The annual meeting of the Deercreek Country Club Owners Association took place on Thursday January 6th, at the Deercreek Country Club. To open the meeting , President Danny Becton introduced the current Board members: Doug Klippel, Vice President; Pete Gentry, Secretary; Jim Kagiliery, Treasurer; Joe Cernigliaro, Ron Peace, George Partin, Carol D'Onofrio, and Aaron West. The Property Manager Bernard Vargas Vila and committee chairpersons were also introduced.

Becton expressed a continuing need for volunteers who care about the community. There are openings for chairman on various committees plus the need for additional volunteers on many of the committees. He thanked the many volunteers who have stepped up to ensure that Deercreek remains a high value community.

President Becton reported on some of the accomplishments of the Board during 2010. Some of the ongoing efforts included:

- Completing phase 3 of the road paving project which included repairing some roads in the community as well as micro-surfacing the roads scheduled in phase 3. This project continues to be funded from the reserve fund without the need of any special assessments.

- Working to reduce expenses through fewer mailings including distributing the Deercreek Community News electronically. Also cost control measures were put into place to ensure that allocation of time from management contracts was appropriate and accurate.

Following the President's report, the Treasurer gave his report by presenting the 2011 operating budget. The budget included an increase allocation of 23% to the reserve fund to cover future capital expenditures. For example this year 96% of the expenditures in the reserve fund related to the road paving. It was noted that quarterly assessments would not increase. Further comment was made that the quarterly assessments in Deercreek are significantly lower than other golf communities.

Next each board member liaison gave a brief overview of the purpose of their committee and important accomplishments during the year. First, Doug Klippel, Access Control Liaison, reported that the front gate processes approximately a quarter million vehicles per year. The committees focus is on the safety of residents and guests. Then the liaisons from the Architectural Review Board (ARB), Covenant Enforcements, Common property, and Communications gave the purpose of their committees and some of their accomplishments this year.

The HOA's  biggest challenge  is collecting past due assessments which is currently over $75,0000. We actively  continue to recoup  monies due the association through legal channels. Unfortunately this is often a long process. The deactivation of  bar codes for those offenders, ( more than 90 days and over $1000 in arrears)  has had a positive effect on some collections. Recently a new rule was passed to include renters of the delinquent homeowner.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of new Board members, all of whom were elected to serve for three years. Chris Phillips, Len Fritz and Tom Fitzpatrick were elected to represent the Deercreek Community Their service will begin at the Thursday, January 27th Board meeting which is open to any Deercreek resident.

After the annual meeting concluded; a short organization meeting was held by the 2011 Board members. The following board members were elected to serve as officers for 2011. George Partin, President, Doug Klippel, Vice President, Pete Gentry, Secretary and James Kagiliery, Treasurer. 

Did you know that we have two residents who are candidates for Mayor and City Council District 13?

On March 22, you will see Rick Mullaney for Mayor and Danny Becton for City Council District 13 on the ballot.

Our March newsletter will feature information about both candidates.

www.mullaneyformayor.com

www.votedanny.com

One of the "Technology Secrets" presented at January's meeting by Gene Curtin was to purchase a USB, Flash drive or data stick at a cost of under $10. You can enter all your important information on it such as contact names, addresses and phone numbers, doctor's names and phone numbers and important medical information. Then carry this compact Flash drive in your purse or pocket in case of any emergency. We thank Gene for keeping us updated with many other tips as well.

Thanks to Mary Stelbrink, we have 23 new trees planted in DEERCREEK this year from the 2010 Tree Program. We thank all those who participated. The Garden Club provides this service to enhance the neighborhoods environment with no profit made for the club.

Have you considered joining the Home and Garden Club? As you can see we learn more than just Gardening. If you join in the next 90 days, your dues of $15 will apply toward your membership until May, 2012. Call Mary Lou Roberts @ 519-6690 for more information or attend our meeting on the 4th Thursday each month at 1 PM at the Club House.

A representative from Calico Corners will show us "How to Enhance your home with Fabric" at our next meeting on Feb 24. Please join us for another informative event.

By Nancy McTighe

Deercreek Bunco ladies are looking for more regular and substitute players. Most play-days are the fourth Thursday from 9:45am to 12:00 at the club. Just throw in $5 for the money pot. No experience needed, just two hours of laughter, rolling dice and non stop talking. That's the best part ! You could be a winner too.

If you are interested in playing at any time please call Pat Register at 363-0230. You do not have to be a club member or a resident of Deercreek to join in. It's a great way to meet new people.