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Why take the time to plan? |
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By Sandi Smalley, President
Big Canoe Home Owners Association (HOA)
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| Sandi Smalley |
“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” That’s a famous quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower and boy was he correct! Without planning the HOA could flop from one project to another; but because we have a formalized planning process and a wonderful board, we are able to prepare for what is needed in the coming year.
Just to give you a little insight, in January, the entire HOA team got together to plan out the remainder of our fiscal year that runs until the end of June and also include the major events that will happen in the fall. Our first goal was to review a first draft of our revised bylaws. There really isn’t anything major changing, but we are trying to bring them up to date. The last update of our bylaws was in 2007, but a lot has happened since then that made them out of date. We operate on a fiscal year (July to June) and our bylaws stated that we utilized a calendar year. Electronic voting and notification is common now, but nowhere in our bylaws does it state that we can communicate electronically. After the revised bylaws are voted on by the board, our membership will have a chance to review the changes.
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The holiday season and being thankful |
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By Sandi Smalley, President
Big Canoe Homeowners Association (HOA)
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| Sandi Smalley |
Presents and parties and stress out the door. Christmastime can make my head seem so sore! This isn’t the best rhyming, but it is what’s running through my head every time I hear the song “These are a few of my favorite things.” I’m sitting here wondering how I am going to get it all done by December 25, but suddenly realize that it will get done. I just have to slow down and enjoy it all and not get stressed with making it perfect.
With a cup of coffee in hand, I can sit back and contemplate how wonderful my life is and how wonderful it is living here in Big Canoe. We have an amazing location here in the mountains that allows us to have the joys of the four seasons. We have wildlife in the form of turkeys, deer and bears that always amuse most of us unless they are eating our plants or getting into our houses. Then amusement quickly turns to anger. We have wonderful neighbors and friends. We have a community that will always be there for you if there ever is a need.
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Cooperation – The key to success in Big Canoe |
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By Sandi Smalley, President
Big Canoe Homeowners Association (HOA)
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| Sandi Smalley |
It’s another spectacular fall day here in Big Canoe and while getting ready to write this column I am reflecting on how cooperation between the POA and the HOA is so beneficial to this community. One organization, the POA, is responsible for governance, operations, maintenance, amenities and the upkeep of our community. Membership is mandatory when you become either a lot owner or a homeowner.
The other is the HOA, which as a non-profit, 501(c)(4). organization, focuses on health and social welfare issues for the community thereby “Enriching Life in Big Canoe.” Membership is voluntary and there are currently around 1,400 members. As a 501(c)(4), the HOA is entitled and expected to represent our members both internally and externally on issues that may affect them. The missions of the HOA and POA are different, but in reality they both contribute in one way or another to what makes it so wonderful to live here.
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