FROM THE BOARD DAOA Needs your help by donating your time and talent. The community relies on Owners to Volunteer for committees both chairs and/or members. Several volunteers are needed on each committee to work in partnership to ensure our community is meeting and/or exceeding the needs of the Desert Aire Community. The goal of the committees is to represent all homeowners, take action to continuously improve Desert Aire and of course make it a Fun place for ALL. Thank you to our recent owner additions as members to the Architecture Committee and Chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee! Your participation is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance to all owners for your consideration.
Thank you to all five owners who submitted applications for the vacant, 3-year term board of directors’ position. We welcome Mark Pierce to the Board.
We also appreciate the remaining applicant’s invitation and consideration to join committees as chairs or members.
All owners will find more information in this link: https:// www.daoa.org/Committees/Committee_Meetings
We look forward to your participation in attending board and committee meetings in-person or online as available. You will find an Events Calendar at https://www.daoa.org/Home/Calendar
If you are unable to attend but want to stay Informed, please login, click on Board of Directors > Meetings for minutes. The Communication Committee is working with the Office to provide a general calendar of deadlines, a consistent schedule of website updates and posts on the DAOA Facebook page as a further commitment to keep you informed, as well as be transparent with DAOA business.
We have so much Appreciation for the employees who keep the operation of Desert Aire running smoothly. If you are interested in working for DAOA, please reach out to the Office for current positions available. https://www.daoa.org/Home/About/Employment
Enjoy the remainder of the Autumn and Holiday seasons!
Board of Directors
Carol Whiteside exp 2024 Glenn Lampman exp 2024 Jerry Hardt exp 2025 Anita Hammond exp 2025 Matt Yanak exp 2026 Xavier Greisen exp 2026 Mark Pierce exp 2026 Mark your Calendars Office Holiday Hours The office will close at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 22nd and will reopen on Monday, November 27th. The office will close at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22nd and will reopen on Tuesday, January 2nd.
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER’S DESK - James Curdy
Fall is definitely here with leaves falling quickly. The mornings are crisp and it reminds us that irrigation system winterization is just around the corner (see Chris article for more info)
In the Proshop as we wind down the year, we have transitioned leadership to Kyle Preston, our new golf pro. He is evaluating current practices and operations seeking to understand and then he will look at ideas he has to improve them.
Employment Notes
During a recent luncheon our newest 2nd season employees received their Logo Jackets. Congratulations to Brian and Erick! Thanks for all you do.
And more good things, in that we have also filled the Assistant Watermaster position. Congratulations to Sebastian on his new appointment moving from the grounds crew!
We are still looking to hire for a Full Charge Bookkeeper which is a senior level position with corresponding pay and benefits. If you know someone who may be qualified, send them our way. There may even be a finder’s fee if they are hired. https://www.daoa.org/Home/About/Employment
Business Office- YTD property sales is 68. On Yard Waste Days in 2023 members brought 399 loads.
FYI, when you add or update your email with us be sure to tell us what lists you want to be on. Home Owners (if applicable), Renters, Golfer, Tournament Golfer or all.
Parks & Greenbelt Due to repeated damage to the park restrooms, we are only opening them from 7:00 am-4:00 pm.
Golf Course Many of the fall programs have been completed and irrigation systems will be winterized on Thursday 11/16 for those that are wondering.
Dogs running at large and tearing up the golf course is a growing and costly problem and completely unacceptable (see Shawn’s article for more info)
REMEMBER, you can also follow us on Facebook for information and upcoming events at: Desert Aire Owners Association and/or Desert Aire Golf Course
As always please be sure your email and phone number are current with our office by calling or you can update them ONLINE through the website portal. Call or email the office with any questions setting up your account.
If you have any questions, thoughts or ideas, stop by or send me an email curdy@desertaire.org
Don Tracy, Golf Professional to retire
Don Tracy will be retiring from Desert Aire December 31, 2023. Help us celebrate Don’s 21 years of dedicated service to Desert Aire this December 1st from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the Clubhouse lobby.
WATERMASTER REPORT – Chris Guillen
The Water Department has received the comments from the Department of Health on our compressive water plan and I will be working with our engineer to get all their questions answered. This plan once approved will remain valid for the next 10 years. The plan includes all of our purposed projects over that same time frame.
With the weather starting to get cool the Water Department would like to remind owners to make sure their homes are properly winterized. Here is a list of some things to consider:
✓ All hoses should be removed from all faucets, even if it is a frost free. ✓ Be sure that your irrigation system has been properly drained/blown out. ✓ Be sure that when the irrigation is shut off, the shut off valve is in the correct “off” position ✓ Be sure all vents on your home are closed and/or sealed. ✓ Shut off your water in your home if you are gone for an extended period of time to minimize any damage. If you are gone for an extended period of time the Water Department can shut off you water at the meter for $5.00, this will not stop pipes from breaking but it will not flood your home. Just as a reminder, the water policy effective August 1st 2009, states members are not to access the meter boxes in any way or they will be subject to the enforcement mechanisms of the policy.
All samples taken have been good. We are currently at 1,310 connections to the water system. The total year to date gallons produced for the overall domestic water system is 257,188,999.
Pool The pool is closed for the season and drained. Over all we had a good season. We had 2,628 members and 4,036 guests use the pool purchasing $740 in merchandise.
Conservation Tip If the hose is on a frost-free hydrant they will unable to drain and break the head of the fixture.
PRO SHOP NEWS – Kyle Preston, PGA Professional So far this year we have done 22,121 rounds with 13,168 being from public play, and 8,953 being from Annual Members and Property Owners. This is a slight decrease from this time last year where we had a total of 22,720. With that being said, our current revenue from range fees, cart fees, and greens fees is at $582,317, compared to this time last year where we were at $462,389. We are hoping to hold on to this great weather so we can keep seeing everyone come out to play!
We are having a 20% off sale on all apparel in the shop until the end of the year. Come in and check out what we have. We will have select demo clubs for sale. Please feel free to email me at proshop@desertairegolf.com with any inquires. Thanks everyone and we will see you out here soon!
Garbage Service is available through Waste Management of Ellensburg at (800) 572-4559. For non-full-time residents they even offer a roll out service with a nominal fee. *Please remember to store your can securely out of sight on non-dump days.
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT REPORT – Shawn Hocking How quickly a year can pass by! Obviously, we are in autumn, and winter won’t be far behind. Currently, we are finished with our scheduled events and moving to- ward fall projects and maintenance.
To start, during the last half of September, our primary focus was aeration on the golf course. We completed our yearly DryJect on greens and collars and aerated our tees and fairways. Aeration in the fall will benefit us now and definitely next year.
Through the fall we will be performing our general maintenance, as well as leaf cleanup and winterizing the DA properties. While the weather is good, we will be re-roofing the last golf cart storage with metal roofing. After the cart storage roof, we will be proceeding to the entrance irrigation project, fertilizing DA properties, pruning, and other maintenance. Other projects include installing dry wells for runoff by the shop and by the putting green, working on greenbelts, and work- ing on some gravel paths. The list is much longer but these are some of the main items. Lastly, we are seeing an increase of loose dogs roaming the golf course causing damage (digging in turf and bunkers and scratching green surfaces) and ruining conditions for play from tracking through bunkers, etc. I have even heard of one dog taking a golf ball that was on five green and, even worse, a woman who has been afraid to get her children when they get off the school bus because of dogs. This issue has been getting worse, so please monitor your dogs that are wandering onto the DA properties and through out the community without your supervision. It would be much appreciated, thanks.
Take care
SECURITY AND SAFETY COMMITTEE – Pam Thorsen The days are shorter and some of our neighbors have left for warmer places, slowing things down a little around Desert Aire.
However, those who live here full-time as well as other owners, regardless of location, need to continue watching out for each other and our community. One way to assist is to make sure that we pay attention to things going on around us, and that includes exercising our responsibility and our right to VOTE!
The November 7th general election in our area of Grant County includes many unopposed candidate positions with the Port of Mattawa, GC Fire District #8, GC Hospital District #5, DA Airport Commissioners, and Wahluke School District. There are also statewide initiatives that can impact our way of life.
If you don’t live in DA full time, it is still important for you to be aware of the issues facing all of us. If you are a two-voter household, please consider having one of you register to vote in Grant County. https://www.grantcountywa.gov/270/ Elections.
As part of the “Know Your Neighbor” (KYN) program, SSC encourages all DA owners to be informed voters, as those community members that you may know, or even if you don’t, have thrown their hats into the public service arena to represent our interests and their actions can impact the property you own in Desert Aire.
KYN had a successful kickoff event last month, with dozens of owners hearing from the Grant County Sheriff, GC Fire District 8 Chief, GC PUD Security Supervisor and WA State Dept of Natural Resources. These agencies support the concept of KYN and will continue to work with SSC on implementation strategies and information to help us keep Desert Aire secure and safe. Attendees were giving SSC’s Emergency Medical Information Kit, FREE to owners. Want one? Email DAOASafetyCommittee@gmail.com
In the October SSC meeting, the committee volunteers heard more about a national program that can help establish guidelines to maintain individual property as well as DAOA public areas to reduce wildfire impacts. According to several federal agencies, Desert Aire is considered “at risk” with a higher wild fire risk to homes than 83.8% of communities in the nation. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes- and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA
SSC continues work on planned road improvements with GC Public Works/Roads to DA streets, WA DOT “Vantage to Vernita” SR243, and GC Public Works on Solid Waste issues. Congratulations to owner Caroline Holmes, who was unanimously appointed by the GC Commissioners to represent South Grant County on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
Finally, here is a link to the work being done on I-90, including repairs to Vantage Bridge. Travel safe during these winter months! https:// engage.wsdot.wa.gov/i-90-construction-from-north- bend-to-vantage/
PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE—Anita Hammond It’s fall in the Park Y’all! Which brings to close our first season for the Desert Aire Parks & Recreation Center. It was a fantastic 1st year! Parks & Recreation will close to the open public on October 28th and Reopen in May of 2024.
Parks and Recreation will still host events this year such as the Turkey Trot 5K run on November 25th @ 9:00 am in the park. The cost is $20.00 and includes a t-shirt! Come and run off those extra lbs. you gained eating that fabulous Thanksgiving dinner. Something fun to do with the whole family! On January 1 , 2024 Parks & Recreation will be hosting a Penguin bowling tournament in the park to coincide with the infamous Polar bear plunge! There will be hot chocolate, Hot spiced cider and delicious goodies and treats for members to enjoy. We will have prizes for the penguin bowling champions, age group appropriate, so we encourage all ages to try your luck at bowling down our adorable penguins!
The Holiday decorations at the park and the lighted wreaths will be going up sometime in the beginning of December. Also, the lighted truck parade will be going through Desert Aire on December 8th!!! This is really something to see so try not to miss it.
Mark your calendars for the Golf Cart Poker Run May 25th Memorial Day weekend, it will be bigger and better than ever!
Parks & Recreation will be adding another big new surprise up at the Desert Aire entrance this coming spring, so keep your eyes peeled for something fun and colorful!
Saving the best news for last, Parks & Recreation wishes to welcome the new Committee Chair, Brent Sprague. The Parks & Recreation Committee is very happy to finally have a committee chairman and we know Brent will make a wonderful addition.
Village Extras!! Lots of activities are going on at Desert Aire. This new feature highlights these going-ons that are of interest to our owners.
Country Club Happenings As the season starts to wind down and the snow birds head south, Desert Aire Country Club would like to thank everybody who participated in our events. We added a new event this year, Top Golf Desert Aire Style. It was a huge success and we look forward to having it again next summer. We learned a few things so it will be even better.
We just completed The Frostbite in early October. It was a beautiful fall day and we had 28 teams participate. Fun was had by all.
Our final event for the year is the Hawktoberfest on Sunday, October 29th. Everyone is welcome to come down to the clubhouse and watch the Seattle Seahawks take on the Cleveland Browns. You can sign up to enter the chili and/or dessert contest. There is no charge for this event. We look forward to next year and hope everybody has a safe and happy winter.
THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US ON THE DESERT AIRE COUNTRY CLUB BOARD!!!
Business Office 509-932-4839 Mon – Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm James Curdy, General Manager ext. 100 Bookkeeper ext. 101 Tracey Hockman, Payroll Clerk ext. 102 Reyna Perez, Receptionist ext. 103 Water Department ext. 104 Chris Guillen, Watermaster ext. 104 Water Emergency 509-830-4332 Swimming Pool ext. 108 Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (10:00 am-8:00 pm 7 days a week) Golf Pro Shop 509-932-4439 Kyle Preston, PGA Professional ext. 106 Pro-Shop Staff: Dick Best, Cynthia St. Clair, Scott Denbo, Paul Meredith, Geoff Orwiler, Melissa Fierros, Wendy Knopp, and Nadia Delgado Player Assistants: Scott Denbo, Brian Rahm, and Dick Best
Tired of carrying cash when you go out? MEMBER CHARGING is an option for those on AUTOPAY! If your account has been current AND you sign up for auto pay ...you can charge at the Pool, River View Café, and Golf Shop
IMPORTANT DATES: All meetings (held via BlueJeans, login information is available on the website member page, unless stated otherwise) and owners are encouraged to attend.
Desert Aire Board of Directors – Held the 3rd Thursday of each month (except December) at 6:00 PM. Architectural Committee - Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM. (Except in November and December, when they meet only on the 2nd Wednesday). Golf Committee – Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM. Parks and Recreation Committee – Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM. Communications Committee – Meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 3:30 PM. Security & Safety Committee - Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM Desert Aire Airport Commissioners - Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 4:00 PM.
Did you know that you can rent the church for small weddings???
I-90 Vantage Bridge Deck Replacement
The bridge was built in 1962 and the last time it received a major overhaul was in 1982. Preliminary work starts in fall 2023 with daytime single-lane closures. In 2024, the Vantage Bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction. https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i- 90-vantage-bridge-replace-bridge-deck-and-special-repairs
Did you Know??? Originally, the highway crossed the Columbia River on a 1,640-foot, two-lane cantilever bridge built by the Washington State Highway Department in 1927 to replace a small two-car ferry that operated in the same spot beginning in 1914. This earlier steel bridge was located approximately one mile north of the current bridge, in the vicinity of Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park. Construction of Wanapum Dam in the late 1950s and early 1960s flooded the area around the original bridge crossing as a reservoir was created upriver. In 1962, a new, higher steel bridge opened in the present location, spanning a reservoir that was higher and wider than the original river.
Desert Aire Owners Association Board of Directors, Please join us in thanking our employees for their service in 2023 by participating, with your Board, in making a donation to the Desert Aire Employee Appreciation Fund. Desert Aire is fortunate to have approximately 30 employees serving us daily, on a year around basis, maintaining our golf course, park, water department, and HOA office. The hard work and efforts of our employees make our community a great place to live and play.
The Employee Appreciation Fund is an expression of gratitude from each of us for the yearlong service and loyalty of our employees. Participation in this fund is voluntary. If you are interested in participating, please make your donation by November 28th by cash, check, credit card or charge your account.
Thank you, in advance, for your generosity. Happy Holidays and New Year to you and your families.
Name: _____________________________ Enclosed is a check $ ___________________ Bill my Account $____________ Account #: _________________________ Phone #:_____________________
Please respond by November 28th to DAOA Employee Appreciation Fund 504 Clubhouse Way SW Desert Aire, WA 99349