In the Woods - Farmington Woods
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In the Woods
July 2020 - Volume 38, Issue 7
Mission Statement Happy Fourth of July
To preserve and enhance
the property values of
Farmington Woods
Master Association
Executive Board
President
Kent Belvin, District 3
Vice President
Phyllis Butler, District 2
Secretary
Bill Crofton, District 5
Treasurer
Kathleen Woods, District 6
Joan Skydel, District 1
Philip Morris, District 4
Tony Blaine, District 7
Madelyn Colon, District 8
Harry Marsh, District 9
Debbie Zahorodni, District 10
District Board
President
Kent Belvin
Vice President
Irene Loretto
Treasurer
George Hall
Clerk
Thomas Pinkin
Directors
Anne Fitzgerald
William Hawks
Michael Marchese
Ivan Mendelsohn
Patricia Root
Welcome Home!
2
In the Woods ~ July 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS Due to COVID-19 meetings will be held
remotely only. Instuctions for log on will
Feature Page be posted on the Member Central page
The American Spirit 3 on our website in advance of the meeting.
Before the Boards 4
Wed. 7/1 Clubhouse Committee 6 p.m.
Legal Notice Tax District 4
Tue. 7/7 Landscape Committee 4:30 p.m.
Pools 5
Mon. 7/13 Public Works Committee 3:30 p.m.
New Roots in The Woods 6
Mon. 7/20 Finance Committee 6 p.m.
Off Deck! 6
Tue. 7/21 Design Review Committee 4:30 p.m.
Volunteer Zodiac 6
Thu. 7/23 Golf Committee 6:30 p.m.
July at the Clubhouse 7
Mon. 7/27 MA Executive Board Meeting 7 p.m.
Market Update 8
District Board Meeting will follow the
Farmington Woods Golf Club 9
MA Board Meeting.
Saving Tomatoes in Distress 10
Where Eagles Gather 11
Resist the Urge to Feed the Animals 12
Beware of the Bears 12
Pet Reminders 13
Unauthorized Use of the Clubhouse 13
Women’s Tennis 13
Classifieds 13
Deadlines: Copy and photos for each issue of
In the Woods are due in the MA Office by the
tenth of the preceding month. Please send items
via e-mail to jennifer@farmingtonwoods.com
The inclusion of third-party paid
advertisements in this Newsletter does not
constitute an endorsement, guarantee, warranty
or recommendation by the Farmington Woods
Master Association. We make no representation
or warranties about any product or service
contained herein.
Master Association
200 Byron Drive, Avon, CT 06001
Office Hours: Monday-Friday
7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Phone 860-673-6193 or Fax 860-675-6156
If you would like to receive your MA and District
statements electronically, please request this service
by emailing gina@farmingtonwoods.com.
3
In the Woods ~ July 2020
• Community meetings from Boards to Committees to
The American Spirit concerts to Trivia nights – all relegated to ZOOM or
put on hold indefinitely.
Kelley Brewster-Griffiths Sometimes the worse events bring out the best in us:
General Manager • We hear a record number of occasions of neighbors
helping each other out – grocery shopping, birthday
drive-by’s or just “checking in” on each other’s status.
• On May 17, Farmington Woods residents reached
out to the greater community with a record-breaking
When I think of the words “the American Spirit” so many food and financial donation for the benefit of Gifts
images come to mind: raising the flag at Iwo Jima, the fire of Love.
fighters running into the Twin Towers, John Kennedy Jr. saluting • Likewise our CONNECT Committee sent donations
at his father’s grave. But is that really the American spirit? Or to Avon Food Share and to the Farmington Food
is it the feelings that were felt by the entire country as these Pantry
and other events were happening? • Eagle Scout cohorts of one of our younger residents,
Kyle Cooper, spent an entire morning clearing weeds
I think the American Spirit is a force within this country that from the nature trail area near the Guilford playground
brings us together as one in times of need or distress. On for the day when kids can roam free again.
occasion, and as we have learned over the years, it bears • More people than ever are taking the time to send
repeating that we are all created equal, regardless of race, “thank you” emails to the office for what they
creed, gender, income or whom we choose to love. Mutual perceive as an improvement in service.
respect, empathy and cooperation can get us through any trial • We have an increased number of walkers – keeping
of our mettle. the social distancing with the COVID shuffle. Smiles
and waves to our grounds crew are very much
The era of the Corona virus has set new challenges for us as a appreciated.
community and as a country. Now is not the time to let down
our guard. Masks and social distancing, frequent hand-washing I am drawn to this quote by Peter Marshall – “May we
and consideration of others are still the best preventative think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please,
measures that individuals can take to protect their health. but as the opportunity to do what is right.”
COVID-19 has challenged the health of our businesses as well, We can take pride in the ways we are working together
with some interesting results: to handle this pandemic and in the American spirit that is
• The Restaurant: Closing the restaurant to dining-in options alive and well in Farmington Woods. I thank each of you
meant that we had to furlough a number of staff. We for your contribution to that spirit. I salute our veterans,
cannot thank you enough for the number of orders for our current service men and women, our first responders
curbside take-out or delivery. We are literally at capacity and our essential personnel, and I hope that each of you
during peak times – meaning that our ovens, fryers and can enjoy this Independence Day celebration with family
burners cannot take more orders, no matter how many or friends.
staff we bring back. The number of orders is generally
two or three times the number of seats we could
accommodate at sit-down meals. Now that we have been
able to open our outdoor dining areas at 50% capacity, we
again look for your tolerance and compliance with the
restrictions that this dreadful disease has placed on us.
And remember, these restrictions are there for the safety
of you and our staff. Don’t shoot the messenger!
• Golf: We know how lucky we were that golf was held to
be a low-risk activity. It brought new members who might
have been involved in other activities as well as furloughed
workers who wanted to enjoy the precision of the game.
Carts which are designated with flags now allow same-
household multi-riders.
4
In the Woods ~ July 2020
Before the Boards Grounds: Mulching will start at Crocus and move toward
the Clubhouse. The crew will be able to do approximately
Master Association and District Board
25-30 cubic yards per day and increase from there. They will
Meetings
concentrate on areas around the units and garages first and
May 26, 2020
then move to larger common areas when the units are
To maintain social distancing, the meetings were conducted finished. Other grounds work requests will be addressed
remotely via ZOOM. Instructions for owner involvement post-mulching. The mulching timeline is dependent on weather
and full meeting details appear monthly in the Board and staffing, but we hope to have completed the entire
Packages on Member Central. Management continues to community by the middle of July. The order of mulching by
take action on ever-changing issues related to COVID-19 street will be updated on In the Woods 2.0
and to provide updates as the situation evolves via links on Golf: Membership stands at 193. This season we secured
our website and In the Woods 2.0 email distribution. 26 new members and have received 10 leave-of-absence
requests thus far.
These are the highlights of the May meetings: Golf closed the month of April with a positive monthly variance
Financials: of $3,775. Golf closed with YTD actual loss of ($163,667) vs
• Master Association YTD 4/30/20: Administration and ($253,336) this time last year reflecting a year-over-year
Operations have a positive variance to budget of improvement of $89,669.
$514,467. (Monthly contribution from Administration Restaurant Operations:
to Reserves was delayed. It will be funded in coming A full month of COVID restaurant operations in April resulted
months.) Golf/Restaurant has a positive variance of favorably with net income in excess of $10,000. The restaurant
$36,690. Reserves have a positive variance to budget opened for outdoor seating on May 21.
of $96,623. Restaurant Reopening Criteria Overview:
• District YTD 4/30/20: The District has an overall • Mark flooring for social distancing
negative variance to budget of $154,888 due primarily • 50% seating capacity with tables spaced 6 ft. apart
to paving expense for work budgeted but not (Total capacity about 50 people)
substantially completed in fiscal year 2018/2019. • One-way traffic
Administrative/Operations: • Hand sanitizer at entry and common areas
COVID-19 issues: • Rolled or packaged silverware
• Meetings, both Board and Committee, will be • Eliminate reusable menus
conducted remotely via Zoom until further notice. • Single use condiments
• Staff is currently focused on appropriate action for • Contactless payment
continually changing COVID-19 executive orders • Sanitize seating, tables and common items after each
delivered by Governor Ned Lamont: edging seating
landscape beds, mulching and continuing major The women’s locker room will be the only restroom allowing
renovation projects to name a few. use by one person at a time for minimal entry to the building.
• Outdoor restaurant seating is now available, tennis Restroom management will be from the golf starter podium
courts are playable and the Pro Shop is open. and then from the patio bar when golf concludes.
• Pools: The Farmington Valley Health Department Residents must comply with the COVID procedures with
(FVHD) will not begin the annual permitting process regard to wearing masks when not seated at a table and
until after a firm date has been set by state restricting the number of people at tables within the allowable
government for re-opening and health safety number.
guidelines for pool operations are established.
Fountains at the front entry ponds are becoming more
difficult to operate due to the amount of sludge and sediment
accumulation. The last dredging was approximately 20 years
Legal Notice
ago and cost about $35,000. Alternatives and current costs District Tax
are being investigated.
Paving: This budget year paving will take place from the
The Farmington Woods District first quarterly installment
West Avon Road gate up Heritage Drive towards the
of the 2020/2021 fiscal year tax is due on July 1 and
Clubhouse ending at 31 Heritage Drive. Paving was awarded
becomes delinquent on August 1, 2020. Your statement
pre-COVID-19 in February 2020. We were asked to
will be mailed or emailed. Any amount delinquent will result
renegotiate the contract for options. Paving is scheduled to
in the assessment of an interest penalty of 1½% per month
begin the week of June 8 and last approximately 45 days,
or portion of month.
weather permitting.
5
In the Woods ~ July 2020
Pools
COVID Precautions required for individuals or family units when seated on the pool
During Phase 2 of reopening, only deck within the pre-marked 6-ft. social distancing increments.
the Guilford and the Mallard pools Indoor Showers and Changing Rooms Closed to
are open. Minimize the Spread of Virus: Pool patrons should arrive
Capacity: The number of people that can safely fit on the in their swimsuits and shower prior to arriving at the pool.
pool deck area while maintaining the 6 ft. social distance Water Filling Stations Only: Pool patrons should bring their
guideline, including 3 ft. wide walking path, limits the own water bottles. Water fountain use shall be restricted to
capacity at Guilford to 25 and at Mallard to 16. water bottle filling stations only.
Scheduling: The pools will operate under a schedule of 6-foot Distancing: Patrons must wait in line to enter the pool
2-hour time blocks, with a 1-hour period in between sessions in 6-foot increments to comply with social distancing and remain
to sanitize in accordance with regulations. Reservations 6 feet away from anyone outside their household.
must be made for pool use. Only one reservation per
household per day please. Staffing: There will be an increase in pool staff to allow
lifeguards to monitor swimmers while additional pool staff check
Pool Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 7 days a week passes, register patrons and ensure that social distancing is
Sessions will be scheduled as follows: maintained and sanitization measures continue in accordance
10 a.m. – 12 noon, Pool Open, Session 1 with regulations.
12 noon – 1 p.m., Closed for Cleaning Pool Tags/Wrist Bands: All
1 p.m. –3 p.m., Pool Open, Session 2 residents are required to have
3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Closed for Cleaning and to display a blue 2020-2022
4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Pool Open, Session 3 Farmington Woods pool wrist
Pool hours/availability may be affected by weather
conditions or new conditions related to the pandemic. band/tag. Blue bands with numbered ID tag will be issued
from outside of the M.A. Office. These will only be issued
Reservations: Reservations may be made for up to 7 during the hours of 2 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Monday-Friday. They
days in advance and may be made in person at the pools are valid through the 2022 season. Please do not throw them
at the discretion of the Pool Manager or by calling the out at season’s end. The cost to replace a band will be $20
Guilford Pool at 860-675-2114. each.
No Guest Policy Implemented: Only residents and COVID19 Warning: Those showing symptoms of illness and/
unit owners will be allowed to use the pools. Guest passes or those failing to comply with COVID19 guidelines, pool
will not be available this season. All pool users will be employee instructions, pool rules and posted signage will result
registered upon entry, to include full names, addresses and in being asked to leave the pool facility. If you have symptoms,
contact information in the event that pandemic conditions or have been exposed to anyone with symptoms DO NOT go
necessitate contact tracing. to the pools. All pool patrons assume individual risk.
No Groups/Classes: Water aerobics class and other Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert,
group activities will not be scheduled. Pool parties will continues to remind us that the ongoing pandemic is far from
not be allowed. over. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any
Pool Furniture: Pool furniture will be removed. Each public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an
pool patron must bring their own chair each time they come extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness
to the pool to prevent the spread of virus from shared pool and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
furniture. The pool deck will be marked out in 6-foot Prevention, senior citizens and those with underlying medical
increments to allow individuals or members of the same conditions are extremely vulnerable.
household to remain at least 6 feet apart from others when
seated on the pool deck. These procedures are state
requirements and necessary to reduce
Face Coverings/Masks: Cloth face coverings shall be
the risk of contracting COVID-19 in our
required to be worn throughout the pool deck area, in the
community. Please do not fault the Pool
restrooms and when entering and exiting the pool facility
unless doing so would be contrary to health or safety due Staff or make their responsibilities any
to medical conditions. Face masks are not required while more onerous.
in the pool as cloth face coverings can be difficult to Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation!
breathe through when they’re wet. Face masks are not
6
In the Woods ~ July 2020
New Roots in The Woods ~ May 2020
Residents: Address: Previously from:
Susan Aseltine 36 Byron Drive Avon, CT (purchase)
BTF Realty 41 Crocus Lane Plainville, CT
Jacqueline Coppola 24 Maple Lane FW 137 Mallard Drive
Luke Florian 148 Mallard Drive Southington, CT
Sarah Corliss and Victoria Madeiros 12 Canterbury Lane Bristol, CT
David and Sandra Merrill 20 Conifer Lane Simsbury, CT
Dennis and Sally Oligino 1 Heritage Drive Avon, CT
Jeanette Pacheco 52 Great Meadow Lane Farmington, CT
Paula Robinson 2 Willow Lane Westbrook, CT
Owners and Renters: Golf Club Membership Special Discount
20% discount off the two-year promo rate for all residents who are not currently golf members.
Contact the Pro Shop to take advantage of these excellent programs.
Thought for the day:
“As you walk down the fairway of life, you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.” -Ben Hogan
Off Deck! Match Your Zodiac Sign
to our Volunteer
Opportunities
Cancer
June 22-July 22
In the astrology horoscope, the home is the first place you
think of with the Cancerean personality. Cancer people do
love their home and love to indulge in good food. This
Our insurance risk assessment can improve if
personality also enjoys work that helps other people and
everyone abides by these rules: one of giving service. They can often feel overly responsible
1. All outdoor cooking grills must be removed from and for other’s well-being and are known to worry and fret a
kept off wooden decks, balconies and porches. lot over things out of their control. Their innate sensitivity
2. Grills may not be stored on wooden decks including makes them want to excel in whatever they do. Medicine,
wooden decks which are at ground level. psychotherapy and charity associations make good
3. Cooking outdoors is prohibited on wooden decks, workplaces for Cancers. They like to be in charge of their
wooden porches, on or under balconies, decks, own tasks and often work alone. Cancer people appreciate
awnings, and in garages. the regular paycheck and often find jobs in large institutions
4. No open fire or flame, fire pit, chiminea, torch or or profitable businesses. Not to mention many great chefs
liquid fire starter is permitted. (Outdoor cooking grills were born under this sign. Here in The Woods that makes
do not constitute an open fire or flame.) you a natural for the Clubhouse Committee, Covenants
5. The user is expected to comply with all applicable and of course the District Representatives.
state and local codes and ordinances regarding the
operation of outdoor grills in single or multi-family To apply, please complete the Volunteer Form on the
residences, respectively. Member Central portion of the website or get one from the
6. Repair of damage caused by outdoor cooking is the MA Office, and submit it along with a short bio and
sole responsibility of the Unit Owner. overview of your interest.
Farmington Woods Woman’s Club
Lunch Bunch
Sadly we will not be gathering at Elizabeth Park to enjoy the roses then lunch at the Pond House.
Hopefully we will be able to resume our day trips in the fall.
7
In the Woods ~ July 2020
July at the Clubhouse
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Clubhouse Restaurant will be
open for Pickup and Delivery Service, and 50% Patio until further notice.
Hours of operation: Wednesday - Friday Noon - 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
A $20 minimum purchase is required for pickup or delivery service.
Fastest pickup and delivery service is at lunch, off-peak hours and early in the month.
Italian Specials Fish Fridays
Sundays, July 12 and 26 All Day
All Day every Friday
Order by Saturday July 11 and
Appetizer:
July 25 for pickup or delivery only
Fried Clam Strips $11*
Small Caesar Salad Entrees:
Chicken Parmesan Fresh Catch of the Day, served Lobster Rolls and
Side of Penne with Marinara Sauce with rice and vegetables - $19*
Garlic Toast
Homemade Chips
Fried Clam Dinner - $16*
Tiramisu Stay tuned to
$21 plus tax and gratuity Fish and Chips Dinner - $16*
Half-price bottle of wine with purchase! In the Woods 2.0 for the
Baked Cod, served with rice and
vegetables - $16* addition of Lobster Rolls
*Plus tax and gratuity (served hot or cold)
on our July Specials Menu.
$22 plus tax and gratuity.
Menus are subject to suppliers’ availability.
Bottles of Wine are at half price every Thursday!
Happy Fourth of July from the Clubhouse staff!
We are open our regular hours on Saturday, July 4 (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.), so think
of us when you crave picnic food, like the perfect hamburger or hot dog.
United We Stand
Clubhouse staff members have been working hard to return some normalcy to our Farmington Woods way of life.
Though many of the COVID-19 restrictions are being relaxed state-wide, Farmington Woods has a significant
constituency of high-risk residents – over 65, and/or subject to underlying health issues. For that reason and with
advice of outside Counsel, we are maintaining the highest degree of caution and prevention at the Clubhouse until
further notice.
Please remember that our Service Staff are also at risk and deserve your consideration and thanks.
Diner compliance requirements:
Masks must be worn at all times when you are not at your table. No mask, no admission.
Seating has been arranged in numbers and spacing initially prescribed by the Farmington Valley Health
District (FVHD). (Maximum 5 people to a table, tables 6 feet apart) Do not move chairs from one table to
another.
Restroom facilities are limited to one person at a time in the Ladies’ Locker Room. The entry key will be
available at the golf starter podium, then at the patio bar after golf concludes each day.
Please stay home if you think you might be sick, and please
do not use outside seating if you are unable to comply with these safety measures.
Delivery and curbside pickup options are still available for your dining pleasure.
8
In the Woods ~ July 2020
Market Update • Low inventory - many current residents who might
George Herman has been a partner and have been looking to sell are holding back to see
owner of Farmington Woods Realty for 40 what the markets will do. Where we might usually
years. FW Realty is a boutique agency, have 35 units on the market at this time of year, we
primarily serving buyers and sellers of only have 20-25.
properties in The Woods. They are also • The very mild winter meant that we never really
a focal point for all local Realtors and feature all open listings on slowed down our showings.
their website. This puts him in a unique position to opine on the • Condo community living seems to be popular again.
reaction that potential buyers have to properties here. Several of my recent clients have contacted me
soon after closing to say how happy they are with
George was kind enough to take time out to answer some
their decision to buy in The Woods.
questions regarding our current marketability and any impact
that COVID-19 might be having on sales.
Q.: What feedback are you getting from other
Q.: How have the COVID-19 restrictions affected the brokers and prospective buyers about our physical
number of prospective buyers compared to the same time appearance?
last year. A.: People see all the building that’s going on – the
A. Surprisingly, business is better this year than last – and we siding, painting, staining and roofing – and are very
were already happy with last year’s results. January – April impressed. Now that this is the third assessment year,
last year The Woods had 24 closings. This year in the same the community is looking largely and significantly better.
period we have had 32. At the beginning of the pandemic, I used to hear a lot of negatives about the exterior of
things slowed down considerably; but after the first three weeks the buildings. Now I rarely do. Also, the grounds are
business picked up again and we have been busy. Units tend to looking much improved. People may not mention that
be sold within days rather than staying on the market. Units specifically, but I used to hear plenty of negative
that are in good shape go very quickly. Even if they need a lot comments and now I don’t. It’s been a long time since
of work, if they are well-priced, they move quickly. I’ve had such consistently positive feedback.
Q.: What extra precautions are you taking with regard to
Q.: Is the assessment affecting sales?
the COVID-19 virus?
A.: Now that there is only one year left, this is rarely
A.: The Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) has set out
an issue, and frequently the seller agrees to pay all or
strict guidelines:
part of the remaining amounts.
• All recommended safety recommendations are followed,
including wearing masks and gloves.
Q.: Spring and early summer are generally prime
• We can only bring prospective buyers who are prepared to
selling times, especially for families with children.
go to contract within 30 days – no “shoppers.” If someone
Is this still the case?
wants to get a feel for Farmington Woods, I will lead them
A. Time will tell. There are still people who prefer to
through in my car, but they cannot go inside a unit or a
move when the weather is clement, or in time to get
building.
settled in a new school district. Low interest rates
• If we are showing a unit, we bring disinfectant wipes to use
certainly bring out more interested buyers.
on the lock and the front door.
• If the unit is still occupied, we ask the owner to leave all
Q.: Are the amenities as attractive when – until
inside doors (rooms, closets, cupboards, etc.) open so that
further notice of COVID-19 procedures – many of
no one has to touch the knobs.
them are closed or curtailed?
• If we do touch anything, we wipe it down with a disinfectant
A. I don’t think this has been much of an issue to date.
wipe immediately.
The people I’ve seen have the same “We’re all in this
• We wear masks, of course.
together” attitude.
Q.: To what do you attribute the increased business?
A.: Several things: Q.: Do you sense there will be any long-term trends
• The CAR guidelines have actually streamlined our sales by developing from the COVID-19 experience, e.g.
pre-qualifying our clients. crowded city dwellers moving to the suburbs?
• Low interest rates have been a boon on both sides – buyers A. That’s certainly a possibility. All I can tell you right
don’t have to wait as long to sell their previous homes and now is that Farmington Woods is very marketable and
are in a good position to finance a new purchase with us. appealing to a wide range of buyers.
This is also an obvious advantage to first-time buyers.
-Mary Anne Maher
9
In the Woods ~ July 2020
Farmington Woods Golf Club – Pro Shop 860-673-0062
Two Men - 110+ Holes Lessons:
Golf Marathon Charity Event The trouble with
Monday, July 27 YouTube…
Ever think you could save yourself the expense of lessons
and just watch the many, many Golf Pros who post advice
on YouTube? Well it’s not a total waste of time, but here
are some very important reasons to take lessons in person:
• Feedback: You may think you’re doing exactly what
the TV host has recommended, but when a human is
Golf Club Members and Residents are invited to sponsor
right next to you he/she can tell you whether you are
our Head Golf Pro Kevin Cloud and Assistant Pro
actually performing in the recommended manner and
Michael Rey as the two of them play 100+ holes (six 18-
how to correct it if you aren’t.
hole rounds!) in one day for the shared benefit of the
• Club adjustments: It’s just possible that your clubs
following charities:
are not sized correctly for your body. A Pro can
CT Golf Foundation determine if adjustments are needed or whether a
The Friends of the Avon Free Public Library new club is warranted. As opposed to a big box
Folds of Honor store, your home Pro is not likely to sell you on
Spc Joseph Lancour Memorial Scholarship something you don’t need.
• Refresh the basics: The grip, the stance, the weight
You decide for yourself how much you’d like to underwrite,
shift, the line-up - are all of yours working for you?
e.g. $1/hole, $2/par, $3/birdie, or simply a flat amount that
Get evaluated in person.
fits your budget.
The first Women’s Clinic began on June 3, and 14 ladies
To sign up as a donor/sponsor, simply call the Pro Shop or
of varying ages and levels of experience showed up for
e-mail kevin@farmingtonwoods.com.
tutelage from Kevin and Mike. Here’s what some of
them had to say:
Independence Day “I can’t believe that slight change in my grip has
Golf Tournament straightened out my shots.”
Residents Welcome “I think I got my money’s worth in one lesson.”
Friday, July 3 “These guys are so much fun!”
Tee times all day There’s a Mixed Clinic still going on, but Kevin and Mike
Decorate the Cart Contest/Closest to Old Glory Contest are willing to set up more if the demand is there. The
first group of ladies heartily recommend it.
$25 per Member player includes box lunch and prizes
Resident non-members pay $60 Don’t Forget
for 18-holes with cart – total $85. Your Resident Privileges!
9- or 18- Hole Play
Junior Camp Non-member residents of Farmington Woods
at Farmington Woods enjoy access to the golf course:
Sundays after 3:00 p.m.
Ages 7 – 17 Mondays, based on course availability
August 10-14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays - Thursdays after 3:00 p.m.
Golf, Tennis 18 Holes: $60 (includes cart fee)
9 Holes: $35 (includes cart fee)
and other fun activities daily These rates and availability also apply
Register at Cloud9GolfShop.com to resident non-members’ guests.
10
In the Woods ~ July 2020
Saving Tomatoes in Distress the plant, and don’t keep your tomatoes too moist! And
NO SPLASHBACK!
Either pull a diseased plant completely or trim the infected
leaves/branches. Move the location of your tomatoes each
year. Fungus will stay in the soil a full year. If you spray,
use a copper or sulfur spray or Serenade.
Late Blight
Trivia Moment: This blight
was the cause of the 1845
Every gardener jokes about the two hundred dollar tomato,
Irish Potato Famine.
but they wouldn’t trade the flavor or the satisfaction for the
world. But you want to protect your investment, so let’s This blight creates blue-gray
visit the common diseases to which your tomatoes are spots on the leaves which
exposed.
then turn brown. On the tomato it deposits brown, greasy
You’ll encounter at some point: Early Blight, Late Blight, spots with a white, cottony ring of mold. Another yuck!
Blossom End Rot, and Snidely Whiplash. Just kidding – the This is a mid-to-late season disease and generally follows
last one is fake news. cool, wet weather. The curative process is much like Early
The Blight Brothers are caused by fungus in the soil, and Blight. Remove/destroy the infected leaves. Once a week
Blossom End Rot is a function of external conditions. You and after each rain use a copper fungicide spray until the
want to avoid these three if possible. Now I know you’re leaves drip. Or use Serenade. Same preventive measures:
SICK of this right now, but for your tomatoes you can spread ‘em out, water the soil not the plant, rotate your crops!
practice a vegetable form of social distancing. If you attended
our workshops back when we could really meet OR read
Blossom End Rot
any of the presentation material on our Facebook page, you This one is different. It’s
know tomatoes are anti-social. One reason is that they pass specific to external
disease along to each other. Sound familiar? So, give them conditions. The appearance
space. They need at least two feet. And give them air. is a brown or water-colored
That means cage or stake them – it keeps the branches discoloration at the blossom
upright and somewhat spread out. But now for some other end. The conditions leading
facts and suggestions. to this disease are related to water – periods of drought
during the early stages of fruit development or after periods
Early Blight of unusually heavy rainfall. It’s also a sign of calcium
What is it? It’s a fungus that insufficiency or over-application of nitrogen.
lives in the soil. It delivers The solutions are:
distinctly unattractive • Uniform watering during drought conditions
bullseye-patterned leaf spots, • Light application of fertilizer high in superphosphates
stem lesions, and fruit rot. • Foliar application of calcium chloride
Serious yuck! Your plant • Mulch – moderates moisture and heat
may not die, but it will weaken and get fewer fruit. While
some tomato varieties may be more resistant than others, So, be observant, examine your tomatoes every day and get
no variety is immune. diseased leaves and branches far, far away. Spray if you
need to. Your tomatoes are worth the TLC!
The fungus will hide in the soil or in detritus left in your -John Sahm, Cooperative Gardener
garden from diseased plants. So, if you snip diseased leaves/
branches (as you should do) but don’t set them far away,
you’re perpetuating the problem. Same thing happens if
you don’t thoroughly clean your tools. Don’t just wipe them
on your pants!
Damp conditions and/or splash back from watering your
plants can also spread the disease. So, water the soil, not11
In the Woods ~ July 2020
Where Eagles Gather
Kyle logged almost 24
At the Public Works Meeting in hours over January and
August 2019, the Committee heard a February building the
presentation from a 15-year-old corn hole boards. His
resident, Kyle Cooper. Kyle proposed grandmother, Edith
a project that focused on the Guilford Cooper – also a resident
Pool and the adjacent walking trail. – sewed the beanbags.
His project proposal was an important
step in scouting – the path to Eagle When asked about the biggest challenge he faced with the
Scout. Committee member Phil Morris recalls: “Kyle trail project, Kyle immediately said it was Covid-19. It delayed
presented a succinct, thoughtful plan to clear out the old the project. It also changed how he selected and organized
path around the gazebo near the playground and tennis his team. Asked what attribute he felt this project helped him
courts by the Guilford pool. He was articulate and build, he thought about it and said, “Persistence.” But on May
composed in his request, and there was an immediate 31, the plan came together:
positive vibe throughout the Committee.”
Eagle Scout is the highest designation that a Scout can
achieve. It’s a significant and an important step for an
individual. Eagle Scout is not just an award but a state of
being – a person IS an Eagle Scout, not WAS. There are
many noteworthy folks with Eagle Scout in their resume:
President Gerald Ford, Steven Spielberg, Clive Cussler,
James Brady, Jim Lovell, Ross Perot, etc.
It’s more than just one project. An Eagle Scout
demonstrates active participation (active, not passive,
involvement in the community), spirit, positions of
responsibility, service, and leadership training. It’s a major
commitment beyond the project. While the project is a
major component and challenging, the qualification for
Eagle Scout also requires 21 merit badges. Kyle has 32
including mandatory badges in Swimming, Lifesaving, First
Aid, Environmental Science, Personal Fitness, Personal
Management, Camping, Cooking, Family Life,
Communication, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship
in the Nation and Citizenship in the World.
The Eagle Scout Project must be a service project helpful
to any religious institution, school, community, or
community organization (other than Boy Scouting). It
also requires planning, the development of a written plan,
and approval of that plan by the project sponsor. It requires
the forming of a team, the supervision of that team, and So when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and you can
the acceptance by the sponsor of the finished project. play corn hole, or when you go for a stroll on a nice, cleared
It’s a serious undertaking and a very worthwhile trail and can read the Sutton plaque, remember that they are
experience. gifts from an enterprising Scout and Troop 44 to the
community of Farmington Woods.
Our Guilford Pool is a favorite family pool but has no
Many thanks to Kyle and his team:
family activities other than swimming. Kyle proposed
Upper left: Ian Love, Matt Ross, Joseph Pizzuti
creating cornhole frames that would be distributed from
Upper right: Kyle (bending), Johnny Morris (Red Shirt)
the lifeguard stand for family and guest use. In addition, Lower left: Steve Cooper (Dad), Sam Love, Ken Ross
the walking trail behind the pool has gotten overgrown. Mom, Bridget Cooper, pitched in all day, fed the team and
Kyle and his troop cleared the path, particularly the area baked the celebratory cake for the end of the project.
around the trail namesake plaque in memory of Frederick Lower right: A clear walking trail – Enjoy, everyone!
T. Sutton Jr. -John Sahm12
In the Woods ~ July 2020
Resist the Urge to Feed the Animals Beware of the Bears
The black bears in our region are hungry. Any aroma or
Rodents and Predators
presence of food near our condos can attract them and
Please do not throw food on the ground in Farmington Woods.
cause them to grow habituated to humans and disturbances,
Food scraps, fruit or bread on the lawns or wooded areas
such as dogs and other noises. The aromas may come
will attract bears, skunks, and raccoons. Even leaving bird
from bird feeders, garbage, outdoor pet food, compost piles,
seed and nuts on the ground is discouraged as you are not
fruit trees or berry-producing shrubs.
only attracting birds, squirrels and chipmunks but mice and
rats. Predatory animals are then attracted by their desire to To avoid attracting bears:
hunt the vermin (coyotes, bobcats, foxes, etc.)
Safety Concerns
When fed outside their natural diet, wild animals, such as
bears, become habituated to humans and pose a threat to
our safety.
Health Concerns
Many people enjoy feeding the ducks and geese that frequent
the ponds and waterways. It may be hard to resist, but this
• Remove bird feeders from late March through
practice is highly discouraged by not only the MA but by
November. If a bear visits a bird feeder in winter,
federal, state and private organizations. According to experts,
remove the feeder.
by feeding the ducks and geese you are also attracting rats,
• Wait until the morning of collection before bringing out
pests and predators that kill water fowl and endanger humans.
trash. (Gosh, have you ever heard that before?)
Any uneaten food will rot and breed diseases and parasites.
• Add a few capfuls of ammonia to trash bags and
As well as leaving an ugly mess, the rotting food can also
garbage cans to mask food odors. Keep the bags in a
pollute the water.
tightly lidded container and store in a garage or shed.
Bread in particular is not even good for the ducks! It causes
• Do not leave pet food outside overnight.
Angel Wing which makes their feathers grow too quickly.
• Thoroughly clean grills after each use, or store them in
This strains their muscles and can interfere with flying.
a garage or shed.
• Never intentionally feed bears. Bears that associate
Filth
food with people may become aggressive and
The ducks and other unwelcome dinner guests leave a large
dangerous. This may lead to personal injury, property
amount of feces at the feeding site, creating a much higher
damage, and the need to destroy problem animals.
risk for illness and disease. Overfed ducks and geese create
• Encourage your neighbors to take similar precautions.
more waste which will harm fish and other animals living in
ponds.
If you see a bear on your property, you can leave it alone
and wait for it to leave, or make loud noises from a safe
Please encourage family, friends and neighbors to observe
distance in an attempt to scare the bear away. After the
wildlife and enjoy the beauty of nature, but Please Don’t
bear leaves the property, remove anything that may have
Feed the Ducks and Geese!
attracted it to the area. Above all, don’t assume that just
because you scared a bear off once, that it won’t be back.13
In the Woods ~ July 2020
Pet Reminders Classifieds
The rules and regulations of the Master Association prohibit
all pets, including cats, from roaming freely outdoors. The For Sale: Field and Stream Kayak, only used five times.
rules also require that no more than one dog, or two cats Light green with storage compartment, paddles and cart
that do not go out of doors, be kept in any one unit. included. $400. Great deal with paddles and cart included
- a $230 approximate savings. Please call 508-612-8725.
Please make every effort to keep cats indoors as there are
many dangers to them when outdoors. A cat that goes UR Community Cares is a non-profit organization that
outdoors not only risks being struck by a car, but may have connects trusted volunteers with people 70+ or 18+ with a
encounters with predatory wildlife prevalent in Farmington physical disability or injury, who need at-home help. You
Woods. can request weekly, monthly or seasonal visits for
housework, yardwork or companionship. No charge for
Dog owners are reminded that our Pet Rules are consistent services. Visit URCommunityCares.org or call 860-430-
with state and local leash laws. When outdoors in the 4557 for details.
Common and Limited Common areas of Farmington Woods,
Wanted to purchase: One-car garage in the vicinity of
all pets must be physically restrained on a hand-held leash
Crossroads Lane. Please call 860-617-3435.
with physical control maintained at all times.
For Sale: Greendale Home Fashions 44 x 22 in.
The complete list of Pet Rules is in Section 4 of your Outdoor High Back Chair Cushion, color: Summerside
Resident’s Handbook. The Pet Permit form is available on Green. Like new. Stored inside during the winter
Member Central under “Printable Forms.” months. Only need a quick wipe off. 5 for $100.
Please call Cynthia 508-612-8725.
Unauthorized Use of the Clubhouse
For Sale: Regulation size pool table. Wood frame and
Per the Residents’ Handbook: legs, Italian slate table with leather pockets. Newly re-
6.3.11 Food and beverages which felted and in excellent condition. All accessories included,
are not purchased at the several cues, balls, ball rack, brushes and multiple cue stick
Farmington Woods Restaurant freestanding holder. Interested parties please phone 860-
424-1510.
may not be brought into the
Clubhouse and/or onto any Clubhouse deck area except as For Sale: Grandfather pendulum clock - Excellent
expressly permitted by the Master Association’s Executive condition and working order. Interested parties please
Board. This rule applies to Golf Club Members as well. phone 860-424-1510.
Please comply. For Sale: Toddler high chair: Cosco brand, Simple Fold,
paid $50.00, asking $25.00, still in box. Call 860-205-4098.
Women’s Tennis Free to a good home: Six white pasta plates, Pier 1,
Join us in the women’s tennis group never used, could be salad plates. Call 860-205-4098.
of Farmington Woods. We play
Monday thru Saturday mornings,
9 to 10:30 a.m. on Heritage Court
#4. Some experience and
knowledge of the game is beneficial. Consider some lessons
from Paul Ratcliffe USPTA Tennis Pro at
PBR00@hotmail.com or cell 860-707-9573 if you are new
to the sport or need to brush up.
We are saddened by the loss of our
In the Women’s tennis group you can choose the days you
prefer to play on a bi-weekly basis. Teams are switched up
neighbors and friends:
to fill the schedule and accommodate everyone’s availability Richard Bromberg - 1 Ridgefield Place
and preferences. Please contact Linda Papertsian at Olivin Michaud - 9 Byron Drive
Lrkpaper@gmail.com or 860-796-5643 if you are interested. Shirley Rosenthal – formerly of 1 Echo LaneYou can also read
