Dear Pollard Neighbors -

Summer is upon us and it’s been a few years since we had a CAPE picnic. Please join us on Saturday, June 12 at the large vacant lot on South Columbine just south of South Pollard Parkway. CAPE will be providing hamburgers and hot dogs with a side dish and sweets. (Please bring your own beverages of choice). We will also have an inflatable water slide for the kids. This is a great chance to meet your Pollard neighbors and enjoy a day in the sun without masks.

We do need neighbors to volunteer to make everything happen. Preparation and set up will start around 2 PM, so please come early if you can. We will need a few pop-up canopies, lawn chairs and tables as well. The food will arrive around 3 PM. Cleanup will start around 5 PM.

For planning purposes, please RSVP by Thursday June 10th with the number of attendees from your family by responding to this message or contacting us s below. If you are looking to volunteer or have items you can donate for use, please provide those details in your response. As always, we will be accepting dues payments at the event, or you can pay online at our website.

 The Governor has dropped the mask requirement for outdoor events, and vaccines are available to everyone, so the COVID-19 risk is minimal. Come out and enjoy your freedom with the start of summer. We look forward to a big crowd.

Best regards

CAPE Board of Directors

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

Because of predicted inclement weather on Friday night, our Spring Wine Walk has been moved to Saturday April 24th at 6:00 pm. Please let us know if you’d like to host a tasting station or attend based on the date change.

For previous reference, the Wine Walk starts at 6:00 pm and usually lasts until about 9:00. The route is usually about 1 mile long with four wine tasting and socializing stations. All you have to do is drop off a bottle of your favorite wine at 5845 South Pollard Parkway prior to April 23rd, and then show up with your wine glass for the walk. CAPE will provide complementary cheeses and crackers for all of the donated wines, which will be divided among the four tasting stations. After half an hour or so, the group will depart each location and leftover wines will be carried forward to the next stop as necessary. As an added option, attendees may join the group along the way, just bring your own beverage of choice for yourself or to share.

To participate, send an email to the address below, or you can contact Steve Oivanki directly at 225-620-5682. We still need volunteers to host tasting stations, so please let us know if you are interested. This involves setting up a table in your front yard or driveway to serve the wines, cheeses, and crackers. We will contact all walkers by Saturday morning with the route of the walk and the location of the tasting stations. This is a great chance to meet your neighbors and share the news (gossip) of the day and relax on Saturday night. We hope to see you all there!

CAPE Board of Directors

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

Our Spring Wine Walk is set for this Friday, April 23rd at 6:00 pm.  If you missed our previous Wine Walk last year, you missed a great social and “sommelierian” event. The Wine Walk starts at 6:00 pm and usually lasts until about 9:00. The route is usually about 1 mile long with four wine tasting and socializing stations.

All you have to do is drop off a bottle of your favorite wine at 5845 South Pollard Parkway prior to April 23rd, and then show up with your wine glass for the walk. CAPE will provide complementary cheeses and crackers for all of the donated wines, which will be divided among the four tasting stations. After half an hour or so, the group will depart each location and leftover wines will be carried forward to the next stop as necessary. As an added option, attendees may join the group along the way, just bring your own beverage of choice for yourself or to share.

To participate, send an email to the address below, or you can contact Steve Oivanki directly at 225-620-5682. We still need volunteers to host tasting stations, so please let us know if you are interested. This involves setting up a table in your front yard or driveway to serve the wines, cheeses, and crackers. We will contact all walkers by Friday morning with the route of the walk and the location of the tasting stations. This is a great chance to meet your neighbors and share the news (gossip) of the day and relax on a Friday night. If it happens to rain on Friday evening, we will reschedule for Saturday April 24th. We hope to see you all there!

Best wishes to all,

CAPE Board of Directors

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

This Newsletter will address several important issues facing our neighborhood and other neighborhoods in South Baton Rouge. It will also announce the Spring Wine Walk for Pollard Estates.

5G Small Cell Towers

You may have read in the newspaper or heard in the news about the transition of wireless communications in Baton Rouge to the 5G network system. This involves a considerable increase in bandwidth and wireless speed over the current system. In order to achieve the speeds and capacity of 5G, the wireless network carriers are installing small cell towers throughout the coverage area to fill in dead spots in the wireless coverage.

One of these small cell towers is currently installed on Columbine Street in Pollard Estates. It is a 30-foot-tall black pole with a black equipment box at the top, not a very aesthetically pleasing addition to any front yard. The City-Parish has revised its small cell tower ordinance in order to afford residents more input into the permitting of these towers in the future. The towers must be installed in the city road right of way, but residents will now have some leverage to request alternative locations.

Neighborhood associations can now submit preferred alternate locations for these towers to avoid unsightly placement in front yards. AT&T had previously proposed a total of five towers in Pollard Estates, of which one has been built. The CAPE Board surveyed Pollard Estates to find alternate tower locations that would minimally intrude on the aesthetics of the neighborhood. The map linked here shows the location of these alternative tower sites, along with the original proposed sites. We plan to submit these alternative locations to the City-Parish for consideration when the next round of tower permits is being reviewed. These locations are on street corners and in areas where trees, fences, and other utilities would mask the view of the towers from adjacent residences.  There will be additional towers installed in Pollard Estates to implement the 5G system, and we are trying to minimize the visual impact to the extent possible.  If you have any comments on the locations shown on the map, please contact us by email.

Crime Prevention

The Baton Rouge Police Department has instituted a new program to enlist the myriad of private home cameras to help in stopping and solving crimes in Baton Rouge.  The ConnectBlue BR program is a voluntary partnership between the police and the citizens of Baton Rouge.  For residences that have a street-facing camera system, as many do, the first part of the program consists of a ConnectBlue Directory, where residents can register their private camera locations with the Police Department so that when a home burglary, auto break-in, or other criminal activity occurs the police can have a ready directory of cameras in the area that might have photographed the culprits.  In the event of a crime, the police can contact camera owners in the area to request footage of specific cars, persons, and times of the criminal activity to assist in solving the crimes.  There is no cost to join the camera directory and recorded footage will only be requested if a crime occurs.

The second part of the ConnectBlue BR system involves real-time access to private street-facing cameras to assist police responding to crimes or other emergencies in neighborhoods.  This ConnectBlue Camera Share system is also voluntary, but may require a small cost to the homeowner to upgrade the camera and connect it to a modem compatible with the BRPD Real-Time Crime Center.  Police access would only occur if a crime is in progress and police need additional camera coverage to respond to the area. In light of the recent increase in residential crimes in South Baton Rouge, both ConnectBlue BR camera systems are a welcome addition to the law enforcement capabilities in Baton Rouge.  You can visit the website linked here if you are interested in participating in either program.

CAPE Spring Wine Walk - Friday, April 23rd - 6 PM - 9 PM

Spring is here, and it is time for our Spring Wine Walk. If you have not participated in previous CAPE wine walks you are missing out on a great event to meet and socialize with your Pollard neighbors. Residents can participate in the Wine Walk by bringing a bottle of their favorite wine to Steve Oivanki at 5845 South Pollard Parkway. All donated wines will be distributed among four host stops around Pollard Estates, and the walkers will travel from stop to stop sampling wines and complementing cheeses. CAPE will supply the cheeses and crackers to match the wines received. Each walker should provide their own wine glass. The walking route will be approximately one mile in length with stops at each host site of about 30 minutes. The route will be determined by the response received. Because the event is entirely outdoors, the risk for COVID-19 is minimized. Our last wine walk in October 2020 had about 50 participants. Please email us with your interest to attend the event or host a wine walk stop, which would involve setting up the wines and cheeses on a table in your driveway or front yard for the walkers to enjoy. When all of the wines have been received and the host stops decided, the participants will be notified by email of the route to be followed. We look forward to another large turnout for this popular social event.

With Best Regards,

Civic Association of Pollard Estates

Board of Directors

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

This is a friendly reminder of the upcoming events for the week. The CAPE Open Board Meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday March 23rd at 6:00 pm in the meeting room at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries building on Quail Drive. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is this Saturday, March 27th at 3 PM at the vacant lot behind 5815 Hibiscus Street, just north of South Columbine Street. Please be sure to deliver at least two dozen filled eggs to Steve Oivanki at 5845 South Pollard Parkway prior to March 27th. All candy should be individually wrapped (please no loose or soft candies). We ask that you consider food allergies when stuffing eggs; small toys are also great fun! We will have refreshments available and the Easter Bunny will be there to cheer on the kids and take pictures.

Please email us with any questions you may have.

Thanks!

Civic Association of Pollard Estates

Board of Directors

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

The CAPE Board of Directors invites all Pollard Estates residents to our Open Board Meeting at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, March 23rd, at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries building on Quail Drive. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

Due to the Governor’s relaxing of the coronavirus restrictions, LDWF is now allowing public meetings at their facility. All attendees at the meeting are required to wear protective face masks, and the number of attendees will be limited due to required distance separations for seating. This is your chance to hear the latest news about activities in Pollard last year and plans for new activities this year. Our off-duty police patrol will give an update at the meeting on criminal activity in Pollard during the last year and tips for crime prevention in the neighborhood. In addition, we now have a full schedule of social activities planned and listed on our website and Facebook page. Come out on Tuesday, March 23rd and meet your neighbors.

CAPE Dues

We are currently collecting 2021 dues, reaching almost 50% participation so far this year! Feel free to join us at the upcoming Open Board Meeting, where we can accept your payment. If you are unsure whether you have paid your dues for this year, please feel free to email us at the address listed below.

The $100 annual dues per residence are primarily used to pay for off-duty police patrols and upkeep and insurance for common grounds at the front of the neighborhood on Perkins Road. Additional expenses include electrical costs for lighting and wireless connections for the license plate reader cameras that have been installed to cover entrances to Pollard, website and email expenses, office expenses, and our sponsored neighborhood social events throughout the year.

CAPE Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday March 27th at 3 PM - Vacant Lot behind 5815 Hibicus Street, just north of South Columbine Street

We welcome all members and their children to participate in our annual Easter Egg hunt. To participate, please deliver two dozen filled eggs to Steve Oivanki at 5845 South Pollard Parkway prior to March 27th. All candy should be individually wrapped (please no loose or soft candies). We ask that you consider food allergies when stuffing eggs; small toys are also great fun! We will have refreshments available and the Easter Bunny will be there to cheer on the kids and take pictures.

We hope to see everyone at our upcoming Open Board Meeting, and are looking forward to our upcoming events this year.

Civic Association of Pollard Estates

Board of Directors

Dear Neighbors,

We would like to start out by thanking all of our 2020 members! A strong participation in CAPE from the neighborhood is essential to our success. The Board is working hard to build a stronger sense of community and togetherness in Pollard Estates. We currently have a few vacancies on our Board, and we would love fresh faces and ideas to join our cause. If you are interested in serving, please reach out to us via email at the address listed above.

In 2019, we were able to facilitate the installation of license plate reader cameras at the entrances to our neighborhoods. All license plate information is transmitted to BRPD automatically for review of suspect vehicles. This security measure is an addition to our regular off-duty police patrols.

With the success of CAPE sponsored social events in 2019, we started 2020 with a variety of scheduled events catering to all of our residents. While some events were unable to be hosted because of the pandemic, we were able host some safe events for our neighbors to participate in, such as the Art and Wine Walks as well as our Halloween events and Christmas Caroling. We are currently planning our schedule of events for 2021, so feel free to reach out with any ideas you may have and check our website and Facebook page regularly for updates.

Also in 2020, we updated our neighborhood directory, including contact information for each residence. A digital version is now available on our website for neighbors to access at their convenience. Please let us know via email if you wish to make any changes to the details included in the directory. The password for access can be provided on request.

As a CAPE member, your dues have been utilized for private security patrols by off-duty Baton Rouge Police officers, insurance coverage, maintenance of the common areas and CAPE sponsored events. The amount being assessed for the period of January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, is One Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($100.00), which is indicated on your invoice. Invoices will be delivered via email to the address on file for each property and can be paid when received, online on our website or via check to the address listed below. If any of your contact information has changed, visit our website to update your details or contact us below.

Regardless of whether you own or lease a property, we invite and encourage all neighbors to be active in CAPE and to help us make this neighborhood a better place to reside. If you have any questions or concerns or feel that you have received this notice in error, please feel free to contact us below.

Thank you for your support of CAPE and also for your commitment to keeping our neighborhood the best kept secret in Baton Rouge! If you should need anything from us, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

CAPE Board of Directors

Merry Christmas Pollard Estates,

As we approach the end of an eventful and frustrating year, we wish all of our Pollard Estates neighbors the very best this Christmas season and pray that you and yours remain safe and joyful as we celebrate the holidays.

Our Christmas Decorating Contest this year was an overwhelming success.  There are more colorfully lit and decorated homes in Pollard Estates this year than ever before.  With so many wonderful decorations to choose from, the judging for the contest was especially close.  The winner this year is the home of James and Jennifer Bailey, located at 5945 Forsythia Avenue, at the corner of Forsythia and Dahlia.  The Wolf residence at 1712 Dahlia was a close second.  Congratulations to the Baileys for a wonderful Christmas display.

With best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year,

CAPE Board of Directors

Dear Pollard Neighbors,

As a reminder, neighborhood Christmas caroling will be this Friday, December 18th. We are still looking for a few households who may like our carolers to stop at their house. Please email us Wednesday, December 16th or feel free to call (225) 755-9119 and let us know your name and address.

As we have done in prior years, a large decorated trailer will be provided for kids (and a few adults) to ride around the neighborhood. Pizza, hot chocolate, bottled water, and cookies will be provided, as well as various Christmas attire items to add to the festivities. Guitar accompaniment will keep everyone in tune and Christmas music sheets will be provided to help remember the words to the songs.

Due to the current COVID 19 situation, participants should evaluate their individual risk factors for a gathering of this type.  The event will be entirely outdoors where we can maintain a low risk of spreading the virus. Masks should be worn when social distancing is not possible, such as when riding on the trailer. However, we will spread out to sing at each stop.

Friday evening, all carolers should meet at the home of Matt and Sarah Gamble (5823 South Pollard Parkway) starting at 5 PM. We will load up and start the caroling route around 6 PM and return in about 1 ½ to 2 hours to the same location. We have always had a great turnout, and we look forward to seeing everyone there. 

Also, our Christmas decorating contest is currently ongoing, and many neighbors have done a great job brightening up the neighborhood for the holidays. The winner will be announced on December 21st with a home decorating gift certificate.  

With warmest holiday wishes,

CAPE Board of Directors

Dear Pollard Neighbors,

We hope this newsletter finds all Pollard Estates residents well and preparing for the joy of the holidays and the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

November Board Meeting

The Board hosted a recent closed meeting in November via ZOOM on November 16th, but with less than a quorum of board members present due to various circumstances.  Our scheduled November open board meeting was not possible due to lack of a suitable venue as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.  We have started posting recent meeting minutes on our website, where neighbors can review them at their convenience. 

C.A.P.E. Directory 

The C.A.P.E. directory of residential members is currently being maintained on our website and is updated as new members join and properties change ownership.  The directory file is password-protected, and the password is available to members by emailing us a request. 

Power Line Clearance

As noted in the November meeting minutes, the Board is recommending that residents be proactive about preventing another large-scale power outage in Pollard when a storm strikes.  Each resident should go in their backyard where elevated power lines are located and identify any potentially dangerous overhanging limbs or trees that could threaten power lines during high wind events, and Entergy should be notified to clear the threatening limbs before they fall and interrupt power.  By doing this before a storm, power interruptions can be kept to a minimum.  If you find any vegetation threatening power lines, you can contact Entergy via their website at www.myentergy.com. You will need to login to your Entergy account to request this service. Others have found that calling them usually doesn’t get any attention.

Christmas Events

The Pollard Estates Christmas decorating contest begins right after Thanksgiving. The winner will be announced on December 21st with a home decorating gift certificate.  Let’s brighten up the neighborhood for the holidays.

Neighborhood Christmas caroling has been a success in recent years, and we will continue the tradition this year on Friday, December 18th. A large decorated trailer will be provide for kids (and a few adults) to ride around the neighborhood. Pizza, hot chocolate, bottled water, and cookies will be provided, as well as various Christmas attire items to add to the festivities. Guitar accompaniment will keep everyone in tune and Christmas music sheets will be provided to help remember the words to the songs. If any residents would like a caroling stop at their house, please let us know via email by Monday, December 14th so we can plan the travel route accordingly. 

Due to the current COVID 19 situation, participants should evaluate their individual risk factors for a gathering of this type.  The event will be entirely outdoors where we can maintain a low risk of spreading the virus. Masks should be worn when social distancing is not possible, such as when riding on the trailer. However, we will spread out to sing at each stop.

All carolers should meet at the home of Matt and Sarah Gamble (5823 South Pollard Parkway) starting at 5 PM. We will load up and start the caroling route around 6 PM and return in about 1 ½ to 2 hours to the same location. We have always had a great turnout, and we look forward to seeing everyone there. 

With warmest holiday wishes,

CAPE Board of Directors

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

As Halloween descends upon us Saturday night we want to remind everyone to be safe and warm for Trick-or-Treat.  This cold snap will require warm clothes for walking around at night, so dress the little ones accordingly.  Please wear reflective clothing where possible.  While black is the norm for Halloween costumes, it does make nighttime visibility difficult for drivers.  Carrying flashlights will help night drivers avoid little ghosts and goblins.  Parents should accompany children as they make their rounds collecting goodies.

Trick-or-Treat hours should last between 6:00 and 8:00 pm.  We request that homeowners set up tables at the ends of driveways like last year to make it easier for the kids to get from house to house.  If you want the kids to knock on your door, please leave your porch lights on.  Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, homeowners should hand out candy and have a bottle of hand sanitizer handy and use it often.  Please wear sanitary masks during Trick-or-Treat.  To avoid potentially spreading the virus, kids should not be allowed to grab candy from containers at each stop.

The winner of the Halloween decorating contest this year is David Rodrique and Kristy Hoffman at 1457 Pollard Parkway, an impressive display.  Other significant runners-up are:

• Carey and Kathryn Clifton – 1481 Pollard Parkway

• Jerry and Lori Boyce – 1434 Pollard Parkway

• Matt and Sarah Gamble – 5825 South Pollard Parkway

• Emmett and Melissa Healy – 5734 Hyacinth Avenue

• Bill and Margaret Martin – 5866 Hibiscus Drive

There are lots of other spooky decorations around the neighborhood, so look around and enjoy what should be perfect weather for a delightful Halloween.

CAPE Board of Directors

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

Our fall Wine Walk is set for this Friday, October 16th at 6:00 pm.  After careful consideration of the potential health risks involved with public gatherings, there are a few changes from our previous events. Participants are asked to provide wine to the event by dropping off contributions to 5845 South Pollard Parkway by Thursday October 15th. There will be four host locations in the neighborhood and the contributions will be distributed equally among each stop.

Each participant should provide their own wine glass. CAPE will be providing complementary cheeses and crackers for hosts to serve with proper sanitary procedures. Please bring a face mask to wear when social distancing is not possible. After half an hour or so, the group will depart each location and leftover wines will be carried forward to the next stop as necessary.

As an added option, attendees may join the group at any of the locations at the approximate times noted below. Please be sure to bring your own beverage of choice for yourself or to share.

The route is about one mile long, and the host locations are located approximately equal distance apart to provide a loop through the neighborhood.

The route will proceed as follows (approximate times of arrival):

• 6:00 PM - Zeb & Quincy Scott – 1685 Pollard Parkway

• 6:45 PM – Dean & Rachel Webre – 5945 Hyacinth Avenue

• 7:30 PM – Jason & Kate Pettrey – 1366 Dahlia Street

• 8:15 PM – Robert & Abbey Gauthier – 1456 Pollard Parkway

The weather should be cool this weekend and very pleasant for a nice stroll through the neighborhood.  I look forward to seeing you all on Friday night.

Steve Oivanki

CAPE President

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

Fall weather has finally arrived.  The onset of cool mornings and pleasant afternoons has inspired many Pollard residents to take advantage with walks and bike rides around the neighborhood.  It’s nice to see so many people enjoying the outdoors.  

Fall Wine Walk

With the coronavirus still a threat, but hopefully winding down, we would like to gauge interest in our next social event, the Fall Wine Walk.  It is currently scheduled for Friday night, October 16th at 7:00 pm.   Because it is an outdoor event with a limited number of participants, the coronavirus risk is much less than an indoor gathering.  We feel that, with common sense precautions, such as face masks, social distancing, and limited handling of food and spirits, we could have an enjoyable and much needed social gathering to bring some form of normalcy to this crazy year.

The event would follow the same protocol as last year.  Participants would contribute a bottle of their favorite wine and CAPE would provide various cheeses and crackers to complement the wines provided.  We would need several residents to volunteer as hosts to set up tables in their yards or driveways where the wines and food would be available.  Everyone should bring their own wine glass.  Additionally, to meet coronavirus safety requirements, everyone should have a protective face mask to wear when social distancing is not possible.  The hosts at each tasting station would handle the pouring of wine and distribution of food with proper sanitization.  Participants would walk from station to station as before to sample the various wines provided.  Based on past experience, the whole event would last about 2 hours, starting at 7:00 pm.

If you are interested in participating, you can email us (linked below) or you can contact Steve Oivanki directly at 225-620-5682.  Steve will also collect and distribute the wines and arrange for the cheeses and designation of the walking route and tasting stations.  If enough interest is generated, an invitation will be extended by email with instructions for delivering the wine and a map of the walking route.  We have about 3 weeks to set this up, so email or call with your interest as soon as possible.

Halloween

Barring any negative directives from local or state government, Halloween will still take place on October 31st this year.  Residents are encouraged to set up like last year, with tables located at the end of driveways to reward the little goblins trekking the neighborhood in search of treats.  Please wear face masks and use hand sanitizer when handing out treats.  Parents are urged to accompany children during Trick-or-Treat and to wear reflective clothing and carry flashlights for night visibility.  Homeowners participating in Trick-or-Treat should have their porch lights on.

CAPE will sponsor a Halloween Decorating Contest again this year, so break out your scariest decorations to liven up the spooky season.  We will reward the contest winner with a gift certificate.

Website Update

With help from the Board, our updated website is now online at PollardEstates.org.  Newsletters, events, and general information about the neighborhood can be found here.  In addition, the website now has a built-in feature to pay your dues; so if you haven’t done so yet, please take advantage of this new feature.  As of this date we have collected dues from 67 percent of the homeowners in Pollard Estates.  Our goal of 70 percent participation is still achievable with about ten more dues payments. 

2020 Pollard Directory

Our updated directory is available on the website and through this DropBox link for download.  The directory is updated on a continuous basis with all current homeowners.  As property is transferred or new neighbors move in, please feel free to let us know so we can update our records accordingly.

November Public Board Meeting

Due to the unavailability of our usual meeting space at the Wildlife and Fisheries building due to Covid-19 restrictions, we will not have a CAPE public board meeting in November.  Instead we will have a closed board meeting on or about November 15th.  If any members have specific questions for the Board, they should send them to us using the link below so they can be addressed at the meeting.  Following the meeting, the minutes, along with answers to each submitted question will be emailed to the members.  We apologize for the inconvenience, but we are unable to find a suitable alternative meeting venue at this time.

In the meantime, stay safe and practice the usual Covid-19 precautions, masks in public and in crowds, social distancing, and proper hygiene.  We look forward to seeing all of you in the future at CAPE social events and out in the neighborhood.

With best regards,

Board of Directors

Dear Pollard Estates Neighbors:

I hope this Newsletter finds all of you safe and in good health.  With the coronavirus still a threat, our normal schedule of events for Pollard Estates has been upended.  The spring picnic was cancelled due to state restrictions in place for large gatherings.  Our next planned social event is the fall Wine Walk currently scheduled for mid-October.  We will evaluate the viability of that event when the date gets closer to see if we can still accommodate the crowd (usually about 30-40 participants) and under what conditions.  Hopefully the virus will have abated enough by then to allow neighbors to socialize.
 
2020 CAPE Dues
As of this date we have collected dues from 59 percent of the homeowners in Pollard Estates.  Our goal of 70 percent participation is still achievable if those who have overlooked their dues for this year will remit their payment soon.  A reminder invoice will be mailed this month to those who have not paid.  We have several additional expenses this year, including the license plate reader cameras installation and maintenance, repairs to the irrigation system at the front entrance, and replacement of the deteriorating Pollard Estates sign at the front entrance.  We also plan to replace the CAPE website with a more modern and user-friendly site.  The digital Pollard Estates directory is being updated periodically as new residents move in, so you might want to update your copy if you haven’t done so in a while.
 
Security
There are still a few “nightcrawlers” out there burglarizing carports and vehicles after dark.  Please be sure your vehicles are locked at night and remove all valuables, lawn equipment, bicycles, and tools from open carports each night.  The incidents are usually crimes of convenience, preying on unlocked vehicles and readily visible items of opportunity.
 
Coyotes
There is an increasing number of coyote sightings in Pollard Estates, both at night and in the middle of the day.  While these intruders are usually frightened by humans, they are looking for any small animals (dogs and cats) that might be around for an easy meal.  Numerous cat remains have been found in back yards around Pollard.  The coyotes generally come in from the woods at the back of the neighborhood, from the cleared area of Rouzan, or from the area around Dawson Creek.  Please keep your pets inside, especially after dark, to avoid an unpleasant discovery.
 
Traffic
There is a new four-way stop sign installed at the intersection of South Pollard Parkway and South Columbine.  It was installed due to the concentration of children on bikes and scooters at that intersection and the need for slowing vehicles on South Pollard.  I live one house down from the intersection on South Pollard and have observed vehicles, both Pollard residents and contractors, speeding through that intersection on South Pollard without even slowing down.  Please observe the speed limit (25 mph) and the stop signs for the sake of the children.  If this reckless behavior continues it is only a matter of time before there is a tragedy at that intersection.
 
In the meantime, stay safe and practice the usual Covid19 precautions, masks in public and in crowds, social distancing, and proper hygiene.  I look forward to seeing all of you in the future at CAPE social events and at the open CAPE meeting in November.
 
With best regards,

Steve Oivanki, President
Civic Association of Pollard Estates

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

There are a few updates we wanted to share with everyone regarding events around the neighborhood:

May Wine Walk
The Wine Walk Scheduled for May 15th has been cancelled due to the directive issued by the Governor to continue the shelter at home order until the middle of the month. Since past wine walks have included many more than 10 people, the scheduled May Wine Walk would likely also exceed the COVID 19 social distancing guidelines.

Pollard Estates 2020 Directory
The 2020 neighborhood directory for Pollard Estates has been completed, to the extent that the current situation permits. It is compiled from the CAPE membership list maintained by the treasurer. There are numerous rental properties in Pollard Estates with considerable turnover, so most of those are listed as rentals with no contact information, unless the occupants pay CAPE dues. Also, as properties are sold and purchased, the listed occupants may not be correct unless they also join CAPE. Please look through the directory and send us any corrections or additions you find based on your knowledge of your neighbors. The Directory can be accessed by clicking on the following link.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dba3060x9jlcwl8/Pollard%20Directory%202020%20FINAL.pdf?dl=0
You can download the file or print it if you prefer. We will update the file as corrections and additions come in throughout the year. If you would prefer a printed bound copy, please send a request to our email listed at the end of this Newsletter. Also, if you know of a neighbor who does not have Internet access, please order a printed copy for them.

Social Distancing
As a reminder, when future community events occur, please be mindful of social distancing guidelines and protection methods. We hope that these events can help break up the monotony of the quarantine, but please don't ruin these efforts by getting too close to others. We will keep you posted about future CAPE events as conditions permit.

Dues
Please check your records to be sure you have paid 2020 CAPE dues ($100 per household).  These continue to help to pay for our neighborhood security patrols, camera operations, and landscaping. You can pay online at the link below or mail your check to the address below. If you are unsure of your current dues status, feel free to email us for more information.

Thank you and stay safe.

Board of Directors
Civic Association of Pollard Estates

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

There are a few updates we wanted to share with everyone regarding events around the neighborhood:

Art Walk
A few neighbors are organizing an Art Walk for
Friday April 17th, from 6 PM - 8 PM. 

Neighbors are encouraged to create a homemade art display for us all to enjoy as we walk through the neighborhood. These can be anything: sidewalk chalk art, objects hanging from trees, paintings, crafts, posters with inspirational messages, completed Lego sets, children's color sheets, or even just play music... anything artistic is welcome to be displayed.

Please email Kelley Stein at KMCS1031@gmail.com if you plan to place an exhibit so we can let everyone know to walk by your house. Exhibits should be displayed from 6 PM to 8 PM on Friday, April 17 in your driveway. If the weather looks bad, we'll switch to the next dry night. If necessary, check Facebook or Nextdoor in the coming days for additional details. 

Food Trucks
In an effort to facilitate business for our favorite local restaurants, food trucks and trailers have been scheduling time to come to Pollard Estates and Woodchase. While these events are not sponsored by CAPE, this is an effort to help support our local businesses and continue community involvement. Please be sure to check Facebook or Nextdoor for updates to the schedule and locations and share any vendors you may have scheduled for the future. 

• Thursday, April 16th - Rock Paper Taco - 4 PM - 7PM - Front of Pollard Estates

• Friday, April 17th - Smalls Sliders - 4 PM - 7 PM - Front of Pollard Estates

Social Distancing
As a reminder, with the ongoing community events that are occurring, please be mindful of social distancing guidelines and protection methods. We hope that these events can help break up the monotony of the quarantine, but please don't ruin these efforts by getting too close to others. 

Dues
As a reminder, please check your records to be sure you have paid 2020 dues ($100 per household).  These continue to help to pay for our neighborhood security patrols, camera operations and landscaping. You can pay online at the link below or mail your check to the address below. If you are unsure of your current status, feel free to email us for more information.

Board of Directors
Civic Association of Pollard Estates

Dear Pollard Neighbors:

It looks like March is coming in like a lion with the Coronavirus pandemic. While it’s nice to see all of the children and parents walking and biking around the neighborhood, the reality of events that resulted in all this free time has really upset our normal schedule. With the governor and the mayor declaring that all residents should refrain from moderate and large social gatherings, the Civic Association of Pollard Estates Board has decided to cancel the Pollard Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 4th.  While we regret that this decision is necessary, it is the proper thing to do considering the potential risk for the kids and parents/grandparents. Our next scheduled neighborhood event is the Spring Wine Walk on May 15th. As that date approaches, we will evaluate the pandemic situation and make a decision then about moving forward with the event.
 
The Open Board Meeting at the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries building on March 10th was a success, and about 30 residents attended. Our District 12 Councilperson, Jen Racca, introduced herself and gave a short speech about her plans on the council, her reasons for serving, and her abilities to resolve problems in District 12.
 
Pollard Estates Directory
Work has begun on a new directory for Pollard Estates.  It will be a digital directory, probably a .pdf with a printed copy available for those who prefer that format or do not have internet access.  Dan Rice is our new Membership Chairman, and as soon as we can double check for correct names and addresses for all Pollard residents on our dues payment spreadsheet, we will publish the directory and notify everyone how they can have access. It will be in the same format as previous versions, indexed by lot number and last name, with address and phone numbers included, as well as a map of the Pollard Estates lots.
 
Security
Both license plate reader cameras are up and operating on Pollard Parkway and Quail Drive. While these cameras will assist the police in identifying criminal elements arriving by vehicle, there is still a security risk due to individuals on foot and on bicycles roaming the neighborhood checking unlocked doors and parked vehicles.  Please remember to lock your vehicles whenever they are parked in your driveways and carports. Keep all valuables out of sight in vehicles.  Also, remove lawn equipment, bicycles, and other valuable items from open carports when not in use. If you see or suspect an unauthorized entry on your property, please call for the police at 911.
 
Dues
Currently only 45 percent of Pollard residents have paid their CAPE dues for 2020.  Please check your records to be sure you have paid for this year.  Your $100 per year dues help to pay for our neighborhood security patrols and camera operations. You can mail your check for $100 to CAPE, PO Box 14581, Baton Rouge, LA 70898; or go to our website, PollardEstates.org, to pay with a credit card.
 
We wish all of you a healthy and Happy Easter. Get to know your elderly or handicapped neighbors and be sure to offer help if they are in need during this time of crisis and social distancing.
 
Board of Directors
Civic Association of Pollard Estates
 

CAPE Public Board Meeting
Tuesday, March10, 2020
6:00 pm
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Building

The Civic Association of Pollard Estates Board of Directors will hold a public Board Meeting at 6:00 pm on March 10th at the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Building on Quail Drive. All residents of Pollard Estates are invited to attend. Take this opportunity to come meet and mingle with your neighbors and your CAPE Board members. The calendar of CAPE events for 2020 will be presented and the Board will answer any questions you may have about issues of concern in our neighborhood. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

This is also a chance to meet your new East Baton Rouge City/Parish Councilperson, Jen Racca, who will be in attendance to answer your questions regarding EBR Council issues related to Pollard Estates.

For those of you who have not yet paid your CAPE dues for 2020, or if you are not sure if you have paid, we will have a list available. Dues are $100 per year per residence, and money collected supports our off-duty police patrols, cameras at Pollard entrances, maintenance and insurance for Pollard public areas, and support for CAPE events throughout the year.

We look forward to seeing everyone there next Tuesday.

Thank you.
The Board of Directors
Civic Association of Pollard Estates

C.A.P.E. Open Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 10, 6:00 PM
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Building
Quail Drive
 
Dear Pollard Estates Neighbors:

The Civic Association of Pollard Estates Board of Directors would like to invite all Pollard Estates residents to our open Board Meeting at 6:00 pm, Tuesday March 10th , at the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries building on Quail Drive. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

This is your chance to hear the latest news about activities in Pollard last year and plans for new activities this year. We have a full schedule of social activities planned, so come out on Tuesday, March 10th and meet your neighbors.

CAPE Dues
CAPE dues for 2020 are now due. If you are unsure whether you have paid your dues for this year, we will have a list available and you can pay your dues with a check at the meeting. The $100 annual dues per residence are primarily used to pay for off-duty police patrols and upkeep and insurance for common grounds at the front of the neighborhood on Perkins Road. Additional expenses include electrical costs for lighting and wireless connections for the license plate reader cameras that have been installed to cover entrances to Pollard, website and email expenses, office expenses, and our sponsored neighborhood social events throughout the year. Our off-duty police patrol will give an update at the meeting on crimes in Pollard during the last year and tips for crime prevention in the neighborhood.

City Parish Council Representative
Our new City Parish Councilperson, Jen Racca, will attend the meeting to introduce herself and to take questions about City Parish affairs and any problems or needs in Pollard Estates.

We hope all residents will take advantage of this opportunity to meet with your CAPE Board of Directors and visit with your neighbors. We look forward to seeing all of you on Tuesday night, March 10th.
 
Civic Association of Pollard Estates
Board of Directors

Group Home Update: The proposed lease of a residence on Hibiscus Drive for a group home halfway house has been cancelled.

Dear Pollard Residents:
A situation has arisen in our neighborhood that the Board feels you should be aware of. The residence located at 5722 Hibiscus Drive is owned by the Ingleside United Methodist Church, and the church is considering leasing the residence for 4 years to a business that operates group home halfway houses for recovering substance abuse victims. The house would be used to house up to six college-age girls recovering from substance abuse. There are currently about 35 such halfway houses in Baton Rouge, all located in A-1-zoned, single family, residential neighborhoods. The city does not allow public notice or Planning Commission hearings for such uses due to federal law restrictions. Due to the background of the planned “residents”, there is a better than average chance that potential criminal activity, as well as unwanted visitors and traffic, could occur in the vicinity of that house. Drug halfway houses in other Baton Rouge neighborhoods have had a history of unsavory activities and increased crime around those locations.
 
The C.A.P.E. Board has decided unanimously to oppose the location of a drug halfway house in our neighborhood due to the potential risk for Pollard residents and the neighborhood in general. The church has not yet leased the property, and the Board encourages all residents who oppose the action of the church to contact Ingleside Methodist Church to express their opposition. The church secretary can be reached at (225) 344-9100. If you know anyone who is a member of that church, please express to them personally your objection to the proposed lease of the residence for a drug halfway house. Hopefully we can stop this unwanted intrusion into Pollard Estates.

Thank you
Civic Association of Pollard Estates
Board of Directors