MewsNews - May 2003

HAPPY

ANNIVERSARY!!

Message from the President

You didn’t realize that you just celebrated an anniversary? Well, you have. However, it is much more significant to me than it is to any of you. April 16, 2003, marked my tenth anniversary as a Mews co-owner. That’s right, around this time ten years ago, I was preparing to move into my newly acquired Clarendon, my first house after a serious of rentals with girlfriends. My first year here, I had four roommates at one time (don’t ask). I was young, so I had roommates for several years before I was able to spread out and enjoy my house on my own. Now, ten years later, I have made many improvements to my house (aside from relinquishing the roommates) and am in a much different place personally and professionally, as well as in my ownership in Fairlington.

Why, you ask, am I emphasizing such a personal milestone in the MewsNews? It is merely a coincidence of timing. When I purchased my house in 1993, it was Fairlington’s 50^th anniversary. I read the book Fairlington at 50 from cover to cover. Now, ten years later, we are beginning to celebrate our 60^th. The Fairlington Historical Society has a number of events planned to celebrate our 60^th year, including an updated reprint of Fairlington at 50, now out of print. These books make wonderful house-warming presents for friends who move into Fairlington and should be on the bookshelf of every Fairlington owner. You may order your copy from the Fairlington Historical Society website at

www.fairlington.org/mewsindex.htm for $20.00.

Coming up on May 10 is Arlington’s “Neighborhood Day,” an annual occurrence marked by a parade and community activities. This year, “Neighborhood Day” will be enhanced with a Historical Society-sponsored home and garden tour planned by a committee of volunteers from throughout

Fairlington. The tour will feature 18 homes in Fairlington, one of which is right here in the Mews. Tickets are $5.00 and are available on the day of the tour at the South Fairlington Community Center. As a “Changing Rooms” devotee, I’m excited about viewing the best Fairlington has to offer and am working at the tour. Please come by and say hello!

Like me, the Mews is at a very different place now than it was 10 years ago. Having achieved National Historic Register status, the Mews and the rest of Fairlington have improved physically and internally, with the obvious landscaping improvements (more planned this spring) and less obvious relining of sewer lines and retrenching of overloaded drains. Tragic events over the past couple years have strengthened our sense of community and commitment to our neighborhood. This spring, we join in celebrating our community spirit and celebrating our anniversaries—Fairlington’s and our own. Those early years were fun but we must enjoy our time here now and look forward to our future in Fairlington. See you at the pool this summer!

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.

Shannon Watson

President, Fairlington Mews

Click Here, Dude!
Mews Web Site Resources

Did you know that a lot of the information you as a Mews Resident need is available on the Fairlington Web Site?

Many of you already have visited and made good use of this Community web site - www.fairlington.org. These web pages are maintained for Fairlingtonians and include lots and lots of valuable information. Here you can find village Handbooks (all the Rules and such), full Board Minutes, newsletters, current community activities, lists of current Board directors from all villages, models and floor plans for Fairlington homes, gardening tips and lots more.

If you lost your pool pass application - go to the web site. Can’t find your flower bed waiver form? - go to the web site. Looking for an article from a previous newsletter, or the rules on parking and pets? - go to the web site. All this at the Mews Home Page -

www.fairlington.org/mewsindex.htm

I think you get the message.

Volunteers

Work

Landscape Committee

The Landscape Committee met in March and April and sponsored the community-wide meeting with Community Landscape personnel on April 23. There have been several “walk arounds” by committee members to determine the condition and needs of the landscape; senior personnel from the grounds contractor have also walked the property and have made suggestions for possible enhancements. Some observations about the grounds from Community Landscape are:

· Mature landscape is a “plus”.

· Trees need to be protected and maintained.

· Many shrubs are overgrown and need renovational pruning.

· Soil samples show the soil to be well balanced.

· Generally the turf is in good shape.

· Several Crape Myrtles are overgrown and need pruning.

· Some unhealthy trees need removal as they are a liability factor.

· Consider deep-root fertilization for some large trees.

Community Landscape submitted a lengthy proposal for removals and plantings in the community. The committee has addressed the first half of the proposal and presented it to the Mews Board of Directors for its approval at the April 29 meeting.

The remainder of the proposal will be addressed later, and planting of the second part may be delayed until fall. Some recommended plant materials are Red bud, Kousa dogwood, Acuba, Mahonia, and Crape myrtle. Residents where landscape work will occur this spring will be notified in advance.

The health of two large trees has been recently evaluated. The sycamore between Courts 11 and 12 is in serious decline and will be removed soon. A Magnolia will be planted. The oak is Court 2 is to be evaluated to determine whether it, too, is a safety hazard.

Hopefully residents have noticed the quality mowing the crew has done on the grounds. Each time the crew visits, the foreman, Juan Sagastume, notes areas to be addressed in future visits. He also walks the grounds with a committee member to determine if any area was not done properly. The grounds crew is getting accustomed to the grounds, and residents should see improvements after each visit.

Mews residents are reminded to return the “flower bed waiver” form received from Legum and Norman in a recent mailing to 4678 S. 34^th St. The deadline was April 30. Please remember that all plant material planted on common grounds becomes the property of the association. Residents who garden near their residences in common grounds beds need to be familiar with and to follow regulations addressed in the Mews Handbook Planting of trees or shrubs in common areas requires a variance from the Board of Directors. A copy of the “waiver” is attached to this newsletter and you can print a copy from the Fairlington web site at:

www.fairlington.org/flowerbedwaiver.htm

If you are interested in joining the Landscape Committee, please contact Brenda Camenzind (703) 671-1677 and inquire about the next meeting date.

Recreation Committee

Applications for the 2003 recreation pass have been mailed to all residents and owners. Please read the material carefully, fill out the form, and return it to the committee. You can download a copy from the Mews web site at www.fairlington.org/2002MewsRecreationPage.htm or pick one up at the pool.

Only residents and owners may get a Mews recreation pass. Friends and relatives not living in the Mews may not get a pass but may use the pool and other recreation facilities as guests when accompanied by the resident or owner.

Pool: The pool will open this year on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, May 24th, at 10:00am. The Mews has renewed its contract with World Pool for this year. This summer’s schedule is as follows:

Monday through Friday in season 12:00 noon to 9:00pm

Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am to 9:00pm

School Days: 3:30pm to 7:30pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)

1:00pm to 7:30pm (Wednesday)

3:30pm to 9:00pm (Friday)

The pool will close officially on Labor Day, Monday, September 1st. If the weather looks good for the week after Labor Day, we will work with World Pool to add another week to the schedule.

Questions? Problems? Please address any questions to the Recreation Committee, in care of Ann Timmons and David Biette, e-mail MewsRec@biette.com or telephone 703-820-9589. The Committee will refer issues to the board of directors as necessary.

Use of Playground. With summer coming up soon, we'd like to put out some reminders on the use of the playground, including the basketball hoop. The playground and basketball hoop are for the use of Mews residents only; guests may use the facilities when accompanied by a resident.

Hours are 9:00am to dusk. Please be a good neighbor and keep noise to a minimum.

Recreation Committee Needs Volunteers

The Mews Recreation Committee needs a few more volunteers to round out the committee. Demographic needs on the committee include young singles and parents of very young children as well as someone with an interest in
tennis. Of course anyone with an interest in the recreation facilities is welcome. Call Ann Timmons or David Biette at 703-820-9589, or send an e-mail to MewsRec@biette.com.

Stairwell Refurbishment Committee

Competitive bids were received for all the refurbishment efforts by Management and were compiled into a recommendation to the Board based on quality and cost of work. This recommendation package was presented to the Board and accepted at the meeting.

Management will begin ordering all of the material -- carpet, paint, hardware -- shortly. Actual work is expected to begin by July.

Board

Minutes

Highlights

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

www.fairlington.org/mewsindex.htm

January, 2003

Ron Patterson, president of the Fairlington Historical Society discussed the upcoming celebration of Fairlington’s 60^th Birthday.
The Landscape Committee submitted recommendations to Arlington County regarding the landscaping of county property adjacent to the Mews.
Request for variance – 4646 South 34^th Street – For unapproved storm door – variance denied.
Request for variance – 4638 South 34^th Street – amendment variance to allow for the installation of casement windows in attic dormers – variance approved.
Request for variance – 4652 South 34^th Street – for renovation of foyer closet – variance approved.
Board approved the disbursement of $100 to Engelking as a holiday gift.
Board approved $200 disbursement to Fairlington Historical Society.
Board approved the request for assigned parking in Court 1.
Board approved the request by Jeffery’s Trash Service for a retroactive compensation of $69.30 per month increase because of an increase in dump fees.

February, 2003

Treasurer’s report showed a surplus of $29,377 – but this did not include the snow removal charges incurred in February.
The Recreation Committee is reviewing the pool contract for 2003.
The Management Committee submitted a draft document which provides benchmarks for Management performance.
The Board is considering a proposal that was submitted to have the sewer pipes lined to eliminate further drainage problems.
The Board approved spending $7950 for a Replacement Reserve Study to be completed by Seal Engineering.
An audit report which reviewed the Mews Balance Sheets for 2001 and 2002 was received and approved by the Board.

Timely

Tips

Fence Me In - Please!!!!

Whom do I call to get my fence repaired? What do I do if my gate latch does not work all the time?

Please call the 24 hour maintenance voice mail (703-848-4325) and leave a message, with your name, address and day time telephone number. Please indicate If you wish a return call to acknowledge receipt of your request.

This type of request has ten (10) working days to reply, but usually does not take that long to respond. A work ticket will be left at your door, indicating what was done and a telephone number to call if you have questions about the work. Gate latches periodically need adjustments during the year due to weather. Call management when you see that it is not working, so we can make the adjustment.

Reminders -

Spring

Gardening Tips!

What to Plant - What Will Grow - In Your Patio!!

The Mews Association Grounds Committee would like to encourage residents in their gardening efforts. Many times we are asked for suggestions about “what to plant”. The following is a brief listing of materials which usually grow well in our area. Mews residents should check the association manual (available on the Fairlington web site at: http://www.fairlington.org/mewshand.htm) about rules and regulations concerning maintaining flower beds and patio areas.

There are some summer flowering shrubs which can provide interest after the initial bloom of the azaleas and other spring shrubs. Some summer flowering shrubs include Buddleia (butterfly bush), Hydrangea arborescens (Hills of Snow hydrangea), Hydrangea panticulata (Oak Leaf hydrangea), and Weigela (blooms in May). Summer flowering shrubs require pruning before new growth begins as they bloom on the new season’s growth. Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned after flowering as they set the following spring’s buds on new growth.

Residents seeking small trees/ shrubs for their patio area should consider Hamamelis mollis (common Witch Hazel), Mahonia (Oregon holly), Mugo Pine, Cercis Canadensis (Redbud or Judas tree), and Japanese maples. These plants mature at a height suitable for our patio areas.

Always consider the mature height of any plant before planting it in your patio; material which is too large at maturity can cause structural problems to the roof, masonry, sewer lines, and your neighbor’s patio area. Remember, that little plant at the nursery will mature one day!

Many annuals thrive with the “basic” care of proper soil preparation, planting, pinching, deadheading, and watering. Regular feeding with a slow-release fertilizer keeps them growing throughout the season. There are always the “old standbys” to plant, but gardeners should consider adding something new to their borders each year. Part of the fun of gardening is “trial and error”.

The following annuals do well: spider flower (cleome spoinosa), sweet alyssum (as annual ground cover), flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata), scarlet sage (in many colors in addition to red), French marigolds (again, in many sizes, colors, and forms), dahlia, impatiens (likes shade and moisture), geranium, begonia (many varieties), coleus (varieties for sun and shade), celosia (cockscomb), cosmos, periwinkle (the annual, not the ground cover), portulaca (drought tolerant and likes poor soil!), Tithonia (Mexican sunflower), and zinnia. Remove the old flowers (deadheading) of annuals to keep them blooming all season. Also shearing them when they become too leggy will rejuvenate them after the summer heat.

The many forms of ornamental grasses can add interest to your summer plantings. There are annual and perennial varieties to consider. They are not difficult to grow, are rather drought tolerant, and can provide winter interest in your garden.

Culinary herbs can also be used in your borders. Again, there are annual and perennial varieties. Sage, mint, parsley, thyme, germander, lavender, and rosemary are attractive and provide for foliage contrast with your other plants.

Perennials, once established in your garden, save money as they increase and flower each year. Their drawback is that they provide blooms for a shorter period of time as compared with annuals.

Many perennials can provide interest with their structure and foliage color even when not in bloom. Some varieties to consider are sweet william (a biennial), black-eyed susan, lady’s mantle (alchemilla mollis), Japanese anemone (fall flowering), astible (shade interest), coreopsis, cone flower (Echinacea), Helenilum autumnale (sneezewort, late summer/ fall flowering), hemerocallis (daylily), hosta, Russian sage (provides striking winter interest), hyssop, yarrow, and sedum.

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

Suitable Plants for the Mews Commons Areas

The following plants are suitable for the soil and climatic conditions of the Mews area. Residents should remember to consider the size of any plant at its maturity and give it a location with room to grow.

In many instances plants are initially positioned too close to building structures providing for future problems with roofs, foundations, and masonry structures. All plant material placed in common areas becomes the property of the Mews Association of co-owners.

Requests for planting trees or large shrubs must be submitted to and approved by the Mews Board of Directors. Inappropriate material will be removed. Flower beds around a unit may not be extended without a variance from the Board of Directors.

These suggested plantings have been provided by Community Landscape. In future newsletters we will add items to the following list of suitable plants:

Acuba japonica ‘variegata’ (evergreen shrub with thick variegated leaves; sun or part Shade)
Pieris japonica ‘variegata’ (semi-evergreen shrub with lily- of- the- valley – like flowers in the spring)
Mahonia japonica (Mahonia x media ‘Charity’) (common name is Oregon grape holly; unusual blue-green leaves with sprays of yellow flowers in late winter followed by blue berry clusters)
Ilex cornuta meserveae ‘Blue Girl’ (shrub holly with glossy blue-green foliage and red berries)

Cornus kousa (common name is Japanese dogwood which blooms later than the native variety and is more disease resistant)
Cercis Canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ (a new cultivar of the native red bud featuring spring bloom and purple foliage for the rest of the season)
Nandina (the dwarf variety is recommended; foliage is semi-evergreen with red berries)
Azalea (many varieties; blooms late April and early May; some are evergreen; does not tolerate full sun)
Yew (the “weeping” or spreading yew is best; upright yews tend to grow too tall; dark

Evergreen foliage and small red berries)

Cherry Laurel (evergreen foliage with spires of white blooms in late spring; tolerates regular, hard pruning)

Scheduled

Maintenance

Projects - Updates

Painting of Courts 1 - 6 scheduled for this summer
Masonry Repairs - brick stoops and exterior building repairs. An inspection was performed last fall and the repairs will be completed this spring/summer by our maintenance company in accordance with the specifications prepared by our engineering firm.
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. Now in process.
Stairwell Refurbishment Project - Hope to begin this work in 2003, pending finalization of scheme and pricing.

The Fairlington Community

Funding Approved -Landscaping of 34^th St. Islands

At its March 29 meeting, the Arlington County Board approved funding for the installation of an irrigation system and landscaping of the traffic islands at S. 34^th St. A proposal for this project was submitted to the Arlington County Neighborhood Conservation Committee several years ago; funding came available this year. The irrigation system in the two S. Stafford St. traffic circles and in the islands on S. 33^rd St. was completed several years ago with the same type of funding.

Brenda Camenzind, Ed Hilz, and Tom Corbin met with Jill Yutan, Arlington County landscape designer, on Wednesday, April 16, to survey the islands and to discuss the suitability of the plant list produced by Elizabeth Grenfell and Tom Corbin in the summer of 2001. Preliminary plans are to link the existing crabapple trees with a serpentine border of shrubs and perennials to provide four-season interest through texture, color, and foliage. Plant material will be selected for its hardiness, drought tolerance, and easy maintenance.

After plans have been approved and contractors selected, the irrigation system will be installed this summer with the placement of plant material in the fall. Elizabeth Grenfell and Tom Corbin drafted the original proposal for this project under the direction of Bruce Englebert, then Mews Association president. The proposal was presented by FCA under the supervision of Ed Hilz to the Arlington County Neighborhood Conservation Committee.

Street Tree Work

Arlington County has completed pruning work on some of the street trees bordering the Mews area. This work will continue into the fall. Two trees on S. 36^th St. have been identified as safety hazards and will be removed in mid-May, weather permitting. Locations are 4615 and 4637 S. 36^th St. A dead tree in the middle of 3408 – 3458 S. Wakefield will also be removed.

Residents are asked not to remove “no parking” signs placed in advance of any tree work. They are also asked to obey the no parking times set on the signs. Failure to obey the signs may result in towing or damage to parked cars.

The county has also planned the addition of 4 street trees in the Mews area to be planted this spring. If you need further information or have any questions, please contact Tony Ruth at (703) 228 – 6527 or email at Truth@co.arlington.va.us.

^Highlights

^Inside

FAIRLINGTON MEWS

WAIVER OF CONDOMINIUM MAINTENANCE

OF FRONT AND SIDE BEDS

PLEASE PRINT

Brenda Camenzind