I would like to take this opportunity to thank the newly appointed members of the Whispering Pines Community Appearance Commission. Since their meetings are at 3 p.m., I am unable to attend to express my gratitude.

I have just moved to the area, attracted by the Whispering Pines Web site that boasts, ÒPeople from retirees to school-age are free to pursue their favorite activities alone or with friends in a relaxed, secure environment.Ó

The appearance commission, with the help of my neighbor, have notified me of three ordinance violations in the past six weeks.

The first being a carport that I am authorized to have according to the ordinance. The second was a trailer that I had parked in the wooded area of my property to avoid being seen from the road. I now have moved it into plain sight under my carport, which is allowed. The third, I just received about my sonÕs pool located behind the house, not visible from the road. This is not a permanent pool and is taken down after the summer months.

There is no community center that has a playground or swimming pool for our kids. Yet Whispering Pines prides itself for three championship golf courses. The median resident age is 63.2 years old in Whispering Pines.

Children in our community are confined to surfing the Internet and playing video games because there is nothing for them to do in Whispering Pines.

Again, I want to thank Whispering Pines for advising me what I can and cannot do with my property in their best interest. I am sure I will be getting a letter telling me to remove my basketball hoop. Thank you in advance.

Andrew Kester