Team Building Brings Big Thrills
Every year, Gaughan Companies hosts an annual team building event for all of its employees. This year, we took a day during the week to go to Big Thrill Factory in Oakdale with the whole company.
After an address from the company president, Patrick Gaughan, the attendees ate lunch and gathered into smaller groups in order to connect one-on-one with their coworkers. Our staff is growing, and with many of them at locations throughout the Twin Cities, it is important for us to take the time for these team building activities.
We participated in activities like go karts, laser tag, a ropes course, indoor zip line, and other events, like the Gaughan Jeopardy game. The atmosphere was filled with good spirits and friendly competition!
We appreciate our employees and all that they do for our company and our community. We are blessed to have a wonderful group to work with!
Community Association Boards
Did you know?
52,000 Minnesotans are elected to their community association boards each year. These board members provide an estimated $1.8 million in service to their communities. Thank a board member today!
#gaughangab
Winter Water Leaks
Do you have a water leak in your home? Is water dripping from your light fixtures or smoke detectors? If it is, one reason for this can be condensation.
As warm, moist air from inside the home rises up and comes in contact with a cold surface (like the underside of the roof deck), the air cools and moisture condenses out because cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air. That condensation forms a layer of frost on the cold surface.
When this frost builds up for weeks at a time and is followed by a warm day or two, it can melt all at once. Then, water will start running down the walls, out the bathroom and kitchen fans, through recessed light, out of door frames, etc.
People often jump to the conclusion that it’s a leak, even though it’s not raining and there isn’t too much snow to melt. But, what they are seeing is water that was already inside their home in the form of water vapor.
The best thing one can do to help this issue is control indoor winter humidity levels. If it’s 0°F outside, it’s best to maintain a humidity level of 20-25%.
WCCO recently released a story on this topic, too. Read more: http://cbsloc.al/2D6KxKi
Homeowner Hints: Humidity at Home in Subzero Temps
When the temperature outside is less then 10 degrees, run the bathroom vents during a shower or bath, and leave it run for 10 minutes afterwards. This will keep the warm, moist air from freezing onto the inside of the vent. Also, recommended humidity levels in a home during the winter should be 35 to 40%.
MN Snow and Ice is Hard to Avoid!
Even with contracted snow removal service, we still experience freeze/thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on our sidewalks and driveways. But there are steps you can take to avoid a fall.
1) Walk slowly and carefully.
2) Ever heard of the Minnesota shuffle? Take small steps.
3) Keep both hands free to allow for better balance or use of handrails.
4) Step out of vehicles, don’t jump.
5) Walk as flat-footed as possible.
6) Wear appropriate footwear for conditions.
If you do fall, you may be able to reduce any injury by;
1) Rolling with the fall. Relax as much as possible.
2) Don’t protect what you’re carrying! Protect yourself and toss anything if you need to break your fall.
Association Team Joins in for Toys for Tots
The Gaughan Association Management team attended the recent Community Associations Institute – MN Chapter holiday party. It was a great event to network with vendors, and we got to support a good cause by supplying donations for Toys for Tots. Happy Holidays!
Governing Documents: Who Leads?
Each Association has Governing Documents, which layout the operations for the community and any restrictions. But did you know there are different levels of hierarchy?
– Federal, State, and local ordinances always lead.
– Recorded plat, map, or plan.
– Declaration of Covenants or CC&R’s and any supplements to this document
– Articles of Incorporation
– Bylaws
– Rules and regulations
– General Resolutions
When creating rules and regulations or general resolutions, keep in mind they cannot conflict with any document that is higher on the pyramid!
Night to Unite 2017: Neighbors Joining Together
Night to Unite (formerly National Night Out) is held each year on the first Tuesday in August. Neighborhoods are asked to turn on their outside lights and spend the evening getting acquainted with each other. Whether you are an organized Neighborhood Crime Watch (NCW) group, or just thinking about organizing, it is important to talk with your neighbors to find out what is going on. This is an evening when neighbors throughout the city, state and country gather to get to know one another and promote Community Safety.
If neighbors organize their efforts to be vigilant of each other’s property, it will likely result in the reduction of criminal incidents. You can send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and looking out for one another. We, at Gaughan Association Management, support this effort and hope many of our communities choose to come together on this night in some way. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate party or gathering, but here are some ideas of what other communities are doing:
- Ice Cream Social
- Bike Parade- Have the kids on your street decorate their bikes and parade them through the neighborhood at a specified time.
- Pot Luck Supper
- Ask people to contribute $5.00 per person and order pizza.
- Bubbles and Sidewalk Chalk
- Inflatables and a DJ
Whatever is appropriate for your demographic and budget- it doesn’t need to be elaborate. The point is to come together and get to know each other.
Check with your city to see if they participate in Night to Unite, as many cities do, and they will even have the Fire Department, Police Department, and other city representatives attend your party! You may need to register your party with the city, but what a great way to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Also check with your local businesses as many sponsor or will donate money or items towards Night to Unite parties.
Hope to see you all out getting to know each other on Tuesday, August 1st!
Tech Talk: Spring Cleaning Kitchen Appliances
Spring is finally here! Here are a few reminders that might be helpful in your spring cleaning.
- Pull out the refrigerator, clean up the back, and vacuum under to remove any dust and food particles that have accumulated.
- If you have an older fridge, be careful around any uncovered coils in the back or beneath!
- For the stove, pull it out, clean behind it, underneath and on the sides. I suggest using a kitchen cleaner, like 409 or Lysol Antibacterial, to remove any grease that has fallen down the sides.
- Check all electric and/or gas connections for the stove and oven.
We know spring cleaning isn’t always fun, but I hope these tips help the process go a little smoother!
