Welcome To Fishing Creek Farm

Spotlight

New Year, New home, New Friends, New Baby

Click on Images to Enlarge
New Years is a special time of year for Alyssa and Remy Corvese. On New Year’s Eve 2021 they celebrated their wedding (their 5th and final rescheduled date!), and this year they moved into their new home at 1202 Cherry Tree Lane. Despite moving what seemed like endless boxes, they managed to find time and energy to meet a few neighbors at the Holch’s Annual New Year’s Eve party. Alyssa says they were thankful for the opportunity to begin making new FCF friends and learn about potential playmates for their son. You see, Alyssa and Remy are expecting their first child, a boy, in May!

Why FCF?

Alyssa and Remy both grew up near the water and describe themselves as “outdoor and water people”. Alyssa grew up locally while Remy spent his younger days in RI with frequent trips to Martha’s Vineyard. They first met in NYC and although they loved living in the city, they were ready for a change of pace and more living space than their 500 square foot apartment allowed.

Alyssa’s work soon took them to the Raleigh area in NC but over time, her job evolved so that she could work remotely. When the couple realized that they both could work remotely and live most anywhere, they started looking for an ideal location. They decided on the Annapolis area where Alyssa has family, and they could take advantage of the water and outdoors.

In May 2022, they decided to sell their home in NC. It sold more quickly than they anticipated, and they were soon homeless! They spent several months living with Remy’s parents in Martha’s Vineyard and then several more months in the basement of Alyssa’s parents’ home in Arnold.

The couple stepped up their house search and looked seriously at 10 homes in the Arnold, Severna Park, and Annapolis areas. When a home in FCF came on the market, they were amazed that they had never previously gone beyond Quiet Waters. They loved the amenities of FCF – marina, pool, tennis, wide streets – and knew this could be a perfect place to raise a family and enjoy the outdoors.

The Couple

Alyssa and Remy met through college friends of Remy’s when they were both living in Hoboken. After only a few weeks of dating, Alyssa met Remy’s parents and before long, they moved to an apartment in Chelsea, Manhattan.

Shortly before the pandemic, Alyssa and Remy decided to marry. But the pandemic forced the couple to change wedding plans multiple times. In all, they changed their plans five times and celebrated in multiple locations – the first in April 2021 was a small minimony with direct family in Cambridge, MD during gale force winds, and the second was a big celebration in St. Pete Beach, FL on New Year’s Eve 2021.

Now that the couple is in Annapolis, they look forward to introducing their little one to Alyssa’s family including grandparents, cousins, and an aunt and uncle in the area. Soon thereafter, they plan get-togethers with Remy’s parents who live in Rhode Island and Florida, and Remy’s sister and her family in Atlanta. Already, a baby shower is scheduled in March at our clubhouse.

Alyssa

Alyssa grew up in Arnold and attended Broadneck high school. She then went on to Bucknell University majoring in Business Management and Chinese. She worked short stints for Goldman Sachs and Johnson & Johnson’s corporate finance department in NYC before transitioning to a smaller start-up company where she specialized in customer success and sales management of subscription services.

In 2017, Alyssa joined Cisco Systems in RTP, NC. Her goal is to ensure Cisco’s largest customers find success and value with their purchases, and she leads multiple teams in this effort. Fortunately, after the couple’s first year in NC, and even before the pandemic, Alyssa’s job evolved to become mostly remote, which allowed great flexibility in working locations and their move to Annapolis.

Remy

Remy grew up in Rhode Island but especially enjoyed summers in Martha’s Vineyard. He attended Bates College in Maine where he majored in Economics and Spanish. He has since graduated with an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and specializes in data analytics.

After graduating from college, Remy first worked in the yacht insurance industry where he analyzed market trends and developed strategic marketing approaches. Interestingly, his first introduction to Annapolis was not through Alyssa, but on a business trip to the Annapolis Boat Show.

Remy explains that he enjoyed the travel and perks associated with the yacht insurance industry, but quickly realized that his passion lay in the healthcare industry. Not only is nearly everyone in his family involved with medicine, but Remy wrote his college thesis on trends in the pharmaceutical industry, and he appreciates that healthcare is relatively recession-proof.

Since leaving the yacht industry, Remy has worked for nine years in healthcare consulting analyzing real world data. Most recently, he is working with Forian Inc. to help pharmaceutical and life science companies launch and position products by tracking and analyzing insurance claims data. Like Alyssa, Remy can work primarily from home.

Hobbies

Alyssa and Remy enjoy boating, water sports, golfing, hiking, and outdoor sports in general. As Alyssa explains, a gym workout is good, but exercising outdoors is better. Remy played rugby in college and as adults, both have continued to play soccer. In fact, shortly after they met, Alyssa recruited Remy to play soccer on her mostly Irish soccer team. They continued to play in NY and NC.

Growing up, Remy worked summers at a tennis club in Martha’s Vineyard and he has been attempting to teach Alyssa tennis. Since seeing the FCF tennis/pickleball courts, they are considering taking up pickleball and joining neighborhood players.

Alyssa also enjoys yoga and cooking. Her mom is an excellent chef and Alyssa has followed in her footsteps.

The couple also enjoys travelling. They spent their honeymoon in Sardinia and Sicily and say Italy is their favorite destination. Before their wedding, the couple also spent a wonderful week with Remy’s family in Tuscany.

Both Alyssa and Remy are boaters and would like to have a boat sometime, but as Remy explains, “It’s house and baby first, boat later.”

Welcome

Keep an eye out for Alyssa and Remy walking their doodles – Martha, a Bernedoodle age 6, and Betty, a Newfypoo, age 4 -- and welcome them to the neighborhood! Remember, this summer the walking entourage will grow to include a new baby boy! In the meantime, you will likely catch the friendly couple at FCF events and possibly on the tennis/pickleball court.


Spotlight

A Wonderful New Addition to Our Neighborhood!

Lilly Hunter Steppe
12/31/22 7:21pm
8.2 lbs 21”

Big Brother Jackson as Mom's Helper
Click on Images to Enlarge

Book Club

 

SO MANY BOOKS TO READ!!

The Book Club is excited to report our plans for the books we want to discuss at the next few meetings. At the last meeting, we had so many choices of books to read that we decided to plan ahead. We will be reading several books over the next few months. The books selected are influenced by the book suggestions in The Sentence by Louise Erdich.

The next book we will read is The Cape Doctor by E. J. Levy. We will meet on March 14, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fishing Creek Farm Clubhouse.

Goodreads describes "The Cape Doctor" as an "enthralling novel, inspired by the life of Dr. James Miranda Barry that brings this captivating character vividly alive."

A "gorgeous, thoughtful, heartbreaking" historical novel, The Cape Doctor is the story of one man’s journey from penniless Irish girl to one of most celebrated and accomplished figures of his time (Lauren Fox, New York Times bestselling author of Send for Me).

"Beginning in Cork, Ireland, the novel recounts Jonathan Mirandus Perry’s journey from daughter to son in order to enter medical school and provide for family, but Perry soon embraced the new-found freedom of living life as a man. From brilliant medical student in Edinburgh and London to eligible bachelor and quick-tempered physician in Cape Town, Dr. Perry thrived. When he befriended the aristocratic Cape Governor, the doctor rose to the pinnacle of society, before the two were publicly accused of a homosexual affair that scandalized the colonies and nearly cost them their lives."

For the April meeting, we will read Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. We will read and discuss Deacon King Kong by James McBride for the May meeting.

The members plan to read at least one Ernest Hemingway novel. We welcome suggestions for which of Hemingway's books the members would like to discuss.

All the best for continued good reading,

Susan Magazine
301-213-1799

susan@magazinefamily.org


Pool Committee
New Pool Committee Chair
Many thanks to Katie Schmitt who has stepped up to be our new pool committee chair and to Shannon Sprague who formerly held this role and navigated us through many difficult decisions and circumstances during the pandemic.
Lifeguards
Once again, we are anticipating a shortage of lifeguards during the upcoming season. Our pool management company, Anchor Aquatics, is currently hiring Lifeguards, Pool Operators, Pool Managers, & Area Supervisors for the 2023 season. The company offers training and a choice of work locations for any resident (16 or older). Applicants may designate FCF as their sole work location. The following is information from Anchor Aquatics:Anchor Aquatics Offers:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Training Reimbursement Opportunities
  • FREE Pool Operator Training
  • Many Desirable Pool Location
  • Referral & Year End Bonuses
  • Performance Recognition and Reward
  • APPLY TODAY @ www.anchoraquatics.com

For more info call 410-956-0744

Pickleball/Tennis Committee Update

Pickleball
Open Play will continue through the winter months on Sunday mornings, starting at 9am.  Open play is for all FCF residents regardless of skill level. Please come out and join the Pickleball craze.

If you want to be included on the FCF pickleball email distribution list, please email pickleball@fishingcreekfarm.org asking to be added. You do not need to be on the distribution list to participate in Open Play.

Finally – if you are unsure how to set up the pickleball nets we have at the court, or see something wrong with the new wheeled net and are unsure how to fix it, please let the pickleball committee know and do not try to fix it yourself.  The new wheeled net has already been damaged.

Please No Trash
As most people know, we have no trash cans on court. We have a carry-in / carry-out trash policy. Lately we have seen old tennis balls and empty water bottles left behind.


Fishing Creek Farm Logo Glassware

We have replenished our inventory of glass and plastic FCF logo glasses. They are $4 each and can be ordered by contacting boardtreasurer@fishingcreekfarm.org


 

Fishing Creek Farm Facebook Page

 

Fishing Creek Farm residents can post items of interest, for sale, or wanted to our FB page, “Fishing Creek Farm Homeowners’ Association”. The page is administered by Deborah Brafford and is open only to FCF residents. (Be aware: there is an old FB page that is no longer in use. Its address is: Fishing Creek Farm Neighborhood and it is open to the PUBLIC.)

Although anyone can find our private site, only members can see who's in the group and what they post. When you land on the FCF FB page, you may ask to join the group. You must submit your email and house address for verification. Once your credentials are verified, you will be notified of your admission to the group.

Please feel free to post questions, information, or photos to this closed group of Fishing Creek Farm neighbors!


How to Contact Board of Directors

When contacting Board Members, please use their official neighborhood email address rather than their personal email address. The format of the FCF addresses is: boardPOSITION@fishingcreekfarm.org.

Specifically:

boardpresident@fishingcreekfarm.org - Jennifer Dengler

boardvp@fishingcreekfarm.org  - Jacques Smith

boardsecretary@fishingcreekfarm.org - Dan Attridge

boardmal@fishingcreekfarm.org - Chris Caine

boardtreasurer@fishingcreekfarm.org - Deborah Brafford

boardmal2@fishingcreekfarm.org - Jennifer Dengler

Clubhouse Committee

Repairs
In anticipation of a busy spring and summer season, we are currently evaluating several options for clubhouse cleaning services and window repairs and expect to move forward on both within the next month. Please send any questions or comments to annweins@yahoo.com or clubhouse@fishingcreekfarm.org.

Rental Rates
In 2023, the Clubhouse rental rate is $125. The fee covers cleaning, utilities and maintenance expenses. In addition, a $250 deposit will be collected shortly before your reservation and will be returned shortly thereafter, as long as there is no damage.

Community events that use the clubhouse are free but must be reserved in advance. Please contact jpfinsgraf@gmail.com or admin@fishingcreekfarm.org to reserve.

Clubhouse Awnings
For those residents who use the clubhouse for private events or meetings, please be aware that the clubhouse awnings have recently been fixed. Please be sure that you retract all the awnings after use or not use them at all during times of windy weather.  Recently, a wind gust caught one of the opened awnings causing it to go off track. It was realigned and both manual cranks were adjusted for easier access. We ask everyone who uses them to be careful to not use them when there is wind.

If they are damaged when you are using them, you will be responsible for paying to have them fixed.


Residents Can Request New Recycling Bins

 

If your yellow recycling bin is either broken (usually hinges) or needs replacement you can get that done easily and at no cost by Anne Arundel County. Simply go to the website below and make a request. You will get an email confirmation of a date when the work will be done. On that day you must put the bin out by the street by 6 am.  That's it!

https://www.aacounty.org/services-and-programs/recycling-container-requests


2023 Annual Meeting

The 2023 FCF Annual Meeting was held on March 13th. One Board position was up for election, and Dan Attridge was elected to that position for a 3-year term. The Board of Directors votes on the officer positions. The following will be the Board positions for 2023-2024:
President: Jennifer Dengler
Vice President: Jacques Smith
Treasurer: Deborah Brafford
Secretary: Dan Attridge
Member at Large: Chris Caine

Board of Directors Meetings 2023

Board of Directors meetings in 2023 will be held once per month on a Monday from 7 to 9 PM. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend. The meetings are again being held in person at the Clubhouse, but are also available virtually. Residents can always join the meetings virtually using the link below. Agendas are posted as they are available.

For those who are unable to attend in person and are joining virtually:

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/483770581

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122

Access Code: 483-770-581


Reminder:
At least one payment for annual dues is due no later than 3/1. If you have not received a budget packet with payment coupons, please contact our HOA property manager, Megan Smith at msmith@maredithmgmt.com .


Public Service Announcement

Please by courteous to your neighbors and try to remember to clean up after your dogs. Some of us are forgetting to pick up after our dogs along the path behind the tennis court and off of Southbreeze. This is a health as well as an aesthetic issue.

Thank you.


Adult Social Committee

 

Spring and Summer Schedule

Spring is right around the corner so let’s dust off the furniture and chill the wine glasses. It's time for Sunset Fridays! We are also offering Thirsty Thursdays on alternate months to accommodate more neighbors with different schedules.

Our first Sunset Friday will be on April 14th from 6-9pm at the Clubhouse. Bring your beverage of choice and an appetizer to share and come enjoy the company of our fabulous neighbors!

Organizers Ann Weins (annweins@yahoo.com) & Barbara Holch (Bholch5@icloud.com) are happy to answer any questions you may have.

The following dates are scheduled for the events:


April 14: Sunset Friday
May 18: Thirsty Thursday
June 9: Sunset Friday
July 13: Thirsty Thursday
August 18: Sunset Friday
September 14: Thirsty Thursday


We look forward to seeing everyone on April 14th to kick off the warmer seasons!

Thank you,

Ann and Barbara

Free Library

 

Free Blue Library

The Little Blue Lending Library is off to a great start! Lots of library action with books being borrowed and new books added. Reviews are not required but if you have a favorite book and want to leave a quick review, please do! Please keep the books to fiction or general interest at this time - the library is small and needs to appeal to a general group of readers.

Don't forget there is a children's section - the entire bottom shelf is for kids books. What a fun activity to walk to the "library" and bring a book to share with others and pick out a new book.

If you have any suggestions or questions please don't hesitate to contact the stewards at  chrissie.harkins@gmail.com or paulaheacock@mac.com .

Even the frigid temperatures can't keep book lovers away! Stop down and please borrow any books which interest you and replace them with another book as you can.

Maredith Management Company

Annual Dues
Our new management company, Maredith Management, took over from Tidewater on January 1. Megan Q. Smith is our new property manager. Residents may contact her at: msmith@maredithmgmt.com or 301-710-6529 with questions.

The first payment for 2023 annual bills are due on March 1.


Resale Packages
Residents who plan to sell their home, will need to order a resale package through Maredith Management at www.homewisedocs.com .

A resale package contains vital information to those purchasing a home in an association. Resale certificates reduce the liability for the HOA if the seller isn’t up to date on payments, thus ensuring that it’s the buyers’ responsibility, after a certain time period has passed, to pay the HOA. Resale certificates are legally required documents ensuring that buyers have full disclosure before purchasing a property.

Outside Equipment Must be Screened

Recent work on updating FCF covenants has refocused the community on certain requirements to maintain the esthetic appeal of FCF. One of those requirements is the screening of any outdoor HVAC/Electrical/Propane equipment so as not to be visible from the street or to neighbors.

Please ensure that any such equipment is properly screened on your property and the quality of the screening is appropriately maintained.

Thank you for helping keep FCF one of the most naturally beautiful communities in the greater Annapolis region.

Marina

 


Photo by Jim Reinig

Slip Holders,

We are looking forward to the spring boating season! Please notify Jason Horst if you are not planning on returning to the marina for the 2023 season. If there are any maintenance issues that you recognized last season at or around your slip, please let us know. We will work on some preventative maintenance items in early April to prepare for the boating season. As a reminder, if you plan on maintaining your slip for 2023, you must plan on utilizing your boat in compliance with the marina rules and regulations. We will be finalizing the 2023 slip assignments over the next few weeks and they will be posted on the Fishing Creek Farm website.

Thanks,
Marina Committee 

Architecture Committee

Approval Process
If you are planning a renovation or major landscaping work, please be sure to submit an application a minimum of 60 days prior to commencing any new work.

Our website includes instructions for necessary documents. Until a portal to Maredith Management is created, you will need to send necessary documents to: msmith@maredithmgmt.com , architecture@fishingcreekfarm.org, and boardmal2@fishingcreekfarm.org. In the future, applications will be submitted directly through our website.

The Architecture committee meets to review completed applications on the first Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be February 1st. Following Architecture Committee meetings, the Board then reviews committee recommendations at their next scheduled board meeting.

Residents may join Architecture Committee meetings at the Clubhouse or through the virtual link below:


To join the Open AC Meetings, please use the information below:

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/908917861

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412

Access Code: 908-917-861


Architecture Review 2023 Open Meetings 

February 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
April 5, 2023
May 3, 2023
June 7, 2023
July 5, 2023
August 2, 2023
September 6, 2023
October 4, 2023
November 1, 2023


CapEx Committee

The Board and CapEx Committee are in receipt and agreement with the final reserve study report issued by Miller Dodson. That report has been posted to our FCF website (HERE) and is available for review by homeowners. The basic takeaway is that the dues increase voted on and approved last year is very likely sufficient to maintain the various assets of our community at a level which we anticipate will preserve FCF as a premiere waterfront community and maximize home values.

The Board and CapEx Committee do not currently anticipate any major expenditures in 2023 but we are awaiting resolution of the direction and timing for the Southbreeze Beach preservation projects, and legal resolution regarding the HOA responsibility for eventual repair and replacement of the Cherry Tree Lane bulkhead.  The CapEx Committee is constantly updating our internal model to reflect our current plans for necessary expenditures and match the Miller Dodson report where possible.


Safety First

Please observe the following safety considerations:

New 4-Way Stop

The intersection of Hidden River View Road and Cherry Tree Lane is now a four-way stop.  The initial request to the county was to make the intersection a four-way stop; however, at the time, they only granted a two-way, moving the location of existing ones.  Upon a recent re-evaluation of the intersection, they determined a four-way stop was in order.

Please come to a complete stop from any direction when approaching this intersection.

Stopping for the School Bus
There is a school bus stop at the corner of Cherry Tree Lane and Thomas Point Road.  There have been a few incidents in which cars have not stopped when the school bus has been dismissing students, which could have resulted in injury to the students.  Turning onto Cherry Tree Lane in either direction from Thomas Point Road while the bus is stopped at the intersection is against the law.  According to Maryland law, for the safety of students entering and exiting, all vehicles must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its flashing red lights are activated or the stop sign emerges. On all roads except divided highways with a median separation, drivers must stop in both directions, according to Maryland law.


No Dogs on the Courts
According to the HOA rules, dogs are not allowed on the tennis/pickle ball courts at any time.


Dogs Must ALWAYS be on Leashes


No Motorized Vehicles Allowed on Beach Path

A new sign was added to the entrance to the beach area path at Smiths Island to remind everyone that no motorized vehicles (e.g. golf carts) should use the path to get down to the beach.  The path is strictly for pedestrian use.


Moving Vehicles to the Right; Pedestrians to the Left - It's the Law
Residents have reported near misses with pedestrians who walk on the right, especially in groups, because they don't see or hear approaching vehicles. Please walk to the left and drive/bike cautiously on the right.

Committee Contacts

Do you want to know who is on what committee?  Do you want to know how to reach a committee member?  All of that information is on our website Committee page which is located here.  On this page you will note that a number of the email addresses are [committee-name/position]@fishingcreekfarm.org. This is part of our ongoing effort to have email addresses that we can use to transition easily from volunteer to volunteer when a position turns over. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with this, and thank you to all of our volunteers!


Suggestion Box

If you have an idea on how to make Fishing Creek Farm an even better place, please share it with the Board and your fellow homeowners.  Suggestions are sent to our FCF Board and posted on our website. To access the suggestion box now, Click here.