President's Blog, January 18, 2013
Happy 2013!
Happy 2013!
We made so much progress in 2012, it’s hard to know where to start.
But top of the list is that it’s now clear that we WILL save the Community House. Thanks to you and so many of our Grove friends, we have raised nearly $300,000, or about half of what we will eventually need.
Last year we did complete the most important part of the renovation. We secured the stability and structural integrity of the building. This was even more critical than we knew. Once the contractors started the work, it became evident that the House was in jeopardy of collapse. We are all thrilled that we were able to save the building!
Additionally, we have new air conditioning, fans and an internal paint job for the 2013 season.
Also, because of Hurricane Sandy, we treated the House for mold.
We are now ready to start the actual remodeling this winter – all we need is the money!
We are planning a number of fundraising events for 2013. We are excited to have the Arts Project working hand in hand with us to develop new programs within and outside of our community. We have a great team of people looking at grant possibilities. We are leaving no stone unturned. CGCAI’s website and Facebook page continue to be a resource for community information. And during and after Hurricane Sandy, we did our best to keep you up to date on important information you needed to protect and preserve your homes.
We have several hard-working committees – and we’d love it if you see one you’d like to join. We work on Community Relations, organize and oversee the wonderful Walk Captain Program, coordinate and distribute Damminex to help control ticks, work with Vector control to keep the mosquito population in check, work with the Highway Department to keep our boardwalks strong and organize, and host the Annual Community Honors Event which is one of the best community evenings in Cherry Grove!
Last, but certainly not least, CGPOA operates under the umbrella of CGCAI and is focusing on critical issues for our property owners – dock repair and management, waste management, beach erosion and noise -- to name a few.
Looking to our 2013 season, we ask that you mark your calendars with the following dates;
· May 19 – Opening General Membership Meeting. 9 am “coffee and cake” and catching up with friends, followed by the meeting at 10 am.
· June 1 – Save Our Community House Fundraiser and Progress Reception. Come for drinks and appetizers and then get a close-up look at the construction to date. There may be some surprise entertainment, too.
· July 21 – Second General Membership Meeting
· August 17 – 2012 Community Honors Awards Dinner
· September 15 – Last General Membership Meeting
Please stand with us again in 2013 to get this job done. Now is a good time to get ahead of the game and renew your membership. Please fill out the membership form attached, make out your check to CGCAI and send it back in the return envelope. Or if you prefer, sign up on the website http://cgcai.org/Membership.html
Thank you so much for all your hard work, commitment and support last year and for so many seasons. Because of you, the Community Association is stronger than ever and has an ambitious agenda going forward. It’s a cliché – but we cannot do this without you.
I look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Sincerely,
Diane Romano
President
P.S. Please send your dues in NOW!
Also, please send your nominations in for the 2013 Honors Nomination form! You can download this form on www.cgcai.org - just scroll down on the home page.
Lastly, the Dock Sign Photo Contest is wrapping up please submit your entries to cgpoai.org@gmail.com by February 1, 2013. Please note that by sending us your photos, you are giving CGPOA the right to use the image on our 2013 dock sign and whatever other media we may produce to raise funds; e.g., hats, bags, mugs.
