News Digest Nassau Grove HOA December 3, 2021
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News Digest
Nassau Grove HOA
December 3, 2021
The Temporary Contractor/Vendor Front Gate Access Code for December is 92611
NASSAU GROVE COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT NEWS
HOMEOWNERS RATIFY 2022 BUDGET
Forty-eight (48) homeowners participated in person, via Zoom, or by Proxy at the Budget
Ratification Meeting this past Tuesday, November 30. State law dictates that a majority of owners
must vote no to the budget to prevent ratification. Only nineteen (19) homeowners voted “No” to
the 2022 budget of the 123 “No” votes required to reject the budget. Minutes to the meeting can
be found here.
OPERATING FUND vs RESERVE FUND vs OPERATING FUND BALANCE - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
The differences between the HOA Operating Budget, Reserve Fund, and Operating Fund Balance
can be confusing and, hence, are summarized below.
The Operating Budget is used for the day-to-day management and operations of the community.
Each year, the operating budget for the following year must be ratified by homeowners.
The Reserve Fund is used to replace or repair any of the 192 items listed in the current Reserve
Study, ranging from the community streets to clubhouse furniture & flooring. This fund cannot
legally be used for daily HOA operations. Every 5 years, an independent capital reserve company
compiles a Reserve Study. Spending monies from the Reserve Fund is not affecting or increasing
the annual dues next year. Reserve Study can be found here.
The Operating Fund Balance is the amount of funds held as unbudgeted, as recommended by the
Financial Advisory Group, as a rainy-day fund in the event of unforeseen expenses during the
budget year.
COMMUNITY VOTE ON POOL EQUIPMENT BEGINS TODAY & ENDS NEXT FRIDAY One homeowner from each unit received an Election Buddy ballot this morning as the HOA Board seeks community approval to purchase equipment that automatically monitors, adjusts, and dispenses the correct amount of sanitizing and pH balancing chemicals into both pools throughout the day. This community vote is prompted by the urgency of our pool going out of chemical balance on every hot afternoon this past year, requiring daily attention. Currently, to correct pH level, the pool company must manually add chemicals directly to the pool. Also, chlorine flow must be manually adjusted in the pumphouse when the salt generator is not working or not producing enough chlorine. Manual adjustment of pool chemicals results in inconsistencies in pool sanitization and incorrect pH level causing cracks in the pool's plaster. To avoid situations with out-of-balance chemicals and pH, pool management companies recommend installing systems that automate testing and dispensing of chemicals that sanitize and maintain proper pH level. These systems constantly test the chlorine and pH level automatically pumping the appropriate amount of chemicals into the pool as needed. An added benefit for Nassau Grove is less wear and tear on our salt generator equipment since the automation equipment signals the salt generator to make chlorine and the generator only runs when needed. The equipment will only be purchased if homeowners from 123 units vote ”Yes” to approve the purchase. Since the lower bid Cannon Pool requires pool automation equipment to service our pool, if the equipment purchase is not approved, the Board will have to contract with Premier Pool for $16,990 to service our pools in 2022. If the equipment purchase is approved, the Board will contract with Cannon Pools to service our pools for $13,000 in 2022. Please Note: the equipment cost of $6,480 is included in the ratified pool maintenance budget. Voting closes at 11:45p.m. on Friday, December 10th! See the Community Vote Pool Equipment Info document below and in the Election Buddy ballot. When voting, homeowners can view additional information by clicking on the Information button after the question being voted on. If you have voting questions, would like to provide feedback, or want to be removed from future ballot lists, please email Wade Kuhlmann at wade.kuhlmann@gmail.com. NASSAU GROVE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS CLUBHOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS The Clubhouse community tree is adorned with many special ornaments from our residents. If you are new to Nassau Grove or have never added one to the tree, please do so this year. Make or buy a customized ornament, something unique to you. Include your name, year you bought in Nassau Grove, and, if you wish, your street name. Please hang your ornament on the Clubhouse tree. SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO NASSAU GROVE! The Lewes Fire Department expects to bring Santa Claus to us on Monday, December 13th! The time of Santa's arrival is not known. If additional information is received, it will be published in next week's News Digest!
COOKIE WALK FOR A CAUSE… ’CAUSE COOKIES TASTE GOOD!
Join in the Cookie Walk this Sunday December 5th in the Clubhouse from Noon to
2:00p.m. Stock up on holiday confections at only $7.50 a pound with many varieties
from which to choose. The proceeds go towards New Chairs for the Tiki Hut. See Flyer below.
LADIES CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
Ladies, please come join us for lunch and begin celebrating the Holiday Season at 1776 Steakhouse
on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 12 noon. The luncheon has become a long-standing Nassau
Grove tradition, and we look forward to seeing you again this year. You may contact Jeannie
Hooker at mnjhooker@verizon.net or call at 302-645-1683 for any questions. See Flyer below.
HAPPY HOURS RESUME
Starting Friday December 10, Nassau Grove Happy Hours resume in the Clubhouse at
5:00p.m to 8:00p.m. Thank you Mary and Wade Kuhlmann for hosting. See Flyer Below
HOLIDAY PARTY
Reservations for the Holiday Party on Thursday evening December 16th are near capacity! The
maximum number of attendees is 100. Call Nancy Wurster-Brown at 302-400-9947 now! A
payment of $60 per person (checks payable to NG Social Group) is needed ASAP to Nancy (31780
Chablis). The first 100 people to make their payment will be attending the party! See Flyer below.
NASSAU GROVE COMMUNITY SERVICE NEWS
DISCUSSION DECEMBER 9TH – AGING WELL IN COMMUNITY
Do you want to be in control as you age? Do you want to live the active life you love?
Do you want to live in your community with your friends and your memories?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you want to learn more about Village
Volunteers. Aging in community takes planning and resources. Too often we wait until "IT"
happens: The loss of a partner. The loss of our drivers' license. An injury.
Come to the meeting and learn about the resources available to age well in community. The Village
offers resources to help older adults continue living healthy and active lives with the help of
neighbors. Residents are invited to this Discussion on the topic of “Aging Well in Community” to be
held in the Clubhouse on Thursday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m. Jackie Sullivan, Nassau Grove
resident and executive director of Village Volunteers, will facilitate the conversation and talk about
volunteer opportunities. See Flyer below for more information.
ANNUAL ADOPT-A-FAMILY (COMMUNITY CARING) PROGRAM
The Adopt-A-Family (Community Caring) program provides gifts to children in-need during the
holiday season. This year Nassau Grove is sponsoring 10 children from families in the Cape
Henlopen School District. Their ages range from pre-school to seniors in high school.
In the spirit of the holiday season, we hope that you will show your generosity again this year by
making a monetary donation to the less fortunate. There is a "Santa's Mailbox" on the
McDermott's front porch at 17133 Anjou Court for your donation. Please make checks payable to
the Nassau Grove Social Group and mail or drop off your donation. Please see the Flyer below.
As always, thank you for making this program a success, Judi McDermott
MILTON FIREHOUSE FUNDRAISER
Moya and Barry Gaffney are helping to publicize a Valentine Party on February 12th to benefit the
Milton Firehouse. Reservations must be made by December 12th. See Flyer Below.
NASSAU GROVE EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Please See the Nassau Grove Website Community Calendar For Complete Activities Listings
DECEMBER 2021
5th SUNDAY COOKIE WALK Noon – 2p.m. Club House
7TH TUESDAY LADIES HOLIDAY LUNCH 12:00 Noon 1776 Steakhouse
9th THURSDAY ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION 7 - 8:30p.m. Club House
10TH FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR 5 - 8:00p.m Club House
16th THURSDAY ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY 6 - 10p.m. Lewes Yacht Club
OTHER EVENTS THIS WEEK (not private) December 6 to December 9
DATE DAY ACTIVITIES & TIMES
12-6 MONDAY Canasta 1 – 4p.m.
12-7 TUESDAY Canasta 1 – 4p.m.
12-8 WEDNESDAY Poker 7 – 10p.m.
12-9 THURSDAY Billiards 1 – 4p.m. Mahjong 1 – 4p.m.
December Birthdays:
3rd Tom Ross 6th Evelyn Harper 13th Brenda Kitchen
14th Pat Quinn 15th Susan Hubbard 16th Mitchell Kramer
17th Lana Shulyaker 18th Mary Kosowski 19th Ken Harper
Carol Hurley
20th Bradley Hill 21st Mark Colbert 22nd Harry Rooksby
Dawn Wilson
27th Sam Chason 28th Linda Micai-Manning 29th Andy Fitzkee
Carol Christensen
Jo Ann Lewis* * Date not specified
If your birthday is in December and you are not listed on this chart, please contact
Sharrie Ross at sharrieross@gmail.com and let her know. Thank you!
The deadline for articles for the next News Digest is Tuesday December 7th. The next Digest issue
is Friday December 10th . Please send Digest items to Jim Vagnoni at jimvagng@comcast.net.
SEE the COMMUNITY VOTE POOL EQUIPMENT INFO document & THIS WEEKS’ 7 FLYERS BELOW:
EVENT Date
1. Cookie Walk 12/5
2. Ladies Holiday Luncheon 12/7
3. Village Volunteers/Aging Discussion 12/9
4. Adopt a Family 12/10
5. Happy Hours Resume 12/10
6. Valentine Party – Milton Firehouse Fund Raiser 12/12
7. Holiday Party 12/16
Community Vote for Pool Automation Equipment
The HOA Board seeks community approval to purchase equipment that automatically monitors, adjusts, and
dispenses the correct amount of sanitizing and pH balancing chemicals into both pools throughout the day. The
$6,480 cost, included in the 2022 budget, includes the equipment and the installation. Currently, water testing and
dispensing are done manually, resulting in inconsistencies in pool sanitization and incorrect pH causing cracks in
the pool’s plaster.
Background:
• The contract with Coastline Pool ends December 31, 2021. Coastline bid was not considered due to the
company’s demonstrated inability to service and maintain our salt generator equipment properly while
servicing our pool.
• On behalf of the HOA, HPS Management sent the Board-developed Request for Proposals (RFP) to six pool
management companies.
• HPS received three proposals/bids, including one from Coastline Pool. The three companies not submitting
bids were not taking new clients or do not service pools in or area or of our size.
• The RFP required bidders to have ability and experience maintaining and operating salt generator
equipment.
• The salt generator equipment converts salt to chlorine for the big pool. The RFP required that salt-generated
chlorine would be the primary sanitizing agent for the big pool.
• Both Cannon Pools and Premier Pool Service demonstrated experience with salt generator equipment.
Viable Bids:
Company Service Equipment Manual Testing Comment
Cost Purchase Frequency
Automation for both pools
Cannon Pools $13,000 $6,480 3 days/week required
Premier Pool Service & Automation of pools
Management $16,990 7 days/week optional
Why automate testing chemical levels and chemical injection?
Accurate and timely balancing of pool chemicals is critical for the health and safety of residents and guests as well
as maximizing the life of the pool plaster. Insufficient chlorine levels can result in swimmers getting infections while
incorrect pH levels can result in cracks and holes in the pool’s plaster, reducing the longevity and viability of the pool
surface.
Without automation equipment, pool management companies test chlorine and pH levels once per day. The exact
time is determined by the pool management company. There can be anywhere from 12-30 hours between manual
chemical checks, depending on whether the manual check was done in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
In our pool, to correct pH level, chemicals are added directly to the pool while the chlorine flow is adjusted manually
in the pumphouse. If manual adjustment of the chlorine is needed after the pool management company has
completed the daily pool check, then the adjustment must wait until the next day or a member of the pool group
(homeowner volunteer) adjusts the chlorine flow. Only the pool company has the chemicals to correct the pH level.
To avoid situations with out-of-balance chemicals and pH, pool management companies recommend installing
systems that automate testing and dispensing of chemicals that sanitize and maintain proper pH. These systems
constantly test the chlorine and pH levels of the pool water and automatically pump the appropriate amount of
chemicals into the pool as needed.
Recommendation:
The Pool Group (resident volunteers who have assisted in pool operations) recommended Cannon Pool as the pool
management company in 2022.
The Board concurred with the Pool Group’s recommendation for the following reasons:
1. The purchase and installation of automation equipment is in the best interest of the health and safety of
homeowners and guests and the longevity of the pool surface;
2. Premier Pool’s bid for servicing the pool was $3,990 more than Cannon Pools;
3. The cost of additional weeks added to the standard pool season was $450 for Premier Pool and $400 for
Cannon Pools;
4. The per hour cost for repairs is $85 for Cannon Pools and $95 for Premier Pools;
5. Due to reduced pool servicing costs in 2022 and 2023, the $6,480, cost of the automation equipment would
be recovered in less than 2 pool seasons.
Comment 2022 2023** 2-Year Total** 3-Year Total**
Cannon Automation equipment $19,480 $13,000 $32,480 $45,480
included
Premier No automation equipment $16,990 $16,990 $33,980 $50,970
** assumes no price increases
If the community approves the purchase of the automation equipment, the Board will contract with Cannon Pools. If
the homeowners from 123 units do not vote to approve the purchase, the Board will not be able to contract with
Cannon Pools so will contract with Premier Pool Services & Management.
Paying for the equipment:
The equipment cost ($6,480) is included in the ratified 2022 Budget. This means NO special assessment or
additional increase in dues to purchase this equipment.
Voting:
A YES vote means you approve spending $6,480 from the 2022 Budget to purchase the proposed automation
equipment for the pools.
A NO vote means you do not approve spending $6,480 from the 2022 Budget to purchase the proposed
automation equipment for the pools.COOKIE
WALK
Sunday, December 5th, 2021
Noon to 2:00pm
in the Clubhouse
Don’t waste time baking your own cookies; pick up all your holiday
needs here. You don’t even need to leave the community!
Cookies are only $7.50/lb. There will be a wide variety of cookies,
and much cheaper than other cookie walks.
Proceedings will go toward the purchase of new Tiki Hut chairs
To be fair to everyone, no one will be allowed to start shopping early.
Baked by the wonderful cooks of Nassau Grove
Nassau Grove coffee mugs will also be on sale for $5Nassau Grove’s 2021
Ladies Christmas and Holiday Luncheon
Ladies of the neighborhood please come together
to celebrate this special time of year at the
1776 steakhouse
Midway Center, Coastal Hgwy., Rehoboth beach
TUESDAY, December 7, 2021, 12 Noon
*Pre-Order and pay at restaurant (cash requested)
Please RSVP to JEANNIE HOOKER by December 3, mnjhooker@verizon.net or
302-645-1683
$25.00 INCLUDES GRATUITY
SOUP OR SALAD
A. Lobster-Crab Bisque Soup
B. Caesar Salad
Entrées
C. Sliced Filet Mignon with Mushroom Demi Gloss
D. Baked Salmon
E. Chicken Mediterranean
F. Vegetarian PASTA
All Served with mixed medley and Mashers (except pasta)
Dessert
Chocolate cake
Beverages included (coffee, tea)
*Upon RSVP, please select and include letter next to your choices. Restaurant has
requested we pre-order our meal. Please remember cash bar and cash payment for meal.Helping older adults live
independently.
Village Volunteers and South Coastal Village Volunteers welcome you! We are affiliated nonprofit
organization that share our time and skills so that our older neighbors in Eastern Sussex County,
Delaware, can continue to live on their own. Join us as a volunteer or a member.
Village Volunteers is a nonprofit organization devoted to helping our older neighbors live
independently for as long as possible. Based in Lewes, Milton, and Rehoboth, and known
informally as the Village, volunteers have served older adults since 2013 by providing
transportation; helping with household tasks; offering friendly visits, calls, and respite for
caregivers; and working in our Lewes office.
We think of our work as an extension of the care that many family members and neighbors offer.
Our volunteers bring both passion and compassion to their service.
But our good intentions alone are not enough. We also train and prepare you, then allow you to
use your skills and your time, in a way and on a schedule that you choose.
Won’t you consider joining us, as a volunteer or a member? Our 260 members can count on
volunteers who are vetted, dependable neighbors. And our 140 volunteers can count on support
and schedules that work best for them. Together, we are helping to overcome isolation as we
create a community of support.
If you would like to hear more details about Village Volunteers, please email us at
info@villagevolunteer.org with your name, email address, and phone number. We can respond
individually, but if there is enough interest, we will also initiate a roundtable discussion in the
Nassau Grove clubhouse, where our neighbors will share how they benefit from the volunteer
services or from volunteers who find that helping our neighbors brings such joy and satisfaction.
You will also find more at villagevolunteer.org.ADOPT-A-FAMILY (COMMUNITY CARING) PROGRAM Nassau Grove will once again participate in the Cape Henlopen School District’s Adopt-A- Family (Community Caring) Program to provide gifts to the homeless and needy children in the school district during the holiday season. Many students in the school district are on free or reduced lunches. Some of the children are in foster homes; others may be in temporary housing or living with a parent or a grandparent and are living at or below the poverty level. We hope that you will show your generosity again this year by making a monetary donation to the less fortunate during this holiday season. Your donation will be used to purchase gifts for 10 children from these families; to make the holiday more joyful for them. Please mail or drop off your donation to my house at 17133 Anjou Court by December 10th. There will be a Santa’s mailbox on my front porch for your donations. Please make checks payable to Nassau Grove Social Group. As always, thank you for making this program a success. Judi McDermott 17133 Anjou Court
Please Join
Your Nassau Grove Neighbors
for
Happy Hour at the Clubhouse
Friday, December 10
5 - 8 pm
Bring your own beverage. If you choose,
bring a small appetizer to share.
Hosted by Mary and Wade KuhlmannI Love You
Valentines Party and Fund Raiser for Milton Firehouse
you
Saturday February 12th from 7-10 or 11 p.m.
At the ballroom at the Milton Firehouse ($45 per person)
Featuring a great 8 Piece band-331/3. They will have you dancing all night long!
Catering is from Mama Maria’s Italian Restaurant:
Caesar salad and garlic sticks
Meatballs
Sausage and peppers
Chicken parmigiana
Chicken Frances end pasta
Eggplant parmigiana
Baked Ziti
Desserts will be catered from New Jersey, and they will be plentiful!
Family and friends are welcome, the ballroom holds 250 people.
MUST BE SIGNED UP BY DECEMBER 12TH
Please make out checks to: Connie Dellarocco
Please indicate on lower left of check: Firehouse Party
Checks will be collected by Moya Gaffney (31746 Chablis Lane)
A collection box will be left outside.NASSAU GROVE
ANNUAL HOLIDAY
PARTY
December 16th
6-10 pm
LEWES YACHT CLUB
2701 Cedar St, Lewes
Music by Pompei Project
$60 per person/limit 100
RSVP for Residents Dec 1
Contact: Nancy 302-200-9947
Make checks payable NG Social GroupNASSAU GROVE HOLIDAY PARTY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021
Menu
Cheese and fruit display, fresh vegetable crudité hummus and
pita tray
Station 1
Tortellini Bolognese, Penne a la Vodka, Caesar Salad,
Garlic Bread
Station 2
Grilled salmon bites with horsey dill sauce, Shrimp and
Grits, grilled vegetable platter
Station 3
Carved bistro Steak with small rolls and horseradish
sauce, roasted potato trio
Cash bar with the following prices:
Domestic Beer $4, Imported Beer $5, House Wine $7, Rail Drinks
$7.50, Call Drinks $8, Top Shelf-$8.50
ALL BEVERAGES SUBJECT TO AUTOMATIC
18% SERVICE CHARGEYou can also read
