In the Woods - Farmington Woods Master Association
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In the Woods
May 2020 - Volume 38, Issue 5
Mission Statement
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
The New Normal at
The Cooperative Gardens
2
In the Woods ~ May 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS May Meetings
Following Governor Lamont’s Executive Orders covering
Feature Page gatherings of all types during the COVID-19 pandemic all
committee and Board meetings are held remotely.
May you live in interesting times. 3
Board, Budget and Committee Meetings will be
Before the Boards 4
announced on the Member Central portion of
How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering 5 farmingtonwoods.com and included in our weekly on-line
Outdoor Cooking and Open Flames 5 In the Woods 2.0.
Save your pipes. Don’t flush wipes! 5 If you are a member of Farmington Woods and are not
Golf in the Time of COVID-19 6 receiving our weekly email, please contact Jennifer Egan
Hole-in-One Congratulations 6 at 860-673-6193 ext. 26 or jennifer@farmingtonwoods.com
What are the odds? 6
Is My Work Order Complete? 6 COVID-19 Updates
Who is Who? 7
New Roots in The Woods – March 8 WARNING: A scam email message was circulated back
on April 1st that did not come from our office. Legitimate
Directory Cover Contest Winner 8 billing-related messages and statements will come from
Volunteer Zodiac 8 gina@farmingtonwoods.com. Please pay close attention
May at the Clubhouse 9 to a sender’s full email address. Any address that does
Farmington Woods Woman’s Club 10 not specifically end @farmingtonwoods.com is not from a
staff member and is not a reliable source.
Things to Do While Stir-Crazy 10
The Master Association Office is CLOSED to foot traffic.
Gardens of the Weird 11
Staff continues to work on site during normal operating
Recycling List Dos and Don’ts 12 hours. Residents are advised to interact with the
Classifieds 12 Association online, via email, phone or US Mail.
CONNECT 12 Payments: A secure drop box is located at the front
Staying Connected 13 entrance to the office at 200 Byron Drive, Avon. There
are also drop boxes located on Byron Drive in the overflow
parking lot across from the Byron Pool and on Heritage
Deadlines: Copy and photos for each issue of In Drive in the overflow parking lot across from 1-6 Heritage
the Woods are due in the MA Office by the tenth Driveway.
of the preceding month. Please send by e-mail to
jennifer@farmingtonwoods.com The following are closed until further notice:
Pools
Playground
Cover Photo Credit Basketball Court
Andy Mars
Tennis Courts and Paddle Tennis Court
andymarsphotography.com
The signs at the Gardens harken back to
the roadside Burma Shave ads that were Tips from the
used from 1925 to 1964. The Gardens’ World Health Organization:
version reads: • Wash your hands frequently.
We will smile and greet • Avoid touching your face.
As long as you stay away 6 feet • Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow.
Only 5 or less can meet • Stay home if you think you might be sick.
Burma Shave • When in doubt, consult with a healthcare
professional.
3
In the Woods ~ May 2020
the many roads of The Woods’ 365 acres is an excellent
“May you live in way to maintain physical fitness, appreciate the beauty of
interesting times.” spring and at least wave and shout hello to your neighbors.
Is that a blessing or a curse? You can still practice the necessary distancing at the
Cooperative Gardens, and there is nothing more hopeful
Kelley Brewster-Griffiths than planting a seed and watching it grow.
General Manager
Golf is another area with manageable COVID-19 risks,
The past few weeks have presented unique and unwelcome and smacking that ball can be a terrific stress-reducer!
challenges to us as a community and as citizens of the world. The Restaurant – I’ve heard several residents say that
When will they be over? When can we freely resume our they are going to use the Restaurant more often to avoid
lives? What will the “new normal” look like? These are going to the supermarket or just to help out while the
questions that are asked every day, and every day there are regular business is impacted. It has taken us a little while
new predictions. Like you, I look to the experts for guidance. to figure out the perfect balance of staff and food inventory
For the latest state-wide alerts, go to ct.gov/coronavirus. needed under the new demands, but rest assured that we
are still doing our best to serve the community. If early on
But in the meantime there are many, many reasons to be glad you were told that they could not handle your order, please
to be in Farmington Woods and very, very grateful for the try again now. Remember that you will have a much better
resilience of our people. Let me name a few: chance of faster service if you order during off-peak hours
and do not wait until the end of the month.
The Loyalty of our Staff
The benefits of dedicated on-site
The Benefits of Technology
staff have never been so important. Although we would all generally prefer personal
The Grounds and Buildings crews interactions, it is amazing how technology has allowed us
are carrying on with our programs to continue our business and lives without them.
while adhering to the dictates of In March we held our Board Meetings via the
social distancing. Under the leadership of Paul Cacace, GoToMeeting application. Even Board members who
combined with some fortunate weather, the “campus” has were unfamiliar with the technology were able to master
never looked better. In terms of everyone pitching in, I must it and continue to contribute and make critical decisions.
share with you a call I received from a walker who witnessed Members of the community also were able to sign in and
Paul up on Strathmore single-handedly loading bulk trash into contribute.
a dump truck. It’s time for each of us to do our part, and
leading by example is my highest praise in this regard. In the Woods 2.0 and our eblast system have allowed us
to keep residents up-to-date on the frequent procedural
changes as our operations adjust. I cannot stress enough
how important it is for residents to stay subscribed.
Within your own homes, I’m sure that you are appreciating
the benefits of movie channels instead of going to the
movies, YouTube work-out clips instead of going to the
gym and Kindle or Applebooks instead of going to the
Here in the office, all of our customer contact is by phone and Library. Many places of worship are even streaming their
email. But the mood is still upbeat and obliging. Esprit de services.
corps has evolved from lunching with your friends, to elbowing
instead of handshakes or pats on the back, to that little dance Thank You
you do when you are approaching someone and deciding which To all of you who have gone out of your way to ensure
of you is going to move six feet to the left or right. that your friends and neighbors are safe and healthy, and
to all of you who are keeping a stiff-upper-lip through this
The Range of Activities Still Open to Us tribulation, I offer my sincere thanks. Hopefully, the
Cabin fever can compound the stress that uncertainty has struggle we are in today is developing the strength we
placed upon us. It is a very faint silver lining that this pandemic need tomorrow. As one of our valued volunteers said
arose at the end of the winter instead of the beginning. Walking early on, “We are Farmington Woods strong!”
4
In the Woods ~ May 2020
Before the Boards
Master Association and Frontier Communications: Despite an impending
District Board Meetings March 30, 2020 bankruptcy, Frontier’s plan is to continue to serve us under
the Connected Community contract in place through
Due to COVID-19 and the necessity
September 30, 2021 on a business-as-usual basis.
to maintain a social distance, the
March meetings were conducted Traffic Enforcement: The Avon Police Community Relations
remotely via GoToMeeting. Officer has indicated that additional police presence is possible
Instructions for owner involvement throughout FW each week.
appear in the Board Packages on
Custodial Services: The Custodial team has placed
Member Central. Management continues to take action additional emphasis on routinely disinfecting commonly
on ever-changing issues related to COVID-19 and will touched surfaces such as countertops, tables, doorknobs, light
continue to provide updates as the situation evolves via switches, hand rails and bathroom fixtures during the COVID-
links on our website and In the Woods 2.0 email distribution. 19 pandemic.
These are the highlights of the March meetings: Building Maintenance Work Orders: We have worked
Financials: closely with our software provider eMaintenance to establish
• Master Association YTD 2/29/20: Administration an auto-reply email to residents identifying when their MWR
and Operations have a positive variance to budget has been completed. In order to benefit from this additional
of $456,917. (Monthly contribution from communication, residents must include their email address
Administration to Reserves was delayed. It will on each MWR.
be funded in coming months.) Golf/Restaurant has
Grounds Department: With the COVID-19 pandemic we
a negative variance of $239. Reserves have a
have instituted some common-sense procedures as we
negative variance to budget of $48,410.
continue to provide essential services to the community, e.g.
• District YTD 2/29/20: The District has an overall
we have split the staff into two groups to stagger both break
negative variance to budget of $328,442 due
and lunch times. We also continue to follow all applicable
primarily to paving expense for work budgeted but
CDC and Health Department guidelines. Contingency plans
not substantially completed in fiscal year 2018/
are in place in the case of an upswing in absenteeism. During
2019.
this unprecedented time, we continue to do everything to
2020/2021 Budget Proposals: maintain and extend the gains we have made over the past
In light of the financial uncertainties posed by the COVID- few months. Overall we continue to be in a good place with
19 business restrictions, both Boards approved motions to the community significantly ready for spring clean-up and
table approval of the 2020/2021 budgets until the Finance mulching activities to begin in early April.
Committee has had an opportunity to review the March
Golf Operations: Golf closed with YTD actual loss of
month-end results and revise, if necessary, the projected
($131,889) reflecting a year-over-year improvement. We have
2019/2020 results and the 2020/21 proposed budgets.
a net increase of 2 members over February. At this time we
There will still be time to inform the community of the
are uncertain how our scheduled events will be impacted by
recommendations, however the community voting date may
COVID-19.
need to be delayed.
Restaurant Operations: Due to COVID-19 the restaurant
A PowerPoint presentation of the Budgets annotated with is allowed to provide curbside pick-up and delivery services.
Department Head comments will be available on Member Amended hours are Thursday-Sunday 12-7PM. Staff
Central. The MA Board requested an Assessment reductions have been made accordingly until further notice.
Evaluation by the end of April, outlining how much work in February month end closed with YTD loss of ($5,489) vs a
the original projections will be completed, how much will loss of ($24,004) this time prior year. At this time we are
need to be carried over and how much this will affect the uncertain how our scheduled events will be impacted by
2021/22 budget. When the four-year special assessment COVID-19.
ends in 2021, it is anticipated the continuing annual reserve
contribution will be a minimum of $1,828,500.
Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.
FHA Approval: FHA approval has been granted by HUD. We all look forward to “the new normal.”
Approvals are now for three years. Farmington Woods
FHA approval is through February 26, 2023. Per HUD, Be Kind to Your Neighbor
Farmington Woods currently has 9.31% FHA loan We are all in this together.
concentration.
5
In the Woods ~ May 2020
How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering Outdoor Cooking
(Source: cdc.gov)
and Open Fires
\
Make sure that steaks, ribs, burgers and wings are the
only things that sizzle on your barbeque! Fire can spread
in a matter of minutes, so obey the safety rules:
• All outdoor cooking grills must be removed from and
kept off wooden decks, balconies and porches.
• Grills may not be stored on wooden decks including
wooden decks which are at ground level.
Cloth face coverings should:
• Cooking outdoors is prohibited on wooden decks,
• fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the
wooden porches, on or under balconies, decks,
face awnings, and in garages.
• be secured with ties or ear loops • When cooking outdoors, a safe clearance must be
• include multiple layers of fabric kept from buildings, fences, railings, decks, balconies
• allow for breathing without restriction and other combustible surfaces.
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without • No open fire or flame, fire pit, chiminea, torch or liquid
damage or change to shape fire starter is permitted. (Outdoor cooking grills do
not constitute an open fire or flame.)
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public • The user is expected to comply with all applicable
settings where other social distancing measures are state and local codes and ordinances regarding the
difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), operation of outdoor grills in single or multi-family
especially in areas of significant community-based residences, respectively.
transmission. • Repair of damage caused by outdoor cooking is the
The use of simple cloth face coverings helps to slow the sole responsibility of the Unit Owner.
spread of the virus and helps people who may have the
virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Save your pipes. Don’t flush wipes!
Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or
made at home from common materials at low cost can
be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young
children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing,
or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to Many household cleaning products are labeled and marketed
remove the mask without assistance. as disposable; many baby hygiene products are labeled both
disposable and flushable. And while these products may be
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical marketed as a convenience item, the truth is that these
masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies household wipes have the ability to clog and stop up your
that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers sewer pipes. They can also cause blockage and service
and other medical first responders, as recommended by problems in town sewer systems and pump stations.
current CDC guidance.
Unlike toilet paper, these products don’t break down once
Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise they are flushed. They can cause blockages in your sewer
cleaned regularly? How regularly? lines, especially older pipelines that may have grease, roots
Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the or other obstructions already existing. Line blockages can
frequency of use. A washing machine should suffice in lead to nasty sewer backups in your home. On a larger
properly washing a face covering. scale, when these products make their way into the public
How does one safely remove a used cloth face sewer system, they collect together and cause clogs in sewer
covering? main lines and get tangled in pump stations requiring repair
Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, or possibly even expensive replacement of equipment.
and mouth when removing their face covering and wash Always properly dispose of wipes in a trash receptacle,
hands immediately after removing. whether they are labeled “flushable” or not.6
In the Woods ~ May 2020
Golf in the Time of COVID-19 Hole-in-One!
Congratulations
Hats and visors off to Michael Kowalski. He hit a 6-
iron from 160 yards on our Par 3,13th hole and sank the
season’s first hole-in-one.
Six feet of separation at all times
What’re the Odds?
The DECD has confirmed that the Farmington Woods Golf According to the National Hole-in-One Registry:
Course can remain open through the peak of the COVID-19 • There are approximately 450 million rounds of golf
crisis. But we may only be experiencing a lull in the ferocity of played each year in the U.S.
the contagion, so the following rules must hold: • On average each course has about 25,000 – 30,000
• If you do not feel well, stay home. rounds played each year.
• For golf course availability, call our course-conditions • Each course reports 10-15 hole-in-ones each year.
update at 860-673-6193 ext. 64.
• A hole-in-one is scored once every 3,500 golf rounds.
• We will keep the range open, and all golf balls will be
• The odds of making a hole-in-one are 1:3,500.
at each mat prior to your arrival. Tees are available -
• Only 1-2% of golfers score a hole-in-one during the
please ask at the bag room; they will be in a bleach
solution prior to use. Please use your club to pull balls year.
from the tray as opposed to reaching with your hand • The average years of playing is 24.
into the tray. This will keep your hands and the golf • The average handicap of golfers making hole-in-
balls cleaner. one is 14.
• Maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet at all times • The age group that makes the most holes-in-one is
over the entire property including parking, starting tee 50-59 (25%) and the next highest is 40-49 (24%).
and practice areas. • Balls used most often are Titleist (45%), Nike (14%),
• Golf carts are available when the course is dry enough. and Top Flite (11%).
We recommend only those that absolutely need a cart • A hole-in-one on a Par 4 is called an Albatross.
take one. One person per cart. Do not ‘give people a • 16% of holes-in-one are made by women with an
lift’ even from holes 15-16 or on other holes. This average age of 55, average 15 years of playing,
could cause the loss of our ability to allow carts on the average hole length of 111 yards.
course or to be open!
• We will be disinfecting each cart before and after every Is My Work
round with bleach and water in addition to our normal
cleaning of the carts. We will also wipe the carts down Order
before each person uses them. If you are able to walk Completed?
the course, we encourage you do to so.
• You are welcome to store your bags in the cart barn. Looking for an indoor
We will be unable to get them for you, clean your clubs, activity during this self-
or put them away. distancing time? Why not
• Scorecards, pencils and rakes are all touch points and familiarize yourself with the Member Central portion of
have been removed. our farmingtonwoods.com website?
• Please leave the flagsticks in the holes.
• Access to the Clubhouse will not be available for any The newest feature of our Maintenance Work Request
reason including the use of the restrooms, locker rooms (MWR) program is the ability to notify you by e-mail
and Pro Shop. If you need an item such as golf balls, when your project has been completed. If you include
a glove, etc., please ask and we will grab it for you. your email address on the Maintenance Work Request
• Payments by charge to your Member Number are form you submit on-line, you will get a notification when
preferred. it is complete. A reminder: When submitting your work
Thank you for your patience, and enjoy your much-needed order on-line, you must click the “Save New Record”
time outside safely. button in the upper left corner of the form.7
In the Woods ~ May 2020
Who’s Who?8
In the Woods ~ May 2020
New Roots in The Woods - March 2020
Residents: Address: Previously from:
Shannon Berger 12 Sycamore Lane Winsted, CT
John and Marcia Bergman 23 Cottonwoods Drive Kensington, CT
Mary Clevenger 10 Heritage Drive Southhampton, NY
Chris & Stephanie Ferentino 4 Centerbrook Court Little Neck, NY
Greg and Zoe Ann Kaminski 110 Mallard Drive Farmington, CT
Amit Khattar 9 Madison Lane Avon, CT
Peter Lotterhos 23 Byron Drive Simsbury, CT
Zoe Martin 5 Mystic Court 2 Strathmore-FW
Roman Modrowski and Jenny Foley 1 Hampton Place West Hartford, CT
Glenn Wandy and Lydia Weisman 2 Strathmore Lane Glastonbury, CT
Mark and Laurel Young 21 Sycamore Lane Rocky Hill, CT
Owners and Residents: 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 860-673-0062 to take advantage of these excellent programs.
2020/2021 Directory Cover Contest
Match Your Zodiac Sign
to our Volunteer
Opportunities
Taurus
April 20-May20
Yes, the day will come when we resume our Committee
and District Representative meetings. Taurus people
are dependable and methodical, being part of the earth
sign trio. They are practical and always planning with
great attention to details. Taureans like to make elaborate
plans and follow through watching every part of the
equation. Taurus people work well with others whether
in a leadership role or part of a team. They do well in
corporate jobs and enjoy the trip up the ladder. Accounting
and law are good fields. There are also many Taurus
people with beautiful singing voices. So plan now: Think
Finance Committee, the Boards, District Representative
and Covenants.
To apply, please complete the Volunteer Form on the
Congratulations! Member Central portion of the website or get one from
the MA Office, and submit it along with a short bio and
The winning photograph in the 2020 Directory overview of your interest.
Cover contest was submitted by Andy Mars.
Thought for the day: “In the rush to return to normal, think about what parts of normal are worth going back to.”9
In the Woods ~ May 2020
May at the Clubhouse
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Clubhouse Restaurant will be
open for Curbside Pick-up and Delivery Service only until further notice.
Please see the website for menu. Call 860-673-2419.
Hours of operation: Thursday - Sunday from 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. We will be open on Memorial Day, May 25!
A $20 purchase is required for delivery.
Mother’s Day Italian Specials Fish
Sunday, May 10 Sundays, May 3 and 17 Fridays
11 a.m.- 2 p.m. All Day
All Day every Friday
Reserve by Friday May 8 th
Order by Saturday May 2 or May 16 Appetizer:
Reservations are limited and required Small Caesar Salad Fried Clam Strips $11*
All entrees served with house salad, Chicken Parmesan Entrees:
dinner rolls and butter, and choice of Side of Penne with Marinara Sauce Fresh Catch of the Day, served
Carrot Cake or Red Velvet Cake. Garlic Toast with rice and vegetables - $19*
Chicken Limone - Served with mashed Tiramisu
potatoes and mixed vegetables - $25* $21* Fried Clam Dinner - $16*
Herb-rubbed Roasted Salmon - Served Half-price bottle of wine with purchase! Fish and Chips Dinner - $16*
with mashed potatoes and mixed *Plus tax and gratuity Baked Cod, served with rice and
vegetables - $29*
vegetables - $16*
Prime Rib - Gentleman’s cut served with
*Plus tax and gratuity
baked potatoes and mixed vegetables -
$32*
*Plus tax and gratuity
Curbside Pickup or Delivery Menu: Subject to availability from suppliers.
(Fastest service is at lunch, off-peak hours and early in the month.)
Bottles of Wine at half price every Thursday!
APPETIZERS
SOUP OF THE DAY - Cup $4/Bowl $7 BEEF CHILI - Crock $6/Bowl $9
CHICKEN WINGS - Boneless or Bone-in: ½ pound - $6, 1 pound - $10
Buffalo, BBQ, Teriyaki, Honey Buffalo, Buffalo Dry Rub
FRIED CHEESE CURDS $9 - Spicy fried cheese curds, jalapeño ranch dipping sauce
CHICKEN QUESADILLA $10 - Tomatoes, jalapeño, sour cream, salsa Add guacamole .50
SALADS (Add Grilled Chicken $4)
CAESAR SALAD $7$/9 - Romaine heart, shaved parmesan & Romano cheeses, croutons, Caesar dressing
WOODS HARVEST SALAD - $5/$7 -Baby spring greens, tomato, cranberries, shredded carrots, pickled onion, apples,
goat cheese, choice of dressing: Ranch, Bleu Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Champagne Vinaigrette,
Parmesan Peppercorn, Olive Oil &Vinegar
SANDWICHES
FOOTLONG HOTDOG $8 - Add chili 1.50
THE WOODS REUBEN $12 - Corned beef brisket, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, rye bread, 1,000 islands dressing
(Corned beef may be substituted with turkey)
CLUBHOUSE CHEESE STEAK $13 - Shaved certified Angus steak, sautéed peppers & onions, mushrooms,
balsamic aioli, American cheese, hoagie bun
TURKEY CLUB $11 - Fresh-roasted turkey breast, romaine lettuce, tomato, crispy bacon, mayonnaise, choice of bread
CHAR-GRILLED BURGERS
All burgers are served with a choice of French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Homemade Russet Chips or Onion Rings
IMPOSSIBLE BURGER $14 - 100% plant based IMPOSSIBLE burger, lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, bulkie roll
CLUBHOUSE BURGER $12 - Certified Angus burger, lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, bulkie roll
BOURBON BACON BURGER $14 - A Clubhouse favorite. Certified Angus burger, applewood bacon, cheddar, tomato, bulkie roll
PATTY MELT $14 - Certified Angus burger, caramelized onion, American cheese, Thousand Island dressing, white toast10
In the Woods ~ May 2020
Farmington Woods Woman’s Club
Sadly, all the events planned for May have been cancelled because of COVID 19.
We wish all of our members a healthy summer and hope to see you all in the fall.
The “Viola! It’s Spring” Luncheon will occur next year.
Lunch Bunch Plus
Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden, Wednesday, May 13, is postponed to May 2021.
In June we hope to be able to visit Gillette Castle and take the ferry from Hadlyme to Chester
for lunch, then in July visit Elizabeth Park’s gardens and lunch at the Pond House.
We will do our best to reschedule next year this March’s Mark Twain House tour and lunch at
the Town & County Club along with April’s Hartford Stage play.
Think about using all this physical-distancing time to work on projects for our fall
Craft Bazaar!
“I would like to thank the people of upper Great Meadow Lane for watching out for me
- grocery runs, etc., and to my good friend Pat Murray for making face masks for me
and so many. It seems the worst has brought out the best! -Jean Sullivan
Things to Do While Stir-Crazy – by John Sahm
Don’t Veg! Interact!
Dust off your pile of games or, in a pinch, query Amazon and order something. There’s Scrabble, Monopoly, Dominoes,
Yahtzee, Trivial Pursuit, Clue, Parcheesi, Backgammon, Uno. What would you do if you were at the lake or at the shore
and it rained? Get the cards! What are some of your old favorites? Hearts, Go Fish, War, 500 Rummy, Gin Rummy,
Poker for Pennies, Pinochle. Go to the Internet/YouTube and learn a new game. I didn’t know how to play Hearts or Gin
Rummy, but if they’re good enough for Tom Hanks, they’re good enough for me. I found that AARP has a great website
for online games. You can play solo or play against other folks online. Registration is free.
YouTube is fabulous entertainment and loaded with “How To” videos. Want a faux gaming experience? Play regular
solitaire. Pretend you paid $52 for the deck of cards. Give yourself $1 back for every card you stack up top in numeric
order by suit. You’ll lose money, just like a real casino.
Eschew Procrastination!
Were there projects you ignored? Admit it. Now’s the perfect time to clean out the garage, organize the closets, toss out
the old spices that have turned into construction material. Organize cabinets or the basement. Do a diligent, disciplined
sort (that I picked up from watching Hoarders) – stuff to keep, stuff to donate, stuff to toss.
Entertainment
Time to play catch-up! If you enjoy reading or audiobooks, now is the time to find that juicy referral a friend suggested,
that classic you said you read but really only scanned the Cliff’s Notes (did you really read Moby Dick?), or a subject into
which you wanted to delve deeply. If you have Kindle or iBooks, the classics are the best bargain. Most of them are free
to download. There’s a bonus to focused reading. You could read Churchill’s memoirs of WWII, all six volumes. Your
conversation would become so tedious you would never have to worry about social distancing.
Netflix with the teen-scene in mind
Found three that are really worth bingeing and a personal fave. If you haven’t viewed it, catch Stranger Things. Fun for
all ages and scary/action/thriller stuff. Locke and Key is similar with a convoluted plot. A throwback but not is Lost in
Space. The same premise as the old TV series but juiced up special effects and a Dr. Smith that you’ll love to dislike. My
personal fave is Mystery Science Theater 3000, which will re-introduce you to really awful old sci-fi movies, but you’ll be
viewing them along with hypercritical screen characters. Not Netflix, but if you have Frontier, tune in to Channel 1, On
Demand, and go to the free channels. Turner Classic Movies (TCM) ALWAYS has some interesting older films.
Moosic
Try npr.org and look for their musical venue. They have interesting small stage features as well as full concerts.
Baeblemusic.com has a host of new music and local bands. Broadwayhd.com is a subscription service, and you can
stream anything that’s on Broadway from musicals to comedy to drama. All from your armchair or loveseat.
Food
Try a new recipe at least once a week. Add to the degree of difficulty – make a veggie dish. Harder yet – you must make
it from whatever you have in the house. No masks, no gloves required.11
In the Woods ~ May 2020
Gardens of the Weird Plant plastic forks. Seriously. Sow them
“I’m not weird; I’m a limited edition” in your garden tine sides extended.
Deters chipmunks and squirrels. Put
Admit it. When you are seriously invested in a sport, you do them in at night so it looks like you grew
some quirky things. Like crossing your feet right over left them. If anyone asks, tell them you’re growing plastic
when your team is at bat but uncrossing them when the flowers.
opponent’s up. My Mom, when a snowstorm was threatened, Some folks routinely plant their tomatoes
would turn the face of her Blessed Mother statue to the sideways. I mean they dig a trench, trim
window because “Mary doesn’t like snow.” That night off a lot of the lower branches from the
Philadelphia got 15 inches of snow. Imagine how bad it young plant and then lay the stem in the
could have been. Well, gardeners do a lot of strange things trench, carefully bending the unburied
in their gardens but usually from a semi-practical base. You portion of the stem up. It puts more of the plant in contact
be the judge with the soil’s nutrients and makes for a stronger, healthier
plant.
I’ve personally observed a cotton ball ritual.
Apparently, it’s required when planting Make a Biergarten for a slug problem. If you
tomato and pepper plants. You dig your hole, like, play some polka tunes. Slugs can’t resist
you put in some fertilizer, and then you add beer, but they also can’t digest it. Put a shallow
exactly 5 cotton balls. Then add water to saucer of beer in your garden(s) to attract these
make the ground receptive, and then plop in the plant and creatures away from your plants and to their doom.
more soil. It’s supposed to hold moisture closer to the roots. If the beer is still there but there are no slugs, well, the
Plants get sick just like people. You’ve probably choice is yours, my friend.
heard about the aspirin regimen for heart healthiness. In WWII silk stockings could be traded for just
Well, you can crunch up a baby aspirin and add it to about anything. One gardener wouldn’t trade
your soil/compost when you transplant. If your plant today’s equivalent – pantyhose – for any
had a heart, it would be healthier. As it is, I’ve commodity. She uses pantyhose to stake her
never seen a plant, where I’ve done this, so much as sneeze. taller plants. They don’t cut into the plant stem,
But then I haven’t seen any plant sneeze. they provide support, yet they’re flexible. Joe Namath
would be proud.
The uncle of a friend of mine got struck by lightning
I’m back to beer, specifically, the
twice as he sat in his favorite chair watching TV.
ubiquitous Red Solo Cup. Early in the
Some gardeners prefer to use metal stakes and
season gardeners can get plagued by cut
trellises in their garden to channel atmospheric
worms. You know – those nasty bugs
energy into their plants and vegetables. The uncle
that wrap around a plant’s stem and saw
was never quite the same, and maybe that’s why the staked it down. Cut the bottom off a cup. Preferably AFTER
tomato’s leaves stand straight up. you’ve drunk the beer, screw the cup into the ground
In the morning you need that cup of java for leaving an inch or two above ground, then plant your plant
that morning jolt of energy. Some gardeners inside it. Cutworms will NOT gnaw through plastic. This
are HUGE believers in coffee grounds. Mix is good practice for all your young plants. So get that
it in the soil, sprinkle it on top. If you’re case of beer and start chugging! You can tell the spouse
interested in this regimen, partner with any one of eight that it’s a duty.
bazillion restaurants, Dunkin Donuts, or Starbucks, and they’ll Rocky Balboa started his training regimen
keep the grounds aside for you. Then, if you desperately by breaking six raw eggs in a beaker and
need that extra burst of energy and you’re in the garden, then chugging them down. A raw egg at
grab a handful of coffee infused soil. IF you’re desperate. the bottom of every tomato plant may
provide the same energy and conditioning
Give your warmth-loving plant its own but without getting pummeled. Two gardeners swear by
greenhouse. This should work great early in this. However, there will be no statue erected at the top
the season. Cut the bottom from a gallon of our hill. Blame Design Review.
plastic milk container then simply put it over So, if you’re up at the Garden and you see a garden of
your young plant. It will prevent frost and will capture heat. forks, rows of upended milk jugs, buried solo cups,
Don’t let it get too hot. And bring them some cold drinks sideways tomatoes, and egg shells, you’re not seeing
and fresh towels. things. You have just entered The Garden of the Weird!
By John Sahm, Cooperative Gardener12
In the Woods ~ May 2020
Connecticut has a universal list of what belongs in your recycling bin and what
doesn’t. Items should be empty, rinsed, cleaned and open.
Recycle These: Do Not Recycle These:
Paper Paper
• Cardboard and boxboard • Gift wrap and gift bags
• Food and beverage cartons • Ice cream containers
• Junk mail • Paper cups (hot and cold)
• Magazines and newspaper inserts • Shredded paper
• Office paper • Take-out food containers
• Pizza boxes • Tissue paper
Glass Glass
• Beverage bottles and jars • Ceramic mugs and plates
• Food bottles and jars • Drinking glasses
Metal Metal
• Aerosol containers (food grade only) • Aerosol containers (deodorizers, cleaners, pesticides, etc.)
• Aluminum foil • Foil tops from yogurt containers
• Cans and bottles • Paint cans
• Foil containers • Pots and pans
• Metal lids from cans and bottles • Small pieces of scrap metal
Plastic • Spiral wound containers
• Plastic bottles (with or without caps attached) Plastic
• Plastic containers, tubs and lids • Loose bottle caps
• Plastic one-use cups (no lids, no straws) • Plastic bags and wrap
• Plastic plates, bowls and utensils
• Prescription bottles
• Single-use coffee containers
• Styrofoam cups, containers and packaging peanuts
To learn more, go to RecycleCT.com • Water filters
Classifieds
Would like to rent your condo? Professional woman
currently renting in FW, but owner wishes to sell. Would like Dear Neighbors,
to stay in FW. Seeking 2BR to rent starting around May 1. No June will begin our Annual Fund Drive so that we can
pets, very responsible. Gas heat preferred. Call/text Pat 860- once again bring health, educational and entertainment
966-0424. benefits to the community:
Jigsaw Puzzles. 1,000 pieces and many different scenes. Look for our coupon for donating in the June issue and
$5.00 each. Call Carol at 860-673-4162. in the June Statement Mailings.
Used Sewing Machines: Pedals for Progress (www.p4p.org)
collects used portables and machines removed from cabinets Francine Hunter, Chair of CONNECT
with foot or knee-pedal to ship to third world countries.
Machines are refurbished and shipped to where women are
taught how to sew. Then they are able to create a revenue
stream for their families. Please call Anne Fitzgerald at 860- We are saddened by the loss of our
673-1216 for details and to arrange pick up.
neighbors and friends:
Need Help? College senior now at home due to school closure Allen Bernholtz ~ 16 Chestnut Drive
is available for grocery shopping, pickup needs, handiwork, Geraldine Eddy ~ Formerly from 35 Heritage Drive
etc. Please call/text Ryan at 203-733-3984. Marty Kaplan ~ Formerly from 22 Cottonwood Drive13
In the Woods ~ May 2020
Staying Connected
With more connected devices in the home (computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs) and more bandwidth-
intensive activities to entertain us (streaming movies and music, or hosting video-calls with family and friends), it may be
time to reconsider the Internet speed that works best for your needs. Consider the suggested minimum internet bandwidth
required for these activities —and keep in mind that other people connected to your home network will impact your
overall speed:
• 1-3 Mbps: For routine office tasks: Suitable for sending and receiving most routine emails and simple
messaging; use of basic VOIP services such as Skype, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp
• 3-9 Mbps: For Video Conferencing: To replicate the experience of being together, many are now meeting
face to face “virtually” with friends or work/team members. But video-calls can lag and show picture-quality
issues when not supported by the proper speed.
• 45 Mbps +: For Video-streaming: If you will be using a streaming entertainment service like Netflix or
downloading video or multimedia files, then you need enough bandwidth to make it all run smoothly.
Learn more by visiting this blog:
https://blog.frontier.com/2020/03/how-much-speed-do-you-need-to-do-your-job-from-home/
Farmington Woods Residents Considering an Upgrade:
Call your dedicated Frontier Bulk Contact Center only at 888-721-4783 to get these special rates.
* All inquiries to the toll-free number must be made by a person who is named on the account. All pricing and
information shown here is subject to change and may vary for existing customers. Service speed is not guaranteed
and will depend on many factors. Maximum service speed is not available to all locations and service may not be
available at certain speeds at your location. Subject to availability. Frontier services ordered in addition to the
contracted bulk services will be billed directly to that end-user customer’s account and may be subject to credit
verification. Taxes, fees, and other restrictions apply. Frontier reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any
time.You can also read
