Articles

The Coles Crossing Dad’s Club (CC/DC) continues to improve Coles Crossing by awarding scholarships to graduating Seniors that live in Coles Crossing.  This program had donate thousands of dollars and has given back to this community.  The communications team interviewed the Dad’s Club President, The Leader of the Scholarship Team, and a past Judge.  

 

A Tradition of Giving
Rich Henderson, President of the Coles Crossing Dad’s Club, recalls how the scholarship program began: “Shortly after forming the club, we wanted to find a way to give back to the community. Supporting Coles’ residents and the family-focused culture here is at the heart of what we do. Helping graduating seniors pursue higher education just made sense.”

 

What started with a total of $2,000 in scholarship awards has now expanded to at least $10,000 annually. While the club aims to grow this amount, funding remains a challenge, as many deserving students apply each year. The club raises money through community-driven efforts, including fundraising activities like Super Bowl Squares sold via social media.

 

More Than Just Academics
The selection process for scholarship recipients goes beyond GPA. Applicants must be Coles Crossing residents seeking post-secondary education—whether at a four-year university, community college, or trade school. While academic performance is considered, the real focus is on an applicant’s volunteer history and their ability to articulate their experiences in an essay. “We’re not just looking for the best students; we’re looking for the best citizens,” Henderson emphasizes.

 

The Dad's Club Scholarship Team has remarked on how challenging it is to pick winners each year, “These kids are so impressive. We’ve read essays about how students helped their community during Hurricane Harvey and COVID, how they overcame personal hardships, and how they’ve turned tragedy into motivation to serve others. One recipient even battled cancer while staying dedicated to their academics and volunteering. Their stories are inspiring.”

 

Expanding Awareness and Future Growth
Despite the program’s success, one of the biggest challenges remains spreading the word. The club utilizes social media and community publications like The Paper Boy but relies heavily on word-of-mouth. This year, for the first time, they advertised in Crimson Connection, the Cy-Woods High School magazine, to further increase visibility.

Looking ahead, the goal is simple: keep growing. “The bigger we get and the more funds we raise, the more we can give in scholarships,” says Henderson. “We have an amazing group of young people in this community, and we want to do even more to support them.”

 

A Lasting Impact
Daniel Housely, an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and past scholarship judge, understands firsthand the importance of service and giving back. “It’s a humbling honor to represent the Coles Crossing Dad’s Club in supporting the seniors of our community as they pursue their dreams of higher education. Our children are the future, and I’m grateful to pay it forward, just as others once did for me.”

 

As the Coles Crossing Dad’s Club continues its mission, one thing is clear: their impact reaches far beyond the scholarships they provide. They are investing in the future, one student at a time.

 

 

 

 

 

In 2024, Coles Crossing made significant strides in ensuring the continued success of our community, thanks to the leadership of our HOA Board and the dedication of countless volunteers. Their hard work has been instrumental in the growth and progress within the neighborhood.

 

 

 

Our community also gave back in meaningful ways, including the Dad’s Club’s generous donations to Sampson Elementary and support for Coles Crossing kids heading to college, with thousands of dollars reinvested into the community we all call home. The 55 and Older Group continues to engage our senior residents with growing activities and expanding membership. Additionally, our Scouts continue to contribute through community projects, our swim team continues to excel with their "Crock It Up" spirit, and our kids' soccer league continues to grow and thrive.

 

Your HOA is actively working for you, managing the items listed in our reserve study to ensure our community’s long-term sustainability and upkeep.

 

We are grateful for our HOA Board, leadership team, and volunteers who make these improvements and events possible, logging thousands of volunteer hours helping Coles Crossing remain a vibrant and thriving community. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coles Crossing residents, exciting updates are coming to our community’s tennis and pickleball courts! As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing our recreational amenities, the Board has started a comprehensive resurfacing project for all six tennis courts, with Court 6 being designated as a dual-use court for both tennis and pickleball.

What’s Included in the Project?
The work, carried out by AAA Court Services, includes several key upgrades:

1. Fence Replacement: The existing fence mesh will be removed and replaced with new green vinyl-clad heavy-duty mesh. Gates will also be repainted, and peeled spots on the fence frame touched up to ensure both durability and a polished look.

2. Light Pole Painting: The light poles will be sanded down and painted with industrial-grade Hunter Green rust-oleum paint, ensuring they remain in excellent condition for years to come.

3. New Windscreens: Custom green windscreens with vents and reinforced borders will be installed, providing optimal wind resistance and a clean, professional appearance.

4. Backboard Replacement: The backboard will be removed and replaced to support practice play.

5. Court Resurfacing: The courts will undergo a thorough cleaning and repair process, including patching low spots, filling cracks, and applying multiple coats of resurfacing paint for a more durable and comfortable playing surface. Fresh white lines for tennis and pickleball will also be painted, ensuring multi-purpose use.

 

Court 6 will be restriped to include two pickleball courts, using an industry-standard color scheme for a polished, professional look—great news for our growing pickleball community!

 

The courts are a vital part of Coles Crossing’s recreational amenities, drawing players of all skill levels from across the community. Regular maintenance like this not only preserves the quality of play but also reinforces the value of our community as a premier place to live.

The project started in December 2024 and is expected to be completed by January 2025, with the goal of minimizing disruptions to players. During this time, court closures will occur in phases: one side of the facility (three courts) will be closed while the other three courts remain open for continued play. This approach ensures that tennis activities can still take place throughout the resurfacing process.

 

Thank you for your patience as we complete this important upgrade. We look forward to seeing you on the courts soon, enjoying these refreshed facilities!

 

 

John Shaffer, the creator of the neighborhood’s famous musical light show, sat down with us to share the story behind his dazzling display and the journey of bringing it back to life.

 

John Shaffer: "It all started over 15 years ago. I wanted to do something special for my neighborhood—something that would bring people together during the holidays. I came up with the idea for a musical light show, and what began as a small project quickly grew into something much bigger as word spread. The community really embraced it, and it became a tradition. But after my kids left for college, I took a break from the show."

 

John Shaffer: "Honestly, it was the community’s response. Over the years, I noticed cars slowing down and people asking, 'When is the light show coming back?' It really made me realize how much it meant to everyone. So, I decided it was time to bring it back—this time with even better technology and a fresh set of surprises for the community."

 

John Shaffer: "The neighborhood has changed a lot since we first started the show, with new families moving in. I wanted to create something that would be exciting for both the new generation of kids and the families who remember the original show. Upgrading the technology was a big part of that. It takes nearly a year to program everything—synchronizing the lights with music, setting up props, and making sure the network runs smoothly. We start setting up right after Halloween, so it’s a lot of work, but it’s also something we look forward to every year."

 

John Shaffer: "There are plenty of challenges! The weather is a big one—working in the rain can be tough. And the technology itself can be temperamental. We have to constantly monitor the network and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Even something as small as a single pixel malfunctioning can affect the whole show. The larger props and equipment also need strong support systems, so there’s a lot of heavy lifting involved."

 

John Shaffer: "I think it’s the surprises we add into the show. For example, we programmed a 747 to fly through the display during the 'Home Alone' theme song and dinosaurs that come to life during 'Jurassic Park.' These little touches make it even more magical. But honestly, what makes it all worthwhile is seeing the joy on people’s faces—especially the kids. When they see the snow machine or smell the chocolate chip cookie-scented bubbles, it’s like seeing the magic of the season come to life."

 

John Shaffer: "Yes, over the years, people have started donating to the Make-A-Wish Foundation after seeing the show. It’s incredible how generous the community has been. While we never set out to raise funds, it’s heartwarming to know that the show is not only bringing joy to families but also helping brighten the lives of children who are going through tough times. That makes the whole experience even more meaningful."

 

John Shaffer: "Yes, this year, my neighbors John and Megan really stepped in and got involved. They synchronized their house with the display, which was a huge help. With the show growing every year, it was getting harder to manage on my own, so their enthusiasm has been a game-changer. We’re already talking about new props, themes, and songs for next year, and it’s exciting to have them on board for future shows."

 

John Shaffer: "We’ve got some big plans for the future. The display will continue to evolve, with more lights, new surprises, and of course, even more joy for everyone who stops by. The light show is all about bringing people together and creating memories, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here."

 

John Shaffer: "I’m just grateful to be a part of something that has become such a cherished tradition in our community. It’s not just about the lights or the technology—it’s about creating wonder, spreading joy, and bringing people together during the holiday season. I can’t wait to see what’s next."

 

 

COLES CROSSING 55 AND OVER GROUP had their Christmas/Holiday social on
December 11am, at the community center. The community center was decked out with
Christmas décor and special member touches, which added to the seasonal joy.
A slide show set to Christmas music played in the background during both dinner and
our Christmas game of challenge, which consisted of the timed unwrapping of gifts with
oven mitts on. The slide show pictures reminded us just how active a group we were
during 2024 – from day trips, to wine/cheese socials, dining opportunities and games.
Friendship, food and lots of laughs dominated the evening.

 

A big thanks to local vendors who supplied our door prizes:

• El Jimador Restaurant - $50 gift card
• Starbucks – 4 ice coffee mugs
• Villa Sports and Spa – complimentary 60-minute session, massage or facial, product samples and day passes
• Photography by Yana – photo session including (1) 8x10 print or (2) 5x 7 prints and electronic copies of the photos

 

 

As many of you have noticed, exciting changes are underway at both of our community pools! We’re gearing up for a refreshed poolside experience in 2025, and we can't wait to share the upgrades with all our residents. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming your way. Rest assured, all updates are expected to be completed in time for the 2025 pool season, so you’ll be diving into the new-and-improved spaces when the warm weather hits!

 

Main Pool  (Behind the Community Center): A Complete Makeover!
The Community Center pool is undergoing a full remodel, which will transform it into an even more inviting space for relaxation and recreation. This extensive upgrade includes:

• New Coping, Tile, and Plaster: The pool will get a fresh, modern look with all new finishes.
• Deck Resurfacing: We’re refreshing the pool’s decking and removing the old rocks that have been there since the community’s inception.
• Additional Shade: To keep things cool on sunny days, we’re adding a second sunshade to provide extra comfort.
• New Pool Furniture: Both pool tables and chairs will be replaced with stylish, comfortable new pieces that will elevate your poolside lounging experience.

• The Lap Pool will also be receiving some much-needed upgrades, starting with:
• New Pergola: The old pergola is being replaced with a sleek new sunshade to better protect you from the sun while you swim or relax.
• New Furniture: We’re upgrading the pool area with fresh, comfortable seating for all to enjoy.
• Building Updates: Future work will focus on refreshing the pool building itself, with new hardy plank siding and a fresh coat of paint to keep everything looking sharp and inviting.

A special thank you goes out to Ellen Prasse for her dedication and hard work as a Pool Committee member, and to the HOA Board for their continued support and assistance in making these updates possible. We’re thrilled for these improvements, and we’re confident they will enhance your poolside experience next season.
Pool Chair – Mark Frieden

We appreciate your patience during this time of transformation and look forward to unveiling the updated pools for a fantastic 2025 pool season!