MARSH HARBOUR INN ON BALD HEAD ISLAND Jan. 2023 - March 2023

IN THIS ISSUE


Message from the President

Update from the Treasurer

News from the GM

Innkeeper's Corner

Owner Spotlight

Getting Social

Calendar of Upcoming Events

 Winter Dining Options

Helpful Links

Contacts

Winter on Bald Head Island is filled with adventure!

Message from the President

It is a great honor to be serving again as your HOA President. I was fortunate to have served in this position when the HOA was first formed but now being retired makes the job much more suitable! 


As many of you know I focus a great deal on the maintenance of the Inn. One of the first acts I've taken in this role is fixing a problem that has persisted for many years. Complaints about the rainwater leaking onto the 1st and 2nd floor decks have been constant from many owners. In fact most of these owners purchased these suites specifically to have a covered porch. Well, we finally took action. Starting this week we are removing the decking, railing, sideboards, HVAC, and installing a water tight seal liner on all 3 top floor decks. Hopefully, weather permitting, we will eliminate all dripping rain by the end of next week.

Another major project we finally completed was the repair of the ceiling and walls outside of The Yacht Master and Captains Quarters. With the help of fellow board member, Rod Hyson, we had contractors erect some significant scaffolding. We had broken sheetrock, water stains, mold and peeling tape. Most of this was a result of Hurricane Florence a few years ago. This area was hard for us to access due to the open stairwell. Pictures don't do it justice. The results look terrific. We are continuing this effort and will be painting all the ceilings in the Inn over the next 6 months. 


We also had our annual electrical repairs list done last week and are fixing outlets, lamps, lights, broken wires, damaged switches in rooms 4, 10, 11, 14, 15 and 20. 


Our General Manager, Sophia, has really put in a lot of time and effort to find our new Innkeeper, Amy Queen. Having an onsite Innkeeper will raise the level of service, especially our breakfasts. We are in the process of remodeling room 10 for her, making it much more livable.



We are currently surveying all the island homes that are having windows replaced. There are eleven. We are talking to the owners and asking many questions on what, who, how and how much. This is the beginning of our study on replacing our windows at the Inn. More to follow in the months to come.


As always, send me a text or email if you have any questions. Look forward to seeing you in person. Take care - Lynn


Lynn Derrick

President, MHI HOA

Ph: 803.629.6223

glderrick@gmail.com

Looking for a project when you visit? Ask for suggestions when you check in!

Update from the Treasurer:

MHI Financial Summary Report, November 2022


For the eleven months ending November 30th, 2022, the HOA reported total net operating expenses of $365.4K, lower than budget by $17.1K. 


In 2022, the Board implemented outside cleaning services provided by BHI Services to manage increased room turnover and rental activity, which was up 40% versus the prior year. To date, outside services fees of $(27.9)K, not included in the budget, have been offset by payroll costs favorable to budget by $30.8K.


We’ve recorded higher professional fees by $(6.0)K mainly driven by higher bookkeeping activity and legal expenses. All other operating expenses were lower than budget by $20.0K. 


Our figures through November do not reflect the incremental, non-cash benefit of the forgiveness of the second Cares Act PPP Loan for $21.8K received in 2021. With this event, the HOA no longer has any Cares Act related liabilities on the books.


Key financial activities to date in 2022 include:

- Investment of $20.5K in a new sprinkler system from reserves. 

- Dues increases implemented in the third quarter to manage higher operating costs, having remained the same since the beginning of 2021.  

- 2022 property taxes of $27.2K were paid in full in December. 

 

As of December 31, 2022, Owner dues in arrears were $4.7K. We continue to actively manage collections and will evaluate options in 2023 to drive electronic payments. 


Total cash is in a solid position. As of December 31, 2022 the total cash balance was $59.0K, not including $23.8K of additional funds in our operating account corresponding to initial receipts of first quarter dues for 2023.


Please contact Frank Antunez, Treasurer at frank02@gmail.com or (704) 277-2841 if you have any questions, or if you'd like to volunteer to support activities as a member of our Finance Committee.

News from the General Manager


My main focus for the past two months has been advertising and interviewing prospects for the Head Innkeeper vacancy. Not everyone is able and willing to stay overnight so it has been challenging. That said, I am delighted to announce that we have hired Amy Queen effective January 19, 2023. She is a North Carolina native with two grown daughters and one granddaughter. Amy will be relocating to Bald Head Island and living full time at the Inn in room 10. Beth Ward, Sharon Helms and Sharon Gregory will continue in their roles as Assistant Innkeepers.


Amy is a great fit for us because she is a good communicator, problem solver, and extremely resourceful. She is enthusiastic about starting this new chapter in her life. Amy loves trying new things and is eager to dive in head first. There will be a learning curve so please be patient. Fortunately Christie will be available to continue the training process on an "as needed" basis.


Give Amy a warm welcome on your next visit to the Inn!


Sophia Derrick,

General Manager

803-348-4025

sophiafderrick@gmail.com


THE GUEST BOOKS, LOCATED IN EACH UNIT, ARE BEING UPDATED!  Contact joanbaumer@gmail.com if there is some key information you would like to add to this resource.


Innkeeper's Corner: Looking forward to meeting you!

Hi! I am Amy Queen, your new innkeeper! I have been a licensed esthetician/instructor for well over a decade and I am excited about the opportunity to begin a new career as the Head Innkeeper for the Marsh Harbour Inn.


I truly look forward to learning about coastal living and island history, and I hope to gain new friends and family. My head is spinning with ideas for the Inn but, most importantly, creating a positive and uplifting environment. 


With the main goal of enhancing the stay of owners and guests, I welcome your suggestions and ideas.


Please be sure to introduce yourselves, your families and your dogs. I look forward to making your stay enjoyable!


Your Innkeeper,


Amy Queen

Warmer than average winter weather predicted this year...be sure to pack layers!

Owner Spotlight: Introducing Maria Howard and family! 

Maria is the mother of two children in their 20s, Philip and McKinley. In addition, she is a "dog mom" with two yellow labs (Fletcher and Paisley). Philip and McKinley grew up vacationing on BHI and they have always loved the island year round. Even the dogs tend to "smile" constantly while on BHI.


Richmond, VA is home to the Howards, but McKinley attends UNCW, so she makes an occasional day trip over as well.


Maria purchased Week B in the Pinnacle Suite in the fall of 2020, followed by the purchase of Harbour View the following spring.

According to Maria, "The MHI fractional share allows us to enjoy Bald Head throughout the year without the huge financial outlay of home ownership. Speaking as someone who used to be in charge of maintenance for a three-family house on BHI, it's awesome to arrive on the island and be able to relax right away."


Activities for the family include walks with the dogs, watching the sun set on West or South Beach, climbing Old Baldy, going for bike rides, taking in a turtle nest boil or an excavation, getting lunch at the market, etc. We've come to love the Marsh Harbour breakfasts, playing ping pong and corn hole on the porch, and hanging out on the balcony of Pinnacle.


Buying at the inn has been a great decision. We have enjoyed every visit and are looking forward to many more!


By Joan Baumer, Social Media Mgr.

919.414.4338

joanbaumer@gmail.com

We're looking forward to seeing you soon! Please send your arrival confirmation at least two weeks prior to your visit. The MHI ARRIVAL CONFIRMATION form is located online in the Owners Only section of the HOA website. Simply fill in your information and send!


Getting Social in 2023: Check out Facebook, Instagram, and TripAdvisor!


Want to know what's new and exciting at The Marsh Harbour Inn? Be sure to click the links to our social media accounts. Make sure you are following, asking questions, and commenting. When you take the time to actively follow our beautiful inn on social media, you are building potential renter interest, staying informed, and having a good time! PLEASE CLICK THE ICONS BELOW TO GET STARTED!


Want find all of our important links in one place? Check out our Linktree page here.

Want to rent your week? Contact: Bald Head Island Services

Suites For Sale

From time to time owners may to decide to sell a suite or purchase another suite at Marsh Harbour Inn. To help facilitate this process, the HOA will provide an updated list of suites available for sale at the reception desk including a description of what it means to be a fractional owner and part of our Marsh Harbor Inn family.


If you are interested in selling one of your suites and would like to be added to the flyer, please contact secretary@themarshharbourinn.com. If you are interested in purchasing another suite, please ask the Innkeeper for a copy of the most current list. It's also located on the website Sales page.

Calendar of Events


Ongoing...


BHI Activities  - Island Activities


BHI Conservancy Kids Activities

BHI Conservancy 910-457-0089


Bald Head Island Outdoor Activities


Shoals Club Activities - temporary membership required

Membership information may be found on the HOA website


February

Feb. 5 - Howl at the Moon

5:30-7:30pm Beach access 39


March

March 7 - Howl at the Moon

4:00-6:00pm Beach access 39



January Dining Options


Delphina Cantina: Closed until further notice


Jail House Provisions: Closed until 1/23 (check on new hours after that date)


Jules' Salty Grub & Island Pub

Thurs.-Sun. 11:30a-9p (Fri. and Sat.) and 11:30a-8p (on Thurs. and Sun.)


Maritime Market: Mon.-Sat. 8a-6p and Sunday 8a-2p


Marsh Harbour Inn kitchen: Our kitchen can be used to prepare dinner. Please clear this request with innkeeper and remember to clean up!


Midway Coffee: Daily 8:00a - 3:00pm


Sandpiper Coffee & Ice Cream: Will remain closed for the foreseeable future 


Shoals:

Aqua/Latitudes: Closed for renovations.

Sandbar Grille: Thurs.-Sat.11:30-7:30p (last seating), Dinner specials Fri. and Sat. for "Around the World" themed dinners, 5:30-8:30pm (last reservation at 7:30p)

Shoals Delivery: Tues-Thurs in January.



Will of the Wisp: Closed this month

Contact Information

Officers:

Lynn Derrick - President

Marian Bell - Secretary

Frank Antunez - Treasurer


Board Members:

Joan Baumer

Rod Hyson

Joanne Levitan

Randy Novia

LeAnn Pierce

Tony Williams



Sophia Derick - General Manager


Amy Queen - Head Innkeeper


(910) 448-0717 Innkeeper on Duty

 
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