Blog

As the bears wake from hibernation, they have insatiable appetites. As a community, we must avoid training them to come here for a meal. Collectively, we can discourage bears from frequenting our grounds by not making it worth the effort: if they don’t find food here, they won’t come back.

Trash / food waste: please put out your trash and food waste as close as possible to our Monday and Friday trash collection… preferably first thing in the morning. If that’s not possible (maybe because you leave Sunday) please be sure you have locking trash cans, and avoid leaving very aromatic food waste outdoors. In the past, bears have torn off shed doors, torn apart bungee cords and locking trash cans to get to the contents. If a resident’s trash is raided by wildlife and scattered on the grounds, please remember that it is that resident’s responsibility to clean it up.

Bird feeders: Avoid mounting them if possible, especially during the Spring when bears are very hungry and other wild food sources haven’t sprouted yet. If you must have a bird feeder, please make sure it does not drop excessive amounts of seed / food on the ground as this will attract bears and rodents. Also, make sure your bird feeder is mounted in a manner that makes it difficult for non avian wildlife to access the contents. Bear in mind (pun intended) that bears are very good climbers, and it would be unfortunate if a bear climbed onto your deck for a bird seed picnic. Besides the obvious danger to humans, the bear would most likely return and ultimately end up being put down due to having grown accustom to seeing your deck as a restaurant.

Pet feeders: please avoid having outdoor feeding stations for your pets; just like bird feeders, these will attract bears.

For more information and suggestions, please visit the New York DEC web site here:
https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2022/4/dec-issues-guidance-to-reduce-conflicts-with-bears

Dear Homeowners,
Here is a schedule of RRVA openings:

May 24th at Noon: The clubhouse will be open
May 25 Morning: The pool opens
May 25 Morning: Tennis courts open

Recently there has been concern over the removal of trees throughout the RRVA grounds.

In the past, tree maintenance and removal was neglected. It is expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous work. We are very fortunate that the RRVA maintenance crew has acquired the training and skills necessary to both identify and remove diseased and dying trees. This work critical in order to protect both person and property.

The the wind and snow storm Wednesday night has shown us the danger of not proactively removing diseased and dying trees.

The tree above was identified as needing to come down, and Wednesday night’s storm proved the assessment to be correct; the tree fell mere feet from the walkway to the club house. In a few short months, this area will be teaming with children and residents enjoying the pool and playground. Please rest assured that as we prepare for the summer season, we are working hard to maintain the grounds and to keep our community safe.

To further illustrate the importance of proactive tree maintenance, the photograph below was taken on Scudder Hill Rd, towards Denver, during Wednesday evening’s wind storm, before the snow.

If you have concerns about a tree near your home, or anywhere on RRVA’s property, please send an email to the office, and include the tree’s exact location, and if possible please include a photo to help us identify it.

The maintenance crew has begun installing handrails.

For more information on requesting one for your front steps, click here.

Did you know that NYSEG offers deep discounts on every-day electrical items, that can help you save electricity and money?

Go to: https://www.nysegsmartsolutions.com/ and shop around.

You can find discounts on everything from LED light bulbs, smart speakers, intelligent power strips, and even WiFi enabled thermostats! Some, like the MYSA Baseboard thermostats, are discounted by 50%. The catch is that you will need to have a NYSEG account, a local address, and there are limits to how many discounted items you can purchase yearly.

Fellow Homeowners,

The “El Niño” weather pattern this year has made the Catskills warmer and wetter than usual, which has not been good news for those of us who enjoy winter sports. 

However, the weather will be changing drastically this weekend, and we are anticipating our first real winter storm.

While it is difficult to forecast the weather several days out, we are expecting temperatures this weekend to remain below freezing, with snow showers starting Saturday evening, and continuing throughout the entire day Sunday.  Accumulations could range from a few inches to well over a foot.

Here is a link to real-time weather on the RRVA web site.

and…

Here is a link to the weekend weather forecast on Accuweather.com.

As Chris Cook has reminded us in the past, we each have a personal responsibility to be prepared for winter in the Catskill mountains.  In anticipation of this weekend’s weather, please make sure you have enough provisions so that you won’t have to venture out driving during the snowfall.  And if you are looking forward to the best snow sports so far this season, please make sure your vehicle is prepared with proper tires, and that you have emergency provisions on hand, including a blanket, salt / sand and the ability to get yourself “unstuck”, or the ability to hike through the weather in search of help.

Most importantly, the RRVA staff will be clearing roads and walkways as weather permits; clearing snow takes time and requires multiple passes.  Therefore, please anticipate slippery roads and walkways all day Sunday and into Monday.

We wish you a happy and safe winter season.

Sincerely,
RRVA Board Of Directors

As mentioned in the current President’s Letter, you may request a handrail by completing the “Handrail Request Form”, located with all forms on the Roxbury Run Village web site.

Handrail installation will be in the order of requests received, and weather permitting.

Dear Homeowner,

As the Holiday Season draws near, it’s a perfect time to reflect on those instrumental in maintaining the seamless operation and remarkable appearance of our community.

Expressing gratitude to our dedicated staff and vendors would undoubtedly be a meaningful gesture.

Their tireless efforts often go beyond what meets the eye, ensuring our homes remain in pristine condition.

RRVA Staff:

• Maria Wagner (Property Manager)
• Anthony Cortese (Maintenance Manager)
• Terry Haynes
• Ryan Sprague
• Tony Miraglio

Vendor Appreciation:

• Carl Grochool  (Lawn Care)
• David “Bucky” Carr (Trash Removal)

Let’s take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate their hard work and commitment.

Warm Regards,
The Roxbury Run Village Board