Stratford Manor: "NEWS YOU CAN USE - April 2026 Newsletter

"News You Can Use”

Stratford Manor Association’s

Newsletter

(April 2026)

HELLO APRIL: April signals the start of spring with warmer weather, blooming flowers, and frequent rain. Key observances include April Fool’s Day (April 1), Earth Day (April 22), Arbor Day, and Tax Day.

Mark Your Calendars: On Sunday, April 26^th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., SMA will be conducting a community cookout (hamburgers, hot dogs, chips) for homeowners. This event lets the community meet new homeowners and reconnect with friends. Location: Transportation Lodge Field (behind Kenilworth homes). Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and lawn games. If you haven't voted for the Amended Declaration yet, you'll have another opportunity to do so. A notary will be present. In February, the board sent a “ratification package” by email to 41 homeowners who had not voted and by mail to 18 without email addresses.

Why Your Vote Matters - Without approval from 75% of Stratford Manor homeowners, the Board can only enforce community standards through court action instead of more affordable methods provided by the Property Owner’s Association Act. Currently, we are about 25 votes short of the number needed to adopt the Amended Declaration.

Let’s Keep Stratford Manor Strong By updating our Declaration, we can ensure Stratford Manor remains a well-maintained, desirable community that supports and protects our property values. If you have any questions, please contact Doug Marmon at president.stratfordmanor@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued support and participation. Every vote counts — together, we can move our community forward.

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NEW EVENT HAPPENING! “Bookish Bites” is a new social event that will be held on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month. On April 14^th, they will be meeting at “Taste” (702 Mariners Row in City Center) at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and a book swap. Everyone is responsible for their own meals. Bring a book or two to “swap”. Come and grab a book, have a bite to eat, and enjoy the fellowship. If you have any questions, contact Barb Lucas at barbwlucas@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there!

SPRING IS HERE – Time to Spruce Up Your Yard!

Dispose of old pumpkins and store Christmas decorations. Spring is ideal for yard updates: clean up, weed, trim, mulch, and plant flowers. For exterior repairs, submit your Architectural Request to Abbitt Management at associations@abbitt.com.

Spring inspections are expected in May, pending Abbitt inspector availability. Begin preparing your home and yard now.

Kindness makes a difference. Let’s be good neighbors.

Everyone has some neighborly pet peeves—like trash bins left out or messy porches. Board volunteers help set policies, but all Stratford Manor residents can improve our community.

Check pick-up schedules for trash, bulk waste, and recycling.

Avoid leaving items out too early, especially when they won’t be picked up soon.

Label your trash bins.

Neighbors are more likely to help if they know which bins are yours.

Don’t blow leaves from your patio into common areas.

Bag them (clear bags only) or put them in your own bin.

Let’s Get Connected: Communication is the exchange of information between people or groups. To keep everyone informed, the board now uses Google Workspace for virtual meetings, document storage, and mass emails, reducing paper costs. Please send your current email to our secretary, Fran “Dobby” Hodges, at Secretary.StratfordManor@gmail.com to stay updated.

TRASH PICK UP DATES:

April 7, (Bulk pick up) April 14, Apri 21, (Bulk pick up), and April 28