*Information will be updated regularly*

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Hello fellow RCBA members,

We hope this finds you well.  As you have probably noticed, the pandemic continues to change, and not necessarily for the better. In response, the Governor of RI lowered the social gathering limit to 15 people and RI is now on the quarantine list if traveling to CT or Mass. So far so good at our beach community with no known cases traced back to us. Please keep up the good work so we can stay open through the rest of the season! I know you all know this, but it’s worth repeating; remember to wear your masks, maintain social distancing, avoid high contact surfaces, wash your hands frequently, and minimize inside contact.

We held our first virtual association meeting on Sunday, July 26th and it went off without a hitch. Many thanks to Steph and Sam for working through all the behind the scenes logistics. It was lightly attended however, as always, many valuable items were discussed, and we were able to conduct the necessary association business. Since the meeting, we have been following up on several items as noted below. 

Please remember the association is glad to discuss all items with MBP, but as lease holders MBP expects to hear from you directly regarding property management questions.

• Some resident wanted to know why the second garbage pickup was stopped. Is this a cost savings measure?  The feedback from MBP is the reduction to once a week was the recommendation of the waste company. They referenced that many towns only pick up once a week and with the lower volume due to no guests this year it was the advisable option. MBP agreed.
• Seaweed on the beach. MBP is working to retrofit a York rake to work with the Skid steer. They need a part that is on order. However, MBP knows how bad it is and is trying to improvise a temporary connection while waiting for the part. You may have seen them on the beach testing it out on Friday.
• Can we open more bathrooms to spread out the density of people using them? Currently the antibacterial solutions MBP are using are for non-porous surfaces only. These products are not conducive to opening the old bathrooms. MBP is looking at other chemicals and if the staff can keep up with the CDC-required extra cleaning to determine if they will open additional bathrooms this season. Currently they have no plans to do so.
• Can we work with MBP on some type of flushing toilet system to avoid this situation going forward should another pandemic arise or this one come back? MBP has agreed to work with us on investigating the requirements, cost, and timeline. This will be a complex project requiring engineering, significant site work, and multiple agency approvals, but all agree it’s well worth pursuing. We will begin setting up an association committee to work with MBP in the coming days. Thanks to those who already volunteered to be a part of this committee at the last meeting! If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at rcba240@gmail.com.
• Breaking the no guest rule. Several of our members raised a concern that the no guest rule is being intentionally broken by our fellow members. They have asked that we remind people that the rule is there for our safety and we are encouraging all fellow RCB residents to please abide by the no guest rule to keep each other safe from the pandemic.
• The 2020 Membership drive has concluded; however, it is not too late to send in your dues and be reinstated as a member in good standing. We will begin updating the membership list over the next few weeks and those that have not joined will stop receiving these updates, will not be able to vote at upcoming meetings, and will miss out on the 2021 association events. We understand that this was a tough year and not as easy to join without our friendly collectors, but it is important that you do so. Please send a check made out to RCBA for $30 to 151 South Weeden Rd. Wakefield, RI 02879 or drop it in the RCB store drop slot located under the window on the east side of the new store.  It is important that you include with the payment your name, cottage number, and email address. 

        As noted in the last RCBA email, the Fireworks are scheduled for August 29th at 9pm.  If you would like to contribute to the fireworks, please add your contribution to the dues submission. If you have already paid your dues, then you can send another check to the same address as the membership drive or drop off your fireworks contribution at the store drop slot.

        The use of our email update process.  There appears to be a misunderstanding of its original intent. We were asked to find a way to get info to you via email. We were also asked to not inundate folk’s inbox. So, we set up the google group, reformatted the website, and created an email address for questions. We used this method of communication for about 3 years, typically through a monthly update. This year we have members requesting to use our google group as more of a discussion platform.  I’m not sure how to please both those who want to see the dialog and those who don’t. If those that don’t want this higher level of communication unsubscribe from the email list, they end up missing the updates. I’m fine either way the membership wants to use the RCBA group, but there must be an agreement.  Maybe at the next meeting we can have a discussion and or vote. Whether you reply all or send your question or suggestion just to the Officers and Board, you will be heard.

        Minutes are always available at the next meeting and read and reviewed at that time. We are working to get them out in advance of the August meeting but please know this is not the normal process. 

        On a fun note. A member has stepped up to help us run some virtual events. A few that he has been successful with are Bingo Nights, Virtual Paint nights, Trivia nights, and Virtual Netflix Movie Nights. Once we figure out a few logistics we will send out a link to our first virtual event. It won’t come close to our typical RCBA events, but it is a great way to socialize with fellow RCBA members.

        The board and officers truly appreciate your support of our association and your thoughtful response to the pandemic. We know these are stressful times and want you to know that we are doing our best to work with MBP and others to keep our beach safe and open this year. We also will continue to communicate association information on a regular basis via email and on our website.

Thanks, and stay safe,

RCBA President,

Domenic Gugliotti

RCBA officers,

Paul Ainsworth

Linda Pellegrino

Stephanie Ainsworth-Maass

RCBA board of directors,

Jeanie Kanaczet

Samatha Grayeck

Shannon Conti

Sherry Rodgerson

Diane Farber