MewsNEWS - March 2003

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, MORE…OH, NO!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Were you one of the many Fairlingtonians who lamented the unseasonably warm winters that we’ve had the past few years? One of the ones who said last summer that it was too hot and you yearned for a real, old-fashioned snow, the kind that blankets the ground and cancels school and work for a few days? The kind where snow families and sleds are seen all over the neighborhood and you can watch the snow fall as you gaze out the window while sipping a steaming mug of hot cocoa? I’m guilty on all counts. I love the winter—that crisp intake of breath the first thing in the morning, the snow, everything.

As they say, too much of a good thing can be, well, too much. The children grew bored being home for so long and don’t look forward to extra school days this summer. Our parking lots, neighborhood streets, and highways looked like something out of Titanic with mini-icebergs everywhere. And the flooding—several of us (myself included) felt the firsthand effects of too much of that good thing.

Still, Fairlingtonians are a resilient sort and rose to the challenge with great aplomb. Many of you were the good neighbors that make our neighborhood so appealing: helping to dig out each other’s parking spaces, stopping in to check on an elderly or housebound neighbor, and helping drag a wet, stinky, 400 lb. carpet out of the basement. You’re all to be commended for your efforts and your flexibility.

As we begin to thaw, I want to alert you to some great happenings in the Mews. First, I would like to draw your attention to the new MewsNEWS format. Our new editors, Tom Corbin and Ron Patterson (Court 9) have taken on this responsibility and will be assisted by Board member Gretchen Martin (Court 8). The newsletter will contain information about Board action, community events, and a seasonal maintenance schedule. Please let us know how you like the new format—and if you’d like to help. Volunteers on this and the other Mews committees (Recreation, Landscaping, Stairwell Renovation, and Management) are always welcome. We’re planning much that’s new for the upcoming spring season—read on to learn more. Finally, I want to extend an invitation to each Mews co-owner to attend our regular, fourth Tuesday Board meetings in the Fairlington Community Center at 7:30PM. Any deviations from this schedule will be announced here, in the MewsNEWS.

As always, I am available to discuss your comments or concerns. Please contact me at

shannon_watson@hotmail.com, referencing Mews in the

subject line.

Stay warm!

Shannon Watson

President, Fairlington Mews

Snow... Snow... Snow
Good Neighbor Program

The Board and community felt compelled to establish a Good Neighbor Program to be instituted when we have severe snow storms or potential flooding. Management and the snow removal contractor can not do this alone and ask for your help.

The snow removal contractor is instructed to avoid plowing in cars and to try to clear snow away from downspouts and storm drains, if possible, but sometimes that is not feasible. Sometimes we can not see the downspouts, like after the Valentine Weekend/Washington Birthday Monday storm. We used a backhoe to help people get out of the lots but still had problems with where to put the snow.

First Item: Purchase a shovel and share in shoveling the snow from downspouts and storm drains. This will help deter flooding of your unit. It is best to do this periodically while it is still snowing, as well as shoveling out your car.

Second Item: If you know of an elderly or handicapped neighbor who may need help, pitch in and help shovel out their car or see if they need something from the store. Owners/Residents who have special needs are encouraged to contact the management agent. You will be put on a list so that the snow removal company can make sure your stoops and walks are cleared, in case of emergency.

Third Item: Trash cannot be picked up during snow storms and cannot after the storm until the county roads are cleared and the Association has cleared the parking lots. The trash truck is too big and it is unsafe to try to pick up trash during these times. One option for residents would be to purchase a container with a sealed lid that can be stored in your back yard or inside your unit. Use this container to keep your trash, until safe passage is possible for the trash trucks.

Fourth Item: Flooding and water penetration concerns during or after storm: If you know of a storm drain that is clogged, or gutters that are in danger of falling (hurting someone), or any other dangers, please give Management a call. We may not be able to get to them right away, but will do our best to address them as soon as possible.

Thank you all for your help. Good Neighbors make a harmonious community.

Volunteers

Work

Landscape Committee

Though there is little evidence of activity since the New Year, the Landscape committee has been planning for spring maintenance and enhancement of the Mews grounds. We have met with an arborist, landscape designers, and grounds management to plan for the 2003 season and into the future.

We have contracted Community Landscaping Services Chantilly, Va., as the grounds maintenance company; their services come with glowing recommendations. If their actions match their words, we will be pleased with their services! We are excited and anticipate a long relationship with them.

Due to the snow we had this winter, we will be later than normal with the spring clean up which may be significant! Included in the spring plan is a general renovation pruning of the overgrown shrubs. As a result, they will look sparse for a few months until new growth and shaping takes place. It would be wonderful to replace those shrubs, but we do not have a budget that allows such a decision. A copy of scheduled maintenance is included elsewhere in this issue. Please keep your Calendar insert handy to refer to approximate dates for various contracted services.

Other than general maintenance, we realize that there much to do and ask for your patience in the process. There is much consideration and planning to be done before work is implemented. If you have suggestions or concerns, please contact us. We all like to think of the little plot of ground just out front and back of our units as our “personal yard”, but it is in fact “community property”. While we encourage residents to practice good gardening, there are times that decisions are made for the community at large.

Please mark your calendar for April 23rd as Ms Jackie Calguire, Landscape Designer, and Mr. Nestor Fernandez, Senior Project Management, from Community Landscape Services have agreed to a presentation of recommendations and suggestions to enhance the Mews Grounds. We would like to share ideas and give the community an opportunity to respond. We have reserved room #10 at the Fairlington Community Center for 6:30 p.m.

Management Contract Committee

In early 2002, the Management Committee began a review of the management of Fairlington Mews and, at the direction of the Board of Directors, developed a set of recommendations that was presented to the Board for consideration last summer.

The recommendations of the committee included:

1. Legum & Norman should be retained as the management company of Fairlington Mews;

2. Standards of performance should be developed to enable meaningful assessment of the work of Legum & Norman;

3. Standards should be written into future management contracts;

4. Communication with co-owners should include explanation of standards of performance and service expectations as well as a description of responsibilities of Legum & Norman, of the Board of Directors, and various Board committees.

Since the completion of this report, work has continued on the development of standards and of the proposed communications. Draft material has been prepared by Legum & Norman and will be presented to the Board for consideration and eventual implementation.

David J. Baker, Chair

Fairlington Mews Management Committee

Recreation Committee

POOL. The Recreation Committee is in the process of renewing the contract with World Pool to manage and maintain our pool for the summer of 2003. We think most would agree that World Pool did a wonderful job last summer. We plan to continue some of the programs they instituted, including a water aerobics class.

The committee will send around a questionnaire on how our community has used and plans to use the Mews pool. Since Labor Day this year is as early as it can be (September 1st), we would like to keep the pool open for the first full week in September and perhaps one weekend after that. The committee is also looking into restructuring the hours somewhat based on questionnaire responses and the use patterns established last summer.

TENNIS. The Recreation Committee would like to enlist the help of a Mews resident who plays tennis regularly who could take over the Tennis Subcommittee. This would involve reviewing the tennis regulations with the main committee and keeping an eye on both courts to see that they are in working order. Let us know!

Please feel free to contact the committee via e-mail at MewsRec@biette.com, or call David Biette or Ann

Timmons at 703-820-9589.

Stairwell Refurbishment Committee

This committee has just been reestablished with a new chairperson, Jennifir Birtwhistle. Based on prior committee recommendations, Management has provided to Ms. Birtwhistle a color scheme that includes carpet replacement and wall repainting. The plan also calls for replacement of the light fixtures, mailboxes, door knockers, the addition of fire extinguishers in enclosed cases, and the installation of kick plates and door stops on the front doors of the stairwells.

The committee will be making its final recommendations to the Board within the next few months. If you are interested in working on the committee, please contact Ms. Birtwhistle at 703-931-1930 by March 31st. It is expected that this project will commence in the spring of this year, so the time to finalize the recommendations is drawing near.

Board

Minutes

Highlights

Complete, detailed Mews Board Minutes can be found on the Fairlington Web Site at the Mews Home Page):

http://www.fairlington.org/mewsindex.htm

September 2002

Brenda Camenzind agreed to serve as interim chair of the Landscape Committee
2-Year Treasury Notes will mature in November, 2002
Landscape Committee soliciting bids for 2003 grounds contract
Karen Mahalik resigned as chair of Stairwell Renovation Committee. Management seeks to implement priorities for refurbishment as developed by the Stairwell committee.
Request for variance -4638 S. 34^th St – attic addition and remodeling; awaiting architectural drawings
Request for variance – 4616 S. 34^th St. – replace exterior, kitchen door – variance granted
Request for variance – 4607 S. 36^th St. – extend interior bathroom wall two inches to accommodate remodeling project; variance approved with provision that no structural issues arise as result of renovation
Proposal by management to re-stripe all of parking spaces due to general deterioration of surface conditions; defeated by a vote of 3 – 2; decision to re-stripe lots on a case by case basis only
Proposal by management from W.P. Donaldson & Son to repair concrete sidewalks at a cost of $12,431. After a property “walk around”, it was determined that some of the sections identified did not need repair. Motion was made and passed to continue with replacement at a cost not to exceed $8,000.
Assigned Parking was granted to Court 9 which presented a petition signed by 66.67% of court residents seeking assigned parking.
Management proposed R & M Electric rewire the carriage lamps in Courts 10 and 11 for $1,100. Proposal accepted.

October 2002

Landscape Committee reports bids for 2003 grounds contract received. Trees planted last May need replacement due to drought at a cost of $450.
David Biette, Recreation Committee chair, is developing a survey to evaluate last summer’s pool and recreation activities.
Management reports that painting bids are to be solicited in January, 2003. Board was asked to consider painting on a 3-year rotation rather than the current 4-year rotation.
Deferred business – removal of Bradford pear trees; review of trash services; landscape contract
Somerset Landscaping awarded snow removal contract for this winter
Variance request – 4666 A S. 36^th St – relocation of exterior vent; variance granted
Acceptance of Recreation Committee’s recommendation to purchase basketball hoop for the playground; Recreation Committee will develop rules for equipment use.
Parking lot re-striping from September meeting revisited at board member request. After study, it was determined that there would be no savings by re-striping on a lot by lot basis. Proposal accepted to re-stripe all of the lots.

December, 2002

Two Court 9 residents requested that parking lot be returned to original configuration to include removal of two curbs and the addition of two parking spaces bringing the lot’s spaces to 23. Approval needed from all Court 9 residents and a detailed, written proposal of project must be presented to board.
Community Landscape Services awarded 2003 grounds contract.
Jennifir Birtwhistle, Court 9, is chairman of the Stairwell Committee.
Management recommended selection of P.J. McTavish & Company as roof contractor (based on recommendation from Seal Engineering). Approved.
Board accepted proposal from Hook’s Tree Service for pruning and removal.
Variance request 4646 S. 34^th St.- storm door – deferred
Tree removal – 3522 S. Wakefield St. - Board took no action as tree in question is owner’s responsibility.

Timely

Tips

Lights, Lights & more Lights

If we see a County Street Light out - whom should we call?

Call Dominion Virginia Power at 1-888-667-3000 and give them the number on the light pole or give them an address where the pole is located and put a ribbon on the pole so they can find it.

What if we see a common area carriage lamp out? stairwell porch light out? Front or back porch light out? Or globe lamp poles around the pool as well as pool house lights?

Common Area Carriage Lamps: Call homeowners Janice & Larry Peters, volunteers, to replace bulbs, at 703-578-4992 and give them location of carriage lamp.
For stairwell porch lights, globe lamps, pool house lights: Call the maintenance line at L&N - 703-848-4325 and leave a message 24 hours a day. Give addresses of stairwell and where the globe lamp is located (attaching a ribbon to the pole would be helpful).
For front or back porch light bulb replacements, the owner or owners are responsible for the bulb replacement as well as any electric problem.

The following Tips are Courtesy of Bill Reynolds, General Manager, Fairlington Villages (With Permission - March 2003 Fairlington Villages Newsletter)

Exterior Faucets (Did your pipe freeze?) – It will soon be time to turn on your outdoor faucet. Before you turn on the valve, please listen for running water when the faucet is closed and check for leaks. We’ve had a brutal winter, and pipes that had no problems for several years may have been affected. Many valves are old and may have leaked if the faucet was closed. A broken pipe may not be apparent until the water is running. To be on the safe side, don’t turn on the valve and then leave your unit.

Terrorism Preparedness Tips – Without a doubt you’ve heard about the need for food, water, medical supplies, duct tape, plastic and other such items. But do you have cash available, or do you rely on the ATM machine? If there were a massive power outage you may not have immediate access to your bank account. Do you know your neighbors? In an emergency, they may be able to help you handle the emotional strain that could be produced by a terrorist attack, and it’s a friendlier way to live.

Maintenance Tip – Do you have a sewer gas odor in your basement? You may have a dry drain. This means water inside the plumbing line trap has evaporated, allowing sewer gases to back up into the unit. The problem occurs when the plumbing lines aren’t used for a period of time. To prevent this, pour a quart of water into the drain every month or so to keep water in the trap. Basement shower drains and the hot water heater drains (under the basement steps in most townhouses) are two of the most overlooked drains.

Reminders -

Winter/Spring

Gardening Tips!

1. As you clean off flower beds in your patio area, please remember that all debris must be properly bagged and set out with the regular trash pick up.

2. Debris from pruning shrubs/trees within patio area must also be bagged and not left in a pile for the trash contractor.

3. Residents must have Mews Board approval before planting, removing or pruning any existing tree/shrub in the Mews “commons” area.

4. Residents with “red reflectors” in their beds must maintain these beds; this means that debris is cleared, mulch is maintained, and plants are maintained and deadheaded on a regular basis. Vegetable plants should not be planted in areas outside of one’s patio.

5. Residents who wish to maintain the flower beds at their units are reminded to complete the “flower bed” waiver form and return it to the proper designee. This form will be attached to the spring news letter.

6. Residents are encouraged to water newly planted association trees and shrubs so that they can become established. Watering includes newly planted street trees. Letting the hose run (without the sprinkler) for one half to one hour a week should provide the necessary water.

Preparing for Spring!

1. Annual plantings should have been removed in the fall.

2. Trim the dead stalks of perennials to facilitate new growth as the days lengthen.

3. Watch for emerging spring bulbs and seedlings as you clean off your beds. Turn the mulch when the ground is workable. This facilitates moisture getting through the compacted mulch. Spring bulbs respond to a light fertilization as new growth emerges. Remember to let bulb foliage “ripen” if you expect blooms next year. Removing the bulb foliage early prevents the bulb from having enough energy to flower during the next season.

4. The last spring frost/freeze in this area occurs around April 22. Remember, the weather can be tricky and early plantings of non-hardy material may freeze.

5. Annuals are best planted after the night temperature has stabilized; they root more easily when the weather is warm.

6. If you planted pansies in the fall, they need a light fertilizing as new growth begins. An organic 10-10-10 fertilizer applied when the night temperature is 40 degrees benefits them.

7. Don’t forget to “dead head” pansies as this keeps them blooming until the weather turns hot.

8. If you contemplate planting a tree or shrub in your patio area, remember to consider the height of the planting upon maturity. That little plant in the nursery will mature and may inconvenience your neighbor, damage the fence, develop roots in the water/ sewer systems, or encroach upon the masonry, roof, and cutters of your unit. Residents are responsible for seeing that patio material does not damage association structures.

9. Shear the tops of ornamental grasses before new growth starts. Depending on the condition of the grass tops, this is usually done in late February or early March.

10. Crape Myrtles are usually pruned during the cold months; late February is the ideal time. Crape Myrtles bloom on new growth (produced in the new growing season) and can be pruned hard and still flower.

11. Spring flowering shrubs and trees are pruned AFTER flowering. Pruning before flowering means that you eliminate the spring blossoms.

Questions regarding this column can be sent to: tomrcor@aol.com

Variances

Receive

Approval

Install 2 Dormer

Windows in Rear of Unit

The owners of a unit in Court #9 approached the Board more than a year ago, requesting that the Association allow them to add dormers to the rear area of their unit, as part of an attic completion project. As the addition of the dormers would require breaking through the slate roof, a common element, a variance from the Board would be necessary (other associations in Fairlington have allowed owners to install dormer windows in attics).

The Board asked for guidance from its Association counsel. After many months of review by both parties, a License, Easement & Maintenance Agreement was agreed upon with the owners and the Association. Once all the work is completed, the notarized document and attachments will be filed in the real estate land records and attached to the unit as a permanent record.

It was a time consuming and expensive process for both the owners and the Association but had to be done to protect the Association. The agreement will become the basis for further such agreements between the Mews and individual co-owners.

Please look for more detailed information on this project in a subsequent MewsNEWS.

Installation of French doors on the rear of the townhouse units has also been approved.

All these changes need an approved variance from the Board of Directors of the Association. If you wish to apply for a variance, please contact Community Manager Sher Opal - 703-848-4339.

Reminder: You may not make any structural changes to your unit without an approved variance from the Association Board.

Scheduled

Maintenance

Projects

Roof Replacement Schedule - once slates are received for 4680A/B, 4682, 4684 A/B, 4688, 4690A/B S. 36th Street - Hopefully spring 2003. Notice will be given to these owners to cover their personal belongings in the patio, because the removal of the old slates gives off dust.
Parking Lot Resurfacing - nothing planned this year.
Re-striping of Lots - scheduled in the spring 2003. Look for notices on parking lots signs to move your cars out of the lots. Two-day process.
Concrete Sidewalks repairs - scheduled for spring 2003. No notice will be given.
Stairwell Refurbishment Project - Hope to begin this work in 2003, pending finalization of scheme and pricing.

The Fairlington Community

Street Tree Work

This spring the Landscape and Forestry Section of Arlington County plans to add new trees and to provide maintenance of existing street trees bordering Mews property. New trees will be planted near 4624 S. 34^th St., 4636 S. 36^th St., 4641 S. 36^th St., and 4664 S. 34^th St. The county will evaluate street trees to determine their health and to provide maintenance pruning to ensure longevity. Several maple trees on S. 36^th St. are in decline. Ed Hilz of the Fairlington Citizens Association and Tom Corbin of the Mews have facilitated this project.

Historical Society to Republish Fairlington at 50 As Part of Fairlington’s 60^th Anniversary Celebration

As part of the celebration of Fairlington’s 60^th Anniversary (1943-2003), the Fairlington Historical Society is scheduling special events and embarking on a major fund-raising activity in order to support a number of important projects related to historic preservation.

The major 2003 projects include: republication of the book, Fairlington at 50: May 1943-May 1993; the 2003 Home and Garden Tour; a 60^th anniversary celebration event in the Fall; and improving the care and maintenance of the Southwest Mile Marker 4 Boundary Stone off Route 7 near S. Wakefield Street. More details about the celebration events can be found on the web site at: http://www.fairlington.org

Fairlington at 50 is a significant historical document about our Community. This comprehensive history of Fairlington was written by Catherine D. Fellows, an historian and a resident of Fairlington. Since republication of the book requires money up front, the Society will recognize those who make certain levels of donations by printing their names in the book (with the donor’s permission).

Donations must be received by March 31, 2003, to ensure that the contributor will become a permanent part of our history by being recognized in the reprinted book. The donation levels are: $ 100 - Friend of Fairlington; $ 250 - Contributor; $ 500 - Supporter; and $ 1000 - Sponsor.

You can mail donations to: Fairlington Historical Society, Inc., 4624 S. 34th Street, Arlington, Virginia 22206. Questions can be sent to: historicalsociety@aol.com

Fairlington Home and Garden Tour

More than a dozen residences in both North and South Fairlington will be showcased in a home and garden tour on May 10, 2003, as part of Fairlington’s 60th Anniversary celebration and participation in Arlington Neighborhood Day. Homes on tour feature exciting renovations, adaptive use of space, and innovative interior decoration.

An active committee of Fairlington residents has been organizing tour details since November, 2002. A special tour brochure will be provided to guide visitors and explain the details of each opened residence.

Following the tour, a reception will be held at the North Fairlington Community Center for Tour participants, owners of displayed homes, and volunteers. There is a fee for the tour which is sponsored by the Fairlington Historical Society.

More information will be available in the “FCA Bulletin” and on the Fairlington web site at http://www.fairlington.org.

^Highlights

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