Community Newsletter: Spring 2024 Edition
Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of The Village at Fawcett's Pond's quarterly newsletter! We are excited to share the latest news and updates from our vibrant community with you. In this edition, we will delve into a variety of topics, featuring upcoming events and valuable seasonal tips. Thank you for being a part of our community, and we hope you enjoy reading our newsletter. Happy reading!
Manager’s Notes
Just a quick reminder that rent is due on the first of each month, but you've got until the fifth as a grace period. Whether you pay by check or automatic withdrawal, please make sure your rent clears your bank by the middle of the month.
If you need any assistance or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always here to help!
Thanks for staying on top of things!
Community Updates
Photo: Livio Barcella
Did You See the Cape Cod Times Article?
In a recent study of more than 200 cities, Barnstable was named the “happiest place to retire”. The study conducted by the finance company SoFi, used local data points ranging from temperature to cost of living to calculate how cities ranked in metrics meant to explore communities’ social networks, financials, and health.
Barnstable came out on top, beating out second place finisher Naples, Florida and third place Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was noted that Barnstable stood out as a community– centric destination. “As one of the largest communities on Cape Cod, it offers an abundance of entertainment and activities, creating a vibrant social scene.” “Barnstable’s score was boosted by its high percentage of 65 and older residents, as well as the abundance of arts, recreation, and entertainment businesses. “The Barnstable Adult Community Center was identified as a good place to get involved due to range of programming, clubs and special events. Here is a summary of the article on Cape Cod Times.
Employee Spotlight
Meet Britt O'Hara, our esteemed Property Manager at The Village at Fawcett’s Pond, celebrating her remarkable 25 years with us. From the very beginning, Britt expressed her dedication, proclaiming she would retire from our company, and her commitment has never wavered. Amidst the challenges of Covid-19, Britt's leadership shone brightly as she spearheaded efforts to keep our community safe, orchestrating three Covid clinics for residents ahead of the general public. Her dedication to the well-being of our residents and her exceptional management skills have earned her the Manager of the Year title three times! Here's to Britt, a true asset to our team and a testament to the spirit of service.
Barnstable Adult Community Center
Barnstable Neighbor 2 Neighbor (BN2N) is a network of volunteers who assist older residents in maintaining their independence and staying connected to their community. We bring together older residents, who are living independently in their own homes, but need some additional assistance, with volunteers who will provide those services. Our members receive services such as transportation, light household and yard work, grocery shopping, running errands, socialization and assistance with devices such as smart phones, TVs and tablets. To be eligible for membership, one must be a Town of Barnstable resident, at least age 60 and living independently and safely in their own home. We offer reduced-fee memberships for eligible residents unable to afford the full membership fee. Our volunteers are CORI-screened and receive training prior to providing services. BN2N is a nonprofit, all volunteer 501(c)(3) organization. Please visit www.barnstableneighbor.org if you are interested in joining BN2N as a member or a volunteer or call us at (508)418-9220.
The Barnstable Community Center has several activities and programs sure to interest everyone. To find out more please click here.
-
Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority:
Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority Fixed Route Service– Operates Mon– Sat., Hourly service most routes, flag down service Seniors/ Disabled $1.00, Adults $2.00 Free fare Wednesdays for Seniors over 60 Free fare Fridays for Everyone Dial –A– Ride Transportation (DART)- Door to door ride by appt. Seniors/ Disabled $1.50, Adults $3.00 Boston Hospital Transport– Operates Mon– Thurs. Fares- $30.00 round trip, $15.00 one way SmartDART– Smartphone app, on-demand service Toll Free : (800)352-7155 Local : (508)385-1430 TTY: (800)439-0183
Dial – A- Ride Transportation (DART):
General public door to door ride by appointment transportation
DART is a shared ride transportation service Open to all residents and visitors for any purpose
Available in all 15 Towns
Operates Monday- Friday from 7:00 am- 7:00 pm & Saturdays from 9:00 am- 7:00 pm
DART Fares- Seniors/ Disabled $1.50, Adults $3.00
20- Ride DART Passes (25% Discount) Seniors/ Disabled $22.50, Adults $45.00
Reservations can be made Monday- Friday anytime between 8:00 am5:00 pm. Tuesday- Saturday reservations must be made by 12:00 pm the day before you intend to travel. Reservations Monday (also Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday) must be made by 5:00 pm the Friday before you intend to travel. Subscriptions for recurring trips can be scheduled in advance. Drivers are only allowed to assist passengers to and from the outside door of their home or apartment. Cancellations need to be made in advance. They have a 24-hour answering service available to take your call. Interactive Voice Response System (IVR). No Show Policy.
SmartDART:
Smartphone app
On-demand service
Cashless & convenient
$3.00 fixed fare
Free transfer to fixed route
Download SmartDART from the app store (Apple or Android) or call the CCRTA dispatchers for more information.
Boston Hospital Transportation:
Operates Monday- Thursday
Reservations are required
Comfortable & safe wheelchair accessible transportation
Travels to all major Boston Hospitals
Medical appointments should be between 10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Pick-up locations- Wellfleet, Orleans, Harwich, Barnstable & Sagamore
Fares- $30.00 round trip, $15.00 one way
Maintenance Notes
Friendly Reminder to All Residents
Let's keep our parking lot looking neat and organized by parking within the designated lines. It ensures everyone has fair access to parking spaces and keeps our community running smoothly. While we're not here to play the role of parking police, it's important to note that cars found parked outside the lines may receive a gentle reminder in the form of a sticker. So, before you step out, take a quick peek to ensure your car is perfectly parked within the lines. Let's work together to maintain order and harmony in our parking lot!
Thank you for your cooperation!
Seasonal Tips
As the summer months approach, we want to share a helpful tip to keep your apartment cool and comfortable:
When the humidity spikes, it's natural to want relief, especially if you're on the first floor. You might be tempted to run both your air conditioner and dehumidifier simultaneously, but here's something to consider - While both devices aim to combat moisture, running them together might not be the most efficient approach. Instead, try using one at a time to achieve optimal comfort and moisture control.
Here's are some pro tips for using your AC and dehumidifier:
Air Conditioner: If you're mainly focused on cooling your space, stick with the air conditioner. It not only cools the air but also removes some moisture in the process.
Dehumidifier: If high humidity is your main concern, opt for the dehumidifier. It specifically targets excess moisture, helping you feel more comfortable without necessarily cooling the air.
By choosing the right tool for the job, you can maximize effectiveness while minimizing energy usage. Stay cool and comfortable!
As temperatures rise and the summer season approaches, it's time to prepare our homes for the heat. When you're ready to turn on your air conditioner for the first time this season, here's a friendly reminder of a few important steps:
Check the Plug: Ensure that your air conditioner is plugged into the outlet located in the baseboard heater under the unit.
Adjust the Baseboard Switch: Locate the switch on the baseboard heater and set it all the way to the right, to the "cool" position.
Adjust the Bedroom Thermostat: Don't forget to turn the thermostat in your bedroom all the way up, as high as it can go. This step is commonly overlooked but crucial!
Remember, switching your thermostat to "cool" mode prevents your heating system from coming on. The thermostat being set to the highest temperature activates your air conditioner. If your air conditioner stops working outside of regular office hours, we're here to help! However, to ensure prompt assistance, please remember that a doctor's note must be on file to classify the issue as an emergency. Rest assured, we'll always make every effort to get your air conditioner back up and running as quickly as possible. However, there may be rare occasions when immediate repair isn't feasible.
By following these simple steps, you'll ensure your air conditioner is ready to keep you cool and comfortable all summer long. Stay cool and enjoy the season ahead!
Resident Satisfaction
The Village at Fawcett’s Pond received a superior score of 4.41 out of 5! Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide your feedback. Your valuable input is instrumental in our continuous efforts to enhance the community’s experience and satisfaction.
Community Events
Explore Our Neighborhood
Welcome to the neighborhood! We invite you to explore all of the wonderful things Hyannis, MA has to offer. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's something special waiting to be discovered. Click here to learn more.
We love our furry friends!
Prior to bringing a pet into the unit, please make sure your pet is registered with us.
To register your pet, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
A: Yes, you can submit a non-emergency service request in two ways. First, use the resident portal, or second, visit our website at villageatfawcettspond.com under the residents tab. For emergency maintenance requests, please continue to call us.
-
A: No, we appreciate your willingness to handle things on your own, but only management or vendors hired by us can address maintenance issues. Damages caused by unauthorized repairs may be your financial responsibility. Our management team is always available to assist you with any service requests.
-
A: If we require additional information, you may receive a call back from the person on call. To ensure a prompt response, please answer that call. If the issue resolves itself before we arrive, please be considerate and call the answering service to cancel the request.
-
A: Yes, The Village at Fawcett’s Pond is a smoke free community. Smoking is not allowed on the property or in any apartments.
-
A: No, smoking marijuana is illegal under federal law, and therefore, it is not permitted anywhere within the community.
-
A: Per the Hyannis Fire Department, we do not allow matts in front of apartment doors in the buildings as this is a trip hazard should there ever be a fire. We thank for you for your cooperation with this important matter.
-
A: Yes, the community room can be reserved for private events no more than 30 days in advance. Please contact the office if you are interested in learning more or to reserve it.
