Minutes of Annual Meeting - Sunday, June 8, 2008Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:25 pm by co-Presidents Tom Martin and Peter Balough. The minutes of last year's meeting were read by Wendy Scott-Williams and approved by the 18 people in attendance. Old Business Call for discussing any old business � � The Welcome to Chester Park signs have been installed at the main entrance and at the NW corner of the Park. � Per last year�s proposal, stop signs have been installed along Chestnut to cut down on the speeding problem there. � Local resident Ryan Stiefvater has again approached the Association about doing summer maintenance in the Park. The types of tasks would be the same as last year. A vote was taken to again allocate $500 for this project. The majority approved. Election of Officers Tom Martin chose not to run again for the presidency. Brian Veith volunteered to run as co-President along with the incumbent Peter Balough. Brian Valente, Michael Mackay, and Wendy Scott-Williams all agreed to stay on in their roles as Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary respectively. This motion was approved and seconded. Voting was unanimous. Presidents Peter Balogh & Brian Veith Vice- President Brian Valente Treasurer Michael Mackay Recording Secretary Wendy Scott-Williams Treasurer's Report (Michael Mackay) � Membership was down to 78 households in 2007 (was 90 in 2006). This year, the Assn. is ahead of last year�s membership with 47 member families so far (as compared to 7 last year at this time). � Total income for 2007 was $3,541 (a combination of dues and picnic proceeds). � Total expenses for 2007 were $2,842 � Net revenue for 2007 was $699. � Mowing costs for 2007 were up from $525 to $720. � There was also an expenditure of $850 for the 2 signs. Michael saved $850 by installing the signs himself. � Picnic & Holiday party costs were down. � The balance at the end of 2007 was $9,343. The current balance (as of 6/8/08) is $10,322. � There was a question as to how much of a �cushion� (balance) is needed in case of emergency. � Also a question regarding insurance � what�s our coverage? It�s $2,000,000. � The Park�s annual insurance cost is $262. New Business � Discussion regarding low attendance at the annual meeting. Doug H. suggested that a survey could be done to ask people what they would prefer or like to see in meetings/activities. Discussion as to how best to conduct the survey. The Chester Park email distribution list is mentioned. � The Chester Park email list (currently residing with Joe V.) was discussed as a way to remind people of forthcoming events and (maybe) build attendance at such events (maybe post a reminder of an event a couple days before the event). Joe offered to share the list with Peter B. � Problems with spotty delivery of (hard copy) newsletter. Talk of re-assigning delivery routes. � Reminder that Chester Park website can be a good resource � as when one is looking for a reliable person to do a job around the house or yard. � Leveling the Park � Joe V. proposed that holes and gullies in the Park terrain be filled in with top soil. � A corollary suggestion was made to also cover high tree roots. � The barking dogs epidemic � what can be done to quiet them? As a first step, it was suggested that a Park officer talk to the dog owners about the problem. � Plea from a resident (again) to look into re-setting the front steps. � maybe use some of the budget balance for that. � A quote has been received concerning installing a sprinkler system in the Park. Local grant monies might be available to fund such a project. 2008/09 Activities� Solstice Scavenger Hunt (for middle school students) in June. � July picnic will be held on Saturday July 12th with a rain date on July 13th. Brian (Valente) and Peter will co-chair this year. � �Movie in the Park� night in late August or early Sept. � Santa in the Park will be chaired by Wendy and Mary W. Date: 12/13/07. � House holiday decorating contest will be held in December, with Wendy overseeing the judging committee. � Holiday cocktail party is to be held on 12/14/07 with a committee still to be formed. The co-Presidents are in charge of putting together the party committee. � Spring Egg Hunt, will have the same committee members as last year, with a date TBA. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
Minutes of Annual Meeting - Sunday, June 10, 2007Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:25 pm by Pres. Joseph Vorel. The minutes of last year's meeting were read by Wendy Scott-Williams and approved by the 20 people in attendance. Old Business - Call for discussing any old business � Regarding the Chester Park Welcoming Committee: Doug H. said that Mary ran into problems when trying to find out when new people moved into the Park. Local realty companies were not cooperative. Only one �welcome� pie was delivered. Discussion of who are the new residents. Joe V., Ann D., Mary K. and Martha S. volunteered to each �greet� one newcomer � including some sort of brochure/history of the Park in the �welcome� package. � Park maintenance issues were raised: a) the stairs need resetting and b) the columns on both sides of stairs need re-pointing. A plea was (again) made to try to find someone with a forklift who could help with re-setting the stairs. � The sign committee (Michael M. & Nick K.) proposed a design and three possible sizes. There was debate over the wording. A motion was passed to use the following: �Welcome to Chester Park. Est. 1892. This green is privately maintained for the residents of Chester Park. � Quiet activities only. � Dogs on leash � No littering � Clean up after your pet�. It was decided that there should be 2 signs � a one at the entrance stairs (exact location to be determined by the residents who live directly across the street) and a smaller one on the column at the NW corner of the Park. Treasurer's Report � 90 households were dues-paying members in 2006. There are only 7 dues-paying households in 2007 to date due to lack of newsletters with dues coupons. � Total expenses for 2006 were $2,191. � Mowing costs for 2006 were $525 for 7 cuts (same as in 2005). The fall cleanup cost $170, down from $500 in 2005 due to only one clean-up done late in the season. New Business � The question was raised of residents wanting to take the initiative and plant things in the Park (like azalea bushes or other shrubs). To do so, one must get approval from the Association. � Local resident (Ryan Stiefvater) has approached the Association about doing summer maintenance in the Park. Types of tasks, number of work hours per week and rate of pay were discussed. A vote approved putting a $500 annual budget cap on this project. � The Ginsberg organization gives out grants of up to $5,000 for worthwhile �beautification� projects in communities where their buildings are located. Request was made to those present to come up with Park projects that might be appropriate. Some suggestions: urns for the columns at the entrance; a sprinkler/hydration system; and flagstone to cover the gravel path. � Traffic speeding problem along Chestnut Ave. Proposal to have a stop sign placed at the Walnut/Chestnut intersection. All agree this is a good idea. � �Drive-in Movie� night (in late August/early Sept.) suggested. � Discussion of problems when residents place mounds of leaves on Park curbs in fall. Election of Officers Joe Vorel and Scott Holden decided to step down as officers of the CPA. A co-presidency of Tom Martin and Peter Balogh was proposed. Brian Valente agreed to run for Vice Pres. The Treasurer and Secretary agreed to stay in their roles. The motion was approved and unanimously accepted. Co-Presidents Tom Martin & Peter Balogh Vice- President Brian Valente Treasurer Michael Mackay Secretary Wendy Scott- Williams Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.
Minutes of Annual Meeting - Sunday, June 11, 2006Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:15 pm by President Joseph Vorel. The minutes of last year's meeting were read by Wendy Scott-Williams and approved by the 17 people in attendance. Old Business Call for discussing any old business - The issue of dogs in the Park was raised. Poop problem has lessened, but still exists. Suggestions were brought forward to remedy this. The most favored idea was that of a Park entrance sign that would act as a reminder not to litter. A sign committee was formed to come up with a sign for the entrance to Chester Park. Committee chair: Nick Kuskin Committee members: Ann D., Scott H., Michael M., Peter B., and Mary H. Joe also offered to do an email to all residents reminding them of the leash and litter laws in effect in the Town. The private roadway parking problem has been resolved by the installation of signs at both ends of the roadway. Treasurer's Report 93 households were dues-paying members in 2005. There are already 43 dues-paying households in 2006. Total expenses for 2005 exceeded our income from dues, picnic proceeds, and Starbucks grant). Most of the expenses were due to the walkway renovation. Mowing costs for 2005 were $525. There was also an expenditure of $500 for the fall cleanup of the Park. Any CPA member wishing to review details of last year's budget should request a copy from Michael. New Business
2006/07 Activities
Election of Officers The same slate as last year was proposed. This motion was approved and seconded. Voting was unanimous. President - Joseph Vorel Vice- President - Scott Holden Treasurer - Michael Mackay Recording Secretary - Wendy Scott- Williams
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Minutes of Annual Meeting - Sunday, June 12, 2005Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:25 P.M. by President Joseph Vorel. The minutes of last year's meeting were read by Wendy Scott-Williams and approved by the 20 people in attendance. Old Business
Treasurer's Report (by Michael Mackay)
New Business
2005/06 Activities
Election of Officers The same slate as last year was proposed. This motion was approved and seconded. Voting was unanimous. President - Joseph Vorel Vice- President - Scott Holden Treasurer - Michael Mackay Recording Secretary - Wendy Scott- Williams Meeting Adjourned at 7:25 pm
The Newsletter of the Chester Park Association, Pelham, N.Y.
IMPORTANT FOLLOW UP!- Correction! The Annual meeting will be held Sunday June 12th. 5:30 PM is the usual start time. Please join us for wine and cheese. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket. Would anyone care to bring something for the wine and cheese table? Please advise. - The Gallo family was very touched by the planting and memorial service held this past Saturday on the green. They all expressed their warm regards and great appreciation to the Chester Park Association for allowing them to plant a flowering Cherry dedicated to George Gallo along Birch. The Gallo's lived at 59 Chestnut. Diana Sacchinelli, George's daughter was the family member who contacted the CPA to coordinate this event. (Diana is on the left with child, see photo on our website) - Please join us for a "groundbreaking" ceremony/photo opp Monday, June 6 at 5:00PM. Ron Walker the gentleman who sponsored us from the Wykagyl Starbucks in New Rochelle will be on hand. It would be great if we could get as many people assembled as possible. The idea is to present Ron with a token of our appreciation -- an engraved commemorative sledge hammer (the 8 lb variety) -- and let him inflict the first whack. The rest of us can then break up what's left of the old sidewalk: which Pat Bongo's crew will pick up via backhoe the following day. (Pat graciously agreed to take on this work for free.) We would like to get some volunteers out there with crowbars, sledge hammers, picks and wheelbarrows to get the job done quickly that evening so please show up if possible. - Great news regarding lawn mowing service. The landscaping company, Renaissance Landscaping Service from New Rochelle, who planted the Gallo tree, agreed to cut our lawn at a very reasonable rate. Once we get into the regular schedule we will no longer need to worry about the grass being too high. A neat lawn should also help in reducing the disgusting piles of dog poop which has plagued our park. - Dog pollution: This past Friday afternoon I personally cut the grass along Birch and Maple to insure a presentable park experience for the weekend service. I must say, it was shocking to find all along the curb side on Birch, plastered in poop. Birch what's the deal? I also found little piles here and there throughout the Park. Can anyone along Birch keep a watch out to see who is responsible for the constant bombardment? Perhaps we can create a neighborhood Watch! I was thinking we could set up a live web cam and feed it to our Public access channel to expose the defecators! Just kidding, as I understand the need to protect our privacy. I had a German Sheppard and 4 cats growing up and love Dogs, and many of you are dog people. No disrespect to any of you. But how do we stop this problem? I am sure this will be a hot conversation at our meeting, what to do about the POOP in Chester Park! - The McDevitt family should be acknowledged for the years of service to Chester Park. I have not been here but 7 years and every year Bill Sr. is always there helping a hand. If it is not helping out at the annual July picnic or the annual Holiday party supplying the tasty beverages and a table of cheer, it's the cutting of the Green's grass and delivering newsletters. Both Billy Jr and Sr. were the folks who cut our grass for many years and although we were willing to pay sometimes they did not accept any compensation. If anyone is interesting in purchasing a used riding mower and trailer please contact Bill Sr. Thank you to the McDevitt family. We all appreciate what you do to make this a better community. - On a final note, Walter Ryan, the eldest Chester Park resident is selling his parkside home and moving to Florida to be with his family. Those of us who know Mr. Ryan will be sad to see him leave. His departure will also be a loss for the Chester Park Association as he allowed us to keep the CPA's Grills stored in his garage. If anyone has a spot to shelter them please let me know. - Thank you.
SPRING NEWSStarbucks Grant We are delighted to report The Chester Park Association received a $5,000.00 grant from Starbucks. The money was awarded to fund the renovation of the walkway which has slowly disintegrated over the years. The grant would not have been possible without Michael Mackay�s successful efforts to organize and file all the documentation required. A tremendous thank you to Michael Mackay from everyone in Chester Park. Our sponsor was the Wykagyl Starbucks in New Rochelle. It would be nice to visit them next time you need a cup of coffee to say thanks! The next step is to get started with the work we need to accomplish the renovation. We will email the proposed schedule soon. The current time table requires 6 weekends. Please give us a hand. We need your help to accomplish your goal. Anyone who can offer a hand, please contact Michael Mackay 738-2414 Tree Dedication Ceremony The family of George Gallo, our long time Postman whom many of you knew, is donating a flowering Cherry tree as a memorial to George and a thank you to Chester Park residents for the years of friendship and appreciation. The planting will take place this Saturday May 21st at 9:30AM on the green, mid Birch, which offers sufficient light for it to flourish. Chester Park Residents are invited to join in this time of reflection.
Michael Mackay suggested circulating a questionnaire to all CP residents requesting suggestions from all concerned residents on the problems of dog waste and of running off-leash in the Park. The problem with dog waste in Park seems to have lessened, but still exists. This will also be discussed at our meeting. On a final note I would like to encourage everyone to visit our website regularly. WWW.ChesterPark.org It is a great way to keep up to date, share ideas and also communicate to the Officers. Michael Mackay also posts many great photographs of our events. We welcome your participation and need your help to keep Chester Park a beautiful, healthy and safe neighborhood for all our families. Thank you.
SUMMARY OF ANNUAL MEETING
HELD ON THE GREEN
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| President: | Joseph Vorel |
| Vice-President: | Scott Holden |
| Treasurer: | Michael Mackay |
| Secretary: | Wendy Scott-Williams |
A "ladder system" was proposed, whereas residents could be "on stand-by" for leadership positions at a future date. Tom Martin and Michael Glover were laddered.
Upcoming 2004/05 Activities
- July 4th Picnic will be held on Saturday, July 17 with rain date on July 18. Evan Martin will chair. Liz Glover has agreed to look into live entertainment to follow the picnic. Please contact Evan 712-0182, to offer assistance which is always appreciated and needed.
- Fall �04 Park clean up: Saturday, Nov. 20, 10am (Saturday, Dec. 4 rain date).
- Holiday cocktail party at Daronco Town House: Sunday, Dec. 12, to be chaired by the Scott-Williamses. Please contact Wendy or Nigel 738-3227, to assist which again is appreciated and needed.
- Santa in the Park is again going to be organized by Angela Manning and Lisa Stiefvater: Saturday, Dec. 18, noon.
- Annual House holiday decorating contest. Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. Winners to be announced Sunday, Dec. 12 at the Holiday party.
- Spring �05 Park clean up, date TBA.
Discussion of increasing the numbers of Park events. Concerts, a play or a movie showing in on the Green. Liz Glover offered to help with the concert component. If anyone has access to a classical orchestra or artists performing folk/bluegrass music which might be interested in performing on our Green one evening, please contact Joseph Vorel 738-0836.
New Business
- Michael Mackay circulated a letter that may be sent to CP residents requesting suggestions from dog owners on the problems of dog waste and of running off-leash in the Park. The problem with dog waste in Park seems to have lessened, but still exists.
- Sanborn Map property proposed townhouse development is currently not moving forward. However, the Caspis are still very interested in developing the property and reviewing other options. Our Village elected officials have suggested building detached single family homes which are more in sync with neighboring residential properties and would potentially face less objection. CPA officers plan to stay abreast of any further developments and we will pass the information along to residents and neighbors.
2004 Dues Notice
Please drop off or Mail to Michael Mackay @ 42 Maple Avenue.
Annual Dues $25.00
Tree fund (optional) $25.00
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Vol. XI No. 2 |
June 2004 |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - WINE AND CHEESE PARTY: 5:30pm SUNDAY JUNE 13th
In accordance with New York State law the Chester Park Association will hold its annual meeting to elect new officers at a meeting on the Green SUNDAY JUNE 13th to be followed by a wine and cheese social. The rain date is the same time on the following Sunday June 20th. Everyone is invited to attend. This is your opportunity as Park residents to express your ideas and opinions and to ensure that your association represents you.
Current officers are:
| President: | Joseph Vorel |
| Vice-President: | Scott Holden |
| Treasurer: | Michael Mackay |
| Secretary: | Wendy Scott-Williams |
As always, we will be appointing organizing committees for the summer picnic, Santa-in-the-Park, and the annual Holiday Cocktail Party. We need your help. Please join in and help us keep Chester Park a wonderful community.
Upcoming Activities
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The July Picnic : will be held Saturday July 17th with a rain date July 18th. We need volunteers to help organize and set up.�
Summer clean up: Saturday August 7th.
Please use our website. It is a great way to keep up to date with Chester Park news, events and contact information. Please email JVorel@optonline.net to add your name to our park newsletter and community announcements distribution list. We blind copy everyone so your address is kept confidential and there is no spam.
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Vol. X No. 1 |
June 2003 |
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - CHEESE AND WINE PARTY: 5:30pm SATURDAY JUNE 21st
In accordance with New York State law the Chester Park Association will hold its annual meeting to elect new officer4s at a meeting on the Green SATURDAY, JUNE 21st to be followed by a cheese and wine social. The rain date is the same time on the following evening, Sunday 22nd. Everyone is invited to attend, and this is your opportunity as Park residents to express your ideas and opinions and to ensure that your association represents you.
After serving four years as President of the Association, Nigel Scott-Williams wishes to step down from the office, so nominations are being sought from anyone who is interested in serving in the Chester Park Association. Since taking over as President, Nigel has been appointed as the Chairman of the Architectural Review Board of Pelham (which is extremely busy with the Marbury Corners and Pelpark projects), as Treasurer of the Pelham Preservation Society and head of two of its subcommittees (Highbrook Gates restoration and MetroNorth renovation), as well as to the Design Advisory Committee for the new Middle School. Additionally he serves on the Village's Comprehensive Planning Committee, and feels that the CPA is unable to receive his proper attention. All officers are up for re-election, so please come forward if you are willing to help.
Current officers are:
| President: | Nigel Scott-Williams |
| Vice-President: | Joseph Vorel |
| Treasurer: | Michael Mackay |
| Secretary: | Scott Holden |
As always, we will be appointing organizing committees for the summer picnic, Santa-in-the-Park, and the annual Holiday Cocktail Party.
REMINDER: Annual Dues
Why do we pay dues to the Chester Park Association?
All residents of the Park are indebted to the Standen family who in 1891 saw the need to preserve an open area of 1-1/2 acres known as "the Green." Through deed restrictions and a subsequent easement, our right to this Green for our enjoyment and recreation is protected so long as the Association, founded in 1912, maintains this open space. This means all of us!
In addition to the costs of cutting the grass, seasonal leaf blowing and debris removal, there are insurance premiums (in the event of an accident in the Park and/or a consequential lawsuit) and specific one-time expenses such as a dead tree removal. Beyond these "every year" items we need a reserve fund for the Park's long term future: replacing dead trees, repairs to the steps and paving, maintaining the stone wall, which at over 100 years of age, is one of the oldest structures anywhere in Pelham.
In recent years it seems only one-third or so of all the households in Chester Park pay their dues - two-thirds of us let the minority fulfill the responsibilities under the original Standen grant. Supporting our reforesting "Tree Fund" and paying annual dues amounts to less than one dollar per week to preserve green space in Pelham (which is fast diminishing in other parts of the Village), and to preserve our homes' values in Chester Park.
Please consider a much greater commitment this year to your Association and your community.
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Vol. IX No. 2 |
June 2002 |
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - JUNE 2nd
Your Chester Park Association wishes to thank the 40 or so Park residents who turned out for the Cheese and Wine event for our annual business meeting.
After adopting the minutes of the previous year's meeting as read by the outgoing secretary Martha Sterner (whom we all thank for serving in this capacity), the election of officers took place. For 2002 - 2003 the Chester Park Association officers are:
President: Nigel Scott-Williams
Vice-President: Joseph Vorel
Treasurer: Michael Mackay
Secretary: Scott Holden
Committees were formed for our traditional events: the July picnic, Santa-in-the-Park and the Holiday Cocktail Party, as well as a new Insurance Committee. This committee will review the Association's insurance policy protecting our liability for any incidents in the Park since it appears that the existing coverage limits may be inadequate.
An important note: this is one of the Association expenses that makes it imperative for every resident of the Park to pay their annual association dues. The CPA pays for the maintenance of the Green, the care of the trees, the sewer tax apportioned to the land, and the insurance which protects us all in the event of a lawsuit brought against the residents of the Park. Don't let your neighbors unfairly carry that load while protecting you and enabling your benefit of our precious Park. In 2000 only 42 of the 168 households in the Park paid their dues. In 2001 that number increased more than two-fold to 95, no doubt assisted by the many wonderful events that several hardworking residents organized, but it is still a very disappointing number. Please remember to return the attached dues form to our Treasurer at 42 Maple Avenue.
JULY PICNIC:
Another opportunity to submit dues will be at our annual July picnic which has been set for
JULY 20th. Watch for the flyer!WEBSITE:
Did you see on our masthead the "chesterpark.org" web address? An excellent job has been done by Michael Mackay in creating our own website complete with a Calendar of events section, a Members forum section, and a History section with some very interesting archival material about life in the Park 50+ years ago. And once you are in the site, why not submit your contact e-mail address by clicking on Members => Members' forum => Click here to add�.
Who knows how long until this newsletter is distributed electronically?!
GREEN ISSUES:
Concerning the Green: Many thanks to those who came out on May 26th to help with clearing the limbs of the many trees which had a long overdue trimming. The purpose was to eliminate the danger of falling dead and dying branches and to "raise the canopy" of the trees, a good landscape practice to let in light and air and prevent the Park becoming like some damp and decomposing "woods".
Still a big issue for many is the unpleasantness of the evidence of dogs that are allowed to run unattended in the Park. Watch for a survey that the CPA will distribute to all residents which we hope will bring some resolution to this.
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Vol. IX No. 1 |
May 2002 |
! MARK YOUR CALENDAR !
May 19th: Spring Park clean-up
June 2nd: Cheese and Wine in the Park
Last year we all participated in the most well-attended and successful events in many years of the Chester Park homeowners' association:
- About 40 people attended the June cheese and wine Annual General Meeting to elect the new Association officers;
- The July 4th picnic drew a record 155 residents who enjoyed the animal show provided by Jungle Jim;
- The Moody's spacious home filled to capacity for a Sunday afternoon performance by guitarist/songwriter Eric Hanson;
- The holiday cocktail party reflected 100 votive candles and all of us in the mirrored walls of the Mid-Atlantic Ballet School;
This is all in addition to the traditional Santa-in-the-Park and Park clean-up events which keep us such a close-knit, warm and friendly community.
Can we out-do ourselves in 2002?
Calling all strong men/women: 10:00 am Sunday, May 26th
The Chester Park Association has contracted at a very reasonable rate a professional tree service which will work all day Saturday the 18th trimming dead and dangerous limbs off the trees on the Green. Part of our cost reduction was possible because we did not contract for removal of such branches or chipping by this service. We hope that as many of you as can will come out on SUNDAY, MAY 26th, starting at 11:00am to help pile the wood and debris at the edge of the Park. It will then be collected by the Village the following day. This trimming and clearing of debris will assist greatly in making our Park safe for the picnic and the rest of the summer season.
Annual General Meeting - Cheese and Wine party: 5:30pm Sunday, June 2nd
In accordance with New York State law, the Chester Park Association will hold its annual meeting to elect new officers at a meeting on the Green on SUNDAY, JUNE 2nd to be followed by a cheese and win social. Everyone is invited to attend, and this is your opportunity as Park residents to express your ideas and options and to ensure that your association represents you. Current officers are:
Nigel Scott-Williams, President
Joseph Vorel, Vice President
Martha Sterner, Secretary
Michael Mackay, Treasurer
We hope that all Park residents will attend. Come and meet your neighbors!
REMINDER: Annual Dues
Again, why do we pay dues to the Chester Park Association?
All residents of the Park are indebted to the Standen family who in 1891 saw the need to preserve an open area of 1 1/2 acres known as "the Green". Through deed restrictions and a subsequent easement, our right to this Green for our enjoyment and recreation is protected so long as the Association, founded in 1912, maintains this open space. This means all of us!
In addition to the costs of cutting the grass, seasonal leaf blowing and debris removal, there are insurance premiums (in the event of an accident in the Park and/or a consequential lawsuit) and specific one-time expenses such as a dead tree removal. Beyond these "every year" items we need a reserve fund for the Park's long term future: replacing dead trees, repairs to the steps and paving, maintaining the stone wall, which at over 100 years in age, is one of the oldest structures anywhere in Pelham. In recent years it seems only one-third or so of all the households in Chester Park paid their dues - two-thirds of us let the minority fulfill the responsibilities under the original Standen grant.
Supporting our reforesting "Tree Fund" and paying annual dues amounts to less than one dollar per week to preserve green space in Pelham (which is fast diminishing in other parts of the Village), and to preserve our homes' values in Chester Park.
Please consider a much greater commitment this year to your Association and your community.
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Vol. VIII No. I |
June 2001 |
CHEESE AND WINE * ANNUAL MEETING * CHEESE AND WINE
YOU ARE INVITED TO The Chester Park Associations FIRST EVENT FOR 2001. On SUNDAY JUNE 17TH at 6:00 PM
We will hold a Cheese and Wine social in the Park, at which we will elect our association officers and plan the activities for this year.
To our many new residents in the park: the Chester Park Association is incorporated under New York State law, and is required to exist under the terms of the easement which permits the Park to remain exactly that: open and undeveloped land in the heart of a community that lacks for any other open space. There have been attempts in the past to reclaim our "Green" with a view to developments such as condominiums upon it, but the Chester Park Association has prevailed, as long as we continue to maintain and manage it under the terms of the original easement. Should it become derelict, or the Association disbanded, we could risk losing this precious asset to our community. It is therefore disappointing that the level of annual dues contributions to the Association has dropped to less than 40% of the households in the Park!!! Please come out for this evening of getting to know your neighbors, and especially for the opportunity to put forward your opinions, complaints, questions, suggestions - whatever you are thinking. This is your association and it is run for your benefit and to enhance your neighborhood.
Your current officers are:
Nigel Scott-Williams, President 738-3227
Joseph Vorel, Vice President
Martha Sterner, Secretary
Joel Peck, Treasurer
Anyone wishing to serve in any of these capacities is welcome to propose him- or herself. We are seeking a new Treasurer, as we thank Joel Peck for serving in this role perhaps longer than anyone has ever served on this committee before. He deserves his retirement! Thank you, Joel.
Committees: As in prior years we will appoint committees for this years events: the 4th of July Picnic, the annual Holiday Cocktail Party in December, and the Santa-in-the-Park event.
Dues: A dues form is attached below. Your dues pay for our liability insurance for the park, the maintenance costs for the Green, and to partly subsidize the events we hold. A donation to our Tree Fund would also be appreciated as we incur sudden expenses to both take down the older trees and to replace them, thus preserving the park for future generations.
***Dues have not been increased in over ten years. It is highly likely that the Associations first business meeting will propose an increase. So pay now if you want to avoid the increase until next year!
WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?
Did we all notice this Spring the show of daffodils and tulips along the Maple Ave. wall of the Park and up around the steps? For new residents it should be said that this was not specifically in your honor (!), but was the result of a community bulb planting that was undertaken for the first time last Fall. Thanks go again to Michael Mackay, Ainslie and Jennifer Vorel, and Caroline Veith whose labors kept them warm on a very cool October Sunday.
AND MORE...
Also last year we had our traditional House Decoration contest. Recipients of a bottle of champagne to toast the new year were the following winners for their Christmas displays: the Bartoszeks, the Sauras and the Brescias.
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