The Link Spring 2023

The Link

David Uhlman President Monterey Country Club Homeowners Association

Assessments… the life blood of your Association

As you are aware, the start of every new year marks the start of another budget and expense year at every HOA community.

The payments collected from homeowners to cover expenses in the Association are known as assessment fees, or dues. Because HOA assessments are vital to the overall health of the Association, members are responsible for paying assessments in a timely manner. These funds are the only income available to communities like Monterey.

We rely on all homeowners to pay in full and on time to have enough money to fund the various projects, amenities and utilities that your association is responsible for. If even one homeowner doesn’t pay their dues, our income falls short which means our “operating cash” may have a shortfall which could threaten the financial integrity or the entire community. Not only is it unfair to the majority of the homeowners who pay in a timely manner, but if income shortfall is severe enough, it could necessitate drastic actions to correct the shortfall, such as special assessments. Some homeowners would like to deduct the cost of facilities they don’t use or want to use, or to withhold payment due to a grievance of some sort. But as dues are tied directly to the annual budget expenses for the entire community, this isn’t permitted or possible.

I think we all understand that there is a benefit to living in a common interest community and paying the HOA dues that are required. Things we have as a result include the ability to use and enjoy community amenities that you may not be able to purchase and maintain on your own, like swimming pools. But they also include things like trash removal, street cleaning and repair, maintenance and many other items that you would be paying for directly or to a government entity if you were living in a singlefamily home.

Many people consider HOA dues an unnecessary expense, but, as I’m sure you can see, they are very necessary to enhance both a desired lifestyle and to keep your community clean, safe, beautiful and financially stable, which in turn helps protect your property values.

Now, I’m going to turn the rest of this article over to Trish Forte’ for examples of items that are important to maintain through assessments. Her column is on the following page.

Monterey Country Club Homeowners Association

275 Avenida Del Sol

Palm Desert, CA 92260

Office: (760) 346-9778

Fax: (760) 568-9558

Hours of Operation: 8:00AM to 4:30PM M-F

Emergency / After Hours

Phone Numbers

North Gate* (760) 568-2832

South Gate (760) 346-1515

Text to Report Maintenance Issues: (760) 459-5794

dwellingLIVE website: https://community.dwellinglive.com

The Link

Published Quarterly by the Communications Committee of the Monterey Country Club Homeowners Association

Publisher Dave Uhlman

President MCCHOA

Editor/Writer: Lynne Velling

Contributing

Writers: Bruce Aboudara

David Bangsund

Marcia Erickson

Cheryl Campbell-Hutter

Christine Gessner-Easton

Shirley Gibson

Adam Jasick

Rick Johnson

Jan McEvoy

Mary Nelson

Jan Tanaka

Production: J. Brent Dunn

Ad Sales: thelinkadsales@gmail.com

Printing: Crown Connect

Cover Photo:Brendan Mathews

Isabel Deutsch

Country Club Homeowners Assn.

As Dave just discussed on the previous page, there are many things that make up the budget of a community such as Monterey. There are over 87 line items on our annual budget for income and expense, but I’m going to highlight just a few. And, by the way, our community’s budget is nearly $10M per year.

Insurance – property and liability

Associations must purchase a Master Insurance Policy. This policy protects the exterior of your building and the common structures like our HOA offices against damage from fire and earthquakes. Other riders and add-ons are required by our community’s location, property type and other needs. Remember, this insurance does not replace the need to carry your own homeowner’s policy on the interior of your unit, but ensures that all owners are covered equally relative to the association as a whole.

Items included that you don’t have to pay for directly

When you think about the monthly fee that you pay each month, take time to look at the breakdown that is provided each year with your annual budget that outlines what that fee covers ‒ trash pick-up, cable TV and internet, pest control, street cleaning, and gardening services to name just a few. And yes, the cost of payroll for a management company to administrate all the things that go on in our community.

By contrast, in single family home communities, homeowners in California report spending on average, approximately $2,676 annually on basic maintenance and repair costs. However, a major repair, such as roof repair or replacement will significantly increase that figure. In an HOA community, the reserve fund portion of your monthly dues help to cover these costs. Cable TV and internet costs are over $600 per year.

Most items in our budget are based on what the costs are we pay to the companies providing those services, such as pool maintenance or gardening. Others, such as gas and electric, can only be adjusted based on information from the provider and for the rate of inflation with a “best guess” scenario, depending on what the economy is doing at any given time.

Reserve Funds

Centerfold

Photo: Lynne Ladd

To remain fiscally sound, HOAs like ours direct a portion of your monthly assessment to a special

Continued on page 13

David McGuffin, PGA

General Manager

Monterey Country Club

Can you believe we’re already in the third month of 2023?! Our Spring Bocce league is well under way and our Sports Director Adam Jasick and his staff have been busy with tennis and pickleball lessons, leagues and tournaments. The Golf Operations crew worked through the January rains to repair the damage to the wash area and to make the course as playable as possible. By the time you’re reading this, we hope the greens are back to their beautiful condition. We have many entertainment, dinners and golf events still left this season:

March 11 - Dinner and entertainment by Daniele Alexander

March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Buffet (sold out last year, make reservations early!)

March 19-22 - Pink Week Fundraiser, MCC’s annual benefit for Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF)

March 24 - Chinese Buffet Dinner

March 25 - Pro-Member Challenge Day 1

March 26 - Pro-Member Challenge Day 2

April 9 - Easter Brunch

April 22 - An evening with keyboardist Mario Rossi with dinner.

May 6 - Season Finale - Luau

I did not forget about Bingo nights, however, with the flux of changes in the golf association events, at the time of press, we do not have specific dates for Bingo. Watch for upcoming dates in the weekly blog.

Please remember to check the weekly blog at https://member.montereycc.com/home for details on upcoming events. If you are not receiving the blog blast every Saturday, please reach out to our receptionist, Letty, at (760) 568-9311 ext. 4, to have your name included on the email list.

Thank you for your support this season! Chef Nick and our Food and Beverage Manager Lyle have been working hard to ensure great food and service!

Monterey Country Club

41 500 Monterey Avenue

Palm Desert, CA 92260

Office: (760) 568-9311

FAX: (760) 568-5261

Pro Shop: (760) 346-1115

Reception/Club Hours

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM —5:00 PM

Saturday 9:00 AM —1:00 PM

www.montereycc.com

Mike Feeney PGA Head Professional

Jeff Lester PGA 1st Asst Golf Pro

Kelly Jensen PGA Asst Golf Pro

Ruben Work Asst Golf Pro

Juan Martinez Golf Shop/Outside Services

Jesse Candelas Outside Supervisor

Adrian Ramirez Outside Services

Daniel Cronk Outside Services/Golf Shop

Sinai Gallo Outside Services

Christian Cuaderno Outside Services

Driving Range Hours

Monday-Sunday 6:30 AM —4:30 PM

Closed Thursday 9:00 AM —12:30 PM

Golf Shop Hours

Jun 1–Nov 66:30 PM —12:00 PM

Nov 7-Apr 166:30 AM —5:00 PM

Apr 16-May 316:30 AM —3:00 PM

Patio Grill Hours

Nov 8-May 317:00 AM —2:00 PM

Jun 1-Nov 156:30 AM —1:00 PM

Lounge Hours

Nov 1-May 319:00 AM —4:00 PM

Jun 1-Oct 319:00 AM —2:00 PM

Sports and Recreation Center

Court Times: (760) 346-0679

Nov 1 - May 31

Weekdays 7:00 AM —7:30 PM

Weekends 7:00 AM —4:00 PM

Jun 1 - Oct 31

Weekdays 7:00 AM —12:00 PM 4:30 PM —7:30 PM

Weekends 7:00 AM —12:00 PM

HOA COMMITTEE REPORTS:

ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE

• The Committee continues to review owners plans for home improvements.

• We refine the existing Guidelines to clarify and simplify rules and submissions.

• We make every attempt to speed up the review and approval process.

FACILITIES COMMITTEE

• We have secured the contracts for the projects for this year. Prices across the board have gone up, but we will continue to meet our goals and objectives.The roofing project will include ten buildings this year and the owners have been notified of the projected dates.

• We will be starting a new multi-year project this year to properly repair or replace all of the roads in our community. The dates and roads for this year will be announced once the schedule has been finalized.

• We are looking for a few individuals who are interested in serving on the Facilities Committee.We meet once a month and will be reviewing and scheduling all of this year’s projects.

LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE

• As of Spring 2023, we have updated our accepted list of plants that can be used in the HOA landscape. Please visit the HOA portal to view the list or e-mail Adriana Garcia at the HOA to get the list.

• We are continuing to drought-proof areas of landscape and minimize water run-off around the property.

• Berm removal projects have been approved for 2023. Each year we take a different section of Monterey to remove berms in-between the units that can be hazardous because of standing water.

• In 2022 we had 57 approved Landscape applications and processed 3,139 work orders.

COMMUNITY WATCH COMMITTEE

• Wash & trash enclosure cameras installed to aid in security and compliance.

• Bougainvillea was added to South side perimeter wall to enhance security.

• San Remo/Las Lomas restrooms were wired for internet and prepped for installation of cameras to monitor perimeter wall.

122,640 HOURS

5,110 DAYS 728 WEEKS 14 AMAZING YEARS

1 TEAM OF TRUE PROFESSIONALS®

For over 30 years, Mary Nelson shared her thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams with the Fargo-Moorhead, ND community. Delightfully Contrary is a collection of writings by Mary that weave memories, humor, insight and empathy into short stories that earned her international recognition. She was widowed in 2011 and since 2012 Mary has spent winters at MCC. She has lived in same unit on Villegas Way since 2013–her home away from home! Here is an excerpt from Delightfully Contrary

Written on August 6, 1998

Some events over the past [ ] months have made me reflect on what’s really important in life. I wish I could say that these thoughts are original with me. I should be so creative! They were first penned by Kelly D. Caron, and I feel they are worth sharing.

More than that, they are worth making part of our creed as human beings. I am striving to do just that.

“Hold on to faith: it is the source of believing that all things are possible. It is the fiber and strength of a confident soul.

“Hold on to hope: it banishes doubt and enables attitudes to be positive and cheerful.

“Hold on to trust: it is at the core of fruitful relationships that are secure and content.

Garage Sale

“Hold on to love: it is life’s greatest gift of all, for it shares, cares, and gives meaning to life.

“Hold on to family and friends; they are the most important people in your life, and they make the world a better place. They are your roots and the beginnings that you grew from; they are the vine that has grown through time to nourish you, help you on your way, and always remain close by.

“Hold on to all that you are and all that you have learned, for these things are what make you unique. Don’t ignore what you believe is right and important; your heart has a way of speaking louder than your mind.

“Hold on to your dreams; achieve them diligently and honestly. Never take the easy way or surrender to deceit.”

TIME FOR A SPRING CLEAN!

Time to start cleaning out closets and garages for the 2nd Annual MCC Garage Sale on Saturday, April 15 from 9:00 AM – 12 Noon. Last year there were over 60 homes, and everyone enjoyed finding new treasures while meeting their neighbors. If you are interested in participating, please email your name, address and phone number to: Laura Marie, lauramariehomes@gmail.com, 213-840-5353.

See you in the driveway!

Checking Gas Meters to Be Sure They Can Be Shut Off in An Emergency

For some time now, we have been hearing that there is a problem with the shutoff valve on our gas meters. In an earthquake, this could be a serious matter because the shaking can cause an appliance to be dislodged and break the gas line. If that were to happen, the only way to stop the gas leak would be to shut off the line coming into the house.

The concern has been that the shut off valves have been painted over the years and there may be a buildup of paint. In talking to the gas company, we have learned that in most cases the paint buildup is not thick enough to cause a problem. Nevertheless, some of the shutoff valves are very hard or impossible to turn off. This is caused by the hardening of the packing around the valve which has occurred in the forty years since the gas meters were installed.

The Emergency Preparedness Committee has begun checking the shutoff valves in the community and has found that most of the valves do not pose a problem. We find that about 10% of the valves are either very stiff or are “frozen.” In those cases, we have informed the homeowner of the problem and told them to call the gas company to ask for a service call, which the gas company is more than happy to do.

Here are a few things you should know about how we are checking the valves:

1.We have divided MCC into 13 Areas for emergency planning. We are checking shutoff valves in one area at a time.

2.We will notify the residents of the area when we are scheduling a check.

3.We only check the valves on meters where the homeowner has asked us to do so.

4.When we check a valve, we only move it ¼”. We do not shut off the gas to the house. The people checking the valves are trained beforehand to make sure they do it appropriately.

A few more things to know about gas meter shut off:

•After an earthquake, you should not shut off your gas line unless you smell gas in the house. If you do, you will have to wait for the gas company to come out and turn it back on, and that will take weeks following an earthquake.

•The Monterey Country Club HOA has a supply of shutoff wrenches for anyone who wants to have one. Many people attach the wrench to their gas meter with a zip tie, which comes with the wrench.

EPC Committee Volunteer Opportunities

The Emergency Preparedness Committee is looking for neighbors who are interested in helping us out.

Radio Communications. During an emergency we utilize a system of radios to communicate with the various trained volunteers in the field. We need someone with experience in maintaining and programming radios and training volunteers in how to use them.

Search and Rescue. If you have had Search and Rescue training or CERT training, we invite you to join our Search and Rescue team.

Volunteer Management. In the event of an Earthquake or other emergency, the Emergency Preparedness plan assumes that many residents will be “spontaneous volunteers” assisting with all aspects of our emergency response. We need trained volunteers to recruit, interview, organize and manage these volunteers.

Pet Care. Following an earthquake, we assume there will be numerous lost pets that need to be gathered and cared for until their owners come to find them. We need volunteers trained to manage our Pet Care center.

If you are interested in helping out or have any questions please contact:

David Bangsund at epc@montereyhoaboard.com or Jean E.Carey at jeanecarey@me.com

BE BRIGHT! STAY SAFE in the DARK

Wear something bright – clothing or reflector – or carry a flashlight when you’re out walking in the dark. You will be more VISIBLE and help yourself as well as drivers who don’t want to miss seeing you.

The MCC Sports Center Update

By Adam Jasick, MCC Sports Director

The Sports Center is in full swing, and we are excited to share the new vision for our facilities and programs within the Monterey Country Club community. The Sports Center staff is committed to offering the finest instructional clinics and programming, social events and competitive opportunities, and to continuously improve our facilities. There have been many steps taken already in 2023 towards each of these goals. Instructional programming includes tennis stroke-of-the week clinics, as well as weekly doubles tactical drills. Multiple pickleball clinics are offered weekly for every level of player, creating the opportunity to learn strategies as you improve your game. MCC has hosted social exchanges with other clubs in pickleball and bocce, with more to come. On the social side, the “Swing into 2023 Round Robin and Social” is scheduled.

For the competitors in our community, we have huge (and growing) bocce leagues, three Desert Pickleball League teams, and 2 USTA Tennis League teams. In addition to the ever-exciting Bocce League playoffs, Tennis and Pickleball Club Championships have made a long overdue re-appearance on the 2023 sports calendar.

The final component to executing our new vision are improvements to your club facilities, with many projects

already completed. These undertakings include every area of the facility, including resurfacing pickleball courts 9-12, replacing missing and damaged nets on the tennis and pickleball courts, and additional furniture for the bocce court and the Sports Center patio. In the Fitness Center, rollers, bands, kneeling pads and medicine balls have added/replaced. The equipment manufacturer conducted a full-service maintenance visit, making repairs as necessary, ensuring that all equipment is in good working condition.

division this year. Trish Forte’, the HOA manager, and Adriana Garcia, Landscape Coordinator, took the initiative to look for water run-off in the streets, especially where there was pooling. They have replaced quite a few areas with drips as opposed to sprinklers, and then added rock or artificial turf. These areas look a lot nicer and we are not wasting water.

Water conservation is a huge topic right now. We are always looking for ways to improve our usage. We recently revised our guidelines to include the usage of artificial turf in designated common areas. We also have changed the HOA guidelines to include the use of any licensed landscape contractor to implement your common area renovation. Check with our HOA landscape coordinator Adriana at the HOA office, 760346-9778, first to ensure that this modification has been adopted at the time you submit your application. There are rules and guidelines that go along with this change.

Again, the goal of the Sports Center is to create opportunities for everyone to participate in whatever manner suits you best. If you have any questions, comments or just want to come by and say “hello,” your Sports Center staff is here for your health, fitness and fun!

Welcome to Spring and Seasonal Landscaping

By Christine Gessner-Easton, HOA Board Landscape Chair

By now Spring buds are coming out in and around our residences. It is a welcome sight as Spring is on its way and our landscape is enjoying warmer temperatures. A few projects have been taken on by the HOA landscape

We are currently looking at our approved plant list. This is a list of plants, trees, ground cover, shrubs and vines that residents are allowed to plant. Because the valley is getting hotter and hotter, some of these plants are dying off. We are looking for more heat tolerant ones to plant. You can find this plant list on the Monterey HOA portal. It is attached to the Landscape application. If you have any questions about a plant or the application process for common area renovation, contact Adriana. Desertscape can be just as colorful as regular landscape. It is all about your design.

Happy Spring everyone!

Men’s Golf Club News

By Bruce Aboudara, President

We have had a very successful first three months of the season which has included a significant number of new events, particularly our Saturday additions to the traditional Back Tee game, despite the flooding of the wash and just general challenging weather. We started the year with fourteen new members and an overall membership of 180. We also support an Associate Membership where we provide Handicap Services for non-Monterey Men’s Golf Association members.

After kicking off with our traditional opening cocktail party followed by a one-day tournament, we conducted nine more events. These included the Presidents Cup and Club Championship, along with guest days and lots of opportunities to play competitive formats with the Saturday Back Tee Game, Saturday Play Days, Thursday Ryder Cup, a Member-Member Tournament and Thursday Nine Hole Play Days. The Board has worked very hard to create a schedule of events that can appeal to a large cross-section of our membership by providing a variety of formats and schedules.

As we close the season out in April and May, we have a lot more to look forward to with ten additional events. This period includes preparing for our annual invitational golf tournament, the Monterey Shootout 2023. This three-day tournament is the premier event of the season and serves to showcase our club and community to many outsiders. We receive significant sponsorships from local businesses and expect a field of 100 members and guests this year.

Our annual Board elections will be held in April where we will welcome three new members. Board Members serve for a three-year term with no limits on the number of times you

may be on the board. It is a great opportunity to become involved in our Association, help guide the events and bring in new ideas and approaches. So, if you have an interest and want to contribute to the growth and health of our Association, feel free to self-nominate or contact Gilbert Matossian, gmsunset57@gmail.com, the Nominations Committee Chair.

We wrap up in May with our Finale and the Memorial Day Member-Member. The Finale is always a fun, eclectic format event that is great fun. Our Memorial Day Tournament caps off the season with an eye to recognizing our veterans and honoring service members who have died in military service to the nation. Like last year, we will have the Desert Hot Springs Junior Marine ROTC present the colors with a playing of our national anthem. The holiday has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers.

As I end my term as President of the MGA, I want to thank all our Board for their tremendous support and effort in making the past two years a very successful one for our

membership. I also must thank Mike Feeney, the entire Golf Operations staff and Lyle Calvin of Food and Beverage for all their efforts in making sure our events ran smoothly and provided a quality experience.

MCC EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM

This program provides disaster preparedness education and training for the residents of Monterey CC. If you would like information or are interested in working on the committee. Please contact: David Bangsund, (503) 866-6130 or epc@montereyhoaboard.com

Getting To Know Your Neighbors: Patrice Wright

By Lynne Velling

Have you ever known someone whose favorite color is Orange? If not, just visit Patrice Wright and enter her living room ..... orange carpet, big orange painting on the wall, orange pillows and maybe more!

Patrice found herself looking for some work a few years back. She dove into an online Medical Interpreter Program and now not only works in this field, but works for the company who provided that program! She remarked that she’s learned a lot about health and is very gratified to be able to serve others who so appreciate the Spanish interpreter services she provides.

mother, “My mom is almost blind. I take care of her. We play cards everyday because she loves it and doesn’t like to go out. She prefers to be home.” Fortunately, Patrice is able to see all the family in California, Mexico and Canada, so keeps her passport alive and active.

Self-identifed as a Mexican-Canadian-American (a “NAFTA girl,” she laughed), Patrice is one of the happiest, most loving and grateful persons and American citizens you could ever meet! She “loves, loves, loves” being here in the MCC community. It’s changed her life, she said, being so involved with and cared about by others. That wasn’t always the case, she says, having moved here as a renter initially from Palm Springs where she lived for twenty years with Byron Wright, her loving husband, now deceased.

They lived there part-time, as he was Canadian, from Vancouver. Patrice and Byron, a commercial fisherman who loved to cook, gourmet chef, she says, enjoyed golf, travel, family and coming south part of the year. But she longed for more connection after his passing. She found a rental at MCC, a community she said was so friendly when she moved here, and before long, it became a home transformed from a rental.

Known as Patricia in Mexico City, she married young and had a baby girl and a son three years later. She described that time as one where she was so involved with kids and family, she missed out on some things young women pre-20 do to explore life. That marriage eventually ended when he passed away. Among other jobs she took on - real estate, mobile home sales, appraiser, secretary - Patricia being quite entrepreneurial, like her mother, owned her own beauty shop as well as a restaurant at one time. Her mother, Soledad (95), lives with Patrice now.

Maybe she is making up for lost time now, Patrice mused, describing how she loves to go, go, go and explore and experience like she never did in younger years. Her son Luis, a cybernetics engineer, has his own family now, with four grandchildren Patrice loves to visit family near Sacramento. Luis has a sister of whom Patricia is really proud, Lore (Lorena), a graphic designer. She and her wife Kristi, a nurse, live near Yosemite, and love adventure, just as Patrice does. In fact, all three of them went to New Zealand two years ago, with the younger women doing the Ironman, Patrice assured me. She was so excited for them, and loved what she experienced “down under.” Patricia shared more about her

You might hear Patrice’s warm laugh or see her on the pickleball courts, in the Clubhouse with the Putters, raising money for Pink Week, at parties.... and a lot of other places, including the Eisenhower Neuro-Science and Spinal Institute nearby where she works. One thing for sure, not much dust settles under her feet because, as she told me, she “never says ‘no’”!

90 Seconds

That’s the longest you will wait for the lights to change on Monterey at either MCC gate. Seems longer, we know.

Violation fine if caught running the light:

$480

Introducing Adam Jasick, Sports Director at MCC

By Cheryl Campbell-Hutter

Last November, Monterey CC welcomed our new Sports Director, Adam Jasick. He has wasted no time in elevating our sports programs to a higher level. With an extensive background as an athlete and now in the sports business, he is focused on developing the MCC programming in Tennis, Pickleball, Bocce and the Fitness Center.

Adam and his wife Reagan spend their summer seasons in the Catskills of New York, about two hours north of NYC. Here, he is the Athletics Director at Onteora Club, where he also owns the Golf and Tennis shops, providing staff, programming and events for tennis, golf, pool and the lake facilities. Once bitten by the tennis bug, Adam jumped in with both feet. While still in high school, he started his first business to teach tennis clinics to children at a public park. It was here that he recognized that his contagious enthusiasm, along with his passion for tennis, increased students’ interest and participation. However, after three years, Adam sold the program, enabling him to focus on playing college tennis at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI.

After obtaining a B.S. in Pedagogy, the study of how knowledge and skills are imparted in an educational context, with a minor in Human Physiology, Adam began working at one of the top tennis training academies in the world, Van Der Meer (VDM) Tennis Academy on Hilton Head Island. Adam traveled extensively with top international junior players and professionals to tournaments and worked as part of the team organizing their training. While at Van Der Meer,

Adam worked with numerous top 10 players in the world, including three world #1 junior players. During his time at VDM, he was taken under legendary coach Dennis Van der Meer’s mentoring and was honored to present clinics, camps, presentations and speaking engagements with him. Adam was proud to be present at Dennis’ International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction in 2021.

Moving into private club coaching in 2004, Adam has been the Director at award winning facilities from Genesys Athletic Club (Grand Blanc, MI), USTA Midwest Facility of the Year, Miller Tennis Center (Williamsville, NY), USTA Top 50 Tennis Welcome Center and the PTR Pride Award given to a facility that has supported and facilitated its staff to achieve the highest standards of education in the coaching industry.

Adam is highly sought after as a Coach-Developer and consultant. He has been a Professional Tennis Registry Clinician and Tester, a member of the Wilson Global Speakers Team, Tennis Industry Association Master Trainer, and has presented/spoken/consulted in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Europe. His variety of positions and involvement in the tennis world has enabled him to travel to 49 states and 45 countries.

Because of his personality and emceeing skill set, Adam has been on the mic for events at the US Open Tennis Championships in NYC and the Pickleball Nationals at Indian Wells Tennis Garden (IWTG). He has also organized numerous events for Wilson, USTA, JP Morgan, among others, working with Legends including Roger Federer, Billie Jean King, Bob and Mike Bryan, Tracy Austin, Victoria Azerenka, Madison Keys, Gael Monfils and James Blake. He has also worked with legendary coaches Nick Bollettieri and Robert Lansdorp.

Originally from Whitehall, MI, Adam moved to California in 2008 to work on the management team of the IWTG and the BNP Paribas Open. He founded the IWTG Junior Tennis Academy, the largest in the Coachella Valley, and managed the tournament’s ball kids program. Adam was executive director of the National Junior Tennis and Learning chapter, offering 5,500 underprivileged children in the Coachella Valley weekly tennis and life skills training at school and after school, as well as organizing programs at Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center and multiple CV reservations in the area.

When it comes to pickleball, Adam organized the first International Pickleball Coaches Conference. He has been a speaker/presenter, played in Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) International Pickleball Championships, finishing 4th in the Open Division. He has served a Tournament Director for The Lakes Spring Fling tournament, the largest tournament in Southern California before Nationals came to IWTG, He also emceed the Championship Court at Nationals at IWTG this year! When he started playing pickleball in high school in Michigan, it was a unit in his PE curriculum. Adam has been teaching pickleball for over a decade and enjoys getting new players involved in the game!

In 2017, Adam founded Future Champions Foundation (IRS 501.c.3 Organization), planning, building and operating a public primary school in the north of Togo in West Africa. The school is currently in year three of operations and functions day-to-day because of the generous donors that continue to support this educational non-profit.

With his background in development, he is excited to be here at MCC to lead the way in building a sports program that our entire membership can enjoy and be proud of. Adam and his wife Reagan live in La Quinta with their two rescued dogs, Layla and Little Hubert.

An Ode to Bocce Team Names

By Jan McEvoy

Bocce ball is a very popular activity at Monterey CC and has been a growing entity since 2018. We currently have 36 teams (that’s a whopping 315 players) playing in our Monterey Bocce league. Each team has their own unique and clever name. Below is a quirky little ode to very fun and creative team names. It stands for the enthusiasm and joy that bocce brings to each team individually and to our club as a whole.

Monterey bocce is here to stay

Chewbocce and Goombas are ready to play

Piasanos and Primo wait in the queue

While Bada Bing and the Rat Pack ready their crew

The Bocce Squad is in the zones

To take on Just Us and The Bowling Stones

But don’t be fooled by the Olive Crushers

They will run you over like a team of mushers

While Courting Disaster is quite uncertain

Meatballs and Bocce Vino are only aflirtin’

But Mission Imbocceball is rolling the dice

As High Rollers and Team Amici vie for a price

Bocce Brigade enters like Rolling Thunder

We’re Here for Beer and don’t you blunder

Or the Bocce Burglars will raid your court

Son of a Bocce - we’ll settle for port!

8 Is Enough, Bella-Bocce declares

As Bocce Balboa runs for the stairs

You’ll hurt yourself, my Bocce Mi Amore

La Dolce Vita, if you don’t slow down

I’ll call in the Gladiators to take you down

Andiamo & Fireballs are the craze

But Bocce Versace will be fashions next phase

And Nothing to Botch About is on their game

Though you’d never know it by their funny name.

Bocce Newies is really a name

And they strive to belong to the bocce hall of fame

Then there’s Bocce Paisanos & Reckless Rollers

And La Bocce Vita & Rolling Stones bowlers

Those are the team names for Monterey’s Bocce Ball

Created by the captains and their team members all.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this ode to all of bocce’s team names. If you have an interest in playing with our league, please contact us at mccbocce@gmail.com. A golf membership or sports membership is required to be eligible.

Trish

Continued from page 4

long-term reserve account to cover planned and budgeted renovations or repairs that do not occur on a regular basis, such as repairing roads, re-plastering pools or re-roofing buildings. If the reserve fund is not large enough or not contributed to consistently, then the need to consider special assessments to make up the shortfall becomes apparent. It is why most HOAs like ours, use a Reserve Specialist to review the reserve budget all on a yearly basis. That individual reviews the life expectancy of major items and projects what the cost for replacement will be so that the money needed will be available when those items need replacement.

So, when you look at the monthly payment booklet and get ready to write your check, please think about our community’s annual income and expense. It’s always available to you in the HOA portal. With everything the Association is responsible for and what you get in return for your assessment payments, you may be pleasantly surprised!

This publication is owned by and is the official publication of Monterey Country Club Association. It is provided to property owners as an informational media. All advertisements are paid for and do not represent endorsements and/or recommendations by the Association.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

We all like our beautiful Monterey Country Club to be maintained well. If you see something broken or damaged while driving or walking the property, please

TEXT: (760) 459-5794 to report it. Thank you!

Monterey Country Club Association has sole discretion in regards to the content of this publication and reserves the right to reject any advertisement. Questions and comments should be addressed to the Administration office at (760) 346-9778.

Women’s Golf News

By Shirley Gibson, President, MCCLGA

Spring has sprung, and we have had a busy start to 2023!

Our December Guest Day, “WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG,” was a tremendous success. All participants had a great time with prizes for the lightest and heaviest bag, a marshmallow drive and other fun events putting everyone in the holiday spirit. A huge “Thank You” to the committee for a fun Guest Day.

January started with a great Member/ Member followed by another Guest Day at the end of the month. The January rain could not stop our great turn out for both events. We headed into February with our three-day President’s Cup tournament followed by a fabulous Dos Dias, the first week of March. Everyone got into the Hoedown with dancing, cocktails, putting contest, fun pictures and many more events. A big “Thank You” to the committee planning such a successful Guest Day! Going forward we have our Club Championship starting on March 14th, then another Member/Member and Guest Day in April.

We are so excited to welcome new members to our Ladies Club this year! One of our new members, Barbara Competello, tells us “I have played at so many clubs all over the valley and everyone I talk to has said the MCC Ladies are the friendliest and they loved playing with them.” This made her want to check out MCC and moved here to join our LGA. We are very happy to have her and all of our new members.

We would like to give a big shout out to our Monterey Ladies Fall Team.

This year they joined the Century Desert League. On January 16 the overall winners were announced for the season 2022-2023.

1st Low net went to Monterey Country Club! Congratulations go out to all 25 team members!

Any ladies that are Full Golf Members of MCC are eligible to join our ladies club, and we would love to have you. Please reach out to our Membership Chairperson, Gretchen Hanson at gretchenh50@gmail.com She will be more than happy to sign you up.

Lastly I would like to introduce our Board of Directors for 2023, in the photo below: (L to R) Susan Mayle, Gretchen Hanson, Elaine Thompson, Shirley Gibson, Bonnie Boals, Judy Embury, Linda Cook, Marj Okey, Linda Jarrendt.

to change or evolve. After years of minimalism, homeowners are turning toward warmer colors, fabrics and wallcoverings. So, what’s new for home décor in 2023? Based on some of the latest interior decorating information, here we go.

Greens and other Warm Neutrals. Colors come in two ranges: warm and cool. Warmer colors are stealing the moment away from grays and pure whites. Gold and avocado green colors were all the rage in the 60’s and 70’s. They changed stark white kitchen appliances by making fall colors like oranges, tans and brown very popular. If you like the clean look of white and gray, but want trendier colors, try cream and beige or other earth tones instead.

Real Estate in the Valley

By Rick Johnson Trends and Decorating Updates for 2023

Some Home Decorating Trends

Make a Comeback. Sooner or later, all interior design trends seem

Texture seems to be in demand. Texture gives neutral colors like beige, stone, and grays more of a “pop.” A suggestion to a more glamorous look can also be accomplished with gold or shiny metallic centerpieces or jewel tones, such as amber or emerald green. Today’s wallpaper is peel and stick, thankfully, unlike wallpaper in the past. Consider mirrors with gold or silver speckles. Or a touch of luxurious fabric or grasscloth wallpaper on surfaces. And not to forget, fancy crystal chandeliers, maybe even in the bathroom. Consider plaster with a designed pattern that can add depth to colors before painting. You can also achieve a similar look with special paint finishes. Murals and larger prints give unique personality, texture, and color. All this brings back memories, I’ll bet!

Rick Johnson – Realtor DRE# 02080479

Niner’s News

By Jan Tanaka, President

After the hustle bustle of the Holidays, it was so wonderful to begin the new year in beautiful Palm Desert. We had sunshine, blue skies and the occasional car swept down the wash in flash floods. (It does keep things interesting!) Despite the chilly mornings, the Niners were back on the course in full force. Even the frost delays could not keep us from our appointed rounds. And the ladies who lunch were packing the lounge on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Once again, we capped off last year with our annual Couples Tournament Fundraiser for the Desert Hot Springs ROTC. We raised more than $5000 and collected 100 plus coats, jackets and sweaters for their families.

Our season opener in November was a wonderful tribute to Shirley Spork, LPGA founder and longtime MCC 9er. Shirley passed away last spring, but not before she knew the opener would honor her with all of us dressing in green and yellow, her favorite colors, and sporting a diverse assortment of ducks, her favorite animal. Kathi

Rocovitz, Shirley’s assistant,

traveling companion and very close friend, secured donations from Shirley’s family and the LPGA which made it a splendid tournament indeed.

Following a two-year interruption due to Covid apprehensions, we Niners were overjoyed to have started up our off-campus explorations again. We have long awaited the resumption of our field trips where we get to enjoy new experiences and camaraderie off the golf course. Our first trip this year was a foray to the Palm Desert Historical Society with lunch at the Back Street Bistro. The response was so positive, we filled up one docentled tour and had to add a second.

Next up was an expedition to a “taste of Palm Springs” in February. We enjoyed a guided tour of downtown Palm Springs with historical anecdotes and stopped at several local spots for food, wine and cocktail tasting. Many thanks go out to Linda Lovig and Carol Maloney for all their efforts putting these trips together. We are looking forward to several more before summer starts.

The theme of our member/member tournament in January was “Where in the World…”. People saw quite a few Waldos out on the links on January 17 and 20 which was a two-day eclectic. Regrettably, we had to cancel the planned Horserace due to the constant flooding of the wash. Three days of it ultimately buried the aforementioned car and washed out or compromised

bridges on the west and south courses. Limited course availability meant the cancellation of several groups, and the LGA and some of the men’s skins games were very accommodating and gave us the chance to play our first round.

We were delighted to be able to finally have our Member/Guest tournament again this February after two years of suspension because of Covid protocols. The format was a scramble on February 3. We invited our favorite non-niners, primarily our 18er friends, as our guests, but were again able to have some friends from outside of MCC alongside us in our carts as well.

Despite all the disruption Covid has caused over the past two years, we hope it is mostly behind us, and we remain a very close and convivial group of women looking forward to a wonderful Spring here at Monterey.

Homeowner’s Gate Access Reminder

During this and the upcoming months, our community will welcome many visitors and renters. Homeowners are reminded to list your guests with the gates by using the Dwelling Live app on your phone or computer, or by calling a gate. Doing this will provide your guests with faster access when they arrive. If you are still using Gate Key, it has been deactivated and Dwelling Live has taken its place.

Please remember! All homeowners are required to advise the HOA of all renters, short or long term. Any guest staying for more than one night is given a flyer with some of our basic rules and regulations.

With the arrival of Spring, the 14thAnnual Pink Week festivities return to Monterey Country Club March 19efitforDesertCancerFoundation(DCF),alocalnon-profitorganizationdedicatedtohelpingpayforcancerc of financial assistance. In 2022, the Monterey community raised $65,000, and over the past 14 years, MCC residents charity, which translates to over $2 million of services to those in need. Fundraising events will be held over

BOCCE ON THE FAIRWAY, Sunday, March 19th, kicks off 2023 Pink Week. Teams of four will compete on the fairway adjacent to the Clubhouse. Close to 130 residents participated last year; don’t be left out!

YAPPY HOUR Monday, March 20, residents and their pets are invited to participate in the inaugural Yappy Hour from 4-6 PM at the Gazebo. Wine, beer, puppatizers and dog cookies will be served.

TENNIS and PICKLEBALL players will challenge their skills in two tournaments tennis on Monday, March 21, and pickleball on Tuesday, March 22.Combined, the two events raised over $9,000, with over 95 participants last year.

GOLF AND LUNCH takes place on Wednesday, March 22, with 9-hole and 18hole tee times available to all golfers, including tier and non-golf members. Included with golf is a complementary lunch from 11 AM-1:30 PM.

CLOSING CELEBRATION PARTY wraps up the festivities for Pink Week 2023 on Wednesday March 22. The party includes food, drinks, fun activities, and dancing, with the highlights of the evening being the announcement of the Raffle and Silent Auction winners and the announcement of the total amount raised for the Desert Cancer Foundation in 2023.

Beginning March 15, you can buy a seat at an event or party with one of the Pink Week PARTY BOARDS. In 2022, Party Board events included: wine tasting, cooking classes, pickleball and golf lessons, steak and salmon dinners, wine and flower arranging, and glow bocce. Each Party Board has a set number of spaces, with a fixed price per seat.

March 15 is also the starting date to place a bid on AUCTION items. Golf for four at various local country clubs, local flight in a private plane, a hotel stay at a luxury beach resort, and a case of wine, are among the marvelous auction items previously offered.

Everyone can purchase tickets to win one of the RAFFLE BASKETS loaded with golf items, jewelry, clothing and dinner gift certificates.

Announcement of the winners of the Party Boards, Auction and Raffle will take place during the Closing Celebration Party on Wednesday March 22.

Access the 2023 Pink Week website for more information, registration forms, party board sign-up and to bid on auctions items at https://mcc-pinkweek.golfgenius.com/

19-22, 2023.Pink Week is MCC’s annual benrcareforCoachellaValley residents in need residents have raised o ver $200,000 for the four days —will we top $65,000 this year?

Calendar of 2023 Pink Week Events

Wednesday, March 1

Registration Opens for Bocce, Tennis and Pickle Ball

Monday, March 15Silent Auction and Party Boards Open

Sunday, March 19 Bocce on the Fairway

Monday, March 20Tennis Tournament, Pet Yappy Hour

Tuesday, March 21Pickleball Tournament

Wednesday, March 22 Golf Event

Auction and Party Board sign-ups conclude Closing Celebration Party and Raffle Drawing

Pay Tribute to a Loved One Who Has Experienced Cancer by Buying a Tee Box Sign

In 2018, when Pink Day became a community-wide event, it was centered around golf, with 61 people donating to have a Tee Box sign made in honor of someone who had been affected by cancer.

In 2020, Bill and Lynne Ladd stepped up to enthusiastically take on the task of promoting, creating, and producing the Tee Box Signs. That was the first year of COVID and, after preparing all the tribute placards, the golf day had to be canceled. Not to be deterred, the Ladds marshalled a crew to place the signs along Gran Via and Avenida Del Sol. Many residents slowed their cars to view the long line of signs given in memory, support or honor of a relative or friend affected by cancer.

The popularity of Tee Box signs has grown exponentially since 2018. Last year, 115 signs were displayed on the MCC boulevards, on a chosen tee box or near the Pro Shop. Over the years, Tee Box signs have raised over $17,000 in support of DCF!

The goal this year is to sell 130 signs. Please consider who you know that has been affected by cancer and reserve a Tee Box sign in their honor. Pick up the Tee Box registration forms at the Golf Shop, at the Receptionist

desk or download the form from the 2023 Pink Week website: https://mcc-pinkweek.golfgenius.com.

Want to Contribute?

If you would like to write an article, or suggest an article for future publications, please send an email to The Link at:

communications@montereyhoaboard.com

Complete the form and, along with $25 cash or check payable to Desert Cancer Foundation, turn it in to the Golf Pro Shop, Receptionist or deliver to Bill and Lynne Ladd, 202 Castellana S, Phone: Bill: 310-9918354 Lynne: 760-636-6175.

Take a Hike!

Rising abruptly from the desert floor, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument reaches an elevation of 10,834 feet. Providing a picturesque backdrop to local communities, visitors can enjoy magnificent palm oases, snow-capped mountains, a national scenic trail, and wilderness areas. Its extensive backcountry can be accessed via trails from both the Coachella Valley and the alpine village of Idyllwild.

Jointly managed by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service, the Monument’s boundary encompasses about 280,000 acres, including public lands within the BLM’s California Desert Conservation Area and the San Jacinto Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest. The Monument includes two Federal wilderness areas -- the Santa Rosa and the San Jacinto.

The Monument was established by an Act of Congress on October 24, 2000, “in order to preserve the nationally significant biological, cultural, recreational, geological, educational, and scientific values found in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains” (Public Law 106-351). Establishment of the Monument reflects the vision of local citizens and national leaders to ensure this special landscape is protected for all time.

Details:

Starting on January 30, 2023 the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center is reopening to five days a week, Thursday through Monday. The visitor center is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and hours of operation remain the same from 8:30 A.M. - 4 P.M.

BLM-managed public lands are currently open for dispersed recreation.

While there are no plans to restrict dispersed recreation activities in the area at this time, we strongly advise following the current recommendations of public health officials. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. To learn more about the do’s and don’ts for dispersed camping please visit: www.blm.gov/camping

Desert-Friendly Plants for the Coachella Valley

Use this information to help select landscape plants that grow successfully in California’s low desert region. In the Coachella Valley, up to 80 percent of residential water is used to irrigate landscapes, so growing water-conserving plants goes a long way in saving water.

Succulents

Succulents are among the best plants for providing a desert sense of place. Like cacti, because of their sharp thorns and spines, locate them with their mature size in mind. The sculptural qualities of succulents are unmatched, and the incredible variety of their shapes and sizes make them a designer’s dream.

Cacti

Cacti are the headsabove favorites as water misers. Use them to add an explanation point in a design; many also produce incredible flowers. Thorns of many cacti make them excellent security barriers, but these same thorns require that you locate cacti carefully, away from outdoor areas and walkways

There are many others.

Check the Coachella Valley Water District website: https://www. cvwd.org/ from which this has been extracted to share.

Holidays in Spring!

March 17th - St. Patrick’s Day

Originally, this Irish holiday commemorated the death of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. It has evolved to aworldwidecelebration of Irish culture, and the color green. In Chicago, the city celebrates by dyeing the entire river green!

April 1st - April Fools’ Day

This primarily Western tradition involves playing pranks throughout the day, although each country hasits own customs.

April 12th - Easter

Easter, for Christians, is a sacred holiday. However, it has become a popular secular holiday as well.

Easter gift baskets are generally filled with eggs, bunny-shaped treats, stuffed animals, chocolates, jelly beans, and other small gifts.

April 8-16th - Passover

This holiday is steeped in tradition and symbolism. While not a holiday for gift-giving, those planning to host a Seder meal with friends and family display new dishware, a tablecloth, or an intricate platter for a seder plate.

May 1st - May Day

In many countries, May Day symbolizes the beginning of Spring and warm weather, and it’s marked by gifting or decorating with flowers. Many cities host May Day festivals that include dancing, food, and bonfires.

Holidays

Continued on next page

The Monterey Cup 2023

By Jan McEvoy

Twelve years ago, three members of Monterey Country Club had the idea to create a golf competition between residents of the East Course vs residents of the West Course vs residents of the South Course. Back then the competition also included Monterey Golf members who lived off campus. There were four teams in competition.

The founders wanted the event to resemble that of the infamous Ryder Cup. The competition would take place over three days: the first day would consist of two 9-hole alternate shot matches for the men and for the women; the second day would consist of two 9-hole better ball matches for the men and for the women; the third and final day would be one 18-hole singles match for the men and for the women. Other details included setting up comfort stations placed strategically within the three courses where the golfers could stop for a beverage during their match, and an organized celebratory luncheon on the last day of competition where the Monterey Cup would be handed off to the winning team. All the details were ironed out and The Monterey Cup was born!

The Monterey Cup has evolved over the years, and now it is simply the east vs west vs south and any members who live off campus are incorporated into one of the teams. Only full golf members with a valid handicap are eligible to play in the Monterey Cup. This year’s Cup will be held over the weekend of April 21, 22 and 23. If you wish to play and you haven’t heard from your captain, you may sign up in the Pro Shop or contact the captain of the team from the course where you reside as follows:

East – Jan and Mike McEvoy janmike7@hotmail.com

West – Bill and Lynne Ladd bladd02@ao.com

South – Dean and Susan Wartelle dwartelle@dc.rr.com

Holidays

Continued from previous page

May 4th - Star Wars Day

May the fourth be with you! This fan-tastic holiday is celebrated by Star Wars aficionados around the globe. While some may throw Star Wars-themed parties, many use this day as an opportunity to display and share Star Wars memorabilia, costumes, and clothing.

May 5th - Cinco De Mayo

Although only Mexicans in the providence of Puebla celebrate this holiday, it has gained popularity within the United States where it’s often celebrated with a fiesta, toasting with margaritas!

May 10th - Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day in the United States arrives on the second Sunday in May. Sons and daughters often give greeting cards, candy, flowers, perfumes, clothes, accessories, and novelty items for their moms and grandmothers.

ALL FULL GOLF MEMBERS INVITED

12th Annual Monterey Cup

April 21, 22, and 23, 2023

East vs South vs West

This is a fun tournament that creates friendly golf competition between Teams generated from the EAST, SOUTH, WEST and OFF CAMPUS Full Golf Members.

Match Play Competition based on a Ryder Cup Format. Check with the Pro Shop for more information.

Photo Contest

The staff of The Link, and we know you readers as well, just love good photos! We’ve received photos from a number of homeowners for past issues, and NOW, we’ve decided to encourage your future submissions with a CONTEST! We look forward to seeing all the variety you come up with for issues to come. Be a Winner and send in your photos! Details below.

ANNOUNCING ….. The LINK PHOTO CONTEST

Homeowners of Monterey Country Club are invited to submit photos in our first photo contest!

Subjects:

People, places, nature shots, animals, and more in the Coachella Velley

Format:

.jpg, high resolution

Send to: montereypictures4thelink@gmail.com

Submit photos by: Saturday April 15th

PRIZES!!!

1ST Prize: $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant

2nd Prize: $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant

3rd Prize: $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant

Winners will be determined by a judges’ panel determined by the Link staff.

**All photos submitted will become property of the MCC HOA Link magazine.

Committee Volunteer Opportunities

This year, 2020-2021, the Emergency Preparedness Committee will be reviewing and updating the way it helps our community to prepare for and respond to an emergency such as an earthquake. We are looking for neighbors who are interested in helping us out.

Community Organizing. Each year we need to reach out to new residents to let them know about our Emergency Plans and how they should plan for and react to an emergency. If you are willing to reach out to your neighbors about this aspect of our community, you would be a big help.

Emergency Planning. MCC has the good fortune to have a number of residents with experience in public safety and emergency planning. Your experience could be very useful as we look for ways to update and improve our emergency plans.

Search and Rescue. If you have had Search and Rescue training or CERT training, we would like you to help us train others and/or participate with one of our Search and Rescue teams. Writers. We could use some folks with technical writing experience as well as writers for public relations/ newsletters.

If you are interested in helping out or have any questions please contact: David Bangsund at epc@montereyhoaboard.com or Jean E. Carey at jeanecarey@me.com

Welcome to Monterey Country Club New Homeowners!

Your Welcome Packet will fill you in on many aspects of living here. Looking for a club or group to join and you don’t see it mentioned in the Packet? Check with the HOA office or the Club itself to see what’s possible something you may want to create.

Life With Lilly

By Lilly, with help from her owner Marcia Erickson

All kinds of new adventures come with Spring: new things to sniff, new grass to roll on, new birds to watch and always new comings and goings in the neighborhood which can be most curious especially for people who have never lived in a gated community before. Mom says it’s not nice to stare, but I happened to be blessed with a strategically placed bush on our golf course patio that perfectly conceals me while giving me excellent visual access to everything that’s going on in the neighborhood. Oh, I wish I could continue on this subject, I have so much juicy stuff to share with you but, let’s face it, I could never get it pass the Censor, Mom.

Meanwhile I do have some exciting news. I’m learning to ride in a golf cart! I have noticed so many of my kind who get taken on rides so my Dad finally broke down and took me for a spin. That’s the good news. The bad news is that I had to ride in the middle between the folks, not on the outside where a dog of my size, maturity and intelligence belongs. That’s not the worst. Even we quadrupeds (not a biological description) have to take a written test before they can drive.

Now, by coincidence, my Mom has been preparing to take a written test to renew her driver’s license and after seeing what she was going, though I decided I wanted to remain a passenger. To make it brief, she had to make three trips to the local DMV office before she was finished. The first time she was turned away because she hadn’t made an advance appointment and the wait time would have been two hours,

making it past the office’s closing time. (Sounds like the wait time to get an Alaska flight to Portland or Seattle.) The second time she had made an appointment but was ten minutes late for the appointment so that time was scrubbed. The third time she was well prepared. She arrived almost an hour early and was ready to spend the night, loaded down with food, a pillow and enough electronic devices to find her way to Dubai and back but, most important of all, a copy of the Vehicle Code which she had spent the last two weeks memorizing. Things were not going well at home when it was discovered that on her way out, she had accidentally picked up our remote for the TV, but that’s another story. The third time the glitch came when she went to the DMV window to get her “real ID.” Since the name on her birth certificate did not agree with the name on her current driver’s license, marriage certificate or passport she was turned down. Honest, I am NOT kidding. Check with Boo, a very bright Wheaten Terrier who was sharing space under the dinner table with me and heard the whole conversation. The final blow: SHE DIDN’T HAVE TO TAKE THE WRITTEN TEST!!!! Do you know how many walks, play times and golf cart rides I missed because she had to study the Vehicle Code? And that’s why I’m don’t want to learn to drive.

Enough of life’s foolish problems when there are so many good things happening all around us. Play parks for dogs are becoming very popular. They are places to hang out, sort of like the corner tavern is for people, only the parks are segregated by size ‒ big dogs and little dogs. If by chance you don’t know

which park you belong in, don’t worry, you’ll find out the minute you walk in. Several “small” dog friends told me in their play park most of the small dogs sat on the laps of their folks who were seated in folding camp chairs each person brought. This way they could all chat while the dogs played. Soon the folks got very friendly and, since the dogs didn’t play much, they started leaving the dogs at home and all went out to dinner together, probably at the corner tavern!

Cheerio for now and a joyous bowwow.

WHY ADVERTISE in The LINK?

If you own a business or know of a local business that our community should be aware of – service or otherwise – that business will be in our publication for at least three months with one advertisement! Advertisers’ benefits include:

•Great Coverage – The LINK is sent to every one of our 1205 homeowners.

• Great Value – Rates for ads in The LINK are amazingly reasonable, especially with more than one

•Quarterly purchase!

•Great Product – The LINK is a high quality production, coffee table display magazine.

It’s great to have for easy reference when you need a service, business contact!

Advertise With Us!

For rates and all details, contact

thelinkadsales@gmail.com

Remove Coyote Attractants

• Eliminate accessible water sources.

• Keep compost in secure containers.

• Take out trash the morning pick up is scheduled.

• Keep landscaping trimmed to eliminate hiding places for coyotes or other wildlife.

• Keep fruit off of the ground. Coyotes eat fruit.

If You Encounter a Coyote

Pet Safety

• Feed pets inside.

• Don't leave food or pets outside at night.

• Always keep your dog in sight and on a leash shorter than 6 ft.

• Do not allow pets to roam without a leash (including your backyard), especially at night.

• Refrain from allowing your pet to interact with a coyote in any way.

• Stand your ground, maintain eye contact, and do not run or turn your back.

• Don't attempt to scare away the coyote, if you think the coyote is sick or injured.

• Wave your arms, a stick or jacket over your head; jump up and down, yell, or throw objects in the direction, but not directty at the coyote

• If you try to scare away the coyote, allow room for the coyote(s) to escape.

Submitting Photographs Submitting Photographs to The Link

We can all agree that the MCC is a beautiful place, with photo ops everywhere. We are encouraging everyone to share your MCC community pictures with The Link! When submitting a photo:

When submitting photographs from your phone or camera for inclusion it The Link, you may be asked for the size (resolution). Always select the largest file. See below:

JPEG is the preferred format. If pictures are in other formats, conversion is not guaranteed If the photo is for a contest, please include your name, email address and type of camera

If the photo submitted is for a cover of The Link, it must be in portrait format—not landscape.

By submitting photographs, you are giving The Link permission to use them; however, they will not be used or sold for any commercial purposes other than to share with MCC residents. There is no guarantee that your photos will be published, but they will be safely stored for future use.

Email your photos in .jpeg and high resolution format to: montereypictures4thelink@gmail.com.

Where Did You Link UP?

Bruce and Carol Bentley and Mike and Jennifer Elliott Polany, Hungary

Brent Dunn Wailea, Maui

Dale & Carol Fleming and Mark and Sue Ann Cross Kauai,

Christine & Carl Easton Sydney, Australia

Monterey Country Club Guest Information

Provided to all guests staying for more than one night.

Feel free to enjoy our clubhouse food and beverage services.

Enjoy walking and biking or walking pets on our roads.

Enjoy our 37 pool/spa areas during posted hours of 6am-11pm.

Please be aware of the following rules of conduct:

•Speed limit: 25 mph. Obey posted traffic signs.

•Street parking is permitted overnight. Do not park in red curb areas, in front of mailboxes or fire hydrants. Do not park facing traffic.

•Do not walk, ride bikes or scooters, drive private golf carts, play or walk dogs on the golf course or cart paths. This is primarily for your safety and your family’s safety. The course is privately owned and is for registered golfers only.

•Do not enter the lakes on the golf course. The lakes contain pumps and equipment that can be dangerous.

•Dogs are not allowed in pools or pool areas per State & County ordinances.

•Please be respectful of your neighbors and keep noise to socially acceptable levels.

•Trash removal is each Monday. Place receptacles at the curb on Sunday and remove them by Monday evening.

•All trash must be inside the grey (recycle) or burgundy (wet trash) bins.