A Call to Address the Dogs ‘Running at Large’ Issue in Craneridge

Dear Craneridge,

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our neighborhood is a top priority for us all. We’ve noticed a recurring issue with dogs on the loose, posing a risk to pedestrians and other pets. It’s imperative that any instance of dogs off-leash or behaving aggressively be reported immediately to the Concord Dog Control Officer.

While we understand that dogs can sometimes escape unintentionally, repeated offenses by specific owners cannot be overlooked. These actions not only violate town laws but also jeopardize the safety of our community members and their beloved pets.

We urge you to collaborate with us in addressing this concern by promptly reporting any incidents to the Dog Warden. Your cooperation is essential in maintaining a safe environment for everyone in Craneridge.

As the President of Craneridge, I bear a specific responsibility for safeguarding our community’s well-being. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at 716-432-4778.

This announcement underscores the importance of our collective efforts in addressing this matter.

For Dog Control matters, you can reach out to:
Email: concorddogcatcher@gmail.com
Phone: 716-592-7875
Cell: 716-863-5841

Let’s work together to keep our community safe.

Sincerely,
Shannon Wichlacz
President, Craneridge Association

Upcoming Tree Trimming around Power Lines (next two weeks)

NYSEG has contracted with ASPLUNDH Tree Experts to prune or remove trees that are too close to the power lines here in Craneridge. They will need a minimum of 15 feet of overhead clearance and 10 feet of clearance to the sides and below the distribution of the power lines.

Starting next week (between 3/25 – 4/5), ASPLUNDH will be in Craneridge to prune, chip and remove branches smaller than 6 inches in diameter. Please note that any wood over six inches will be left onsite.

If you have any questions or concerns please call Josh from ASPLUNDH at 585-610-2692

What’s Planned for 2024? Woodlands & Habitat Committee

We’re gearing up for an exciting set of initiatives!

Our mission remains steadfast: to enhance the natural beauty of our community, promote biodiversity, and foster a sense of environmental stewardship among residents.
Let’s dive into the projects on our horizon. Our focus this year… TREES!

  1. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs
    Our commitment to maintaining our unique wooded community continues to grow. In 2024, we’re diving deeper into re-establishing native trees and shrubs in Craneridge common areas. Why native plants? They’re hardy, adapted to our local climate, and provide an essential habitat for wildlife.

    We’ll be focusing on planting in more common areas—including between private properties and two areas in the Meadow. These plantings aren’t just about aesthetics and maintaining our property values; they’re a testament to our shared commitment to nature. If we’d like to plant near your home, someone will contact you directly!
  2. Tree Planting Workshops for Homeowners: SAVE THE DATE! Saturday May 4
    Calling all tree lovers – that’s all of us! Our tree planting workshop is designed specifically for homeowners. Learn the art of planting, nurturing, and safeguarding trees and shrubs in your own yard. From proper planting techniques to caring for (watering!) and protecting from deer browsing, we’ve got you covered. Let’s keep Craneridge a woodland community!
  3. Guides and Videos: Your Tree Planting Companions
    Look for a series of user-friendly guides and instructional videos that you can access at any time. These resources will demystify the tree and shrub planting process. From selecting the right tree for your yard to ensuring its longevity, our guides will give you the knowledge you need.
  4. Seeds of Tomorrow: Craneridge Tree Nursery
    Get ready for something groundbreaking: the beginnings of a Craneridge native tree nursery! We’re collecting locally sourced tree seeds and nurturing them in innovative “air pruning” boxes. These seedlings will grow into the giants of our future landscape. Imagine future generations of oaks, maples, and dogwoods thriving right here in Craneridge.
  5. Battle Against Invasive Species
    Our ongoing partnership with WNY PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) remains crucial. Together, we’ll combat invasive plants and insects that threaten our ecosystem. Stay informed about removal efforts, early detection, and prevention strategies. Let’s protect our native biodiversity.
  6. Continued Creek Remediation
    The lovely and serene Crump Brook winds its way through our woods, but erosion and habitat degradation in many creek-side areas are a growing concern. Continuing our partnership with Erie County Conservation District, a request for $17,000 of grant funding is being submitted on our behalf for the erosion-damaged areas on the west end of Deer Run for a creek remediation project.

Questions? Ideas? What to help in some way? Contact Gwen at gwenalegre@gmail.com

In 2024, let’s nurture our woodlands, celebrate our habitat, and sow seeds of positive change. Join us on this green journey—it’s a legacy we’ll leave for generations to come. 🌿🌳🌱

A Message of Condolence and Community Support

Dear Community,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of a dear member of our Craneridge family, Terry Twichell. Terry’s warm spirit and kindness touched the lives of many within our community, and her presence will be dearly missed.

We express our heartfelt sympathies to her husband Eric Twichell. Friends may gather to pay their respects on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 2-4 PM at the Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home, 271 E. Main St. Springville, NY. https://memorials.smithweismantelfuneralhome.com/terry-l-twichell/5389011/index.php

In times like these, let us come together as a community to support one another, offering solace and strength to those who are grieving.

Next BOD Meeting – Monday March 4th @ 6:45 pm via ZOOM

Monday, March 4th, 2024  @ 6:45 pm
Via Zoom– This meeting will be held online via Zoom and is open to all community members. This meeting is password protected. To obtain the link and password for the online meeting, please log into the Craneridge Homeowners page: https://craneridge.org/homeowners-2/

Craneridge Association BOD Meeting Agenda:

Mission Statement: Enhance our living environment through woodlands stewardship, shared property maintenance, and community building.

Outcomes [or Intended Results] for this meeting: 

By the end of this meeting we will accomplish the following: 

– Discuss the 2024 Budget Plan; 
– Understand the latest developments occurring within our committees;
– Update BOD on the progress made on “Actions we agreed to complete” that are outside of the committees;
– Schedule the date/time of the Annual Members’ Meeting; 
– Understanding the Reserve Account- Emphasizing the importance of a reserve fund for anticipated expenses;
– Pool Heater Room Upgrades – Voting to approve expenditure for upgrades;
– Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestation Treatment – Discussing payment responsibility and treatment frequency for HWA infestation.

Sections and TopicsLeaderTime (minutes) 
CONNECT – Check-in Shannon W. 5
COMMENTS – Member’s Public Comments WelcomeN/AN/A
Meeting Minutes Meeting Approval for February 2024Shannon W. 5  
CONVENE – Quick review of Outcomes, Agenda, and rolesShannon W. 5
CONSENT AGENDA – Officer & Committee ReportsPresident, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer/Finance ReportCommittees Executive Secretary Officers, Committee Chairs & Executive Secretary 1 minute each

(~10) 
CONTEXT – Review Follow-up Action Plan Template ItemsShannon W. 5
CONTENT – with “open,” “narrow,” or ”close”
Schedule the Annual Homeowners Meeting (O,C) – Discuss and schedule the date and time for the 2024 Annual Homeowners Meeting. Shannon W.5
Understanding the Reserve Account (O) Discuss the function of a reserve fund as a financial buffer for anticipated expenses and highlighting the necessity for improved planning by the BOD of its utilization.Shannon W.15
Pool Heater Room Upgrades (N,C) – Review needs for upgrades, the Scope of Work and the estimate. Vote to approve expenditure. Shannon W.10
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestation Treatment (N,C) –Discuss and determine who is going to pay for HWA treatment. We will need to treat yearly as new infestations arise and then treat again every five years until a permanent bio-control has been established. Gwen A.30
Any other Topics that need to be Discussed N/AN/A
CONTINUE & CONCLUDE  – Summarize, Action Plans, Next MeetingShannon5

NOTES: ONC label meanings
O = Open (Talking about it for the first time & opening the discussion)
N = Narrow (Focusing on Options & narrowing down the discussion)
C = Close (Making a decision and closing the discussion) 

Alert: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Found in Craneridge and Sprague Brook Park

Within the past month, the devastating Hemlock Woolly Adelgid was found in Sprague Brook Park and in Craneridge. A majority of evergreen trees in Craneridge are Eastern Hemlocks. Without treatment, once infested, 100% of Hemlock trees will die within 4-10 years. For the month of February, we are asking ALL our neighbors to look for HWA in their Hemlocks (your property and nearby common property). Click to for a simple “How to ID HWA.” Contact information is also included in this flyer.

Learn more about Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

Next BOD Meeting – Monday Feb. 5th @ 6:45 pm via ZOOM

Monday, Feb. 5, 2024  @ 6:45 pm
Via Zoom– This meeting will be held online via Zoom and is open to all community members. This meeting is password protected. To obtain the link and password for the online meeting, please log into the Craneridge Homeowners page: https://craneridge.org/homeowners-2/

Craneridge Association BOD Meeting Agenda:

Mission Statement: Enhance our living environment through woodlands stewardship, shared property maintenance, and community building.

Outcomes [or Intended Results] for this meeting: 

By the end of this meeting we will accomplish the following: 

  • Discuss the 2024 Budget Plan; 
  • Understand the latest developments occurring within our committees;
  • Update BOD on the progress made on “Actions we agreed to complete” that are outside of the committees (i.e. e-voting, Water flow study, Ad-Hocs groups, Homeowner Advisory Group, Fire safety and prevention, etc.);
  • Elect a Nominations Committee Chair for 2024; 
  • Discuss a strategy to address the identified Hemlock Woolly Adelgid infestation, ensuring effective communication and coordination among members, and establishing proactive measures for ongoing monitoring and response;
  • Evaluate different software platforms in order to improve community operations and finalize a decision on the most suitable platform and agree upon the budget required to support its implementation.
Sections and TopicsLeaderTime (minutes) 
CONNECT – Check-in Shannon W. 5
COMMENTS – Member’s Public Comments WelcomeN/AN/A
Meeting Minutes Meeting Approval for January 2024Shannon W. 5  
CONVENE – Quick review of Outcomes, Agenda, and rolesShannon W. 5
CONSENT AGENDA – Officer & Committee ReportsPresident, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer/Finance ReportCommittees Executive Secretary Officers, Committee Chairs & Executive Secretary 1 minute each

(~10) 
CONTEXT – Review Follow-up Action Plan Template ItemsShannon W. 5
CONTENT – with “open,” “narrow,” or ”close”
Nominations Committee (C) – Elect a nominations committee chair to organize the BOD Candidates for 2024 election Shannon W.5
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestation (O,N) – We’ve identified a concerning Hemlock Woolly Adelgid infestation in Craneridge, prompting the need for immediate action and coordinated response. Gwen A.10
Review of Software Platforms for Enhanced Community Operations (O,N) The Communications Committee will present their research and input for utilizing new software to address various community needs, including communication, database management, resident log-in, billing, and more.Shannon
+ Matt Lux		20
Any other Topics that need to be Discussed N/AN/A
CONTINUE & CONCLUDE  – Summarize, Action Plans, Next MeetingShannon5

NOTES: ONC label meanings
O = Open (Talking about it for the first time & opening the discussion)
N = Narrow (Focusing on Options & narrowing down the discussion)
C = Close (Making a decision and closing the discussion)

Walk Scheduled: Hunt for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)

Learn how to spot HWA. Saturday, January 27, 10 am to 12 noon
Sign up here!

A majority of the pine trees in Craneridge are Eastern Hemlocks, and Hemlocks are under attack from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, an invasive, aphid-like insect. Once infested, 100% of Hemlock trees will die within 4-10 years.

Join Gwen Alegre from the Woodlands & Habitat Committee to learn how to identify HWA, which can only be spotted in the winter. Exact meet-up location to be shared prior to the event. We’ll also talk through how to use iMapInvasives (free app) to record findings to be verified by Cornell. Get a jump start and learn how to install and setup the app here.

Some good news: In early 2023, after conducting searches, we found no HWA in Craneridge or Sprague Brook Park. And the bad news: Woolly Adelgid has been positively IDed as close as four miles from Craneridge. Treatment is available, but it is costly. Our best bet is to ID early, and then treat where we can.

Learn more about how YOU can help us “Take A Stand Against HWA.”

Next BOD Meeting – Monday Jan. 8th @ 6:45 pm via ZOOM

Monday, Jan. 8, 2024  @ 6:45 pm
Via Zoom– This meeting will be held online via Zoom and is open to all community members. This meeting is password protected. To obtain the link and password for the online meeting, please log into the Craneridge Homeowners page: https://craneridge.org/homeowners-2/

 Craneridge Association BOD Meeting Agenda:

Mission Statement: Enhance our living environment through woodlands stewardship, shared property maintenance, and community building.

Outcomes [or Intended Results] for this meeting: 

By the end of this meeting we will accomplish the following: 

  • Discuss the 2024 Budget Plan 
  • Understand the latest developments occurring within our committees
  • Update BOD on the progress made on “Actions we agreed to complete” that are outside of the committees (i.e. e-voting, Water flow study, Ad-Hocs groups, Homeowner Advisory Group, Fire safety and prevention, etc.)
  • Discuss the Executive Secretary position opening, job description and compensation
Sections and TopicsLeaderTime (minutes) 
CONNECT – Check-in Shannon W. 5
COMMENTS – Member’s Public Comments WelcomeN/AN/A
Meeting Minutes Meeting Approval for December 2023Shannon W. 5  
CONVENE – Quick review of Outcomes, Agenda, and rolesShannon W. 5
CONSENT AGENDA – Officer & Committee Reports President, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer/Finance Report Committees 
Executive Secretary 		Officers, Committee Chairs & Executive Secretary 1 minute each

(~10) 
CONTEXT – Review Follow-up Action Plan Template ItemsShannon W. 5
CONTENT – with “open,” “narrow,” or ”close”
Executive Secretary position opening. Discuss the Executive Secretary job description/job opening and compensation. (N,C) Shannon W.10
Any other Topics that need to be Discussed N/AN/A
CONTINUE & CONCLUDE  – Summarize, Action Plans, Next MeetingShannon5

NOTES: ONC label meanings
O = Open (Talking about it for the first time & opening the discussion)
N = Narrow (Focusing on Options & narrowing down the discussion)
C = Close (Making a decision and closing the discussion)