Spring 2024 Newsletter
Fall 2023 Newsletter
ANNUAL MEETING
The 44th Annual Meeting of the Washington Pond Homeowner’s Association was held on September 18, 2023, at the KofC on Pascack Road. The meeting agenda included review of budget, completed projects, changes that took place, announcements, and an open forum with questions and discussion of all homeowners.
ELECTIONS
The Election Committee tallied the votes. There were 32 ballots received and counted. Elected to the Board: S. Burgermaster (32 votes).
The Board consists of 7 members: S. Burgermaster, M. Kolax, W. Kolax, L. Mason, A. Mason, S. Raigo, and Y. Raigo.
BOARD MEETING
October 2, 2023. The Board elected officers and committees:
William Kolax, President
Lana Mason, Vice President
Sophia Raigo, Treasurer
Yana Raigo, Secretary
Board members: Susan Burgermaster, Margret Kolax, Alex Mason
Maintenance Committee: Sophia Raigo, Head | Alex Mason, Susan Burgermaster
Architectural Committee: William Kolax, Head | Lana Mason, Yana Raigo
Recreation Committee: Yana Raigo, Head | Val Kitaychik, Debra Press, Lana Mason
PR Committee: Yana Raigo, Head | Lana Mason, Susan Burgermaster
Pond Maintenance Committee: William Kolax, Head | Bob McDonough, Ilya Zwieback, Yana Raigo
Budget Committee: Sophia Raigo, Head | Christine Bole, Alex Mason
The Nomination Committee will be formed 4 months prior to the next annual meeting.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Justine Kiernan (222), Tiffany Evangelou & Alex Tsiros (209).
Acknowledgement
Unfortunately, we lost several of our longtime residents this past year: Mickey (145), Milton (304), Marlene (222), Sera (203), and Susan (209). Our condolences to their families, we will remember them fondly.
PROJECTS OF 22/23
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The fence between Washington Pond and Washington Green was rebuilt and repainted, it extends the length of the Pond Court parking lot.
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Two more garbage enclosure cement floor pads were replaced.
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Tennis courts repair and cleanup took place including repair of several major cracks in the concrete below the courts’ tiles. NOTE: this was a repair project, not a resurfacing of the courts. In the future, when we resurface the courts, they can be converted to include layouts for both tennis and pickleball (per inquiries of Ellen Sonkin at previous years’ annual meeting, and other residents).
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Several large areas with drainage issues were repaired including build of small retaining walls in some areas, addition of drain pits in other areas, improvement of direction of water via new drainpipe connections, etc.
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Other minor projects included dumpster gates maintenance, pool house siding repair, emergency sewage repair, and renovation of our three benches (by tennis court entrance and around the pond).
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Our Pond Maintenance Committee members have been hard at work researching options for restoring our pond (thank you Bob and Ilya). They were able to find a very promising option. We have installed an environmentally friendly system (and chemical free) for reducing muck and excess nutrients, allowing oxygen to be replenished to help control algae. It is not an instant solution, it will work gradually, but it is minimally invasive compared to other solutions.
MAINTENANCE FEE
The monthly maintenance is increasing by $20 to $460 monthly starting with October 1, 2023. Notification along with the corresponding budget was distributed to all homeowners on August 31st. Most of the budget increase was due to higher property insurance and waste management/disposal costs.
WORK IN PROGRESS
As discussed last year, our pool is due for a replacement of the pool liner. The project was not completed due to an issue with the vendor. We’ve had help searching for a new vendor (thank you Debra Press) and are happy to report that the project is now in progress and scheduled to be completed this fall, so our pool will be sporting a brand-new liner for next season. The vendor is local to New Jersey. As the work is progressing, we’ve uncovered a problem with the return lines connections at the steel walls of the pool. The connections have deteriorated and will need to be repaired or replaced as the installation of the liner progresses.
Important Reminders
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Important Reminders ~!~
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This is an opportunity for a reminder to all homeowners to be neighborly and respect the rules. The current Board didn’t create all the rules, but our responsibilities include enforcing them. The rules are there to make this community an environment everyone can enjoy, and the same rules apply to all (the Board members adhere to the same set of rules). Please be respectful and do not direct personal attacks at individual Board members. No one makes independent decisions, we consult and discuss and follow certain protocols, therefore complaints about individual members who may be in the forefront of day-to-day activities and communication are inappropriate. And it isn’t appropriate to get angry or attack the Board in general for doing their job. Any actions deemed as aggressive and requiring attorney intervention costs all of us financially, therefore it is our position that the best course of action is to take a civilized approach to discussing issues. The Board is elected and if anyone feels they can bring usable skills to managing Washington Pond they are welcome to run for the Board. Furthermore, if someone would like to undertake a specific project, they are welcome to present the project to the Board (with costs and justifications for the project so that the Board can consider the priority and budget availability), and if approved, proceed with the project including managing all related activities (with assistance of other members if required).
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Keeping the homes exterior aligned with the community rules & regulations is each homeowners’ responsibility, which includes keeping the rear fences, homes exterior (siding, brick, roof, windows, etc), paved walkways in front of the units well maintained, the front areas neat and uncluttered.
The Board arranges a community-wide painting every 7 years, to help lower costs for each household. The next one is planned for Spring of 2024. Details regarding the planned timeline and cost will be distributed shortly. The prices for each unit will range from $786 to $1308, which is a 20% increase compared to pricing from 7 years ago, reasonable, considering the price increases for materials and services over the last several years.
Before the repaint it is especially important to check your exteriors and repair if necessary (this includes the fences). Holes in siding allow water to penetrate which can cause damage that will be expensive to repair, it’s less costly in the long run to keep your home maintained and address issues quickly. Same applies to the brick walls and fireplaces (if applicable). Repoint the brick where needed, repair or replace missing bricks. If you are notified regarding required repairs, please schedule them as soon as possible, but please… don’t wait for a notification, check your own homes regularly, inspect roofs and gutters. Coordinate with your neighbor for shared walls and shared fences between units.
Be sure to follow the rules and receive formal approval for any exterior updates, this is (1) required and (2) will help avoid having to redo something that doesn’t align with the WPHA guidelines and wasn’t approved. The ARC Request Form is posted on the website, along with information about the approved paint colors, etc.
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We are a pet-friendly community; however, dogs must be always leashed while walking on common grounds and cats (or other household animals) are not allowed to walk on property unleashed and unattended. Dog waste must be picked up and properly disposed of! Also, we are asking the dogs to please not pee on the lawn. Please ask your owners to find areas that are not on display, perhaps the areas that are mossy or mulched. There are lots of burned grass stains in highly visible lawn areas (by the walkway to the Pond and in several others).
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Improper dumping is an ongoing issue. There are signs posted in all the dumpster areas with the rules. Oversized items cannot be disposed of in the dumpster bins, and nothing must be left on the ground in the dumpster area corrals. There are separate dumpsters for household garbage and recycling, please use the appropriate dumpster and make sure the lids are fully closed. Arrangements can be made with the town for the pickup of oversized items, and this is each homeowners’ responsibility. Waste disposal costs are constantly rising. If homeowners do not pitch in by following the rules our community cost for disposal rise even higher, in addition to creating more work for our volunteers. If you see anyone leaving items on the ground in the corrals or disposing of oversized items, please report to the Board so that the disposal expense can be charged directly to the homeowner.
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Parking is a continuing issue on Pond Terrace. Mews must use their own reserved spots for parking. Each unit has 2 spots. General parking spots are for townhomes (1 per unit), visitors, and vendors. Pond Court residents should not be parking their cars on Pond Terrace (use Pond Court general parking).
If you have more than 2 cars in your household the extra cars should be parked in the visitors’ spots by the pool; for long-term storage of unused vehicles other arrangements must be made. For security reasons, and in-line with common practice, the homeowners must provide a list of vehicles registered to each household including plate numbers/make/models. The form is available on the website in the downloads section. If you change cars – make sure you provide updated information. If rules continue to be disregarded additional measures will need to be taken which will mean more expenses for the community.
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Please pay your maintenance fees on time. It becomes a cumbersome project to send constant reminders. If we must hire someone to do the billing and collections it will be an additional expense and will raise the maintenance fee again. The post office can be slow. If scheduling payments online be sure to allow a week for the payment to arrive by the due date (the 1st of the month), that way if the mail is slow there is an extra week before the late fees kick in.
Gardening Water Pipes (Winterizing)
Don’t forget to winterize the gardening water pipes before the temperatures drop! Please read the FYI post for more information or look for the Gardening Pipes post in the News section of the website.
ALL REQUESTS including to volunteer, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing to the WPHA, P.O. Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676 or e-mailed to: info@washingtonpond.org
For exterior updates, please submit requests for approval to the Board; the ARC Request Form is available for download (in the Downloads section).
Spring 2023 Newsletter
SPRING MAINTENANCE
Happy to welcome spring and warmer weather. The pond fountain aerator was installed, and the pond was treated as of April 1st, the earliest date treatments are allowed per state regulation. Spring cleaning is taking place throughout the property. Emergency patching of the roads was completed. Gravel was added along the rear of the Pond Court units facing Pond Drive to help keep the area clean. Emergency sewer drainage was addressed on Pond Terrace. General housekeeping is in progress after the winter season.
REPAIR TO PREP FOR COMMUNITY WIDE PAINTING
The community-wide exterior repainting of the units and fences is upcoming for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The plan is for the project to take place in the spring of 2024. Now is the time to assess your units’ exteriors and the fences and repair them if needed. It is each homeowners’ responsibility to maintain their unit’s exterior in good condition (this includes exterior siding, fences, roofs). Any repair must follow the approved look & feel, changes cannot be made to the exteriors or fences. For larger jobs, roof replacement, window replacement, etc. be sure to submit the ARC Request Form available on the website for approval to info@washingtonpond.org.
POOL SEASON
The pool area is being cleaned and prepared for the upcoming season. A new ventilator was installed in the utility room. To attend the pool the maintenance fees must be up to date, the signed waiver needs to be on file with the Board (the form is available on the website Downloads page), plus a key is required to access the pool and can be obtained from the Board for a $25 security deposit. The Pool Rules and FYI will be distributed prior to the Memorial Day opening, check your email inboxes!
POOL LINER
The project was scheduled with Renosys, the company that replaced the WPHA pool liner 2 times previously. The project is not proceeding, and a new company will need to be found. The current company is not committing to a date, and we will need to find another vendor to do the work. The pool requires a commercial 60 mil liner and due to the cost hikes, shortages in materials and labor everyone is experiencing it is becoming very difficult to find vendors.
WATER CONSERVATION & VALVES
Be sure to check your valves, pipes, toilets for leaks regularly. Even though the water is paid for by the association, homeowners are required to maintain their plumbing in good working order. The homeowners will be assessed for billing that’s beyond the norm if it’s due to neglected plumbing and unattended leaks. To replace the main valve (which provides the ability to shut down the water in your unit for plumbing repairs) arrangements need to be made with the water company. You may contact the water company directly for assistance.
LANDSCAPING
Please do not dispose of the leaves in your rear yards right after the landscapers cleaned. It does not look nice to have a huge pile of leaves next to a unit when the rest of the property has just been cleaned. Yes, the landscapers do wind up blowing some leaves into the rear yards, but that is hard to avoid.
POND
The Pond committee members are working on finding the optimal solution to clean up the muck from our Pond. A big thank you to our volunteers for their efforts! More information to come once a plan is formed.
SAFETY
Reminder to keep the light on over the house numbers, per rule #25. Keep the light on overnight to illuminate the house numbers and keep our neighborhood safer at night.
WELCOME
to our new neighbor:
#222, J. Kiernan
IMPORTANT
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IMPORTANT !!!
Trash
DO NOT leave items on the ground in the dumpsters, they are not picked up. Oversized items must be taken to the Township dump. You can get a resident sticker at the Township Clerk. Check this article on the WPHA website if you are not familiar with the rules or read rule #8 of the By-Laws, Rules & Regulations. All household garbage must be bagged and placed in the dumpster. Do not throw away pizza boxes with food leftovers, etc. Do not leave items on the ground outside the dumpsters. NOTHING should be placed in the corral that does not fit in the dumpster, and oversized/heavy items should not be placed in dumpsters as they could damage the dump trucks and will not be picked up. Co-mingle corral is only for recyclables, not for regular trash. Aside from maintaining a cleaner and more sanitary environment, all this also helps prevent vermin infestation and raccoons from ripping open garbage.
Parking
Please respect the parking rules. Use your spaces (two reserved spaces for mews units, one garage space + a space in the general parking lots for the townhomes). Overflow vehicles should park by the pool leaving some spaces available for visitors and vendors. Parallel parking is not allowed anywhere on WPHA property. Submit the Vehicle Registration Form (available on the Downloads page) for any new vehicles that park regularly on the WPHA property. Do not leave vehicles in the unreserved spots for longer than 24 hours without notifying the Board to avoid being towed at the owner’s expense.
CHILDREN
Parents must supervise their children when on common property. Rocks cannot be thrown into the pond since they are community property and are part of the hardscape and drainage, plus to avoid hitting live creatures who live in our pond. Additionally, need to be mindful of vehicles driving on the roads when the children are outside.
Speeding
Slow down! Vehicles are seen driving too fast on our roads. There are children playing and neighbors walking, so please slow down. If you see a vendor driving too fast, ask them to slow down as well!
DOGS
Follow Rule #6. Dogs must be leashed while on Washington Pond common grounds, keep dogs off new plantings, and owners must clean up after their dogs. Owners who violate this rule will incur a fine.
ALL REQUESTS, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing.
EMAIL: info@washingtonpond.org
WEB: Contact form
MAIL: WPHA, P.O. Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676
Fall 2022 Newsletter
ANNUAL MEETING
The 43rd Annual Meeting of the Washington Pond Homeowner’s Association was held on September 26, 2022, at the KofC on Pascack Road. The meeting agenda included review of budget, completed projects, changes that took place, announcements, and an open forum with questions and discussion of all homeowners.
ELECTIONS
The Election Committee tallied the votes. There were 36 ballots received and counted. Elected to the Board: W. Kolax (31 votes), L. Mason (32 votes), A. Mason (29 votes), Y. Raigo (36 votes).
The Board consists of 7 members: S. Burgermaster, M. Kolax, W. Kolax, L. Mason, A. Mason, S. Raigo, and Y. Raigo.
BOARD MEETING
October 3, 2021. The Board elected officers and committees:
William Kolax, President
Lana Mason, Vice President
Sophia Raigo, Treasurer
Yana Raigo, Secretary
Board members: Susan Burgermaster, Margret Kolax, Alex Mason
Maintenance Committee: Sophia Raigo, Head | Alex Mason, Susan Burgermaster
Architectural Committee: William Kolax, Head | Lana Mason, Yana Raigo
Recreation Committee: Yana Raigo, Head | Val Kitaychik, Debra Press, Lana Mason
PR Committee: Yana Raigo, Head | Lana Mason, Susan Burgermaster
Pond Maintenance Committee: William Kolax, Head | Bob McDonough, Ilya Zwieback, Kathleen McGrath
Budget Committee: Sophia Raigo, Head | Christine Bole, Alex Mason
The Nomination Committee will be formed 4 months prior to the next annual meeting.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
W. Xavier (147), C. Mango (151), S. Adamo (157), C. Calise (159), A. Valdez (231), D. Yuponce (324). Congratulations to The Faloticos (342) on the birth of their baby!
PROJECTS OF 21/22
A large retaining wall located between Pond Court and Pond Drive, adjacent to unit 320, was dismantled and rebuilt.
The fence behind units 320-324 has been secured, and the surrounding area filled with gravel to prevent erosion.
Landscape erosion & drainage issues created by very heavy rains during the spring season were addressed in several areas including the walk-through by the new retaining wall by 320, the walk-through behind the Pond Court mews, and the area behind 158 on Pond Drive.
Multiple heritage Ash trees were removed during the winter season (they were sick and needed to be removed to prevent further deterioration and collapse).
New concrete pads/floors were installed last fall in the dumpster areas on Pond Terrace and Pond Court. The remaining dumpster area pads will be resurfaced in 2022/2023.
CHANGES IN 2022
A new Pond Maintenance Committee was formed, comprised of homeowner volunteers (Bob from 153, Ilya from 214, and Kathleen from 155). The Committee’s focus is on finding the optimal solutions for addressing the ageing pond, debris that has been collecting over the years, issues with algae. To start, a sonar study was approved by the Board. The current pond management company performed the study and will be submitting a report, which will help the Committee and the Board to assess next steps and estimate costs. We thank our volunteers for donating their time to help research, select, and manage projects related to our pond.
Our Pool was approved as an exempt facility which allowed us to operate without lifeguards this summer. All who attended were happy with the results. This allowed the pool to remain open continuously at the end of the season (when lifeguards are hard to come by) and to keep the pool open an extra week past the usual Labor Day closing.
ROADS
Volunteers needed to manage the road resurfacing project. Need to start planning since this project requires detailed preparation. To budget, allocate funds, decide on assessments, the team will start with researching vendors and cost. Please submit your names and contact information to info@washingtonpond.org.
MAINTENANCE FEE
The monthly maintenance will not be increased this year.
REMINDERS TO HOMEOWNERS
The Board addressed the homeowners with several reminders (see following). The website is an excellent source of information if you have any questions, but if you cannot find the answer to your questions there, please drop a note to info@washingtonpond.org and we will be glad to answer.
Parking
Parking has been an increasing concern, especially on Pond Terrace. Per Rule #15, each household is allowed to park 2 cars in the parking lot – mews park in their reserved spaces, townhomes in the garage + 1 space in the general parking lot (each street has its own parking lot which must be used). Washington Pond was designed to accommodate 2 parking spaces per household – as a home for working executives, a family starter home with small children, or a home for a retiree. It is not designed for families with more than 2 vehicles. Pond Court townhomes should be parking their cars in the Pond Court parking area (NOT on Pond Terrace). More than 2 cars per household should be parked in the parking area by the pool; for long-term storage of unused vehicles other arrangements must be made. For security reasons, and in-line with common practice, the homeowners will need to provide a list of vehicles registered to each household including plate numbers/make/models. Notifications will be sent shortly.
Improper Dumping
Improper dumping is an ongoing issue. New signs were posted in all the dumpster areas with the rules. Oversized items cannot be disposed of in the dumpster bins, and nothing must be left on the ground in the dumpster area corrals. Arrangements can be made with the town for pickup, and this is each homeowners’ responsibility. Waste disposal costs are constantly rising. If homeowners do not pitch in by following these rules our community cost for disposal rise even higher. The result will be assessments to all of us for the increased disposal costs, above and beyond what is budgeted for waste management services. If you see anyone leaving items on the ground in the corrals or disposing of oversized items, please report to the Board so that the expense can be charged directly to the homeowner.
Maintenance of Home Exteriors
Keeping the homes exterior aligned with the community rules & regulations is each homeowners’ responsibility, which includes keeping the fences & exterior siding well maintained, and the front areas neat and uncluttered. The Board arranges a community-wide painting every 7 years, to help lower cost for each household. The next one is planned for 2023/2024. In the meantime, please check the exteriors of your home and repair the siding or fence, if needed. You can reach out to Gustavo for minor repairs, but he does get busy, and is available only part time. If you’re looking for a vendor, speak with your neighbors for vendor references, or reach out to the Board (we keep vendor names on file and can provide if requested – but ultimately it is each homeowners’ responsibility to find a vendor and repair their property).
Be sure to follow the rules and receive formal approval for any exterior updates. The ARC Request Form is posted on the website, along with information about approved paint colors, etc.
Pets
We are a pet-friendly community; however, dogs must be always leashed while walking on common grounds, and cats (or other household animals) are not allowed to be on common grounds unattended. And be sure to clean up after your pet! Homeowners who disregard these rules will be incur fines.
Gardening Water Pipes
Don’t forget to winterize the gardening water pipes before the temperatures drop! Please read the FYI post for more information or look for the Gardening Pipes post in the News section of the website.
ALL REQUESTS including to volunteer, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing to the WPHA, P.O. Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676 or e-mailed to: info@washingtonpond.org
For exterior updates, please submit requests for approval to the Board; the ARC Request Form is available for download (in the Downloads section).
Spring 2022 Newsletter
SPRING MAINTENANCE
Spring is here! Time to refresh. Be sure to check the exteriors of your units, along with the fences. If anything needs to be repaired, now is the time to do it. The weather is warming therefore exterior painting can be done. There are fences in need of repair and it’s the homeowners’ responsibility to take care of their unit’s rear fences. The paint is Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT Solid Deck & Siding Stain (0640) and it is available at Norton’s Paint on Route 17 in Paramus. Request the grey custom formula for the Washington Pond Homeowners Association.
Small holes created by woodpeckers can normally be patched and painted. Be sure to check the vent holes for missing covers and replace right away. Open vent holes are accessible by squirrels and birds.
For larger projects submit the ARC Request Form for approval prior to commencing. The form is available on the Downloads page of the website.
RULES & REGULATION
Several new rules have been added to the WPHA Rules & Regulations (rules 35, 36, 37) clarifying certain processes for contact with attorney, response times, and record requests.
The link to download the updated ByLaws, Rules & Regulations document has been provided in the email. Be sure to download a copy for your records. If you are unable to download, send an email to info@washingtonpond.org and a copy can be forwarded by email.
POOL SEASON
The pool season is coming up and the pool is being tested and prepared for the season. One exciting new development to report – a decision has been made to convert to an exempt facility, with no lifeguards on duty. The new pool rules will be posted at the entrance to the pool and are distributed by email. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the new rules.
More details to come, prior to the Memorial Day opening. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, and with approval of the Board of Health, the plan is to proceed for this season. The pool will have new keyed locks installed; keys will be available to homeowners. Children under 16 must be accompanied by adults. Guests are welcome, as usual, with the owners present.
POOL LINER
The pool liner replacement is scheduled for the Fall, following the end of the season. This will give our pool management company another chance to double-check the plumbing and find leaks, prior to installing the new liner.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Several large projects had been successfully completed over the winter season. Multiple diseased heritage trees have been removed. Additionally, a large retaining wall was rebuilt on Pond Court. Both projects completed successfully, resulting in a safer environment and well-maintained common grounds, all for the benefit of the community and our property values.
LANDSCAPING
Spring cleanup is in progress. The landscape will be assessed for any plants/shrubs that didn’t survive the winter and need to be replaced.
POND
A new committee has been formed consisting of several homeowners who volunteered their time to research solutions for maintaining our pond. A big thank you to our volunteers for their efforts!
WELCOME
to our new neighbors:
#157, S. Adamo
#159, C. Calise
IMPORTANT
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IMPORTANT !!!
ROCKS
There have been several reports of children throwing rocks into the pond. This is not allowed. Please be sure to supervise the children and explain that rocks should not be thrown into the pond. First there are live creatures in the pond, and second the rocks are community property and are part of the hardscape and drainage.
DOGS
We would like to remind everyone to be a good neighbor and follow Rule #6. Dogs must be leashed while on Washington Pond common grounds, keep dogs off new plantings, and owners must clean up after their dogs. Owners who violate this rule will incur a fine.
PARKING
Please respect rule #15 regarding parking. Use your spaces (two per unit, for the units with the garage it would be one space in the garage + one space in the driveway). Never parallel park in front of the units or any curbs since this a fire hazard and Homeowners will be subject to a fine.
PLEASE CARE
There are no street sweepers in our community. Please be careful not to leave trash behind and help in keeping walkways, driveways, parking spaces and common areas clean and neat. Let’s all pitch in and keep our neighborhood looking beautiful, its condition reflects on all of us.
TRASH
Spring cleaning is traditionally in the spring 😊 Check the Washington Township website for recycling dates and locations. All household garbage must be bagged and placed in the dumpster. Do not throw away pizza boxes with food leftovers, etc. Do not leave items outside the dumpsters. NOTHING should be placed in the corral that does not fit in the dumpster, and oversized/heavy items should not be placed in dumpsters as they could damage the dump trucks and will not be picked up. Co-mingle corral is only for recyclables, not for regular trash. Aside from maintaining a cleaner and more sanitary environment all this also helps prevent vermin infestation and raccoons from ripping open garbage.
ALL REQUESTS, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing.
EMAIL: info@washingtonpond.org
WEB: Contact form
MAIL: WPHA, P.O. Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676
Fall 2021 Newsletter
ANNUAL MEETING
The 42nd Annual Meeting of the Washington Pond Homeowner’s Association was held on September 20, 2021, at the K of C on Pascack Road. The meeting was a successful and respectful gathering; a letter from the Board was presented by the Board Secretary, Y. Raigo discussing the yearly budget for 2021-2022 and various community matters of the year past. The community members shared their concerns, ideas, and support for the Board.
ELECTIONS
The Election Committee tallied the votes. There were 39 ballots received and counted. Elected to the Board: S. Raigo (31 votes), M. Kolax (21 votes).
Board consists of 7 members: S. Burgermaster, M. Kolax, W. Kolax, L. Mason, S. Raigo, Y. Raigo, L. Spina.
BOARD MEETING
October 4, 2021. Board elected officers and committees:
William Kolax, President
Lana Mason, Vice President
Sophia Raigo, Treasurer
Yana Raigo, Secretary
Board members: Susan Burgermaster, Margret Kolax, Louis Spina
Maintenance Committee: William Kolax, Head | Sophia Raigo, Louis Spina
Architectural Committee: William Kolax, Head | Lana Mason, Yana Raigo
Recreation Committee: Yana Raigo, Head | Val Kitaychik, Debra Press
PR Committee: Yana Raigo, Head | Lana Mason, Susan Burgermaster
Budget Committee: Sophia Raigo, Head | Christine Bole, Steve Friedland
The Nomination Committee will be formed 4 months prior to the next annual meeting.
FALL
The sprinklers were winterized and shut off for the season. The pool has been winterized and covered; furniture stored away. The pond fountain will be removed and stored soon. Tree service will be here in November to trim, remove dead trees. Landscapers have removed some overgrown bushes and minor planting was done to fill-in as needed.
The roofs will be cleared of leaves, once the leaves are down.
GARDENING WATER PIPES
During the cold winter season it is recommended to drain and shut off the gardening pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. There are several root causes of pipes freezing. Please read the FYI post for more information.
IT’S AS EASY AS A B C
Are you planning an exterior change?
Ask the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) if your intended change or construction is within guidelines by submitting the request form found in the Downloads section of our website (washingtonpond.org).
Be approved. The ARC has 30 days after receipt of your request to provide their decision by annotating and signing the request form.
Commence with your project. Please remember you are responsible for the conduct of your vendors, and they must remove their own trash – they may not use third-party dumpsters or WP dumpsters.
TOP TEN RULES FOR BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR
1. Don't make judgements about your neighbor.
2. Respect your neighbor.
3. Curb your dog.
4. Don't play the stereo too loud.
5. Park in your own space.
6. Don't be a six-car family.
7. Clean up after yourself.
8. Take care of your property.
9. Volunteer to help.
10. If there is a problem, talk about it. Direct conversation is more effective than sending a letter or banging on a wall.
PLEASE CARE
There are no street sweepers in our community. Please be careful not to leave trash behind and help in keeping walkways, driveways, parking spaces and common areas clean and neat. Let’s all pitch in and keep our neighborhood looking beautiful, its condition reflects on all of us.
DOGS
When walking your dog in our community, remember that it must be leashed and cleanup immediately after your pet. Take along a baggie to pick up waste and dispose of it properly in the garbage. Owners who violate this law will incur a fine. To all homeowners – if you see anyone not picking up after their dog, please be sure to report this to the Board.
TRASH
Once again, a reminder to keep the corrals clean! All household garbage must be bagged and placed in the dumpster. Do not throw away pizza boxes with food leftovers, etc. Do not leave bags outside the dumpsters. NOTHING should be placed in the corral that does not fit in the dumpster. Co-mingle corral is only for recyclables, not for regular trash. Aside from maintaining a cleaner and more sanitary environment all this also helps prevent vermin infestation and racoons from ripping open garbage.
SPEED LIMIT AND PARKING
The speed limit within the community is a maximum of 15 mph. PLEASE OBEY! We request that the homeowners park their cars in dedicated spots only and keep the visitor parking free.
WELCOME
to our new neighbors:
#340, M. Gueringer
#324, D. Yuponce
#151, C. Mango
ALL REQUESTS including to volunteer, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing to the WPHA, P.O. Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676 or e-mailed to: info@washingtonpond.org
For exterior updates, please submit requests for approval to the Board; the ARC Request Form is available for download (in the Downloads section).
Spring 2021 Newsletter
POND
The aerator has been installed, and the Pond is looking lovely. We can report that the ducks had their convention earlier this Spring, and most recently the geese couple who are our regular residents have been blessed with a new brood :) Checkout the gallery photos below provided by one of our homeowners!
The fish have also been an overwhelming attraction, they are highly active and excited about the spring and summer season.
SPRING LANDSCAPING
The landscaping team has been doing housekeeping after the tough winter season. Overgrown and unsightly plants that could not be saved have been replaced with new, bold spots in the landscape have been filled in. Our grounds are part of the appeal of WP and they are looking lovely as ever, in their spring bloom splendor.
PLEASE CARE
There are no street sweepers in our community. Please be careful not to leave trash behind and help in keeping walkways, driveways, parking spaces and common areas clean and neat. Let’s all pitch in and keep our neighborhood looking beautiful – its condition reflects on all of us.
DOG OWNERS
When walking your dog in our community, remember that it must be leashed and cleanup immediately after your pet. Take along a baggie to pick up waste and dispose of it properly in the garbage. Owners who violate this law will incur a fine. To all homeowners – if you see anyone not picking up after their dog, please be sure to report this to the Board.
TRASH
Once again, a reminder to keep the corrals clean! All household garbage must be bagged and placed in the dumpster. Do not throw away pizza boxes with food leftovers, etc. Do not leave bags outside the dumpsters. NOTHING should be placed in the corral that does not fit in the dumpster. Co-mingle corral is only for recyclables, not for regular trash. Aside from maintaining a cleaner and more sanitary environment all this also helps prevent vermin infestation and racoons from ripping open garbage bags that are not in the dumpster.
POOL
The pool is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The filters have been replaced, a leak in the plumbing line located and repaired, and the pool management company is in the process of preparing the pool for opening. Due to the pandemic expect certain limitations to be in place for compliance with social distancing measures, like the previous season.
ROADS
Our roads are scheduled for maintenance within the next few months. Specifics to come once dates are set.
SPEED LIMIT AND PARKING
The speed limit within the community is a maximum of 15 mph. PLEASE OBEY! We request that the homeowners park their cars in dedicated spots only and keep the visitor parking free.
FYI
To all our new and existing homeowners, a reminder that any exterior changes, including painting, window or door replacement, fixture updates, house numbers, gutters, etc. must be approved by the Board. There is a uniform look & feel that must be maintained, per the Rules & By-Laws. Please be sure to check the FYI section of the website, the downloads area, or reach out if you have any questions. The ARC Request Form for exterior updates is available in the Downloads section of the website.
WELCOME
We would like to welcome our new neighbors:
#156, Mr. Zottoli & Mr. Olsen
#229, Mr. & Mrs. Rosenwasser
#300, Mr. & Mrs. Rochlin
#330, Mr. & Mrs. Stern
VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME
The board needs help. If you would like to volunteer please contact us at info@washingtonpond.org or via the Contact form.
ALL REQUESTS, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing to WPHA, P.O. Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676 or e-mailed to info@washingtonpond.org
You’re also welcome to use the Contact form.
Fall 2020 Newsletter
ANNUAL MEETING
The 41st Annual Meeting of the Washington Pond Homeowner’s Association was held on September 21, 2020, at the K of C on Pascack Road. The yearly budget for 2020-2021 was presented by Treasurer, Sophia Raigo.
ELECTIONS
The Election Committee tallied the votes. 30 ballots were received and counted.
Elected to the Board:
S. Burgermaster (29 votes), L. Spina (26 votes).
Board consists of 7 members:
S. Burgermaster, M. Kolax, W. Kolax, L. Mason, S. Raigo, Y. Raigo, L. Spina.
BOARD MEETING
October 5, 2020
Board elected the following officers and committees:
William Kolax, President
Lana Mason, V.P.
Sophia Raigo, Treasurer
Yana Raigo, Secretary
Board members: Susan Burgermaster, Margret Kolax, Louis Spina
Maintenance Committee: William Kolax, Head | Sophia Raigo, Louis Spina
Architectural Committee: William Kolax, Head | Lana Mason, Yana Raigo
Recreation Committee: Yana Raigo, Head | Val Kitaychik, Debra Press
PR Committee: Yana Raigo, Head | Lana Mason, Susan Burgermaster
Budget Committee: Sophia Raigo, Head | Milton Cuevas, Steve Friedland
The Nomination Committee will be formed 4 months prior to the next annual meeting.
WINTER IS COMING!
The sprinklers will be winterized and shut off for the season next week, except for the area by Pascack Road which is replanted with new trees. The pool has been winterized and will be covered following some repair-related tests due to be completed by the end of the month. The pond fountain will be removed and stored. Tree work will be done when the leaves are off. The trees will be trimmed away from homes and in the parking areas, any dead trees and branches will be removed. Snow contract is signed with Landscape Design Concepts.
GARDENING WATER PIPES
During the cold winter season it is recommended to drain and shut off the gardening pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. There are several root causes of pipes freezing. Please read the FYI post for more information.
PLEASE CARE
There are no street sweepers in our community. Please help in keeping walkways, driveways, parking spaces and common areas clean and neat.
TRASH
Keep the trash corral areas clean and be sure to fully close the lids on the bins to deter racoons from accessing the garbage. Co-mingle corral is only for recyclables, not for regular trash. Nothing should be left on the grounds, such as furniture, large objects, etc. Washington TWP Municipal area accepts those; you can also call to arrange for pick-up.
CHILDREN
Although we are semi secluded, there are still many cars that travel through our streets. Please do not let your children ride their bicycles unattended. And drivers, we need to be extra cautious of children, because there are no sidewalks. SPEED LIMIT AND PARKING The speed limit within the community is a maximum of 15 mph. PLEASE OBEY! With the holidays coming, please make sure your guests park in the visitor parking spaces. In addition, please only park in the spots assigned to your unit.
DOG BEHAVIOR
Be mindful of your dog’s behavior. That includes keeping your dog on a leash and cleaning up after him or her. In addition, there have been complaints from residents about the incessant barking of some dogs. Please do not leave your dog unattended on your patio to bark.
ALL REQUESTS including to volunteer, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing to the WPHA, P.O. Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676 or e-mailed to: info@washingtonpond.org
For exterior updates, please submit requests for approval to the Board; the ARC Request Form is available for download (in the Downloads section).
Gardening Water Pipes
During the cold winter seasons some homes in the area have experienced broken pipes.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
There are a number of root causes of pipes freezing, each important on its own, but as a combination is believed to be the main cause.
Failure to drain the pipe. An empty pipe would never burst, now matter how low the temperature gets outside.
The pipe has to be completely drained. Close the inner valve (Vi) and open the outer valve (Vo) to drain the gardening pipe.
A frozen garden hose can burst an interior pipe. When the water in the hose freezes, it expands, increasing pressure throughout the whole plumbing system. As part of your regular seasonal maintenance, garden hoses should be disconnected, drained, and stored before the first hard freeze.
Old and malfunctioning valves.
In many units the valves are old and function improperly. Inability to completely open the outer valve (Vo) would result in poor or incomplete drainage of the pipe. Slight leakage of the interior valve (Vi) could cause the water to freeze in (Vo) when temperatures dip and slowly fill and freeze throughout the entire pipe, causing it to expand and burst.
Warp and droop of the gardening pipe.
Warp and droop of the gardening pipe (common occurrence in many units) would make complete drainage impossible.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Replace the old valves. “Stop and Waste Ball Valve” is recommended for inner valve (Vi).
It’s a good idea to open the ceiling, inspect, and if necessary, replace the pipe(s) as a preventive measure. The pipe should be straight and installed with a pitch (slope), which will facilitate drainage. The pipe should not run along the window or a cold wall. Choose an alternate route. Enclosing or wrapping with insulation should protect the pipe.
Additional thermal insulation may be added behind the section of the perforated siding over the air conditioner, if needed.
IMPORTANT: Close (Vi) and then open (Vo). Unscrew the cap and leave it open throughout the winter to facilitate the pipe drainage.
Contact a licensed plumber.
Spring 2020 Newsletter
UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
We are living through difficult times. Due to the pandemic and the ‘stay at home’ order most of us are… staying at home. This means that many are spending more time outside, using the common grounds, walking for exercise, getting fresh air. It is important to remember that we must practice social distancing and be extra sensitive to the fact that we are living in a community and need to be mindful of each other. Please help keep the grounds clean, keep your front yards neat, watch out for children playing outside, do not leave the children to play in the parking lot unattended. If using the tennis courts be sure to keep people to a minimum, no additional people other than the players should be on the courts, do not leave tennis balls and other items behind when you leave and be sure to lock-up!
Please be extra sensitive. Everyone is affected, everyone is distressed. Let us all do our part to minimize additional stress.
PLEASE CARE
There are no street sweepers in our community. If you see trash on common grounds, please pick it up. It could be someone accidentally lost something on the way to their car or a discarded water bottle. No matter the source, let’s pitch in and remove these ‘eyesores’ – our neighborhood’s condition reflects on all of us. Please help in keeping walkways, driveways, parking spaces and common areas clean and neat.
TRASH
Now more than ever it is important to keep the trash corral areas clean for sanitary reasons, to prevent vermin infestation and racoons from ripping open garbage bags that are not in the dumpster. NOTHING should be placed in the corral that does not fit in the dumpster. Co-mingle corral is only for recyclables, not for regular trash.
POOL
Due to the ‘stay at home’ order in NJ, the pool will not be opening on Memorial Day weekend. The pool company is deemed an essential business and are providing preparations for the summer pool season in compliance with social distancing measures. We want to be ready, if or when the order is lifted, and the necessary approval process can start to move ahead with opening the pool. Since there is so much uncertainty right now, we have no specific date scheduled for opening, but hope it can happen for the 4th of July.
POND / LANDSCAPING
The landscaping service is deemed essential and our new landscaping team has been hard at work keeping the grounds clean, adding spring plantings. The old retaining wall was rotting and not holding the bank. We are happy to report that a beautiful new wall has been built as a replacement on the West bank, with the East bank to follow. These new walls will last for at least 30 years. We thank our new gardeners for doing a great job at a very reasonable price!
PSE&G vendor will start planting the replacement trees along Pascack, due to be completed this week.
SPEED LIMIT AND PARKING
The speed limit within the community is a maximum of 15 mph. PLEASE OBEY! With the nicer weather upon us, there will be more children and adults around and about. Please mind the posted speed limits! We request that the homeowners park their cars in dedicated spots only and keep the visitor parking free.
DOG BEHAVIOR
Please be mindful of your dog’s behavior. Especially now when most of us are home! Please do not leave your dog unattended on your patio if he or she is going to bark incessantly. When walking your dog in our community, remember that it must be leashed and cleanup immediately after your pet. Take along a baggie to pick up waste and dispose of it properly in the garbage. Animal waste can be hazardous to other pets and the environment.
WELCOME
We would like to welcome our new neighbors: Chris & Sveta Almonte, #302 Pond Court
VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME
The board needs help. If you would like to volunteer please contact us at info@washingtonpond.org or via the Contact form.
ALL REQUESTS, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing to WPHA, P.O. Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676 or e-mailed to info@washingtonpond.org
You’re also welcome to use the Contact form.
Fall 2019 Newsletter
ANNUAL MEETING
The 40th Annual Meeting of the Washington Pond Homeowner’s Association was held on September 23, 2019, at the K of C on Pascack Road. The yearly budget for 2019-2020 was presented by Treasurer, Sophia Raigo.
ELECTIONS
The Election Committee tallied the votes. 32 ballots were received and counted.
Elected to the Board:
W. Kolax (26 votes), L. Mason (26 votes), Y. Raigo ( 22 votes).
Board consists of 7 members:
M. Kolax, W. Kolax, L. Mason, M. O’Neill, S. Raigo, Y. Raigo, L. Spina.
BOARD MEETING
October 7, 2019
Board elected the following officers and committees:
William Kolax, President
Lana Mason, V.P.
Sophia Raigo, Treasurer
MaryBeth O’Neill, Secretary
Board members: Margret Kolax, Yana Raigo, Louis Spina.
Maintenance Committee: William Kolax, Head | Louis Spina
Architectural Committee: William Kolax, Head | Lana Mason, Yana Raigo
Recreation Committee: Yana Raigo, Head | Val Kitaychik, Debra Press
PR Committee: MaryBeth O’Neill, Head | Yana Raigo
Budget Committee: Sophia Raigo, Head | Milton Cuevas, Steve Friedland
The Nomination Committee will be formed 4 months prior to the next annual meeting.
AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS
At the request of the property insurance company a sentence was added to Rule #28 of our Rules and Regulations (Barbecue Grills.) The added sentence says: “charcoal grills are prohibited anywhere on site.”
Generator rule was established as Rule #30 in our by-laws. No portable generators are permitted. They are too dangerous and too noisy. They can only be permanent with a town permit and town inspection.
WINTER IS COMING!
This is what has been done:
The sprinklers have been winterized, the pool has been winterized, the pond fountain will be removed and stored. The tree work will be done when the leaves are off. The trees will be trimmed away from homes and in the parking areas. All (if any) dead trees and branches will be removed. Snow contract is signed with Landscape Design Concepts.
GARDENING WATER PIPES
During the cold winter season some homes in the area have experienced broken pipes and there are a number of root causes of pipes freezing. Please read the FYI post for more information.
CHILDREN
Although we are semi-secluded, there are still many cars that travel through our streets. Please don’t let your children ride their bicycles unattended. And drivers — we need to be extra cautious of children, because there are no sidewalks.
DOG BEHAVIOR
Please be mindful of your dog’s behavior. That includes keeping your dog on a leash and cleaning up after him or her. In addition, there have been complaints from residents about the incessant barking of some dogs. Please understand that there are residents, elderly or recovering from surgery or illness, who need some peace and quiet to regain their strength. Please don’t leave your dog unattended on your patio if he or she is going to bark incessantly.
PARKING
With the holidays coming, please make sure your guests park in the visitor parking spaces. In addition, please only park in the spots assigned to your particular unit.
GARBAGE
It has come to our attention that people are not using our garbage dumpsters properly. The waste company operators are complaining that the garbage is not tied in garbage bags, Recyclables should be dumped in recycle bin and the rest of the garbage belongs in the general bin. Nothing should be left on the grounds, such as furniture, large objects, etc. Washington TWP Municipal area accepts those. And you can call them and arrange for pick up too. Distribute the bags so you can close the lid, if you don’t do that - raccoons will have a good time throwing the garbage around. Please be cooperative - otherwise we will lose the contract and will need to pay more if we find another one.
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME
The board needs help. Everybody who would like to volunteer please contact us at info@washingtonpond.org
ALL REQUESTS, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing to the WPHA, P.O.Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676 or e-mailed to: info@washingtonpond.org
www.washingtonpond.org
Visit our website for the latest news, general rules and regulations.
Maintenance, disposal of garbage and recycling
There are no street sweepers in our community. Each one of us is responsible for keeping our community looking its best. Please help in keeping walkways, driveways, parking spaces and common areas clean and neat.
Put trash in the dumpsters. NOTHING should be left in the corral that does not fit in the dumpster (do not leave items on the ground in the corral, they will not be picked up by the waste hauler). Comingle corral is only for recyclables, not for regular trash. Please be mindful that the dumpster is shared, break up the boxes and do not dump over-size objects such as furniture and appliances.
Please remember that any cost incurred for disposing of garbage that’s disposed off improperly is shared by all and could increase the maintenance budget.
Over-sized items can be disposed off at the Township of Washington dump yard — a permit is required and may be purchased from the Township Clerk at 350 Hudson Avenue, Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS including paint cans, oil containers, and propane tanks must be brought to Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus. If there are any questions, you can call the BCUA Environmental Program Hotline: 201-807-5825.
Visit the Township of Washington website for the DPW yard schedule and other helpful information regarding recycling.
If you have any news that you would like to share with your neighbors via the Newsletter or Website, please submit the information by email to info@washingtonpond.org or by mail to WPHA, P.O. Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676
Want to be ‘in the loop’ on the latest news? Submit your email address to be added to the emailing list.
ALL REQUESTS, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing to the WPHA, P.O.Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676 or e-mailed to: info@washingtonpond.org
Summer 2019 Newsletter
MAINTENANCE
There are no street sweepers in our community. Each one of us is responsible to clean. Please help in keeping walkways, driveways, parking spaces and common areas clean and neat. Put trash in the dumpsters. NOTHING should be placed in the corral that does not fit in the dumpster. Co-mingle corral is only for recyclables, not for regular trash. We would like to remind the homeowners that all outside paint (including downspouts) should have the uniform color. For color number go to Norton Paint on Rt.17 No. Their manager should have the exact number on their files. They also have number for the door color (country Red).
MAINTENANCE FEES
The board is asking the homeowners to be proactive in paying maintenance dues. We have drop off location: 210 Pond Terrace or P.O.Box 1028, Washington TWP, 07676.
CHILDREN
Although we are semi-secluded, there are still many cars that travel through our streets. Please don’t let your children ride their bicycles unattended. And drivers, we need to be extra cautious of children, because there are no sidewalks..
SPEED LIMIT AND PARKING
The speed limit within the community is a maximum of 15 mph. PLEASE OBEY! With the nicer weather upon us, there will be more children and adults around and about. Please mind the posted speed limits! We request that the homeowners park their cars in dedicated spots only and keep the visitor parking free.
PARKING OF OVERSIZED VEHICLES
Overnight and extended parking of the above mentioned vehicles is prohibited on the property of Washington Pond all parking areas. Temporary parking (period no greater than 48 hours) may be granted with prior approval by the board.
DOG BEHAVIOR
Please be mindful of your dog’s behavior. That includes keeping your dog on a leash and cleaning up after him or her. In addition, there have been complaints from residents about the incessant barking of some dogs. Please understand that there are residents, elderly or recovering from surgery or illness, who need some peace and quiet to regain their strength. Please don’t leave your dog unattended on your patio if he or she is going to bark incessantly.
ALL REQUESTS, questions, suggestions and/or concerns should be addressed in writing to the WPHA, P.O.Box 1028, Washington TWP, NJ 07676 or e-mailed to: info@washingtonpond.org
GENERATORS ON-SITE
Rule # 30 of the by-laws. This rule is in reference to individual generators being permitted. All such generators must be in accordance with local and municipal codes. All permits and authorizations must be submitted to the board prior to installation.
Here is how the by-law reads: Homeowners are permitted to install permanent (i.e., not portable or temporary) generators on their property in the backyard in accordance with local municipal codes. Such generators may serve only homeowners’ individual units and must be installed by licensed and bonded contractors. Homeowners and/or their contractors are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and authorizations prior to installation, and appropriate homeowner’s property and liability insurance coverage for such generator must be obtained prior to its operation.
Here is a good article to peruse: http:// www.accuweather.com/en/features/ winter-break/emergency_backup_generators_1/6465602
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME
The board needs help. Everybody who would like to volunteer please contact us at info@washingtonpond.org
Wildlife at Washington Pond
What a great place to live! Even the wildlife finds Washington Pond a cozy place to make a home. Our pond is full of sunfish, catfish, frogs, turtles, and more. It attracts all kinds of birds… grey Herons and white Egrets visit often to hang out and grab a snack, ducks and geese are frequent visitors.
A couple of years back we had a visitor one summer — a cormorant. Visited with us for about a month, stopped for a mini vacation on his way to where he was headed. We enjoyed seeing him and hope one day he will be back :) If you would like to learn more about the species here is a good article from the Audubon society: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/double-crested-cormorant
This summer we’ve been spotting a new visitor fishing in our pond — the kingfisher. Spotted sitting on branches that reach out over the pond and diving in to grab his lunch. Here is an article if you would like to read about this species: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/belted-kingfisher
All kinds of non-fishing birds can be found here at ‘The Pond’ as well including Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Grey Doves, and of course… Red Hawks!
In addition to what seems to be a bird sanctuary, Washington Pond is also home to lots of rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons… a red fox has been spotted on occasion… families of deer are regular visitors.
The wildlife seems to enjoy Washington Pond as much as the homeowners. Let’s all be good neighbors and be mindful of our surroundings… keeping our community clean, safe, and a happy place to live for humans, animals, and birds :)
