Protecting your neighborhood watershed.... "Watershed protection organizations are forming around the state, including the Lower Hudson Valley. An adequate supply of clean water...is an essential ingredient to the quality of our lives and the health of our future." (Journal News, 3/31/06)

HOA Fishbowl Management
"A truly effective and perceptive Board understands the need to keep members in the loop and business open and transparent. This "fishbowl" style of management is difficult for  some directors to deal with since it seems cumbersome and intrusive. In reality, running business transparently is largely symbolic and requires little more from the Board other than a few member friendly attitudes and practices. Here are a few of the most important ones:  Board meetings open to members and held in guest friendly venues, locations and times;  members may express dissenting opinions and question Board actions...."  Visit "The HOA Expert" for the full list!

Management Challenges for Small Community Associations
"Smaller associations often find themselves in the position of having limited management options and services they often do not find to be satisfactory. What can a small association do to improve the inherent problem? Run the Board and community like a business...."

Sloatsburg Development Plan Nears Completion "The plan...includes zoning for multifamily housing at two locations off Route 17, as well as a revitalization of the business district along the highway. Before its adoption by the village board, it will be subject to a public hearing -- still to be scheduled." (Journal News, 2/27/06)

Mapes Park's History Runs Deep in Ramapo
"The ancient acre, which provides the best public access to the 37-mile river and picturesque views of its surroundings, was donated to the county by the Ramapo Land Co. in honor of its former president, H. Pierson Mapes." (Journal News, 2/12/06)

HOA Volunteers - Pick me!  Pick me!
"When it comes Board elections or need for a committee member, are volunteers scarcer than snowballs in hell? This is a common frustration in homeowner associations where the same few good women or men seem to shoulder the responsibility for life. So, how do you get others to raise their hand and step forward? Some suggestions...."

Do acorns predict the severity of winter? (1/12/06)
This Fall,  we couldn't walk outside without acorns crunching underfoot, and if we stood there for any length of time, we were pelted with more falling from the trees. Some of us have never seen so many acorns before! Folklore has it  that an unusually large amount of acorns is mother nature's way of telling the squirrels and other animals to stock up for the coming season, because they're going to need it to survive.

Development Proposal (12/16/2005)
Volunteers could get dibs on 262 condos at Rt. 17 near Sterling Mine Road.

Preserve Ramapo - Vote on November 2 (11/3/2005)
Preserve Ramapo is a town-wide coalition of Ramapo citizens who have joined together in an effort to fight the Town's Comprehensive Plan, which proposes widespread high density housing throughout Ramapo. Preserve Ramapo believes that the town has reached its limit of sustainable growth. If you support Preserve Ramapo’s views, get out and vote on November 8 for their slate of candidates for Town Supervisor and Board: Joe Brennan (Supervisor), Michel Vilson (Board) and Herman Friedman (Board). Visit preserveramapo.org for the candidates’ biographies, photos, and for more information about the Preserve Ramapo platform.