At a Special N&E meeting on September 5^th, candidate applications were opened, vetted, and accepted, and a lottery was held to determine the order in which candidate names will appear on the AGM ballot.  (Video of the meeting is available on the Sudden Valley YouTube Channel.)

The following members submitted applications:

Candidates for the Board of Directors^*

• Laurie Michelle Robinson
• Keith McLean
• Joshua Bowens
• Tom Redd
• Mary Stidham

Candidates for ACC

• Pat Zwolenski
• Jo Jean Kos

Candidate for Nominations & Elections

• Rob Gibbs

The Nominations & Elections Committee appreciates all the candidates who have expressed their willingness to serve the SVCA community.

^*Michael Wadsworth, withdrew his application at the start of the meeting.

An event (“Event”) was held by community members on Saturday, July 22^nd, at the Marina Picnic Shelter. The rental agreement originally granted to Event organizers was revoked because they did not comply with the terms of the agreement.  Despite the fact that permission was revoked for failure to comply with SVCA’s Facility Rental Agreement, Event organizers proceeded to host the Event. Because many community members have asked about the circumstances surrounding this Event, the Association has decided it is in the community’s interest to provide an open explanation of this particular Event and to discuss the use of Association common areas in general. Click HERE to read the entire document.

Please help keep our community safe from the threat of fire!

Summer weather is encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy the season. Unfortunately, one traditional warm-weather activity — campfires — can threaten the safety of our unique forest community. Please be aware that a burn ban is currently in place.

SVCA’s Rules & Regulations state that a burn ban automatically goes into effect in Sudden Valley if Whatcom County declares a burn ban. On June 9^th, the South Whatcom Fire Authority implemented a Stage One burn ban, triggering this requirement.

The Rules & Regulations explain that when a burn ban is in effect, no outdoor fires except properly enclosed cooking fires using gas or charcoal as fuel will be permitted. All other outdoor fires (open flame, including recreational fires) are prohibited for the duration of the burn ban. Sudden Valley’s rules are more restrictive than those of the County. Even though recreational fires are still allowed by the county, SVCA rules are clear that no recreational fires with open flames will be allowed. Violation of the burn ban can result in a fine of $250. The fine increases to $500 if there is a subsequent violation.

On Thursday, July 20, 2023, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District (LWWSD) gave notice that a level 2 sewage overflow had occurred on Lake Louise Road. The issue was reported at 7:45 am and LWWSD had implemented flow diversion by 8:40 am. Inspection of the overflow confirmed that untreated wastewater reached ditches on both sides of Lake Louise Road, which flow to a drain located approximately 150 feet southeast of the manhole that flows to Beaver Creek. Once District staff have completed repairs, the area surrounding the overflow will be cleaned, followed by disinfection with application of a strong chlorine solution.

LWWSD has issued a LAKE DRAWN WATER public health alert for residents who draw their drinking water directly from Lake Whatcom on July 20, 2023.

Click HERE to read the full notice issued by LWWSD.

Applications for open positions on the SVCA Board, the Architectural Control Committee, and the Nominations & Elections Committee are now available.

The application period is open from July 5, 2023, and closes at 4:30 PM September 5, 2023. Packets are available HERE, or can be picked up in person at the Welcome Center, 1850 Lake Whatcom Boulevard.

Candidates are required to be members in good standing from the time of application, through their term of office, if elected. Each candidate must be listed on the deed to the property.

Sudden Valley maintains two pools to serve the community: the Main Pool, located next to the Rec Center; and the Quiet Pool, located next to the library. The Main Pool is an active environment ideal for families where lifeguards are always present; the Quiet Pool is a smaller and more relaxed area, where people swim at their own risk. There are some shared rules for the use of the pools, and each of these amenities has some rules of its own to ensure safety and enjoyment in the two different environments.

These Rules Apply to Both Pools:

• All swimmers must shower with soap and water prior to swimming.
• People with seizure, heart, or circulatory problems should not swim alone.
• Enter the pool from the wet step feet first or use ladders or stairs.
• Use of facility is prohibited if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• No food or drinks in the pool. Food and drinks may be consumed a minimum of four feet away from the pool edge.
• No glass within the facility.
• Persons with a communicable disease or who have been ill with vomiting or incontinence within the last two weeks cannot use the pool; includes open sores or lesions.
• No diving.
• No breath-holding or prolonged underwater lap swimming.
• No inflatable devices are allowed except Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). Those requiring use of PFDs must remain within arm’s reach of an adult.
• Swim-specific attire required. Long hair must be pulled back and no shoes are allowed within the pool.
• Violation of Pool Rules shall be $25.00 for the first offense plus suspension of pool privileges for 30 days, with doubling of the monetary fine, and 30 days suspension, for each subsequent violation.

Main Pool Rules:

• No swimming unless a Lifeguard is on duty.
• The Lifeguards are always in charge. Lifeguards have final authority to enforce all pool rules.
• Pool use will be limited to a safe number as determined by the lifeguard on duty.
• Lifeguards may request individuals to prove their swimming ability. Lifeguards may restrict use of the pool by non-swimmers. All minors are subject to a swim test.
• Use of fins, snorkels, or any toys must be authorized by the Lifeguard on duty.
• Maximum occupancy of 150 persons within the pool facility.
• Alcohol, drugs, and pets are prohibited in facility.

• Adults or children who use diapers must use swim-specific diapers and wear a protective covering to prevent contamination. Diaper changing in the pool facility is prohibited.
• No horseplay, running, playing on ladders, throwing objects/swimmers or riding on shoulders. No water or squirt gun toys are allowed.
• Spitting, spouting, or swallowing water from mouth or blowing nose in the pool is prohibited.
• No hanging on or swimming across occupied lap lanes during lap swimming specific swim times. Lap lanes in the pool during “open swim” are not exclusive and may need to be shared.

Quiet Pool Rules:

• No Lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk.
• This is a limited use pool for use by SVCA Members, renters, and guests only. The Quiet Pool is for the quiet enjoyment of all SVCA members.
• No activities shall be conducted at the Quiet Pool as to put the pool into the classification of a general use pool.
• Alcohol may be consumed at this pool by persons of legal age.
• Maximum occupancy of the Quiet Pool is 30. Pool occupancy is set at 25 adults and 5 children.
• If you don’t follow the rules, you may be removed from the premises.
• In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Emergency phone is located within the designated pool area.
• Child Safety Requirements:
  • Due to lack of lifeguards, all children under the age of 18 (minor) shall be accompanied by an authorized adult to ensure the safety of the minor around water hazards.
  • All children under 18 must have passed a Swim Test given by a SVCA Lifeguard and be wearing a bracelet issued that day.
  • When a child twelve years of age or less is using the pool, an authorized adult must always accompany the child and be at the pool or pool deck when the child uses the facility.
  • If an individual between 13 and 17 is using the pool, at least two other people must be at the pool facility.
  • There is a maximum of two children that one adult may bring to the pool.
  • Children who are not potty-trained may not use the Quiet Pool.
  • All children 7 and under must have an adult in the water supervising them at all times.

Both the Main Pool and the Quiet Pool will be open starting Saturday May 27th. 
Hours are 9:00AM to 7:00pm
Check Suddenvalley.com for updated schedules throughout the season.  
There are dedicated lap swimming times and open family swim times. 

The SVCA Board of Directors has received notice from Brian Kruhlak, Golf Director for the past thirteen years, that he will not seek to renew his contract at the end of this year. Brian let us know that he has decided to retire from golf course management to focus on the development of a personal business.

There is a strong leadership team in place at the Sudden Valley Golf Course. Head Pro Kevin LeDuc has worked alongside Brian for the past four years to manage day-to-day operations and Greg Wadden, Turf Care Superintendent, has made significant improvements to the condition of the course in his first year at SVCA. We are confident that this team will maintain successful operations as we consider options for ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of this important Association asset.

Pinto Creek is completely blocked by a fallen tree. Crews are on their way to remove the tree, but it will probably not be cleared until late Sunday evening. Please avoid the area.

Tuesday afternoon, 2/28, 3:25 PM: Crews did a good job today and most roads throughout Sudden Valley have been cleared to wet pavement.

Forecasts are projecting below freezing temperatures overnight, creating the potential for very icy conditions tomorrow morning.  Crews will begin work before the Wednesday morning commute, but residents should use caution if they need to travel tomorrow morning.