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Newsletter October 2012

Deercreek Owners Association
Volume XVI     Issue 10  


In This Issue
DCCOA
Election Time
School Board
Common Property
Flu Shots
The View
Literary Circle
Meet Deercreek Neighbor
Home and Garden Club
Tree Sale
Women's Alliance
Charity Spotlight
Tennis
Ladies Golf
Club News
Join Our Mailing List

Danny Becton reports...

 

Serves as our Deercreek

CPAC Representative

Southeast CPAC,
District 3

Chair - Growth Management and Transportation     

   

Next CPAC meeting
Oct 22, 2012   

 

 

FDOT, Express Lanes are coming to the Southside

read more about it...  

 

NEW! 

CLICK for 3rd 2012 quarterly report >>

www.deercreekcc.com

 

Highlights of the August Meeting of the Deercreek Board of Directors

  

Submitted by Len Fritz

 

A quorum of the DCCOA Board of Directors (BOD) convened August 23th for its regularly scheduled meeting. The BOD was called to order and two motions were immediately heard and passed unanimously; one for this meeting's agenda, the other for the minutes from the July 26th meeting.

 

The MAY Management Property Managers Report covered the work on the playground. It is complete, except for the gates, which are being powder coated. There was a discussion and motion regarding our records retention policy. Retaining records for seven years with a storage fee was proposed. The records older than seven years will be destroyed. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Another community is interested in purchasing our excess speed bumps/humps. The MAY Management, Property Manager (PM) is working up a sale price. The PM recommended 19 homes be referred to the September hearing of the Covenant Enforcement committee. A revised invoice was received from Braughton Construction on the sidewalk repairs for the correct amount as per the signed contract. Braughton also submitted another invoice for cost over his proposal, but the board felt that he should have planned better and will not accept it.

 

Committee reports started with Finance. The July financials showed the revenue at $64,743 with a year-to-date (YTD) of $457,190. The additional revenue is from citations with over $7,000; ARB with $3,100; late fees with $2,800 and collection fees with $1,500, which all of these are over budget and the expenses for electric, office supplies and ARB are under budget. The miscellaneous income account is not meeting expectations due to the T-Mobile contract. The cable revenue is doing better than expected but still under budget. The gatehouse computer maintenance, legal and repair/maintenance are over budget. The current net to date income is at $25,209, which includes the carry-over of $4,200 from last year. The expenditures for the last phase of the road project have been approved, which will be paid out of reserves to Duval Asphalt for $33,000 and N Florida Emulsion for $114,000. The end of the year projection for the reserve account is at $244,360. The finance committee has received the budget shell for 2013. The committee asked that the ARB review outstanding deposits that are over a year old. The finance committee is looking to adopt a phased multi-year improvement plan program for Common Property and Access Control. Each committee with a budget line will have a finance committee liaison to help prepare the committee's portion of the budget. The Reserve Study was discussed and we need to be more involved with reengineering the reserve study.

 

Access Control discussions started with a briefing on the lightning strike damage that took out the computer at the guard house with Gateworks information and a new computer was sent over night. It was asked if the guard house had a surge protector. Monies have already been pre-approved for Christmas bonuses for the guards.

 

Architectural Review Board (ARB) Chairman briefed that a homeowner attended the meeting requesting approval for installing an irrigation well. Other submittals were for a pool and screen enclosure, a paver project, a tree removal, exterior color change and three roof replacements. A discussion took place regarding solar panels. Florida Statue (163.04) states a homeowner cannot be denied; however, the ARB can regulate the placement of the solar panel.

 

The Chairman for Covenant Enforcement briefed that eight homeowners attended the meeting regarding the brown spot letters they received, asking if neighbors were written up as well. A speeding citation was appealed and the committee reduced the fine amount. Two new members attended and agreed to join the committee.

 

Communications Committee has developed a draft welcome letter for new homeowners. It was sent to the BOD for review, comments. Responsibilities of each committee will be outlined in part of the letter. He will add information regarding MAY Management to the draft letter. James Bennett with Florida DOT will be speaking at an upcoming CPAC meeting.

 

Old Business discussion was on roads and signs. Duval Asphalt has given a reservation date of September 18, 2012 to start on the cul-de-sacs and to repair the area at Persimmon and Vineyard Lake. A one day crack fill is also set for September 17th. The chip seal on Bishop Lake is scheduled for one day on October 8th. The micro is scheduled for October 15th. This schedule will be posted on the electric sign and also in the newsletter.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM.

 

Election Time


Well, Deercreek homeowners, it's election time! Time to get motivated and do your part! What, you think that I am talking about the presidential election? While that is important (and I urge you all to exercise your right to vote), the election that I am referring to is for the Deercreek Country Club Owners Association Board of Directors.

 

As happens every year about this time, it is time to find candidates who want to help keep Deercreek one of the premiere communities in Northeast Florida. The Board has three vacancies this year and needs people to step forward and volunteer to show their community spirit by running for the board.

 

Now, I am sure that some of you are wondering what the Board of Directors does. The Board is responsible for running the Deercreek Country Club Owners Association, Incorporated. This means establishing the budget, working with the various committees and the management company to keep the Association running smoothly, and attending the monthly Board meetings. The Board meetings generally run between one and a half to two and a half hours. Board members are also expected to serve as liaisons to one of committees which generally meet once a month. As you can see, while you are volunteering your time, the effort is not burdensome. The reward for this gift of your time comes from knowing that you are doing something to maintain and improve your community.

 

So how do you get involved? Simply send your resume and a current picture to the Len Fritz at  leonard.fritz@bic.usmc.mil or Doug Klippel at dougklippel@aol.com by October 15 to get yourself placed on the ballot. So what should be in the resume? Please include a brief personal statement detailing your background, qualifications, and why you are running. The resume and picture will appear in the November newsletter so that the homeowners can become familiar with you before the election. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Board president George Partin at creeksideinv@hotmail.com  or (904) 519-8729. When the Association mailout announcing the annual meeting of the membership of the Deercreek Country Club Owners Association goes out, your name will included on the ballot and the votes will be cast. I hope to see many of you on the ballot and at the annual meeting.

School Board, District 7    

Candidate Forum    

 

at Deercreek
October 24th, 6-7 pm, at the Club  

 

Come and Meet the Candidates
Jason Fischer and Jon Heymann

 

Wondering who you will Vote for in the School Board Election on Nov 6th?

  • Would you like to meet and hear from the Candidates, themselves?
  • Don't Have Kids... Wonder why you should care? Property Values!
  • #1 Home Buying Decision .... What Schools are in your District?

The candidates for our New School Board District 7 have been invited to participate in a public forum to answer your questions and explain how their position will benefit our schools, our community and the overall Duval County School System.  

 

This is a unique opportunity to hear and speak to the candidates themselves in a small and informal gathering. Please mark your calendars and join us for this great event!

 

 

Common Property Committee Update

 

Submitted by Chris Phillips

 

At the meeting on September 6, Dr. Joseph Cernigliaro was elected as Chairman of the Common Property Committee. After approval by the Board, Ron Spiess was added as member of the Committee. Ron was assigned the responsibility for our sidewalks.

Cernigliaro led a discussion about landscaping improvements to common area property. In light of the improved real estate market and the subsequent improvement to the financial condition of the homeowners association, it was agreed that the Committee would begin a process of developing a long term plan for improving our common property, including hiring a landscape planner to develop a long term plan.

 

There was a discussion about several landscape projects, including dead viburnums around the JEA station on Cypress Lakes and making improvements to common area that borders on a homeowners property near the basketball courts. There was also discussion of recent improvements to the playground and the need for additional improvements to the playground and volleyball court. May Management is still working on getting a controller installed on the lights for the basketball court that will automatically turn off the lights at 11pm.

 

There was also a discussion regarding the preparation of the 2013 budget. The Committee will finalize its budget plans at its October meeting for submission to the Board meeting in October. There was a discussion of setting up a special budget item for the long-term landscape improvement plan.    

 

The next meeting of the Common Property is scheduled for October 11 at 6:30pm. All our welcome to attend.

 

Flu Shots at the Clubhouse

Saturday, October 13   

 

Flue Shot image Flu Shots are available at the Deercreek Country Club on Saturday, October 13, 9am - 1pm.  All residents, (children 4 and up included) family and friends and club members can take advantage of this service.  

 

Medicare and most insurance carriers accepted. Each shot is $30.00 payable by cash or check. Picture ID and insurance card required.

 

Services are provided by registered nurses from Maxim Health Care Services.  

 

If you have any questions you may use reply to deercreekccoa@gmail.com, our email address.

 

The View September 2012 

 

Lynley and Robert Danisavage
9944  Deercreek Club Road

 

For those that tee off from the first hole here in Deercreek Country Club is our view to the right over the lake. This reflective view is the home of Lynley and Robert Danisavage. 

 

This magnificent home is accented with tall Italian Cypress trees at the outside corners and beautiful Sylvester date palms at each edge of the lake. 

These carefully planned gardens have symmetrically placed sago palms, knock out roses, Aztec grass and beautiful bird of paradise in bloom.  

Outlining the inviting pool are variegated ginger and red fountain grass with pots of red bougainvillea at each corner.  The Robellini palms, African iris and hibiscus are planted along the edge of this home  to complete the landscape.
Submitted by Dena Grossman

Literary Circle

 

By Elizabeth Curtin  

 

In October we will be reading Steve Jobs: A Biography

In November we will be reading The Dressmaker, by Kate Alcott

Just in time for the centennial anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic comes a vivid, romantic, and relentlessly compelling historical novel about a spirited young woman who survives the disaster only to find herself embroiled in the media frenzy left in the wake of the tragedy.

 

Tess, an aspiring seamstress, thinks she's had an incredibly lucky break when she is hired by famous designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon to be a personal maid on the Titanic's doomed voyage. Once on board, Tess catches the eye of two men, one a roughly-hewn but kind sailor and the other an enigmatic Chicago millionaire. But on the fourth night, disaster strikes.

 

The Literary Circle is a vibrant group of Deercreek readers who meet monthly to exchange thoughts and insights about the books they are reading.  For more information contact Elizabeth Curtin, 519-7937, elizabeth28451@yahoo.com

Meet Deercreek Neighbor, Lara Zuberi

 

By Elizabeth Curtin  

 

Congratulations to Deercreek's own, Lara Zuberi, author of the recently released book, "The Lost Pearl." It has been called "Fantastic Debut Novel" by Amazon reviewer, Dr. S.M. Seyal and the opening chapter has been enjoyed by best -selling author Mohsin Hamid who said, "a great sense of family and deep use of imagery." Lara and her family have lived in Deercreek since August, 2010. She is a Hematologist/Oncologist by profession, and has committed to donating 20 percent of the royalties from her book toward the care of underprivileged cancer patients.

It is the story of a nine year old girl Sana Shah that takes the reader on a journey transcending nearly two decades as she finds the relevance of the 'pearls' she learned from her deceased father. It is set against a backdrop of events in Pakistan and America in recent history.

  

Passion and opportunity came together for Lara when she took time off to care for her infant son. "I said I would become a writer when I was seven, which was many years before I said I would become a doctor. Although I never regretted taking up the path of medicine, I did realize years later, that the many convolutions in that path had prevented me from realizing the dream of my childhood. When an old friend reminded me of my passion for writing, I thought to myself that the niche I had needed, was time, and that niche had been granted to me. As I began putting thoughts on paper, many things fell into place and the first draft happened rather fast. As I read, incorporated feedback and reread, I continued to edit and fine-tune it relentlessly, at times obsessively, because this was, after all not a fleeting moment, but rather my lifelong dream. One and a half years later, The Lost Pearl was born."

  

"I have written the novel in first person, because that, for me is the most powerful as a reader. It is not autobiographical, but there are elements in it that are, such as the narrator's love for her family, her interest in the arts, and the feelings of alienation she experiences when she leaves her home country."

"It is not that I simply wanted to write this book. It was rather, that I needed to write it."

  

It will be enjoyed by readers of all ages who are looking for literary fiction with a strong plot that is easy to read. It isn't long (178 pages) and it isn't expensive ($15.95 paperback on www.amazon.com/dp/1477453741 and $7.99 on kindle at  www.amazon.com/dp/B00905G47Y).   

  

 

Website: www.larazuberi.com ; FB page: www.facebook.com/lzuberi; Author blog www.goodreads.com/larazuberi. If you are interested in purchasing an autographed copy, you can contact her via email at lara_zuberi@yahoo.com with your name and address.


Deercreek Home and Garden Club

 

By Rita Allen    

Trash Talk


The October meeting of Deercreek Home and Garden Club will spotlight an important issue. Nancy Finley of Waste Pro will address the question "Are You Confused About Recycling?". New equipment allows us to recycle more of the items we discard, and we all need to know what to do now. If you have questions about specific items, you are encouraged to bring them to the meeting.

 

The meeting will begin at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 23 at Deercreek Club. You are invited to come even if you have not yet joined if you would like to explore becoming a member. Dues are $20 per year, and may be paid at the meeting or by sending a check to Mary Lou Roberts, Membership Chair, 10052 Lakes End Court.

 

Even if you are not a member of Deercreek Club, you will be welcome to stay for lunch after the meeting. Reservations (363-1604) are appreciated.

 

On Tuesday, October 9, a field trip to the Budweiser Plant will begin at 9:00 A.M. from the pool parking lot. Lunch will follow at Bistro Aix in San Marco.          

 

 

Future Programs

November 27   Seasonal Table Decorations

December 11   Holiday Brunch

January 22      Unraveling the Mysteries of the IPad and IPhone

February 26     Landscape and Garden Design

March 15        Field Trip to Friday Musicale

                    Lunch following at The Brick

March26         Healthy Living through Vitamins and Supplements

April 23           Fashion Show and Luncheon

May 28           Luncheon and Installation of Officers

 

 

Golden Acorn Award  

Congratulations to Pat and Jim Register who were honored with the Golden Acorn Award at a luncheon last month. The award is in appreciation of the couple's volunteer activities in the Deercreek community.

more photos from the award luncheon ...

 


Deercreek Home and Garden Club 
Tree Sale

Submitted by Mary Stelbrink 

In 1999 the Garden Club decided to help "green up" Deercreek by encouraging our neighbors to invest in trees, and we began our Tree Program. The response has been enthusiastic and has led to the planting of over 300 trees, all which have grown larger and more beautiful each year. Over 77 memorial trees have been planted on Common Grounds for all of us to enjoy.

Trees produce oxygen, help dry out soggy soil and attract songbirds. Shaded streets last longer and are of course much more pleasant for walkers, runners and cyclists.

This fall we are again offering you the opportunity to purchase one or more trees through our discount program. As in past years, Davey Tree Experts, a large local nursery, will supply, plant and guarantee quality trees at a group price. With the agreement of the Architectural Review Board, we will help you select the best place to have your tree(s) planted, following guidelines of the city of Jacksonville and the National Society of Arbor culturists.


Sizes: the trees have a trunk diameter of at least 2 inches; all heights are about 10 feet.   

Prices: includes planting and a one-year guarantee. (The prices are the same as in 2008 and 2010!)

Listed below are the trees that we recommend as most appropriate for Deercreek, considering beauty, ease of care, and resistance to pests. Other types and sizes of trees are also available.

  • Live Oak: A native that gets wide and magnificent. $220.00
  • Laurel Oak: Similar to the Live Oak, but with a more upright habit. $210.00
  • Crape Myrtle: Natchez white is native but other colors available $179.00
  • Magnolia: It has large white flowers and waxy leaves. $225.00

Placement: according to our agreement with the Architectural Review Board, we must make sure your tree is properly placed to enhance your home and avoid interference with sight lines, paving, or utilities. As soon as you place your order, we will call you to arrange a time to meet and decide on the exact location for planting. We suggest either live oaks or crape myrtles in the area between the sidewalk and the street - we refer to these as street trees.

 


Women's Alliance 

     

Submitted By Natalie Jackson

 

Tailgate FUNdraiser

 

 

 

Who knew that the DWA ladies were such terrific tailgaters?  On Saturday, September 8, the Deercreek Clubhouse was alive with the sights, sounds and mouth-watering smells of a rock'n pregame party.  The money raised at this fundraiser will go to help the many Jacksonville charities that the DWA supports.

 

The DWA would like to acknowledge and thank all of the individuals and groups who donated items for the raffle: Betty Metz, Ron and Judy Peace, Cheryl Rowan, Dave Stelbrink, Martie Yohe, Hurricane Grill and Wings, Seasons 52 Restaurant, Carrabbas Italian Grill, BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, Heirloom Oriental Rug Cleaning, Jacksonville Jaguars, Deercreek Country Club Dining, Deercreek Golf Pro Shop and Deercreek Tennis Pro Shop.  A very special thank you goes to the Staff at the Deercreek Country Club. 

 

 

 

November DWA 13th Annual Fashion Show

Thursday, November 15, 2012

 

For the past 12 years, the DWA Fashion Show has been an exciting and well attended event at Deercreek.  This year's show promises to dazzle everyone with stylish fashions from Dillard's which will be accented by fashion-forward Silpada jewelry.  Rio Hair Salon will provide the featured stylists.

 

 

Tickets for the 13th Annual DWA Fashion Show go on sale Monday, October 1.  The ticket price is $30 which includes admission to the fashion show and a delicious three-course dinner.  To purchase your tickets call Debbie Grosnick at  519-2927.

 

 

Alliance Charity Spotlight

City Rescue Mission-G

 

 

City Rescue Mission (CRM) was established in 1946 by a group of Christian business men who saw a need to help alcoholics in the Jacksonville area. Their goal was to offer "soup and salvation". What has evolved over the years is a non-profit, privately funded organization whose mission is to rebuild the lives of the homeless and the needy through life-building programs and the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

 

CRM is a comprehensive full range of services and sites designed to rebuild individual lives from the inside out. From individualized educational plans that could include learning to read, obtaining a GED, job training and skills certification.

 

City Rescue Mission has three campuses: New Life Inn, located downtown, is for their emergency services. Christian Recovery Institute, located in Riverside, is the core for their Life Builders and New Day Workforce programs and also houses the administrative offices.  CMR Thrift Store/Auto Center operation is located on Normandy Boulevard on the Westside of Jacksonville.

City Rescue Mission, Inc, is a 501© (3) corporation that provides shelter, food, clothing, emergency services and residential recovery programs to homeless men, women, and women with children. The homelessness in Jacksonville increased over 30% in the last year. More than 76,000 people in Jacksonville lack enough food to fully meet basic needs. CMR does not receive government funding.  All of their financial support comes from donations made by concerned individuals and organizations such as the Deercreek Women's Alliance.  

 

For more information about the CMR or how you can help, please contact Kathi Crothers at (904) 826-5549 or KCrothers@crmjax.org.

 

*** 

If you are not yet a member of the Alliance and would like to be "part of the heart" of Deercreek, please call Sian Lawrance at 363-1723 or email her at siandlawrance@aol.com 
Membership is $20 a year.
Tennis kicks off the 2012- 2013 season  

 

Submitted by Carol D'Onofrio

  

Members of the Deercreek ladies tennis league (DLTA) have kicked off the season. After a summer break, all the teams are getting back in the groove of almost weekly matches. Practice rounds, mini camps and clinics helped to sharpen tennis skills for the coming season. The ladies will compete in country club, working women's and first coast divisions at A_B_C levels. Each team plays a minimum of 5 to 7 lines either at home or away matches. There are lots of smiles around as the many of the teams have reported wins early in the season. Way to go ladies. The teams are looking forward to a very full season of tennis and many of the   players are on multiple teams, they just can't get enough!

 

Anyone interested in playing this season and being part of the Deercreek Ladies Tennis Association, can contact the pro shop where either Coach Kris or Coach Mike can direct you to the appropriate captains. The teams are always looking for active players at all levels. So get your racquet and get those feet moving.

 

Tennis clinic and C team first match, and of course, what would an event be without food.

 

Deercreek Ladies Golf Association

 

Submitted by Carol D'Onofrio

 

DLGA Kickoff Classic / Rally for the Cure August 25

It was a great day for the ladies to kick off the golf season.

Donna Robinson opened the   luncheon/ meeting and welcomed 25 ladies. Raffle prizes were drawn for a variety of items donated by the Susan B Komen Foundation. Players, who made a $20 donation, received a free magazine, a gift bag and were entered into a drawing for these prizes.

 

Thomas Maxwell, Our new head professional announced the proximity winners and first and second place winners:

Longest Putt - Debbie Grosnick

Closest to the Pin - Terry Templeton  

1st Place - Nenette Banzon, Bonnie King, Mary Ann Grauwiler

2nd Place - Terry Templeton, Phyllis Basford, Lisa Burgess, Terri Chavez

 

Officers for the 2012-2013 season

President -Donna Robinson,

Vice president - Carney Kirtley

Treasurer - Penny Mendheim

Secretary - Carol D'Onofrio

9 Hole Liaison - Elizabeth Curtin

9 Hole Interclub - Patti Mast

 

 

   

Upcoming news:

The DLGA 9 and 18 Championships will be held from October 11- 13. All DLGA members are encouraged to participate. Signup sheets (with details) are on the bulletin board at the pro shop.

 

Any interested lady golfer is welcome to join the groups that play on Thursday mornings. Please contact any of the officers for further details. We are always looking for new members to join at all levels of play. We enjoy a fun day of golf and lunch!


Club News

Deercreek Country Club is right here, in the center of your neighborhood. If you're not a member, you should be!

What Members Enjoy: 

  • An 18 hole award-winning golf course, driving range and putting green
  • A Teaching tennis facility with 8 har-tru clay courts
  • A 24 hour fitness facility with group classes throughout the week
  • Locker facilities and showers
  • Casual and fine dining 6 days a week
  • Family dining nights every Thursday
  • Family game night every 4th Thursday
  • Trivia every 2nd Wednesday
  • BINGO every 4th Wednesday
  • A To-go menu, and pizza menu for you to pick up without leaving the neighborhood!
  • Fun, friendly members to socialize and business network with
  • Hot fresh coffee to pick up on your way to work
  • Happy hours and specials after a long work day
  • A tennis program on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for the kids
  • Weekly Organized golf games for men, seniors, ladies, and young executives
  • Events rooms for your to have your own social and business events
  • Reciprocal privileges at 200 other ClubCorp Clubs when traveling, one in every major US city
  • Business and fine dining at the University Club downtown 50% when you dine at the club*

Family golf membership: $265/month, $250 initiation fee
Sports social membership: $174/month, $100 initiation fee

  

Call our Membership Director, Shannon McQuarry for a tour with golf and lunch at 363-1604 to see what you're missing!
www.deercreeclub.com  

-------------------------------------------------------- 

 

50% off Club Dining     

If you could get 50% off of your ala carte dining EVERY DAY at the club, would you? Of course! Join Deercreek, or upgrade your membership if you're already a member, and you'll save 50% off of your ala carte dining everyday! What a bargain, especially since the club is located right here in your neighborhood!     This new benefit gives you

  • Access to the local Jacksonville Society Clubs
  • Access to the entire ClubCorp Network of Clubs
  • Free Golf and Free Dining at Club Corp Clubs when Travelling
  • 2 for 1 Dinner Entrees Once Per Month at the University Club Downtown
  • 2 Free Rounds of Golf Per Month at Queens Harbour Country Club

and...

  • 50% off of your ala carte dining here at your home away from home, Deercreek!
It's called ONE and it is the only membership you'll ever need.

Call our Membership Director, Shannon McQuarry for a tour with golf and lunch at 363-1604 to see what you're missing!
www.deercreeclub.com