Happy Holidays! December Newsletter

Board of Directors Minutes: 11/26/24

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Welcome and Updates

          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!

New Neighbors

 

Fall Cleanup November 25

 

Bear on Knollwood 10-22-24 3:15 pm

 Bill Kiner just saw a very hungry Black bear wandering on Knollwood.

Stay inside!

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.

New Fox Run

Thanks to Benji and John for sending pictures of our resident fox!

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.

BOD Meeting Minutes - 09/10/24

 

Bear Sighting 09-06-24

Good morning! Thanks for the heads up Bill . It’s always good to stay alert when a bear is in the area. Make sure to secure any food sources like garbage bins, bird feeders, and pet food, and keep a safe distance if you see it around. Stay safe!

 # 10 chatfield!

Photos by Bill.  

Driveway and road repairs is rescheduled for Friday, August 30th.

 Sorry for the late notice but due to a delay, this is rescheduled for Friday, August 30th.

Dear Abbewood Homeowners,

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the quality and safety of our neighborhood, we will be conducting street maintenance on **Friday, August 30th**. To ensure that this work can be carried out efficiently and without interruption, we kindly ask all homeowners to refrain from parking on the street or in the guest parking areas on this date.

**Please make arrangements to move your vehicles to your driveway or garage before Friday, August 30th.** 

We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep our community in excellent condition.

Thank you for your understanding and support. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me.

Best regards,

Guy Bourassa  
Vice President
Abbewood Homeowners Association Board of Directors

Visit our blog!

Ray Kay Tree Service on Woodbridge

Dear Abbewood Homeowner,

Please be advised that Ray Kay Tree Service will be on the property in the next few days to perform necessary tree work between 2 Woodbridge and 4 Woodbridge. The work area has been clearly marked.

For the safety of both homeowners and Ray Kay associates, we kindly ask that you respect the boundaries of the work area and avoid interrupting any Ray Kay personnel.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Thank you,  

*Abbewood Board of Directors*

Important Notice: No Street or Guest Parking on Friday, August 23rd for Street Maintenance

 

Board of Directors Meeting - July 2, 2024 Minutes

 

Minutes form Abbewood Homeowners Association Homeowners Meeting June 10, 2024

 

Date: Location: Attendees: Board:

Abbewood Homeowners Association Homeowners Meeting Minutes

Date:     Monday, June 10, 2024
Location:    Hazardville United Methodist Church
Attendees:    25 Households and 0 proxies
Board:    Steve Fletcher, Tom Emrich, Bill Noyes, Bill Kiner, Linda Samoncik

Meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm by Steve Fletcher 

Introduction of new members: Gail Bickley (2 Chatfield)

Chris Tomkunes from Beebe Landscaping

• Landscaping
• Irrigation
• Winter Services
• Issues (Bill Noyes documented details):
• Homeowners were reminded to contact Bill Noyes or Steve Fletcher with issues; do not contact Beebe directly
• Homeowners want communication of upcoming services (mulching, weed control, trimming, etc.)
• Bittersweet overgrowth
• Some lawn areas in need of attention (spotty grass, etc.)
• Stop blowing grass clippings, Spring & Fall clean-up waste into the woods

Review of minutes from June 13, 2023 Homeowners Meeting
Motion to accept made by Joe Fallon , seconded by Gail Ricci; motion passed

Tom Emrich presented the Treasurer’s Report

• 2023-24 budget $136,463; fiscal year-end estimate $126,684

• Under budget $9,779, mostly due to under-budget Winter Services, offset by 

  over-budget tree work

• 2024-25 budget $140,356 which reflects an estimated 10% price increase for 

  Beebe (actual increase could be higher)

• Other landscaping companies have been asked to provide proposals, which will 

  be reviewed and compared when received
• Due to landscaping and winter services cost increase, there is a need toincrease the $360 monthly common fee by $10 to $370, starting with the July 2024 payment ($370 equals $265 for the operating budget plus $25 for reserve savings plus $80 for the RDC program) 

• Estimated Year-End Balances for 6/30/2024

○  Checking: $20,263

○  Reserve Savings: $42,484

○  RDC Savings: $39,562

○  RDC CD 2165: $151,919

○  RDC CD 4526: $127,274

○  RDC Program Total: $318,755

• RDC year 3 of the 7-year forecast presented at the 2021-22 Homeowners Meeting. However, inflation has severely impacted the RDC Program. The construction company advises their 2020 estimate must increase 25-30% due to inflation. We will monitor the economy and adjust our future accordingly.

• Discussion followed 

• Ballots counted by Gail Ricci and Ann Emrich 

• Budget (25 votes) passed unanimously 

• Questions: None

• Election Results:

• Nominations for 1 board position accepted from the floor Nominations were: Guy Bourassa
• Joe Fallon moved nominations be closed; seconded by Bill Kiner
• Discussion followed
• Results: Guy Bourassa re-elected to board unanimously

Old Business: None

New Business:

• ●  Survey results

• ●  Blog (new communication tool)

• ●  TLC program (powerwashing, roof cleaning, etc.)

• ●  Abbe Road sidewalks (unrelated to Abbewood)

• ●  Board to discuss safety on Abbewood streets (e.g., white lines, speed bumps)

• ●  Enhancement of street signs

  Motion to adjourn made by Penny Gates, seconded by Linda Bouffard; motion passed; meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm

  Respectfully submitted by Linda Samoncik

Thank You!

 Dear Abbewood Homeowners Association Members,

I am deeply honored and grateful to have been reelected to the Board of Directors. Thank you for your trust and support. Serving our community is a privilege, and I am excited to continue working our board towards the betterment of our neighborhood.

Together, we have achieved much, and I am committed to ensuring that Abbewood remains a wonderful place to live. I look forward to collaborating with all of you and addressing any concerns or ideas you may have. Please visit and use our blog site Abbewood Living @ https://abbewoodhoa.blogspot.com/ and join the conversation. Or email me and I will post for you.

Special thanks to Linda Samoncik for filling in for me and taking the minutes. You did an awesome job (better than me). They are attached and posted on our Blog.

Thank you once again for this opportunity. I am eager to contribute to our community's growth and success in the coming term.

Warm regards,

Guy

https://abbewoodhoa.blogspot.com/

Annual Meeting : Monday June 10, 2024 6:00 PM

 Abbewood Homeowners' Association 

Homeowners' Meeting 

Monday June 10, 2024 6:00 PM 

Hazardville United Methodist Church  330 Hazard Avenue, Enfield, CT 

Driveway is just before the church down to parking lot in back. 

The meeting room is at parking lot level. Entrance is on side of the church. 

Agenda

• Call to Order 
• Acceptance of minutes from June 13, 2023 Homeowners Meeting 
• Question and Answer Session with Chris Tomkunes, Beebe Landscape Services, Inc.
• Proposed F' 2024-25 Budget 
• Presentation 
• Discussion and vote 
• Nomination and Election for Board Members 
• Term expires in June 2024 for Guy Bourassa 
• Nominations for candidates to be accepted from the floor 
• Old Business 
• New Business 
• Adjournment 

In accordance with Article III, Section 3.5 of the By Laws this agenda serves as notice of the upcoming Homeowners' meeting. Please bring this agenda and all attachments to the meeting.