ABOUT US
Welcome to bridgeforth mill community
We are a quiet lakefront community located in the heart of Amelia Courthouse, VA.
An easy drive to Chesterfield and Blackstone shops and restaurants.
A great family community and the best fishing around! (homeowners and guests only)
cOMMUNITY nEWSLETTER
BRIDGEFORTH MILL HOA
2024 SUMMER NEWSLETTER
Lake and Dam Update
In 2024 we will need to submit an engineering report on the dam to the state (Department of Conservation & Recreation). One of our residents who works for Timmons Engineering has agreed to assist in this effort which will save the Home Owners Association a considerable amount of money. A special thanks to Mike Claud for his previous and future contributions to our community.
We continue to monitor both the structural and earthen dam for any damage or infestation. We appreciate several members of the community offering their assistance to ensure our lake remains vibrant and in-tact. The lake and dam management team consists of: Aaron Dorin, Mike Claud, Kenny Walwer, Pete McGarity, Ed Stille and Jamie Rutherford. If you have any interest in being a part of the management team, please contact Jamie Rutherford at 804.543.5881.
If any home owner notices any disturbance or damage to either the structural or earthen dam – please contact a board member or a member of the lake and dam team immediately.
Based on the natural erosion, sediment flow and run off associated with our lake, we’ve had an increasing battle with surface weeds and vegetation in our lake – particularly around the perimeter of the lake. Earlier this year, the HOA board voted unanimously to investigate methods to raise the water level of the lake, in an effort to curb this increased outgrowth. We considered several options, but in the end, we went with a simple and economical plan put forth by Kenny Walwer to accomplish this goal. Using sandbags and an old tarp, we have been able (at present) to raise the lake’s water level by 9 inches. Additionally, Kenny suggested a plan of using sand, mortar and nylon to patch and clog minor cracks and breaks in the structural dam. This method was initially successful and will be implemented again on additional cracks on future work days - the next community work day is August 10 at the dam.
Beginning in the spring of 2024, the catch and release policy for fishing was reinstituted. This policy was suspended for two seasons after consulting with the Department of Game & Inland Fisheries who noted the sharp increase in the adolescent large mouth bass population in our lake. We suspended the policy in 2022 and 2023 in an effort to get the population under control as the young bass were posing a risk to other fish populations in the lake.
The board is also considering a dredging exercise on the lake due to the increasing amount of sediment and erosion over the last several years. More to come………
When you or your guests are enjoying the amenities of Watkins Landing and the community dock – please adhere to the parking instructions/signs. This continues to be an issue with people parking in the loop and below the signs that clearly read ‘No Parking Beyond This Point’ – your cooperation is appreciated.
The next community work day will be at the dam on August 10 (8:30 a.m.) – we will be patching holes in the structural dam and clearing/spraying brush on both the structural and earthen dam toe line.
ACC
Over the last year there have been several concerns raised about adherence to the covenants; specifically, those that govern the maintenance and appearance of each homeowner’s lot. If you are planning to:
· Make any improvements to your lot
· Construct any structure (Pre fab or hand built)
· Install a pool or dig using equipment (especially lakefront owners)
· Clear trees or underbrush
· Rent or add construction equipment parked on your lot
· Or make any renovation/improvement/upgrade of any type
Please complete the BMHOA Property Improvement Form and deliver it to one of the board members for review. This form was part of your disclosure package at the time of your closing. Once the form is submitted, someone from the board will contact you within 48 hours. A copy of the Property Improvement Form is included with this newsletter. The board wants to work with any homeowner who is looking to make improvements, but we can’t engage with you unless we are given notice of your intentions. A special thanks to all the homeowners who allowed us to engage with them this year by taking this one simple but crucial first step.
As a reminder each homeowner is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and cutting of their yard/grass. This includes the grass cutting or landscaping up to the roads edge. Building materials, unsightly household items and the like should not be visible from the road or lake. We would respectfully ask every homeowner to join us in keeping our community well-kept and well-groomed. Property owners that feel they need to lodge a complaint about another property must do so in writing. Please email or write a letter to a board member (www.bridgeforthmill.com) to have the issue addressed. Verbal complaints will not be investigated.
Community Events
In 2024, we held our annual kick-off to the summer community picnic. It was held in section 3 with a minimal turnout. It was a very hot day but those who turned out used every bit of shade we could find and made the best with some great food, drink and conversation with neighbors. Friday night at the dock has continued during the warm weather months. For those of you who do not know, this is where we gather on the dock at Watkins Landing on Friday evenings and get to know your neighbors. All are welcome to come. This year we are hoping to have more involvement from the community for more gatherings for kids and adults.
There are plans underway to have a fall picnic in Section 3 – the whole community is welcome to attend. The date and location are pending. More to come……………..
There are also plans for a winter bonfire at Watkins Landing – details are fortchcoming.
Our Facebook page is up and running. This page is kept private, if you would like to join our page, please contact Melissa Aigner. We would love for you to join our page as another way of keeping up with your neighbors and community events. Please feel free to share any pictures of our beautiful neighborhood.
Also, please periodically check our website (www.bridgeforthmill.com) for community events, board meetings, general information and contact information.
We had an amazing turnout and accomplished a lot on our summer work day (June 29). A special thanks to all who participated – Darell & Suzanne Diffee, Aaron, Charlie & Wyatt Dorin, Pete McGarity, Mike Claud, Kenny Walwer, Ted Stille, Bev & Jamie Rutherford. We will plan to have a fall work day – please stay tuned for details.
HOA Board
· Julia Smith – carolinagirl.js@gmail.com
· Melissa Aigner – melissaaigner15@gmail.com
· Jack Harbottle – jharbottle@tds.net
· Aaron Dorin – aarondorin@gmail.com
· Jamie Rutherford – bjruther@yahoo.com
EVENTS CALENDAR
- The Board meetings for 2025 have been set for the following dates: February 3, April 7, June 2, August 4, October 6 & December 1. All meetings will start at 5:00 and be held at the home of Jamie Rutherford (6324 Beaver Lane).
- There are plans underway for a community wide Spring Cookout - please stay tuned for details.
- Friday nights at the dock will commence in the Spring at Watkins Landing - bring you favorite snacks and beverage after working hours and hang out with your neighbors.
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nEIGHBORHOOD AWARENESS
- WE ENCOURAGE ALL HOME OWNERS TO DOWNLOAD THE 'NEXT DOOR APP' TO THEIR PHONES. THIS WILL ALLOW AN EASY WAY TO COMMUNICATE IN CASES OF EMERGENCY.
- NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH - PLEASE BE VIGILANT IN NOTICING AND REPORTING SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES AND ACTIVITIES. PLEASE TAKE PICTURES OF LICENSCE PLATES AND CONTACT THE SHERRIF'S DEPARTMENT ACCORDINGLY.
- PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF ALL RESIDENTS AND GUESTS TO WATKINS LANDING BY OBSERVING AND ADHERIING TO THE PARKING SIGNS.