Swimming Pool Work Progressing Nicely

As previously noted, considerable work was required on almost all public pools in the US, due to recent federal legislation. The fine folks from Rizzo Pools (based in Newington CT) have been here all week with jackhammers, concrete, new drain covers, safety release valves and more. Just this morning, we were able to begin filling a hot tub, and are currently filling the adult sports pool as well. It looks quite likely that we will have at least one hot tub, and perhaps a pool, open by Saturday. Work will continue on the other pools (the kiddy pool actually needed the most intensive construction, adding a whole new second drain), and we expect the diving pool to open next weekend, and the L Pool and Kiddy Pool to be ready by Carnival Weekend (May 15). A reminder that if we are able to open the Adult Pool on Saturday, it will be available for use by all ages. However, those under 21 will need to have a parent present within the pool area, and the hot tubs are for adults 21 and over only. The pool will be very cold, as the water comes straight from our wells. With the recent hydro-seeding at the ballfield, we are switching softball to wiffleball for this weekend. Also, on a sad note, Flo (who runs the Grill and Creamery with Joyce, as well as owning Kitchen Little) saw the passing of her mother on Tuesday. Services are Friday in Mystic. See obituary at http://www.legacy.com/theday/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=126709133 A quick reminder that the annual owner's meeting will take place on Sunday at 1PM in the upstairs rec center. Speaking of upstairs, while it looks like the Oldies concerts will be upstairs, if the weather is good (dry and warm), we may try for the outdoor stage downstairs. The good news is that it appears most of the gnats have come and gone, at least to the extent of their numbers last weekend. Please remember to bring your classic car if you have one...and you will receive a $25 credit on your account for joining the display Saturday evening from 6:15PM to 7PM (we will also present the Karaoke Contest at the car show).

How about Mother Nature?

Hope everyone enjoyed their summer vacation. Sometimes this August heat can be a little oppressive. While it was a perfect weather weekend, there were a few twists provided by Mother Nature. First, the annual "Mayflies" were out a little earlier than normal...and they were quite hungry. Some call them gnats, others refer to them as "black flies", but we eagerly await their demise. The call of the wild also took hold of our two dogs this weekend, as Brock figured out how to unlatch the gate on the deck, prompting Harvey and Cooper to bolt on an exploration. Harvey returned 5 hours later, somewhat dirty, while Cooper was gone for almost 8 hours, and was wet and muddy upon finding his way home. On a far sadder note, the eldest of the Strawberry Park horses had to be put down last week. Trigger was probably my favorite, and one of the most popular horses we have. He was 23 years old, and the vet determined that he was suffering badly from some internal twisting. Cory and Katrina spent the whole overnight watching Trigger and hoping he would get better, but unfortunately, he did not improve. On a positive note, the vet reported that it was not any type of virus that might impact the other horses, and that it was simply and sadly, a matter of an old horse developing complications that are not uncommon at his age. Many campers have been asking about the swimming pools, and the complicated work that is required by the new federal legislation is now starting, and we are optimistic that at least one whirlpool and perhaps a large pool will be open for this upcoming weekend. We will know more as the work progresses this week. A couple of other little projects taking place this week include the moving of our two Park Model display units to the area near the horseshoe pits (from the Visitor Parking Lot), and the loaming and hydro-seeding of some of the thin spots on the softball field/soccer field area.

StrawberryPark.net Updates include Site Ownership Info

Just in time for next weekend's annual Unit Owner's Meeting (Sunday, May 3), we have added some additional information to the Strawberry Park website about site ownership, including some FAQ, a current list of site prices, as well as an updated price list of units for sale by owner or on consignment through Strawberry Park. Have had many positive reviews of the new video, and want to thank our web host specialist for getting it onto our site so quickly. Once again, the forecast for the upcoming weekend is terrific. Not only will we have great weather for all activities here at Strawberry Park, but it is looking good for the first Yanks/Sox series of 2009. Friday night is a YES/NESN broadcast, while Saturday is FOX and Sunday night is ESPN. Not to neglect football fans, the draft is held this weekend. Sorry, not really my idea of riveting television, but it keeps Mel Kiper employed. For those of you long term campers in the 170's and 180's, the repair work on the electric has been completed...so you will have all the juice you need to run your AC this weekend. We have received many calls asking if the pools will be open. Sorry, but not yet. We are still optimistic about NEXT weekend, as we traditionally have the hot tubs and at least one pool open by May 1, but much depends on the needed upgrades being completed to meet federal Graeme-Baker regulations. We have had 6 different pool companies out here, from all parts of CT and even from RI, in an attempt to determine how to best solve the issues that are facing all public pools this spring. We have also consulted with the State of CT, including the contracting of a specialist. I wish it were as easy as changing the covers to the drains, but it is much more complicated, and I hope to have firm answers and commitments any day now.

The Outdoor Channel Airs "Strawberry Park" segment

After considerable filming last summer, the Outdoor Channel has aired their segment on Strawberry Park. It was shown on Monday at 11:30AM, and will re-air in the wee hours over the next week. Some of you may get the Outdoor Channel on your cable system, while others may not. In fact, we have expanded Comcast at home, but don't get that channel...while the expanded cable package here at the Park has the Outdoor Channel (but not included on the basic package). Anyway, the "YouTube" video has been added to our website http://www.strawberrypark.net/ You may recognize a few familiar faces, including Rich L sinking a putt at disc golf, and Mary T offering an interview. Hope you enjoy!

Good weekend weather is here to stay

Finally, our first beautiful weather weekend. Not only did it allow us to be outside for Bingo, with all 3 crowds of over 100 people, but it was nice to see shorts on someone other than myself. While Saturday was the nicest day, Sunday turned out much better than they were expecting. Despite splitting the opening series with the Indians, it was a tough weekend to be a Yankee fan. The best comment I heard was "However much WB Mason may have paid for that billboard in right field wasn't enough", as virtually every homerun was over that sign...including Jorge's controversial game winner on Sunday. The new Stadium looks nice, but not sure why you would put seats right up to the fence...there will be many more questionable interference calls with that configuration. Oh well, back to more pertinent matters. Saturday was a very busy day for the horses, as we had many trail riders and over 50 kids for the ponies. Or should I say 49 kids and one "husky" teenager...my back is still a little sore from that one. I am definitely not in mid-season shape for pony ride lifting. Speaking of shape, a "hats off" to big Mike, one of our long-term campers whose training regimen has seen him drop over 60 pounds. Saw him jogging yesterday morning, with the added weight of a cast on one arm. Congrats on your efforts. The long term forecast for this coming weekend is excellent once again, although the next couple of days are rather iffy. Speaking of next weekend, first meeting of the season between the Yanks and Sox. Brittany from the reservation desk is going to Friday night's game. I hope Wang can lower his ERA under 10 before the all-star break (although that may require 7 shut-outs). Last note...sorry to any long term campers who brought their golf cart up for annual inspection on Saturday. I expect to have someone starting this coming Saturday afternoon--just make sure you bring a copy of your insurance policy indicating liability coverage for the cart.

Opening Day x 3!!

This weekend marks what could be considered 3 "opening days", as the Yankees open the new Stadium today, we start outdoor Bingo season Friday night, and CT fishing season starts Saturday morning. The good news is that we are experiencing a great stretch of weather for these events, with temps expected to hit 70 on Fri & Sat, although Sunday will be cooler with some showers possible. Although I am a Yankee fan, I must admit that I was actually hoping Wake would throw a no-hitter yesterday (only after the Sox extended the lead beyond 2-0 and an Oakland win was out of the question). He is the only Red Sox player that I like, and he has always been a quality guy...too bad he plays for Boston. Conversely, getting Jen to admit she likes any Yankee is a stretch. While I can understand her dislike of someone like former Yankee Giambi, or even A-Rod, you can't dislike Jorge just because he has Dumbo's ears, or Jeter for his leaning away on inside pitches. Or how about Matsui or Rivera? I can understand Damon (would love to give him back), or even CC, but they aren't all evil. Quite a few kids out and about today, as with many schools off this week, some folks have chosen to make it a long weekend. With over a hundred reservations checking in, I am anticipating a good Bingo crowd. This will also be the first weekend that we have the raffle tickets for the big Mother's Day raffle available for purchase...a grand prize of $2500 awaits a lucky camper. I think now would be a good time for lunch, with a chance to see an inning of the Yankee game in the new stadium.

Visit Hypnotist Steve Wronker's Site for Photos

Were you one of Steve's many volunteers last summer? Strawberry Park is always pleased to have Steve perform, and he will be making his 2009 return on Carnival Weekend (May 16). In addition, he will be here on most summer Monday nights and at our Halloween Weekends in the fall. Steve posts thousands of photos each year from his hypnosis shows, including his visits to Strawberry Park. See his website at http://swfb.net or his Facebook page. Brock is looking forward to his return, as "Old Time Rock & Roll" has become his favorite song. I was recently talking to Steve about alternate methods of posting photos, as I have discovered that as much as I love Google Blogger, it may not be the best method for posting hundreds of pictures of activities each week of the summer. Perhaps we will give "smugmug" a try (the program which he uses), as I do hope to continue posting many photos of our campers having a great time at Strawberry Park. A quick reminder that the activity schedule for the upcoming weekend has been posted http://www.strawberrypark.net/current_activities.htm and that this weekend does mark the start of fishing season in CT. Also, our long term campers can be expecting our annual "welcome back mailing" any day now, which includes general info, owner guest passes, golf cart registration forms, site improvement regulations and more.