meeting was cancelled due to the fact that several members could not attend, The next meeting date is TBA.
Meeting adjourned.
Submitted by
Pat Murphy
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
GBNA June 2nd Minutes
Grayton Beach Neighborhood Association Meeting
June 2nd, 2008
The GBNA meeting was held at Shirley Sahlie’s home on June 2nd at 4:30 PM. The members present were:
Grant Blackwell
Linda Eyre (conference call)
Larry Jackson
Ann Morrell
Pat Murphy
Jean Silva
Shirley Sahlie
Absent: Frank Moultrie
Outgoing President Larry J. called the meeting to order. Larry welcomed new board members, and briefed everyone on how he handled communications and membership information and updates during his tenure. The board members then voted to elect new officers.
New GBNA Board Officers
Grant Blackwell - President
Frank Moultrie - Vice President
Pat Murphy - Secretary
Shirley Sahlie - Treasurer
Treasurer’s Report
Shirley S. provided the following balances for the GBNA bank account: Savings - $10,000.00 & Checking - $5, 909.00. It was agreed by all present that Pat M. will be added to the bank and post office box signature cards to provide backup.
Budget
Larry J. presented a copy of a ballpark budget for the upcoming year to all members. The ballpark figures were based on last year’s expenditures and discussions, and were to be used as a planning tool for revisiting current and future projects and events.
The budget expenses fall into the following categories:
• Membership mailouts,
• Website and blog upkeep,
• Landscaping (triangle, pump station),
• Lydia-Banfill dock survey,
• Neighborhood Watch,
• Spring and Fall membership parties,
• 4th of July parade,
• Annual meeting, and
• Administrative costs.
The total for proposed expenditures is $5,623.07, which would exceed income by $260.07 due to several non-recurring landscaping expenses. Please refer to the annual meeting report for the full ballpark budget.
Communications
Larry J. explained how to access the GBNA e-mail, and how to update e-mail and membership information. A message center on Mediacom is laid out with 20+ folders, dealing with projects, minutes, budget items, etc. Larry updates membership information monthly; Ann M. has agreed to continue updating the website and membership information. Please send any updated information via email to this blog.
Capital Improvements and Concerns
Grant B. informed us of his meeting with County Commissioner Cindy Meadows regarding road and drainage improvements. They discussed the following concerns: fixing poor road conditions (triangle shoulder, beach access at Garfield, and Pine Street) as well as other potholes around the community, raising speed bumps, replacing graffiti covered signs, fixing the drainage problem on Hotz, surveying Lydia-Banfill public dock boundaries and making improvements to the L-B dock area. Cindy will inititate as many of the road projects as possible, and will get back with Grant at a later date on the status of remaining projects.
Landscape Triangle
Larry brought up the fact that the cost of providing electricity to the landscaped triangle may run as high as $2800, raising the ballpark budget expenditures well over budget. He then suggested that we look at alternative means of providing electricity such as a solar panel, or requesting a tap into a nearby neighbor‘s line.
4th of July Parade
Jean S. will coordinate the 4th of July parade. The parade will line up as usual at the Red Bar at 8:30, and after a loop around town will end up at Grayton Properties. Lemonade and watermelon will be provided by the GBNA. If you wish to help with the parade, send us an email via this blog.
Beach Committee
The board members agreed that the GBNA should form a beach committee to discuss future improvements and suggested restrictions on beach uses, as soon as possible. Based on current beach usage, it was agreed it is only a matter of time before standardized parking, driving and beach safety regulations will be mandated by the county. We would like to be proactive on this issue; so if have any suggestions or concerns, or would like to be on this committee - send us an email via this blog.
GBNA Logo Contest
As a final note, Ann commented that she has received only two entries for the GBNA logo contest. Send in your entries! (by hand, or via this blog)
The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 17th at 4:30 at Ann Morrell’s house.
Meeting adjourned.
Submitted by
Pat Murphy
June 2nd, 2008
The GBNA meeting was held at Shirley Sahlie’s home on June 2nd at 4:30 PM. The members present were:
Grant Blackwell
Linda Eyre (conference call)
Larry Jackson
Ann Morrell
Pat Murphy
Jean Silva
Shirley Sahlie
Absent: Frank Moultrie
Outgoing President Larry J. called the meeting to order. Larry welcomed new board members, and briefed everyone on how he handled communications and membership information and updates during his tenure. The board members then voted to elect new officers.
New GBNA Board Officers
Grant Blackwell - President
Frank Moultrie - Vice President
Pat Murphy - Secretary
Shirley Sahlie - Treasurer
Treasurer’s Report
Shirley S. provided the following balances for the GBNA bank account: Savings - $10,000.00 & Checking - $5, 909.00. It was agreed by all present that Pat M. will be added to the bank and post office box signature cards to provide backup.
Budget
Larry J. presented a copy of a ballpark budget for the upcoming year to all members. The ballpark figures were based on last year’s expenditures and discussions, and were to be used as a planning tool for revisiting current and future projects and events.
The budget expenses fall into the following categories:
• Membership mailouts,
• Website and blog upkeep,
• Landscaping (triangle, pump station),
• Lydia-Banfill dock survey,
• Neighborhood Watch,
• Spring and Fall membership parties,
• 4th of July parade,
• Annual meeting, and
• Administrative costs.
The total for proposed expenditures is $5,623.07, which would exceed income by $260.07 due to several non-recurring landscaping expenses. Please refer to the annual meeting report for the full ballpark budget.
Communications
Larry J. explained how to access the GBNA e-mail, and how to update e-mail and membership information. A message center on Mediacom is laid out with 20+ folders, dealing with projects, minutes, budget items, etc. Larry updates membership information monthly; Ann M. has agreed to continue updating the website and membership information. Please send any updated information via email to this blog.
Capital Improvements and Concerns
Grant B. informed us of his meeting with County Commissioner Cindy Meadows regarding road and drainage improvements. They discussed the following concerns: fixing poor road conditions (triangle shoulder, beach access at Garfield, and Pine Street) as well as other potholes around the community, raising speed bumps, replacing graffiti covered signs, fixing the drainage problem on Hotz, surveying Lydia-Banfill public dock boundaries and making improvements to the L-B dock area. Cindy will inititate as many of the road projects as possible, and will get back with Grant at a later date on the status of remaining projects.
Landscape Triangle
Larry brought up the fact that the cost of providing electricity to the landscaped triangle may run as high as $2800, raising the ballpark budget expenditures well over budget. He then suggested that we look at alternative means of providing electricity such as a solar panel, or requesting a tap into a nearby neighbor‘s line.
4th of July Parade
Jean S. will coordinate the 4th of July parade. The parade will line up as usual at the Red Bar at 8:30, and after a loop around town will end up at Grayton Properties. Lemonade and watermelon will be provided by the GBNA. If you wish to help with the parade, send us an email via this blog.
Beach Committee
The board members agreed that the GBNA should form a beach committee to discuss future improvements and suggested restrictions on beach uses, as soon as possible. Based on current beach usage, it was agreed it is only a matter of time before standardized parking, driving and beach safety regulations will be mandated by the county. We would like to be proactive on this issue; so if have any suggestions or concerns, or would like to be on this committee - send us an email via this blog.
GBNA Logo Contest
As a final note, Ann commented that she has received only two entries for the GBNA logo contest. Send in your entries! (by hand, or via this blog)
The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 17th at 4:30 at Ann Morrell’s house.
Meeting adjourned.
Submitted by
Pat Murphy
Friday, July 4, 2008
4th Of July Parade (Batch 1)
What a great Parade...everyone out did themselves today. To see a photo larger you can double click on it. To download a copy of a photo right click and choose Save a copy of image to your computer. Enjoy. 
4th of July 2008 (Batch 2)
You can double click on an image to make it larger and if you right click you can download image to your computer.
4th of July 2008 (Batch 3)
To see photo enlarged double click on it. To download a photo right click and save to your computer.
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