Well, as predicted, the critics came out in full force regarding my article last month. I even had a few people who say that we are friends come at me with criticism. All I can say to all of you is thank you, truly thank you! There was a time in my life when such comments would have been devastating to me. Now I just feel grateful that such comments only encourage me to continue on my journey. Though what really gives me peace and ease in life is knowing that trying to tear others down isn’t what gives me purpose.
Anyway, as I write this article, we are in the middle of August, and the weather continues to be ideal pool weather. The pool continues to get good use, and our last two pool parties had a nice turnout. Our last pool party will be the Labor Day party, and I hope everyone comes out to enjoy. I want to thank all of you for another successful season and for everyone following the rules.
The golf course, despite the immense heat, is in great condition. Greg Fox and his team have been doing an excellent job. I want to thank all of our Rangers who have been out there working very hard this whole season. Without the staff and their hard work and commitment to the Community, the facilities would not be maintained and in the great condition that they are.
August is always a busy month, as that’s when the budgets start being prepared for the next fiscal year. This is a very long and detailed process, and many people work very hard to prepare fiscally sound budgets. As a reminder, the HOA and Condo both have their own budgets, and that is what you pay each month. The HOA budget will be presented at our September open meeting, and we encourage everyone to attend. The budget will also be put into the October newsletter for everyone to review.
I would like to personally thank the budget committee and the HOA board for all of their hard work this year and every year. Also, a special thank you to the Condo boards who work diligently for all of you as well. Both the HOA and Condo boards are made up of all volunteers, and they have a very difficult job. As someone who also volunteers my time in many different capacities, believe me when I say it is a difficult and time-consuming undertaking.
As many people probably don’t know, we have a sewage treatment plant in Bretton Woods. This plant is a private utility operated by Mooney Pond Area Utilities. This company is made up of nine board members, who are representatives from each of the nine condos in Bretton Woods. Each of the nine condos are equal shareholders of the sewage treatment plant. The plant’s operation, when solvent, helps offset the increases to the respective condos.
The sewage treatment plant has gone through many different changes over the years. The plant has had many upgrades completed as regulated by various agencies in Suffolk County. As a result of these upgrades and other agreements, the plant has been solvent for the last several years. This is a benefit to all of the shareholders, and I would like to personally thank the MPAU board for their hard work and commitment to the plant over the years. A very special thank you to Lou Manganello, who was the President for many years and personally oversaw many of the new agreements and infrastructure upgrades.
As Fall approaches and the leaves begin to fall, the days become shorter and the little ones return to school. Please make sure that you proceed with caution while walking and driving in the complex. Reckless driving and speeding remain an issue in our complex, and I will never understand why everyone is in such a rush. Please follow the posted traffic signs throughout the complex or be prepared to face the consequences.
I enjoy every season of the year, but Fall has a special place in my heart. The crowds tend to subside, and the cooler weather allows for different adventures. I enjoy my solitude probably more than the average person, but that’s probably because I spend more time with people than most. I try and see the good in everyone, but some people it does appear to be harder to find than others. What provides me with solace is that some people appear to have an abundance of goodness in them.
I want to sincerely thank the resident who approached me on a Tuesday evening in August to tell me how much she appreciates my writing. For some reason, that day was more of a character-building day than most. That’s what I like to refer to as challenging or stressful days, for the simple reason that I don’t believe in having bad days. Her words meant a lot to me and helped me remember why I write the way I do.
Always take the time to say something nice to another person, as you never know how much of a positive impact it may have on them. We live in a world where more people are inclined to say something negative to someone than something positive. Instead of criticizing and complaining about things, try and find something to be grateful for and appreciative of.
September brings us the following holidays and days of significance: Labor Day, National Grandparents Day, Patriots Day, and Rosh Hashanah.
Craig Pessin-HOA Administrator
We only have one life to live, and that life will be filled with challenges and things outside of our control. So, stop adding to the unfortunate things that we all have to face in a falling world by constantly complaining and finding things to justify your negative demeanor. Now, if you can’t manage to find any good in this world, then don’t play the victim when good people don’t want to spend time with you.
Take accountability for your own life!