Handyman & Home Remodeler

Hello all,

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Wayne Vinson who removed a large tree hanging over our driveway.  Wayne was referred to us by Maureen Spruty for whom Wayne will be doing some remodeling projects.  Wayne will also be doing some exterior work on our house.

Just wanted to pass along the referral as Wayne was one of the most ethical, responsible, diligent, reasonably priced workmen I've met.  He has a backgound in construction, bathroom & kithcen renovation, basements, etc.   His number is 484-838-8779.

Regards,
Maryann

Yikes!

 

p.s. please warn your children including indestructable teenagers about the giant hanging tree at the entrance to the woods.  It looks like it can't possibly fall but I have personally witnessed things like that crash at a moments notice.

Luminaries, Luminaries and Luminaries

Candles are 27 cents each. 
Checks are payable to Maryann Baro
Mail your check to 32 Cambridge Drive, Annandale, NJ 08801

I'll be placing the order by the end of next week, around the 16th....

All the info is in the original flyer but the above is all you really need to know.   There's a block captain list on the sidebar of the blog and it says Block Captains with a cute little picture.  That's the most up to date list.  To avoid confusion all you really have to do is stamp and mail to me! 

Upcoming Events for the Holiday Season

Hello Neighbors,

I hope everyone is doing well!  I can't believe the holiday season is fast approaching.  First and foremost, please read the attached luminary flyer here.  For those of you who are new to the neighborhood, please join our 30 year tradition of displaying luminary candles throughout the entire Wellington Neighborhoods.  It is truly a beautiful, peaceful sight.  Candle orders are due to your block captains or to me at 32 Cambridge Drive by November 9th!

In the past, Carolyn Trend has organized the Luminary ordering and distribution process with the block captains.  Carolyn is unable to organize the event this year so we could use a volunteer to take over the process.  Please email me to offer your services!  If left to me fulfilling the 30 year tradition could be pretty dicey!

Many, many thanks to Marianne Wade for organizing the block party scheduled for this weekend 1pm at Buckingham Court.     In addition to the block party the WKHA has organized neighborhood hayrides during the Fall.   If anyone is interested in coordinating this event please let me or Rosemary Sudol know (Rosemary Sudol has the contact information for the tractor jenkinsrosemary@hotmail.com).


Sounds like the last social hosted by the Sanchez Family was a huge success!  Many thanks to Ray O'Donnell for organizing the social nights.  The social mixers seem to be the most successful of the WKHA events with consistent participation! 

Finally, I've been flyin' by the seat of my pants keeping up with the WKHA email, etc.  If you need to reach me please CC: maryannbaro@comcast.net or text me at 908-310-8114.    I'd love to have a WKHA pow wow with board members and anyone in the neighborhood who'd like to re-energize the association.  All are invited.  Please let me know if you are available Thursday, November 1st.

Please provide your feedback for all of the above, Luminaries, Hayride, WKHA pow wow Nov 1st!!!!

Best Regards,
Maryann

Social Night is on Tonight...

at the home of Liz and Orlando Sanchez, 2 Dartmouth Road.....

Thanks for hosting!

Checkin' in...

Hi all,

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!   Sorry I've been out of touch, but you know how it is, vacations, etc...    Hope everyone had a successful garage sale.  I scored some great stuff over at Annette Sheltons.  Also, we made some progress cleaning up the woods.

Here's our band of intrepid stewards of the woods!

Boo hoo, there were only six of us (Melillos', Sweeneys' and Baros', with Greg taking the pic) and it was hard work.  There were piles and piles of everyone's twigs just dumped at the entrance. yuk!

 Lisa piling up yet another tarp to be dragged...

 Karen Sweeney (I know you're lovin' this picture)

Thumbs up, what can I say it was early in the am.

We all worked our butts off!  

Can you believe someone felt the need to dump a swingset in the woods.  Greg and I finally brought it to the dump this weekend on our own dime...(with the Sweeney's truck, thanks!)

The guys dragged some stumps over and I built this sweet bench.  It warms my heart to see kids sitting on it.

Thanks for helping, Lisa, John, Karen and Jim!
Please don't dump in the woods!

In other news, our next social is scheduled for September 29th.  Anyone interested in organizing a block party?

In years past we rented a bounce house for the kids.  It might be fun to do somethiing different.  If you've got young kids and would like to get involved this would be a great opportunity to explore other options.  Perhaps a clown, storyteller, or pony?

If you vote yes in favor of having a block party this year, please leave a comment (or email and I'll post your comment for you).

Regards,

Maryann

 

Garage Sale This Weekend

The Garage Sale is scheduled for this Saturday, June 16th 8 am!  Rosemary has 7 signs to spread around the area.  Please let us know if you're participating so a sign is pointed in your direction.  If anyone has extra garage sale signs we can borrow please let us know.  Thanks!

We're looking for volunteers to help place the signs!  Please volunteer.

This Saturday! and other cool stuff...

We've got lot's going on in the next couple of weeks...

It's not nice to mess with mother nature

Clean up the woods day! June 9th this Saturday 8am

Please, please, please join us (The Sweeneys', The Baros') in the woods this Saturday at 8am.  We're cleaning up a little bit.  Awe c'mon, it'll be loads of fun.  First of all,  the Sweeneys' are a barrel of laughs, and we're not so bad either!  

I'll get some bagels, some coffee.  We can manage these woods, we can make them better, we can enjoy the woods more.  Your kids are in the woods you know.  I see their initials in the trees.   You should be there too!   I've spent lot's of time in the woods exploring

in the spring...

 In the winter with Buster (I sure do miss him)

 and now in the winter with Bandit!

We are so lucky to have these woods.

Hope to see you!  Who's in?

Social Night at the Martine's this Saturday 7:30 pm 

After a great morning of invigorating work in the woods why not stop by for a drink and a snack at the home of Maureen and David, 4 Nottingham Road.  The Silbernagels' are in town.  Oh I do miss seeing Sue and Bernie jogging to town.  It'll be great to see them.  I heard a rumour that The Collins' have been sited in the area.  Anyone know if they're around as well? 

Hope to see you!

 please bring an appy or dessert

  Who's in? 

Trading Post

I've added a few new items - check it out!

Garage Sale June 16th

It's not too late to participate.  Free for members, just haul your stuff out on sale day.  Non-members are supposed to pay $10 but I can't imagine who'd police that!  Why not just join the WKHA for $25 smackers.  Let's make it fun, join in.  We hardly know each other and we're neighbors.  I know we have a lot of super talented awesome people living right next door.   I'm adding a garage sale link on the sidebar of the blog for items you think your neighbors might be interested in, items you'd like to spotlight.  If you'd like to add something send me the info.

Super Terrific people I just met!

I just met Annette Shelton this weekend at her super awesome charity garage sale for CASA (Foster Care).  How nice is that!

 

 I just met Karin, (on ladies night) who just moved into the neighborhood.  She's an electrical engineer.  Karin was involved, or even made, one of the chips that goes in a Playstation!  How cool is that!

I just met Regina, (on ladies night), who is/was a dean at Rutgers and also a professor.  How great is that!

Notice that I can't quite pull together the last names and addresses of anyone I met on ladies night, hmmm. 

At the last social night I was talking with Ray O'Donnell.  Ray has taken community audit classes at Princeton.  I didn't even know the program was available.  Awesome, I may finally get into Princeton!

The Vanden Woldenberg's had lot's of great NYC tips and music venue tips.    It would be great to do posts on restaurant reviews, etc.  If you've gone some place fun and would like to recommend it please email me.

Oh well, hope to see you at any one of these fun events.  Please leave a comment.  Would love some feedback, would love to get people talking, would love to organize a great block party

 this year. 

 Remember, if you need something, looking for a particular skill set, item, or need help with something...please email me.

 Have a great day!

THIS AND THAT!

Coming Events...

Social Evening:  The next one is fast approaching on Saturday, June 9th 7:30 at 4 Nottingham Road, the home of Maureen & David Martine.  Thanks for hosting!  See you there!

Cambridge Woods Cleanup Day:  Jim and Karen Sweeney, and Greg and myself are going to be in the woods cleaning up the messes made by mother nature and our residents on Saturday June 9th at 8:00 am.  There have been record numbers of piles of yard debris being dumped right at the entrance to the woods.   It is quite unsightly.   The woods are so beautiful and such a lovely spot for all of us to enjoy.  We'd love to make a couple of stump benches at the entrance to discourage dumping and encourage a restful spot to enjoy the scenery.  Please join us for a little work and surely a little fun!  I've been on a gardening kick lately...  how much fun would it be to make a little fairy house for the little kids to enjoy and search for...

Garage Sale is scheduled for June 16th, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm


TRADING POST

I've added a free item to the trading post.  click on the trading post link in the upper right corner for free fish and tank.

FUNDRAISING REQUEST

Annette Shelton is currently looking for looking for trash/treasure for CASA garage sale fundraiser.     CASA will also have a clothing drive.  Donations of bagged clothing, belts, shoes, linens, towels, etc are also being sought.

Annette will collect items at her house on June 2nd. Drop off my home, nice days any time in front of my garage door, or call to make arrangements (see if I'm home : ) )15 Willow Brook

908-334-8625 (cell)

All proceeds will go to CASA SHaW (Somerset,Hunterdon and Warren)

FYI:  CASA programs and CASA volunteers serve children in foster care throughout most of New Jersey. There are 16 independent CASA programs serving each of the NJ court vicinages. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court.  Children helped by CASA volunteers are those who have been removed from their home because of abuse or neglect.

Thanks, and as always would love your feedback. 

Maryann

p.s. if you need me in a hurry please contact me on my personal email maryannbaro@comcast.net

Garage Sale, etc...

Hello Neighbors,

Rosemary Jenkins has placed the ad for the neighborhood garage sale.  Thank you Rosemary!  We have about a month to clean out our attics and basements.

Multi-Family Garage Sale -Saturday June 16th 8am - 2pm  (Raindate Sunday June 17th)

Furniture, designer gear, Longaberger, Pottery barn, 

adult and kid clothing, baby gear, bikes, antiques, toys etc

In other news...last nights Ladies Night was a great success and lots of fun.  Thanks to everyone for all the great food and cheer!    Our next social mixer is scheduled for June 9th at the home of Maureen & David Martine 7:30 pm, 4 Nottingham Road. 

Lastly,  Ray O'Donnell has contracted with a power washing company and negotiated a reduced price if other neighbors engage their services.  Please contact Ray if you'd like to participate.

Thanks!
Maryann




---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ray O'Donnell <rayodonnell@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, May 16, 2012 at 1:48 PM
Subject: Power Washing of House
To: Ray ODonnell <rayodonnell@hotmail.com>

I have contracted with a local company (Under Pressure Exteriors) to power wash my house (11 Cambridge Dr).  It will be done within 5 weeks from today. 

I am wondering whether any others in the neighborhood have a similar need because there is an opportunity to get a reduced rate if a few others sign up.  Specifically, I have been quoted $475 which includes an increment for the veranda in front and the dorm windows.  Houses without these features will be about $450.  If one other neighbor is interested we would both achieve a savings of $50 and, if there are 2 more interested, there will be a $75 reduction.  I am attaching their brochure.

I have done no checking of references on the company but they say that they have cleaned several houses in the neighborhood and have been in business for two decades.  If anyone needed references I am sure that they would be willing to supply names.

If you wish to avail of the opportunity, please let me know and I will forward your name/phone number to Eric Frey, the owner, and he will arrange directly with you a quote including the above mentioned reductions.

Quick Update....

  Just wanted to confirm that Ladies Night is most definitely still on for this Friday, 5/18 at 7 pm, 32 Cambridge Drive.

Looks like we're going to have great weather and a great turnout including several new neighbors!   So nice to be able to get outside on the deck.  

I thought I would make things a little more fun by bringing in some pieces of jewelry.  I met the most awesome jewelry designer!  Sien Lewis stopped by the swank design shop where I currently work in Martinsville, NJ.     She makes molds out of old lace and has them cast in brass and silver.  They are gorgeous.  I kept dreaming about them after she stopped in and just had to have one.  I blogged about it here on my diy blog  http://interiorsalvage.blogspot.com/2012/04/treasure.html

 I'm not making any money from this and really just love her jewelry.  They're like little pieces of art!   The prices are reasonable and Sien was nice enough to loan me a few pieces for ladies night (after I convinced her I wasn't a stalker!)  If you want to look at some of her designs you'll see the links on my blogpost link above.

It's not too late to RSVP or even just stop by at the last minute....

p.s.  The trading post has successfully placed two give-away items.  Let me know if you have anything or are looking for anything you'd like to post.

Garage Sale, Ladies Night and other stuff!

 I just had to share these beautiful pictures of our Cambridge Woods!   If you haven't walked in the woods after a rain you're truly missing something spectacular.   

It was so beautiful this morning it took my breath away

I just love the gnarly, ancient roots of our beech trees....

I call these two the Sister Trees

okay, enough waxing poetic, down to business!

Garage Sale - Yes, we have enough participants.  Date to follow.

Ladies Night - It's on, Friday, May 18th My house 32 Cambridge (by the woods :)

7PM till ??

Bring an appy, drink, dessert, whatever....

Please RSVP below for Ladies Night

oh, almost forgot!  I received a lot of interest in the trading post.  I've already posted a freebie.  Just click on the trading post picture in the sidebar.  If you'd like me to post something for you just email me.  I have a few that have already been emailed and I will get them on the trading post later tonight!

Garage Sale & Ladies Night

Please let me know if you'd like to have a neighborhood garage sale this year.  Also, looking at May 11th or May 18th for Ladies Night. 

Thanks!

Easter Egg Hunt

When:  Saturday, March 31 at 11am.

Where:   4 Buckingham Court

Hosted by:  The Wades

 Please RSVP...  below or via email.

Click on comments, click on anonymous.

Thanks!

LADIES NIGHT CANCELLED

We'll have to reschedule Ladies Night.   Too many conflicts and not enough attendees.   I'll be choosing a new date which will prob be after Easter.



Click on comments, enter your comments and name, then publish as anonymous (that's so you don't need to sign in to google)   that's it!

WKHA Saturday Night Cheer

This Saturday, Feb 11th, The Padula's at 10 Oxford drive are graciously hosting the first WKHA social gathering of 2012!

Time:  7:30 pm
10 Oxford Drive

Bring an appy, a drink, and some cheer for a chat with your neighbors!

2012 WKHA Kickoff!

Hello Neighbors!

We had our 2012 WKHA Kickoff meeting on January 18th.

As you all know Andrew Edelsberg has graciously served as President of the Wellington Kensington Homeowners Association for the past three years.   Andrew is ready for a change and is stepping down as president to pass the torch on! 

He's left big shoes to fill and was an enthusiastic and responsive communicator for the association.  Both Andrew and Kathy intend to continue their active involvement in the WKHA.

Thank you Andrew and the entire Edelsberg Family!

My husband Greg and I have lived in this neighborhood for fifteen years, and have watched our children grow from toddlers to teenagers here on Cambridge Drive.   I still believe  in our Association and think it's a valuable asset for our community.  When our children were young we thoroughly enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt and visits from Santa. 
 

You may hear some say that the WKHA has had it's day and run it's course.   I may have been guilty of that thought myself at times!  Ultimately, I think the WKHA is worth preserving and reviving.  We had a fun time at our kick-off meeting and discussed ways to shake things up a bit and try some new activities and member perks.

I'd love to see impromptu, spontaneous activities.  The blogging format may help facilitate that kind of interaction and communication.  I'd love to organize some NYC activities.  My personal addictions are decorating, diy, museums, art, antiquing, and the like.  A visit to Chelsea Market in NY has been something on my to do list for some time.

Here's how I see the blog format working to encourage different activities.  Not all activities need to be attended by the busload.  I'd love to be able to publish a post like this....

Title:  Chelsea Market Caravan

Maryann is going to Chelsea market this Saturday at 10 a.m.  Room for seven in the car.  Who's in?

If your interested in going you can just click on the word "comments" at the bottom of this post (choose anonymous so you don't have to sign in to google) and say "I'm in!   Save me a seat".    If needed we can always bring an extra car to haul our junk.

That's it, very easy!   You'll be able to see all comments when you click on the comments button.

I'd like to give the blogging format a try, we need something new!  All you have to do is enter your email in the follow by email field on the sidebar of the blog (upper right) and you'll receive a copy of blog posts in your emails.   

What do you think?  

Go on, try it out, leave a comment, ask a question.....

Here's something to comment on:

Our first WKHA Social event is scheduled for Saturday, February 11th, 7:30 pm at the home of Janine & Jerry Padula, 10 Oxford Drive. 


Please BYOB and an appetizer to share.  It's a great time to mingle and share a drink with a neighbor.  Hope to see you there! 

Who's in?


Sincerely,
Maryann Baro

p.s. Those of you who know me well know that I'm a bit of a wiseacre:)  So, in true wiseacre fashion I'd like to share a clip of how the swearing in ceremony went down...