We just have to thank Darcie & Jim for giving us this arena to communicate. I'm trying to think how I would feel if I had spent hours and days keeping this web site up and this information was communicated to me, what would I do? I would be deeply hurt for sure, guess it would depend on the support I received, just not sure!

Anyway, I want to say that I started the website because the GCA Board of Directors made the decision to limit their website to only cover GCA business. That’s fine, it is their decision, but it leaves a big void in resident’s ability to communicate with each other or learn about non-association events or community activities.

At this same time, I was feeling pretty worthless, and frustrated that I was no longer able to do anything (with my disabilities). I was spending 2 hours a day on boring, repetitious, cognitive exercises.

Eureka! Perfect solution, we had been a part of developing http://www.anewscafe.com with my friend Doni, and thought, I could maybe do a little on-line newsletter for the residents (with help from Jim).

I can’t remember anything unless I make notes. I can no longer read my writing unless it is typed, I can’t work under deadlines or pressure, spell, or control impulsive behavior (hey, you always know what I am thinking!). It sometimes takes hours to write several paragraphs or depending on energy level, it can take a week to get one article written.

I CAN work on Glenbrookenews a little each day on my own timetable, with spell check, amazing technology and help from a whole bunch of our neighbors and Jim. I have to tell you, it’s sure a lot more satisfying than those boring “brain exercises.” It is a productive hobby.

Glenbrookenews is not in competition with http://www.glenbrookeca.com. The GCA website has a whole different purpose – that of GCA business only. We work together in getting the word out for events (still tickets available, sold out, changes, etc.). We refer to and link to the GCA website.

As a matter of fact, Jim and I sat down with Mina and Erin in 2008 and showed them this format, technology, and what it could do for about $200.00 per year. We again offered it to them when they were looking at the redesign of the GCA website this year. It was clear they wanted/needed a design and tech support geared towards and experienced with Homeowners Associations.

I am disappointed that you were "admonished" by a Lodge employee to exercise caution about postings on your website, inasmuch as "people were asking questions.” No one should feel defensive if I ask questions. Asking questions is a way for me to understand things (I have never lived in an HOA before). This is OUR Association, we are the members, if someone gets defensive and doesn’t want to give us information which we are entitled, it makes me wonder what they are trying to hide.

I don’t see this as my website. I see this as the neighborhood’s website. Everyone is welcome to participate and so many contribute to make it interesting and fun (I loved your skunk story!).

I haven't personally spent any time digging into staffing issues, although I have considered it, just because it's another area that I know little about. I don't know who evaluates employees, what criteria are used, how superior performance is rewarded ( I do think we have some superior staff) , or how they receive feedback on the job they do. I admit to speculating that one reason that staff may take a long time to complete a simple task (like striping the courts), is because they don't have enough to keep them busy and are savoring each task.

On the official HOA website, I think it has improved. Compared to the old one, it's more attractive, faster responding, less expensive and requires less staff time to maintain.

You might be amused to know that I was recently "admonished" by a Lodge employee to exercise caution about postings on your website, inasmuch as "people were asking questions" (about Lodge staffing, workplace practices, etc.). My goodness, we wouldn't want people in Glenbrooke to start asking questions! Before you know it, that could lead to an aware, informed resident community - and then they might even want accountability from the hired help!!! Gotta nip this in the bud early - there's no telling where this kind of probing inquiry could lead (but wouldn't you love to find out)!!!

Keep up the good work and thank you for giving us a forum for expressing our concerns.