Community News by Tom Harris, Associate Editor
The Sentinel was in attendance at the August 28 Mosquito Fire Protection District Auxiliary (D’Ax) board meeting, along with about a dozen residents. The primary topic of the meeting was to discuss the completion of the roof replacement on the fire station. From the May 10th “Raise the Roof Fundraiser” to the final inspection of the finished roof last week, it took less than three months. This was the first fundraiser with a predetermined benefit, and the first ever fundraiser by the District Auxiliary-Mosquito*, and was accomplished with donations and without public funds.
Donations continue to come in. Two recent donations of $500 and another for $1,000 will be applied to the roof. The total raised has now exceeds $33,000. Contributions remain open however, and there is still a balance due with the roofing contractor because of unexpected additional work and materials required to repair the deck sheeting. Contact the D’Ax* board of directors for more fund-raising information on this project. Email D’Ax* at: admin@dax-np.org. Your tax deductible donation to D’Ax* can be made at: paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/5109067.
During the public comment session at the meeting, many in attendance praised the D’Ax* board for its commitment and diligence with this project, and for completing it in such a timely manner. One local resident however, complained that the D’Ax* board was not providing information through social media which younger members of the community rely on. Secretary Devon Beesley pointed out that D’Ax* uses social media to announce functions, meetings and events, but will not fall into the trap of engaging in unending arguments about complaints by a handful of residents who, for one reason or another, seem to be opposed to our fire department. Devon went on to say that accurate information regarding the community is not always found on social media.
Board president Meredith Blain pointed out that D’Ax* has a website under development where consistent and reliable information can be obtained by residents, but admitted the board was shorthanded in website building. Treasurer Melissa Stever then asked the resident if she had website expertise, who answered, “yes”. Melissa then asked the resident if she were willing to help with building the board’s website. The resident agreed to help.
A second attendee voiced his opinion that the board didn’t do its due diligence regarding the roof construction. He pointed out that he was a roofing contractor, and found numerous defects in the roof replacement work. Although there were four bids submitted, the board pointed out to him that the winning bidder, Straight Line, has many years of experience, and had been employed by numerous residents who had a positive experience with the firm. In addition, the El Dorado County building inspector was included in all phases of the construction, including the final inspection, which passed “with flying colors”.
D’Ax* welcomes community input at any time and is committed to presenting accurate information. Because of misinformation presented to the D’Ax board at its last board meeting, we ask that community members reach out via the D’Ax* email account at Admin@dax-np.org.
D’Ax* has participated in other local organizations’ events, taking donations at the MVFA Fall Festival, and at the Firefighters’ Pancake Breakfasts. In addition, D’Ax* is waiting for the permits to revive community Bingo games. The Sentinel remains impressed by the speed and efficiency with which the D’Ax* board accomplished the roof replacement and by the dedication and hard work that went into this project by the board members, and by community volunteers. Look for more information on these events in the September issue of the Mosquito Byte.
District Auxiliary board meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month just prior to the MFPD board meetings at the Mosquito fire station, and are open to members of the district. The D’Ax* Board of Directors has five members. They are: Meredith Blain, President; Karen Jensen, Vice President; Melissa Stever, Treasurer; Devon Beesley, Secretary; Elisabeth Bingham, Director.
D’Ax* was incorporated as a California non-profit on September 26, 2022. It has been dedicated to supporting the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the safety and betterment of our community since that time. The District Auxiliary accomplishes its mission through social activities and campaigns, and by fostering good relationships with other community agencies within the Mosquito Fire Protection District.
D’Ax* is now turning its focus on building improvements and fundraising events, which will be discussed at the next regular D’Ax* meeting on September 25, 2025. Following that, the MVFA Fall Festival is October 11. Then there will be a Firefighters pancake breakfast on November 8, 2025, and will honor our community veterans. Don’t miss it!
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