Dear Neighbor:
I spent a few days this week at Old Mill Point and saw two plunge pools under construction in the neighborhood. After a very diligent search, I also detected at least one crocus shoot emerging from very cool soil. I’m taking those two observations as harbingers of spring. It won’t be long now. So as Easter is upon us, it seems an opportune time to plan for the coming season at OMP.
The Neighborhood. At my home in Wayland, I measure winter seasons by how much we pay the plow guy. While I don’t relish relegating him to the poorhouse, I’m grateful that this year’s snow bill was substantially smaller than in years past. At OMP, we also measure winter seasons by how Mother Nature treats us. All in all, this year we didn’t make out too badly. There was some substantial erosion at the west end of Strandway Beach. It’s most noticeable where stairways land on the beach. Some of our neighbors lost portions of the dunes there as well, and a few added sand to shore them up. But on Seaway Beach, we appear to have actually gained beach space from storm-deposited sand. The storms also seem to have moved the boulders we installed as “steps” to the jetty, but they are still usable. Other infrastructure also survived. Although early winter rainstorms flooded Strandway West and even swamped our pier, everything appears to be intact.
Projects. Since our paving project is on hold for at least another year until the new storm drains settle, we are fortunate that we don’t have a lot on our plate to accomplish this spring. Two matters remain outstanding.
· When the association dock is put back in the water, it will include a new swim ladder. Just a reminder to all swimmers and fishermen that the dock’s primary purpose is for boaters. So be careful to climb out of the water or reel in your lines when boats approach to load and unload. With the new ladder, safety first needs to be in everyone’s front lobe.
· We also anticipate installing our new street signs soon. This project has experienced some unfortunate fits and starts caused by unreliable vendors. But we think the problem has been resolved. We’ve retained a new and — hopefully (!) — responsive vendor, and we are optimistic the project can be completed by Memorial Day. If everything transpires as planned, you can tell FedEx, UPS and your guests that they won’t get lost in OMP again.
Finances. With the drains project behind us, our finances are in good shape and we are proceeding with the plan announced at the 2022 Annual Meeting to create sufficient reserves to deal with emergencies – any one storm can blow a hole in the budget – and provide for the paving project we will have to undertake. Our Treasurer Monica DiCenso sent out annual dues notices in February with the hope that every homeowner would pay by March 31. So if you have not yet sent a check or Venmo payment, here’s a gentle reminder that “dues are due.”
Social Events. A full social calendar awaits us this summer. A “Save the Dates” communication will be sent out this spring so you can clear your schedules for our Opening Cocktail Party hosted by the Perechockys; the July 4th Celebration and Parade; and the Childrens’ Party at the Vacca’s. Last year’s Beach Party with a BBQ Truck was a hit, so we are planning a repeat performance. Betty Sudarsky will also manage Book Club again this year; dates and reading list are “To Be Determined.”
We are also investigating one other social event – a Sunset Dinner Cruise from Sesuit Harbor in Dennis. The cruise company offers an array of dinner options, including lobster or prime rib, and a pleasant cruise, at a cost of $79 per person. But available dates for the cruise are scant, so we will have to reserve by about May 1 to ensure a booking. That will depend on how many neighbors wish to participate. So if you would please “Reply” to this email with an expression of your interest we would be grateful. If there is sufficient interest, we will be back in touch to lock down a date when the ship can accommodate as many as possible.
Thank you for your continued interest and involvement in OMP’s affairs. If you have questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email me.
I really want to know.
John Donovan