Take a poll of pet owners, and most will tell you that their pet is very much a part of the family. Most also will tell you that all pets are as different as the people who love them. However, one thing remains constant regardless of whether your pet is a cat, dog, rabbit, turtle, or leopard gecko…their care and well-being is a top priority. 

Most domestic animals are confined to a cage or designated areas of your home to keep them safe from outside dangers such as predatory animals, cars, and humans who may not have the same appreciation for them as those who love them dearly. Often you will read articles about keeping your dogs leashed and not letting them roam free, but what about the cats? Of all animals, confining a cat to a select few areas can be tricky business. 

By nature, cats are mysterious, curious, and independent creatures that receive and give love on their own terms. Many jokes have been made and children’s books written about the jams their curiosity can get them into if allowed to roam without boundaries. 

Following are a few suggestions and thoughts to ponder from The Good Neighbour Project, a Cat Protection Society based in Australia. Since 1958, this organization has been caring for cats. Their work includes re-homing surrendered and abandoned cats and kittens, pairing them with their forever family, teaching owners how to care for their new, furry family member, and minimizing the impact of cat ownership on local communities. The group chose its name because it realizes a large part of responsible pet ownership is being a good neighbor, and cat ownership is no different. 

Being a responsible cat owner means ensuring the welfare and well-being of your cat as well as protecting the local fauna and neighborhood amenities. Put simply, it means being a good neighbor. 

Being a good neighbor means different things in different places. Whether you live in a condo or a house, in the city or the suburbs, or bordering a wildlife-sensitive area, get to know the rules as they relate to pet ownership in your County, Homeowners’ Association, etc. 

Confining your cat to your property means they are at a reduced risk of being trapped, killed, or injured by cars, other animals, or people, and are at a reduced risk of exposure to poisons, disease, and parasites. 

Ensure your cat has a collar with appropriate tags, is microchipped, and its vaccinations (including rabies) are up-to-date. 

Remember, it is best not to allow your cat to consider your neighbors’ property as part of its territory. Although you may have a neighbor who wouldn’t mind, neighbors can change. If your cat-loving, nextdoor neighbor moves out and a neighbor who doesn’t like cats moves in, this could be disastrous and potentially deadly for your cat. It is best to err on the side of caution and keep your cat on your property. 

Trapping regulations in Georgia primarily cover fur-bearing wildlife such as mink, raccoons, foxes, opossums, muskrast, skunks, bobcats, and weasels. However, residents are reminded that Chatham County’s Animal Control ordinances (which are observed in The Landings) apply to both dogs and cats. Section §22-404, item # 2 reads, “Any cat deemed a nuisance to adjacent property owners or Animals Services may be trapped and brought to Animal Services as an at large animal.” Chatham County Animal Services offers traps for the removal of nuisance animals.They have only a limited number of traps, so there could be a wait in excess of 30 days. However, if you are able to catch the animal in your own trap, you can call Animal Services (912-652-6575) for removal Monday through Friday. Alternately, you can contact an animal group such as the Skidaway Cat Alliance Team to assist with trapping stray cats. For more information about the Skidaway Cat Alliance Team, please contact skidawayscats@gmail.com. 

If you choose to a trap an unwanted animal on your own, regardless of the type of animal, Havahart® Live Animal Traps (at right) are recommended, as they allow you to remove and relocate the animal without harming it.  Although trapping regulations are primarily concerned with trapping wildlife, there are a few that should be applied when trapping nuisance animals as well. 

• Do not place a trap on another resident’s property without consent, preferably in writing. 
• Inspect your trap at least once every 24 hours. 
• Make sure your name and contact information are on the trap. 
• Use the most humane and appropriate trap available. 

To view Chatham County’s Animal Control Ordinances, visit bit.ly/2ZlMXOH. To find out more about Georgia’s trapping regulations, visit bit.ly/3qExmp6. To learn more about The Good Neighbor Project, visit bit.ly/3s11H1s.

Dear Editor, 

The Skidaway Cat Alliance Team (SCAT) is a group of dedicated volunteers whose mission is to provide for the humane treatment, health, welfare, and population control (spay/neuter) of the free-roaming cats on and in the vicinity of Skidaway Island. 

Recently, you may have heard the tragic news on Nextdoor about a cat found in a steel leg trap in the bushes on Benedictine Retreat. The cat (with the trap attached) was taken by one of our dedicated team members to a local emergency vet, but did not survive.

No matter what your opinion is about cats on the loose, no animal deserves to be inhumanely trapped. All reports from the SCAT members involved in helping this cat indicate it was a relatively friendly cat that might have been rehomed/relocated. 

The SCAT volunteers (all Landings residents) are available to help. In the past year, we trapped, spayed/neutered, and/or vaccinated 23 cats. Of those, 19 found forever homes! We additionally have helped neighbors trap escaped housecats. 

• If you have a cat that needs to be captured, we offer the following suggestions: 
• Post a picture of the cat and to our community social media pages to see if someone is missing a family pet. 
• Reach out to experienced organizations (preferably SCAT first) that can provide guidance on how best to capture and deal with this cat. 
• Use a Havahart® Live Animal Trap, as they allow you to remove/relocate the animal without harm. 

Here’s how to reach us…Skidaway Cat Alliance Team (skidawayscats@gmail.com or 914-215-2087) You also can visit us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/skidawaycatallianceteam). We have equipment you can borrow and the expertise to help. We also have relationships with local cat rescue organizations and Humane Society of Greater Savannah to help find cats new homes. 

Tara Packer

Your roof has you covered, along with all the household items beneath it. However, many may be unaware of the importance of regularly inspecting, maintaining, and replacing a roof. Architectural shingles have a lifespan of up to 30 years, and the repair and replacement of roofs throughout The Landings is consistent with development patterns in the earlier phases of the community, where many homes are at or nearing that 30-year mark. 

Even if your roof isn’t 30 years old, or was recently replaced, maintenance is just as important with a new roof as it is for a roof that has seen its fair share of southern heat and summer rainstorms. Most homeowners will shy away from roof maintenance because of the false sense of security that a warranty provides. What most homeowners may not realize is that while a warranty is an important thing to have, it becomes null and void if the roof is not maintained. If you cannot provide evidence that your roof has been maintained consistently, you may not be successful when making a claim. 

Routine roof maintenance and replacement not only will ensure the longevity of your investment, but it will keep homeowners in compliance with The Landings Association’s Architectural Guidelines and Private Property Maintenance Standards. Below is an excerpt of the roof requirements and maintenance standards. The documents can also be found on our website (www.landings.org/resources > Governing Documents). 

Architectural Design and Development Guidelines, Section 2.7 Roofs. The roof is a major design feature of a home. The following shall apply: Samples of the proposed color and material must be submitted with the application. All roof penetrations except chimneys (e.g., plumbing vents, exhaust vents, pipes, flues, etc.) must be located on the least visible side and painted to match the roof. When building an addition or replacing parts of an existing roof, all shingle colors must visually match or be replaced back to the nearest hip or ridge. Metal roofs are generally acceptable. Their color and style must be approved by the ARC. Matte finish is strongly encouraged to reduce reflectivity. Before a TLA Roof Permit can be processed, a Chatham County Permit must be submitted to the Community Development Department. Roof applications can be conveniently completed and submitted online at www.landings.org/roof-application. 

Private Property Maintenance Standards, Section 4 Building Standards, B. Roofs must be maintained so that surface stone is intact. Roof repair or replacement must be done when the roof deterioration reveals inner layers of asphalt visible from the street (curling shingles). Vegetation growth on the roof must be removed. Chimney caps, metal flues, gutters, downspouts, and attic vents must be in good repair and not show signs of rust, chipping, or peeling. 

 Roofing Maintenance Tips 

Roofing inspections should be performed twice a year. In the South, it is ideal to conduct inspections before and after the summer season when the most wear and tear occurs from excessive heat, extreme weather, and debris. 

Hiring a roofing contractor is recommended, as many homeowners do not have the knowledge or experience to properly inspect a roof. A roofing contractor will inspect the interior of the roof for proper insulation, ventilation, and moisture. The exterior inspection will focus on flashing, leaks, rot and mold, structural damage, shingle deterioration, and the state of your gutters. A professional should provide solutions for any problems found, or a plan for what needs to be done immediately.     

When hiring a professional, make sure to research the contractor thoroughly, and use your best judgment when allowing strangers onto your property. Most legitimate roof contractors, although not all, will have full coverage by a reputable insurance company limiting your liability should something happen on your property. 

To better assist property owners with the maintenance and construction of service areas, staff have compiled a list of frequently utilized contractors who are associated with service areas in and around the Savannah area. These contractors are listed below for reference and not as an endorsement: 

• Roofing Experts (912-484-2688) 
• Michael’s Roofing (912-748-6888) 
• Grassi Roofing (912-748-8493) 
• Roof Hunters (912-342-3338) 
• Savannah Roofs (912-682-0262) 
• Roofing Specialists (912-756-7664) 
• Roofing Experts (912-484-2688) 
• Jimmy Jenkins Roofing (912-355-4526) 

Please take the time to evaluate your property to assist us in resolving potential compliance issues. The Association’s hope is that we can address these issues with 100% voluntary compliance. Please contact the Community Development Department (912-598-5511) prior to starting any construction activity or if you have any questions or need assistance in bringing your property into compliance with regards to roofing.

Recently, staff began refurbishing the fleet of Rhodes 19 sailboats in the Landings Sailing Program. A fresh coat of epoxy paint from the deck to the keel will be given to the Rhodes fleet in preparation of the upcoming season. Members from the sailing program are upgrading some pertinent rigging and repairing rub rail sections. The work will continue into February. The “Frost-Bite” race series continues during weekends, as local yacht clubs and sailors take part in the short races to promote and enhance program participation. The Landings Sailing Program provides an outlet for residents to learn how to sail in a supportive environment without owning their own sailboat. A choice of Rhodes 19 and J24 sailboats are part of the fleet available to members of the program.

Landings Harbor basin dredging began at the end of the January and will continue into February. During the final phase of dredging in October 2020, the permitted volume (5,500 cubic yards) was removed from the basin, although some areas in the southeast basin have insufficient depth. Estate Management was contracted previously and will return to continue maintenance dredging, concentrating in the southeast area of the basin. Our goal is to achieve a uniform depth throughout the basin to create a benchmark for future projects and studies planned to reduce costs associated with dredging Landings Harbor Marina.

The engineering firm Moffat and Nichol has been contracted to perform a site evaluation and concept development plan for Landings Harbor Marina in 2021. The Landing Association constantly seeks ways to improve its boaters’ customer service experience by delivering more options, convenience, and embracing the vision of Landings Harbor Marina as a thriving, vibrant waterfront resource for all Landings residents.

Alpha Construction completed the contracted repairs to the seawall enclosure at Landings Harbor Marina. Several sections of the damaged aluminum panels, including the corner section at the end of the fishing pier, separated during severe storms late last year. New whaler bracing was installed, as well as corner splices and reinforcements, to strengthen the seawall.

Delegal Creek Marina is seeing an increase in occupancy, leaving three available wet slips. This marina has the best and cleanest amenities available in the area for larger power and sailing vessels.

Landings Harbor dry storage has limited availability, as occupancy continues to rise. If you are planning to boat from either Delegal Creek or Landings Harbor this upcoming season, please be sure to contact the Marina in advance to ensure storage space is available. We anticipate reaching 100% occupancy before the spring.

As a friendly reminder, golf cart parking is not permitted in the vehicle parking spaces at the Marinas. Designated parking is marked at Delegal Creek Marina, and any of the grassy areas around the park are suitable for golf carts at Landings Harbor Marina. Remember, operating hours for Landings Harbor Marina are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Delegal Creek Marina is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.

We look forward to seeing you at the Marinas!

New Neighbors is a social group open to women and men who are new residents in The Landings. We provide an opportunity for members to develop new friendships, enjoy a wide range of activities and social events, and network with people who have the same interests. Our members come from all over the world and know first-hand about the challenges and excitement that come with relocating. 

We are here to lend an ear or a hand to help you as you settle into your new home. Our variety of activities offers many ways to meet people, make new friends, and get involved. The club offers more than 250 different activities, tours, and events. Come see what we are all about. Visit our website (landingsnewneighbors.com) or email Susie Bumstead (nnnewmember@gmail.com). 

Several activities have restarted and are ready for you to sign up. Nature Tours, Historic Tours, Happy Hours, Golf, Pickleball, Walking Group, Biking, Second Harvest, to name just a few, are meeting and having a great time. Visit New Neighbors’ website to see what is available to join.    

We ask all New Neighbors to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves and others at the events they wish to participate in. While masks may be optional for some activities, we ask that you maintain the social distancing rule. 

If you are new to The Landings and are interested in joining New Neighbors, please visit the above website. We look forward to welcoming all new participants and to seeing current members at planned events. 

Landlovers Winter Social

Please join us for an evening of premium wine tasting and food pairing. The Landings Club has curated special varietals of wine for your tasting pleasure, and the chef has created wonderful food to compliment the special notes of each wine! A member/cash bar also will be available.

                                       Tuesday, March 23, 2021

                                          5 to 7 p.m.

                                       Marshwood Upper Terrace

Club Appropriate Attire with Face Mask

The cost is $62 per person

Register via PayPal (landloversevents.eventsmart.com)

No cancellations or refunds after March 16

Space will be limited due to social distancing requirements, so please register early. Your patience is appreciated as we hold this event in accordance with the state of Georgia protocols and guidelines for COVID-19.

Landlovers Game Day Is Back

Friday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Palmetto Clubhouse 

All Landlovers members and men and women who play bridge, canasta, mahjong, poker, scrabble, and dominoes are welcomed! Games will be played at tables of four, so form your groups NOW and choose a Table Captain. Table Captains are responsible for bringing your game equipment. The day will begin with entertainment by renowned NYC vocalists Scott Joiner, Tenor and Jessica Fishenfeld, Soprano, while guests enjoy a delicious brunch buffet in the Ballroom. The cost is $50 per player for brunch and a full day of play. You must register individually. Landlovers membership is required to participate, but NOT membership in The Landings Club.

Form Your Groups – While each person must register individually, your group of four must be formed and decide prior to registering if an indoor (Ballroom) or outdoor (Palmetto Event Lawn) table location is preferred. (Bridge will be held in the Azalea Room.)

New This Year – For those who are golfing in the morning or are not interested in playing a table game, you still can participate in Games Day by registering for our Putting and Corn Hole Contests! The cost is $25 per person to play either or both events. The contests will be held on and near the Palmetto Putting greens. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. No food is available, but a member/cash bar will be open from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Raffle Tickets! – A 50/50 Raffle and Grand Prize Raffle, as well as raffles for a multitude of fabulous gift baskets, will be held as part of this fundraiser. You may pre-purchase 50/50 Raffle and Grand Prize Raffle tickets on the Landlovers Events Portal or purchase on Games Day (cash only) in the lobby of Palmetto Ballroom. You do not need to attend Games Day events or be present to win the 50/50 and Grand Prize raffles. Gift basket raffle tickets will be sold on Games Day only (cash only) in the lobby of Palmetto Ballroom. Tickets will be $2/one ticket, $5/three tickets, and $10/five tickets.

Online Registration will be held March 15 – April 15 for all of our Games Day Events and tickets. Visit landloversevents.eventsmart.com and click the Events tab. Cancellations are non-refundable. If you have questions, please contact Eileen Yost (Eileenyrn@gmail.com or 973-255-0580).

Landings Landlovers Presents: The Marketplace 

Fundraisers are the hallmark of the Landings Landlovers organization, and the Annual Flea Market and Auctionmania are the two largest fundraisers we usually hold. Due to COVID-19 and the need for continued safety precautions, the Landlovers Board has approved a plan to change from the traditional Flea Market and Auctionmania to a new Landings-only event we are calling The Marketplace. The Marketplace will be held on Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the north part of the Palmetto Clubhouse Parking Lot. It will be open only to Landings residents, friends, and guests, and will be a festive, fun environment with shops, rather than tables, to purchase goods. Think…The Art Gallery, The Furniture Place, The Jewelry Shop, Collectors Corner, Sporting Goods and Hardware Supply, The Kitchen Depot, Home Décor Store, The Electronics & Small Appliances Warehouse, Linens Plus, Kids Junction, and Gardener’s Den. We also plan to have food, drinks, music, and games for the kids. There will be a two-day intake on Saturday, May 1 and Monday, May 3, also in the Palmetto parking lot. Intake will focus on quality items, not the quantity of items. Let’s say that again! Intake will focus on quality items that your neighbors would be interested in purchasing, not the quantity of items. You also can donate your furniture, cars, boats, motorcycles, etc., through the Flea Market Pre-Intake, where we’ve partnered with a local auction house for the period leading up to the 2021 Marketplace Intake. To donate these larger items, please email fleamarketintake@gmail.com.

For additional information and details on Landlovers and all of these events, please visit The Landings Landlovers website (www.landingslandlovers.com).

Landlovers Winter Social Wine Tasting