·         Message from the President

·         Mews Calendar - Board Meetings

·         News to Muse

·         Click Here Dude - Mews Web Site Resources

·         Volunteers at Work

Inside

·         Neighborly Reminders

·         Board Minutes Highlights

·         Timely Tips

·         Gardening Tips - February Event

·         Featured Mews Residents


The Newsletter for

Fairlington Mews Residents

Volume 2005 Issue 1

January/February 2005

MewsNEWS


 

Message from the President

Dear Mews Owners and Residents,

Happy New Year to everyone!   It’s hard to believe we are already five years into the “New Millennium.”

 

As part of its start of the New Year, the Mews Board of Directors welcomes Ms. Anne Noonan of Court 8, our newest board member who will finish out the term of Gideon Werner.  Gideon recently resigned from the board because of conflicts with his work schedule.  Look for more information about Anne in a special biographical feature in this newsletter.

 

One issue of the New Year that may soon impact the Mews community is the release of the solid waste study of Arlington County which proposes the county’s taking over of trash collections in communities such as Fairlington (see article on page 2). Currently each Fairlington condominium association budgets for its own trash collection.

 

This issue is very complex and should be carefully studied by all co-owners. The Arlington County Board will be conducting public forums on this issue beginning in February. The results of these studies and the county board’s actions will directly impact on the entire Fairlington community.

 

At least one Fairlington condominium association has already sent a letter to the Arlington County Board expressing opposition to this plan. This letter may be viewed on the Fairlington web site (www.fairlington.org). The Mews Board of Directors is working with other Fairlington associations to develop a cooperative response to this issue.  Residents need to voice their opinions about this study to the Arlington County Board. 

 

This is that time of the year when people look to the future and make resolutions to improve their lives. It is also a time when Mews’ residents can resolve to improve life in the association. Why not make a resolution now to get more involved in the Mews community? How?  Why not attend board meetings to not only observe the Board but become an active participant in the management of the association?  How about joining a committee and working directly with its members to improve the community? 

 

You can also resolve to meet your neighbors this year and to welcome that new family that recently moved into your court. Take a long walk around the community saying “Hello” to all you meet and enjoying the beauty of this special place. Why not suggest a new social activity to the Recreation Committee as we move closer to spring and summer and volunteer to chair the event and see it through to its conclusion?

 

Check out the activities of the other six Fairlington associations whose activities, handbooks, and newsletters are all provided at the web site. Enjoy reading them and this newsletter, and think SNOW – most of you know I am an Arlington County teacher and we all welcome snow days!  Again, Happy New Year to everyone.

 

Gretchen Martin

703.933.1368

 


News

       to Muse

 

Treasurer’s Report - Budget Status

By Seth Low, Treasurer

 

The November 30, 2004 income and budget statement, supplied by Legum & Norman, reflects a net surplus of $28,158.  As of that date, total income is reported as $231,455. 

 

Total expenses, which consist of total operating expenses ($123,207) plus reserve contributions ($80,090), are reported as $203,297.  It should be noted that replacement reserve costs have generally been higher than expected.  

 

The finance committee is reviewing the Mews replacement reserves and is expected to present an interim report to the Board on January 25, 2005.    

 

Arlington County to Consider Trash Collection Takeover in Fairlington

 

Arlington County will begin consideration at its February 2005 Board Meeting (not January as previously reported in the AFB) the "take over" by the county of trash collection in "multi-family" areas.

 

This will take place by means of a "franchising of commercial and multi-family (such as in Fairlington condo associations) refuse collection." This proposal is contained in the County's "Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) completed earlier this year.

 

Assistant County Manager Dottie Dake explained that the County Board will consider advertising the franchising proposal at the February meeting and decide whether to proceed with the State-mandated five-year notice of intent.

 

This means that the year 2010 is the earliest date for possible implementation of the franchising element of the Plan. Ms. Dake noted that the daily (6 days a week) trash collection schedule (where currently in place) would most likely continue under any new franchising operation.

 

According to Section 7. 1(2) of the SWMP:

·         The County proposes to give, following an adequate preparatory interval after SWMP adoption, the State-mandated five-year notice of intent to implement solid waste franchising. The County would then propose to begin a comprehensive feasibility study on implementing solid waste franchising. Solid waste franchising could increase the County’s control of its waste stream, stabilize the tip fee at the Alexandria/Arlington WTE Facility so that all users of the WTE Facility pay the same fee for waste disposal, and generate revenues for solid waste programs.

 

The following is quoted from the County's web site (Overview of Solid Waste Management Plan):

 

“Franchising – feasibility study for commercial and multi-family refuse and recycling collection

·         "Franchising" – allowing the county to manage contracts for multi-family and commercial refuse/ recycling services, as it now does for single-family and duplex properties – would give the county better information and control over the entire waste stream. It also would reduce the traffic congestion and air-pollution created by almost 100 haulers.

·         Seeking Equitable Pricing

Franchising would also enable Arlington to direct all trash collected to the waste-to-energy (WTE) plant and establish one common disposal fee. Currently, single-family and duplex homes are – in effect – subsidizing disposal costs for commercial and multi-family haulers, perhaps as much as $3 million per year, according to one estimate.

 

With the proposed plan, Arlington would establish one common disposal fee, lowering disposal costs for single-family disposal by as much as 13% and for some multi-family and commercial haulers as well. The proposed plan includes a five-year notice of intent to franchise.”

 

For more details, please read the news release (Overview of Solid Waste Management Plan) from the County along with the complete "Solid Waste Management Plan" (SWMP) and updates on this issue provided on the website at:

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


 

 

 

 

 

 


Not Here Yet - But Maybe Soon?




New Board member Ann Noonan

 

New Board member Ann Noonan moved into Fairlington Mews (Court 8) in April 1996 and has lived in Arlington or Alexandria, VA since she was five years old.

 

 Ann first came to Fairlington in 1989, where she lived in a Bradford unit in Fairlington Villages.  Ann recalls her childhood days playing with friends in Fairlington in the 1960’s.

Ann received her Bachelor of Music from George Mason University while playing classical guitar.  Ann’s interests have since turned to traditional Irish music and dance—she now plays Irish music on button accordion and concertina.  Ann is a charter member of the Greater Washington Ceili Club and has served as a member on its Board of Directors.

 

As a Federal Government employee, Ann has worked for the Department of the Army as program manager for the Selective Reenlistment Program.  She is currently employed by the National Science Foundation as Honorary Awards Specialist in the National Science Board Office.  In 2000, she took a sabbatical and studied woodworking and furniture making for 9 months in Scotland.

 

Ann feels that her analytical and managerial skills developed throughout her career will be an asset to the Board.  Ann brings to the Board her compassion, dedication, and commitment to ensure Fairlington Mews continues to be a great place to live.    

 

“Ownership” and “Responsibility” in the Mews Condominium Association

 

The “Fairlington Mews Handbook” (March, 1999) and the “Master Deed and Bylaws” publication are the governing documents of the condominium Council of Co-owners. 

 

These publications are given to each homeowner at settlement and should be made available to renters by their landlords. Co-owners and tenants should read them since they explain their rights and responsibilities as members of the condominium community.

 

Co-owners jointly “own” the common areas of the condominium.  The Board approves contracts with grounds companies for the maintenance of all common areas and monitors the work of a “grounds” or landscape committee in overseeing the appearance and condition of the property.

 

Any changes made by residents to the common areas, such as planting trees/ shrubs or creating/ enlarging beds, must be approved by the Board of Directors according to the rules and regulations of the association.  Any permitted “improvements” to the common areas made by residents become the property of all co-owners.

 

Patios are “limited common areas”, set aside for the exclusive use of the co-owner.  This does not mean that the resident has “carte blanche” to do as he pleases in this space. “Structures in the patio may be no greater than fence heights... trees and shrubs in the patio must be trimmed and may not be permitted to grow higher than 20 feet.

 

Climbing plants, such as ivy, are prohibited on building walls and fences…The Board may enforce the rule prohibiting trees to grow above the fence line…if root structures…threaten building walls…or roof tiles.” Patios must be kept neat and free of impediments.  (Mews Handbook, 6. “Grounds”. F. “Patios”)

 

Co-owners “own” the interior space of their unit. Certain modifications to the interior may be made by the co-owner without a variance; such modifications include installation of carpets, refinishing floors, painting, replacement of tiled floors, replacement of plumbing and light fixtures, etc. 

 

A complete listing of non-variance modifications may be found in the Mews Handbook, Section 9. 11. “Alterations to a Unit Interior”.

 

Variances must be requested and received for major interior modifications and an Arlington County Building Permit must be secured before work begins. All such work must meet county codes.  Variances/Permits are required for:

·         Partial or total removal of walls, floors, or partitions

·         Modifications to plumbing

·         Electrical modifications

·         Any modification affecting roofs or foundations.

 

“Major structural changes to a unit interior may require the acquisition of an architect’s certificate, to be obtained at the co-owner’s expense, attesting to the compatibility of the change to the building structure.” (Handbook, Section 9. 11)

 

 

“Procedures to Ensure

Due Process in Enforcement Cases”

(Policy Resolution No. 97-01)

 

As a reminder to all residents, in October, 1997, the Mews Board of Directors adopted Policy Resolution No. 97 -01 governing the “enforcement” of co-owners’ adherence to association rules and regulations.  This policy statement was issued to all co-owners on November 17, 1997 and is part of the governing documents of the association.

 

This resolution allows the Board of Directors to issue a citation to any co-owner whose behavior or use of property does not conform to the Council of Co-owners’ rules and regulations and to collect monetary fees for non-compliance.

 

The procedure is as follows:

·         A first written notice of citation advises the co-owner of the nature of the offense, cites regulation allegedly violated, specifies remedy, and includes a timeframe for compliance.

·         If the offense is not remedied within the time-frame, a second notice of citation is issued to be delivered by hand or by registered or certified mail. This notice advises the co-owner of the Board’s power to impose monetary charges and informs the co-owner of his/ her right to request a hearing to contest the citation.

·         If the offense is not remedied within the number of days specified in the second notice or the co-owner has not requested a hearing, the co-owner is deemed to have waived the right to a hearing and the Board of Directors shall have the power to impose monetary charges.

·        When the Board’s judgment is unfavorable to the co-owner, administrative actions required to affect the monetary charge are begun.  Monetary charges may not exceed $50.00 for a single offense (e.g. premature trash placement, loud party, parking, etc.) and an additional $10.00 per day may be assessed for any offense of a continuing nature (e.g. failure to repair broken window, move vehicle, etc.) until such offense is corrected.

 

Click Here, Dude!
Fairlington Web Site Resources

 

Many of you already have visited and made good use of this Community web site - www.fairlington.org.  Here are some helpful links:

Mews Handbook  www.fairlington.org/mewshand.htm

·         Board Minutes/Newsletters www.fairlington.org/mewsindex.htm

·         Condominium Resources Site www.fairlington.org/condoresourcepage.htm

·         Emergency Preparedness Page www.fairlington.org/emergencypreparedness.htm

 

Volunteers

   At

       Work

 

 

Landscape Committee

 

The Mews Landscape Committee took a respite from grounds activities during December to “rest up” for the rigors of the spring season.

 

We will resume regular monthly meetings in January.  All interested residents are encouraged to attend our meetings to offer suggestions, raise concerns, and participate in the planning of grounds activities.  Meetings are generally held on the second Monday of each month at the South Fairlington Community Center.  It is best to call Tom Corbin or Lori Olivas to verify the meeting date as rooms at the center may not be available.

 

Environmental Enhancements finished the fall planting with the installation of all items except the daffodils and some shrubs slated for Court 2.  We have been credited with the cost of these items and will apply it to spring planting.  We request that residents monitor the new plantings during dry spells and water thoroughly when the temperatures are above freezing when there is insufficient rain.

 

The Mews Board of Directors approved a second year contract with Environmental Enhancements.  A calendar of grounds activities and applications appears in this newsletter.

 

During the “off season” of January and February, the crew will complete some rejuvenation work on overgrown shrubs to reduce their height below window level.  The shrubs may look “strange” after initial pruning but will begin to fill out in the spring growing season.

 

Don Hook of Hook’s Tree Services completed pruning to shape many Mews’ trees in December. Some trees were removed due to poor placement, overgrowth, disease, or potential damage to common elements.  We were able to work with Arlington County’s urban forester to prune some street trees which were affecting Mews turf and tree health.

 

The committee has secured a bid proposal from Ron Rubin of Thrive (tree health and care specialists) for disease control and fertilization of some of our mature trees. We have some requests from residents for pruning/ plantings which we received too late to be completed in the fall.  These items will be addressed in the spring.

 

If residents have suggestions/concerns regarding pruning, replacement, or removals, please address your concerns in writing to Tom Corbin or Lori Olivas (contact information may be found on the last page of this newsletter) no later than February 15, 2005, and we will consider these concerns as funds allow.

 

The committee is drafting a document to explain common planting area procedures and a variance request form for residents who want to install shrubs in common areas near their units. We hope to have this ready for the March newsletter.

 

Please remember that with the exception of planting perennials and annuals, residents must submit a written request before planting any tree or shrub in the common areas around a residence.

 

Contact Tom Corbin (tomrcor@aol.com) or Lori Olivas (lorolivas@comcast.net) for more information and include "Mews Landscape" in the subject box. 

 

Neighborly Reminders

 

Winter Snows

·         The Mews has again employed Somerset Contractors for snow removal.  When two inches of snow has accumulated on walks and roadways, removal will begin.  Residents are asked not to use harsh chemicals to remove the ice from walk ways and steps as this causes the mortar and cement to disintegrate.  Use sand, kitty litter, or other “mortar safe” products.  Check the label before applying.

·         Please remember that if you can’t travel out on the streets, the trash collectors cannot travel into the Mews.  Do not put trash out to accumulate when the roads are impassable. When in doubt about trash collection during snows, call management.

·         With the configuration of our parking lots, it is impossible not to have the contractors put some snow in parking spaces.  Be a good sport and remove it, making sure you put it on the curb and not in someone else’s space!

·         Check on elderly or incapacitated neighbors in inclement weather and offer to help in anyway you can. 

 

January/February Grounds Work

During January and February, Environmental Enhancements will be completing the following tasks as weather allows:

·         Debris/ leaf clean up to include blowing sidewalks and streets, picking up sticks, and removing weeds from beds

·         Removal of deadwood from lower areas of trees and removal of dead bloom  from crape myrtles

·         Deadwood removal in shrubs; rejuvenation  pruning as budget hours allow

·         Cut back perennials and grasses

·         Prepare for spring clean up and mulching

 

Satellite Dishes and Exterior Antennae

Board Resolution No. 2004-01 (April 20, 2004) states the conditions governing installation of these devices. In general, no part of an exterior dish, antenna or related equipment may be above the horizontal plane of the top of the patio fence. A resident must secure a board variance for any device which, when installed, extends above the patio fence plane.

 

Trash Collection Reminders

·         Collection is everyday except Sunday and New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

·         In the morning of pick up, put properly bagged trash on or near stoop by 7:00 AM.

·         Trash left at court entrances hinders grounds maintenance activities.

·         Do not put trash out the night before pick up as this attracts rodents.

·         Cans, glass, and plastics are recycled on Tuesdays.  Separate from regular trash.

·         Newspapers (in paper bags or secured bundles) are recycled on Wednesdays. Separate from regular trash.

·         Spray the inside of bags with an insect repellant or ammonia to discourage squirrels.

·         Large item pick up is scheduled for the first Saturday of each month.  Put items at the curb.

 

 

NOTE: Tsunami-Related Donations Can Be Deducted for 2004 If Made by January 31.

Check www.fairlington.org for Details

 
 

 

 

 

 

 


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

 

November 30, 2004

 

·         Tom Corbin outlined the proposed Arlington County trash collection plan. Sher Opal reported that a representative from Legum & Norman had attended one of the community meetings, adding that Fairfax County had done the same thing. Mr. Corbin advised following the All Fairlington Bulletin for more information.

·         Kathy Morrison Taylor and several members of Court 11 explained why they wanted to keep the cherry tree that was slated for removal. There was extensive discussion about why trees need to be taken down and how they are replaced (some trees originally planted in the wrong places, some trees at the end of expected life, disease, branches dying off, etc.). Gretchen Martin said that the board would try to improve communication about such matters, including earlier notification of such proposed work.

·         Doug Hays from Seal Engineering was present to discuss the repairs to masonry in half the courts, and addressed the issue of why the work cost more than budgeted. Some of the damage apparently was not visible until repairs started to be made. Six of the courts had been completed.

·         Gretchen Martin reported that she had received two letters from people who wished to fill the remaining term of former board member Gedeon Werner.

·         After his presentation of the treasurer’s report, Seth Low asked management for an update on reserve funding for common elements.

·         The Landscape Committee reiterated its justifications for the removal of several trees.

·         David Biette said that the pool contract had been received and he would review. He reported on the draining of the pool after the season closed because of suspicion about the water level dropping.

·         The Newsletter Committee reported that the last issue had come in under budget. There was discussion about posting community-wide notices on a central community bulletin board, possibly located at the single tennis court.

·         Ben Marglin said that the finance committee would meet and would discuss the basis for increasing reserves.

·         The board voted to continue the masonry repair contract doing only the repairs necessary for safety since any more work would be beyond the amount budgeted for the project. Several other items were reported to management for repair.

 

Timely Tips

             By Sher Opal

                         Management Agent

                                    Representative

 

Dates for winter Board meetings: January 25, February 22, and March 22.

 

Your Association Funds at Work

 

Court representatives in Courts 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, and 13 need to supply a current email address to management for use when association information needs to be forwarded to court representatives. If a court representative does not have access to email, please supply the name of someone in your court who will act as your liaison and get the emailed message to you. Please send your name, court number, and current email address as soon as possible to Sher Opal at sopal@legumnorman.com  and to the Newsletter Editors at Mewsnewsletter@aol.com. Email addresses will not be published and will only be used for association matters.

Masonry Repairs:  Repairs in Courts 1 through 7 begun in the fall, 2004, have been completed.  In the spring, repairs in Courts 8 through 15 will be made. Look for notices from Seal Engineering, who is working with the contractor on this project.  Please keep windows closed during these repairs, because there will be mortar dust.

Exterior Painting – Exterior trim in Courts 12-15 is scheduled to be painted beginning June, 2005.

Sewer Relining Project: Of the 43 association maintained main sewer lines, there are still 30 lines needing relining. Work will resume this year on this project, and residents will be notified by management.  We have completed year 2 of a 10 year contract to reline the terracotta sewer lines. 

Roof Replacements: The Board will be looking at the three remaining asbestos tile roofs for replacement and will determine which roofs will be replaced in 2005. Residents will be notified well in advance of this work by management.

Concrete Repairs: All the 2004 concrete sidewalk/step repairs have been completed.  Management will perform an inspection in the spring to determine repairs needed in the 2005 fiscal year.

Parking Lot Resurfacing & New Curbing:  The Board has postponed this work until the Finance Committee has completed its review of the replacement reserve schedules.

Double Tennis Court Repairs:  Management is in the process of obtaining repair costs for these courts, with an anticipated repair scheduled for the spring of 2005

 

Management Q&A

Q: What do I do if I have a sewer back in my unit?

A:  If sewage is coming from the lower floor (basement) drain or the toilet, it is management’s responsibility to respond and repair. Owners should contact management immediately to provide a plumber to make necessary repairs and a restoration company to clean and sanitize the affected areas.*

If there is a question of whether the clogged area is in the main line or in the individual  owner’s line, management has been directed to advise the owner to contact his/ her  plumber first to make the repair and then to request in writing a reimbursement  from the association.

 

All Kitchen sink back-ups are the responsibility of the owner. **

*If repair costs are over $2,500, management will file an insurance claim, and the association pays the deductible. If the repair costs are under the deductible amount, the association will pay these expenses from association’s general funds.

** If repairs costs are over $2,500, management will file an insurance claim to cover the expense to repair damages to the unit and the owner pays the deductible. If the repairs are under the deductible, the owner has no coverage for this claim under the master policy, but should file a claim with his/ her individual homeowner policy.

 

January Gardening Tips

 

In spite of the teasing of the recent spring-like weather, there is little to be done in flower borders and patios during these bleak months.  Except for an occasional foray outside to pick up sticks and debris, to remove some spent plant tops as weather permits, or to observe the winter patterns of nature, gardeners are pretty much “house bound”!

 

Of course we have noticed that the tips of spring bulbs are slowly emerging and that some buds (especially those of maples, pussy willows, deciduous magnolias, and camellias) are swelling, holding the promise of spring.

 

It won’t be long before nurseries will offer the first of the spring plants – yellow blooming Mahonia, primroses, helleborus, heather, and spring pansies.  These are so tempting, and if you have a protected spot, there is no reason not to indulge!  Just make sure the plants have been “hardened off” (conditioned to withstand the cold) and are not directly from the greenhouse.

 

Garden centers still have supplies of paper white narcissus and amaryllis bulbs to brighten the indoors.  Just follow the instructions available at the center and, voila!, in a few weeks bright blossoms!

 

This is the best time to plan the spring/ summer border by exploring those gardening websites that we were too busy to pursue before.  It is also a good time to read garden catalogues, many of which are free for the asking.   Even if you don’t order from catalogues, they are a good source of gardening information.

 

Some good catalogue and internet sources are

www.burpee.com - www.whiteflowerfarm.com

www.hortmag.com - www.jacksonandperkins.com

www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com - www.waysidegardens.com and www.plantdelights.com (you really need to see this last catalogue!).

 

Some outside chores which can be safely completed now include:

·         Gently reset any plants which have "heaved" out of the ground due to freezing and thawing.

·         Cut down the tops of perennial grasses before new growth begins.

·         Prune summer flowering shrubs. Do not prune azaleas, hydrangeas, forsythia, etc. until after flowering. (Removing deadwood from these shrubs is ok.)

·         Apply a light fertilizer to fall-planted pansies when the weather allows and remove the spent flowers.

·         Water any fall- planted trees/ shrubs when temperatures are above freezing and there has been insufficient rainfall.

·         Plan the spring/ summer border and include at least one new plant which you have not tried before.

·         Remove the old leaves of helleborus to allow the emerging flower buds room to grow.

·         Prune crape myrtles.  (Note: these shrubs tolerate severe pruning and still produce many flowers.)

·         Consider beginning a garden journal to record your gardening year!

 

The 16th annual Maymont Flower and Garden Show (Richmond, VA) will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 400 E. Marshall St. on February 24 – 27.  More information may be found at

http://www.maymont.org or 1-804-358-7166.  Looking for a week end day trip? This one fills the bill!

 

 

“Gardening in Small Spaces”

A Presentation by a Master Gardener

 

As announced in the last newsletter, the Meadows and Mews grounds committees are jointly initiating a series of gardening presentations designed for Fairlington residents.

The first presentation by Ms. Barbara Valenti will be held on February 16 at 7:00PM in Room 4 of the South Fairlington Community Center.

 

Ms. Barbara Valenti, certified Master Gardener and current President of the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, will speak on gardening in small spaces (e.g. Fairlington patios!)  and will address such issues as getting started, design preference (formal or informal), use of color, and selection of suitable plant materials.  She will also touch on container gardening, a topic to be covered more fully in another session. Her presentation, to include slides and useful handouts, will conclude with a question and answer session.

 

If you plan to attend this program, please contact (by Feb. 10)  Chuck  Edwards  (Meadows’ resident)  at  703-379-7256,

c-d@comcast.net or Tom Corbin (Mews’ resident) at 703-931-0687, tomrcor@aol.com so they can coordinate the number of handouts needed.  They are also planning an informative guided tour of the display gardens at Green Spring Park in Fairfax County for late spring.

 

This is a good opportunity for residents to obtain ideas to begin or improve that patio garden and to rethink their gardening strategies!  Chuck and Tom hope to continue such presentations provided there is community interest.

 

Featured Mews Residents

A Biette-Timmons profile by Ann Timmons

 

“The pool! The pool!” Nora (12) and Leo (9) shout in unison when I ask them what the best thing is about living in Fairlington. So I guess it is fitting that I am head of the recreation committee here in the Mews. My husband David Biette likes the convenience of Fairlington, noting that we are better served by Metrobus in our community than anywhere else in greater Washington.

When we moved to Fairlington from Brooklyn on Memorial Day 1992 we were expecting Nora, didn’t own a car, and couldn’t even contemplate buying a house (one of the side effects of living in NYC for any amount of time). So we rented an apartment in North Fairlington and waited to see how our lives would evolve.

 

Two years later we moved into our Clarendon in the Mews, previously known as “the cleanest house in Fairlington” for those of you who remember its previous owners, Barry and Joan Hess. We loved the location near the pool and the playground, and were intrigued by the two dormer windows in the attic.

 

We had big plans: paint the dark-paneled basement, redo the kitchen, strip the dining room wallpaper, build a bedroom in the attic. Well, ten years later we have done all that and more, well, except the kitchen which will be our next project. Our family expanded nine years ago to include Leo, so moving up into the attic space became more of a priority!

 

We are now the proud owners of a truly unique Fairlington property—an expanded Clarendon with a third-floor “master suite” complete with four dormer windows and a full bath (though when we bought the tile out in Springfield, our sales rep, looking at its dimensions, repeatedly referred to our master bath as the  “powder room”!) We are grateful to the Mews Board of Directors—ably led at the time by Shannon Watson—which granted us a variance  to “build out” two rear dormers, even if it meant jumping though several legal hoops.

 

We have grown quite fond of our corner of South Arlington and can’t imagine life in a place without a pool and tennis courts steps from the back door, plenty of beautiful green space, and such wonderful neighbors. We are close to Washington, close to Old Town, and appreciate the excellent schools that Arlington has.

 

We have found a true community here which we support with my committee work and David’s service on the Mews Board of Directors. When he tells non-Fairlingtonians that he has reached middle age and has never owned a lawn mower, they look at him at first with disbelief, then something that can only be described as envy. We think we’ll stay!


MewsNEWS

Published bimonthly by the Fairlington Mews Board of Directors for owners and residents in Fairlington Mews.  Suggested articles, comments or items of interest from residents are always welcome. Please send to:  mewsnewsletter@aol.com

Editors:  Tom Corbin and Ron Patterson, 4624 S. 34th Street, Phone:  (703) 931 0687

Subscribe to the MewsNEWS - send us your email address at mewsnewsletter@aol.com - newsletter in Word format sent as attachment to email

Fairlington Web Site:  www.fairlington.org/mewsindex.htm                                      Webmaster:  Ron Patterson,                                                                                                                                           Phone:  (703) 931-0687


LANDSCAPE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAIRLINGTON MEWS - 2005

 

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Mowing

26x

 

 

 

1ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

10TH

 

Edging

13x

 

 

 

1ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

10TH

 

Aeration

1x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15TH

 

15TH

 

 

Overseeding

1x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15TH

 

15TH

 

 

Turf Fert./Weed Control

4x

 

 

 

 

15TH

30TH

 

 

 

1ST

10TH

1ST-20TH

Crevice Control

8x

 

 

 

1ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

30TH

 

Liming-Optional

1x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1ST-30TH

 

Weed Control Beds

8x

 

 

 

1ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

30TH

 

Mulching-Spring(All)- Fall(Touchup)

2x

 

 

1ST

15TH

 

 

 

 

1ST

15TH

 

 

Bed/Tree edging

1x

 

20TH

 

1ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tree Pruning

1x

1ST

20TH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shrub Pruning

3x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tree/Shrub Insecticide Application

3x

 

1ST

31ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tree/Shrub Fertilization Application

1x

 

1ST

 

15TH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insect Inspection

7x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leaf Removal

3x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring Clean Up

1x

 

 

1ST-31ST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes: 1st leaf removal will be completed between October 20th - November 5th. 2nd removal will be 3 weeks after first removal before Thanksgiving. 3rd removal between December 15th and the 20th before Christmas.


 

January 2005                                                                         Fairlington Mews Council of Co-Owners

            Meeting Calendar

 

            Board of Directors                    Board Meetings are scheduled for January 25, 2005 February 22, March 22,

                                                            April 26, May 24 @ 7:00 PM, Fairlington Community Center

 

                                                Liaison                                                Address                                    Phone

            Board of Directors

            President                       Gretchen Martin (Acting)            4680 S. 34th Street                      (703) 933-1368

            Vice President                Gretchen Martin                        4680 S. 34th Street                      (703) 933-1368

            Treasurer                       Seth Low                                  4644 S. 34th Street                      (703) 379-0155

            Secretary                       David Biette                              4638 S. 34th Street                      (703) 820-9589             

            Director                        Ann Noonan                             4674 S. 34th Street                      (703) 931-6964 

            Director                        Ben Marglin                               4608 S. 36th Street                      (703) 671-7281

 

            Committee Chairs

            Landscape                     Lori Olivas                                4666 S. 36th Street                      (703) 379-4927

                                                Tom Corbin                              4624 S. 34th Street                      (703) 931-0687

            Recreation                     Ann Timmons                           4638 S. 34th Street                      (703) 820-9589

                                                Joanne Herman                          4603 S. 36th Street                      (703) 931-5867

            Newsletter                     Tom Corbin/Ron Patterson       4624 S. 34th Street                      (703) 931-0687

            Carriage Lamps             Janice & Larry Peters                  4605 S. 36th Street                      (703) 578-4992

 

            Court Representatives

            1.   3600-3616 S. Wakefield         Tom Roberts                 3616 S. Wakefield Street             (703) 820-1992

            2.   4606-4630 S. 36th                 Ben Marglin                   4608 S. 36th Street                      (703) 671-7281

            3.   4632-4636 S. 36th                 Stephen White                4636B S. 36th Street                    (703) 820-2356

            4.   4638-4654 S. 36th                 Myrta & Ricardo Alonzo4646B S. 36th Street                    (703) 824-0631

            5.   4656-4674 S. 36th                 Renee Powlette              4670B 36th Street                       (703) 671-2774

            6.   4676-4698 S. 36th                 Ann Wilhelmsen             4680A S. 36th Street                    (703) 931-9053

            7.   4667-4671 S. 36th                 Gordon Whyte              4667A S. 36th Street                    (703) 578-4564

            8.   4664-4686 S. 34th                 Brenda Camenzind         4678 S. 34th Street                      (703) 671 1677

            9.   4624-4658 S. 34th                 Tom Corbin                  4624 S. 34th Street                      (703) 931-0687

                                                            & Ron Patterson

            10.  4600-4618 S. 34th                Frances Kerns                4602 S. 34th Street                      (703) 671-0921

            11.  3408-3458 S. Wakefield        Tracy Cullo                   3428 S. Wakefield Street             (703) 845-9079

                                                            Amy Blauman                3450 S. Wakefield Street             (703) 671-6671

            12.  3500-3544 S. Wakefield        Victoria Lipnik               3512 S. Wakefield Street             (703) 379-7160

            13.  4601-4611 S. 36th                Joanne Herman              4603B S. 36th Street                    (703) 931-5867

            14.  4615-4637 S. 36th                Craig Wagner                4631 S. 36th Street                      (703) 931-7549

            15.  4641-4665 S. 36th                Elizabeth Grenfell          4661A-2 S. 36th Street                 (703) 845-3654

 

Additional Important Numbers

 

Sewer Back-up                          Dwyer Plumbing                                                                       (703) 922-8220

Trash Collection                         Jeffrey’s Trash                                                                            (703) 591-9550

Large Articles of Trash               Put out at CURBSIDE on the 1st Saturday of the month or call

                                                Jeffrey’s Trash for pick-up at your expense                                   (703) 591-9550

Management Agent                    Legum & Norman                                                                     (703) 600-6000

                                                4401 Ford Avenue, Suite 1200, Alexandria, VA  22302

                                                Sherrille A. Opal, PCAM  sopal@legumnorman.com                   (703) 848-4339

Maintenance Work OrdersInas Hadieh, Assistant       ihadieh@legumnorman.com                (703) 848-4325

 

24 Hour Maintenance Call-In                       Legum & Norman  (703) 848-4325

EMERGENCY NUMBER (703) 600-6000