FARM NEWS WINTER EDITION 2015 IN THIS ISSUE 2014 & 2015 Completed Projects 2016 Projected CPF Initiatives A Note from the Board on Committees Snow Rules Calcium Chloride for Pavers Draining of Outside Spigots Importance of Sprinkler Maintenance Vacationing This Winter? Feedback on our September Yard Sale Time Frame for Holiday Decorations Visitor Parking Neighborhood Photos Summary of CPF Completed Projects during Calendar Years 2014 and 2015 Roof replacements of homes and common area buildings Stucco painting of all homes and common area buildings Painting of window shutters Trimming of trees, dead tree & shrub removal, and selective cutting of area between Center Point Lane and Meadow View Lane Fence repairs were completed, where needed Playground safety check and additional mulch and sand were added A No Outlet sign was installed at the front gate since there were a large number of vehicles mistakenly entering the premises to avoid road detours Architectural and landscaping requests are reviewed on an ongoing basis to maintain the aesthetics of the community Estimates for contracted services are always solicited and carefully considered for both quality and cost. An example would be having the option of not completing a particular service, i.e. mowing or snow removal, thus saving the community considerable money
2016 Projected CPF Initiatives Page 2 Paint garage and front door surrounds with an option for homeowners to have their front doors painted at their cost Repair, as necessary, and paint meter box covers Replace top part of front entrance wall, repairs of the wall and painting Replace dead/dying trees as deemed necessary A Note from the Board: As we approach the end of 2015, the Board would like to thank our various Committee members for volunteering of their time to communicate with all homeowners, assist with making decisions on our landscape, and assist in monitoring our finances. This has been an exceptionally busy year during which we saw Farm News being issued and our first Yard Sale which was a resounding success. At this time, by way of recognition, we d like to identify our volunteers. Stephanie Bailey Jane Groben Marlene Jefferys Ardene Vencius Charity DeEmedio Frances Fizzano Jane Groben Seth Lejeune Carol McClain Byung Lim Brad Smith If you would like to volunteer for one of the Committees, kindly contact Carol Goren at carolgoren @verizon.net. Snow Rules The Association is responsible for the removal of snow on driveways and walks to the front door of each unit, if snowfalls are 2 or more, or if there is a severe icing condition; otherwise, homeowners are responsible for the shoveling of snow. If there are any snow angels out there, please recognize that some of your neighbors may need help shoveling. The Board reserves the right to use their judgment, for the good of the community, in certain snow or ice situations. For example, if we get less than 2 of snow, which turns to ice on the streets because of extreme weather conditions, we may choose to salt the streets (but not the driveways/steps, which will be the responsibility of the homeowners). Also, we may choose not to remove snow, which slightly exceeds 2 when temperatures, in a short-term will turn so mild that the snow will quickly melt on its own. A ONECALL will be issued once a decision is made on whether or not the snow contractor will be delivering their services.
Page 3 Calcium Chloride for Pavers Calcium Chloride should be used for our pavers. Please be sure to buy sufficient quantities of calcium chloride to last the winter months. 50-lb. bags are the best buy. Apply calcium chloride shortly after snow begins to facilitate easy removal of snow and prevent ice buildup. Draining Outside Spigots We recommend that you drain your outside spigots to prevent the pipes from freezing and possibly bursting. To do so, turn the water off at the appropriate valve inside your home by turning the handle clockwise. Open your outside water faucet(s). Drain the excess water inside the spigot(s) by opening the drain cap, holding a pail underneath to catch water. Even if your spigots are frost-free, you may want to follow these steps to be sure your pipes aren t damaged. Repeat this procedure if you have more than one outside spigot. Importance of Sprinkler Maintenance Make sure you have your sprinkler system serviced. Your home can sustain quite substantial damage if your sprinkler goes off. There needs to be enough antifreeze in the system to prevent any freezing. It is quite expensive to fix if there is a problem in your home. Please check the Home Services section of the CPF Website, then the List of Community and Homeowners Recommendations of Service Vendors for suggested vendors. Vacationing This Winter? If you are going on a vacation this winter, you may consider the following suggestions: Forward your mail and stop newspaper delivery. Ask a trusted friend or relative to regularly check your home. Turn on your alarm systems and motion-activated lights (if you have them). Set interior lights on timers. Invest in slide locks or other equivalent security locks for sliding glass doors. If heat will be kept on in your home, turn off water supply (after verifying with your boiler servicing professional that is safe for your particular heating system), shut off water to dishwashers and clothes washers, and maintain heat in your home. Set the temperature to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and leave the furnace running to prevent pipes from freezing. Unplug all appliances and phones. Arrange for a trusted relative, neighbor or friend to be available and have access to your house in case of an emergency. Check travelers.com for other information.
Page 4 Yard Sale Held in our Community on September 13, 2015 We received positive feedback on the yard sale held in our community. There were about 60 residents selling their treasures, and numerous buyers visiting our community. Everything ran smoothly, with no traffic issues or other problems. An additional benefit was the opportunity for neighbors to meet each other. As for future yard sales, township rules state that only one yard sale may be held per year. We will consider holding another yard sale in the future, if there would be sufficient interest in our community. Time Frame for Outside Holiday Decorations Outside holiday decorations may be installed any time after Thanksgiving. They should be removed within two weeks after the holiday. Please be sure not to hang any items from the stucco, as this may invalidate the Association s responsibility for maintenance of the exterior materials. Take care that any outside electrical connections meet all safety standards. Visitor Parking The parking areas adjacent to the roadways are intended primarily for visitor parking, and may be used by owners on a temporary basis only. This parking rule is necessary on an ongoing basis for obvious reasons. During this Holiday Season, many of you and your neighbors will have company visiting and parties. Please park your vehicles in your garages and driveways so we may have open spaces for all visitors. We wish all CPF residents Happy Holidays, and a Happy and Healthy New Year! PHOTOS TAKEN AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD (continued on Page 5) The picture to the left was taken on November 9, 2015, near the playground--it s keeping its leaves longer than the other trees!
Page 5 Views of the Gazebo Area through the Seasons Gazebo (left to right): Winter 2015, Gazebo barely visible!! Summer 2015 with beautiful flowers Fall 2015, surrounded by Autumn trees Fall 2015, with decorative cabbage plantings