WHISPERING WOODS

President’s Report

April 23, 2017

I am always humbled to be a member of Whispering Woods with so many good , caring people. This is so evident in the Spring during our clean-up and picnic. Our residents work hard all morning and then play hard in the afternoon. At the end of the day, owners can step back and see the end result of this effort. As I seem to say every year, owners should pat themselves on the back and applaud the result of this work. This community effort receives praise yearly from outsiders, as well as owners who cannot participate in this effort. 2016 and early 2017havebeen productive times at Whispering Woods. The “Deck/Wall Cleaning/Staining Project” is coming to an end. Ocean City again was blessed with a relatively mild winter which meant minimal Whispering Woods dollars spent for snow removal. We have a couple of new residents in Building #401 that are enjoying their units already. Randy and Tina, and Randy’s parents (Unit #47) seem to believe in my motto “Work Hard and Play Hard”. Just a couple of weeks ago, Randy was painting his living room in the afternoon and then grilling in the parking lot later that evening. I also met the new owners in Unit #48, Charles and Rose. They seem to be comfortable with their unit, and I can tell you that Charles’ grandson is ready to try out the pool.

Below bullets update owners on items that affect the Whispering Woods community:

  • 2017 BUDGET. Approved for $176,680. Fees continued at $2440/year/unit owner.
  • ROOF INSPECTION. Peninsula Roofing Company, Inc. completed inspection in the fall of 2016 with no major issues noted. Although we initially encountered shingle loss issues in the fall of 2015, after 2016 summer season ‘sealing shingles’ problem was under control.
  • GATE MASTER KEY SYSTEM. Project completed in October, 2016. Contractors now contend with ‘one master key’ to enter all courtyards vs. the previous 72-gate key system. This saves time/confusion and eliminates key mix-ups. If owner has not picked up his new gate key, he can do so by stopping by Paradise offices.
  • DECK/WALL CLEANING/STAINING. Project is finally winding down. Walls look so clean without the green mildew and ground in dirt. Staining really made the walls look fresh. Decks also make more of a statement, as they blend much better with the Whispering Woods brown doors/windows. I do know that we have had some issues with the contractor. Be advised that final inspection has NOT been done. Over 1/3 of the contract money is being held until issues are addressed/resolved. Anyone with a problem or property damage should e-mail Fred at: or leave Fred a note at meeting end.
  • LIGHT FIXTURE REPLACEMENT PROJECT. As our 33 year-old lights have surpassed their useful life, it is time to entertain new lighting options. Maintenance calls are increasing to keep outside lighting functioning (wiring is problematic, as well as lighting inefficient), therefore Fred committed to soliciting cost estimates for replacement with his rebate program contact. Joe Schultz (W.W. resident electrical engineer) offered to help with requirements, specifications, etc.
  • SIDING REPLACEMENT PROJECT. The Board is entertaining Hardiplank siding as a replacement for our current cedar siding. As painting is long overdue (previously done in 2006 at a cost of $120,000), the Hardiplank siding seems to be the best alternative. We actually would like to be maintenance free with the Hardiplank siding, soffit replacement, and Azek trim. Fred will draft specs and statement of work, etc. for this project. In the interim period, the Board will need to determine how we pay for this project. Options will include assessment (possibly $8,400+/unit) or bank loan. We will keep owners advised as we move forward.

The Whispering WoodsBoard is committed to work on behalf of all owners to better our community. With the team effort of owners, the board, and management, Whispering Woods will continue to grow as a top-notch community. In closing, I would like to thank all owners at Whispering Woods for their continued support.

Joanne D. Corso, President

Whispering Woods Condo Association