Next BOD Meeting – Monday March 3rd @ 6:45 pm via ZOOM

Monday, March 3, 2025  @ 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/

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: 

  • 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
  • Appoint a Nominating Committee Chair 
  • Ensure the Craneridge HOA bylaws are updated to reflect the last amendment
  • Discuss and plan the succession plan for the Maintenance Committee Chair
  • To address and clarify outstanding questions related to the Craneridge Lighting Project, including financing, homeowner billing, reserve fund impact, special assessment, communication, and long-term planning.
  • Update all on the progress made with onboarding to HOA Assist
Sections and TopicsLeaderTime (minutes) 
CONNECT – Check-in Shannon5
COMMENTS – Member’s Public Comments WelcomeN/AN/A
Meeting Minutes Meeting Approval for February 2025Shannon5  
CONVENE – Quick review of Outcomes, Agenda, and rolesShannon5
CONSENT AGENDA – Officer & Committee ReportsPresident, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer/Finance ReportCommittees Officers & Committee Chairs 1 minute each

(~10)
CONTEXT – Review Follow-up Action Plan Template ItemsShannon5
CONTENT – with “open,” “narrow,” or ”close”
Appoint a Nominating Committee Chair to fill upcoming BOD vacancies to be voted on at the next Annual Members Meeting – 6 Candidates needed [O,C]Shannon10
Ensure the Craneridge HOA bylaws are updated to reflect the last amendment. [O,N]Shannon10
Discuss and plan the succession plan for the Maintenance Committee Chair, including interim leadership and criteria for a permanent appointment, to ensure seamless operational continuity. [O,N]Shannon10
Review and discussion of open questions regarding the Craneridge Lighting Project, including financing, homeowner billing, reserve fund impact, special assessment, communication, and long-term planning. [O,N]Sam 30
Update all on the progress made with onboarding to HOA Assist [O]Shannon10
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)

🎉 Craneridge NEC 2025 Event Query 🎶

Friends and Neighbors,

Last year, the new Craneridge Neighborhood Engagement Committee (NEC) brought you the Party Squad music event, Oktoberfest, and helped promote the Mystic Hills Brewery Open House.

So… “What’s Next?”

Have you ever thought, “I wish Craneridge would sponsor a…”? Now’s your chance to make it happen!

Gather your neighbors and friends.
Decide what kind of events inspire you – children’s parties, neighborhood concerts, holiday celebrations, informational sessions, lessons for adults or kids… Whatever excites you!
Share your vision with NEC!

We’ll help you develop the details, provide tips and guidance, and promote your event. In some cases, Craneridge may be able to provide financial support—then you and your team take the wheel and bring your idea to life!

🎵 Looking Ahead: Summer 2025 Music Event!

Last year’s Party Squad concert was a huge success, and we’re already planning our Summer 2025 event. But we need your input!

Do you have a favorite band or musician who would be perfect for a fun, family-friendly event? Let us know!

📩 Send us the Name, Contact Info, and Fee for your recommendation.

Let’s get this party started—we can’t wait to hear your ideas! 🎶💡

Your Craneridge Neighborhood Engagement Committee
📧 Jen Parsons, Board Liaisonjenparglen@gmail.com
📧 Butch LesniakButchLesniak@gmail.com
📧 Peggy Stearnspeggystearns@me.com

Next BOD Meeting – Monday Feb. 3rd @ 6:45 pm via ZOOM

Monday, Feb. 3 2025  @ 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/

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: 

  • 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;
  • Appoint & approve Matt Lux as a Board Member to fill the open Director position until the spring election;
Sections and TopicsLeaderTime (minutes) 
CONNECT – Check-in Shannon5
COMMENTS – Member’s Public Comments WelcomeN/AN/A
Meeting Minutes Meeting Approval for January 2025Shannon5  
CONVENE – Quick review of Outcomes, Agenda, and rolesShannon5
CONSENT AGENDA – Officer & Committee ReportsPresident, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer/Finance ReportCommittees Officers & Committee Chairs 1 minute each

(~10)
CONTEXT – Review Follow-up Action Plan Template ItemsShannon5
CONTENT – with “open,” “narrow,” or ”close”
Appoint and approve Matt Lux as a Board Member to fill the open Director position. [C]Shannon5
Update all on the progress made with onboarding to HOA Assist [O]Shannon10
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) 

A Reminder for Craneridge: Snow Removal and NYS Law

The Town of Concord Highway Superintendent has asked us to remind everyone about an important safety and legal issue during this snowy season.

In New York State, it is illegal for a plow driver to push snow across the street. This action is considered placing snow on a public highway, which is prohibited by law under Article 1219 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Violations can result in fines and potential legal consequences.

With the abundant snow we’ve had over the past few weeks, we hope everyone is staying safe and making the most of the wonderful winter activities our area has to offer. However, it’s crucial to ensure that both residents and hired plow drivers are aware of and comply with this law to avoid issues and help keep our roads safe for everyone.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and let’s continue keep our community safe and beautiful!

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

Monday, Jan. 6 2025  @ 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/

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: 

  • 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;
  • Pinpointing possible candidates for the open Director position until the spring election;
  • Evaluate the needs and establish plans for the 2025 budget while initiating strategic planning for the 2026–2028 budget cycle to ensure long-term financial sustainability and alignment with organizational goals.
Sections and TopicsLeaderTime (minutes) 
CONNECT – Check-in Shannon5
COMMENTS – Member’s Public Comments WelcomeN/AN/A
Meeting Minutes Meeting Approval for December 2024Shannon5  
CONVENE – Quick review of Outcomes, Agenda, and rolesShannon5
CONSENT AGENDA – Officer & Committee Reports
President, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer/Finance Reports
Committees 
HOA Assist 
Officers & Committee Chairs 1 minute each

(~10)
CONTEXT – Review Follow-up Action Plan Template ItemsShannon5
CONTENT – with “open,” “narrow,” or ”close”
One Director position is open and needs to be filled by the BOD. [O]Shannon5
Discuss needs/plans for 2025 budget and plans for strategic planning of the 2026-28 Budget  [O]Shannon10
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)

Celebrating Gwen Alegre: A Champion for Craneridge’s Woodlands and Habitat

Congratulations to Gwen Alegre, a valued member of the Craneridge Board of Directors and Chair of the Woodlands and Habitat Committee, for achieving Master Naturalist Levels 7–12! Gwen’s passion and expertise have been instrumental in advancing ecosystem health and conservation efforts in our community.

Her remarkable contributions include:
🌱 Championing a reforestation project in Craneridge.
🌊 Conducting a soil erosion evaluation at Crump Brook in collaboration with the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District, laying the groundwork for long-term remediation.
🌿 Leading the removal of invasive species like phragmites, multi-flora rose, and Japanese knotweed, as well as managing Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) in Craneridge and beyond.
🦋 Establishing and maintaining native tree, shrub, and pollinator gardens while inspiring and organizing volunteers to assist in these efforts.

Gwen is not just a leader but a mentor, actively sharing her knowledge with our community. She has organized events to promote conservation awareness and even contributed to sustainability workshops at the Town of Concord Library.

With the looming threat of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid to our woodlands, Gwen’s expertise is more crucial than ever. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of her caliber volunteering for Craneridge.

Now is the perfect time to get involved! The Woodlands and Habitat Committee is seeking volunteers to join our efforts. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside Gwen and learn from her wealth of experience while making a tangible impact on our environment.

If you’re interested in helping preserve and protect our beautiful woodlands, please reach out to gwenalegre@gmail.com or visit: https://craneridge.org/craneridge-woodlands-and-habitat/. Together, we can ensure a thriving ecosystem for generations to come!

Let’s all take a moment to thank Gwen for her dedication and celebrate the positive change she continues to bring to Craneridge!

Important Announcement: HOA Assist Onboarding

Dear Craneridge Homeowners,

After extensive research over the past year, the Board has decided to contract with HOA Assist to enhance our community’s operational efficiency. HOA Assist will provide professional financial management services, reducing the workload on our volunteer leadership and will replace the Executive Secretary role and the Patriot software we were using for our finances.

Effective January 1, 2025:

  • The Executive Secretary role and use of Patriot software will end on December 31, 2024.
  • HOA Assist will take over management of many of our financial and administrative services.

What to Expect:
You will receive onboarding emails from HOA Assist soon. These emails are legitimate and will provide information on setting up your new online portal and assessment payment options.

For more details, visit: www.hoa-assist.com

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

— The Craneridge HOA Board of Directors

Important Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Update: December 2024

What You Need to Know

  1. HWA is now widespread: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is now affecting many trees across Craneridge. Untreated trees die within 4–10 years. Most of these trees have early infestations and can be targeted for treatment in the spring and fall in 2025 and beyond. However, the numbers we are now dealing with will require further prioritization and planning.
  2. Treatment limits: We’ll continue treatment of Hemlocks larger than 10” in diameter in Spring 2025. Based on limits set by NYS and the EPA, only 14–16 trees per acre can be treated annually. Treatment lasts 5-7 years.
  3. Partnerships in action: Collaboration with local experts and initiatives, like Laricobius beetle releases, will aid control efforts but will take several years to impact HWA.
  4. Community role: Residents can report HWA (SUBMIT THIS FORM), join HWA ID sessions, or volunteer as knowledge-keepers to support ongoing efforts.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is now widespread across western New York and New York State. Learn more about Hemlock Woolly Adelgid here

What We are Doing:

  1. We have a strong partnership with HWA expert Joshua Konovitz from Ecos Cooperative. Joshua is also our Erie County Parks forester.
  2. To date, we have treated approximately 150 Hemlocks throughout Craneridge. We carefully record all treated Hemlocks with location and date, so we can monitor success and re-treat, if needed, in 5-7 years.
  3. Through our connection with Cornell’s Hemlock Initiative, Sprague Brook Park benefited from a bio-control release of 1000 Laricobius beetles (they love to eat HWA) in October. Our hope is that they move into Craneridge in the years to come.
  4. We have the beginnings of a Craneridge tree nursery starting from seed, and within a few years, we plan to have hundreds of native tree and shrub seedlings to replace smaller Hemlocks that are not treated.

What You Can Do:

  1. If you find HWA on your property, Submit this form. We’ll come onsite to assess your trees and tag for potential treatment.
  2. Attend scheduled Hemlock Woolly Adelgid hunter sessions, which will be upcoming in January.
  3. If you are interested in becoming an HWA knowledge-keeper and are willing to meet with neighbors to share basic information about HWA and treatment, please contact Gwen at gwenalegre@gmail.com. A BIG thank you to Matt Gregory and Bill Rugg who have stepped into this volunteer role in 2024.
  4. Please be patient. With the Craneridge BOD’s full support, we are doing the absolute best we can for our Hemlocks. Sadly, we won’t be able to save them all.
  5. Looking toward the future, this is the best chance we’ll ever have to diversify our unique wooded habitat, which is critical for healthy forests.

Questions? Concerns?

Should you have questions or concerns, please contact Gwen Alegre at gwenalegre@gmail.com or Sam Lewandowski at slewandowski92@gmail.com.