This is the second year for the Cherry Grove Community Association Inc. (CGCAI). The president, Roland Michely, had worked with the Cherry Grove Property Owner’s Association board of directors to reform it into the CGCAI. Rather than just being open to property owners, the association welcomes long and short-term renters and property owners to take part in the elections and decision-making processes. It’s true democracy in action.
The mission of the organization is to protect, maintain and improve the social, environmental and economic quality of life of its members and the community. The goal is also to direct the development of the community consistent with its rich history and the uniqueness of the physical environment.
As a non-profit organization, they can also apply for government grants for capital improvements, which they did last year. Recording secretary Carl Luss was successful in attaining the association first grant of $50,000 form the NY State Ways and Means Committee to work on improvements to the Community House.
The meeting started a little after 10 a.m. with congenial opening words from Michely. In what seemed a change in pace for a usual community meeting, it moved very quickly and was over a little after 11.
Charles Whipple, head of the Dunes fund, presented his report and stated that the fencing and garbage corrals were all in place along the beach. He also had serious concerns about the walks going over the dunes that lead to the beach. It seems that in the past, since the boardwalks are considered public roads, the town of Brookhaven paid for the labor to repair the walks while the Dunes Fund provided the materials.
“Last year we did all the repairs and had to dip into the emergency reserve fund,” Whipple said. In order to repair four walks this year, $18,000 is needed. Whipple couldn’t stress enough the importance of the walks, not only for convenience but also to protect the dunes.
Whipple said that the town of Brookhaven said they didn’t have any money for the repairs. “Maybe next year,” he joked.
Michael McPherson, chair of the Building Maintenance Committee that oversees the Community House and Doctor’s House, reported that $14,000 of the capital improvement grant money was utilized to eliminate flooding and mildew in the Community House basement. He is also working with board member Robert Carney on prioritizing a short-term and long-term list of repairs and renovations that need to be done in the future.
McPherson also congratulated the Doctor’s Fund on all the beautification that had been done by the committee’s members and reiterated that his goal is to take care of all the association’s assets.
Nancy Adams, treasurer of the Doctor’s Fund, reported that $3815 had recently been contributed to Callen-Lorde Medical Center, and that president Joanne Tavis had solicited $4000 for an EKG machine and defibulator. In addition, over $6000 was used to buy outdoor furniture and office equipment, including a new computer. Money was also used to pay for insurance and general household utilities. Although they are currently operating in a defecit, Adams said they would be in the black by year-end.
One resident was very thankful to finally have doctors in the Grove. He had recently come to the island with a sore throat and wasn’t feeling well, but found a wonderful doctor from Callen-Lorde who gave him free antibiotics. “I feel great,” he said happily.
Dr. Anna Tirado, chair of the Vector Control, is one of the residents that helps protect the community from summer pests and disease. She stated that the Damminex program seems to be working, with residents reporting lower tick infestation with their pets. She was also happy to report that the community has been fortunate with a lower mosquito season this year, partly due to the lack of standing water in the usual breeding grounds. “Nature is helping us out this year,” she said.
In a funny moment, Michely mentioned that people may have noticed that there are more police officers on bicycles patrolling the Grove. “The bikes are beautiful,” he said. Someone in the audience piped up and said, “The shorts are beautiful, too.”
The nominating committee also presented their nominations for board positions. Ken Bergen was one of those nominated. He is a new resident to Cherry Grove, but he’s not waiting too long to become a part CGCAI. “I’m a homeowner and I’m interested in staying in the community for a long time,” he said. “It’s good to get involved, meet my neighbors and contribute whatever I can.” Choice words for any concerned community member.