An Update from the President
Dear Bretton Woods Community,
I hope everyone is staying safe and well and had an enjoyable summer. The conditions were not ideal this summer with our clubhouse remaining closed for recreational activities and guests not being permitted in the pool and on the golf course, but I hope everyone was able to make the best of the circumstances. I also hope that everyone understands that the decisions that were made were done for everyone’s safety and well-being. I appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support.
In this article, I would like to extend a few “THANK YOU’S” to some important groups of people:
First, with the annual elections for the HOA Board of Directors occurring later this month, I would like to take a moment to say “THANK YOU” to my fellow Board members for their dedication during this past year. We had to make a lot of difficult decisions these past few months during the pandemic and I appreciate their efforts.
Second, I’d like to take a moment to say “THANK YOU” to each of our Bretton Woods staff members who worked to the best of their ability to keep our community running smoothly during these difficult times. I’d especially like to thank the pool and golf staff who unfortunately had to take some abuse from angry residents who did not wish to follow some of our safety rules that have been put in place. I appreciate all your hard work!
September is always a big month for me as an elementary school teacher as I return to school so third I would like to say “THANK YOU” to all my fellow teachers who are returning to work and plan on working tirelessly to teach their students under the given conditions. There are still a lot of “unknowns” in the education field right now, so good luck to all my fellow educators!
September is always a somber month with Patriot Day occurring on 9/11. I would like to say “THANK YOU” to all the heroes who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The Board, unfortunately, decided that it will not be feasible to safely hold the annual 9/11 Memorial this year. I am sorry if you are mourning the loss of a friend or family member who lost his/her life on that tragic day and I’m sure we’ll all be paying tribute in our own way.
Also, September also brings us Labor Day so I would like to take a moment to say “THANK YOU” to all our frontline workers who have been working tirelessly during the past few months. My sister works in a supermarket so I know how difficult things have been. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, EMT, firefighter, police officer, or pretty much a hard-worker in any type of business, I hope you get to take some time to relax this Labor Day weekend.
Grandparents’ Day falls on September 13th this year. “THANK YOU” to all of our hard-working grandparents who live and breathe for their grandchildren!
Next, I would like to say “THANK YOU” to all the residents of this community! As a whole, everyone has been understanding and cooperative of the measures the Board had to take to ensure everyone’s health, safety, and well-being. As I mentioned earlier, there were a handful of people who misdirected their anger or frustration toward the innocent staff members who are hired to follow the directives given to them by the Board but I appreciate the majority who obliged.
The Board of Directors was faced with a very difficult task this year as it prepared its budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal term. The Board had to develop a budget that included substantial increases to its trash removal contract, security contract, golf contract, cable contract, and insurance premiums. These increases greatly outweighed any savings that were incurred after COVID. After much deliberation, it was decided that the HOA would absorb the cost of these contractual increases so that there would be no increase in common charges. In my article last month, I explained how the payment of common charges works and I would like to say “THANK YOU” to everyone for understanding that even though some of our amenities have been closed or restricted, the Board is still burdened with large financial obligations.
To those celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur this month, I hope you have an easy fast and a happy new year!
Autumn will be starting later this month on September 22nd and I’m always sad to see summer come to end. However, I’m hoping that this autumn brings health and happiness to all!
Stay safe and well,
Vinnie
vamodio@brettonwoodshoa.org