POV October 2013 final 2

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Electronic Chickasaw Point of View
October 2013
Chickasaw Happenings
Those who attended the Murder Mystery Dinner
dressed as the character they were portraying. Gerry
Meiser (foreground) appears to be contemplating all of
the clues being given in order to identify the murderer.
Bev and Don Dexheimer arriving
at the Luau Murder Mystery
Dinner on October 10.
Golfers and non-golfers enjoy the beautiful evening on the Clubhouse deck during the
Nine and Dine or Dine Only Dinner. On the last Tuesday of each month, Steve and The
Grill staff serve dinner to those who played in Couples Golf and the non-golfers who
joined them.
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Dick Christensen registers for the Celebrate
Christmas With a Hero Golf Tournament. The
tournament, held on September 20, benefits
children in Oconee County at Christmas.
On October 13, Lee Ann Pressley
sold her sparkling apparel at the 2nd
Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. Thanks
to Lee Ann for organizing another
successful fair.
Buddy Hawkins (seated right) of Westminster specializes in handcrafted wooden bowls. This is his
second year to sell his handiwork at the Chickasaw Point Women’s Club Arts and Crafts Fair.
Members of the Knit and Crochet
Group show-off hats and scarves
that they have made for the
Women’s Club Christmas charity.
First row (from the left):
Lois Meseroll, Rene Werts,
Carol Hill, and Rosemary Bein
Second row (from the left):
Beth Keener, Ilona Herd,
Anna Genuise, Mary Principe, and
Bonnie Winter (Not pictured is
Bonnie Craft, photographer)
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2013 - 2014 Chickasaw Association Board of Directors
From the Left:
Sonny Petty, President and Operations Director
Sandra Jones, Vice President and Roads/Long Range Planning Director
Doug Young, Treasurer and Finance Director
David Hageman, Amenities Director
Tim McFall, Architectural Compliance Director
Lynn Callahan, Safety Director
Gene Blair, Secretary and Communications/Public Relations Director
President's Report
By Sonny Petty, POA President
I am happy to report to you that we closed on a new Golf Course Loan on October 4, 2013. The loan is for six years at 4.5%. We will pay off the loan in six years
with no increase in assessment. Because of the national mortgage meltdown,
Wells Fargo required that we apply for a new loan with all the requirements of a
new commercial loan. That meant a new appraisal, qualification, documentation
and negotiation. The previous loan expired on February 13, 2013, but was extended while the bank gathered the necessary information. Many thanks to Lisa
Rose, for providing documentation to the bank and overseeing the process for
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many months.
I would also like to thank the Long Range Planning Committee for their hard
work. Sandra Jones, Chairperson, presented their recommendations to the property owners at our 2013 Annual Meeting in August. The next step in the process
will be to form eight committees to investigate, evaluate and recommend specific
action to the POA Board for approval. Some low-cost items may be accomplished
within the current budget. Some recommendations may require an affirmative
vote by the property owners for funding. If you have an interest in serving on one
of the committees, please contact Sandra Jones.
The POA Board will begin the 2014 budget process this month. Our next quarterly meeting will be October 19, 2013. If you have thoughts about our budget,
you are encouraged to express them at this meeting. The covenants require that
we present a preliminary budget the first week of December and the final budget
on December 21, 2013. Please attend.
Architectural Compliance Committee
By Tim McFall, Director
Once again, I am pleased to serve as Director of the
Architectural Compliance Committee (ACC). Other
committee members include David Hageman, Bonnie
Yache, Darragh Geist, Bev Dexheimer, Joann Rittweger, Gerry Large and Ron Ledford. When requests for exterior changes are
made, it takes the approval of three members of the committee and, since most
residents want their approval "yesterday", a large number of members usually allows for a rapid resolution of the request.
Please remember that ALL EXTERIOR changes require approval--new roofs,
tree removal, exterior painting, decking, etc. PRIOR to contracting with your provider, you should obtain an Exterior Change form from the office as well as a
copy of your plat, if appropriate, to indicate to the committee the changes you
would like to make. Return the form with the information on it to the office. This
activity serves two purposes--the committee will become aware of it and visit
your home to see what you plan to do, AND it will alert the gate attendant to expect workers who will be doing the work for you. Too often workers arrive at the
gate to go to work on a project and the office and the gate have no knowledge of
the project. As a security measure, such workers will be turned away. We look forward to working with our residents to ensure that our community remains attractive.
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Communications and Public Relations
By Gene Blair, Director
Over these past few months, we have been at our normal
activity level in marketing our community. We do targeted
sponsorships, networking, target advertising and evaluation of our tools for getting the word out. To ensure we are
performing at our peak, I am convening our marketing
committee to do a review of our entire marketing/branding efforts. The goal is to
ensure that we are spending our limited dollars in the most efficient and effective
way.
We will look at how we market, what the impact has been and adjust accordingly. I am not suggesting that what we are doing now will change, but I do think
we can fine-tune our efforts. Once the analysis is done, we will be executing our
new brochure, continuing to update our website and determining what other marketing we need to do.
I am always interested in input on our communications efforts and would welcome anything that you would like to contribute. Just email me at
[email protected] or call 972-3070.
Thank you for your continued support.
Safety
By Lynn Callahan, Safety Director
I am pleased to continue serving on the Chickasaw Point Board of Directors,
and, once again, be over safety in our community. As such, we have formed a
Safety Committee made up of interested volunteers. Our first meeting was energetic and filled with a passion for making our community a safer environment for
everyone. We addressed various topics and possible solutions. Research on the
feasibility of each will be conducted before making a presentation back to the entire board. It is very exciting for me to work with others who see solutions to the
safety concerns we hear and witness over and over.
The majority of the concerns center around the operation of
vehicles, including carts, on our roads. Please observe the 25
mph speed limit throughout the community and the posted stop
signs. Disregard for these two traffic control measures are the
top reasons for the calls and complaints from your neighbors.
All cart-type vehicles on our roads must be driven by licensed
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drivers, i.e. NOT children. No one wants to be in
fear for their safety for or from others who violate
restrictions put in place to keep everyone safer.
We all chose to live in Chickasaw for various
reasons, including, I hope, its’ safe and beautiful
environment. All of us should do our part to ensure the safety of community!
Financial Report
by Doug Young, POA, CUCO and CPGA Treasurer
Below are the summarized financial results for the
Chickasaw Point POA, Chickasaw Utility Company
(CUCo), and Chickasaw Point Golf Association (CPGA)
for the year-to-date ended September 30, 2013. For the
POA reporting entity, revenue is right on budget, and we
have saved on some expenses, particularly in the pool
and communications accounts. Road paving and patching projects budgeted for
$16,000 are still delayed by the weather.
CUCo water revenue for the year is under budget, primarily because no one had
to water anything in their yards this summer. Expenses are well below budget, although we did have to repair lift station #7 for $8,771, which was not budgeted.
There is a leak somewhere in the water system which has caused the loss of almost 2 million gallons of water so far this year. If anyone sees water where it
does not normally accumulate, please contact the office.
For the CPGA, we normally do not report financial results. That information is
available at the office for POA members. CPGA revenue continues to be under
budget, mostly because of the weather and some lost tournament revenue, while
expenses were better than budget. None of the 2013 financial results have been
audited. The complete financial statements are available at the office for property
owners to review. I would encourage all POA members to attend the next quarterly meeting for a more thorough discussion of the financial results.
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POA YTD
ACTUAL
ASSESSMENT REVENUE
09/30/2013
BUDGET
BETTER/
ANNUAL
(WORSE)
BUDGET
467,231
468,316
(1,085)
496,316
OTHER REVENUE
29,872
28,980
892
44,590
TOTAL REVENUE
497,103
497,296
(193)
540,906
EXPENSES
339,394
369,937
30,543
469,438
22,967
0
(22,967)
0
TOTAL EXPENSES
362,361
369,937
7,576
469,438
NET INCOME/(LOSS)
134,742
127,359
7,383
71,468
SPECIAL PROJECTS
CUCO YTD 09/30/2013
WATER REVENUE
SEWER REVENUE
OTHER REVENUE
TOTAL REVENUE
EXPENSES
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE)
NET INCOME/(LOSS)
ACTUAL
164,716
182,007
0
346,723
BUDGET
172,765
185,540
0
358,305
322,901
(14,084)
9,738
341,512
2,249
19,042
BETTER/
ANNUAL
(WORSE)
BUDGET
(8,049)
227,400
(3,533)
247,500
0
0
(11,582)
474,900
18,611
(16,333)
(9,304)
453,108
(62,931)
(41,139)
CPGA YTD 09/30/2013
BETTER/
ANNUAL
(WORSE)
BUDGET
ACTUAL
BUDGET
OUTSIDE REVENUE
XXX
XXX
(26,644)
XXX
OTHER REVENUE
XXX
XXX
(6,158)
XXX
TOTAL REVENUE
XXX
XXX
(32,802)
XXX
EXPENSES
XXX
XXX
23,820
XXX
SPECIAL PROJECTS
XXX
XXX
0
XXX
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE)
XXX
XXX
(3,754)
XXX
NET INCOME/(LOSS)
XXX
XXX
(12,736)
XXX
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Chickasaw Point Golf Course
By Tom Davis, President
The course survived the monsoon season in remarkably good shape. The greens
and fairways are in as good a condition as any course in the area. Because of the
rain, we were not able to apply the rough inhibitor as planned. Still the course remains very playable. If Mother Nature cooperates, we should have a good end to
the summer golfing season.
In spite of the reduced play due to the weather, the grill is doing exceptionally
well. The First Friday Night, Nine and Dine or Dine Only and the Ladies’ Night
Out Dinners have been big hits with golfers and non-golfers alike. Friday Night
Happy Hour is drawing larger and more diverse crowds each week.
Due to the number of fundraisers and donors, too many to list, the grill is slowly
but surely being updated. It started with the donation of a large screen TV for the
deck along with 18 sponsors for 18 months of Direct TV service. The updating
will continue through early 2014, if the fund raising campaign remains on track.
The community support has also extended to the cart paths. From donations received, some of the cart paths will be re-paved once the paving contractor works
through his backlog.
From public play, as well as tournament play, the course has received rave reviews. Some golfers who have not played the course within the last ten years literally cannot believe that it is the same course. The community can rightfully be
proud of the Chickasaw Point Golf Course.
The Chickasaw Marina Association
By Bob Adams, Chairman
The Marina has been a bit challenging this past year. We had to bring two docks
in to meet the 60' Corps’ rule. Many issues were found that needed repair which
incurred unexpected costs. As it continued to rain, or should I say pour, the higher
than expected water levels created additional issues, problems and expenses.
We are still attempting to sell our two deepwater outside slips, so we can provide concrete walkways and other needed services. In addition to repairs, we
power-washed and used a sand type stain on the walkways for D dock to avoid the
slipperiness of the steps. We also power-washed the deck of C dock and will restain it next year. We still need to add wheels to the walkways of C & D dock, so
if the water levels decrease, we can “chase the water”.
Our Board has been diligent with attempting to resolve issues as they arise,
meet budgeting aspects and make the Marina a safe and useful amenity for
Chickasaw Point. That's all for now...........we'll keep you posted!
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Chickasaw Point Men's Club
By Gary Heck, President
The Men's Club held their Annual Pasta Dinner on August 17 and their Steak
Fry on September 14. Both dinners were sold out and the Men's Club made a few
dollars. The Pasta Dinner was prepared by Marty Genuise and his crew. The Steak
Fry was arranged by Ralph Yates and his crew. Thanks to all who attended and all
who worked these events. It is events like these and support from the community
that allows the Men's Club to donate money back into the community.
So far this year, we have donated $1200 to the 4th of July fireworks, $500 to the
Golf Course for cart path repair, $500 to the POA for picnic area landscaping,
$500 for a new deep fryer for the Grill and at our last meeting, $650 for new tiles
for the floor at the Grill.
From left: Pasta Dinner Coordinator and
Head Chef, Marty Genuise, took time out
from preparing dinner to pose with his
Kitchen Crew, Ralph Manee and Jon
Geist.
Steak Fry guests enjoyed the
beautiful September weather
while dining.
Gary Heck serves delicious steaks to guests
at the Steak Fry.
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Chickasaw Point Women’s Club
By Bonnie Craft, Vice-President
The Women’s Club did not meet during the months of July and August, but the
support for our community continued through the work of the individual committees. The Careline continued to provide short-term meal delivery and transportation to doctor or physical therapy appointments for the elderly and the ailing
members of Chickasaw Point. The Care and Concerns Committee sent cards of
support to those who suffered the loss of a loved one or were recovering from an
illness or injury.
The Social Committee sponsored the Luau Murder Mystery Dinner on August
10, where each participant assumed the identity of a character involved in the
mystery. After sharing clues through conversations, everyone was asked to identify the killer. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the luau delicacies!
For the July Lunch Bunch, De French arranged for the ladies to experience
Asian cuisine at Thai Spice in Clemson. In August, the group enjoyed lunch at
The Grill with Lee Ann Pressley serving as Hostess.
Our monthly meetings resumed on September 10. The Community Outreach
Committee was overwhelmed by the generosity of the members. Their request for
mini-toiletries for the Christmas bags for the Wilderness Way Girls’ Camp was
met with an abundance of donations. The Golden Corner Food Bank was also
blessed with donations of money and staple goods.
September’s Lunch Bunch was hosted by Bev Dexheimer and Anna Genuise at
McAlister’s Deli in Clemson. The ladies enjoyed deli sandwiches, salads, or soups
along with lively conversation. For the October 22 Lunch Bunch, Darlene Yates
and Phyllis Christensen are hosting the ladies at the International Deli in Seneca.
Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.
After an informative presentation by Cindy Davis of the plan for the updating of
The Grill, the membership voted to donate a substantial amount to the makeover
of the interior. The Board is also investigating the need for additional updating of
the equipment at Papoose Park and plan to make a donation as soon as the needs
have been identified.
Upcoming events include the Lunch Bunch going to Currahee Club, Toccoa,
Georgia on November 13, Christmas Dinner and Dance on December 6 and the
Brinner (Breakfast for Dinner) meeting on December 12. Additional information
will be coming as the dates approach.
Membership in the Women’s Club will provide you with the opportunity for fellowship and to support Chickasaw Point and the local communities. If you are not
a current member, please join us. We meet on the second Thursday of each month
at the Community Center (formerly the Clubhouse).
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Chickasaw Point Ladies’ Golf Association
By Sheila Holley, Vice-President
CPLGA Invitational Tournament
The Chickasaw Point Ladies’ Golf League (CPLGA) held its Golf Invitational
Tournament on September 19. Fifty-two golfers representing Brookstone Meadows Country Club (Anderson, S.C.), Cateechee Country Club (Hartwell, Ga.),
Monroe Country Club (Monroe, Ga.), Oconee Country Club (Seneca, S.C.), Pebble Creek Country Club (Taylors, S.C.) and The Walker Course (Clemson, S.C.)
joined our ladies for an 18-hole Scramble.
Before play convened, the golfers were welcomed by a wonderful breakfast provided by the Social Committee. After play had ended, lunch for the golfers was
prepared by The Grill chef, Steve Rice, and his staff.
The winning teams were:
First Flight:
#1 Brookstone-Pat Dodson, Melissa Snyder, June Kickham, and Judy Martin
#2 Chickasaw-Pam Steracy, Cindy Davis, Kandace Schatz and Maxine Dunn
#3 Cateechee-Camille Cabellero, Debra Dooley, Annette Holland and Jane Latone
Second Flight:
#1 Chickasaw-Pat West, Sandi Agnew, Phyllis Christensen and Rita Petty
#2 Chickasaw-Joyce Legore, Teresa Crooks, Paula Meades and Darragh Geist
#3 Chickasaw-Bonnie Yache, Patti Ray, Joan Manee and Sheila Holley
League play will continue until the end of the season on Thursday, November 7.
On that day, we will have our CPLGA Awards Day luncheon. Prizes will be
awarded and the 2014 Officers will be installed. For play during the winter
months, ladies are asked to get with their golfing friends and make their own tee
times.
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First Flight Winners (from the
left) Pat Dodson, Melissa Snyder,
June Kickham and Judy Martin
from Brookstone Meadows
Second Flight Winners (from the
left) Sandi Agnew, Phyllis
Christensen, Rita Petty and Pat
West from Chickasaw Point
Chickasaw Point Men’s Golf League
By Pat Craft, Vice-President
The Men’s Golf League is winding down for the summer season and Wednesday, October 30th will be the final day of points competition for the season. By all
accounts, it has been very successful, with over 40 members and an average of
more than 20 players each week.
The end-of-season breakfast and the cash pay-outs will be on Wednesday, November 6 (details to follow in a week or so). From that day, we will begin our
winter season where anyone can play (men only please) without being a league
member, but you will need to either have an established handicap or be entered
into the system to establish a handicap. Over the winter, golfers pay $2.00 to play
each day and winnings are paid out at the end of each Wednesday round.
After November 6, we will transition to “winter rules” and the start time will
move to 10:00am.
The course remains in excellent condition, and we should continue to do our
part to keep it that way. To that end, please continue to put sand in the divots, fix
ball marks on the greens, do not leave, and pick up whenever possible, trash
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(wrappers, cans, bottles, cigarette butts, etc.).
Also, please remember to keep the golf carts where they belong on the course.
That means follow “cart path only”, “keep carts off of hills”, and any other common sense rules as necessary.
Finally, on a personal note, I have enjoyed my two-year stint as the league vicepresident. It has been a pleasure working with all of you and with the golf course
staff. I look forward to continuing to play in the league as a member. Thanks.
Tailgate Party
By Randy Woodson
On August 31, Phil and
Ava Ellis, along with Randy
and Heather Woodson,
hosted a Tailgate Party at
The Grill to celebrate the beginning of the college football season and raise a little
money for the golf course
and grill. There was plenty
of preseason excitement in
Welcome to the
the air in anticipation of the
Tailgate Party
showdown between the
Clemson Tigers and Georgia
Bulldogs. There was a lot of
good-spirited ribbing between fans of both schools, before this rare early season
match-up between two top-ten ranked teams.
As anticipation of kick-off grew, attendees were treated to an abundance of great
food brought by everyone. Heather Woodson’s world famous hamburger grilling
skills were on display, where, despite many different requests, folks were given
two options…cooked… or not. Most everyone went with “cooked.”
Ava Ellis, queen of all party decorating, worked late into the night fixing bows
and hanging decorations. (Reluctantly agreeing to give Georgia fans a couple of
tables…or one) She then came back the next morning and cleaned it all up!
Thanks, Ava! Thanks to Phil for letting us steal his TV right off the wall in his
house to use for the game!
When asked what inspired the idea for the Tailgate Party, Ava said, “Mollie
(Woodson) and I were talking and just thought there needs to be more community
gatherings with all of the wonderful amenities and fantastic people we have, so
we thought why not have a tailgate party with all of the Clemson and Georgia fans
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that live right here!”
What a fun night it turned out to be, but in the end someone had to lose….
Ahem Georgia Bulldogs…pardon me. It was a thrilling game that saw Clemson
squeak out a 38-35 victory.
It was a fun night and many people expressed appreciation for those who took
the time to organize the party. There are many wonderful people in this neighborhood who have given a ton of their time, hearts, and souls to Chickasaw Point to
make it what it is today. Sometimes it is difficult when we still work full time, but
it is nice when we can help contribute to the many who have been working so
hard for so long. We really do have something special here at Chickasaw Point.
Thank you to the many people who helped plan and carry out the Tailgate Party there are too many of you to name. Special thanks to the “ladies of cocktail hour”
for all your hard work.
We are having another fun event, the Chickasaw Chili Cook-off, on November
th
9 . It is really just an excuse to eat a bunch of chili, watch football, and hang
out…again… Just like the Tailgate Party, all proceeds will benefit the grill remodeling project. Hope to see you there! For more information please contact The
Grill.
Terry Dickinson (Heather’s father)
helps Heather and Randy Woodson
grill the hamburgers for the partygoers.
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First Friday of the Month Dinner
By Lynn Holley
It was a beautiful day for the "First Friday of The Month Dinner". Sixty-plus
diners enjoyed a delicious "First Friday" dinner prepared by our creative chef,
Steve Rice. The menu consisted of grilled, seasoned shrimp kabobs, wild rice,
broccoli and a piece of double chocolate cake topped with whipped cream for dessert.
The diners began arriving around 5:45 p.m. for a little socializing and some
adult beverages before the 6:30 p.m. dinner. The sun filtering through the trees to
the shaded deck and a slight breeze is all it took for all to decide the place to be
was outside on the deck!
Steve's able assistants for the dinner were some of our RV Volunteers, Carl and
Kathy Taylor, and Steve and Jill Bolte. A number of the diners in attendance,
Sandy Felton, Ava Ellis, and Patty Ray, assisted. Ever present, and always ready
to lend a hand, were Tom and Lee Ann Pressley.
The "First Friday"
dinners have thus far
been a tremendous
success. An often
heard remark has
been, "This was
great! I have met
people who have
lived here for some
time and whom I
have never seen before.”
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Labor Day Tennis Tournament
By Lynn Holley
Twenty-seven tennis players enjoyed a morning of competition on Sunday, September 1, here at the Chickasaw Point courts. The competition for the annual onemorning tournaments held each Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend is always
open to everyone in Chickasaw Point and their guests. Again this year, a nominal
entry fee took care of the plentiful food and drinks as well as prizes for the winning players. The prizes consisted of gift certificates to the Grill/Golf Pro
shop and were given to both male and female 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Chuck and Peggy Herda did another great job of grilling hot dogs. Deborah
Moore and Jean Brummer provided some great snacks. Sheila Holley's baked
beans were again a hit. Scotsman Tony Decker, (a guest of Pam & Arden Anderson) made his delicious and “becoming famous” Scottish sausage covered
eggs. To keep the players energy levels up, there were also watermelon and bananas available.
New residents to Chickasaw Point, Patrick Meinert and Don Smith, joined in on
this year’s play. Ron Ledford, who has recently returned to tennis, also played.
This year’s ladies’ tournament winners were:
First Place Jill Skawinski
Second Place Deborah Moore
Third Place (a tie) - Laurie Gannon, (guest of Pam and Arden Anderson)
Emily Brummer.
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The tournament winners for the men were:
First Place Trevor Skawinski
Second Place (tie),- Tim Gannon
Ron Kerr,( a guest of Pam and Arden Anderson)
Third Place (tie) - Bob Holmes
Tony Decker (a guest of Pam and Arden Anderson)
Again, the scoring was kept on track by our ever-faithful Kaitlin Skawinski.
The next event, 2014 Memorial Day Tournament, will mark the 22nd consecutive
year for the tournament held on the holiday weekend here at Chickasaw.
The Men’s First Place winner was
Trevor Skawinski and the
Women’s First Place winner was
Jill Skawinski.
Chickasaw Point and Keowee Key Pickleball Inter-Club Play
By Lynn Holley
On Saturday, Sept. 28,nine Pickleball players from Chickasaw Point ventured
to Keowee Key for some inter-club play with players from Keowee Key and The
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Reserve.
Nancy and Greg Distler, Ken Grabowski, Marcy Price, Lynn and Sheila Holley,
Pam Stercay, and Cole and Bonnie Yache represented Chickasaw Point. Everyone
enjoyed a couple of hours of friendly play on Keowee Key’s four new Pickleball
courts.
There were no official tallies kept on games won or lost, but I think that our
players came out a little ahead in the win category. This is an unbiased opinion, of
course, ...really!!
A good time was had by all and an invitation to come again was extended.
2014 Midwinter Bald Eagle Watch
By Bob Holmes
The dramatic decline in the number of the American Bald
Eagle between the 1940’s and 1970’s prompted the US Department of Interior to organize a lower forty-eight state
Midwinter Eagle Survey. Since the ban of certain pesticides, notably DDT in 1972, the eagle population in South
Carolina has increased dramatically from 36 in 1979 to over
400 in recent surveys. The majority of these eagles are seen
Photo taken by Doug
in the coastal counties.
Young in 2004.
Fourteen years ago, the Chickasaw Men’s Club, under the
leadership of Woody Woods, started participating in this annual Midwinter Eagle
Survey, coined the Eagle Watch. From beautiful sunny afternoons with temperatures in the high 60’s last year to a bone-chilling, cloudy 34 degrees in 2004, pontoon boats with three to five observers have traveled the main channel and side
coves 60 miles up the Tugaloo River from the I -85 Bridge up to buoy T-100 east
of Toccoa, Ga.
Despite varying water levels from fourteen feet below full pool (646’) to five
feet above full pool (665’), boat captains and their crews have documented nine
mature and immature Bald Eagles during the 1.5 to 3-hour lake surveys. Although the observers don’t record a sighting every year, residents in Chickasaw
frequently report seeing this magnificent bird above the lake or in high perches
around the lake’s edge.
Again this year, the plan is to have four boats for the 2014 survey within the
usual time frame between the last week in December and the first ten days in
January. As information becomes available, the Captains and their crews will
again assemble for an interesting and enjoyable afternoon on the lake. We hope
the eagles will cooperate.
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Garden News
By Chuck Herda
What a season! The colder than normal weather started with most of the gardeners holding off. The exception was new comers Joe Steinkirchner and Ann Cochell. Their garden was looking great until the rain came and didn't stop. (The
lake finally was full and over full). Because of the rain most of the gardens didn't
produce much . A few gardeners that had good drainage were able to have a good
year. Jim Herd is still getting lots of tomatoes.
We now have first time gardeners Marilyn Smith, Linda Casale, and Joyce Dittmer. There are 14 plots at the garden which are shared by 20 gardeners.
The season is over, and we are in the process of clearing the plots for tilling and
general clean-up.
A special treat is in store for the gardeners and all residents in Chickasaw Point.
On October 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Center (formerly the Clubhouse),
Clemson's County Extension Agent Morris Warner will give a talk on the aspects
of gardening in Oconee County.
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Moving Forward
By Lynne Norton
Chickasaw Point welcomed the local chapter of Moving Forward, a group for
widowed persons. Their annual picnic took place on September 7. It was a perfect
day with glorious sunshine, soft breezes and very pleasant temperatures. Over 20
members and friends enjoyed the wonderful facilities at the Pavilion by the lake.
Resident Lynne Norton and group leaders Jay Klein and Joyce Brewer organized
the afternoon of food and fellowship. Jay prepared hamburgers, hot dogs and brats
on the grill. Members brought many homemade treats including beans, potato
salad, cole slaw, fruit and very special desserts.
Everyone enjoyed the view of the lake, the well-equipped pavilion complete
with fans, electrical outlets and large comfortable tables. Many members of the
group had not visited Chickasaw Point before, and the picnic provided a great opportunity to show-off our wonderful community. For more information about
Moving Forward, please contact Lynne Norton at 972-0186.
Community Spotlight
Neighbor Helping Neighbor
Imagine turning into your driveway to discover that your front yard had been
attacked by the Point Road Posse. What would your reaction be? This is exactly
what happened to Gerald and Florine (Flossie) Melton of 521 Point Road.
Flossie’s reaction was, “IT WAS ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE!” Then she
added, “We appreciate it more than we can ever express.”
With all of the rain that we have experienced this year, many homeowners have
been fighting the attack of the 3foot weeds. This was true for the
Meltons as well. While they were
out of town, their neighbors decided to lend a hand. The group
of neighbors organized their plan
of attack, and Roy Whiddon
dubbed the group, “The Point
Road Posse”.
For two days, the Posse worked
to remove weeds, unhealthy
plants and tree stumps. They
Day 1 clean-up is in progress.
pulled, raked and hoed; only
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stopping to defer to Master Gardener Sally Whiddon when the identity of a plant
was in question. The results were a weed-less front yard where healthy plants will
now be able to thrive.
The Point Road Possee shows that volunteerism can begin very close to home.
Roy says, “It’s just neighbors helping neighbors”.
Day 2 resulted in a neat yard with
room for the plants and shrubs to
flourish.
The Point Road Possee on Day 1
(from left): Joe Steinkirchner,
Donna Menzies, Rick Cochell, Ann
Cochell, Roy Whiddon and Sally
Whiddon.
The Point Road Possee on Day 2 (from left): Roy Whiddon,
Donna Menzies,Joe Steinkirchner, Joyce Dittmer, Mike Dittmer,
Bill Mercer, Debbie Cheetam, Sally Whiddon and Rick Cochell.
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Sensibly Chic
For the past ten years, Marti and Tom
Brzoza have been the owners of Sensibly Chic. Located on Ram Cat Alley in
Seneca, this distinctive shop will spark
all of your senses. It houses an eclectic
collection of candles, home décor items,
jewelry, collectibles and unique gifts.
Marti and Tom have been full-time
residents for the past 12 years, but have
owned property at Chickasaw Point for
26 years. Their current home is located
at 101 Point Place Drive. Before permanently moving to Chickasaw Point, Marti
and Tom lived in Berkley Lakes, Duluth, Georgia. After her youngest child entered third grade, Marti went to work as the assistant to the Media Specialist at
Berkley Lakes Elementary. Tom was a manufacturing representative and owned
his own business.
The Brzozas have two children, Britt and Katie. Britt works in the film industry
as a free-lance film photographer and lives in Venice, California. Katie has chosen
to live in Aspen, Colorado and is a teacher.
The next time you are shopping in Seneca, be sure to stop by Sensibly Chic and
say, “Hello!” to Marti, Tom and Rocky, the adorable Chihuahua who spends his
days greeting shoppers. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. When you find that special gift to purchase, be sure that you
identify yourself as a Chickasaw Point POA member, and they will reward you
with a 10% discount on your purchase.
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Renowned Sculptor Memorialized
From Don Roe
John Patrick “Rico” Eastman, oldest son of Pat Roe,
was a renowned heavy metal sculptor. Before his sudden death in December 2012, Rico maintained his
home and studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Rico was
a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design with a
Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Arizona State. He
lived in Camden, Maine for a number of years and
worked for Moss Tent Company, a major firm in the
area. While living in New Mexico and Colorado, he spent time in Maine throughout the years.
A memorial service in Santa Fe for Rico
was attended by friends from as far away
as Europe and Australia. A consortium
was formed to purchase a sculpture,
“Bones”, which was shipped from Santa
Fe to Camden. In August 2013, a memorial service was held in Camden. Rico’s
brother, Mike, represented the Eastman
family and was honored to receive a resolution passed by the Maine legislature
honoring Rico for his contributions to Maine. The sculpture, Bones, is installed in
the town square in Camden.
Rico’s mother, Pat, is a long-time resident of Chickasaw Point. She has been a
resident since 1975, was the first president of the Women’s Club and active in the
community. Widowed in 1984, she married Don Roe, also a widower, in October
1988. They reside at 103 Chippewa Drive.
The newest Murphys from the left: Elliot
Bruce, Harris Thomas and Isabel Jean
Introducing the Murphy Triplets
Harriet and Bruce Murphy of Tulip
Lane have been patiently awaiting the
births of their newest grandchildren. Anticipating the birth of a new grandchild
is always exciting, but imagine awaiting
the birth of triplet grandchildren. On
Sunday, October 6, their son, Jonathan,
and daughter-in-law, Kelley, welcomed
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their sons, Harris Thomas and Elliot Bruce, and daughter, Isabel Jean. Jonathan
and Kelley and their new family live in St. Louis, Missouri. The babies and new
parents are all adjusting well to their new life. Harriet is an Associate Editor for
the Chickasaw Point of View.
Christmas For a Dollar,
A Book with a Chickasaw Point Connection
In Christmas For a Dollar, author
Gail Sears tells a heartwarming story
about a true event. The story is set in
1931 in the midst of the Great Depression. The Kamp family lives in Bakersfield, California and, as most Americas,
are struggling to get by. The unexpected
death of Mrs. Kamp and the overwhelming medical bills from the son’s
polio, leave Mr. Kamp and his children
in deep financial distress.
Little Ruthie Kamp expects another
Christmas without presents. Then Ruthie’s father comes home with one dollar and
allows the children to use it to buy special gifts for each other. In the process, the
Kamp family discovers that money isn’t what fills Christmas with joy, love and
miracles.
This true story has a Chickasaw connection, because Ruthie Kamp is Tom
Davis’ mother and the aunt of the author, Gail Sears. Gail Sears’ father is Ruthie’s
brother, Norman. Tom and Cindy Davis, of Tulip Lane, are very active in our
community, especially at the Golf Course.
Tom and Cindy Davis have shared this wonderful book with family and friends,
because the message in this story is a strong reminder to all of us that the true joys
in life are simple and that unselfishness, gratitude and charity are true gifts.
This story has such a strong message of love and sacrifice that a movie, based
on the story, has been made. It will be released in November 2013.
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George and Mary "Prissy" Bishop
This July, George and Prissy began their
move to 1007 Chickasaw Drive from Florence, South Carolina. Already, they are enjoying our pleasant wooded environment and
have made friends with their neighbors. We
met them on the spur of the moment as they
were decorating the grounds for fall and planning the last of the unpacking.
They live next door to the Donna and Tom
Precious, who were introduced to you last summer, and across the road from Patrick and Debby Meinert who just arrived. Our community is blessed with congenial people once again!
Retired now, Prissy worked for 25 years as a bookkeeper for an accountant.
George, an optometrist, managed his eye clinic in Florence, S.C.. They are both
originally from Lexington, Kentucky.
Their youngest son is working at Clemson. He and his wife have a child and another baby due any day. Another son lives in Greenville and a daughter lives at
Fort Mill, S.C. Altogether they have six grandchildren - all of whom they will be
able to see regularly.
George yearns to spend more time with golf and to do some fishing. He says
fishing is his passion but Prissy confides he has never fished before. Prissy claims
no athletic desires but does like to garden.
Wayne and Sarah Gugel
Visiting newcomers to Chickasaw Point is
an opportunity to be shaken out of
complacency! This month we repeatedly met
enthusiastic and energetic couples, people
who are already engaged in the offerings of
our community. The Gugels at 208 Point
Place Drive are one more example of a couple so busy and active we wonder how they
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could be old enough to retire.
Wayne finished his golf game in time for us to snap a picture for you to see and
then hurried off with his daughter on an errand. He is a sports enthusiast, originally from Frankenmuth, Michigan. He has been playing pickleball and is looking
forward to time for landscaping chores and fishing. He has always been a swimmer and is trying to figure out where to do that in winter. He retired from his business ownership to move here last August from Conyers, Georgia.
Sara was an elementary teacher originally from St. Joseph, Michigan. She is
tending to the grandchildren, is a beginner knitter and enjoys music, games and
walking. Both Sara and Wayne graduated from Michigan State.
Another recurrent theme this month is of children of our newcomers having new
babies, born or to be born in a few days. The Gugels have a daughter, Christi, who
with her husband, Justin, 3-year-old Preston and 4-week-old Luke, are staying in
their lower level "apartment" while their own house is being finished in Simpsonville, S.C. Their son, Brad, lives in Orlando.
Kent and Kathy Replogle
Kent and Kathy renovated a dreary ranch
and wooded lot at 103 Cheyenne Drive to
become a modern, comfortable second
home. The large sunroom, lined with generous seating and looking out onto an innovative play area, gives it away that they
love to entertain and have family over.
This Chickasaw street is where they come
to enjoy the peace and quiet recreation of
the woods with family, friends and their
standard poodle, Bentley.
In Monroe, Georgia, Kathy teaches fourth grade and Kent is an IT customer relations specialist (for three more years till retirement). Son, Stephen, and his wife,
Skye, live nearby in GA and their elder son, Shawn, and his wife, Natasha, live in
DC. They have a daughter, Katy, who is between residences, but plans to be close
by. She and her husband, Chris, have a daughter and another daughter to be born
in a few days.
The Replogles have been here alternate weekends for the last couple years and
look forward to being here permanently soon. We know Kathy and Kent from seeing them at the various Chickasaw parties and activities. Besides watching college
football, they want more of our golf, fishing, tennis and boating!
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Marilyn and Don Smith
Marilyn and Don Smith are familiar to
our community and yet new as full-time
residents. They owned the house on 105
Almond Court for six years before
moving here permanently last July.
They were both originally from Dayton,
Ohio, but then moved to Springboro, a
suburb of Dayton. They found us by attending the 1999 National Hog Rally
(as in Harley-Davidson) in Greenville, S.C. Greenville was such a draw that they
looked around for a good spot to vacation and now, to retire.
They have been busy people since buying the Cold Stone Creamery franchise
and developing those businesses throughout Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West
Virginia. Now, glad to retire, a daughter and her husband are taking over the business back in Ohio. Another daughter there is an optometrist, and they have four
grandchildren. Also left behind in Ohio was Marilyn's 26-year-old horse.
Besides horses and Harleys, the Smiths enjoy many forms of the Chickasaw
Point good life. They have been to social events, played some golf and Pickleball,
enjoyed boating, cards, walking and about any form of exercise.
We welcome one more congenial, active couple.
Fran and Walt Strothers
Isn't it nice to see new neighbors at 201
Chickasaw? Such a pleasant, bright new
home for Fran and Walt Strothers, originally
from Clarksburg, West Virginia. They settled
in Elkins where Walt was the captain of their
fire department, and Fran taught third grade.
Walt retired twelve years ago and is a Vietnam veteran.
They have children and grandchildren not
too far away. Eric and his two daughters live in West Virginia; and April and husband, Steve, and their three children live in Jonas Ridge, North Carolina. Fran and
Walt's daughter, Melissa, her husband, Brian, and their daughter are in Black
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Mountain, North Carolina. Last weekend they visited West Virginia to celebrate
their son's and grandson's shared birthdays. Another grandchild is due in February.
Walt and Fran have been avid campers, having traveled all over the continental
United States. They have treasured memories of the gorgeous spots they have
found. They have had extended visits to volunteer at some special places such as
at the Outer Banks and at our own golf course! They are Harley riders, also.
Being from the Tiger Lake region of West Virginia, Walt has done a lot of trout
fishing and looks forward to fishing here. He also is a golfer. They like hiking and
reading, and plan to continue traveling.
Kevin Thomas
We had coffee with Kevin Thomas at 626 South
Hogan Drive. He is a sales representative for a
company specializing in precision grinding wheels
and has been transferred here from Detroit. He
travels throughout Florida, Georgia and South
Carolina now. This is much better travel weather
than when he was in Michigan, Ohio and New
York! In his travels, he sometimes got this way and
passed Chickasaw Point. Luckily, he was able to
remember us when he got transferred.
Kevin just arrived in September and has been playing a lot of golf. He got involved with a group of men and joined them for the Amateur Golf Week Tour.
His wife is still working at a city golf course in Detroit, since she still has two
years until she can retire. She is not an enthusiastic golfer, but has scouted out
plenty to do when she has visited. She came from Riverview, Michigan while
Kevin is originally from Honolulu. They have a daughter and two young granddaughters in Detroit and an unmarried son in Knoxville. To say, "hello," you need
to catch him on weekends.
Bud and Joan Woodson
If this name sounds familiar, it is because, if you get out at all, you already
know two of this couple's sons and their
sons' wives. Greg and Mollie Woodson
have been active hosting events and improving the welfare of the community
for a couple of years. Son, Randy, and
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his wife, Heather, have a home on S. Hogan Drive, facing the golf course. Heather
also has parents living here in Chickasaw. They are the Dickensons who live
down Chickasaw Drive not far from Bud and Joan. There is another son, Gary,
who lives in Nags Head, N.C. and is busy with real estate sales. When they all
visited in this new residence, there were 29 of them including their three grandsons, two granddaughters and seven labs!
Bud and Joan just moved to 609 Chickasaw Drive the end of August from
Gloucester, Va. They both originally were from the Arlington/Reston area of Virginia. Bud says his vocation is woodworking, and he likes experimenting with
PhotoShop, turning out fascinating nature pictures as well as family portraits.
Joan, retired from her job marketing Senior Living, loves spending time with
family as well as other socializing. (They were all at The Grill enjoying happy
hour recently.) Joan enjoys walking, golf, bridge and reading.
A HUGE THANK YOU to Mary Principe and Sheila Wolcansek, the
Welcome Chicks, for working overtime to visit each family, welcome
them to the community, take the photos and write the articles for the
POV.
Susan Manwell Suppes
Chickasaw resident, Susan Manwell Suppes, passed away
peacefully on Sunday, August 25, 2013 after a long battle
with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Susan was born
February 13, 1948 in Lorain, Ohio. She moved to Atlanta,
Ga. in 1974 where she was a math teacher at Dunwoody
High School. She was a graduate of Bowling Green State University and obtained
her Master’s Degree at Emory.
In 1976 Susan married David Suppes. Their home is located at 311 Manitowoc
Drive. Susan is survived by her husband of 36 years, David; children, Cheryl
Suppes Rambler and Eddie Suppes; grandson, Jonah David Rambler; sisters,
Nancy Morrison and Laurie Maldonado; and brother, Bill Manwell.
A memorial service was held on August 28 at the First United Methodist
Church of Lawrenceville, GA. Memorial donations may be made to Cure PSP, 30
E. Padonia Road, Suite 201, Timonium, MD 21093 or curepsp.org.
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First Friday Dinner Reminder
November 1, 2013
Our First Friday Night Dinners are a huge success due to the community’s participation. We thank you for your loyalty. We have met several new residents, and
we welcomed them to Chickasaw Point and The Grill.
When the deck is usable, our seating increases. However, now that cooler
weather is coming, our seating becomes more limited. We ask that if you sign up
for dinner and cannot make it, PLEASE call and cancel your reservations as soon
as you can. (Even, if it's on Friday.) That will allow us to call those on the waiting list.
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Upcoming Events
ATTENTION CHICKASAW LADIES AND FRIENDS
Mark your calendars for WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
You are invited to attend a very special
LUNCH BUNCH!!!!!!
LOCATION: The Currahee Club on Lake Hartwell, One Currahee Club Way, Toccoa, GA 30577
SPECIAL EVENT FOR OUR GROUP: A private tour of The 2013 Southern Living Custom Builder Showcase Home. This home is a 4,000-square-foot plan design by
Dillard-Jones. It overlooks the magnificent Hole #17, known as the Quarry Hole, on
The Currahee Club Golf Course.
LUNCH: We will be dining in the Fazio Pub of Currahee Club. Order from the menu
with the prices ranging $10.00 and under. (This is a private Club and only credit cards
or debit cards are accepted from non-members.)
RESERVATIONS: Reservations may be made at our Women’s Club Meeting on
Thursday, October 10.
TICKETS: Tickets are required for the tour of the Southern Living Showcase Home.
The cost of the ticket is $10.00 per person, with proceeds benefiting Neighbors 4
Neighbors and Food 2 Kids Program of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. We
greatly appreciate the Currahee Club extending this invitation to us and opening their
club for our Lunch Bunch outing.
TIME and SPECIAL NOTE: The house tour will be at 10:30 a.m. with lunch following in the Fazio Pub. This is a special event for our Lunch Bunch courtesy of Currahee Club. When signing up for this event please have a check for $10.00 payable to
Cindy Davis for the house tour.
Reservations for this special event may be made by contacting: Maxine Dunn at 9720403 or Paula Meades at 972-1677.
GOLF: Special arrangements have been made for those who would like to play the
Currahee Golf Course after the house tour and luncheon. House tour and lunch attendees will be allowed to play the course at the member/guest rate of $55.00. (Note:
Proper golf attire required, no jeans.) Please call Cindy Davis at 972-9388 for golf reservations and information.
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Dates to Remember
* Community Center, formerly the Clubhouse
October
15 Golf Course Winter Hours—8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
16 Men’s Club—5:30 p.m. social / 6:00 p.m. dinner—Community Center
Ladies Night Out—6:00 p.m. social / 6:30 p.m. dinner—The Grill
17 Seneca Elks 12th Annual Golf Tournament
19 POA Quarterly Board Meeting—9:00 a.m.—Community Center
25 Witches and Warlocks Golf Tournament—12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start
Sign-up at the Golf Course Pro Shop
November
7 CPLGA Awards Luncheon—12:00 p.m.—The Grill
9 Chili Cookoff—2:00 p.m.—The Grill
13 Lunch Bunch—Southern Living Home Tour—10:30 a.m.—Fazio Pub
at Currahee Club
14 Women’s Club—6:30 p.m. social/7:00 p.m. meeting—Community
Center
20 Men’s Club—5:30 p.m. social / 6:00 p.m. dinner—Community Center
December
6 Women’s Club Christmas Dinner/Dance—Time TBA—Community
Center
12 Women’s Club Brinner ( Breakfast for Dinner) —5:30 p.m. social /
6:00 p.m. dinner / 7:00 p.m. meeting—Community Center
15 Festival of Homes—3:00 - 7:00 p.m.—Tickets available
18 Men’s Club—5:30 p.m. social / 6:00 p.m. dinner—Community Center
POV Staff
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUMMITTED ARTICLES FOR THIS ISSUE!
Gene Blair, Communications and Public Relations Director
Bonnie Craft
[email protected]
Harriet Murphy
Shari Waldo