It has been an interesting, challenging and productive year in my first year as President of Pinehurst Village. I would like to thank board members: Lucy Pontiff, Evelyn Schrade, Margie Harper and Babe Baker for their time and efforts on our board, too. Your participation as board members has been extremely helpful. Pinehurst’s director to Meadowcrest, Gene Lantz, should be commended for his work in supporting our village and Meadowcrest.

Linda Deptola, our property manager from Village Services, has served our community for her first year. Her expertise has been very valuable in addressing the concerns and needs of our village. We look forward to another successful year in 2009, working with Village Services.

Pat McCarthy, chairperson of Pinehurst’s Social Committee, has been very effective in providing activities throughout 2008 for our village members. Thank you to Pat, Marge DiMaggio, Patti Plummer and Margie Harper for all those wonderful meals, entertainment and our annual pet parade. If you have been hesitant to attend any of our social events, reach out and join your village members. These are great fun and you get to know your neighbors!!!!!

Two important people keeping us in touch with village happenings are Bobbi Keane and Mary McCrea. Bobby Keane works behind the scene for us in preparing all our notices on Channel 95 and providing us with important information. Mary McCrea, editor of our Pinehurst Pinnacle, is extremely creative and keeps us up-to-date on our village news. Thanks ladies.

Your Board of Directors had voted changes in June to our bush and shrub replacements due to the expenses of this situation. Village members are now responsible for replacing their own shrubs. Thank you to all village members who have removed their dead shrubs. A sincere thanks goes to the Design Advisory Board members: Tom McLaughlin, chair, Sheila McLaughlin, Joe & Josephine Francis for all their efforts and time this year.

Please remember that before making any changes in your landscaping, approval must come from the DAB. They can advise you as to what plants, bushes, etc., are approved in the replacement process.

Your Board of Directors meets monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the Meadowcrest Conference Room. Please try to attend these meetings. All members are welcome!

I look forward to another successful and rewarding year working with Pinehurst’s Board of Directors and our Pinehurst Committees. Please remember that we can use many volunteers to keep our village the wonderful place where we live. Don’t hesitate to volunteer!

This is a time of year when family and friends gather together to share in the many holidays of the season. I wish you a joyous, healthy and prosperous New Year.