My small neighborhood association has about 10 very tall Victorian style street lights that we decorate for Christmas every year. Originally, 20+ years ago, those who happened to have a street light on their property volunteered to decorate it (artificial lighted greens and a big red bow). I’ve been decorating mine since the beginning - the first bunch of decorations were purchased by the association, but since then I’ve replaced my own several times - they don’t last long - the bows blow away and the lights burn out. Perhaps other people have asked the association to pay each time, but it’s really nominal and I never bothered with it.
This year, as I reach the ripe age of 60, I don’t feel like lugging a big extension ladder down to the road - it’s not all that close to the house, and climbing the ladder to put them up and after New Year’s take them down is kinda scary.
Today, I emailed the our “president” (who doesn’t happen to have a lamp post) to tell that my decorating days are over (we are the longest residents in the neighborhood) and I’d like to pass the baton. I also explained that I don’t have the decorations since last year’s were trashed. I did say that I’ve replaced them myself many times. He emailed me back saying that he expected me to provide new decorations to the new person. I found it incredibly disrespectful and rude (no good deed goes unpunished). I’m halfway between emailing him back or just ignoring the whole stupid thing.
I would lean towards a response reminding him that this was a volunteer “position”, that you have replaced the decorations multiple times, and are no longer going to be involved in any way.
Those neighbors who don’t have street lights on their properties need to step up to help with cost and set up.
Lol. The downside of neighborhood associations.
All I can say is, have you spoken wth any close neighbors, anyone have teens who might want to take on the task? Talking at least may get you some allies.
It sounds like that president needs a gentle reminder that there is nothing in the covenants requiring you to decorate or supply the decorations. You’ve retired from the volunteer position. The end.
We have a purely voluntary association. No one has to do anything. We take care of the local pond, lobby regularly for traffic calming measures, raise money for good causes and give a lot of fabulous parties.
FWIW, my DH would say to ignore it. Since you are dealing with a man, perhaps how another man would handle it would send a more powerful message? Just a thought.
I would kindly send another email stating that you’ve replaced the decorations several times and that if they would like the light decorated that the association has funds for it.
I’m not a big fan of saying nothing, but would state your case and be done with it.
I’d also ask to be put on the agenda for the next association meeting so you can ask that the association hires people to decorate the lamp posts as you feel it’s a liability problem
That is terrible! I think you should ignore him and let the association decide if they want to decorate the light pole or leave it empty. That gentleman sure doesn’t have any Christmas spirit!
@Gourmetmom do you have the broken stuff from last year? If so, put it inna box and give it to the association president. Tell him this is what you have left…and you are done!
