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August 2013 Volume X – Issue 4 Page 1 of 8
Village at Orchard Meadows News
August 2013
Property Manager
Debra R. Jean, Phoenix Company, Inc. 705 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605.
Telephone: 508-856-7000; email: [email protected]; website: http://www.pci-1.net
Responsible for all property related issues on a 24/7 basis.
Trustees
Open: Chair/Treasurer
Open: Vice Chair
B. J. Capalbo: Secretary 508-791-4261
Peter Malkowski: Contracts Manager 508-799-7577
Cathy Vinton: Community Relations 508-799-6172
Committees/Contacts
Financial: Chair – Open
Communications: Chair - B. J. Capalbo, 508-791-4261
Newsletter -Fred Link, 508-753-1039
Webmaster – Bob True, 508-366-2991
Bulletin Boards -Bob Liskiewicz, 508-797-4865
Buildings: Chair - Peter Malkowski, 508-799-7577
Activities: Chair - Open
Barn Rentals - Joanne Fitzpatrick, 508-425-3202 & Pat Link, 508-753-1039
Librarian - Norm Gustafson , 508-755-1448
Caring: Judy Fagan, 508-363-3558
Bereavements: Lorraine Liskiewicz, 508-797-4865
Social
Connections: Doris Dufault 508-414-5915; Jeanne Doheny 508-363-2475
Welcoming: Cathy Vinton, 508-799-6172; Judy Hegarty, 508-755-7543;
Mary Quarrey, 508-366-3433
Handyman: David Goland, 508-831-3663
August 2013 Volume X – Issue 4 Page 2 of 8
FROM THE BOARD OF THE TRUSTEES
Dear Residents, Last month the Board of Trustees announced the outcome of the management search process. We decided that Barkan Management was the best choice for our community in the future. This month we would like to provide you with further details of the process and specifics that resulted in our decision. In February, knowing that our current management contract would expire June 30th , the board asked David Catallozzi to chair a search committee. This committee was charged with identifying and interviewing management companies, including Phoenix that they felt would be a good fit for our community. The board felt this was in line with good business practice. David appointed the following residents to the committee: Debbie Bent, Dot Buduo, Eleanore Dinneen, and Bob McCarthy. Peter Malkowski was appointed liaison to the search committee and was instructed to insure that the committee worked independently of the board. In April the Management Search Committee notified the board that they had interviewed 6 companies. They further indicated that Phoenix would be invited to submit a proposal, though they would not be interviewed by the search committee. The Management Search Committee forwarded their recommendations to the Board of Trustees May 9th. The board read all of the proposals and took into account the committee’s recommendations. The board interviewed the top 3 recommended companies plus Phoenix. After numerous meetings comparing the proposals and interviews with the 4 companies, the board narrowed their choices to 2: Barkan and Phoenix. After much deliberation the majority of the board determined that Barkan Management Company was the company to best meet our needs at this time.
There is a local office in Hopkinton with 17 employees working in property management.
Phones are answered by a person, not a machine.
There is excellent management back-up.
Legal and financial support is available from the main office in Boston.
Our property manager will oversee fewer communities.
There will be weekly on site visits
Quarterly maintenance inspections will be conducted.
There will be follow-up on contractor/vendor services.
Barkan was the lowest qualified bidder. Changing our management company was never our aim. Our goal was to provide the best services with the best value to the community. The Board of Trustees
August 2013 Volume X – Issue 4 Page 3 of 8
In addition to interviewing and reviewing proposals from management companies the board distributed a survey to determine what residents were concerned about and what residents felt was done well in the community. This is what we learned.
Fewer than ½ of the residents (approximately 43%) returned the survey. 3 were totally blank.
Approximately 22% of respondents indicated some degree of dissatisfaction with most areas on the survey.
Residents love our landscaping contractor-Carrier. Our lawns look great.
The appearance of each of the entrances to the community was a concern.
Tree, bush, and brush trimming are another concern.
Weeding was never sufficient.
Response and follow-up times were uneven.
Satisfied and Highly Satisfied responses included the appearance of common areas and the professionalism of staff.
We believe the information in the survey will help us as we plan for the future.
Other News We have approved the installation of a well filter on the upper well. There is a lot of material from this well that gets into the sprinkler heads and causes them to malfunction. The board hopes that this will improve the performance of the system. Please think about joining the Board. There will be 4 openings available at our next annual meeting. One 3 year term, one 2 year term, and two 1 year terms will be available. Normally, all terms are for 3 years. This situation is due to board members moving or resigning. Contact any member of the Board if you are thinking about this opportunity and would like more details. If you have friends, relatives, etc. visiting you who need to leave a car overnight in one of our lots, please let Phoenix know. We would hate to have their car towed. Any information for the newsletter should be sent to B.J. Capalbo, communication liaison, for submission. Please do not send information directly to Fred Link.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 Gerald Meaney who is the Barkan Management Senior Account Executive for Orchard Meadows and Diana Montalbano who will be the Property Manager will be here at Orchard Meadows at 6:30pm in the Barn. They will be here to introduce themselves, their company, and meet the community. Please join us.
August 2013 Volume X – Issue 4 Page 4 of 8
VOM Communications Channel
Attention All Residents
VOM makes available the following communication media to all residents: 1) A monthly newsletter-Fred Link publisher ( [email protected] 508-753-1039); 2) A website (http://www.vomweb.com/ )- Bob True webmaster ([email protected] 508-
366-2991); 3) A directory of residents-John Cosmas publisher ([email protected] 508-767-1887); 4) An events reminder and short announcements email broadcast-Lorraine Liskiewicz
([email protected] 508-797-4865); 5) A bulletin board posting service-Bob Liskiewicz ([email protected] 508-797-4865); 6) A hard copy delivery service for the newsletter for those residents who do not have digital
service options-Doris Dufault 508-414-5915; and, 7) A welcoming committee-Cathy Vinton ([email protected] 508-799-6172).
In addition to this volunteer run communications system, the Board of Trustees and the Property Manager communicate via email and/or hard copy with all residents. In order for the aforementioned communications system to work effectively it is necessary to maintain up to date information for all residents. Accordingly, it is important that all new residents forward the following information to both the Resident Directory Publisher –John Cosmas and the Newsletter Publisher-Fred Link. This information may be requested at the Newcomers’ Gathering. If you have provided your information once, you do not have to contact anyone again.
1) Name, as they wish to appear in the directory; 2) Address; 3) Email; 4) Telephone number.
Thank you for your cooperation. The communications committee - B.J. Capalbo, chairman
Access VOMWEB
Have you accessed the new website yet? If not try it today!! Click on http://www.vomweb.com and discover its content.
What’s New - clueing you into the very latest announcements
Bulletin Board - listing current news and happenings
Trustees - showing the list of Trustees and their duties
Committees - describing the various committee doings within Orchard Meadows
Activities and Event Schedules - detailing the full range of activities, contacts and daily schedules
Newsletters - providing current plus past copies for your reference
Photos - seeing yourself and other residents at key events
August 2013 Volume X – Issue 4 Page 5 of 8
There is a section called Residents Only with Financial Data, Trustee Meeting Minutes, Resident Directory, Condo Documents and a Resident Services section that details how some of our folks have successfully used local vendors for services. To access the Residents Only section you will need a password which can be obtained here below or call the Webmaster, Bob True at 508-366-2991. Get your Residents Password here The new website needs your support and use. Use "Email Me" located on the Bulletin Board page – to tell the Webmaster what you like about the system, what you recommend for future applications and your general overall comments. If you would like an appropriate item to be posted on the VOM website, http://www.vomweb.com , you should email a draft to the Webmaster, Bob True, at [email protected] .
Activities Corner
Activities Committee: Please stop in the Farmhouse and visit the Activities Room. This is where you will find information about on-going activities and sign-up sheets for new events, activities, travel opportunities, newsletters etc. This is a work in progress so keep checking in to see what’s new.
Candlepin Bowling: Starting Friday, September 13 at 10am we will begin our season again at Sawyer's Bowladrome in Northborough. All are invited regardless of age or ability. We do not run a formal league but chose teams each week depending on the number of participants. The cost is $8.00/week which includes three strings of bowling, shoes, coffee and $1.00 toward prizes awarded at the end of the year. Note, to be fair to all the $1 for prizes will be due whether or not you bowl every week. The season concludes at the end of March with a luncheon at a local restaurant where prizes are distributed. Please contact John Hegarty at 508-755-7543 with any questions or for more information.
Farmhouse Code: If you are a new resident or have simply forgotten the Farmhouse Code please call Fred Link, 508-753-1039 or send email [email protected] .
Recurring Activities – See the ACTIVITIES AND CONTACTS List at the Farm House or check Website for more information. VOM website http://www.vomweb.com
Social Connections
ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out): SEASON 3 ROMEO's will kick off its third season on Wednesday September 11 at 12:30 PM at O'Connor's Restaurant on West Boylston St. in Worcester. There are close to 30 men here in Orchard Meadows who participate in these monthly lunches at various restaurants in the County. We meet from September to May. Come join us if you are in the mood for some good food, beverage and good cheer. If you are interested in joining this fine group of gentlemen, please contact Bob McCarthy – [email protected] or by phone at 508 425-3271. All new residents are most welcome. I know you will find it an enjoyable experience.
August 2013 Volume X – Issue 4 Page 6 of 8
JULIETS (Just Us Ladies Interested in Eating Together): SEASON 2 FIRST MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2013 Would you ladies like to get together for lunch? Once a month we gather at various restaurants in the area to enjoy a luncheon and good fellowship. Our luncheons are held on the second Tuesday of each month from October through May. There are over 40 women in Orchard Meadows participating in this group. There is a minimum amount of work required of the members. Approximately, once a year you will be asked to volunteer in finding a restaurant and hosting an event. If you are interested in having some fun and getting to know your fellow members of the Orchard Meadows Community, please contact Ann McCarthy at [email protected] or 508-425-3271.
A Note From… Thank You! Barbara and I would like to say thank you to the residents of The Village at Orchard Meadows. We have enjoyed our eight years here and have met many wonderful people, developing several lasting friendships. As we move to a new chapter in our life, we wish all of you the very best, and wish to extend a “special” thanks to Hazel, Ed and his sister Dot, Shenshen, Bob & Ann, Sue & Milt, Blaise (Dot), and all those who contributed and attended our farewell get-together. God Bless all of you. Barbara & Joe Godek
SUMMER COOKOUT SUNDAY, AUGUST 11th at the Barn @ 4:00pm. Cost is $8.00 per person. Please get your check to Eleanore Dinneen 83 Orchard Meadow Drive.
THURSDAY DINNERS We’re still having hot dogs & hamburgers every Thursday @ 5:00pm in the Barn. $4.00 covers hot dogs or hamburgers ,chips, salad, drink and desert.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GET TOGETHER Every SUNDAY AFTERNOON @ 4:00PM to meet your friends and at the barn. Weather permitting we’ll be sitting on the deck with our tables,chairs and new umbrellas. BYOB and snacks to share, (chips, dips, veggies, and fruit, etc,)
August 2013 Volume X – Issue 4 Page 7 of 8
FYI
Worcester Institute for Senior Education (W.I.S.E.)
A Lifelong Learning Institute Assumption College is proud to sponsor the Worcester Institute for Senior Education (W.I.S.E.), a lifelong learning institute open to older adults in Central Massachusetts who are interested in continuous learning. It is a member-run organization in which peer learning and active participation are key concepts. Members create their own educational programming and, through peer learning, share their experience and knowledge on topics of interest to them. For more information - http://cce.assumption.edu/worcester-institute-senior-education-wise
Newsletter Deadlines
Deadline: The deadline for the September issue of the Newsletter will be August 27. All items should be emailed to B.J. Capalbo, at [email protected]. If you’re not on the Newsletter e-mail list and wish to be, or you have a new email address, please send your e-mail address to Fred Link at [email protected] . Also, anyone wishing to have an item posted in the VOM website http://www.vomweb.com should email a draft to the website administrator, Bob True, at [email protected] .
ADVERTISEMENTS
FREE NOTARY SERVICE: Orchard Meadows residents only - Contact Bill Matarese at 508-798-9321, 14 Cider Mill Drive.
Owners who would like to advertise the sale of their condo unit (at no charge) in this newsletter may send their requests directly to the publisher at [email protected].
Ads for the monthly VOM Newsletter are welcome. There is a $15.00 charge for any ad that is a financial benefit to the advertiser. There will be no charge for ads that benefit all of the residents of VOM. The fee should be send to the Property Manager’s office c/o Dennis (in accounting). Make check out to the Village at Orchard Meadows.
August 2013 Volume X – Issue 4 Page 8 of 8
August 2013
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3
Thursday
Dinners
5PM Barn
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Cocktail
Party
4 PM Barn
Thursday
Dinners
5PM Barn
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Summer
Cookout
4 PM Barn
Barken Management
Meet & Greet
6:30PM Barn
Movies & Dinner
Farmhouse
Parking Lot
Thursday
Dinners
5PM Barn
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Cocktail
Party
4 PM Barn
Board of Trustees
3 PM
Farmhouse
Thursday
Dinners
5PM Barn
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Thursday
Dinners
5PM Barn
Website Committee Meeting is TBD
