October 1, 2026

Bear Creek Newsletter

If viewing from your phone, please turn sideways.

This handsome fella meandered to one of the new construction homes to check it out and strike a pose.

He has been named Butkus. ... picture is compliments of Mario Gonzalez.

Finally ... We Hope!

Well after much delay, the entrance gate is finally up and running. A trench was dug so that the electrical wiring could be updated, the 'loop' was repaired so the gate would respond to cars approaching the exit and both gates have new receivers. That means that new remotes are needed. To utilize the gate via remote, the LiftMaster 811LMX is what you will need to purchase. These can be found on both Amazon and Walmart websites and cost between $16 to $20 each. The HOA has extras that you can purchase as well.

If your vehicle has built in remotes, you will need either a LiftMaster remote to set it from or you may need to connect through the receiver itself. The HOA can help with either. Both entrances are now functioning under the same entry code. If you are in need of that information please reach out to us.

We thank everyone for their patience as we tackled one issue after another. Fingers crossed this is the end of it.

The perfect picnic location!

Newly refurbished and no goose or bird poop to contend with!!

A Shout Out!

Thank you again to Doug DeMuth for stepping up and giving the large pond's gazebo and decking a much needed facelift.

It looks fabulous and we know it was a TON of work!

We greatly appreciate you and all that you did. What a difference!!

(Additionally, the life float was replaced as the rope had rotted on the one already there.)

Light 'em Up!

Thank you to Dan Hospers for changing out the bulbs on the bridge and the ones on the small ponds decking. The bridge light bulbs we had in there were burning too hot and the ones on the decking were burned out.

We are good to go now!

Also, thank you to Dan for changing out the lockbox on the pool well and the library. One was broken and the other was a real bear to try to open. Yet again,

we are now good to go!



Speaking of the Small Pond!

Our new fountain is finally here and installed. Aint she a beauty! We are no longer running her on a timer either so she will run continuously. Our pond representative said that should be fine. Running water is always better for a pond's overall health. Now we have two picnic areas with beautiful fountains for all to enjoy.

Staying on Theme ...

We have discussed before that the small pond often runs low as the pipes leading under the bridge get clogged up with yuck. What made this even more tricky was the hurricane buried the pipe opening. We opened up other sections of the pipe trying to remedy the situation. Well, that clogs too. Then we were able to find the pipe opening and we had it marked within the waterway so we could clear/find it easily. Someone removed the marker. Errrrr!!

Thank you to Shorty and crew for going and digging up all around and finding it once again. Additionally, he added another pipe extension in the hope that both wouldn't clog at the same time. They have been marked and we ask that you do not remove the markers. The small pond gets low on

water very quickly and we do not want the motor on

the new fountain to burn out. That would be so sad.

Thank you for your help with this! Also, thank you to Rick Canada, Doug DeMuth and Dan Hospers for always cleaning off the opening(s) when they pass by. Much appreciated.

Open House ... and Happy Hour!

Mario and Company will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, October 17th from 4pm until 6 pm at the new construction home on Lot 68. Please feel free to stop by and to bring any friends or relatives that you think may enjoy seeing what is available here in Bear Creek. They will be providing tours for both of their new homes on lots 64 and 68. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served along with good company.

We hope to see you there.

Yep, We Know ... and It's fixed

We know, and so does Shorty, that some of the fencing is in need of repair ... again. Our ongoing issue continues. Shorty will make the rounds and look for all areas that need to be fixed or replaced. This particular one has been handled. He can always count on us to keep him busy!

Annual HOA Meeting and Budget Ratification

A reminder that our annual meeting will be held on November 8th at 12:30pm in the community chapel. We will be voting on the proposed 2027 budget, going over this past year's financials and voting on Board Member seats. Mailings with all the pertinent details will go out to everyone within the next week via snail mail. A link will also be added to the community website.

Below is both the Meeting Agenda and proposed 2027 budget for your early bird review.

Bear Creek Property Owners Association

2026 Annual Owners’ Meeting & 2027 Budget Ratification

Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 12:30 PM

Bear Creek Community Chapel

Zoom participation will also be available

Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order

President Lisa Hospers

2. Welcome & Opening Remarks

3. Bear Creek Community Update

A look back at 2026, including community projects, improvements and other updates.

4. 2026 Financial Review

Review of Association financials and year-to-date income and expenses.

5. Proposed 2027 Budget

Review of the proposed 2027 operating budget and priorities for the coming year.

6. Owner Floor Discussion — 10 Minutes

Opportunity for owners to ask questions or offer comments regarding the proposed 2027 budget.

7. 2027 Budget Ratification

8. Serving on the Bear Creek Board

Brief overview of Board responsibilities, expectations and the work involved in serving the Association.

9. Board Member Nominations

Introduction of announced candidates and opportunity for additional nominations from the floor in accordance with the Association’s governing documents.

10. Election of the 2027 Board of Directors

11. Welcome to the 2027 Board

12. Adjournment

Boo, Bear Creek!

Ghosts and goblins, pumpkins too,

Mountain leaves in every hue.

Candy tonight, then turkey's in sight,

And Christmas will be here practically overnight!



Happy Halloween, everyone!

Let the holiday season begin! 👻🍂🎄

The monthly newsletter is not meant to act as minutes for any HOA business in Bear Creek. It is only a nicety and forum to keep neighbors informed about what is happening in their neighborhood. Thank you!

60 Bear Den Road, Sparta

North Carolina 28675