·         Message from the President

·         Sewer Back-up

·         Management Agent Search

·         New Pool Management Service

·         Pet Owners

·         Fairlington Historical Society Lecture

As I watch the last days of winter from my window, safe and warm in my house, my excitement grows for the beginning of spring.  Signs of spring are already appearing, from a few buds on the tree in the court to the stray blooming crocuses, and the daffodil shoots in my own flowerbed.  The past year was a difficult one for our community and our nation.  Living so close to our nation’s capital and even closer to the symbol of its military might left none of us immune last September and in the ensuing months.  The economic downturn has affected many of us (including me personally), resulting in the loss of jobs or in a drastic decrease in income.  As our nation and we strive to resume our regular lives, we in Fairlington must be mindful of our proximity to these events.  I believe that now, more than ever, we must work to foster a sense of community.

One of the ways that the Mews Board has worked to further this sense of community is to improve our communication with you, the co-owners.  While an ongoing effort, I have expanded our committee system, involving more of you and resulting in a better dialogue between you and the Board.  One important new committee is the Recreation Committee, chaired by David Biette (Court 9) which has jurisdiction over the pool, the tennis courts, and other events such as the annual Labor Day picnic.  Look for details of the new pool contractor and other information on this dynamic new committee in this newsletter.  Another new committee is the Management Committee, chaired by David Baker (Court 9).  The Management Committee is responsible for reviewing the Mews’ property management contract and considering other options.

As spring begins, you will see the Landscaping Committee hard at work.  With its new budget allocated, the Committee, chaired by Elizabeth Grenfell (Court 15), is busy planting new beds, replacing trees and shrubs lost in last fall’s tornado, and beautifying our surroundings.  Please assist in its efforts by turning in your flowerbed waivers, watering, and disposing of trash and pet detritus appropriately.  As I approach the beginning of my ninth year in the Mews, I want to work with you to make this the best one yet.  Should you have suggestions or issues you wish to discuss with me, please e-mail me at shannon_watson@hotmail.com referencing Mews in the subject line.

Together, we can make the Mews the jewel of Fairlington.

Happy Spring!

Shannon L. Watson

President, Fairlington Mews

IN CASE OF A SEWER BACKUP

This past year we had sewer problems in four courts.  The Board is looking into a more active maintenance program.  Even with good care, however, backups can happen.  If you have a backup, the first thing you should do is call a plumber to take care of the problem.  This is your responsibility.  Arrange for a plumber and then let our management agent know about the problem.  You may call any plumber (we normally call the Dwyer Plumbing Company, whose phone number is listed at the bottom of the last page of the Mews News).  You should pay the plumber’s bill and then submit it to the management agent with a request for reimbursement.  As long as the backup was not the result of an act by an identifiable resident, the Mews will pay for the cost of the cleanup.  But the Mews does not pay for most damage to the inside of a unit.  Therefore, you should make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy contains sewer backup coverage.

Management Agent Search

Since the late 1980's, Legum and Norman has been the managing agent for the Mews.  During this time, we have generally been pleased with the performance of the company and have not solicited other bids when the contract came up for renewal.  Even though we are still satisfied, we believe it would be good to have a competition for this important contract.  David Baker has volunteered to lead this effort.  It will include reviewing and updating the specifications for the contract, identifying potential bidders, reviewing proposals, and making a recommendation to the Board.  This work will take place over the next four to six months.  If you would be willing to help on this important project, please contact David at 703-998-0695 or baylux@starpower.net.

Recreation Committee Note

David Biette, Chairman of the Mews Recreation Committee

The Mews has signed World Pool Service to manage our pool this summer.  World Pool has managed the Fairlington Glen pool for the last few summers, as well as the Fort Myer Officer’s Club pool, and comes to us with glowing recommendations.  The Recreation Committee will work with the World Pool people to help create a greater sense of community within the Association.  The Committee also will oversee the tennis courts and other recreation activities.  It is our intention to assess the needs and desires of all members of the community, including seniors, singles, parents, teens, and younger children.  We will contact residents later this spring for suggestions to be considered by the Committee.  In the meantime, should you wish to get in touch with us or join the Committee, please call or send an e-mail to David Biette and Ann Timmons (chairs) at pool@biette.com or 703-820-9589.  Other members of the Recreation Committee include Joanne Herman and Nan McGrane.

DOG OWNERS

Please remember that your pets are to be kept on a leash at all times and never tied up and left alone in common areas.  There still are people, though hopefully nobody in the Mews, who do not clean up after their dogs, or leave the bags of waste lying on the curb or gutter.  Please be responsible for your animals and respectful of the Mews’ property and other residents.

Fairlington Historical Society Lecture

Gayle Harris, a 40-year resident of the area and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), will speak in May on the “History of the Boundary Stones.”  These stones were set in 1792 to mark the 10-mile square boundary of the new “Federal City,” which became Washington, D.C.  One of these markers is on the Fairlington side of King Street between South Wakefield and Interstate 395 (it is surrounded by an iron fence).  The Fairlington Historical Society (FHS) has agreed to take over from the DAR the task of maintaining this site.  This lecture will be the first public event sponsored by the FHS for 2002.   It will be held at the North Fairlington Community Center on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 7:30 p.m.  For more information you can visit: www.fairlington.org/boundaryevent.htm

Congratulations!

Many of you know Malinda and Dennis Garris as the past Pool Committee co-chairs and as the leash extensions of the two loveable spaniels, Jackie and Simon.  Recently, Malinda and Dennis returned from Russia where they adopted two boys, Benjamin (17 months) and Luke (10 months).  We welcome the family back and look forward to seeing all six of them strolling through the community this spring.

NEXT TWO BOARD MEETINGS

The next two Board meetings will be Tuesday, March 26 and April 23, at 7:30 PM in the Fairlington Community Center. All Board Meetings are open, and interested Co-owners are invited to attend.  Board meetings occur regularly on the fourth Tuesday of each month with exceptions for August, September, November and December.