MewsNEWS - May 2004

Message from the President

Happy Spring everyone!

It is such a pleasure to walk around the Mews neighborhood at this time of year and see all the trees, flowering shrubs, bulbs, annuals and perennials popping out all over the place. This is due to the hard work of the landscape committee, as well as all the owners/residents who put so much time and effort into making the Mews a beautiful place to live.

This time of year takes me back to 28 years ago when I first laid eyes on the Washington area and fell in love with it. After two years living in California my family finally moved east to Arlington, and I’ve been here ever since. My move to Fairlington happened a few years ago after I had returned from working overseas. I decided that having a tennis court and pool in my back yard was much more fun than living in a single family home without my family, who had gotten too old to live with Mom. The convenience of being able to walk to two grocery stores, two ice cream stores, two post offices, and numerous restaurants was too good to pass up, so here I am.

And now, for the next two months, I will be acting President since Rob Stewart and his family have moved to the Mount Vernon area. The board would like to thank Rob for his work and dedication to improving life in the Mews. We would like you to know that the board will continue that work of emphasizing better communications with residents/owners, improving participation in all aspects of Mews life, and ensuring that we continue to get the “best bang for our bucks.” In June at the annual meeting we will have an opportunity to elect a new member of the board to replace Rob. We hope to see all of you there.

Lastly, you recently received information concerning the recreation passes and the pool and tennis rules. Please be sure to get the forms to the recreation committee so you won’t miss a minute of this good weather at the pool and/or tennis courts. Then we can all be ready for Memorial Day and the official opening of the pool. I look forward to seeing you there.

Gretchen Martin

703.933.1368

News

Muse

Board Vacancy Election

Scheduled at Annual Meeting

Due to the retirement of Board President Rob Stewart, there will be an election for this vacancy and for a second Board position at the Mews Annual Meeting on June 22, 2004.

Included in this newsletter is a candidate resume form for interested residents to complete and return to Sher Opal by June 1.

New Drainage System, Carriage Lamps

Beginning the week of April 26^th, a new drainage system will be installed in front of units 3410 – 3418 S. Wakefield. The downspouts at these locations will be placed underground, directing the water out to Wakefield Street.

This work should take approximately 3 days to complete. Additional concrete sidewalk work may be needed and will be addressed during the summer, when all concrete work will be performed.

During the following week of May 3^rd, the electrical lines servicing the carriages lamps will be replaced as well as the lamps themselves. This is a long awaited project that will correct the lighting issues in courts 10 and 11.

All this work is scheduled weather permitting. We ask for your patience during this work. A final inspection will be performed by management upon notice of completion from the contractors, as well as restoration of the lawn areas.

How to Attract Birds to Your Back Yard

Text Box: Fairlington Meadows
Buildings and Grounds Committee
Presents:
What: How to Attract Birds to Your Back Yard
When: Saturday, May 1, 2004
Time: 10 AM
Where: The Fairlington Community Center, Room 10 Residents of the Fairlington villages, including The Mews, are invited to attend a special weekend session on "How to attract Birds to Your Back Yard" presented by Charles
Studholme, owner of One Good Tern, a local bird store located along Fern Street in Alexandria.

Mr. Studholme will bring along a sampling of different bird feeders and other items to help him explain and demonstrate what works best in the Fairlington environment, without
attracting unwanted pests.

In addition, he will point out which types of plants attract specific species of birds.

One Good Tern is an independently owned business that has been in operation since 1986. They specialize in bird feeders, bird houses, birding books, nature-related gifts, CDs of
bird calls, and birding supplies such as binoculars.

Their web site is http://www.onegoodtern.com.

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

· Board Minutes/Newsletters

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

· Virginia Condominium Act http://www.chadwickwashington.com/community/va.pdf

Volunteers

Work

Landscape Committee

The Mews Landscape Committee has been working with Fred Peratt and the crew of Environmental Enhancements to get the grounds ready for the growing season. The preliminary work has enhanced the appearance of our association’s common grounds.

The first mowing took place on April 7 and 8; it took the crew two days to edge properly, to mow, and generally to “rescue” the grounds from the rigors of winter. Bed edging and mulching, as well as general pruning, was done in late March. The pruning of spring flowering shrubs will take place later in the season after they flower.

Community Landscape, last year’s grounds contractor, replaced the two dead redbud trees at the entrance to Court 12 on April 7 with two flowering Kousa dogwoods. Sara Dalcher of Court 12 has been instrumental in seeing that the irrigation bags at the trees are filled to enable the trees to take root. Many thanks to Sara for taking on this job!

Residents are asked to water trees and shrubs which were planted last fall when there is insufficient rainfall. Usually 10 – 15 gallons of water poured weekly at the root ball will be sufficient. Trees and shrubs that were planted last fall and have died over the winter will be replaced as they are under a one year warranty with Environmental Enhancements, but one condition of the warranty is that the plantings be regularly watered.

The remaining installation of shrubs that were lost as a result of last fall’s sewer work is scheduled for late April. Affected residents in Courts 1, 5, and 9 were notified last fall of this replacement.

Bartlett Tree Service performed some of the recommended work on some of the association’s large trees in March. Due to budget constraints all recommended work was not performed and will be deferred to the coming fiscal year.

The Landscape Committee is considering the enlargement and replanting of the common beds at the corner of South 34^th/ 36^th Streets (Court 8) and at 36^th/ S. Wakefield Streets (Court 1) to provide interest and color “punch” for residents to enjoy. Preliminary plans call for planting some shrubs as background and seasonal annuals for color. The committee needs residents from Courts 1 and 8 to volunteer to see that the plantings are watered after installation.

Bob Noone of Court 8 will monitor the irrigation system installed last fall in the island beds on 34^th St. South. (Thanks, Bob, for agreeing to help with this project.) Jill Yutan, Arlington county horticulturalist, has inspected the beds for winter damage and will make replacements as needed. The large boxes covering the control valves for the irrigation system (required by Arlington County code) are to be painted so that they will blend in with the plantings. Plans also call for the installation of evergreen shrubs to “disguise” the boxes. Please understand that the plantings there are “infants” and will take a season or two to take root and flourish.

Residents are again reminded that the installation of any plant material other than annuals or perennials in common areas requires approval of the Mews Board of Directors. A written request should be forwarded to the Mews Landscape Committee which will then refer your request to the Board for approval. Trees and shrubs installed by residents become the property of the Mews Condominium Association. Failure to follow planting regulations governing common beds may result in the removal of the inappropriate material by the grounds contractor. When in doubt about planting, contact the Landscape Committee or consult the Mews Handbook.

Residents are also reminded that the grounds crew does not garden! Any installation of annuals or perennials must be tended by the resident who installs them. If such plantings become unsightly due to neglect, they may be removed. Pots and planters at entrances and stoops must also be well maintained and must not interfere with the entrance or exit of residents/ guests to the building.

The Flower Bed Waiver Form was included with the information regarding the recreation pass that was mailed to all co-owners in early April. Please complete the form and return promptly to the designee indicated on the form.

Questions, requests, or concerns about the common grounds should be referred to the committee (see personnel listing on the last page of this newsletter); you may also email your concerns to Tom Corbin (tomrcor@aol.com) or Lori Olivas (lorolivas@comcast.net). The Committee meets the second Monday of each month.

Recreation Committee

Applications for the 2004 Mews Recreation Pass were mailed to owners and residents. Please fill in the three-page application as instructed and return to Ann Timmons at 4638 S. 34th Street. Be sure to list the names of the residents for whom passes are requested. The Pass can also be found on the web site at: http://www.fairlington.org/mewsindex.htm

Ann Timmons and Joanne Herman, Co-Chairs
Shannon Watson, Chair, Department of Social Events

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

Neighborly Reminders

Living in a condominium association implies that all residents are aware of and follow the same rules and regulations. Such cooperation ensures the quality of the association lifestyle that all desire.

Noise Levels

As summer approaches and outdoor activities increase, please be mindful of noise levels as they affect your neighbors when you enjoy time outside in the patio or common areas.

The Mews “Welcome Handbook” (March, 1999) states:

No resident shall make or permit any noise that disturbs or annoys other residents, or do or permit anything to be done that interferes with the rights, comfort or convenience of other residents. (Section 8, Part D, “General”)

In addition to the Mews Handbook, residents need to be familiar with aspects of Arlington County Code which govern other noise “concerns”. Arlington code prohibits the following:

· “The operation of any radio, TV …sounds amplifier or similar device which produces…sound in a manner as to create a noise disturbance within any nearby dwelling unit or across a real property boundary.

· “Any person or group of persons to unreasonably make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any noise disturbance.

· “Any person…to permit animal or bird to create a frequent or continued noise disturbance across a real property boundary or within a nearby dwelling unit.”

Window Well Coverings

Co-owners may install plastic, wire mesh or nylon mesh covers, provided that:

· They are level, fit under the grate, and do not extend beyond the wall.

· They are not permanently attached so as to prevent an emergency exit. (Handbook, Section 9 “Variances”, Part B, section 7)

· Clear bubble window well covers are not approved. (Handbook, Section 8 “Rules”, Part A, section 6)

Storage in Common Areas

No bicycles, scooters, baby carriages, other vehicles, toys or other personal articles shall be allowed to stand in any of the common areas.

Stairwell Building Maintenance

The Mews Association employs a cleaning service to maintain the common hallways in the “stairwell” or “B” buildings. The redecorating of these areas was recently completed, adding to the attractiveness and value of the apartment buildings.

Some residents, however, have placed large plants on the carpets creating water damage to the carpet. Other residents have placed personal objects in the common areas of these buildings. These actions detract from the hallway’s appearance, are contrary to Mews rules, and create maintenance problems. Such objects are subject to removal by the Mews Board of Directors.

Trash and Grass Mowing

The grounds contract states that lawn mowing will occur on Thursday or Friday, weather permitting. When residents place their trash at the lamp post or at the court’s entrance sign, the grounds crew has a difficult time mowing around these items.

Please remember that “…trash should be placed in plastic bags visibly on your front porch by 7 AM Monday through Saturday…” Following this regulation means that the grounds crew does not have to mow around improperly placed trash. Failure to follow trash collection procedures may incur a $50.00 penalty for the offense imposed by the Mews Board of Directors.

Arlington County Code/ Building Permits

Residents who are considering or are involved in remodeling projects are reminded to seek construction variances from the Board of Directors and to apply for all necessary Arlington County building permits. The procedure for variances is outlined in the Handbook in Section 9. County Building Permits must be posted at the residence. Failure to meet current Arlington County Building Code may result in problems at resale or incur resident or association liability.

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

February 24, 2004

· President Rob Stewart announced that he would step down as president in April since he and his family had bought a house in Fairfax County and would be moving out of the Mews. He said that he would announce his news in the Association newsletter.

· Tom Corbin reported for the Landscape Committee on the grounds work to be done; he presented a contract for tree service. The Committee recommended replacing two holly trees by March 1st. Sher Opal will address the bill outstanding from the previous service.

· Joanne Herman recommended that the Mews once again host the FINS swim team for the second week in July (the 12th to the 16th). Our pool would host practice from 3:30 to 5:30pm Monday through Thursday of that week, with a swim meet on the Friday from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

· The board approved the purchase of a picnic table for the pool area.

· The board discussed the design of replacement signs for the courts.

· The roof replacement schedule was discussed; asbestos tile roofs in Courts 4 and 12 will be done first.

· Sher Opal will schedule a walk-around to assess repairs that will be needed to the concrete, asphalt, and masonry.

· A variance for a satellite dish at 4612-A S. 36th Street was discussed and approved.

· Minor changes were added to the pool contract for 2004, which will be forwarded to World Pool.

· Drainage issues in Court 11 were discussed; proposals for the work have been solicited and will be discussed at the next meeting.

· A variance to remove a kitchen wall at 4625-B S. 36th Street was approved based on the report of a structural engineer, provided that the work will be done to county building code.

· The remaining tree work was approved up to $12,030.

· The board agreed to contribute $250 to the Fairlington 5K run. The board asked for a map of the race and that the organizers notify residents if they will be inconvenienced by any street closings.

March 23, 2004

· Roger Taylor gave an assessment of the state of the two tennis courts, noting that the 36th Street courts were not in playing condition.

· The board discussed the rules for the use of the tennis court and reiterated that pets are not to be brought onto the courts. The board agreed to keep the rule that only tennis is to be played on the courts, and recommended that the locks be put back on the courts to discourage non-tennis activity. The combination is located on the back of the recreation passes.

· The board discussed briefly resurfacing the courts and the possibility of a backboard. There was also discussion about whether the 36th Street courts should be resurfaced with a multi-sport surface, repaired, or bulldozed altogether as was done in Arbor.

· Rob Stewart discussed the turnover of the role of president and recommended that a current board member be appointed president. There will be a slot during the annual election for a one-year term to fill Rob’s position.

· Seth Low reported on the budget and the audit, noting that we spent less this year on snow than last year.

· The Landscape Committee reported on plans for the coming year which will follow the plan that was submitted earlier. There was discussion among the board members and the Landscape Committee members present that some of the plantings done by residents in common areas are inappropriate for the climate and/or the particular spot, and all such plantings should be done in consultation with the Committee which is charged with maintaining plantings in common areas.

· Sher Opal reported that management will send a note to residents asking that all window well coverings conform to the specs in the handbook.

· The Recreation Committee reported that there would be minor changes to the recreation pass application.

· Court signs were discussed. The design was deemed important as was the readability of addresses.

· Management discussed the relining of sewer lines. The new process is less intrusive and involves less digging than the process used last year.

· The board approved an increase of 1% for the stairwell cleaning contract.

· A variance to remove part of a wall at 4630 S. 34th Street was approved provided that the owner obtain any necessary building permits. The board stated that any variance it grants does not affect what might be required by the county.

· Management agreed to send a final draft of the resolution on satellite dishes to the board.

· The pool contract with World Pool was reviewed and subsequently approved. Only one lifeguard will be on duty from 8:00pm to 9:00pm for adult swim.

· Management agreed to coordinate with Seal Engineering on issues outstanding regarding drainage in Court 11. Seal will also conduct an inspection of masonry in need of repair.

· The board approved the audit.

Timely Tips

By Sher Opal

Management Agent

Representative

Projects in Process:

· Court #11 drainage problem and replacement and rewiring of carriage lamps in Courts 10 and 11 are scheduled to commence week of April 26^th. The owners in these courts have been notified.

· An engineering company has been hired to inspect and prepare bid specs to obtain cost to make all necessary masonry/brick repairs to front stoops on the property. Anticipate work to commence in June.

· Rotten wood repairs are on their way for Courts 7-12, before scheduled exterior painting schedule for June. Separate notices will be sent to these courts before work begins. We are still working on some rotten work repairs in Courts 1-6 from last year.

Upcoming Projects:

· New Parking Lot Signs under consideration and should be ordered shortly.

· Asphalt & Concrete Repairs scheduled for this year: It has been hard to schedule an inspection to establish work needed, but hope to have under contract overlaying of scheduled parking lots and concrete walk and step repairs for a June/July commencement of work.

· Sewer Relining Project: Year 2 of 10 to commence spring/summer of 2004. Addresses and game plan for this work will be send to owners affected by this work when the work has been scheduled.

· Roof Replacements: The Association has had replacement specifications and obtained bids to replace the roofs at 3522-24 S. Wakefield Street and 4644-46 S. 36^th Street. Pending review of bids and review of replacement reserve funds, these roofs will be replaced this year.

Month of May

Gardening Tips

Perhaps by the time you read this, we will have seen the last of the unusual cool spring weather, and we will be able to get out and do some serious gardening! When you are out for a walk, check out what’s growing in your neighbor’s garden. More than likely if it thrives for your neighbor, it will also work for you! Gardeners are usually friendly people and eager to share their “stories” with you about what grows and what doesn’t.

Don’t forget that the foliage of spring bulbs needs to “ripen” (turn yellow) in order for the plants to set flower buds for next spring. Removing the foliage too early means fewer blooms next year. Many gardeners, especially those of us with limited space, treat tulips as annuals and replace the bulbs each year as tulip bulbs tend to “split” after the first blooming season and produce only foliage the next year.

There are some tulips, advertised as “perennial” tulips, which supposedly don’t do this. (White Flower Farms is one source of these bulbs.) Some gardeners say that planting tulips deeper than the depth directions call for also prevents their splitting. In large beds, we can plant daylilies or hostas to help disguise the ripening bulb foliage.

Remember to deadhead (remove dead blooms) to keep pansies blooming until the advent of hot weather and to keep the garden neat. Deadheading prevents the plant from using its energy to set seed. This is true for all annuals and biennials. Proper maintenance of pansies will keep them flowering (although the flowers become smaller) until June. At that time pull them up and plant annuals or other plants or summer color. Some perennials can be cut down after the first flowering, and they will produce a second blooming. Catmint (not catnip!), perennial phlox, Lady’s Mantle, and meadow sage usually will re-bloom if treated this way and well watered.

Hot weather plants languish in the garden if planted too early; they really need the heat of summer to prosper. When purchasing plant material for the summer garden, look for plants that are dark green in color and have few flowers. Even though we want instant color, putting out plants in full flower accomplishes little as the plants have been “forced” to bloom and take longer to adjust and take root. Always loosen the soil around the roots of container grown plants before planting. If you don’t do this, the roots continue to grow in the same direction as they grew in the pots and never take proper root. (This is particularly true of the annuals that come in the six or eight packs.) Amend the soil when planting with some potting soil or general organic fertilizer and water well. Mulch after planting. Smaller plants tend to establish themselves more quickly than larger ones.

Check the light requirements for any plants you put in. Plants that require full sun will not grow in shade! Shade loving plants will not thrive in full sun. Also note the size of the plant at maturing. Remember that little slip may, at maturity, overshadow your other plants!

Place plants in groupings of three, five, and seven so that they look “natural”. Use foliage plants (hostas, coleus, ferns, etc.) to provide contrast in your color scheme. Avoid planting one or two plants of this and that; rather plant in quantity for a mass effect. One gardening trend today is to use tropical plants in the summer border. These are plants that require wintering over inside, but add color, interest, and contrast to the summer border. Any of the tropicals you find at the plant stand will grow outside given the proper light and watering. Just remember that they will not survive our winters.

Our area will soon see the return of the cicadas. Do not be alarmed! They may damage (depending on the number) the tips of trees and shrubs, but the plant will renew itself. They may be a nuisance (but fun for your dog or cat), again depending on the number we have, but should not do much damage. Happy Gardening!

Mews residents are reminded that installing any annuals or perennials near a unit implies that the resident will take care of them. Indicate this by completing a flower bed waiver form and submitting it. Remember, the grounds crew members are not gardeners and perform only routine maintenance. They are not expected to take care of plants added by residents. If such plantings are not properly maintained, they will be removed. REMEMBER: Residents are not to add shrubs nor remove existing shrubs without requesting permission to do so.

Plant Notes

In many of the wooded areas of Arlington, English ivy is killing native plants and destroying trees. Several localities have “declared war” on this invasive plant and are vigorously removing it. Check www.noivyleague.com for more facts on this plant and information about its removal.

English ivy; scientific name Hedera helix
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is an aggressive, invasive, introduced species. It is an alien in this ecosystem and has no natural - biologic or environmental - controls in this or many similar ecosystems. It transforms natural areas into monocultures which do not provide habitat for indigenous wildlife. While it becomes an evergreen ground cover, its landscaping value is otherwise limited and creates undesirable consequences. Its widespread popularity derives primarily from its rapid growth, its suppression of any other plant growth, and its scant requirements in cultivation. These characteristics are major reasons why it is devastating when introduced to land areas populated by native species.

Green Spring Garden Market

Green Spring Park and Gardens (located off Route 236 behind the Mercury dealership) sponsors Saturday plant markets in the parking lot. Plants for sale include native species, shade loving plants, flowering shrubs, and other hard to find varieties at reasonable prices. Markets will be held May 1 and May 8 from 9:00 AM to 1:00PM.

Featured Mews Residents

By Sara Dalcher

My daughter had been accepted into boarding school in Virginia and I regularly got stuck in traffic on the American Legion Bridge, so I spent the summer of 1998 looking for places equidistant to my job in downtown DC and her school in Greenway, VA, discovering Fairlington in the process. I moved from Silver Spring, MD into Court 12 on one of hottest days of August and was charmed when a neighbor appeared during the move-in with peach iced tea, cups, and even ice!

The original appeal of Fairlington was the mature trees, slate roofs and brick construction. The proximity of the swimming pools, the well-maintained appearance of the entire area and the lovely hardwood floors inside my unit added to those good impressions.

Change-of-address cards prompted many discussions that helped reinforce my decision: nearly everyone I spoke to had once lived in Fairlington; still lived in Fairlington; or wanted to move into Fairlington! Indeed, I couldn’t help but notice how quickly For Rent and For Sale signs appeared and disappeared that summer - and have continued to do so ever since then. Fairlington’s appeal just seems to grow.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that almost all the stores I

would need were located within walking distance of Court 12: grocery, bakery, florist, movie-rental, wine shop, café and coffee shop. The Public Library stays open late enough so that I can use it easily, while the palette of temptations that is Shirlington just gets better and better.

I have amused my neighbors with my reports about the distances one can go for a walk or run right inside the boundaries of Fairlington. I enjoy a feeling of safety as I exercise each morning, waving to fellow-exercisers, dog-walkers and newspaper delivery groups. As someone who was born and raised overseas, moved frequently and yet is also a pack rat, I share with many Fairlingtonians the challenge of fitting lots of belongings into small spaces.

When the movers were struggling to 'convince' my camelback sofa through the front entrance and around that tight entry angle, one of the moving giants simply turned and said, "Lady, it's probably better if you leave the room now!" I did so - and will never know how they managed to get that piece of furniture inside!

Nearly five years later, I still look forward to coming home each evening to Court 12, Fairlington. Our semi-official Fairlington mascots (the squirrels and birds) visit and serenade me daily, while my neighbor’s gardening efforts enhance the appearance of the entire Court. I am indeed fortunate to live here.

Highlights

Inside