Cypress Landing - Fall 2022 Newsletter

the landing

Chocowinitudes 16

What’s a Chocowinitude?

By: Tom McCluskey

A number of loyal readers (okay, both of them actually) of this “humor” column have enquired as to why it is called “Chocowinitudes”. As you might have deduced, the term is an artistically unlicensed combination of our mailing address of Chocowinity, NC whose name extremely loosely translated means “waters with many fish (and also vape shops)” -- and the Beatitudes from the Bible. You know the proverb-like quotes from Matthew and Luke’s gospels; the Sermon on the Mount (and the plain) starting with “Blessed are…?”

Chocowinity + Beatitudes = Chocowinitudes. Why, you ask? Or even if you didn’t and don’t care, the name came to me in a dream shortly after I spoke to the editors of The Landing at a Cypress Landing Volunteer night—where they bribe you with free beer tickets until you slap on the volunteer goggles and all of our 15 service committees look worthy, noble and appealing. So, on this one fateful night in 2018, I approached The Landing volunteer table with what little was left of my fistful of volunteer night beer tickets, earnestly complemented the editors on their fine and informative quarterly publication and offhandedly asked if they ever thought about including a humor column to occasionally lighten things up a bit. “Do you write?” I was asked. “Why yes I do” I replied, forgetting to clarify that most of my writing at the time was lengthy contract proposals or the occasional folksong. “Are you funny?” someone asked. “Yes” I replied, recalling that’s what all the girls in high school told me whenever I worked up the courage to ask them out on a date. “You’re so funny” they’d say—just before telling me I was “such a nice guy”. Being called a nice guy was the absolute kiss of death. Why is it all the cool girls in high school only wanted to date bad boys? But I digress. As you can see after all these

years, I am completely over all this. “Fine, you’ll start with our next issue.” The words brought me back to the present. Having concluded that rigorous interview process I remember then as now feeling so blessed to live in such a vibrant, friendly, and generous community that tries to live the Beatitudes: Blessed are those who work their whole lives to be able to live and celebrate with others, working not to show prejudice or bias; doing good deeds without expecting anything in return and showing kindness in everything they do. If the beauty of our surrounding waters and amenities were not enough, our community spirit (spirits?) and culture of volunteerism here are what really makes this place special.

Perhaps because of all those property tax breaks we are rumored to be receiving, Cypress Landing residents have been a foundational and driving force behind the Arts of the Pamlico and Turnage Theater renovations; the Beaufort County Community College Foundation, the Marion Shepard Cancer Center, the Chocowinity Dog Park, the Estuarium, our Butterfly Park and the recently established CLYC Community Fund. Add in women’s club donations to the Chocowinity Public Schools, Blue Hat construction and renovations, all our committee volunteers whose efforts help keep our HOA fees in check, Little Washington Sailing School sponsorships, Sound Rivers, Ruth’s House and even our pickleballers raising money for Chocowinity Fire and EMS, the list of donors and beneficiaries will not fit into this column’s space— at least without driving out room for what little passes as humor. Although the kids in Germany will always be kinder, even our teens have pitched in to help with parking and crowd control at large events. For them and all those who donate their time, life’s savings and talents—blessed are we…!

The Official Newsletter of the Cypress Landing Master Homeowners Association

The President’s Message

By: Chris Smith, President, CLMHOA

Outgoing President Dave Schmitt established the practice of providing our community with a monthly update of topics and issues that he viewed as important or noteworthy. It’s a practice I will continue, starting with an acknowledgement of Dave’s accomplishments over the past year.

Dave became HOA President at the outset of his second year on the Board. He embraced his responsibilities and guided us through the remainder of the pandemic with diligence, transparency and humor. Dave’s steady leadership helped the Board and the Community navigate controversy (pet policy); challenges (fitness lot paving, pool litigation); and important acti ons (engage Associati on Bridge, LLC for a vital review of our operations; initiate the search for a new golf course management firm to replace Casper/IGP; engage a new landscaping contractor). Please express your appreciation to Dave, who thankfully remains on the Board this year.

Gratitude is extended to Dave Waite and George Seigle, each of whom completed their terms on the Board; and a warm welcome is extended to their successors, Jackie Douglas and Gary Wagner, who you elected to three-year terms. The Board has elected Gary as its Vice President.

With COVID fading in our rearview mirror, our community has enthusiastically returned to socializing. A fun Dock of The Bay party on September 24th, organized by the Social Committee, was followed by a high-energy, well-attended Volunteer Night on the 28th that Catherine, Christy, and Tomi pulled together. Committee volunteers manned the tables, many of which were festi vely decorated. It is encouraging to see that volunteerism is alive and well!

On September 29th, we hosted a Town Hall meeting featuring Chocowinity Mayor James Mobley

and Kevin Brickhouse, Public Works Director. They addressed questions related to the increase in sewer and water bills. In short, the material and labor expenses related to providing water and sewer services have risen significantly. Additionally, a reserve fund has been established to cover the cost of lining our septic tanks, thus avoiding the far greater cost and disruption to replace them.

As a Board, we have our eye on present needs, while also focusing on the future. Hopefully, you’ve read the summary of Association Bridge’s operational assessment of our community, which is an early step in our strategic planning process. There is an article in this issue highlighting the key points observed by the assessment. The Board has created a prioritized action plan to address what it views as the report’s key operati ng issues and recommendati ons. On a related note, the Strategic Planning Committee will soon embark on the next phase of the Strategic Plan update. The Committee’s goal is to provide every resident with the opportunity to contribute to the Plan. We’ll keep you informed of all substantive activity related to operational improvements and development of the Strategic Plan.

It is an exciting time in Cypress Landing’s history. We continue to be a highly desirable Community with a healthy real estate market, constructi on of new homes, modest dues relative to our amenities and a strong cash position. Nearby Washington continues to blossom as does Greenville. Life is good in CL.

With that in mind, I have a request of you in the year ahead. Please assume good intent – of each other, our staff and the Board. Cypress Landing has been defi ned by its culture of caring and volunteerism. Let’s preserve that culture by acting with good intent and assuming that of each other.

© Cypress Landing Master Homeowners Association, 2022. All rights reserved.

cypress landing annual awards

The “Dick Buttner Award” is presented to an individual or individuals who have demonstrated a major volunteer commitment to CL over a sustained period of time. The recipients of this year’s award worked steadfastly. They removed wallpaper, they painted, they researched extensively for décor ideas and items, and worked tirelessly to buff up the dated look of one of our amenities. The recipients this year are the HGTV Cypress Landing Golf Clubhouse Renovation cast of: Carol Hornady and Kathryn Mariani

The “President’s Award” is given for the most significant achievement by an individual, or group, directly affecting the CL community during the calendar year of award.

The President’s Award this year goes to an individual who is described as the very heart and soul of the Golf Course Committee’s Budget & Finance Team. By combining his technical skills with a good sense of humor and pleasant demeanor, this gentleman has forged a much-improved relationship of trust and candor between the Golf Course Committee, the Office of Treasurer, the HOA Finance Committee, the Board and the Community. This year’s Presidents Award goes to Dick Puricelli!

The “Vice President’s Award” is presented for a major contribution to the Community by a committee or chairperson during the calendar year. The award this year is presented to the members of the Fitness Committee. This group not only kept the Fitness Center opened, but maintained it in excellent condition during the unprecedented repaving of the parking lot. The members of the committee kept the building accessible, safe and clean, the equipment sanitized and in perfect working condition, now and during the height of the pandemic

The Fitness Center is a focal point of the Cypress Landing Community. Many residents look forward every day to their visit to workout, meet friends, play ping pong

and fellowship with neighbors. The Fitness Center is by far one of our best amenities, and is even better because of the Fitness Committee’s efforts this year.

The “Good Citizen’s Award” is presented to a resident or family who loves the community and finds many ways to express this love without seeking recognition or compensation. This year’s award is presented to Bob and Jackie Douglass. They have lived here for only a few years but have found many ways in that short period of time to selflessly contribute to Cypress Landing and the surrounding Beaufort County community. Together they recently created the Cypress Landing Wine Club, which has been wildly successful with over 200 members. Jackie has chaired the social committee for the past two years and has worked tirelessly to plan and organize many social functions. Bob is a member of the Local and Regional Affairs Committee and the Environmental Committee, Together, they contribute their time and energy to supporting the local Turnage Theater, the Rotary Club, and Meals on Wheels.

The “Board of Director’s Award” is presented yearly for exceptional performance and major contribution to the Board and the community. This year’s recipient is the Pet Policy Task Force. The Pet Policy Task Force, composed of nine volunteers ,five residents that have dogs and four who do not have dogs, was tasked with developing a pet policy for the community.

The committee approached this task in multiple steps:

• First, they carefully reviewed state, county and municipality ordinances

• Then they met with officers at the Beaufort County Animal Control office to get a better understanding of the animal complaint process

• And finally they studied pet policies of similar HOAs in NC

With this information, they designed a survey to solicit the opinions of the residents. Armed with all of this information and after considerable spirited discussions, the committee developed a policy for the Community.

© Cypress Landing Master Homeowners Association, 2022. All rights reserved.

L-R: Carol Hornaday, Mara Grave (Board Member), Kathryn Mariani

L-R: Dick Puricelli, Chris Smith (Board Member)

L-R: Les Bragg, Donna Blagg, Tom Hemmings, Mark Stevens (Board Member), Not Pictured: Barbara Cadwallader, George Compston, Cindy Gould, Vince Napoli, Joe Pivar, Mike Runyon

L-R: Dave Schmidt (Board Member), Jackie Douglas, Bob Douglas

L-R: Gene Eakes, Lani LeFevre, Debbie Mitchell, Pat Piacenta. Fran Monaco, Robin Kenny, George Siegle (Board Member)

BEAUFORT COUNTY UPDATE

By: Commissioner John Rebholz

OPIOID SETTLEMENT STRATEGIES

The County Commissioner Board accepted the recommendation from the Health Department to use the Opioid Settlement funds to implement the recommendations of the Behavior Health Task Force. The following guidelines were recommended:

Peer Support Services to be provided throughout Beaufort County. Recovering addicts will provide counseling to those active users. This therapy has been proven to be very effective in other areas of the country.

Increase health education Drug Classes in grades K-12. Continue research of evidenced-based programs targeting substance misuse and/or prevention to update and improve the program throughout Beaufort County.

Unfortunately, the Settlement Funds are insufficient by themselves to provide any large-scale intervention. However, the Health Department has and will continue to seek out grant funding to provide for the above actions.

SOLID WASTE UPDATE

The county Engineering Company will be meeting with the Public Works management will decide on potential areas identified for the Mega Sites: one on the Southside and one on the Northside.

In the meantime, safety and infrastructure improvements are being made to our current collection sites. One site is complete, and engineering designs are complete on two of the busier sites on River Road and Cherry Road. They are waiting for the study on our site on Gray Road.

STRATEGIC PLAN

A strategic plan has been initiated. Representatives from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners will be in Beaufort County on October 4 to interview the Commissioners. This is preliminary to a two-day meeting at the end of October where they will help us lay out the steps to an effective Strategic Plan for the County.

BROADBAND

CenturyLink received a $4 mil. grant from the state to provide broadband service to over 2,000 homes/businesses in Beaufort County that are currently underserved. This is a great start to solving the lack of internet and cell service to portions of the County. We will still have 1,000 - 2,000 homes that are underserved. There is still $50 million to award out of this funding. Following this round, which totals $360 mil., there are two more rounds. The next round, called CAB, will include $400 million of state funding. Following this round, the Federal Government will release an even bigger amount.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me. john.rebholz@beaufortcountync.gov or call me at 252-402-7617.

A PEEK INSIDE THE CLOSETS AT CPS

The Women’s Club of Cypress Landing is grateful to our community for their support of the Emergency Clothes Closets at the Chocowinity Primary School. First, the Blue Hats donated their time, expertise, and funds to build shelves in the closets. Then you, our neighbors, donated funds to help keep the shelves stocked with clean, appropriately sized clothing for the students to wear when an accident occurs. Thank you so much for your compassionate monetary gifts.

You may give to this on-going project at any time by putting your check, made payable to WCCL, in the WCCL mail slot in the HOA Office. Thank you, again!

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY UPDATE

The Military Appreciation Day committee thanks all of those who participated, volunteered, and donated to make this year’s MAD a terrific success. We are pleased to announce that the golf course will be sending $10,000 as a result of the event to the Fisher House in Jacksonville, NC. THANK YOU CYPRESS LANDING!

© Cypress Landing Master Homeowners Association, 2022. All rights reserved.

HOA Social Scene

By: Jackie Douglas

Hello Residents and welcome NEW Cypress Landing residents!! Mark your calendars for the following HOA Social Committee 2023 events.

January 15 – Cypress Landing Talent Show

January 21 – Red Solo Cup (casual party celebrating the new year, catered, cash bar, entertainment, dancing, drinks & snacks are served in red solo cups)

April 8 – Easter Egg Hunt (Children’s Easter Party, egg hunt, games, and activities)

May 20 – Murder Mystery Party

May 29 – Memorial Day Celebration (ceremony at the flagpole honoring and remembering those men and women who served and died for our country followed by a potluck luncheon)

September 16 – Dock of the Bay (Annual Meeting Weekend catered meal, cash bar, entertainment, dancing, and games at the Marina)

December 3 – Trim-A-Tree Party (new residents add their ornament to the Christmas Tree, introductions of the new residents, cash bar, and desserts are provided)

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party (catered appetizers, cash bar, entertainment, dancing, table decorating, party favors, and champagne)

January 13, March 10, May 12, Sept. 8 & Nov. 10 – Potluck Dinner (Bay Club) (bring a covered dish for 12, bar open at 5 pm – buffet at 6 pm)

SUBCOMMITTEES UNDER THE HOA SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Welcome Subcommittee – NEW Residents Contacts: Colleen Bucher – csbucher@aol.com Rosemary Mandilakis – wdrbarden@sbcglobal.net

Military Subcommittee Contacts: Laura Staton – laura1staton@gmail.com Lisa Strang – stranghaus@gmail.com

Cypress Landing Teen Social Club Subcommittee Contact:Jenni Tanner – tannerj@ecu.edu

Cypress Landing Wine Club Subcommittee Contacts: Jackie Douglas – jsdouglas64@gmail.com

Cypress Landing Young Professionals Subcommittee Contact: Chris Emanuel – chrisemanuel1@gmail.com

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We are inviting residents to help set up and/or breakdown Social Committee events for 2023 – not every event, just those for which a group member might be available. When an event is approaching, an email would be sent to the group detailing the type of assistance needed. The group would be a sub-committee of the Social Committee and would not have to attend any of the Social Committee meetings. Additionally, participation does not necessarily require attendance at the event.

© Cypress Landing Master Homeowners Association, 2022. All rights reserved.

HOA Social Scene Cont. Cultural & Education Committee

Examples of assistance that may needed:

• Moving chairs and tables.

• Moving tents/chairs from the Marina to the lawn or other locations.

• Moving boxes (like holiday decorations from one location to another).

• Hanging decorations over doors or other places that require a ladder.

• Taking out trash after an event and resetting tables.

• Setting up/breaking down movie screen/ speakers for movie night.

The time required for each event is minimal, typically one hour or so for set up or break down. Cypress Landing is a volunteer driven community. We are blessed to have so many acti viti es/events from which to choose. Establishing this volunteer group would be helpful toward spreading the work among a larger group of people.

If you are willing to be a part of this group, please email Patrick (Pat) Kinlaw at patkinlaw@comcast. net.

Please remember to read the Escapades that you receive in your email every week. All events, outdoor movies, meeti ngs, seminars, and other information are posted in that weekly email.

The HOA Social Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month in the Washington Room of the Bay Club at its NEW TIME 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Join us and add to the enjoyment of our community!

By: Kris Smith, Committee Chair

The Cultural and Education Committee kicked off its fall programming with some delightful programs with more great programs planned in the remainder of this year. All programs are presented on the second Sunday of the month at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise announced.

On September 11, the committee welcomed Howell Miller who presented a program on “Vaudeville & the 1913 Turnage Theater.” The Vaudeville stage is upstairs in the Turnage and is accessible only by stairs from an outside door. Mr. Miller discussed some of the history of Vaudeville and shared some of the celebrities that have graced its stage. He pointed out that it is one of only a few Vaudeville theaters left in the country and the Turnage is unique because it has both a Vaudeville theater and a movie theater. Miller shared the plans to renovate the Vaudeville stage in hopes that the theater will again be presenting programs for the community. Events are being held in Washington and other areas of Beaufort County to raise funds for the renovation.

The October program was perfect for the season. “Ghost Stories” were presented by expert storyteller Terry Rollins. He entertained residents of all ages with stories about Blackbeard, Little Nell, and a mountain man. Everyone enjoyed themselves.

What is cryptocurrency? On November 13th, come learn all you need to know from Cypress Landing’s own Chris Koegel. This should be a very interesting program.

The Holiday Concert this year will be December 11 with the “Twisted Knot”, a Celtic group. Performances will be at both 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. and you must register in advance to attend. Registration forms will be distributed by email and Escapades.

The C & E Committee would also like to recognize our “Artist of the Month.” The Committee was pleased to feature Pat Carlson in July, Linda Smith in August, Bill Walker in September, and Stephanie Perkins in October.

The Committee continues to publish a monthly regional calendar with events in the area including ECU programs. You can find it in Escapades.

©

Cypress Landing Master Homeowners Association, 2022. All rights reserved.

By: Debbie Mitchell, Buildings and Grounds Committee

With the Spring weather comes PFS. Huh? What’s PFS? No, not a shoe, not a PF Flyer. Read on to find out.

Center parking lot is progressing towards completion. Curbs have been installed. Stone has been dug up, dried out, replaced, monitored, and checked for drainage and dryness. Completion is waiting on the go-ahead from the engineer to apply asphalt.

S is for softwash, stone and signs. Buildings and Grounds contracted out the cleaning (softwashing) of the front entrance fountain and the exterior of the Bay Club. Additionally, they had some of the curbs softwashed along Cypress Landing Trail and Cypress

P is for preparing, planting, and painting Buildings and Grounds has had several work parties to prepare for the installation of additional lights along the walkway around the Bay Club. The ground was dug to install cylinders for concrete bases and electrical boxes. The concrete has been poured and the lights are here, ready to be installed once the electrician completes all the electrical work. Can’t wait to see the lit Bay Club promenade extended!

Under Building and Grounds direction and with the keen design assistance of some Butterfly Habitat Folks, our landscape contractor has planted flowers and shrubs to beautify all the entrances of our community with pops of color, as well as at the Bay Club entrance and around the flagpole. Hope you’ve taken notice of these ever-blooming beauties despite our drought conditions. If this isn’t enough color for you, see the curbs in front of the Bay Club that Buildings and Grounds has painted a bright safety yellow!

F is for filling in sinkholes, and the Fitness Center parking lot progress. Buildings and Grounds has addressed and filled in sinkholes in several areas to include the Bay Club and on Hudson Court. The Fitness

Landing Parkway. What a difference a little soft washing can make! Some of the stone removed from the fitness center parking lot has been reused at the Butterfly Habitat. Buildings and Grounds loaded up the new dump trailer with many scoops of stone on several occasions and relocated it to the Butterfly Habitat to enhance its gravel drive. Buildings and Grounds had HOA signs made and installed at the Marina Drive entrance designating that Cypress Landing is a private community.

We can’t end this update without thanking the HOA Board for the approval of our dump trailer purchase. We have used it already for several projects. It’s a real time saver and back saver for our wonderful committee volunteers. Thanks much!

© Cypress Landing Master Homeowners Association, 2022. All rights reserved.

GOLF – CONTINUED GOOD NEWS FOR THE COMMUNITY!

By: Carol Hornaday

The Cypress Landing Golf Course continues to garner positive reviews from new members, long-time members, and outside players. One resident commented that the course looks the best it’s been since they have lived here. Another comment was from a new member who said they looked around the area for the best golf course to join, and Cypress Landing was the easy choice. The efforts of Brad Poplyk and his operations staff continue to make Cypress Landing Golf Course a great place for a round of golf followed by a light lunch.

Financially and operationally, the course numbers continue to be positive. Here are some stats comparing 2021 numbers to 2022 numbers through August. Preliminary September numbers are expected to continue in the same direction.

• Public rounds – increased 20%

• Overall rounds - increased 14%

• Public round revenue – currently at $37.94, increased $4.72

• Merchandise sales –increased 56%

• Member Dues – increased $25,000

• Overall profit increased by approximately $62,000

• The Grill is operating at a PROFIT.

The Green Committee continues to provide volunteer support for our course. They ensured the bunkers were edged for our Military Appreciation Day golfers, and their work continues with other needs. They are undertaking repair work on the bridge on hole #13. After Tropical Storm Ian left our area, several course bunkers were still retaining water a few days after the storm. The committee is working with Stanley to get the drains on these bunkers cleared over the next several months.

As mentioned in a previous Landing article, the term of the current Golf Course Operator (GCO), Troon/Indigo, ends on December 31, 2022. A GCC/GCO transition team appointed by the CLMHOA Board of Directors did a thorough review of options on how to move forward. A recommendation was made by the committee and approved by the Board of Directors that Bobby Jones Links (BJL) take over management of the course on January 1, 2023. The transition team will work with BJL, Troon/ Indigo, and the Cypress Landing Golf Course Committee to ensure a seamless conversion. And thankfully, the current staff at the Golf Course will remain and become new employees of BJL.

The Golf Course Committee itself has had a few changes in members, who were appointed by the CLMHOA. Charlie Moore, who led the BOG and then the Golf Course Committee for the last three years, has moved on to chair the GCC/GCO Transition Committee. We are all thankful for his dedication in helping the Cypress Landing Golf Course achieve the success it has today. The current Golf Course Committee includes Dick Puricelli, Bill Leckemby, Bill Davis, and Dave King, who will continue to maintain oversight of the golf course as the GCO transitions from Troon/Indigo to BJL.

Cypress Landing Pickleball Tournament Raises Funds for Eagles’ Wings

By: Patrick Kinlaw

The second annual Jim Gabor Memorial Pickleball Tournament was held at the Cypress Landing Pickleball Courts on Saturday, October 8, 2022. The event raised $1,265 for Eagles’ Wings, a food pantry for Beaufort County residents in need. Eagle’s Wings was chosen as the beneficiary of donations by the Gabor family. Jim was instrumental in leading the effort to build two pickleball courts in Cypress Landing. The courts have been a great addition to the amenities available in the community.

There were over 30 pickleball players who participated in the tournament. The group was especially pleased to welcome a player from the Cypress Landing teen group. And, there were numerous spectators who joined the fun. While the event was a tournament, the focus was on social play and team partners were assigned randomly for each round of play so it was a good “mixer” activity for residents. In addition to pickleball play, participants and spectators enjoyed a continental breakfast, lunch with sandwiches, a variety homemade side dishes, wine, water, and beer. An extra thank you to Vivienne Afshari who not only planned our entire menu but also packaged the team and scoring strategy.

During lunch, Ann-Marie Montague, Executive Director of Eagles’ Wings was on hand to accept the funds raised by participants and was thrilled with the donation. She shared that funds raised would go toward securing another large, industrial grade refrigerator unit for food storage. Ms. Montague indicated that the donation would go a long way toward making this goal a reality.

The final round pitted Gail Baird and Neil Matthews against Alfredo Aguirret and Melanie Matthews. Yes, two spouses ended up having to compete against each other; however, that is how things shook out. Gail and Neil ended up with the win. There were numerous awards and door prizes during the event. A big thanks to Deb Branch who created the super-neat and hand-sewn Pickleball towels as door prizes.

Probably the best part of the tournament was that Jim’s family was present for the event. His wife, Deb was in attendance. Jim’s son Brett, daughter-in-law Vicki and grandson Ezra traveled from Maine to participate. Daughter Kristin and partner Joey Rossie joined us from Raleigh, NC.

A special thanks to our Tournament Committee: Gail Baird, Carol Kuhns, John Bussanick, Liz Wheeler, Lois Crombie, Mary Revilla, Lorne Hope, Vivienne Afshari, and the HOA Tennis and Pickleball Committee. It was a great group of folks with whom to coordinate the event.

© Cypress Landing Master Homeowners Association, 2022. All rights reserved.

A Community Like No Other

By David Grahek

I believe it is safe to say that we all know what a great place Cypress Landing is to call home. For those of you who do not know, in 2014, Real Estate Scoreboard named Cypress Landing as representing the Best Community Spirit. In 2017, we were named as Happiest Community in America by the same organization. A recent Operational Review by Association Bridge, LLC’ resulted in a report that shows just how unique and special Cypress Landing and its residents are. Two simple statements in the report say an awful lot: “CLMHOA is a complex and dynamic organization” and “CLMHOA is an exceptional community”.

What follows in this article are specific observations and comments. While I probably should use quotation marks throughout, I choose here to just give Association Bridge, LLC credit for all below. Test has been modified from original report only for grammatical and punctuation purposes.

Overall communications are excellent, especially compared to community associations of similar size and staffing level. The Landing (Cypress Landing’s quarterly newsletter) is one of the most professional community newsletters I’ve seen. The HOA website overall content is good as compared to other HOA websites. The use of dockmasters as “ambassadors” is innovative and engaging.

Cypress Landing is unique in the availability of its volunteer base, the capabilities of the volunteerism and the workload assumed by committees. The benefits of the current arrangement include fostering the most impressive culture of volunteerism, that I’ve observed in over 30 years in the field.

CLMHOA is exceptionally well organized and fundamentally well managed, and its infrastructure is superior to most of the communities we have worked with. The Strategic Planning and Development Committee tasks of reviewing elements of the administrative infrastructure and making recommendations for updates and revisions is a task that community associations should regularly undertake but rarely do; CLMHOA is to be commended.

The amount of documentation on processes and procedures is commendable. The CAM’s (Community Association Manager) annual committee chair orientation is an outstanding program. CLMHOA does an outstanding job highlighting the amenities, social opportunities, essential services, and related procedures for members.

The dock is of superior quality, has a unique construction, and is impeccably maintained.

The existence of member-initiated groups and clubs is unique among HOAs, and their presence and the HOA’s promotion of them add to the unique culture and quality of life at Cypress Landing.

The fact that the HOA chartered a Marketing Committee at all shows forward thinking; most HOAs do not consider marketing a part of the organization’s mission.

At this point, I make some personal observations from reading the report synopsis. There are areas that need improvement, and the Board is in the process of analyzing the report and making recommendations. The main point I would like to make is that Cypress Landing has always relied heavily on its volunteers. With a shift in the generational status of its residents, the level of volunteerism may start to decline, and this would truly be a detriment to what we have and love here. There are 14 chartered committees. Surely everyone can find at least one committee where their individual skills could be utilized. As Uncle Sam has often said “I (We) Want You!” The committees look forward to you signing up.

Let’s keep Cypress Landing the premier community in eastern North Carolina, maybe even in all of North Carolina. Oh, and remember to wave. It’s a longstanding tradition and, believe me, visitors do notice.

CO-EDITORS

Dave Grahek & Bill Staton

CHAIR

Fran Monaco

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Helen Sommerkamp

COPY EDITING & PROOFING ADVERTISING

Ellen Angus, Cindy Batson, Colleen Bucher, Barbara Cadwallader, Amy Jackson, Anita Kohlin, Eileen Lettick, Fran Monaco, & Rita Rodabaugh

Barbara Cadwallader, Carole Lawler, & Maja Weaver

CIRCULATION

Laura Staton

E-mail all articles and pictures to the editors at : Editor.TheLanding@CypressLanding.com.

Standing HOA committees have first priority to print their articles and pictures. We also invite other Cypress Landing groups and individuals to contribute. Submitted material may be altered by the editorial staff who is charged with publishing a community newsletter financed by our advertisers and shared with potential residents.

Printed issues of The Landing are published in winter, summer, spring, and fall. Issues can also be read online by visiting our website at www.cypresslandingnc.com.

The Landing is the official newsletter of Cypress Landing Master Homeowners Association.

© Cypress Landing Master Homeowners Association, 2022. All rights reserved.

100 Marina Drive Chocowinity, NC 27817 (252) 975-3255

Scrapple–The Other White Meat

by: Larry Lettick

I recently was re-introduced to Scrapple after more than a half-century of absti nence. You see, I attended college in Philadelphia where Scrapple is a mainstay of nutriti onal sustenance. Although it rarely is menti oned in polite society, Philadelphians regard Scrapple as a welcomed substi tute for bacon or breakfast sausage. Upon graduati on I escaped from Philly and thought I had forever left behind this shapeless, colorless mass of unidenti fi able comesti ble, although the taste still lingers in my mouth. For the uninitiated, a hunk of this epicurean delight is neither fish nor fowl, solid nor liquid, vegetable nor mineral. It needs to be refrigerated, so I assume there must be something living in there, but it defies identification or description.

One morning after the Table of Knowledge ran out of discussion topics (i.e., all the world’s problems had been solved) it came to light that the Chocowinity Food Lion actually stocks Scrapple. A quick drive to Route 17 and a red-hot frying pan later, I was left to ponder why I had gone all this time denying myself the pleasures of Philadelphia’s second most sought-after food (on the heels of the over-rated Philly cheese steak.)

North Carolinians are proud of their kale, shrimp and grits, oysters, iridescent red hot dogs, sweet tea and vinegar-flavored barbeque, but the local menu is not complete without a healthy(?) dose of Scrapple. Give it a try.