We have recently held elections of new DIA Board members and officers for the upcoming year. Thanks to our great slate of candidates. I commend all of you for wanting to contribute to your neighborhood. Please continue with your interest and join a DIA committee. Deerwood needs you. Please check www.mydeerwood.com or call Doug Scott to sign up.

     At the DIA annual meeting, we had many complaints about lack of compliance with our Covenants. This reflects poorly on Deerwood and we are determined to address those concerns this year. Our property manager rides through a different part of the neighborhood each week in an attempt to identify problems. Let's all take a hard look at our own homes and correct those things we can, such as weeds, dead trees, dead grass and paint. If you get a letter from the DIA, try not to be offended, but look at the identified problem from your neighbors point of view. Maybe there is something you can do. Please let's all try to be a good neighbor!

     Don't forget the necessity of submitting any major change to the exterior of your home to the ARC for review. This includes driveways, major landscaping alterations, removal of trees, changing of your fence, redoing your roof or repainting your home. Of course any construction additions also have to be reviewed as well. This is for the benefit of the entire community and is not a difficult process to undergo to maintain the standards of our community.

     To update you regarding legal issues in which the DIA is embroiled, we have been involved in 2 lawsuits regarding the enforcements of the covenants for more than 2 years now. While we have had the judges agree that the DIA was in the right in enforcement of the covenants, we are still fighting to get repayment of the attorney fees we have had to spend. One case has just returned from appeal, and unfortunately, the attorney fees were denied. The other case is going to mediation on the sole issue of attorney fees, if that does not resolve the matter; there will be an additional hearing for a judge to determine the amount owed to us.

     Our lighting project is going full steam ahead! We are starting the replacement of all the lights in Deerwood, one unit at a time. This is a tremendous project which we must do as the existing lights are so old, they can not be replaced or fixed. The first unit will start around the beginning of May and be finished by November. I know this seems like a long time; however it is a great deal of work. The company will be digging trenches where it is necessary to run conduit. If they must dig in your yard, they will cover the hole the same day and replace the sod back over the dirt as soon as it has settled (probably the same week).

     We are attempting to put the dates of all DIA committee meetings on the entrance boards. Please take note of these and feel free to attend any that are of interest to you.

We are your DIA!

Cynthia Glazier