Dear Deadwood Community Members
We hope this letter finds you all healthy, safe, and at least at the beginning stage of gaining insight as to how to safely continue to do the things that fulfill you.
Normally we would be gearing up for our big Annual Meeting. However, true to the new reality of 2020, things are a little different this year...
We are writing this letter as a precursor to the Annual Meeting.
We hope to answer a few questions and offer updates on the following topics:
IS THE COMMUNITY CENTER AVAILABLE?
There have been a number of inquiries about the possibility of reopening the CC, as well as requests to rent the facilities.
This has been a difficult and ongoing topic of conversation. The CC hosts so many wonderful yearly events and has been a vital gathering place for this community. We appreciate the desire to have it reopen, unfortunately we cannot safely and responsibly do it at this time.
The Deadwood Creek Services (DCS)Board carries the insurance for the CC. In order to continue to receive coverage, we must comply with the Statewide Reopening Guidelines. If we do not comply we could be liable for any accidents, injuries, or damage.
We will continue to revisit this decision as we move forward. We acknowledge how strange it may feel to have the CC closed, as it has been unlocked and available for so long.
Thank you for your patience with us as we continue to navigate through this very strange moment in history.
For reference to the current Reopening Guidelines you can visit this
Link.
WHAT'S UP WITH THE PLAYGROUND PROJECT?
In the past 6 years the number of youth in Deadwood has increased significantly. We felt it prudent to update the CC to support the inclusion of these community members. Some of the existing playground had become dilapidated to the point that it was no longer safe for kids to play on.
Last November at the Annual meeting we presented a plan to the community to update the playground. We began applying for grants for this project and in the spring we received a $5000 grant from Western Lane Community Foundation.
The project began with the removal of some of the old structures. We have built a fence and will be adding some gates to define the playground area. The old Rocket play structure has been beautifully refurbished! We have begun preparing for the construction of a new swing set. We will also be creating paths and new outdoor seating areas. We hope this fosters an even more family friendly environment and creates more opportunity for gathering (when that feels appropriate).
Thank you to all the community members who have volunteered their time to help. If you are interested in helping with this project, please contact any member of the Board.
WHY CHANGE THE TIMING OF THE ANNUAL MEETING?
Our tax year has shifted to begin on January 1 and end on December 31. (Before it ran November 1- October 31).
Therefore, we will not be able to give an accurate Annual Financial Report until after January 1. This, combined with the fact that we need time to work out the logistics of such a large gathering, instigated our decision to postpone the Annual Meeting until mid January 2021.
We will keep you posted.
FUNDRAISING
Even though the CC is currently closed, we are committed to maintaining and improving it for when it will reopen. The CC has been such a valuable asset to our community and it will continue to be for years to come.
This year, the income for Deadwood Creek Services(DCS) has been significantly reduced by the absence of 3rd Saturdays and the lack of rental fees. Yet, we still have bills to pay, taxes to do, and improvements to invest in. We would be ever so grateful for you to consider making a donation.
Let's invest in the future we want!
To donate:
You can write a check to Deadwood Creek Services, and mail it in the envelope provided.
-or-
You can also donate through our website, just click the DONATE button below.
The DCS Board currently meets during the first week of the month.
We encourage you to contact a board member prior to this if you have any topics you would like us to discuss. We will then follow up with you after the meeting.
Thank you for your continued understanding and patience.
Danell Sundstrom
Kristi Guse
Mikelle Loar
Ami Levy
Anna Metz
Kinouani Sompa