Fairlington Glen Newsletter
August, 2001


CHECK FOR LEAKS

Water leaks are expensive to the Glen and may waste thousands of gallons of water. Potential sources for leaks include washers in faucets and shower heads, washing machine hoses, ice maker lines, HVAC units, and dishwashers. It is recommended that residents inspect their homes quarterly. It is also prudent to equip showers, sinks, and tubs with drain screens to catch the debris, hair, and bits of soap that can cause clogs and back-ups.

During the quarterly inspection residents should check all exposed pipes for leaks and check all faucets for leaks or corrosion. Inspection of the rubber connecting hoses for dishwashers and washing machines is essential since, contrary to what some believe, such hoses do not last forever. Because these hoses wear from the inside out, a visual inspection will usually not reveal any worn spots and these hoses should generally be replaced every three to five years, or sooner if evidence of rot appears.

The most substantial loss of water can come from our bathroom toilets:

  • Your toilet may have a leak at the overflow pipe if water is still running into the bowl or if water can be heard running after the tank has stopped filling.
  • You may have a silent, plunger-ball leak. To test for a silent leak, drop some food coloring into the tank and wait ten minutes. If the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl there is a silent leak.

WATER DISRUPTIONS

There have been a number of instances where the water supply to an entire court has been shut off without the knowledge of the residents. If a non-emergency shut-off is known by Ricky well in advance, he will inform the affected residents. If an emergency situation arises and Ricky has to shut off the water, it may not be feasible to notify the affected residents since repairs may take precedence. Hopefully residents will understand that a flooded unit is more distressing than a temporary lack of water. If a resident plans on having a plumber repair something that will require shutting off water to other units, please inform the affected residents in advance so they can plan their schedules accordingly.

RICKY'S CORNER

  • Preventative maintenance of problem sewer lines will occur in August. Preventative maintenance of all sewer lines will occur according to the regular schedule in October.
  • The replacement of the roof in Court 9 is underway and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause due to the presence of roofing materials, tools, and equipment. Once this roof is completed, replacement of a roof in Court 7 will commence.
  • The painting of curbs to indicate no parking areas has been completed throughout the Glen.
  • Please have your contractors remove any debris. Our trash contractor will not pick up construction debris during their daily visits and the pickup of large items on the first Saturday of the month is set up for large household items not construction debris. Removal of construction debris should be a requirement in the agreements you have with your contractors.
  • There have been instances of non-residents of the Glen leaving their trash on Glen property. If you see this occurring, please inform Ricky or the management agent and, if possible, provide them with an automobile license number.
  • The crew is working hard to address the calls they receive for maintenance items and will try to get to them the next day. However, this may not always be feasible and your patience and understanding is appreciated.

REMINDERS

WATERING. Residents are requested to water the lawns that border our glorious street trees. The long, hot days of summer are upon us and our trees need your help. Please water the lawns that border the Willow Oaks where the root structures grow. Watering the mulch under the trees or placing hoses next to the trunks does not allow the trees to take in any water ... placing a sprinkler along the front and side yards that border our trees allows the roots to receive water. We made this same request last year and had a marvelous response ... please help us again. This is your community and the trees increase the value and beauty of the Glen. Lets get those hoses and sprinklers out and water! And thank you to the residents who are currently watering.

PATIO TREES. Patio trees are your responsibility. Please keep them trimmed so they do not impinge on the roofs or gutters. If you want to plant a tree in your patio area, you need approval from the Landscape Subcommittee to ensure it conforms with species appropriate to small spaces, and from Ricky to ensure that sewer and water lines are not affected.

RECYCLING. Materials that can be recycled are:

  • Plastics with a 1 or 2 in the recycle symbol.
  • Aluminum and tin cans with lids removed (aluminum foil is not acceptable).
  • Mixed glass including clear, brown, and green bottles and jars (not household items such as china, light bulbs, drinking glasses, etc.). Please remove plastic caps and rings.
  • Newspapers in paper bags or tied with string (not in plastic bags since this adds to the recycling expense). Magazines, newsletters, and other paper products and not acceptable.
  • Broken down corrugated boxes.

Please note the recycling of everything other than paper products does not need to be sorted prior to being placed in the containers. This is done after the recyclables are picked up so feel free to mix your glass, plastic, and aluminum. Please rinse all containers since containers with contaminants can not be recycled. Do not put recyclables in plastic bags.

B-UNIT STORAGE. Bicycles and tricycles may be stored in the common hallways and basements of B-Units if all residents in the building agree and they do not block access to exits (some limit on the number may be imposed). No other items may be stored in the hallways or basements. In addition, nothing is to be affixed to hallway walls and plantings, furniture, etc. in the hallways is prohibited.

GLEN APPEARANCE. The appearance of the Glen is something that should concern us all. Personal items (e.g., bicycles, scooters, baby carriages, toys) left in the common areas or on the front porches are unsightly and detract from the enjoyment of the community by your neighbors. Please make sure that these items are put away as soon as possible after use.

REPORTING PROBLEMS. If you have a problem or concern, you can contact the Ricky and the chairpersons of the Landscape Subcommittee and the Pool Committee by calling 703-820-9567. You can leave a message by pressing "1" for the Landscape Subcommittee, "2" for the Pool Committee, and "9" for Ricky. Please be courteous and don't call these people at home ... they will take care of your concerns as soon as possible. If you have an emergency maintenance problem and can not reach Ricky, please call the Legum & Norman 24-hour emergency repair number ... 703-600-6000

HANDBOOK. All residents and co-owners should have a copy of the Fairlington Glen Handbook dated November 1999. Please review it occasionally since it provides essential information to ensure that you and your neighbors enjoy the wonderful experience of living in the Glen.

MEETINGS

All Glen meetings are held in the Fairlington Community Center at 3308 South Stafford Street. All residents are welcome.

  • Board of Directors, 7:15pm, 1st Tuesday of the month
  • Building and Grounds Committee, 7:30pm, 3rd Tuesday of the month (no meetings in August, November, and December)
  • Landscape Subcommittee, 7:00pm, 2nd Tuesday of the month

ON THE INTERNET

Visit "http://www.fairlington.org/Communit.htm#FairlingtonGlen" for draft Board minutes (any corrections to drafts appear the following month), newsletters, and the Handbook. Please contact Kennan Garvey if you have comments on Fairlington Glen information on this site.


The Fairlington Glen Newsletter is a communication channel by which the Board of Directors disseminates information to Glen residents and co-owners. Please provide any comments or recommendations to the Board Secretary, John Fuller, at fairlingtonglen@aol.com, or to any other Board member, prior to the monthly Board of Directors meeting.


Posted on August 25, 2001