thevoice - Cross Creek

CROSS CREEK CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.
THE VOICE
Community News and Information
September 2012
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
Hello Neighbors,
Summer’s end is just around the corner. The kids are back to school. Please be mindful of the pick-up and drop
-off times by the front gate. The children walk back through our community to their homes. Kids predictably
dart around but not with warning and invariably end up in the street. So, please be extra careful and help keep
our children safe!
Speaking of being extra careful, most folks are probably aware by now that, as of the writing of this article, there
has been one armed robbery on Triumph Drive and a break-in on LaRue with another attempted break-in on
LaRue which was averted as the resident was actually home. As a result of the armed robbery, at the request of
the Atlanta Police Department, the back gate has been closed as a deterrent. The APD has increased their patrolling of Cross Creek as well as the Collier Ridge area which has also experienced a rash of robberies. These
robberies are part of a crime wave taking place and not isolated to just Cross Creek and Collier Ridge. Additionally, the Association has hired off-duty police officers to patrol the property. They started on Tuesday evening,
August 28th.
Many of you may have attended the August Buildings and Grounds meeting which presented a forum for homeowners to air their concerns about the robberies. We need to be hyper-vigilant and alert for our own safety and
that of our neighbors. Report any suspicious activity immediately to 911. Most of all, let’s be careful out
there….we do live in the city.
Here is a tip one of our homeowner’s suggested: For those of us who have cars with alarms easily activated via
the electronic gadget on our key chain, keep your keys by your bedside. If you hear anything suspicious or you
are threatened in any way, hit your car alarm activator! Of course, your car needs to be parked in alarm range
and those of us who hear the car alarms going off need to actively look out our windows for any suspicious activity and report it to 911.
.
Barbara Mott
President, Board of Directors
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Cross Creek Voice
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT OUR BOARD MEETINGS?
,
Board Of Directors
Barbara Mott
-President
Nathan Humphrey -VicePresident
Laura Johnson
-Treasurer
Harry Haisten
-Secretary
Steve Chaudoin
Earl Ferguson
Henry Ivey
Jane Kimbrell
**********
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING: The most recent Board Meeting was held
on August 29, 2012 in the Café.
The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted.
The Finance, Buildings and Grounds, and Community Affairs Committees have met
with the following results.
The Financial Report— We continue to do very well in staying in line with our budget,
as well as getting Collections too and our delinquency rate is down. As of July 31, 2012,
our CONDO reserves are about $2,986,000 dollars and the REC reserves are about
$886,000 dollars.
The Voice is published by Cross The Buildings and Grounds Report— The following motions passed:
Creek Condominium Association,
There was a motion to approve up to $15,000 dollars to install a fence from the
Inc. If any information in this
back gate to the existing 8 foot chain link fence behind LaRue. Funding is from the
newsletter conflicts with the
2012 operating budget.
Association’s legal documents,
Motion to approve up to $3500 for our consultant, Byron Mathews, to prepare take
the documents shall govern.
-offs, drawings and biddocuments for replacement/repair of the Mansards in Phase
I. Funding is from Condo Reserves. This corrects a prior motion to approve this
amount for Phase I and II. Correct motion should have read for Phase I only. .
Board Contacts
Motion to approve up to $3000 for the purchase and installation of trees to replace
Homeowner & Resident
5 of the trees removed in June of this year. Funding is from the Landscape Imcorrespondence directed to the
provement allocation in the current operating budget.
Board of Directors (BOD) is received
Motion to approve an expenditure of up to $1200 to replace the patio dividing wall
by the management office and
between 157 and 158 Elysian Way and repair part of thehand rail paneling. Funding
submitted to the entire Board for
from the Condo Reserve account.
review prior to the next BOD
Motion was made to keep Adrian Pool open all year.
meeting. Address correspondence as
follows:
The Community Affairs Committee Report—
There will be a yard sale on October 6th.
On October 28th, there will be a Pumpkin Patch Party and Pumpkin Carving.
On December 8th, we will be having our annual Holiday Party. See Page 5 for
more information on these events.
Cross Creek Condo Assoc., Inc.
Board of Directors
c/o General Manager
1221 Cross Creek Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30327
OR Email a letter to:
[email protected]
IN CASE OF A LIFETHREATENING OR PROPERTY DAMAGING EMERGENCY (e.g. fire), PLEASE IMMEDIATELY DIAL 911.
For all other emergencies, during
the day or after hours call 404351-7600. During office hours
staff will assist you. After hours,
the answering service will contact
the maintenance staff for maintenance emergencies only. For
all other after hours nonmaintenance emergencies, call
911.
The next Board Meeting will be on September 26th.
.
RETIREES/SENIORS LUNCHEON
Come and meet some of your neighbors. You do not necessarily have to be a senior to join us. If you are available during
the day, come join us. Call 404-735-4223 if you know ahead of
time you are coming. If not, don’t let that stop you. See you
on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 12 Noon.
www.crossscreek-atlanta.com
September 2012
Cross Creek Café
Football Season is Here! Cheer on your favorite colle-
giate and pro football teams with us every Saturday and
Sunday at the Bar as you enjoy freshly made cocktails, cold
beer or the latest vintage of a really good wine along with
some delicious appetizers from our kitchen. Our widescreen TV over the liquor shelf and two side televisions
will feature the games you want to watch.
No Need to Travel Far Cross Creek Cafe is a registered
lottery retailer and as such, we are always ready to serve
your KENO! or lottery ticket needs. See any of the bartenders – Debra, Gordon, Thacker or Sabrina – for your
tickets and then watch your numbers on two KENO!
monitors at the Bar.
Sit in Comfort After fifteen years with the same old
chairs, the Cafe is pleased to announce that our guests will
now be dining in comfort on new seating. These beautiful,
solid wood chairs with a dark walnut finish are designed
with vertical slats and curved top to support your back.
And the comfy padded seat is eye-appealing in a soft shade
of green. You'll linger longer in style and comfort!
Lobster Dinner The mild winter of 2012 has resulted in
some really good, sweet tasting lobsters. You don't want
to miss September's lobster dinner on Wednesday, September 19th, if you love lobster. For one price of $25.95,
you get a pound and a quarter whole lobster with drawn
butter, corn on the cob, new potatoes, salad or cole slaw.
Call a day in advance to reserve your lobster.
Cross Creek Resident and Author Reading and Book
Signing Atlanta native,Cross Creek resident and practic-
ing healthcare attorney Lynn Garson will be reading excerpts and signing copies of her book Southern Vapors on
Thursday, September 27th, from 7 to 9 pm. Lynn's book
chronicles her life growing up in a privileged Atlanta family and her years through college, law school, marriage,
children, and divorce punctuated by three stints in mental
institutions during some of her darkest hours. The book
will make you laugh and make you cry but ultimately, you
will love reading Lynn's story of recovery and redemption.
Come meet this fascinating, first-time author! She is bringing copies of Southern Vapors if residents would like to purchase a copy on the night of the signing. Payment is cash
or check only, no credit cards.
Lynn Garson
Southern
Vapors
Café Hours
Tuesday-Sunday: 11 am-10 pm
Bar Hours
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 am - Midnight
Friday & Saturday 11 am - 1 am
Sunday: 12:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Sharon
Vrahatis, Owner
404.351.1550
THE GREEN TEE
by ROBIE ROBINSON
PLAY THE PERCENTAGES
One of the neatest looking shots to
hit is the chip shot that has a lot of spin on it and stops
close to the hole. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are
masters of this shot. But is it really the best shot for the
average player to try to pull off? Most players would be
better off if they putted the ball from just off the green
rather than attempt the more difficult wedge shot.
Don’t feel bad about putting the ball from off the green.
Our ego sometimes tells us that this is the chicken’s way
out, but is it really? Next time you have time and no one is
behind you, try this little experiment. Take 10 golf balls
and hit 5 with a wedge and 5 with your putter from just
off the green. The average distance you leave yourself is
almost always better with the putter. It has long been said
that your worst putt is usually always better than your best
wedge shot. Knowing this, why not play the higher percentage shot? It may not look as pretty, but there are no
pictures on the scorecard! The name of the game is to get
the ball into the hole in the fewest strokes.
Keep in mind that the putt from off the green is easier
when the ball is sitting more on top of the grass and the
grass is leaning in the direction of the hole. If the grass is
leaning against you try putting with your hybrid club. Use
the same stroke you would make with a putter. The extra
loft on the hybrid club will lift the ball up slightly and get
it on top of the grass for a better roll. REMEMBER,
IT’S NOT HOW BUT HOW MANY!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just a word to help those of you who play in this kind of
heat… don’t wait until you get thirsty to drink water. By
then you may already be in trouble. Drink water continually through the round to stay hydrated.
Contact Robie Robinson at
(404)-352-5612 for further information
about Cross Creek Golf Course!
Golf Course and Pro Shop Hours
Tuesday-Sunday: 8 am until Dusk
Robie Robinson, PGA Pro
404-352-5612
[email protected]
www.crossscreek-atlanta.com
Cross Creek Voice
Vegetation Survey Results of Six Natural Areas within
Cross Creek Condominium Properties
April 25, 2012
Performed by:
The Georgia Botanical Society
Survey Leaders:
Dr. Leslie Edwards (Georgia State University)
Steve Bowling (Atlanta Botanical Garden)
Specific Findings (Continued from August Voice)
Stand C
Location: a ravine to the right of the main road through the complex, adjacent to stand B (see map)
Site description: a fairly steep-sided ravine bordering a small stream. The ravine slopes face, roughly,
east and west. The steep nature of the ravine and its low topographic condition are fostering fairly moist,
shaded conditions.
Natural community: Piedmont mesic forest with some elements of Piedmont floodplain and bottomland forest.
Native vegetation: strongly dominated by tulip-tree; scattered box elder and very occasional sycamore,
ash, loblolly pine, sweet gum, willow oak, mockernut hickory, and red maple. A beech sapling, elm
seeding, sugarberry sapling and two basswood saplings were noted. Pokeweed, elderberry and Christmas
fern were noted in one or two instance; poison ivy is also present. Carolina cherry laurel, which some
people consider invasive, also appears (at least 16 native species).
Stand trajectory: tulip-tree lives for a couple of centuries or more, so these trees will continue to dominate the stand. Beech and basswood will increase their presence in the understory over time, potentially
creating a beautiful area.
Non-native vegetation: this stand is heavily infested with non-native invasive species, particularly Chinese privet, English ivy, Russian olive, and Japanese bush honeysuckle. Mimosa has been planted on the
border of the stand.
Management considerations: The non-native invasive plants grow so densely in this site that it is
nearly impossible to walk through it, rendering the space of little use for recreation. In addition, the invasive species prevent native species from growing. Over time, English ivy can destroy a tree, as described in regard to site B. It would be desirable to clear out the non-native species in order to increase
residents’ access to the greenspace in the condominium complex. (continued in next issue)
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INSURING AGAINST WATER DAMAGE?
(According to Lazega & Johanson, Attorneys at Law and continued from August issue) The second
most common question following a pipe burst or similar event is whether the association is obligated to file a claim. If
the damage is below the deductible on the association’s policy, the answer to this is generally no. However, where the
damage exceeds the deductible, there are often circumstances where the association wants to avoid filing a claim. The
reasons can very from fear of an increase in premium or being dropped from the insurance, to not wanting to file a
claim on an event that is clearly the fault of the owner or within the owner’s maintenance responsibility. The answer to
this is that, when an association carries insurance, it carries on behalf of and for the benefit of all the owners. Where
there is coverage, the association cannot deny this benefit to an owner, unless there is a basis in the governing documents for doing so. For example, in some newer community declarations, the association may reserve the right to
withhold insurance disbursements to owner to cover delinquent assessments. However, in general, in any circumstance
where an association refuses to file a claim where there is coverage, the owner can file an action to force the association to do so. (continued on page 5).
www.crossscreek-atlanta.com
September 2012
(continued from page 4)
There may be circumstances where the damages only exceed the deductible by a little amount or where the association would rather negotiate a deal to pay for the damages that would otherwise by covered by insurance in lieu
of filing a claim. This could be an acceptable resolution if all parties agree. (continued in next issue)
Community Affairs Committee
The Community Affairs Committee is busy planning some fun events for Fall. The September Finally Friday will be September 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Adrian pool house. Everyone seemed to enjoy the cookout, so we’ll do it again! Bring your beverage of choice and whatever you want to grill and, if you wish, an
appetizer to share.
We have scheduled a yard sale on October 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., so start going through your closets and cupboards. It’s a perfect time to get rid of some of those summer things you didn’t use this year so
you can make room for some brand new winter items. The fee is $10 per space, so call the office to make
your reservation.
On October 28, we will once again host our Pumpkin Patch Party and pumpkin carving for kids of all
ages. We hope the weather will be nice enough to have it on the patio behind the clubhouse from 2:00 to
4:00. As always, the jack-o-lanterns will be displayed, so start thinking about your Halloween design.
Finally, we had such a great turnout for our Holiday Party last year that we want to make a tradition of it,
so we are planning to host it again this year on December 8. Stay tuned – we will have complete information coming up in the next issue of the Voice and we hope to see many of you there!
YARD SALE
October 6th
8am—2pm
Café Parking Lot
Call the office to reserve a
Space. $10 per Space. Gather all those
things you have been wanting to get rid of
and set up shop. Remember, one man’s
trash is another man’s treasure.
www.crossscreek-atlanta.com
Cross Creek Voice
.
.
IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO REPEAT
****Air-Conditioning Season is Upon Us****
Watch Out for Drain Problems
Here at Cross Creek we have frequent problems with air-conditioning (A/C) drains being
stopped up and causing lots of damage, both to our own units and to those who might
be below us.
The recommendation is to have your air-conditioning service company check the following three things that will reduce the possibility of drainage overflows.
A running A/C unit condenses a lot of water as it cools the air. The condensate drain
pipes are old and of small diameter. As a result they are prone to have a buildup of algae that clogs them. If the drain is clogged, this water has no place to go and it overflows on to the floor. If there is a unit below you, the water may drain through to that
unit and may cause damage there.
Every A/C unit should have a drain line - generally white plastic – connected somewhere
near the middle of the unit (see drawing below). This drain line connects to a similar line
that drains outside to a safe discharge point.
Current Code requires that there be a drain pan installed below the A/C unit. This drain
pan must have either it’s own drain, connected to the main drain, or an electrical switch
that cuts the A/C off if the pan fills. Please have someone check to see if you’re A/C has
one of these safety devices. The electrical switch is preferred because it works if the
overflow drain is clogged.
It is recommended that one cup of Clorox be poured into the drain at least
once or twice a month during the A/C season. This helps clean out the algae and
helps keep the drain open. The A/C code does not require the A/C installer to provide an
access pipe for the Clorox to be added to the drain. YOU MUST REQUEST this access
when the A/C is installed. If you do not have this pipe access, have your A/C serviceman
install it. It’s a simple install. The sketch below shows how it should look.
www.crossscreek-atlanta.com
September 2012
REMINDERS FROM THE BOARD
Car washing is NEVER allowed at Cross Creek to help control our water bill.
You are responsible for your own security at all times while on Cross Creek
CONDO or REC properties. The Association cannot and does not provide security for the residents of Cross Creek.
Our Master Liability insurance policy has a $15,000 per unit Deductible for water
and/or sewer damage. Damages less than $15,000 should be covered by your unit
owners insurance policy. Your unit owners policy should include Loss Assessment
coverage equal to the $15,000 per unit Deductible for water and/or sewer
damage. The first $15,000 of water and/or sewer damage is the unit owners
responsibility. The Deductible assigned back to unit owners for fire and extended
coverage is $5,000. Please consult your insurance agent about your coverage.
Never flush anything down your toilet except toilet paper, preferably single ply.
Never put cooking grease or cooking oil down your kitchen sink or disposal. Your
cooperation is appreciated by your neighbors and the Association.
PLEASE SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO
[email protected]
THE MANAGEMENT OFFICE SENDS OUT
REGULAR NEWS BLASTS TO THEIR EMAIL LIST.
THIS IS A MAJOR WAY WE INFORM
RESIDENTS OF IMPORTANT ISSUES.
THEREFORE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU
SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
AND LET YOUR NEIGHBOR
KNOW ABOUT THIS TOO.
BE INFORMED!!
Disclaimer:
The following are paid advertisements and do not carry the endorsement of the
Cross Creek Condominium Association, Inc. , Board of Directors or its Management.
www.crossscreek-atlanta.com
Cross Creek Voice
State Board Licensed
Heating & Air Conditioning
(770) 466-7383
$
79.9
SUM
5
ME
A/C R SP
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CH
ECK CIAL:
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Sales & Service • Replacements
Call (770) 466-7383
References Available
From Cross Creek Residents
www.energyheating.com
HOUSEKEEPING
Home and Office
Basic or detailed cleaning
Spring cleaning (anytime of the year)
licensed, insured, and bonded
Please call for quote
BUD’S CLEANING SERVICE
Steve Thompson, Owner
Phone: (404)861-0679
Cross Creek References Available
www.budcleaningservice.com
www.crossscreek-atlanta.com
September 2012
CROSS CREEK FITNESS CENTER IS
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
HOLT HOME IMPROVEMENT
BY:
Total Fitness Training LLC!
Get in Shape for the New Year
For Membership Information and Training
Call Trudy at
404-803-0530
email: [email protected]
CURTIS BOONEY
Licensed Master Plumber
404-876-5708
Serving Intown Atlanta
For Over 20 Years
Cross Creek References Available!
Performing All Your Remodeling Needs:
Kitchens: Design & Install
Baths: Design & Install
Painting: Interior & Exterior
Drywall: Repair & Install
Flooring: Hardwood & Tile
Carpentry Work
All Home Repairs & Maintenance
Free Estimates * Insured *
25 Years Experience
No Job Is Too BIG or Too small
Ken Holt, Owner
404-246-1045
Cross Creek References Available
Combined Services, Inc.
404-373-4100
FLOODED?
No Job too BIG or too small
Call Chastain ChemDry
24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week
For Water Extraction
and Dry-Out Services
Heating/Air – We repair all makes and models.
Plumbing – Water Heater replacement. Faucets, Sinks,
and Toilets.
Electrical
Panel Box replacements. Light Fixtures,
Fans. New Circuits.
–
404-351-7071
www.chastaincd.com
Present this AD for 5% Discount when you are Billed!
Expert Carpet &
Upholstery Cleaning
Christine Lavoisier-Van Meter
Same Day Service
404-351-7071
Serving Cross Creek for 17 years
PIANO INSTRUCTION FOR ADULTS & SENIORS
FREE TRIAL SESSION
And it’s right here,
in Cross Creek!
Website: www.ChristineVanMeter.net
Telephone: (678) 575-9554
Email: [email protected]
Our highly trained service professionals use the
power of Hot Carbonation for a deep and healthy clean.
You can trust our powerful Carpet Cleaning equipment
and proprietary cleaning solutions to offer the cleanest
clean, the driest dry, and the safest process available
anywhere!
www.crossscreek-atlanta.com
www.chastaincd.com
Cross Creek Voice
LAMAR SMITH. GENERAL
CONTRACTING SERVICES
Specializing in any home repairs and improvements - plumbing, electrical, water heaters,
painting, problem solving and renovations. 27
years experience. References available. Ask for:
Lamar Smith
404-583-1003
SUNSHINE WINDOWS
Hand wash windows, pressure washing. Free
estimates. 100’s of Cross Creek references.
Licensed, bonded, Insured.
770-422-7405.
I. M. HOME PAINTING & REPAIRS
Expert, reliable, honest. I paint, tile, install everything from lighting to cabinetry and then
some. Can fix anything and have lots of Cross
Creek clientele to back it up.
Call now and ask for Ron
770-985-1158
LUTZ CLEANERS
Only Eco Friendly, Organic Dry Cleaners in the
Neighborhood – All Work Now Done on
Premises – Accepting All Credit Cards – Same
Day Service On Request – Best Customer Service in the Neighborhood
Open: M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm
www.lutzcleaners.com
404-351-8344
TAYLOR APPLIANCE
SERVICE.
Service, sales and installation on most major
American brand appliances. Credit cards accepted. For service,
Contact Mark Taylor
404-872-7751
AVON PRODUCTS
I am a new representative for AVON and live
in Cross Creek. AVON is not just make-up
anymore. We also have jewelry, clothing, men’s
products and items for kids. To place an order
or for more information, call or email me or
you can purchase online 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week at my website: www.youravon.com/
msmith3956 Margie Smith
Telephone: 404-603-9565
Email: [email protected]
404-758-1101
LESLIE DUNLAP
®
REALTOR
(404) 504-0773 DIRECT
(404) 694-5980 CELL
(404) 262-1658 FAX
[email protected]
Follow Me on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/dunlaphomes
Resident of Cross Creek
www.ColdwellBankerAtlanta.com/LeslieDunlap
owned and operated by NRT LLC.
WE DO EVERYTHING ELECTRIC!
I’m also available should you need a personal assistant or if
you need someone to run errands. Fees based on service.
www.crossscreek-atlanta.com
September 2012
Website:
www.atlantashandyman.com
Cross Creek Condominium Assn., Inc.
404.351.7600 (phone) 404.351.8686 (fax)
[email protected]
1221 Cross Creek Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30327
www.crosscreek-atlanta.com
Ad Rates for The Voice
Linear Ads
35 words - $15
Business Hours
Mon-Wed 9am-5pm; Thurs 9am-6pm; Fri 8am-4pm
After hours emergencies Call the office number
404.351.7600 and the message center will page on-call
Maintenance staff for Maintenance emergencies Only. For
all non-maintenance emergencies, call 911.
Gate: Front Gate Attendant. 404.351.2266
Management Office Staff
Paul Hensey, Interim Property Manager
[email protected]
Donna Guton, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Lindsay Cole, Front Office Coordinator
[email protected]
Display Ads
Full page - $325
Half-page - $150
Quarter-page - $60
Eighth-page (business card) - $35
For More Information call:
Annie Smith @ 404.735.4223
Or email @ [email protected]
Maintenance Staff
Gerald Gay, Condo Maintenance Supervisor
Charles Lowe, Condo Maintenance Technician
Don Page, Condo Maintenance Technician
Nate Edmondson, Condo Maintenance Technician
Steve LaFleur, Golf Maintenance Supervisor
Carl Brown, Golf Maintenance Technician
Jimmy Nichols, Golf Maintenance Technician
Ricky Nichols, Golf Maintenance Technician
Note: The Voice is published monthly. If you have
time-sensitive material, please discuss this with
Annie before you place your Ad.
We appreciate your business!
www.crossscreek-atlanta.com
Time Sensitive Material
Please Expedite Delivery
Cross Creek Condominium
Association, Inc.
1221 Cross Creek Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30327
404.351.7600 (phone)
404.351.8686 (fax)
[email protected]
Cross Creek Condo Assoc., Inc.
Committee & Board Meetings*
Meeting
September October
November
Buildings & Wednesday
Grounds
Sept 19th
6:30 PM
Wednesday
Oct 24th
6:30 PM
Wednesday
Nov 21st
6:30 PM
Community Wednesday
Affairs
Sept 12th
7 PM @ LaRue
Pool House
Wednesday
Oct 10th
7 PM @ LaRue
Pool House
Wednesday
Nov 14th
7 PM @ LaRue
Pool House
Finance
Tuesday
Sept 25th
6:00 PM
Tuesday
Oct 30th
6:00 PM
Tuesday
Nov 27th
6:00 PM
Board of
Directors
Wednesday
Sept 26th
6:30 PM
Wednesday
Oct 31st
6:30 PM
Wednesday
Nov 28th
6:30 PM
* There may be changes in dates or times, especially around the
Holidays. If dates or times are changed, it will be noted on the
Marquee.
Everyone is welcome at
meetings of the Cross Creek
Community Association!
Come see what is going on at Cross
Creek. Attend the Board and Committee Meetings. Suggestions are
always welcome.