Cocoa Mulch

Checked Snopes.com

Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those who do.

Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'

The Snopes site gives the following information:

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

Jan 13, 2009

The McKenna Meadows Homeowners Association’s General meeting was held on Tuesday, 13 January, 2009, at the Roy City Library. Board members present were President Lynn Miller, Treasurer Randy Johnson, and Secretary Linda Killingsworth and Alice Calero. Mary Nalley was absent.

A total of 14 people attended the meeting, representing 10 homes. Officer Jeff Prouty of the Roy Police Department was also in attendance.

Secretary’s Report: The minutes from the General Meeting of 27 October 2008 were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report: As of 13 January, 2009, 16 out of 59 homeowners have paid their 2009 HOA dues. 41 of 59 have paid their 2008 HOA dues. A reminder to homeowners that the 2009 HOA dues must be paid in full by 31 March 2009.

There is $13,293.85 in the main HOA account. The secondary account has $301.00. There are six HOA dues checks waiting to be deposited in the main account.

A motion was made to close the secondary account and deposit the balance in the primary account. The motion passed.

Old Business: Jorge Calero requested an update on the by-laws committee. The next committee meeting is Wednesday, 21 Jan 2009, at 19:00 hours. Due to a work conflict, Doug Miller will be replaced on the committee by Sherrie Lee.

New Business: Due to an upcoming deployment to Iraq, Randy Johnson resigned as treasurer for the HOA. He will be replaced by Yvonne Starks, who was voted in by the board members following the HOA General meeting. Many thanks to Randy for his tireless efforts in restoring order and integrity to what previously had been a chaotic mess. We wish him a safe and successful deployment to Iraq, and a speedy return home to his family. He will be missed.

Welcome and many thanks to Yvonne Starks for her willingness to take over the position of treasurer.

21 January 2009 is the next court date for former HOA President Kim Eldridge.

Officer Jeff Prouty informed the attending audience that the speed limit from 288^th Street to 295^th Street South will be reduced from 50 MPH to 40 MPH in the near future.

He also addressed residents concerns about Roy police response to emergencies. There are currently two police officers on duty. There is a number to the Roy police department which residents can call for non-emergencies. The number is (253)843-2286. When the Roy Police are not on duty, the Pierce County Sherriff’s Department will respond to 911 Calls.

Officer Prouty would like to remind residents that there is a leash law in Roy. Dogs and cats are by law to have a license and tag. There have been numerous complaints about aggressive dogs running loose about the neighborhood and posing a threat to children and other residents walking their dogs. Please be responsible pet owners and confine your pets within the boundaries of your property.

Maintenance of the common areas was discussed. The common areas include the entrance to the development, and the grassy area adjacent to the gopher preserve. Because there wasn’t a quorum of residents at the meeting, those present could not vote on expending HOA funds for common area maintenance.

**There will be a neighborhood cleanup for the common areas on Saturday, 25 April, 2009, at 09:30 A.M. More information will be forthcoming as that day approaches. It would be greatly appreciated if there would be a representative from each home to help clean up the common areas.

Lynn Miller would like to initiate a McKenna Meadows Community Yard Sale this summer. This will also be discussed in more detail at the next HOA General Membership meeting.

**The next General HOA meeting will be Monday, 28 April, 2009, at 18:30 hours at the Roy City Library.

The meeting was adjourned at 1930 hours.

The McKenna Meadows HOA Board met Tuesday 13 January, 2009, at 19:30 hours at the Roy City Library for the purpose of approving the nomination of Yvonne Starks to replace Randy Johnson as HOA Treasurer. The motion was passed. Board members present were Lynn Miller, Randy Johnson, Alice Calero, Linda Killingsworth. Absent: Mary Nalley.

The Meeting adjourned at 19:45 hours.

The McKenna Meadows Homeowners Association’s General meeting was held on Saturday, September 6, 2008 in conjunction with a community pot luck meal. Board members present were President Lynn Miller, Treasurer Randy Johnson, and Secretary Linda Killingsworth. Board members Alice Calero and Mary Nalley were absent.
A total of 16 people attended the pot luck representing ten homes.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes from the General Meeting of 24 July 2008 were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report: There is $11,700.00 in the account. Thirty homeowners have paid their dues in full. Four have made partial payments. All dues must be paid in full by 31 October 2008.
President’s Report: Lynn Miller thanked everyone present for their support of the pot luck. Special thanks to Tim and Shauna Baker for allowing use of their front yard, and cooking the great burgers and hot dogs for the pot luck.
Lynn encouraged residents to share ideas about community activities such as neighborhood garage sales, holiday activities, etc. All ideas and suggestions are welcome.
Anyone interested in participating on the Homeowners Association Board should note that elections for board member positions will be coming up in the next few months.
New Business: The first meeting of the by-laws committee is scheduled for 17 September 2008 at Randy Johnson’s house. Anyone interested in being on this committee please let Lynn know.
Reminder: There is a burn ban on and anyone who notices some burning going on should contact the Roy Police.
The McKenna Meadows Homeowners Association (HOA) Board met on Monday, September 30th, 2008, at 06:30 P.M.
President: Lynn Miller (253)843-4491
Treasurer: Randy Johnson (253) 843-1399
Secretary: Linda Killingsworth (253) 843-2710
Board Member: Alice Calero (253) 843-4449
Board Member: Mary Nalley (253) 843-0632
Secretary’s Report
The meeting minutes for the Board meeting held 18 August 2008 were read and approved.
Old Business: None.
Treasurer’s Report
A total of $650.00 has been deposited. There is an outstanding water bill due to be paid. A reminder that all 2008 Homeowners Association dues are required to be paid in full by October 31st, 2008. The 2009 Homeowner’s Association dues letters will be sent out in late November 2008.
President’s Report
Elections for new board members will be in January.
A nominating committee will be established at the next General Meeting on October 27th, 2008.
New Business
A motion was made to contact the City of Roy to turn off the water for the entry way area for the winter. Motion was approved.
A letter was received from the Office of the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney concerning the recent filing of criminal charges against Kim Eldridge who is accused of theft in the first degree. The letter included a victim impact statement. If anyone is interested in writing a victim impact statement, it must be completed and mailed by 6 October, 2008. Copies of the victim impact statement letter can be obtained by calling Lynn Miller, Randy Johnson, or Linda Killingsworth.

The next General Homeowner’s Association meeting is Monday, October 27th, 2008, at 07:00 P.M. at the Roy City Library.