• Carriage Club Membership Numbers
• Carriage Club Board
• Carriage Club Timeline

To improve the attractiveness of the neighborhood, they approached existing homeowners with the idea of building a recreational facility whose ownership will ultimately transfer from the developer to the members of the club.

The first draft of the original Carriage Club bylaws was completed in September, 1966. Membership eligibility was described as follows:

“Any owner of a home built or to be built on any lot or any part of land now or formerly owned by Buena in Town of Avon” can join the Carriage Club. There was a potential of 200 families that could have become members, of whom 40 initially joined. Specifically, the following were allowed membership:

• Any home on Country Club Estates
• Owners of the 12 homes on the south side of Country Club Road contiguous to Country Club Estates
  
• Any home on Carriage Drive and Highwood as of September 1, 1966
• Owners of the Phelps home on Lovely Street
• The Bender and Vaill homes on Country Club Road

Since its inception, the Club has been concerned with the neighborhood. It has never been interested in becoming a country club or commercial type pool. Included in the initial draft of the bylaws was the following:

“It is the intent of the founders that the Club be a neighborhood club created for the pleasure of the persons living only in the above named sub-developments and other contiguous groups of homes who may from time to time be added to eligibility for membership.

The 40 original members were each assessed $335, with the proceeds paid to Buena. The Club was to become the owner after an additional 160 members each paid $365 to Buena. (The $365 was increased to $400 in 1969 and remained at that level until 1985).

In January, 1967, a zoning application was filed requesting a special use grant for a “neighborhood club”. The following wording was included: “The use of the property shall be restricted to neighborhood swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, and other minor outdoor games”. The membership was limited to:
1. present and future residents of Highwood subdivision
2. Country Club Estates subdivision
3. Buena Vista subdivision located on the north side of Country Club Road

The Planning and Zoning Commission granted a Special Exception approval to permit the construction of the Carriage Club pool in association with the Country Club Estates subdivision. The Club was built on two house lots on Brookmoor Rd.

On July 20, 1967, the property was filed with the Town of Avon.

In April, 1968, the IRS recognized the Carriage Club as tax exempt under section 501(d)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Throughout its history, the Club was a vibrant and focal point of the neighborhood, with many people volunteering their time to keep things running. From the Club inception until 1985, membership was about 50 – 60 families each year, drawn from the original 200 homes. Nearly 20 years after the Club was founded, there were major repairs needed to the tennis courts and swimming pool. Due to the financial situation of the Club, the Board of Directors wanted to create an “associateship membership” where families from a specified neighborhood (outside the original 200 homes) could join. However, the lease with Buena Vista Homes, Inc. did not allow this. Negotiations were undertaken to provide this option to the Club. In addition, the property was turned over to the Carriage Club from Buena for $1.

In 1986, membership increased from 52 to 74 families, and to 77 by 1987. However, there were still financial problems.

After the 1987 season, the members voted for an assessment of $150 for each member. Subsequent new members would be charged an initiation fee of $150 in addition to regular annual dues. The initiation fee for new members has remained since then and has gradually increased to $225.

Not all members were pleased with the vote to assess everyone $150, and about 15 – 20 members chose to drop out of the Club. New members were desperately needed. In 1988, the Club and Buena Vista agreed that the original “neighborhood” be enlarged to include some additional streets for purposes of membership eligibility. However, members from the new streets could not be owners. The bylaws were amended.

Classifications of Membership – The changes in who could join the Carriage Club resulted in different membership categories as follows:

• Class I (or “charter members”). The owners from the original 200 homes.
• Class II (or “associate members”). Those who joined the Carriage Club from the expanded neighborhood after 1985. They paid higher dues for a number of years, at least in part to reflect the fact that these members had never paid the $335 - $400 amount paid by Class I members. They also did not have any ownership rights.
• “Sponsored Members” - Those who joined the Club who lived outside the areas covered by Class I and Class II members. A family could not just choose to become a member; they had to be “sponsored” by an owner. A maximum of 20 sponsored memberships were permitted.

The different classifications of memberships became an ongoing source of confusion and controversy. There were different ownership and membership rules applied to the classifications. There were issues on how to handle a situation where a member moves from one area to another. The question was raised as to the proper category of someone who joins from one of the original 200 homes and pays the $150 initiation fee (but not the $400 that other Class 1 members paid until 1985). It was suggested that they be given their own “Class 1 – Special” category, unless they chose to pay $400 instead.

In 1993, a Carriage Club Bylaws Task Force was created in order to address membership and capital issues. The membership limit was decreased from 105 to 100. There were major issues regarding the ownership of the Club. A proposal was made and accepted that all members (both “owners” and “non-owners”) would thereafter be considered to be owners.

The original owners in particular felt that something was being taken away from them. They believed there was a potential financial interest applicable to them should the Club cease to exist. A group of them banded together to research and review bylaws and legal documents pertaining to the Club. They brought to the attention of the Planning and Zoning Commission that the 1988 amendment to expand the eligibility area violated the original special use grant.

The Town of Avon hired an attorney to review the situation with the Carriage Club. The attorney agreed that the Club did violate the special use grant. The Commission subsequently informed the Club that they could either remove the members residing outside the original neighborhood or request a variance. The Club opted for the latter and started operating under a special use variance that allowed them to have members outside the original neighborhood.

In October, 1994, the by-laws were amended again. The planning and Zoning Commission gave the Carriage Club permission to draw members from within a ¾ mile radius, subject to a maximum of 100 members. (Current members living outside this radius were grandfathered in). This was valid for 2 years. There were now about 800 homes eligible for membership.

In October, 1995, the Carriage Club obtained a bank loan for $60,000 and a newly restored swimming pool was completed. A new above-ground filtration system was installed, new gutters and surrounding decking went in, and the insides of the pool were freshly plastered and painted where needed.

In February 1996, the membership area was expanded to include all of Avon, with a maximum of 110 members. This was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission on a temporary basis for two years.

The Carriage Club went before the Avon Planning and Zoning Commission on February 24, 1998 to see “to maintain and/or make permanent its membership limit and membership eligibility area” approved in February 1996. The Commission approved of our maintaining the numbers and area limit for another two-year period under one condition: “The Carriage Club management shall exert reasonable efforts to minimize noise”. The approvals were finally made permanent in 2000.

Membership, however, averaged around 80-85 families for those years and for several years after 2000. The Club continued to thrive, and was able to keep its financial situation in check while paying down the 15 year mortgage on the pool.

2005 was a breakthrough year when the Board elected to heat the pool. It was a significant investment for the Carriage Club, which began to pay off the following season. Starting in 2006 and every year since, the Carriage Club has filled to capacity with 110 paid members, and with a waiting list which has been growing each year. In July, 2006, we were able to pay down a big chunk of the mortgage as well as refinance at a favorable rate. The remaining balance of the mortgage was paid off in early 2008.

The Carriage Club Today
More than 40 years after the Club was first envisioned, it still continues as a neighborhood Club operated by its members who volunteer their time. Although Avon has grown tremendously and members come from all over town, the same friendly spirit exists. Old traditions such as the new members social, the family day BBQ and picnic and the end of season social continue year after year. Spring and fall clean-up days (with the usual coffee and donuts) always attract eager volunteers to do some work. Our newest tradition of ice cream socials on the last and first days of school are the most popular events. The Friday night “wine downs” are always fun. The plantings and other beautification activities help give the Club a homey feel. As each generation of members puts in their share to help the Club, it will continue to exist for the enjoyment of all.

Editors Note: This history is still a “work-in-progress” and will be updated periodically. Much of the information contained here are from files with Carriage Club records going back to its inception and numerous e-mails and club newsletters over the years. If anyone has additional information that may be of interest or has any questions, please call 673-6885 or e-mail daviddiamond2@comcast.net.

Carriage Club Membership Numbers

1967 41
1968 53
1969 58
1970 55
1971 59
1972 59
1973 59
1974 62
1975
1976
1977 57
1978 61
1979 61
1980 59
1981 58
1982 55
1983 55
1984 52
1985 52
1986 74 (Boundary expanded)
1987 77
1988 75 (Boundary expanded)
1989 89
1990 93
1991 101
1992 101
1993 100
1994 89
1995 82
1996
1997 103?
1998
1999
2000 90
2001 84
2002 86
2003 91
2004 93
2005 94
2006 110
2007 110
2008 110

Above figures from printed membership history log in the 1995 binder and from club records based on membership lists as well as minutes from Board meetings. Due to changes in membership numbers during the season, there were some discrepancies in the numbers; attempt was made to be as accurate as possible.

Carriage Club Board

1967
Bill Heronemus, Chairman
Ken Brooks, Treasurer*
Bob Eden
Bill Bauer
Bert Dully

1968
Bill Heronemus, Chairman
Lorraine Becker, Treasurer*
Bob Eden
Bill Bauer
John Hartman
Bert Dully

1969
Rich Kuchnir, President
Lorraine Becker, Treasurer*
Pete Bernard
Dick Lennox
John Hartman
Bert Dully

1970
Rich Kuchnir, President
Dick Lennox, Vice President
Ruth Pandiscio, Secretary
Ed Grew, Treasurer*
Pete Barnard
Don Cummins
Joe Lester

1971
Joe Lester, President
Don Cummins, Vice President
Ruth Pandiscio, Secretary
Betty Lennox, Treasurer*
Morgan Betts
John Greulich
Gordon Hendrickson

1972
Gordon Hendrickson, President
Bob Christopher, Vice President
Ann Stevens, Secretary
Betty Lennox, Treasurer*
Morgan Betts
John Greulich
Ted Osinksi

1973
Jack Elliott, President
Ann Stevens, Vice President and Secretary
Frank Hatch, Treasurer*
Maureen Zachariasen, Social
Ted Osinski, Pool
Bill Richards, Tennis & Grounds
Bob Christopher, Membership

1974
Bill Richards, President
Maureen Zachariasen, Vice Pres. and Secretary and Membership
Frank Hatch, Treasurer*
Gerry Rice, Social and Membership
George Linn, Pool
James McCusken, Grounds
Jack Elliott, Clubhouse & Tennis

1975
Bob Eden, President
Charles Caley, Treasurer*
Gail Gemme, Activities
Roy Zachariasen, Grounds
Alice Betts, Activities
Joe Kelly, Membership
George Linn, Pool

1976
Alice Betts, President
Charles Caley, Treasurer*
Gail Gemme, Activities
John Pappalardo, Membership
Brian Scott, Grounds
Edward Venner, Pools
Gerry Leonard, Tennis

1977
John Pappalardo, President
Charles Caley, Treasurer*
Brian Scott
Don Studley
Edward Venner
Gerry Leonard
Ann Licopantis, Secretary
Mary McBrayer

1978
Rudy Presutti, President, Membership
Gary Corliss, Vice President, Building & Tennis
Ann Licopantis, Secretary
Gary Corliss, Treasurer*
Don Studley, Grounds
Mary McBrayer, Social
Tom Dembik, Pool

1979
Rudy Presutti, President and Grounds
Gary Corliss, Vice President & Treasurer
Joanne Hatch, Secretary
Tom Dembik, Pool
George Lawless, Building
Judy Whitehead, Social

1980
George Linn, President
Gail Grant, Secretary
Gary Corliss, Treasurer*
George McCannon
George Lawliss
Ted Osinski

1981
George Linn, President
Gail Grant, Secretary
Gary Corliss, Treasurer*
George McCannon
Pat McFaddin
Ron Hick
Ted Osinski

1982
George McCannon, President
Pat McFaddin, Secretary
Gary Corliss, Treasurer*
George Linn
Paul Donahue
Bob Tansor
Margaret Pappalardo

1983
Paul Donahue, President
Margaret Pappalardo, Secretary
Gary Corliss, Treasurer*
Ron Hick, Pool Maintenance
Keith Baldwin, Pool Maintenance
Don Armour, Grounds
Rita Pelligrini, Social Activity

1984
Keith Baldwin, President
Ron Hick, Vice President
Rita Pelligrini, Secretary
Gary Corliss, Treasurer*
Don Armour, Pool Grounds
Daryl Ellef, Social Activities
Gregory Wilde, Membership

1985
Greg Wilde, President
Don Armour, Vice President
Carole Baldwin, Secretary
Gary Corliss, Treasurer*
Daryl Ellef, Social Activities
Michael Decicco
Edie Koplecheck
Linda Meyers

1986
Mike DeCicco, President
Linda Meyers, Vice President
Carole Baldwin, Secretary
Jeff Shapiro, Treasurer
Sara Beebe
Edie Kopelcheck
Peter Ellef

1987
Sarah Beebe, President
Maryann Linn, Vice President
Stephen Philbrick, Secretary
Jeff Shapiro, Treasurer
Jim Moor, Membership
Peter Ellef, Social

1988
Stephen Philbrick, President
Maryann Linn
Jim Moor, Treasurer
Rolin Sugg
Jim Leonard
Ann Flynn

1989
Scott Remley, President
Rolin Sugg, Vice President
Ann Flynn, Secretary
Jim Moor, Treasurer (non-Board position)
John Peluso
Greg Peck
Jim Leonard

1990
Scott Remley, President
John Peluso
Greg Peck
David Dee
Gina Beare
Alfred J. Geiling, Treasurer

1991
David Dee, President
Alfred J Geiling, Treasurer
Becky Blankenbicker
Jim Leonard
Ralph Betancourt
Gina Beare
Jim Felds

1992
Barbara Leonard, President
Polly Philbrook, Vice President
Ralph Betancourt, Secretary
Brenda Geiling, Treasurer
Mary Lou Gold
Gina Beare

1993
Alfred J. Geiling, Treasurer
Bert Dully

1994
Mike Dicicco, President
Howard Spargo, Vice President
Maryann Linn, Secretary
Scott Stevens, Treasurer
Ed Doyle
Bert Dully

1995
Howard Spargo, President
Mario Fabrizzio, Vice President
Maryann Linn, Secretary
Scott Stevens, Treasurer
Mike Dicicco, Past President
Charley Herbert
Ed Doyle

1996
Charley Herbert, President

1997
Carl Sauerbrunn, President
Ralph Gobell, Treasurer

1998
Howard Spargo, President
Barbara Leonard, Vice President
Krista Sugg, Secretary
Ralph Gobell, Treasurer
Eric Estes, Membership

1999
Kathleen Bowlby, President
Barbara Leonard, Vice President
Carl Foster, Secretary
Holly Ryan, Treasurer
Eric Estes, Membership

2000
Todd Chappel, Co-President
Rich Getz, Co-President
Carl Foster, Secretary
Holly Ryan, Treasurer
Vivian Little, Membership

2001
Rich Getz, President
Todd Chappel, Vice President
Peggy Gorham, Secretary
Dave Diamond, Treasurer
Vivian Little, Membership
Susan Lane
Ken McGovern

2002
Paul Hammick, President
Brian Dirgins, Vice President
Diane Beir, Secretary
Dave Diamond, Treasurer
Peggy Gorham, Membership
Susan Lane, Lifeguards
Ken McGovern

2003
Paul Hammick, President
Brian Dirgins, Vice President
Walter Schuppe, Secretary
Barbara Hillmeyer, Treasurer
Diane Beir, Membership
Andrea Murphy, Lifeguards
Jim Gorham

2004
Bill Holloman, President
Dave Yost, Vice President
Eileen Carroll, Secretary
Barbara Hillmeyer, Treasurer
Diane Beir, Membership
Andrea Murphy, Lifeguards
Mary-beth Hart
Walter Schuppe

2005
Bill Holloman, President
Andrea Murphy, Vice President
Margaret Cooper, Secretary
Vince Blea, Treasurer
Mary-beth Hart, Clubhouse/Grounds
Geoff Perry, Lifeguards
Dave Yost

2006
Bill Holloman, President
Geoff Perry, Vice President, Membership
Margaret Cooper, Secretary
Vince Blea, Treasurer
Sue Arciero, Lifeguards
Cheryl Edwards, Clubhouse/Grounds
Andrea Murphy, Social

2007
Bill Holloman, President
Geoff Perry, Vice President, Membership
Margaret Cooper, Secretary
Jill Rendeiro, Treasurer
Stacey Biernat, Lifeguards
Cheryl Edwards, Clubhouse/Grounds
Sally Stapleton, Social

2008
Bill Holloman, President
Geoff Perry, Vice President, Membership
Margaret Cooper, Secretary
Jill Rendeiro, Treasurer
Stacey Biernat, Lifeguards
Cheryl Edwards, Clubhouse/Grounds
Linda Horrigan, Clubhouse/Grounds
Sally Stapleton, Social

2009
Bill Holloman, President
Geoff Perry, Vice President, Membership
Margaret Cooper, Secretary
Sally Stapleton, Treasurer
Cheryl Edwards, Social Chair
Sara Jones, Lifeguards
Linda Horrigan, Clubhouse/Grounds

Treasurer not considered on the Board of Governors from inception through 1985. Club records were sometimes unclear as to exactly who was on the Board vs who headed up a particular committee. Attempts were made to correctly identify Board members, along with specified position / title. We regret any inaccuracies.

Carriage Club Timeline

1966

• Letter sent from Buena Vista Homes, Inc. to Residents of Country Club Estates soliciting interest in having an “Association Swimming Pool and Tennis Court to be built and erected, on a non-profit base, in Country Club Estates, Avon”.
  
• July – Initial meeting of area homeowners to establish a committee to work with the builders. Committee continued to meet on a regular basis.
  
• July – Proposal for the Carriage Club presented by Scott-Paddock Swimming Pools of Woodbury, CT. Original plans called for a 15’ x 12’ wading pool (in the area to the right of the clubhouse entrance) and shuffle board courts at the back (to the right of the mechanicals). Total estimated cost of project was quoted at $35,200. Cost was roughly equal to the average price of new homes sold in the neighborhood at that time.

1967

• March 28, 1967 – Organizational meeting held with the election of 5 members to the Board of Governors.
  
• Initial membership assessment of $365 ($335 for first 40 members); annual dues of $67.
  
• July – Carriage Club executed a lease with Lou Lipman and Bill Alexander of Buena Vista Homes, Inc. wherein Buena Vista was to lease the facilities to the Carriage Club while looking to the eventual ownership of the club to the Carriage Club. Under the lease, the Carriage Club is obligated to turn over any new member assessment to Buena Vista Homes, Inc.
  
• July 5, 1967 Carriage Club News (Vol. II, No. 2) tidbits:
  
  • May 31 opening was made impossible by the weather, the truckers’ strike, and late delivery of the filtration pumps by Scott.
    
  • Expected opening: Thursday, July 6th.
    
• July 20, 1967 - Property at 111 Brookmoor Road sold to Carriage Club, Inc. (No price listed, per town records).

1968

• Carriage Club granted tax exempt status by the IRS.
  
• Initial membership assessment remains at $365; annual dues of $68.
  
• 45 members (of the ultimate 53) distributed as follows:
  
• Brookmoor Road (10)
  
• Timber Lane (10)
  
• Carriage Drive (9)
  
• Candlewood Lane (5)
  
• Country Club Road (5)
  
• Highwood Drive (3)
  
• Hillsboro Lane (3)

1969

• Minutes of the annual meeting held in March reported on the Club’s difficulty with the IRS in its attempt to deal with its lifeguards as independent agents. Ultimately, the Board conceded to treat the lifeguards as employees, and pay Social Security taxes owed with interest, but elected to meet with the IRS to dispute a $46 penalty.
  
• Initial membership assessment remains at $365 until June 15th; $400 thereafter. Annual dues increased to $80
  
• Tennis courts completed and open to members and their guests.
• 1970
  Annual dues of $88.
  Anonymous donor provides Carriage Club with pump for pool.

1971

• Annual dues of $90
  
• CT State law requiring payment of a 10% amusement tax to be paid by all members of any private club with a membership dues of over $50. This generated much discussion among the Board, with the outcome being that the Club was not exempt.

1972

• Annual dues of $90 plus 10% CT State Tax = $99 total
  
• First annual Carriage Club clam bake (end of season social). Per the flyer: “$5.50 per person – Lobsters, clams on half shell, steamers, corn & a barrel of beer…….Dress requirements – old shirts & slacks.”

1973

• Annual dues of $90 + $10 capital fund + $10 CT State Tax = $110 total
  
• Guest fees for adults double to $1.00 from the original $0.50 since Club inception. They remain at $0.50 for children.
  
• Minutes from a July Board meeting states “It was decided to try informal T.G.I.F. Adult Happy Hour parties at 6:30 on Fridays. Ice and plastic cups to be provided by the social chairman.”
  
• 59 members distributed as follows:
  
  • Brookmoor Road (20)
    
  • Carriage Drive (9)
    
  • Timber Lane (7)
    
  • Country Club Road (6)
    
  • Candlewood Lane (4)
    
  • Highwood Drive (4)
    
  • Hillsboro Lane (4)
    
  • Old Mill Road (4)
    
  • Terrace Drive (1)

1974

• Annual dues of $90 + $10 capital fund + $10 CT State Tax = $110 total
  
• “Summer of ‘74” regular events listed in catalog:
  
  1. Arts & Crafts - Wed & Fri 10 am – 12 pm
     
  2. Volleyball game - Wed 7 – 8:30 pm
     
  3. Two on Two Teen Tennis - Tues & Thurs 4 – 6 pm
     
  4. TGIF or Wish You Were Here - Fri 6:30 pm
     
• “Summer of ‘74” special events listed in catalog:
  
  1. You Deserve a Break Today (all day picnic / BBQ)
     
  2. NMTNMBNMTDL for School Kids (NoMoreTeachersNoMoreBooksNoMoreTeachersDirtyLooks)
     
  3. Strawberry Pickin’ Finger Lickin’ Jubilee
     
  4. Tenting Tonight (Could this be an overnight campout?)
     
  5. Gourmets & VINO (Saturday evening adult social)
     
  6. Annual Clam Bake
     
• Sept. 20 meeting with entire membership to discuss whether the Club should acquire ownership of the Carriage Club premises. Club has been leasing the facilities from Buena Vista Estates, but certain conditions have been met that allows membership to acquire ownership. The meeting also included a discussion on the feasibility of providing ice skating on the tennis courts during the winter.

1975

• Annnual dues of $100 +$5 capital fund + $10.50 CT State Tax = $125.50 total

1976

• Annnual dues of $115 +$5 capital fund + $12 CT State Tax = $132 total
  
• Tennis courts resurfaced at a cost of $2,500.

1977

• Down Home BBQ menu: Barbequed spareribs, prime flank steak, roasted corn in the husk, three bean salad, special cucumber salad, tomatoes country style, rolls and corn muffins, peach shortcake, toasted marshmallows, beer.

1978

• Jan. 24, 1978 - Carriage Club becomes full responsibility of its members.
  
• Annual Dues = $162.80

1979

• Annual Dues = $168.00

1980

• Annual Dues = $192.50
  
• Initiation Fee for new members remains at $400.00 (since 1969); additional “Chair Fee” of $15.00 (which was in existence for at least one year previously).

1981

• Annual Dues = $192.50
  
• Club is open from June 20th – Labor Day, a longer season than in the past.
  
• Feb 1 - Special membership meeting approved the authorization of the Board of Governors to accept title of the pool from Buena Vista.
  
• July - Title to the Carriage Club is still bound up in a zoning problem as Buena Vista in process of dissolving.
  
• July 9 - Informal board meeting held in the pool (90 degrees plus)

1982

• Annual Dues = $192.50; New member assessment = $376.20.
  
• Expenditures of over $3,000 for the repair of two electric motors, pump house sandblasting, fiberglassing, and new doors, consumed Club’s entire reserve of funds.

1983

• Annual Dues = $200.00
  
• Each member assessed additional $40.00 due to deficit.

1984

• Annual Dues = $210.00
  
• Additional assessment of $35 on each member to make up deficit.
• 1985
  
• Annual Dues = $269.50 (increase to hopefully avoid additional assessment)
  
• Carriage Club has Monte Carlo night.
  
• July - Liability insurance increases from $140 to $2,150 per year by present carrier prompting the Board to decide to contact several agents about getting a better rate.
  
• July 25, 1985 – President of Carriage Club resigns due to job transfer, Vice President assumes the Presidency for the duration of the term. One new board member added to fill the vacancy.
  
• September - The Carriage Club considers “Associate Membership” and initiates dialogue with Buena Vista Homes and their attorneys. This would involve getting new members from outside the initial area specified in the original agreement.
  
• October 24, 1985 – At a special meeting of the general membership, unanimous vote to approve the proposal formulated by the Board for the transfer of title of the Carriage Club to the members. Per the meeting notice: Remaining mortgage note of $27,623.00 would be taken back by Buena Vista Homes if the Carriage Club turns over all new membership assessments covering 1986 – 1992. Furthermore, if total membership falls below 120 members, the Club shall be able to solicit associate memberships outside of the original membership plan as set forth more specifically in a lease between Buena Vista Homes, Inc. and Carriage Club, Inc., dated July 17, 1967.
  
• December – The Club was officially turned over to the membership. By-laws updated to reflect the change and agreed upon conditions.

1986

• Gary Corliss retires as Treasurer of the Carriage Club after serving for the past eight years.
  
• Board agrees to increase the membership by 25 members which would bring the total membership to 77.
  
• Board sets up several sub-committees to oversee various operations of the Club:
  
  • Membership (already in place)
    
  • Pool Maintenance
    
  • Tennis Court Maintenance
    
  • Building and Grounds Maintenance
    
  • Social Activities
    
• Members who discontinued their membership can rejoin the Club without paying the $400 initiation fee if done within a 30-day grace period.
  
• April – By-laws updated. It included details about Class I (full membership) and Class II (associate membership), including which streets were eligible for associate membership. The key difference is that full members have a pro rata share in ownership of the assets of the Corporation as well as voting rights. In addition, associate members have annual dues at least 11% greater than annual dues for full members. There were ultimately 61 Class I members and 13 Class II members for the season.
  
• The pool and tennis courts are in need of substantial repair and the Carriage Club financial situation is tenuous with its capital fund under $1,000 by the end of the fiscal year.
  
• Shortly after the pool opened, it was reported that the showers were in dire need of repair. Quotes received to repair the showers were in the $7,000 - $8,000 range.
  
• Dues remain at $269.50 for full members and are $300 for associate members.
  
• Club buys file cabinet for the clubhouse to store all club records and shelves for the basement for more storage.
  
• New policy providing lifeguards a ½ hour break for lunch when no one will be allowed in the pool, and children under the age of 12, unsupervised by an adult, must leave the pool enclosure during this period.
  
• Annual meeting is switched from the spring to the fall in order to allow the Board to better plan for the following season.
  
• A capital expenditure committee was formed to do a five-year study on the necessary repairs to bring the pool up to par. Their recommendation to improve the pool and tennis courts would require a major assessment or require the Club to take out a loan.
  
• Safety deposit box established at the Unionville branch of the Farmington Savings Bank.
  
• Membership drive planned for the following year which would allow for “Sponsored membership” – Avon residents who do not qualify for full or associate memberships.

1987

• Cape Cod Fence puts a fence around the pump area.
  
• Dues are $270 for full members and $300 for associate members. It is also $300 for sponsored members. Each of these amounts increase by $30 for those who do not pay by May 15.
  
• Each “Owner Member” (also known as Class I member or full member or charter member) can sponsor one Avon family to join the Carriage Club.
  
• Board decides to eliminate the ½ hour break for lifeguards so the pool does not have to close during that period.
  
• At end of season, concern that the pool has a remaining life of about 5 – 7 years, with a cost to rebuild of about $100,000 to $150,000. Urgently needed pool repairs would cost about $9,000, and only about $3,000 is available.
  
• Board decides that an immediate “Capital Improvement Assessment” of $150 per member is needed. This is approved by the membership. Board also recommends a long-term strategy to stabilize membership of the Club above 100 families in order to spread the costs of long-term financing over ten to fifteen years. Current membership levels (70 – 80 families) will only fund operating costs and routine maintenance.
  
• Board suggests and adopts a $150.00 initiation fee be implemented effective for the 1988 season. This is not in addition to the assessment; it only applies to new members.
  
• Alternatives suggested by the Board to the membership:
  
  • issuing stock to current Charter members and then doing away with any differences in membership;
    
  • opening up membership to Avon in general, including advertising for new members;
    
  • allowing Associate members to serve on the Board---they are, after all, among the most active Club participants;
    
  • authorizing the Club to finance new Charter memberships in order to attract more members from originally eligible properties; and
    
  • paying a bounty (dues reduction) to members who bring in additional families.

1988

• Town of Avon provides an exemption from sewer assessment because Carriage Club granted right of way.
  
• By-laws changed to minimize distinctions between the classes of memberships, only retaining those that are necessary for legal and equitable reasons. Class I and Class II (Associate) classes were replaced by the terms “owner” and “member”. (All owners are also members). All members have voting rights as to matters which affect ownership. In addition, former Associate members now are eligible for representation on the Board of Governors.
  
• Telephone/Communication committee set up so that all members can be contacted when important items need to be discussed or to pass along urgent news (such as a date/time change of a social).
  
• Annual dues = $300 for all members (no distinction between different categories). Dues included 5 guest passes for all members.
  
• Membership list shows several families with the 675- phone exchange. Previously, all members had the 673- exchange.

1989

• Annual Dues remain at $300.00; Guest fees remain at $1.00 a day over above 5 free guests.
  
• Refrigerator purchased for $150.
  
• Guest fee policy: Nanny considered live-in resident.
  
• Activities listed at the Family Day flyer: “water races, tubing, bubble making, field races, badminton, softball, volleyball, and just about anything you would like.”
  
• Tennis was a big activity this year (as well as prior years). The Carriage Club had a tennis outing in June with 23 participants showing up for round-robin doubles play, with no-deuce games. Starting in July, the Club sponsored a ladies double round robin tennis group with games twice a week. There were also week-end schedules of both women’s doubles and men’s doubles, and plans for a monthly mixed doubles night out.
  
• Rules implemented at an August Board meeting:
  
  1. the no T-shirt rule is eliminated.
     
  2. no pets are allowed inside the pool enclosure or inside the tennis court.
     
  3. children who cannot swim a width of the pool must be accompanied by a parent in the deep end of the pool.
     
  4. children using floatation devices may not use the diving board.

1990

• Annual Dues = $300. $25.00 fee for those who do not help out on any clean-up day. New member fee = $325, reduced by either $25 or $50 if joining during the season.
  
• Planned social events for season:
  
  • Get Acquainted – Including a Chinese Auction where everyone wraps an unneeded item from their home and everyone leaves with something different than they brought.
    
  • Family Day – water sports, games contents, other outdoors games, and lots of food.
    
  • Neighborhood Tag Sale
    
  • Lobster Bake – Traditional end of season party.
    
  • Teen Night
    
  • Road Rally – Not a race, but a drive around a course following somewhat obscure clues with points scored for following the course correctly, with the right elapsed time, and bonus points for finding all the checkpoints.
    
• Membership survey sent to all members. Items covered: Demographics of household, likes and dislikes about the Carriage Club, role of lifeguards, attitude towards higher dues vs better amenities, willingness to expand the number of “sponsored” members in order to raise additional revenues and maintain membership fees as low as possible, varying fee structure, and annual maintenance fee to be waived if participating in spring clean-up day.

1991

• Carriage Club membership reaches 101.
  
• Tennis social functions canceled due to the poor condition of the courts.
  
• Annual Dues = $310.

1992

• expenses associated with maintaining the pool and tennis courts.
  
• Calendar events now include both a spring and fall tennis party. And the usual: Get acquainted party, family day, teen night, and lobster bake.
  
• Issue of membership categories became an important item again. See 4 page excerpt from Carriage Club News, May 1992 (below). This is a very well written description about what led to the different membership categories and the author’s understanding of the potential implications. Purpose of the article was to provide information to all members before forming a committee to look into these issues and to propose any necessary recommendations.
• Newsletter - May 1992
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Page 7

1993

1994

1995

1996

• Annual Dues = $325
  

1997

• Carriage Club gets a permanent mailing address: P.O. Box 97, Avon, CT. Rental of box was needed because mail to the Club was still being sent to past presidents and treasurers.
  
• Smoking policy: Due to numerous complaints from members regarding the smoke and the cigarette butts left in the rock area, smoking will no longer be allowed inside the pool area during regular pool hours. Smokers are asked to smoke in front of the club and dispose of all butts in containers supplied.
  
• Annual Dues increase to $375.

1998

1999

2000

2001

• Carriage Club website started.
  

2002

2003

2004

• The tradition of Ice Cream Socials begins. They are held on the last day of school in June as well as the first day of school in late August or early September.
  
• Annual Carriage Club directory published for the first time.
  

2005

• Solar heating panals installed.
  
• Kids swim team established.
  

2006

• Bill Holloman (AKA “Pool Boy”) is President for an unprecedented 3rd term.
  

2007

• Bill Holloman is President for an unprecedented 4th term.
  

2008

• Bill Holloman is President for an unprecedented 5th term.