All posts by General Editor

Zoning Board of Adjustment denies re-hearing appeal

Association News

November 20, 2025 from the HW BOD:
Last night (Wednesday November 19) the Londonderry Zoning Board, in a vote of 3 to 2, denied the developer’s request for a rehearing on the denial for variances to develop six duplexes on land adjacent to Hickory Woods. Given the Zoning Board denial, our understanding is that the developer has the option to take his case to Superior Court. We will monitor the situation going forward.
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November 19, 2025 – From Tori William:
Zoning Board agenda for Wednesday November 19. Please note the Hickory Woods developer request for rehearing is in section: “VI. Other Business” of the agenda and highlighted in yellow. LINK
An update will be provided to the community after the meeting.

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NOVEMBER 19th Hearing: Check the Londonderry Agenda page for information
The Developer has the right to a hearing on NOVEMBER 19th. This is not a public hearing (no public comment) but a re-examination of the evidence presented at the September hearing. If the developer’s request is approved, there will be a hearing in December when we (Hickory Woods) can say what we wish. If the November meeting denies the request, the developer could go to Superior Court and it could take 6 months+ to resolve. Hickory Woods could file an objection if necessary.
Our show of force (numbers) at the meeting is important.
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Hickory Woods was well represented by our lawyer and our able spokespeople, Brian Wells and Paul Ramsey.

9/17/2025 – SUCCESS! – the Zoning Board of Adjustment DENIED the variance in a 5-0 vote.

Well done! THANK YOU to the 80+ people who attended the hearing.

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The variance requests for the property adjacent to Hickory Woods are the FIRST TWO items on the AGENDA for the September 17, 2025 meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment LINK The first two items:

Case No. 08-20-2025-7 Request for variance from LZO Section 4.6.6.5 to allow the construction of six duplexes. The parcel is located at 296 Nashua Road in the Commercial II (C-2) zoning district. Tax Map 002, Lot 25-0, Vigeant Family Properties, LLC (Owner/ Applicant) Documents: Case No. 08-20-2025-7 296 Nashua Road.pdf
Case No. 08-20-2025-6 Request for variance from LZO Section 4.6.6.7.D.4.d.1 of the Route 102 Performance Overlay District to allow the encroachment into 75 feet of the AR-I Zoning District buffer. The parcel is located at 296 Nashua Road in the Commercial II (C-2) zoning district. Tax Map 002, Lot 25-0, Vigeant Family Properties, LLC (Owner/Applicant) Documents Case No. 08-20-2025-6 296 Nashua Road.pdf

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August 20, 2025: NO GO for tonite! The Londonderry Code Enforcement officer made an announcement at 6:45 that the variance cases involving 296 Nashua Road would not be heard because of the 75 foot vs. 50 foot buffer. Apparently, the lawyer needs more time to prepare. So, mark your calendars for next month – September 17th.
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August 20 Agenda for the Zoning Board of Adjustment is now available: LINK
The adjustment to the buffer zone is noted on the agenda.
We all received a certified letter this week including the 75 foot buffer zone.
IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT HICKORY WOODS RESIDENTS SHOW UP IN FORCE TO THE MEETING AT 7 PM ON AUGUST 20TH.
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July 16, 2025 – The developer asked for a continuance to August 20. It might have had something to do with the approximately 60 Hickory Woods residents who packed the room. We were ready! There were only 3 Zoning Board members present; appeals had to get 3 positive votes for success.
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Londonderry Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting is on Wednesday, July 16th at 7 PM. The hearing of the variance request for the development of the property abutting Hickory Woods is on the docket. It is SO IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE A SHOW OF FORCE by attending in person! LINK to the agenda – we are 4th and 5th on the docket (there are two variance requests).


Our new property administrator assistant Tori William has suggested talking points for writing letters to the Zoning Board opposing the the variance request:

  • It would fundamentally change the “character” of Hickory Woods in a negative way.
  • It ignores the 2019 Town Council vote to grant Hickory Woods a 75-foot buffer as a residential property.
  • Removing the 75-foot buffer will result in extensive cutting of trees; the high voltage power line will come into view of Hickory Woods thus diminishing property values.
  • Closeness to the Hickory Woods pickleball, bocce and basketball courts encourages trespassing by residents of new development.
  • Danger to any children coming onto Hickory woods property and falling into retention ponds.
  • Potential for increased traffic on Hickory Woods private roads as new residents take a “shortcut” to West Road
  • The additional traffic on already congested route 102 opposite the flea market is a safety consideration.

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HICKORY WOODS was well-represented at the Planning Board meeting on 6/18. We took most of the 50 chairs and had many standing around the room. We sat through 1.5 hours of cases (interesting!) and when the case involving the development of the land contiguous to HW, the developer abruptly requested a continuance to July 16 at 7 PM – mark your calendars!

From our BOD:

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6/17/2019: SUCCESS! Rezoning HW from commercial to residential approved

June 18:  Tonight was the Londonderry Town Council meeting where our rezoning request was discussed.  We were granted our request to be rezoned to AR-I.  This is wonderful news for us! Thank you all for coming to the meeting.
Sincerely, Hickory Woods Board of Directors

May 20:  Four (4) hours prior to the scheduled meeting, notice was received from the Town Council that the public hearing was continued until June 17thbecause the Town had not taken the necessary steps to insure complete compliance with state statutory requirements for public notice.

The exact explanation is as follows:
“Pursuant to state statute, there is a state requirement that all abutters need to be notified via certified mail before the meeting, and that requirement was not met.”

May 18th from the HW BOD:

We want to remind you that our rezoning application has been placed on the agenda for a public hearing and final decision at the Town Council meeting on Monday May 20 at 7:00 PM in the Moose Hill Council Chambers at the Londonderry Town Hall.

The Planning Board voted to forward our application to the Town Council with a recommendation that it be approved.  We have been advised that a strong showing of Hickory Woods residents would be to our advantage.

IT IS CRITICAL THAT ALL RESIDENTS ATTEND THE MAY 20 TOWN COUNCIL HEARING.

The primary benefit of being rezoned from C-II (commercial) to AR-1 (residential) will 

be to increase the buffers between us and the commercial properties to our south and 

east to 75 feet.  That means anything built on those properties will have to be at least 

75 feet from our property line.

Regards,

The Hickory Woods Board of Directors

Update from the Hickory Woods BOD 4/4/2019:
 
Last night our application to be rezoned from C-II (commercial) to AR-1 (residential) was
reviewed at a meeting of the Londonderry Planning Board. Fifteen (15) Hickory Woods
Units Owners were represented at the meeting.
 
One of our abutters submitted at letter objecting to our application. However, it was
the opinion of Town personnel that the objection lacked merit.
 
The Planning Board voted to forward our application to the Town Council
with a recommendation that it be approved.
 
Our application will be placed on the May 6, 2019 Town Council agenda for a first reading and then on the May 20, 2019 agenda for a public hearing and final decision.
 
IT IS CRITICAL THAT ALL RESIDENTS ATTEND THE MAY 20 TOWN COUNCIL HEARING.
 
The primary benefit of being rezoned from C-II (commercial) to AR-1 (residential) will
be to increase the buffers between us and the commercial properties to our south and
east to 75 feet. That means anything built on those properties will have to be at least
75 feet from our property line.
 
Regards,

Hickory Woods Board of Directors

From Hickory Woods BOD 3/29/2019:

Dear Neighbors,

On Wednesday, April 3, 2019 there will be a Londonderry Planning Board meeting in the Londonderry Town Hall where our application to be rezoned from commercial (C-II) to residential (AR-I) will be discussed.  All our abutters have been notified of our application and this is their opportunity to voice their disagreement with our rezoning request.  It is critical that we, as a community, have a strong presence to clearly demonstrate our support for the change to residential status.

Our Rezoning Application

Being rezoned to AR-I (residential as opposed to commercial) will enable us to realize some of the benefits (75 foot buffer from commercial buildings) now being enjoyed by over 90% of the senior communities in this Town.

Please join us and attend this meeting to help protect our properties.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Moose Hill Council Chambers, Town Hall, 7:00 PM

Thank you,
Hickory Woods Board of Directors

From March 9, 2019:

Dear Neighbors,

We sent you an email several days ago relating to the letter you received from the Town of Londonderry regarding proposed zoning changes and informing you that the Planning Board will hold an informational/planning workshop on March 13, 2019 at 7:00PM in the Moose Hill Council Chambers

As we informed you several days ago, we met with Planning officials from the Town of Londonderry and were led to believe that the planned changes would have little or no impact on our community.

However, upon further investigation we found that the Route 102 Performance Overlay District, of which we are a part, affords us certain advantages such as increased setbacks and protections from certain forms of obnoxious businesses. The elimination of this Overlay District would also eliminate some of these protections. Based on this additional information, we are now advising you to attend this workshop.

Prior to the March 13 workshop you may want to inform yourself. To that end, we are providing the following links:
Proposed Zoning Changes
http://www.londonderrynh.org/Pages/LondonderryNH_BComm/Planning/CommercialZoning/
Existing Zoning (See 4.6.6 Performance Overlay District – Route 102 Corridor)
http://www.londonderrynh.org/Pages/LondonderryNH_PlanEcoDev/plandocs/zoning/zoning

As mentioned in our previous letter, we are still pursuing having Hickory Woods rezoned as residential (AR-1) instead of the current zone (C-2) which is commercial. This would afford us additional protections.

Sincerely,
Hickory Woods Board of Directors

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Mesiti Cup Golf Tournament

Activities Announcements, All Things Golf

The Mesiti Cup Golf Tournament between Hickory Woods, Cross Farmers and the Nevins was held at Windham Country Club on Wednesday, June 19th. This year the tournament was held in memory of Bob Doyle and for the benefit of Homeland Heroes Foundation. Although the final numbers aren’t in yet, we estimate $6,500 will be donated to benefit local veterans in need. Eighty golfers from the three communities and friends and family of the Doyles participated.

The Nevins and Hickory Woods played together against Cross Farms for the trophy. The trophy this year went to Cross Farms based on the community or communities lowest scoring average. Awards were presented for the lowest team scores from each community. Hickory Woods and Cross Farmers individual team scores were both 64. The tie breaker was determined based on the lowest scores on the two hardest holes, which resulted in Cross Farms taking first place and Hickory Woods 2nd place. The second place went to John Dalbenzio, Gary Mosher and Martin Meehan while the third place went to a Nevins team. Additional prizes were given out for closest to the Pin on the 4 par 3 holes, and the longest drive on a par 5.

We are grateful for the Doyle family involvement and participation in the even.

Mesiti Info Update – Windham Country Club on June 19th

Activities Announcements, All Things Golf

2024 MESITI CUP The Mesiti Cup will be played this year in honor of Bob Doyle, who passed away unexpectedly on September 6th. Bob was an avid golfer and true patriot, who played taps in recognition of Veterans on 11/11 at the 11th hour. I am sure many of you heard him play or are at least knew him for his sense of humor.

The three participating Mesiti neighborhoods have agreed to recognize Bob with donations to Homeland Heroes Foundation. Information about the work of Homeland Heroes Foundation, Salem, NH can be found on their website. A portion of your golf registration fee will go to Homeland Heroes. We are hoping to get donations from HW non golfers too. Much to our surprise, Cross Farms residents are already submitting donations in Bob’s name.

It’s nice to know that so many seniors are great supporters of veterans in need. We are hoping to track donations in Bob’s name. If you make a donation in Bob’s name on the Homeland Hero’s website there is a credit card fee. You could also mail a check to Homeland or give it to Mary Ferris, who will be coordinating for our community. First, we remain interested in getting participants not necessarily good golfers.

The important thing is to participate, enjoy a sense of community and have a good time. While the residents of the three community are aging, Cross Farms is a newer and bigger community. The communities have agreed to HW and the Nevins participating as one team. We are hoping but not sure, we will have as many teams as Cross Farms, so every golfer counts. Since this is a fundraiser, we hope to allow a few non Mesiti golfers. Their scores and teams will not be part of the overall Mesiti tournament scores but allow us to raise more money in Bob’s name. We know that a number of our woman golfer’s are 9 hole players. We encourage you to play as the scramble format will reduce your number of shots. You don’t even need to play every shot or every hole, just enjoy participating.

We will be playing a simple scramble at Windham Country Club on June 19th. Again we to have an early start at 8:00 am, but then again it’s one of the longest days of the year. The golfer’s registration fee is $150, which includes, coffee and donuts, food at the turn, lunch and more. Your check should be made out to Homeland Heroes Foundation. If you are interested in golfing, please text, Mary Ferris at 508 561-1252 as soon as possible. We need your payment, which includes $25 that is tax deductible before June 1st. You can send you payment to Homeland Heroes, drop it off with Mary, or she will come collect it.

THE ONLY WINNERS IN THIS OUTING WILL BE HOMELAND HEROES FOUNDATION If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask, text Martin Meehan or  Mary Ferris at 508 561-1252

Show Hickory Woods Community Spirit

Activities Announcements, All Things Golf

IMG_3117

Once again Larry Martin has agreed to be the contact person if anyone, including non-golfers would like to purchase Hickory Woods Logo golf shirts. Many of us have had them for several years now. We originally started getting theses for the initial Meseti Cup contest. However any one can get one. This might help build a little more community spirit. Wear it for major activities like patio parties, walking the neighborhood, etc.
Larry can be contacted at lemnhxc@aol.com for any questions, such as colors, sizes and prices.

Mesiti Cup Tournament Update

Activities Announcements, All Things Golf

Mesiti Cup Tournamentmesiti trophy
Hickory Woods, Nevins, Cross Farms
Windham Country Club
Tuesday, June 20th, 2023

The details of the event are being worked out with a focus on encouraging participation and having a good time. The men’s group will consist of 4 man teams from each community. The winning community will be based on the average score from each community. We hope this levels the playing field for more senior and smaller communities. The woman’s game will still have prizes but will be noncompetitive.

The cost including golf, cart, range balls, prizes and lunch is $100. Mary Ferris (5 Quarry) will be collecting the payments on or before Thursday, June 1st. This allows us to provide one check for Hickory Woods by the Windham County Club due date. Please let us know as soon as possible, if you are interested in playing or have any questions. It’s important for everyone to understand that we are focusing on participation and not skill. No score will be more than double par.

Contacts
Martin.g.meehan@gmail.com
603-233-6421

John Dalbenzio
sherm4@comcast.net
781-718-4428

Mary Ferris
maferris55@gmail.com
508-561-1252

 

PANDEMIC INFO: Fully vaccinated? No need to wear masks indoors or outside

Activities Announcements, Hickory Woods News

5/13/2021 CDC announces that fully vaccinated individuals do not need masks either inside or outside. Exception is airline travel and health care settings or for those who are immunocompromised. Caution: Guidelines could change again if the pandemic gets worse.

5/8/2021 New Guidelines: Universal Best Practices LINK

4/16/2021 New Hampshire Governor ends mask mandate READ ARTICLE
Another article further explains Sununu’s reasoning:

The mask mandate was the last major statewide restriction Sununu imposed. Sununu said it was logical for it to be the first one lifted once circumstances changed and enough people were vaccinated….But wearing face coverings in public remains the proper practice when people can’t maintain social distancing, Sununu said.

Additional changes are coming:

In another major move, Sununu said that on May 7 he will end all industry-specific restrictions, such as seating limits and plastic barrier requirements, and replace them with a universal set of “best practices.”

4/1/2021 Be aware that your site / appointment may have changed
A neighbor has shares some important advice: [We] got our first COVID shots on March 5th at Londonderry and at the time, they scheduled our second shot for April 8th. Last night I received an email from the CDC saying that I had not scheduled my second shot. I decided to call the 211 number to confirm our next appointment. When I called them today, they told me that when the location was changed from Londonderry to Salem, and when the new appointment website became active, all the second appointments were cancelled and I needed to make another appointment. We were fortunate because we were able to get an even better appointment for 6:15 today. …[advice for neighbors] that if they had their first vaccine shot in Londonderry, they may want to call that 211 number to reconfirm to make sure their next appointment was not cancelled.

3/25/2021 Sununu announced that all NH residents ages 16+ will be eligible to be vaccinated.

3/17/2021 Vaccination site moved from Exit 4 in Londonderry to Rockingham Mall in Salem. You should receive notification; previous appointments are valid.

3/15/2021 When will you receive your stimulus check? 
It’s easy to check by using this IRS link. You need to put in your social security number and date of birth to identify yourself. You can find out what you will receive, when it will arrive and to what account it will be deposited (or mailed).

3/9/2021 The CDC has issued guidelines for how fully-vaccinated people can safely gather. For the fully vaccinated, small groups can safely gather. Also, small groups gathering with non-vaccinated from one household who do not have underlying health issues is OK. Hugs for all!

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2/5/2021 New – Those receiving #1 dose of vaccine will be automatically scheduled for #2 READ the article in Union Leader

2/4/2021  Governor Sununu announced that there are new appointments for #2 vaccines now in the VAMS system. If your appointment is not within the recommended time for the second dose, go into the VAMS system, cancel your appointment and reschedule. (Note – it works! One neighbor went from 4/3 to 2/23.)

1/30/2021 First week of vaccines for 65+
So exciting that dose #1 is available for those 65+. Most neighbors had no issues – just a lot ofvaccine waiting in our cars. The National Guard personnel running the program were kind, efficient and personable. For those who signed up for dose #2 and were unable to get an appointment within the recommended window (most got dates around 8 weeks out!) there is hope. On Tuesday 2/1 at 8:00 AM, the VAMS site will allow those looking for earlier dates to schedule appointments. READ the explanation from WMUR.

1/23/2021 Many neighbors have successfully scheduled their vaccinations – HOORAY! If you have not yet received your EMAIL to schedule, CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER!

1/14/2021 Beginning January 22, residents age 65+ can register for vaccinations.happy-vaccine-year-2021-corona-virus-shirt-Unisex
Visit vaccines.nh.gov to check what phase you are (based on age and health).
Beginning 1/22 schedule your vaccination at nh.gov/covid19

PHASE 1B: Scheduling Begins on 1/22/2021 at 8:00AM and Vaccinations Start on 1/26/2021

“When completing registration, please be prepared to answer questions about allergies and medications. Information about health insurance is requested but this information is not required. You will not be charged if you are vaccinated at a state-run site.”

1/6/2021 NH Department of Health & Human Services: COVID-19 Information on NH vaccine distribution plan

12/9/2020 PRESS RELEASE: Active Cases of Covid-19 are Rising in Londonderry – Town EMD Urges Residents to Observe Covid-19 Protocols

12/5/2020 Where are you in line to get a vaccination? Tool from the New York Times, based on your location, age and medical conditions. LINK

symptoms

November 20, 2020 Massachusetts restricts travel from NH    Mass.gov    WMUR

November 19, 2020 Governor Sununu announced a statewide MASK MANDATE

November 15, 2020 NH Vaccine Distribution Plan – 5 Group Priority List (Union Leader)
The five groups (quoted from the article):

Phase 1a: Because more than 80% of New Hampshire’s deaths from COVID-19 have been related to long-term care settings, residents of those facilities will get the first shots, along with health-care workers and first responders.

Phase 1b: The second group will include older adults in other group living settings, such as senior complexes, and people of all ages who have other conditions that put them at “significantly” higher risk.

Phase 2: Vaccines will be offered to school teachers and staff, child-care workers, critical workers in other high-risk settings, people with conditions that put them at moderately higher risk, those in homeless shelters or group homes, prisoners and prison staff, and all other seniors.

Phase 3: This group includes young adults, children and workers in occupations “important to the functioning of society and at increased risk of exposure” who were not included in the earlier phases.

Phase 4: The final group is everyone else.

covidsymptoms

November 13, 2020 Safer at Home NH
“We all know you are healthier at home, and that continues to be true, but we are also taking steps to reopen our economy in a smart, step-by-step approach that is supported by facts, science and data.” -Governor Chris Sununu

October 16, 2020
risk2

October 8, 2020
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September 1, 2020: Your Board of Directors has revisited the rules for use of HW facilities during this Covid period. For the maximum safety of all residents the Club House and outside facilities will remain as originally designated in response to Covid precautions:
USE OF THE CLUB HOUSE AND ALL OUTSIDE FACILITIES ARE TEMPORARILY OPEN TO RESIDENTS ONLY.

Follow-up email from the BOD 9/3/2020: In response to comments from some residents we would like to clarify the following. We regret the latest communication about not opening facilities to guests sounded like a demand, our intent was to highlight the latest of the many communications regarding this subject.  After seeking legal guidance, we want to clarify that our objective is to ensure our community remains as safe as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic.  We ask that all members of the community respect our request to limit all guests from using the Clubhouse and all outside facilities.  While we are unable to enforce this request, it is our hope that all residents will consider the community as a whole when deciding if they will comply with this request.  We are aware also that some residents feel that the request is too restrictive while others would prefer more restrictions.
As evidenced globally, no one knows the right or best way to protect against Covid and neither do we.
Sincerely,
The Hickory Woods Board of Directors

EPA2IS YOUR HAND SANITIZER EPA APPROVED? Great info, shared by Ellen Medeiros: Here is a resource that will confirm if a hand sanitizer or disinfectant is approved by the EPA to be effective against Covid-19. Not all products are. Use this link to the EPA site.  Enter the EPA Reg # of the product, usually found on the back of the container. It will let you know if the product is approved. Not long ago I purchased a hand sanitizer container only to learn it was not approved for Covid-19. Buyer beware!

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August 2020: Governor Sununu has mandated masks for groups of 100+ with specific mention of political events.

8/7/2020 Reminder on wiping down exercise equipment: We have had a few comments regarding cleaning of exercise equipment after use.  For anyone who uses the gym, it is at your own risk, AND the cleaning of equipment after use is considered a courtesy for your neighbors.

7/12/2020 Use of Clubhouse outdoor amenitites (From the HW BOD) It has come to our attention that the current clubhouse outdoor restrictions are not what we, as a community, want.  Because of this, your Board of Directors has decided to extend the use of clubhouse outside facilities to house guests of Unit Owners.  Please remember that any use of the facilities do not include the use of any inside facilities and per our Bylaws, all guests must always be accompanied by at least one Unit Owner.  Waivers for any guests also need to be signed.

7/12/2020 SCAM ALERTS Targeting aging adults, charitable giving, stimulus payments etc

7/4/2020 RESTRICTIONS ON CLUBHOUSE USE From the HW BOD  It has been a while since the email outlining the use of our Clubhouse and outside amenities was sent, so this is to remind everyone that the use of our Clubhouse and outside amenities continues to be restricted to Unit Owners only.   Use also continues to be at your own risk.  While we are witnessing a gradual opening up of many businesses in New Hampshire, we have a community that is at a higher risk for serious effects of Covid-19. We appreciate your continued understanding.

7/2/2020 Gov. Sununu drops quarantine requirement for visitors from New England states.

6/23/2020 Everything you need to know about the status of the Pandemic (including testing) nh.gov/covid19

6/11/2020 ACTIVITY RISK COMPARISON
risks

6/4/2020  hickorystonesHickoryStones

5/31/2020 Testing is available to anyone who wants one.  Contact your medical provider, visit nh.gov/covid19 or call 603-271-5980. COVID TESTING REGISTRATION FORM

5/27/2020 From Londonderry Facebook page: Starting on Sunday, May 24, the NH National file-20200330-165666-1on940oGuard has begun to operate a new fixed COVID Testing Clinic in Londonderry. The Drive-through Testing Clinic in Londonderry will run daily from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM at the Exit 4 Park and Ride, 2 Garden Lane. Registration must be done online: http://nh.gov/covid19 or by calling the Coordinating Office: 603-271-5980. Testing is available regardless of insurance status.

ANTIBODY TESTING ClearChoiceMD is testing for coronavirus antibodies in New Hampshire. To get tested, visit   https://ccmdcenters.com/coronavirus2019. Patients can sign up online and then choose a location to have the testing done. Anyone seeking a test can find out if they previously had an undiagnosed case of COVID-19. Tests are 99.4% specific for the coronavirus.

Note that antibody testing is NOT FREE. Check first with your insurance for coverage. The cost is $139 plus a separate lab fee.

5/26/2020
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bubble

FROM HICKORY WOODS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Text of all emailed announcements
3/17 to 5/21

May 21, 2020: The clubhouse grill and firepit will now be available (social distance please and wipe down furniture using wipes available); still no guests. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK
April 15, 2020: Use of  outdoor facilities (Golf and Pickleball, yes; Grill and Firepit, no; NO guests; No personal trash / pet droppings in Clubhouse trash)
March 31, 2020:  Self-isolation for anyone returning to HW from out of state; Clubhouse use at own risk.
March 17, 2020: Use of Clubhouse at own risk; reminder to clean exercise equipment.

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DONATE BLOOD:
Red Cross Website

THE WALKERS (Anonymous)walkers2

I see the walkers walk along
And pass my house each day.
Some walk alone, some walk in pairs
Or groups 6 feet away.

They walk with stealth and for their health.
Some walk to just unwind.
And gather all their thoughts until
They find some peace of mind.

Some walk along in wind and rain
But certainly in sun.
Some walk so fast and some walk slow
But seldom do they run.

As they tread home and pass my house
Some nod, some wave and smile.
Some even take the time to stop
And talk a little while.

As they go by and look aheadheartbreak2
Some sigh yet walk until
They make it up my road that’s known
As that darn Heartbreak Hill. 

 

Garage Door Opener Battery Replacement

Details of Technical Issues relevant to Homeowners

Garage Door Opener Battery Replacement

Are you hearing a beeping in your garage? That usually means that either the power has gone off to your garage or house and the garage door opener is running on its battery only. That will be OK. The door will work slower than normal until the power is back on.

If the power is on and you still hear the beeping. It may mean that the rechargeable battery in the opener has failed and may need replacement. It recently happened to me after 4 years here. I did some research and was able to replace the battery with reasonable ease. While there is a chance that your opener may be a different model, it is probably a Lift Master brand. You will need to use a ladder and some tools to replace the battery.

If you are not comfortable with that you should seek assistance.

Better safe than sorry.

I bought a replacement rechargeable battery at Batteries Plus Bulbs and picked it up at one of their stores. A replacement battery can also be bought online from various sources.

My original battery looked like this.

IMG_6031-cropped

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My replacement battery looked like this.

IMG_6041-resize

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video that covers the replacement of the rechargeable battery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLEQMejxZPc

If you would like some additional information, let me know and I can try to help you.

Bill Lannigan

973-568-7695

lannigan810@gmail.com

BOD Meeting Highlights-5/15/19

Association News

HW BOD Meeting –5/15/19 Call to order at 1:30p

(Highlights of the meeting were not prepared by the Board. They were prepared by an attendee of the meeting and are presented to keep unit owners up to date until the official meeting minutes become available after they are approved.)

The HW Board meeting was held on May 15, 2019 at the Clubhouse.

  • March meeting minutes approved as written.
  • The financial statements were presented to the Board by Tim Wege- income was favorable.
  • Management Reports were presented:
  • Age Affidavit: 2 return forms outstanding.
  • Alliance proposal for corner of Black Forest and Pepper Hill-passed
  • Update from New Star regarding flushing of hydrants- hydrants to be flushed on the 16th.
  • Update from New Star regarding water testing-HW water source is Litchfield. Water samples are taken from wells.
  • 24 Pepper Hill Road-Replace Utility Box Plants
  • Building Inspector Approval of Furnace Room-Room is complete and up to code.
  • Golf Nets & Bocce Court-Ready for use
  • Power Washing Clubhouse-estimates; three estimates were obtained cost will be $350.00
  • General Approach to “Bare Spot” Repairs: Alliance to go forward with Bug Control. Board to make specifications for mulch

Beautification Committee: No formal report

AAI Requests

  • 3 Quarry Road: Shutter request-approved

New Business

  • Update on Septic tank riser discussion:
  • Reminder for Re-zoning request meeting May 20, 2019. Check Website/email for details.

Community Comments:

Several residents raised concerns over landscaping problems that have not been reconciled with Spring Clean-up. Residents reported many areas where grass is spotty. Residents reported issues around water run off.

Meeting adjourned at 2:30p

HW Logo Shirts Available

Activities Announcements

VIEW: GOLF TYPE SHIRTS WITH HICKORY WOODS LOGO

From John Goglia:

RESIDENT LARRY MARTIN, FORMERLY OF EMBROIDERY CREATIONS OF LONDONDERRY HAS ARRANGED TO PROVIDE US THESE BREATHABLE, MESH TYPE SHIRTS AT A COST OF $30 EACH (SLIGHTLY MORE FOR EXTRA LARGE SIZES). LARRY IS ALSO ABLE TO PUT THE HW LOGO ON HATS, TEE SHIRTS, BAGS, OR MOST ANYTHING IN GOOD TASTE.

Contact John Goglia 12 BLACK FOREST, 603-203-4888 OR JGOGS@COMCAST.NET to see SAMPLE SHIRTS FOR MEN & WOMEN IN SMALL, LARGE & EXTRA LARGE SIZES SHOULD YOU WANT SEE THEM FOR QUALITY OR SIZING PURPOSES. JOHN WILL HANDLE ALL INQUIRES AND ORDERS.

THIS IDEA WAS PRIMARILY DRIVEN AND DESIGNED FOR OUR ANNUAL HW GOLF SCRAMBLE AND THE YEARLY MESITI TROPHY GOLF TOURNAMENT WITH THE NEVINS BUT SINCE THE SHIRTS ARE SUCH A GREAT QUALITY OTHERS MAY WANT TO SHARE IN THE HW COMMUNITY SPIRIT. 

BOD Meeting Highlights – 4/17/19

Association News

HW BOD Meeting –4/17/19 Call to order at 1:30p

(Highlights of the meeting were not prepared by the Board. They were prepared by an attendee of the meeting and are presented to keep unit owners up to date until the official meeting minutes become available after they are approved.)

The HW Board meeting was held on April 17, 2019 at the Clubhouse.

March meeting minutes approved as written.

The financial statements were presented to the Board by Tim Wege- income was favorable. Unfavorable item: Club House repairs by Crack X. Financial report accepted.

Leach Field vote: 66 owners voted in favor, 22 against, 1 abstain, 9 no votes. Amendment to Bylaws passed.

Management Reports were presented:

  • Age Affidavit: 14 return forms outstanding.
  • AED Inspection: passed

Beautification Committee: No formal report

Clubhouse Committee

  • Bob McGrath reported that the clubhouse chairs have been inspected and legs tightened. Patio furniture will be out next week. Outdoor courts will be addressed.

AAI Requests

  • 28 Quarry Road-Generator installation, approved as routine request.
  • 10 Pepper Hill Road- landscaping approved with clarification.
  • 26 Black Forest Circle-CA Maintenance, approved with contingency.

New Business

  • Leach Field Amendment- Unit owners will be financially responsible for leach field repairs.
  • Pumping of settling tanks on shared leach fields: HOA will pay for pumping of settling tanks on shared leach fields after 5 years of use. Dates to be determined.
  • Inspection of shared leach fields: Motion was made to inspect shared leach fields upon the 5th anniversary of use. Passed.
  • Tavern Hill Sign: Amended motion for signage on Tavern Hill to be moved from the side of the road to the center Island passed.

Community Comments:      

  • Resident questioned the timing of contract with Alliance. The contract expires at the end of this season. The HOA will be seeking competitive bids.
  • Resident at 2 Black Forest Road informed BOD that the garage door had been repaired.
  • Resident concern regarding fire hydrant maintenance and whether the cost of flushing hydrants is factored into the yearly fee for hydrants. HOA will investigate.
  • Resident inquired about whether the community is considered a public water system. With public water systems the State requires routine water testing. HW water comes from Hudson/Litchfield wells and would not be considered public.
  • Beautification committee member, Cherryl Gordon thanked Pat Hoopes for all the work she has done on the beautification committee. As a newly elected Board Member she is stepping down as the committee co-chairman. The committee is seeking a volunteer to fill the open seat. Interested parties may contact Cherryl Gordon.

Meeting adjourned at 2:15p

 

BOD Meeting Highlights – 3/20/19

Association News

HW BOD Meeting – 3/20/19 Call to order at 1:30p

(Highlights of the meeting were not prepared by the Board. They were prepared by an attendee of the meeting and are presented to keep unit owners up to date until the official meeting minutes become available after they are approved.)

The HW Board meeting was held on March 20, 2019 at the Clubhouse.

  • The Board welcomed Pat Hoopes as the newly elected Board Member.
  • Annual meeting minutes approved as written.
  • The financial statements were presented to the Board by Tim Wege- accepted
  • Management Reports were presented:

Discussed signs at entrances that will not be installed until ground                                thaw.

There was a motion to replace the existing signs with the larger signs.       Approved.

Club House Committee

Bob McGrath reported updates on Club House Common issues.

  • Request for four folding tables – approved, not to exceed $225.00

Beautification Committee

  • Bob Medeiros reported that the committee would resume business once weather permits.

   New Business:

  • Unit owners will be allowed to comment on each issue brought up at Board meetings directly related to a motion. Passed.
  • Motion to open account with Fidelity for C.D.’s for reserve funds. Passed.
  • Motion to move $25,000 to a Fidelity C. D. Passed.
  • Motion to schedule an Owner’s meeting on 4/16/19 to consider by-law changes regarding leech field maintenance responsibilities, owner’s vs. HOA. Having unit owners be responsible for maintenance of leach fields lowers HOA fees and is incentive for owners to maintain (pump) tanks. There was a lot of discussion regarding this issue and the decision was made to hold an informational meeting on 4/9. Passed.
  • Phil Lee explained town-zoning issues – there will be a town-zoning meeting on 4/3. Residential zoning vs. C-2 and 75 foot buffer from businesses.

Community Comments:

  • Resident questioned the cost of getting on the zoning agenda – notice to abutters.
  • Resident requested a No Outlet sign to be placed at the beginning of Pepper Hill – Will be installed.

Meeting adjourned at 2:30p

 

Highlights of BOD Meeting – 2/13/19

Association News

HW BOD Meeting – 2/13/19

(Highlights of the meeting were not prepared by the Board. They were prepared by an attendee of the meeting and are presented to keep unit owners up to date until the official meeting minutes become available after they are approved.)

The HW Board meeting was held on February 13, 2019 at the Clubhouse.

  • The Board announced the resignation of Alan Putnam as of the end of January.
  • The Board voted to change community comments from the beginning of the meeting agenda to the end. The vote was unanimous.
  • Annual meeting minutes approved as written.
  • The financial statements were presented to the Board with a review of operating expenses. The 2018 budget was favorable.
  • Management Reports were presented:

Club House Committee

  • Request for transfer dollies, cost $430.00 – approved
  • Comprehensive cleaning of building and windows, cost $925.00
  • Request for four folding tables – tabled
  • Neighborhood inquiry for placing the clubhouse trash and recycling bins in a storage shed – Board asked that cost estimate be provided to the board.

Beautification Committee

  • Bob Medeiros has been appointed liaison. Bob reported that the committee would be seeking cost estimates for the proposed landscaping improvements submitted to the board in December 2018.

Waivers: HOA management reports that there are two outstanding waivers for landscaping on common area.

AAI request for 16 Tavern Hill Road, extension of an approved request – granted

Board Officers: The Board voted unanimously on 2019 officers:

Phil Lee – President
Bob Medeiros – Vice President
Nancy Shearer – Secretary
Brian Wells – Treasurer

  • President and Treasurer were approved for signature authority for financial business.
  • Special election will be held on 3/19/19 to fill the vacant Board seat. The call for candidates will be sent by e-mail on 2/14/19. Deadline for submission is 2/22/19 at 2 PM. Proxies will be mailed before 3/4/19. Candidates will be announced as they come in.
  • Board Meeting Dates: 3/20, 4/17, 5/15, 6/19, 8/21, 9/18, 10/16, and 11/20. There are no Board Meetings scheduled for July and December.
  • There will be a new e-mail address developed for the purpose of communicating with Board Members. E-mail will be sent to all residents with the address and guidelines.
  • Board voted to approve limited input from unit owners during meetings.
  • Board discussed the government regulations in HUD that requires a survey of the 55+ developments every two years to ensure compliance. Residents will be asked to provide the management company with proof of age.
  • Annual Meeting for 2020 will be held on December 10th The date change was done to ensure that the budget is passed prior to January 1.

Community Comments:

  • Resident commented that the bylaws do not allow sheds on common land. Asked if the neighborhood that abuts the clubhouse was polled for their thoughts on the trash and recycle bins.
  • Resident requested that the residents requesting the shed get cost quotes.
  • Resident expressed concern over who would be responsible for keeping residents proof of age i.e. Copy of drivers license, passport, management company will shred copies once checked.
  • Resident questioned why there was an increased fee for the management company. Board explained that the increase was due to the increase cost of the new management company. There will be no variance this year.
  • Resident asked if there would be a cost incurred due to the need for a special election. There is a cost to mailing proxies. The Board explained that State Law requires special elections to fill Board vacancies.
  • Beautification committee member asked for clarification of who was responsible for obtaining cost estimates for landscaping. Question regarding the budget for landscaping improvements. Board clarified that there is no line item for beautification in the budget. The process is to submit a cost estimate for review and a determination would be made to approve or ask for resubmission.
  • Resident questioned the Board on whether there would be a vote by residents to approve landscaping improvements. The Board will approve or deny requests from the Beautification Committee.