As I thought about preparing for my message this month, I quickly came to realize that there really is just one topic to address, and that is how life has changed for all of us since the middle of March and how grateful I am for the support of the community and the staff.
From an operational standpoint, the last six weeks have been truly unprecedented. We have all experienced so much change and uncertainty and it has not become any clearer as the weeks have passed. We still don’t know what life is going to look like or what to expect in the coming months. We remain hopeful that life can “return to normal” soon, but in all reality, it’s possible that we may need to reset our thoughts on what will be a “new normal” going forward.
We are a large community of over 9,000 residents and the support given, camaraderie shared, and willingness to accept change truly defines us during this crisis. When we announced our facility closures in March, and our recent announcement of a gradual re-opening, the resounding response has been supportive. As in any large community, we take our fair share of criticism and offers of how to do it better, but overwhelmingly, people are positive and understanding.
PebbleCreek always has been a giving and generous community, but during this challenging time, the spirit has been magnified. The stories are inspiring. The PebbleCreek Quilters made and donated over 3,600 masks and 77 baby blankets to Abrazo Hospital, and this was just one group of many who engaged in outreach to help those in need. The efforts spearheaded by several groups of homeowners showed support for our first-responders with candles or white flowers. The many people who got together, on their own, to donate money to help HOA staff who lost hours due to the closures generously raised money that helped nearly 150 members of the HOA staff. These are just a few examples among many acts of kindness by PebbleCreek residents.
I also want to recognize the essential, front-line staff that has remained working during this entire process continuing to offer services like RFID and new homeowner registration at the front desks, ALC permits, notary service, our groceries to go service, take-out and curbside food offerings. Our patrol and front gate staff, our facilities maintenance and housekeeping team have been extremely busy. Our golf course staff, golf maintenance, and common area staff have not missed a day. The communications and website team have worked countless hours to keep you all informed during these ever-changing times. Finally, our team of directors and managers who are navigating the day-to-day rapid changes of these uncertain times and trying to plan for a future that is anything but certain—all of these individuals are working so hard to keep PebbleCreek going, and I can’t thank them enough for all that they are doing.
I also want to recognize the outstanding contributions of our volunteer resident-elected board members. Bob Parks and Steve Harper are working for many hours every day alongside our management staff as we navigate this crisis. They do this without compensation and in the face of criticism for any decision. Thank you to Bob and Steve for selflessly giving of their time and effort.
As we continue to move forward with some gradual openings with what will be some strict protocols, please continue to take the precautions necessary to stay safe and healthy. Follow CDC guidelines, wear your masks, keep your social distance, and only participate in what you feel comfortable doing. By doing so, you will take care of yourself and others. Thank you all for supporting each other, our staff, and PebbleCreek.
Best regards,
Bill Barnard, General Manager