December 2025 Newsletter

 

Executive Board Meeting Minutes: 12/05/2025

 

A Cherished Leader of the Abbewood Community: Remembering Thomas Emrich

A Cherished Leader of the Abbewood Community: Remembering Thomas Emrich

(from his obituary)

The Abbewood Community honors the life of Thomas Emrich, a deeply cherished member, devoted leader, and steady guiding presence whose influence shaped the neighborhood for more than two decades. Tom passed away at home on Sunday, November 30, 2025, with his beloved wife Ann by his side. Born on Christmas Day in 1941 in Enid, Oklahoma, Tom entered the world like a gift—and throughout his life, he continued to live as one, offering humor, kindness, wisdom, and service to all who knew him.

The son of Veva Cochran and Lt. Colonel Jacob Emrich of the U.S. Army, Tom grew up acquainted with both discipline and heart, qualities that followed him from Eastern Military Academy in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, into a distinguished professional life. As Director of Strategic Planning for LEGO Americas, he helped shape a global brand with creativity, vision, and an almost magical ability to build empires out of tiny bricks—remarkably without ever stepping on one barefoot.

In retirement, Tom devoted more than 20 years to the Abbewood Homeowners Association, serving as both President and Treasurer. Those roles—equal parts diplomacy, logistics, and sheer perseverance—were ones he undertook with steady dedication and a sharp mind for detail. He carried the community through challenges large and small, transforming potential problems into practical solutions with grace and good humor. His leadership helped ensure that Abbewood remained a beautiful, thriving, and welcoming community, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

As fulfilling as his career and service were, Tom’s greatest joy was his life with Ann, whom he married in 1985. Partners in every sense, they shared 40 years of adventure—traveling, golfing, winter escapes to Florida, and, most of all, a deep and enduring companionship. Having met at LEGO, they built not only careers but a life together that was stronger, warmer, and more joyful than any plastic masterpiece they ever assembled. And in a rare twist, Ann may have been the only person who could occasionally win an argument with him.

Tom’s quiet humor and deep resilience made him beloved by friends, colleagues, and family alike. He had a way of grounding any gathering—whether golfing with his LEGO buddies, planning the annual BOTS tournament, or celebrating holidays with family. His two-turkey Thanksgiving dinners became legend, and his mealtime blessings offered a sense of comfort, reflection, and grace.

Tom and Ann shared profound gratitude for Elvis Myers, whose gentle, compassionate care created a space of peace and dignity in Tom’s final days. Their family will remain forever thankful for his presence.

Predeceased by his beautiful daughter Tammy and his beach-loving son Timothy, Tom leaves behind his devoted wife Ann; his sons Thom and Christopher, along with Christopher’s wife Kim; his grandchildren Samantha, Shannon, and Zachery Emrich; and the entire loving Cecchini family, who held a special place in his heart.

Friends and loved ones are invited to gather on Friday, December 12, from 9:30am–11:30am at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Springfield Rescue Mission, 10 Mill Street, Springfield, MA 01108, in honor of Tom’s generous heart.

For online condolences, please visit leetestevens.com.

Tom Emrich will be remembered as a steady leader, a devoted husband, a man of humor and depth, and a treasured part of the fabric of Abbewood. His legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and service—an example that will continue to inspire the community he helped steward for so many years.

A Cherished Member of the Abbewood Community: Remembering Philip A. Daigle

A Cherished Member of the Abbewood Community: Remembering Philip A. Daigle

(from his obituary)

The Abbewood Community mourns the loss of one of its dearest members, Philip A. Daigle, who passed away peacefully on November 29 in East Longmeadow, MA, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Ann C. Daigle of Enfield, CT, Phil’s warmth, humor, and generous spirit touched countless lives and left an imprint that will long be remembered.

Born on June 10, 1942, in Springfield, MA, Phil was the son of the late Mae (Bousquet) and William F. Daigle. Guided by a strong work ethic and natural curiosity, he built a lifelong career as a Sales Engineer in the combustion field, dedicating 46 years to his profession before retiring from North American Mfg. Company in 2007. Yet, those who knew him understood that Phil’s true impact extended far beyond his career.

Phil was a man who embraced life with a learner’s heart. Inspired after hearing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, he developed a deep love for classical music and even learned to play the violin—an instrument he approached with both discipline and delight. He wrote short stories and poems, always searching for the perfect words, and he possessed a special talent for corny puns that never failed to bring a smile.

Golf was one of Phil’s great joys, especially the rounds played with his best friend, Bob Ellis. He read widely, always eager to learn something new, and his thoughtful nature, steady guidance, and gentle humor made him a cherished presence in every room.

Phil’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He leaves behind three devoted children: Cheryl and her husband Peter Suits of Shrewsbury, MA; Lori Broderick and her partner Scott Flynn of Flagler Beach, FL; and Philip and his wife Michele Daigle of Rutland, MA. As “Gramps,” he adored his grandchildren—Connor and his wife Melissa Daigle, Madison Daigle, Erin and Kathryn Broderick, and Adam and his wife Laura Suits—and his heart expanded even further with the arrival of his great-grandchildren, Noah Daigle and Elliana Suits.

He also lovingly embraced Ann’s children as part of his life: Kristin Johnson and her fiancé Bill Fredrick of Suffield, CT, and Karalyn and her husband Matt Squiers of East Windsor, CT.

Phil is survived by his dear brother Richard and his wife Irena Kipa-Daigle of East Hampton, CT, with whom he and Ann shared a special, lasting bond. He is also remembered fondly by his former wife and friend, Ann Daigle of Shrewsbury, MA; by many nieces, nephews, and extended family; and by numerous friends who treasured his companionship. He was predeceased by his brothers William (1944) and Robert (1986).

Phil’s life was one marked by kindness, curiosity, humor, and love—qualities that enriched his family, friends, and the Abbewood Community. He leaves behind memories filled with laughter, wisdom, music, and stories that will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew him.

To borrow the words of poet W. H. Auden, shared lovingly by his wife Annie:

“He was my North, my South, my East and my West, my working week and my Sunday rest, my moon, my midnight, my talk and my song—

My best friend, my dear Phil.”

Phil Daigle will be profoundly missed, but forever remembered with gratitude and love.

Fall Cleanup Monday November 24th

 

New Neighbors!!

 

Beebe Landscape Material Application Notification

Beebe Landscape Material Application Notification

09/04/25

Abbewood Homeowners Association

Abbewood Dr

Enfield, CT, 06082-5228

Supervisor Applicator:  Richard Beebe, Jr. S-4862 (CT); 31424 (MA)

Certified Applicator:  Sam Carabello CT : 50684 MA : 54761 

Work Ticket# 55289

LC - Round 3 Fertilizer

Product Used:

To Opt-In to receive texts and service updates.  Text "Start" to 866.209.7856

Poison Control Center 800.222.1222

DEEP Emergency Response and 24 Hour Spill Response 860.424.3338

DEEP Pesticide Management Division 860.424.3369

Beebe Landscape Services, Inc. 860.654.1572

Account Manager: Chris Tomkunes

Ray Kay Tree Service will be on site this week

 Dear Abbewood Homeowner,

We hope this message finds you well!

Ray Kay Tree Service will be on site this week to complete scheduled work. As part of their standard safety protocol, cones were placed around the designated work areas to protect both residents and their crew members.

For everyone’s well-being, and to maintain a safe environment, Ray Kay Tree Service has informed us that they will now require a signed waiver from homeowners when work is being done near their homes.

We truly value our partnership with Ray Kay Tree Service. Their professional work and ongoing monitoring of Abbewood’s trees help ensure our community remains safe and beautiful. Replacing this service with another provider at a similar cost and quality would be extremely difficult.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation moving forward. Let’s all do our part to support safety and help maintain a positive relationship with our service providers.

Warm regards,

Abbewood Board of Directors

As always, THANK YOU for making Abbewood such a great place to live.

Abbewood Community Update – TLC August 25, 2025

 

Abbewood Update – TLC August 12, 2025

 

Abbewood August Update

 

Notice to Homeowners: Stump Removal Update

As you may have noticed, a few stumps remain following our recent tree work. Additional tree removals are still scheduled, and once those are completed, all remaining stumps will be ground down at the same time. This approach helps us use resources more efficiently.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

—Abbewood HOA BOD

AW Executive Board Meeting to Finalize Road Construction

 

AW Executive Board Minutes 071425

Summer Newsletter

New Benches: Hope you will enjoy the new benches located in the mailhouse, opposite Woodbridge Drive on Abbewood Drive and the cul-de-sac Abbewood. Made of composite materials it should provide comfort and durability.

Shrub Trimming Update: Homeowners enrolled in the shrub trimming service should be aware that trimming is conducted in two rounds. During the first round, Beebe typically trims the flowering shrubs. Evergreen shrubs will be addressed during the second round, scheduled for later in the summer. 

Your Contact Information: We still need a few contacts to update their information: https://forms.office.com/r/Yp4ZWBqdnz?origin=lprLink

Please feel free to comment below (on our blog). You do NOT need to register to comment!

Ray Kay Tree Service

Dear Abbewood Homeowner,

We hope this message finds you well!

Recently, Ray Kay Tree Service was on site to complete scheduled tree removal work. As part of their standard safety protocol, cones were placed around the designated work areas to protect both residents and their crew members.

In the past, we’ve kindly asked homeowners to avoid entering these active work zones. However, we’ve continued to see some instances where those safety boundaries were not respected. For everyone’s well-being, and to maintain a safe environment, Ray Kay Tree Service has informed us that they will now require a signed waiver from homeowners when work is being done near their homes.

The waiver will include the following statement:

“Absolutely no unauthorized people allowed in the work area!”

We truly value our partnership with Ray Kay Tree Service. Their professional work and ongoing monitoring of Abbewood’s trees help ensure our community remains safe and beautiful. Replacing this service with another provider at a similar cost and quality would be extremely difficult.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation moving forward. Let’s all do our part to support safety and help maintain a positive relationship with our service providers.

Warm regards,

Abbewood Board of Directors

Abbewood HOA Annual Meeting Minutes: 06/03/2025

 

Hazardville Fire Department App

Thank you Rich Tkacz!

 

We Want You!!

Please use Sign-in sheets (arranged by streets) to

 verify your contact information and attendance. Thank you in advance!

 

Beebe Landscaping Update

 Beebe has scheduled a visit (weather permitting)  to perform shrub /  weed control services.

Don't forget: Annual HOA Meeting Tuesday @ 6 pm

We want everyone there!

AW Board of Directors

New bear sighting

 Another 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.

Annual HOA Meeting Agenda: June 3rd @ 6 pm.

 

AW BOD Meeting 5/30/25

 

Bobcat Sightings in Neighborhood

 Thanks Ed.

Subject: Bobcat

From: Edward Spazzarini 

Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 6:20 PM

I just wanted to give a heads up that we had a bobcat roaming around tonight. 
This picture is in front of Mary’s house. 
He walked in front of our house down to Mary’s and into the woods.

Edward Spazzarini

Annual Meeting June 3rd

 

Executive Board Meeting Minutes: 042525

 

Happy Easter!

 

Community Notice: Beebe Landscape

---

Community Notice

Beebe Landscape is scheduled to service the Abbewood Estates tomorrow, weather permitting. The visit will include Round One Lawn Fertilization and Weed Control treatments as part of the seasonal lawn care program.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

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Park Model Camper For Sale (Saco, Maine)

 =>.    Silver Springs Campground

Click link above for details and gallery pictures.

Spring Clean-Up

 

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

Remembering Simonne (from Stratton Circle)

 

Simonne (Alice) Wojtowicz

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.

Knollwood Drive: Remembering Ann P. Chase

 

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

 

From her obituary...

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.