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Bonita Bay Community Association News THE LAST BONITA BAY Community Association meeting, just prior to the Annual Meeting, was held at the Bay Presbyterian Church in late February with approximately 40 to 50 people in attendance.
PROJECT MERCY By Cherry Lommen, Spring Ridge RECENTLY I HAD the privilege of spending 12 days at Project Mercy in Yetebon, Ethiopia. While the country itself is gorgeous, its greatest asset is the beauty of the Ethiopian people, especially the captivating children and their charming smiles.
Design review and financial reports were presented, followed by an in-depth report from the Land Use Committee (LUC) Chairman, Dave Shellenbarger. Dave began with the background of the origin of the LUC which was appointed in early 2014 to evaluate an engineering report commissioned by the BBCA Board to evaluate BBCA-owned land that was not included in parks or common area amenities. The report included research about 12 vacant BBCA-owned parcels located throughout the community, and the goal was to identify areas where pathways, nature viewing platforms and recreational facilities might be located to enhance community facilities. Dave went on to say that it is generally agreed that the property value of Bonita Bay – homes and facilities – is valued at approximately $2.5 billion. There is measured demand for new and expanded amenities. The community survey completed in 2014 reported that residents value pathway and nature viewing facilities most highly among all amenities. And new sports like pickleball are being pursued by residents, with approximately 600 residents either playing or expressing interest in the sport, and over 100 residents seeking facilities for croquet. continued on page 8
Project Mercy is a Christian not-for-profit relief agency providing aid, comfort and support to Ethiopia. Deliverables include water, roads, schools, hospitals and food. PM was started by Demi and Marta Gabre-Tsadick, Ethiopians who were born of privilege. Marta was educated in the U.S. and was the first female to serve in the Ethiopian senate, appointed by Emperor Hailie Selassie. In the late 1970’s, Communists infiltrated the Ethiopian government. Marta tried to warn the Emperor, but he did not heed the warnings; he was overthrown and murdered. Marta found herself on their “hit list”, so she, her husband and continued on page 28
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