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President Our renovation is moving along really well. As previously communicated, the MPOA Board has approved our design for the yet to be named 19th Hole - Pool Cabana. Their cooperation is appreciated in helping us move forward with the project and the look we are trying to create. The permit has been resubmitted to the City of Coral Gable for this portion of the project. We expect it to be reviewed by the Board of Architects in their February meeting. The work continues in the Bar/Lounge area as they continue with electrical and low voltage work. They have excavated the southeast side of the building adjacent to the putting green to reroute/install back flow valve and a post indicator valve to tie in the new access to the buildings fire sprinkler system. A portion of the south wall of the Youth Room has been enclosed, as they also continue with the framing and AC work in that area.

The timing of the project is moving along at the expected pace. The Bar Lounge and Youth Room have a completion date of October 14th. The Fitness Center and Group Exercise Room are slated for completion on October 22nd. The 19th Hole/Pool Bar has a construction schedule of 49 weeks once we commence with that portion. The actual opening of these venues will be dependent on inspections and receiving our Certificate of Occupancy.

We do want to alert the members to some renovation work coming up that may have an impact on your use of the Club. In February, we will be replacing a portion of the AC units in the clubhouse. These are the ones that service the Bar/Lounge, Men’s and Ladies Locker Rooms on the third floor and some of the areas on the main level, most notably the men’s and ladies restrooms. This work will take about two weeks and we do not expect any major interruptions to the operation, other than a lack of AC in the rest rooms on the main level as the locker rooms and bar/lounge are closed. This work will be visible from the 16th hole as the contractor will breach the exterior wall of the clubhouse to remove the old equipment and install the new pieces. For future planning, the renovation included the replacement of our two chillers located by the first tee box. As part of the installation of the new chillers, the Club will be without AC for another two weeks. The contractor is waiting on some equipment to connect the chillers that are already here, and we expect it to be late March or April. During a portion of this time we plan on closing the kitchen and replacing the floor in the main kitchen as a capital project since we won’t have AC. We will work through the details of this and communicate them in the near future. Golf and Tennis will go on as scheduled without interruption.

On the Membership front, Shannon and Daniella have been very busy with prospects, tours and new member orientations. They are also kicking off the new Ambassador Program, and there is more detail on the Membership page in this edition. January 2021 is off to a good start compared to 2020. In January 2021 we anticipate a net loss of only 3 members, for various reasons compared to a net loss of 29 members in January of 2020. This is an 87% improvement year over year in the net member count for January 2021 compared to January 2020. As we gained 10 new members in 2021, compared to 9 new members in 2020, is strong indicator of member satisfaction. Please join us in welcoming the 10 new members that joined our Club in the month of January.

weeks as a culmination of practices and weather combine to promote growth. Please be sensitive to the newly sodded areas. A gentle reminder to all that repairing ball marks on greens will help them heal faster and promote a smoother roll for all. Jimmy will continue with his updates and he expects you will see significant improvement by mid-month from where we were in December and early January.

As we enter into the second month of the year we are really getting into the rhythms of our high season. We have definitely seen an uptick in activities around the Club. The new year started off with some new outdoor fitness options for those still looking for a healthier start to 2021. Walkin’ and Rockin’ with Renny is held each Monday starting at 7 am on the 16th tee box. As the temps warm up and sunrise comes earlier it is a great start to your day with a power walk around our beautiful community. Renny leads this class that lasts about one hour, is socially distanced and is fun for all. We also have a Zumba class on Thursdays at the pool. You have the option to do it in the pool or on the deck.

We have also started with our member events in Golf and Tennis. The Men’s Team Championship, WGA Frozen and Cars and Coffee have already taken place. We have another Callaway Demo Day, Super Bowl Tailgate to Go Party, Trinchero Family Estates Wine Tasting and a slate of DBKT and family activities ahead in February with events for all our members to enjoy.

Food and Beverage introduced a new menu revision last week. This winter menu will feature a 30% change to the previous menu. I hope you all will come out to either enjoy at the Club or try via our Curbside option. Nick and Chef Jon also rolled out a new bar menu. Additionally, Chef Jon has a special Valentine’s Dinner planned for you. More information on that is available in the newsletter. One last F&B note to the membership, just a reminder that the Club is now OPEN for dinner on Tuesday nights.

A big shout out to the USTA Ladies Senior 3.0 and 3.5 teams that both won their league championships! Congratulations to your successful seasons and demonstrating the strength of our tennis program here at Deering Bay.

Our new Committee year also kicked off in January. We want to thank all those who have volunteered their time and talents to make Deering Bay a better place for everyone. This year our committees will be even more important as we prepare for the reopening of the new areas.

On the COVID front, we encourage those eligible to seek out the vaccine. That will certainly help to keep you and those around you a bit safer. The Club remains vigilant in monitoring members and associates with temperature taking and daily welfare checks. We are also staying steadfast in our sanitation and following all the guidelines. Please remember to wear your masks, keep your distance and wash your hands frequently.

Sincerely,

Steven Sonenreich Peter J. Serena

PeTer serenA General ManaGer