A reason to give thanks...

Annual Meeting results:

1. Overnight Parking of Trucks amendment did NOT pass
2. Directors elected: Rich Cornelius, Pete Mansour, and Richard (Dick) Rayfield.

Per the followup regular meeting of the Board, the 2010 Board of Directors is as follows:

President Rich Cornelius
VP Allan Lonschein
Treasurer Pete Mansour (temporary)
Secretary Susie Kaiser (temporary)
Architectural Chairperson Pete Mansour
Maintenance Chairperson Dick Rayfield
Activities Chairperson Dimitri Leventis
Security Chairperson Susie Kaiser

I had a “true Thanksgiving” moment while on holiday in the DC area. My mother-in-law lives in a beautiful 250 home, established community in Fairfax, VA, just outside the DC Beltway. When the developer built the community in the early 80’s, they also added a community pool, spacious Poolhouse with bathrooms, tennis courts, and large parking lot. However, the developer missed a crucial part – the HOA was “voluntary” and not “mandatory”, earning revenue by offering pool memberships.

Much similar to WLV, the new owners cherished their community and hosted community-wide tennis tournaments, pool meets, and other neighborly festivities. Over time, interest faded and revenues gathered through pool memberships declined because they were not mandatory. The Board struggled financially and at time did not have enough money to operate both the large pool (Virginia requires lifeguards at all times the pool is open) and mow the common areas of the community. An ill-timed Poolhouse fire further complicated matters.

At present, the pool is abandoned - really just a concrete hole in the ground filled with putrid green water surrounded by a rusted chain link fence. The pumps, filters, deck chairs, and other pool equipment have been sold to pay for the mowing of the community. The property is in the process of being given to the County government for the creation of a park, but first residents have to pay for the demolition of the pool, poolhouse, tennis ct, etc, before the county will take it off their hands. A true lose-lose for community residents.

This sad story gave me pause to reflect on the beauty of our community. Our children have a lovely pool to swim in, basketball courts to play on, a playground to run in. We have citrus to pick, trails to walk, and even a pond that makes a great background for pictures (we took my wife's pregnancy photos down there). I’m thankful for the assets my children will have access to and I pledge to you, the resident(s) of WLV, I will do my utmost in 2010 to:
· Encourage fiscal responsibility and cut costs wherewhen able
· Build reserves such that future improvement costs are well-funded
· Complete the necessary maintenance on our current assets to preserve them
· Make SOUND investments in the assets that need refurbishing
· Provide a strong, successful financial foundation for future Boards
· Make YOU proud of the community we all share.

I can’t do this alone, however. The current Board asks for your assistance, especially in the area of Treasurer and Secretary. Please consider volunteering.