Subject: Spring Cleanup Scheduled for Tomorrow
Hello Abbewood Homeowners,
Chris Tomkunes has informed me that the spring cleanup is planned for tomorrow.
Please plan accordingly and let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Abbewood Board of Directors
Taken from her listing on: Leete Stevens
Simonne A. Wojtowicz, 92, of Enfield, passed away Tuesday morning, March 4, 2025. She was born on June 2, 1932, in N. Troy, VT, to Emery and Antoinette (Arel) Ferland, given the birth name Alice S. Wojtowicz, but was known as Simonne throughout her life. She was an Enfield resident for 56 years.
She is survived by her husband of over 20 years, Stanley Wojtowicz.
Simonne was always baking everyone’s favorite treats. When you visited her, by the time you had your jacket off, she had a plate of hot food in front of you, and of course, you always left with food in hand. Some of her cherished memories included time spent with a dear friend and coworker of over 50 years, Lois Crawford. They often enjoyed vacations together and many walks.
A resident of 5 Stratton Circle, she’ll be greatly missed by all the members of the Abbewood community.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield, CT. There will be a Funeral Home Prayer Service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at her final resting place at Hazardville Cemetery in Enfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to: Visiting Nurse and Health Services, 8 Keynote Dr., Vernon, CT 06066. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.leetestevens.com.
Remembering Ann P. Chase
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear neighbor and longtime Abbewood Homeowners Association member, Ann P. Chase, of Knollwood Drive. Ann, 88, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Ann and her husband, Brad, built a beautiful life together, sharing 68 years of devotion and love. A gifted educator, she dedicated her career to inspiring young minds in Enfield and Windsor Locks. Her warmth and kindness extended beyond the classroom—whether through her involvement in the Enfield Congregational Church, her love of music and quilting, or her countless handmade contributions to Project Linus, she left an indelible mark on those around her.
Above all, Ann cherished her family, embracing her role as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with boundless love and wisdom. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held this spring at Broad Brook Congregational Church, with details to be announced. Our thoughts are with Brad and the entire Chase family during this time.
With heartfelt condolences,
The Abbewood Homeowners Association Board of Directors
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our dear friend, Barbara J. O’Connell (Relihan). Barbara left us peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Virginia, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 17, 1929, in Rutland, Vermont, to the late Harold and Octavia Relihan (Bell), she was a cherished member of the Abbewood Estates community for many years.
Barbara was a vibrant part of our lives—a past President of the Enfield Claddagh Club, a dedicated book lover, and an active member of our Abbewood book club. Her creativity knew no bounds; whether painting, sewing, knitting, or quilting, she poured love into every piece she made, leaving behind beautiful keepsakes for her family and friends.
More than anything, Barbara treasured time with her loved ones. She celebrated life’s moments, big and small, and made every gathering special. Her warmth, wisdom, Irish wit, and ever-present smile brought joy to everyone around her. To know Barbara was to love her, and her kindness and friendship will be missed beyond words.
We invite all who knew and loved Barbara to join us in honoring her memory. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield, CT. A funeral procession will gather at the funeral home at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, before a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard Church, 426 Hazard Avenue, Enfield. Barbara will be laid to rest at St. Bernard Cemetery.
In her memory, donations may be made to the Mark O’Connell Foundation for Lake Winnipesaukee Safety at https://www.themarkoconnellfoundation.com/take-action.
To share online condolences, please visit https://www.leetestevens.com/memorials/barbara-oconnell/3321065/index.php.
Barbara was a gift to us all, and while she may be gone, the love and joy she shared will remain in our hearts forever.
Welcome to the Sciarras!
We are delighted to welcome longtime Enfield residents, John and Lisa Sciarra, to the Abbewood community! They recently purchased Alice Allen’s home at 2 Stratton Circle. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome—they will surely be a wonderful addition to our neighborhood.
New Landscaping Contract Announcement
The Executive Board is pleased to announce that we have signed a new three-year contract with Beebe Landscape Services, covering both lawn care and winter services. This decision followed a thorough review process, during which we evaluated a formal proposal from another company and held discussions with two additional suppliers.
Beebe was selected for their comprehensive range of services and their flexibility in negotiations. We are particularly pleased that this new contract enables us to maintain the current HOA fees for fiscal year 2024-2025.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another great year in Abbewood!
Bill Kiner just saw a very hungry Black bear wandering on Knollwood.
If you encounter a black bear in the wild, it’s important to stay calm and follow these steps to ensure your safety:
1. Remain Calm and Avoid Sudden Movements
• Do not run. Black bears can run faster than humans, and running may trigger a chase response.
• Stay still and assess the bear’s behavior.
2. Make Yourself Appear Larger
• Stand tall, raise your arms, and make yourself look bigger.
• If you have a jacket or backpack, lift it over your head.
• Speak in a calm but assertive voice.
3. Back Away Slowly
• Do not turn your back on the bear.
• Slowly move backward while keeping an eye on the bear, but avoid direct eye contact, which may be seen as a challenge.
4. Be Noisy
• Clap your hands, shout, or make noise to let the bear know you are human and not prey.
• If you’re with others, stand close together to appear more intimidating.
5. Avoid Attracting the Bear
• If the bear is approaching, it may be curious. Avoid leaving food out and keep any food or scented items securely packed away.
• Never feed a bear, as this can lead to aggressive behavior.
6. Use Bear Spray (If Available)
• If the bear gets too close (within 30 feet), use bear spray. Aim for the bear’s face, as the spray will deter it without causing long-term harm.
7. In Case of an Attack
• If it’s a defensive attack (the bear feels threatened or is protecting cubs), play dead by lying flat on your stomach with your hands over your neck, legs spread to make it harder for the bear to roll you over. Stay still until the bear leaves.
• If it’s a predatory attack (rare for black bears, but possible), fight back aggressively. Use any available objects (rocks, sticks, or even your fists) to defend yourself, aiming for the bear’s face.
8. After the Encounter
• Once the bear leaves, slowly and cautiously retreat from the area.
• Report the encounter to local wildlife authorities if you are in a park or reserve.
By remaining calm, making yourself appear larger, and not provoking the bear, you can safely navigate most bear encounters.
Encountering a fox can be a surprising experience, but it's usually not dangerous as foxes tend to avoid human interaction. Here are some tips on what to do if you come across a fox:
1. **Stay Calm**
- Foxes are generally shy and not aggressive towards humans. Stay calm, avoid sudden movements, and don't run, as this could trigger a chase instinct.
2. **Give the Fox Space**
- Allow the fox to have an escape route. Most likely, the fox will run away when it feels safe to do so.
3. **Don't Approach**
- Avoid trying to approach or feed the fox. It's important to maintain a respectful distance, especially if the fox seems curious or unafraid.
4. **Make Yourself Appear Larger**
- If the fox seems too curious or is getting too close, raise your arms, make yourself look larger, and make some noise. This can help scare it away.
5. **Avoid Eye Contact**
- Direct eye contact may be interpreted as a threat. Look in the general direction of the fox without staring it down.
6. **Keep Pets Away**
- If you're walking a dog, make sure it's on a leash and pull it close to you. Dogs may provoke or chase the fox.
7. **Don't Turn Your Back**
- If you need to leave, back away slowly, keeping the fox in sight until you are at a safe distance.
8. **Report Abnormal Behavior**
- Foxes are generally wary of humans. If a fox is showing signs of aggression or approaching without fear, it could be sick or injured. In this case, report the sighting to local wildlife authorities.
Foxes are fascinating creatures, and most encounters are harmless. By respecting their space, you're likely to have a peaceful and brief experience.
