Spring/Summer 2020
MAY BOARD ELECTION
The annual meeting of the Bear Paw Property Owners Association (BPPOA) on May 23, 2020 has been cancelled. However, the election of Directors will take place using an email and mail-in voting format.
A separate email will be sent out on May 16 ,2020 detailing the election process as well as a USPS letter to those who have requested it.
Four (4) Directors will be elected at this meeting. One spot is to replace Al Snaider who has completed his second term. Three current Board members, Jerry Pazzella, Lydia Kennedy, and David Black will be running for a second term. Two property owners, Terry Miller and John Poltrock have asked that their names be on the ballot. If you are interested in running for a position on the Board, please contact Dennis or Emily at the office (828) 644-0808 by May 15, 2020
Did you know…
BPSD gets money from our taxes to maintain the clubhouse, pool, tennis court, roads, guards, and office staff. BPPOAgets no funding and puts together Community functions thru donations from property owners and fundraisers.
CAC (Community Action Committee)is a group of volunteer property owners who put together the functions for property owners to enjoy.Bear Paw Live! Is a group of volunteer property owners who have come together to arrange entertainment and is funded by ticket sales only, it makes no profit. BP Ladies Auxiliaryare property owners (women) who have come together to enjoy each other’s company with monthly luncheons. We have an annual Garage sale and use the profits to purchase various items needed in Bear Paw and make donations in the community. All Bear Paw Property Owners are encouraged to participate.
For information on the Governor’s PHASE IN Corvid 19 Plan go to:Covid19.ncdhhs.gov
Thank You Staff
A special thank you goes out to all the guards, Claude, and Jamie. The guards and Emily for all your efforts during the Winter season. Rain, snow, cold, accidents, power outages, hunters, and “the ordinary” tasks at hand were again handled superbly; I appreciate all you do, Dennis
2020 BEAR PAW LIVE!
It is time to mark your calendar and make plans now to be in Bear Paw for the exciting 8th season of Bear Paw Live! Because of the support and encouragement of so many of you, BPL! has grown from what many thought was an unrealistic dream to the exciting reality of providing first class entertainment for the residents and guests of Bear Paw. We think this summer may be our best yet as we continue to push our limits and raise the quality of our entertainment. We hope you agree.
AT THE PAVILION – 8:00 PM
Mark your Calendars and Cross your Fingers
JUNE 27 MICHAEL HUGHLETT
AUGUST 1 KAYLA TAYLOR JAZZ TRIO
SEPTEMBER 5 BABY GRAY AND JIMMY GILLIS
NOTE:WE WILL MAKE A DECISION ON HOLDING THE JUNE 27TH CONCERT AFTER THE GOVENOR’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON MAY 22ND REGARDING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND THE ASSEMBLING OF LARGE GROUPS. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ARE TOO MANY UNKNOWNS AT THIS TIME TO MAKE ANY FINAL DECISIONS ON THE SEASON. PLEASE “BEAR” WITH US AND WATCH FOR AN EMAIL AND/OR CHECK THE BEAR PAW WEBSITE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. THANKS FOR YOUR NDERSTANDING. PLEASE STAY SAFE!
A SEASON OF COMMUNITY FUN COMING YOUR WAY
Your Community Action Committee (CAC) has put together plans for another season of fun for all at Bear Paw. We had great attendance at our community events last year but too many of you are still missing out on the fun. There is a calendar of events in this issue below. Comeback to the web (bearpawnc.com) for updates.
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
As we are all aware, the Corvid situation has temporarily closed various government entities, made travel difficult and made business dealing more complex. In short while the March board meeting was postponed due to the concerns outlined above, the election of Board members will take place on May 23, 2020 using a new format. Since meeting as a group for now is temporarily on hold, this decision was made after consulting with the Cherokee County Clerk and a close reading of our By-Laws, specifically Article 3, Section 9, Alternative Method of Voting.
On July 3, 2020 BPSD Board will have its 2020-2021 Budget Hearing at 9:00 am and its regular meeting on July 17, 2020 at 9:00 am.
Finally, I wanted to extend a few words about our Manager, Dennis Strand. Dennis has been a unifying, stabilizing force during this exceptional time handling his duties as well as Emily’s during her absence over the past several weeks. His direct and fiduciary care of Bear Paw, his counsel and level insights have been invaluable and deeply appreciated.
Please let me know if you have any questions, we look forward to seeing you when this is all over.
Sincerely,
David P. Marion
President, BPPOA
Chairman, BPSD
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Manager’s Report: May 2020, Dennis Strand
COVID 19 Developments: As you may be aware the Governor has announced PHASE I of his plan to reopen the State of North Carolina. It will take effect on Friday, May 8, 2020 and will affect the residents of the Bear Paw community (BPSD, Cottages, Condominiums) as follows:
Safe Distancing (at least 6 feet) continues
Gathering in groups of less than 10 must continue
The Clubhouse will remain closed other than during the time
the Office is staffed with access only through the main pavilion door
As far as use of BPSD amenities, the Children’s Playground, Tennis and Basketball Courts and Volleyball area WILL REMAIN CLOSED. The BPSD Pool, regulated by Cherokee County, will also remain CLOSED.
Phase II will take affect 2-3 weeks from May 8, 2020 and is expected to address additional openings of commercial establishments, recreational facility’s, and places of worship but with increased group size allowances.
Phase II will take affect 6-8 weeks after Phase II and is expected to outline overall opening of the State.
If you have any questions or desire additional information do not hesitate to call me. Thank you.
Pool The pool continues to be closed for the season. No tentative date(s) for County inspections are being established due to Corvid-19. Given future developments the pool may have an abbreviated open season or may not be open dependent upon the County and continued Corvid 19 restrictions.
New HomeConstruction One new home currently underconstructionon Highland. One new construction due to Corvid 19 issues.
Other Construction / Zoning A deck replacement and extension, siding, and renovation projects (2) approved over the past 3 months.
SecurityNo changes or concerns nut a special thank you to JC, Kevin, and Dorothy for their handling of some difficult incidents/situations over the winter months. Due to a problem with the heating unit in the guard house in late Winter a replacement was done during the Winter.
Trees: Guards continue to require all commercial tree cutters entering BPSD report to the Office prior to going to the property to assure their knowledge of BPSD restrictions as well as to check on approval having been given to the homeowner(s). Homeowners are reminded that any tree other than a pine requires approval from my office prior to cutting.
Clubhouse: Replacement of the new HVAC system in the early Fall has resulted in very significant reduction is our monthly heating costs. Continued reductions are anticipated with our upcoming AC costs.
Roads: A Culvert cleaning will be undertaken in May-June. White striping will be done in MAY.
Tennis Court: A new bench is expected in May-JunPlayground: Additional piece of equipment
(Discovery Backyard multi-unit) to be erected in mid-late MAY or early JUNE.
Other: Due to weather issues landscaping and floral/shrub planting began in the past week and is expected to be complete by early to mid-May.
PROJECTS AND EXPECTED MAINTENANCE
ISSUES SPRING/SUMMER 2020
1. Landscaping: The juniper along the wall behind the clubhouse (dead and dying) has been pulled up and Cedar Rail Fencing will be installed for safety measures sue to the drop off created by its removal. MAY
•Cutting back of Annual Bushes and Shrubs COMPLETE
•Planting to be initiated behind Clubhouse, Postal Boxes, Guard House,
2. Power Washing:
•Pavilion Floor MAY
•Clubhouse Walls & Clubhouse Parking Area (rear) MAY-JUNE
•Pool Deck and Related Concrete Areas MAY-JUNE
3. Painting:
•Paint Interior and Exterior Rafters and Roof in the PavilionMAY-JUNE
•Maintenance Shack COMPLETED
•Benches and Tables in common areas and pavilion MAY-JUNE
4. Pool
•Replace Remaining Old Chaise Loungers at the Pool (8) JUNE-JULY
Installation of handrails on the steps from pavilion to pool COMPLETED
5.Roads:
• Re-Striping of White Lines on Village Where Needed MAY-JUNE
Culvert digging and clean outs on Sleepy Hollow, Whispering Pine, Big Bass, Broken Arrow and Cove Drive COMPLETED
7.Tennis Court:
• Power washing MAY-JUNE
• Additional Bench and power washing JUNE
8. Additional Mailbox Cluster Unit (16 individual addresses) JUNE
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THIS NEWSLETTER IS PAID FOR BY BPPOA. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF $5 ARE APPRECIATED.
Stay Informed! Go to: bearpawnc.com
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More things to do for the summer of 2020
“Adopt a Garden”
Calling on all you green and brown thumbs! There is a program called “Adopt a Garden” that relies on volunteers to adopt a garden here in Bear Paw and maintain it. Involve friends, grandkids or do it yourself, while creating something beautiful you can be proud of.
This program is financially supported by the BPLA (Bear Paw Ladies Auxiliary), so there should be no cost for gardeners. Interested? Please contact Rena via text at (404)-255-7473; she will be coordinating the program.
2020 BEAR PAW SUMMER CLUBHOUSE WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend
Sweet summertime in the“Paw”
BEAR PAW Service District Office 828-644-0808 Open 8 am to 5pm Mon-Fri
YOGA FREE BP CLUBHOUSE UP STAIRS MON., WED., FRI. 8:30 TO 9:30 am
Stretch Yoga classes for men and women are lead by Elaine Ryan (239-218-7706)
When she is unavailable there is a DVD ready to play in the TV set with instructions.
You will improve your range of motion, balance and agility. Get fit, feel good!
LINE DANCING FREE BP CLUBHOUSE UP STAIRS Tues. & Fri. 10 am
Taught by Cheryl Dover (772-538- 8205) and Jan Merkie. You will get a cardio workout, enjoy the music and learn new dances. Come join in the fun.
Pickleball FREE UNDER THE PAVILLION Wed at 10 am
Set-up is required to play. Wednesday is a planned day to play but you may play other times as long as you coordinate with the office (644-0808). There are balls and rackettes available.
Men’s Card Night BP CLUBHOUSE DOWNSTAIRS Varies
This is a great time for the fellas to get together and have some fun. Toni 644-9584
Women’s Bridge BP CLUBHOUSE DOWNSTAIRS TBA
Clubhouse Facilities to Enjoy!
Available Weekly: Mon. thru Sun 8am to 10pm
Tennis : Pack-up your tennis racketts and balls and head to the tennis courts. You will need your pool key to unlock the gate. Please be curtious to others who want to play.
Pool : Pool Key issued to Bear Paw residents required
Swim at your own risk, there is no lifeguards so never leave children unattended. The pool opens Memorial Weekend and closes sometime after Labor Day as the weather cools.
Library : FREE BP CLUBHOUSE UP STAIRS "Take a book, leave a book". The Bear Paw Ladies Auxiliary has set up a free library. The books are organized alphabetically by author. If you want something new to read or have a book to donate please feel free to use the library. It is appreciated that if you donate or return books that you file them on the shelves properly. Please, no magazines.
WI-Fi FREE BP CLUBHOUSE and Pavillion
Connect to Wi-Fi easily at the clubhouse, no security code required. There are tables, chairs and comfy coaches upstairs in the clubhouse or you can use one of the picnic tables under the pavillion.
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BPLA
Bear Paw Ladies Auxiliary
The ladies of Bear Paw continue to work together to improve and add value to our community. All ladies welcomed. Please join us for our first luncheon meeting 11:30, June 18th at the Clubhouse.
More information contact; Tricia 644-0835
The BPLA, "ANNUAL GARAGE SALE"
Sat., July 18th from 8 to 12
Volunteer’s, our pricing day will be Friday July 17th, 3pm
We greatly appreciate all donations: Garage Sale Donations
Please DO NOT DONATE OR LEAVE
1. Old TV’s
2. Mattresses
3. Unsalable Items
4. Clothes
5. Things you want to get rid of that should be put in the trash.
Please DODROP OFF ITEMS WHEN THE OFFICE IS OPEN
so they can give the key to the storage area.
Office hours: Winter Mon thru Thurs.: 10am to 2pm
Summer Mon. thru Fri.: 8am to 4pm
The Bear Paw Ladies thank you for you donations and participation.
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BEAR PAW NEWSLETTER