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May 2015 Newsletter

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North Fairlington News<strong>May</strong> <strong>2015</strong>North FairlingtonNewsHistoric Fairlington Villages<strong>May</strong> <strong>2015</strong> Vol. 37, No. 5 www.FairlingtonVillages.comAnnual Meeting Provides Updates; Board Members ElectedFairlington Villages ownersgathered on March 25 for the AnnualMeeting. The following candidateswere elected to the Board ofDirectors: Elizabeth Greczek, Ward2; Juliette Sheppard, Ward 4; andAndi Dies, At-Large (re-elected).Subsequent to the Annual Meeting,at the March 30 Board meeting,the following directors werere-elected to one-year terms as officers:Terry Placek, President (At-Large Director); Cindy Kunz, ViceHello New Board of DirectorsPresident (Ward 1 Director); AndiDies, Secretary (At-Large Director);and Harold Reem, Treasurer (Ward3 Director).In addition to election of threeBoard members, business at theAnnual Meeting included updateson the state of the Association providedby the officers, other Boardmembers, our outside auditor, andthe property manager. Reportscovered ongoing projects (such asbalcony and roof replacements,1sewer relining, and pool renovations),committee activities, andfinances.Kim Marinus, CPA, of Johnson,Bremer & Ignacio, CPAs, P.C., anaccounting firm and the Association’soutside auditor, reported onhighlights of the Fiscal Year 2014(FY14) audit report. Details of theaudit report, which showed ourfinances to be in solid condition,were also provided in the April issueof North Fairlington News.New Board Members Elizabeth Greczek and Juliette SheppardMeet Elizabeth GreczekElizabeth Greczek, new Ward 2 director, is a 15-yearresident of Fairlington. “I love our unique neighborhood,which is close to the city, yet has plenty of greenspace and sidewalks for residents to walk their dogs,jog, or stroll with little ones, Greczek commented. “Ialso appreciate the sense of community in Fairlingtonwith the numerous group activities throughout theyear, and the changes to come – like the farmer’smarket – that will further enhance life in our neighborhood.”Greczek said she ran for the Board to “give back tothe community I enjoy so much” and that she plans to“do my best to meet the needs of residents and maintainthe special aspects of Fairlington.”Meet Juliette SheppardJuliette Sheppard, the new Ward 4 director, haslived in Fairlington for 11 years, and has been anArlington resident for a total of 16 years. She works ininformation technology, participates in a communitygarden, and loves to travel.Ph o t o b y Gu y La n dHomeowners re-elected Andi Dies, and elected ElizabethGreczek and Juliette Sheppard to the Board of Directors.Yard Saleon <strong>May</strong> 2,8 a.m. to noon


2North Fairlington News<strong>May</strong> <strong>2015</strong>Condo Standards and Variances: Outside[This is the third in a series about obtaining variances from condostandards. Previous articles discussed variances for home interiormodifications, the variance request process, and roles of the VarianceCommittee and the Board.]Is spring inspiring you to thinkabout greenery and blooms? Isyour green thumb itching to plant?Looking for shade protection?Fairlington has many dedicatedgardeners and many commonspace areas that have been beautifiedby residents’ efforts.If you want to plant inside yourpatio fence, you probably don’tneed a variance as long as yourplantings grow no higher than thetop of the fence. But if you wantto volunteer to plant anywhereWhat You Need to Know About Fairlington PlumbingAs an owner or renter in Fairlington Villages, youmay have chosen to make your home here partlybecause you like the character of our 1940s buildings.Along with our vintage structures we have vintageplumbing. To avoid problems, here are a few things toknow about Fairlington plumbing, with informationprovided by Facilities Manager Miguel Galvez:• One feature of our structures is back-to-backkitchen drains in many buildings. A number oftownhouses and some apartments in multi-unitbuildings have two units sharing a kitchen sinkdrain. If the drain becomes clogged, special careis required to clear it without damaging thedrain or a neighbor’s home, since a plumbingsnake can go through to the next unit. If you areunsure whether you share a kitchen sink drain,call the office for details, and always call the officeif you have a clog in a shared kitchen drain.• A multi-year program of sewer relining hasadded years of usable life to our older sewerlines, but care is still required. Sewage backupsinto residents’ homes have occurred – anunpleasant experience. Please do not flushtampons, sanitary napkins, diapers, disinfectingor baby wipes, paper towels, rags, or fabricsoftener sheets. Also, never put down kitchenor bathroom drains: cat litter (it clumps in thedrain), grease, artichoke leaves, coffee grounds,corn husks, or large volumes of rice or otherfoods that cannot be ground by garbage disposalor will go through and then stick together.• Water heater locations are sometimes a sourceof uncertainty for residents of multi-unitoutside your fence, on commonproperty, you should ask the officefor advice on your plans.The Grounds Committee reviewsrequests for things like newor expanded planting beds adjacentto buildings or for planting aspecific tree or shrub, and in somecases the Variance Committee mayneed to rule on the plan as well.The variance process is designed toensure that any alteration of commonspace grounds is appropriateand consistent with our landscapestandards and aesthetics.Factors include placement andtypes of trees and shrubs, for example,to make sure that these arenot planted too close to buildingsand will thrive in our soil and climate.Other factors include designof any new beds for drainage awayfrom buildings so that new plantingand any necessary wateringdoes not result in intrusion damageto anyone’s home.Fairlington is your community,and you can expect constructiveand friendly help from the officestaff, and from the Grounds Committeeand the Variance Committee.buildings – the water heater can be inside theunit, in attic common space, or in a basementstorage area.• Each Fairlington home has an individual watershut-off valve, which is located next to the waterheater in townhomes and first level apartments,and may be in a basement common areaor storage space for B & C level apartments.Any questions about our plumbing can be directedto the management office.Annual MeetingPh o t o b y Gu y La n dBoard member Philip Brown talks with Abingdon PTACo-President Jen Davies about the plans for the AbingdonElementary project.


Manager’s CornerFarewell to Suzanne DelaneyThose of you who visit or callthe Management Office here atFairlington Villages have probablycome to know Suzanne Delaney,our Administrative Assistant forthe past four years. You could alwaysexpect a cheerful expressionand helpful service when you spoke with Suzanne.March 27 was her last day with us as she decided topursue a new opportunity. We wish her well. We willmiss her.The Care and Feeding of Your Garbage DisposalThe powerful roar of your disposal’s motor mayconvince you it can take on any garbage you throwits way, but it’s important to remember that yourdisposal is not a trash can. Garbage disposals aredesigned to grind small bits of biodegradable foodwaste to help prevent clogged drains. Proper use andmaintenance will not only extend the life of your appliance,but will also spare you costly service calls.Do:• Small amounts of skinless, boneless, pit-lessand non-fibrous foods are safe to grind.Don’t:• Shells, skins, husks, rinds and other hard orfibrous materials should not be put in thedisposal (e.g., clam shells, oyster shells, cornhusks, fruit pits, banana peels, avocado skinsand bones).• Large amounts of starchy foods (e.g., noodlesand rice) should not be put in the disposal. Althoughthey are easily ground, they expand inwater and can clog drains.Always:• Run cold water when operating the disposal.Keep the water running after you turn off theunit to flush out the remaining food products.Never:• Use hot water when operating the disposal.• Put non-food materials through the disposal.This includes all types of glass, plastic, and metals(e.g., bottle caps, aluminum foil, and plasticwrap).• Put harsh chemicals in the disposal or down thedrain.Sometimes:• Occasionally grinding bits of citrus peel helpsclean and freshen the disposal.• Grinding a little ice once a month helps scrapeaway deposits and remove odors.Management OfficeLocationFairlington VillagesA Condominium Association3001 South Abingdon StreetArlington, Virginia 22206North Fairlington News<strong>May</strong> <strong>2015</strong>Hours8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday9 a.m.-2 p.m. SaturdayClosed Sundays and federal holidays5CommunicationsTelephone: 703-379-1440Fax: 703-379-1451General Info Email: office@fairlingtonvillages.comService Request Email: service@fairlingtonvillages.comWebsite: www.fairlingtonvillages.comStaffColin A. HornerJohn WilliamsMiguel GalvezMark JohnsonErin MoranSuzanne DelaneyMary Lou AbreuGeneral ManagerAssistant General ManagerFacilities ManagerOperations ManagerAdministrative AssistantReceptionistReceptionistEmergencyAfter Hours Emergency: 703-600-6000Patrol ServiceTo contact security duty officer, call 703-930-7282.If the officer does not answer, the phone will page him/her. If the officer does not call back within 10 minutes,call again. Security hours: 8 p.m.-4 a.m. nightly.Sewer LinesThe proper use of your garbage disposal bringsto mind the general use and condition of our sewerlines. Fairlington Villages has undertaken an ambitiousprogram of re-lining the sewer lines in Fairlington.This program, started more than ten years ago,has resulted in almost 90% of the lateral sewer linesreceiving a significant extension of their useful lives.Nevertheless it is important to remember certain facts:• The sewer laterals and stacks were NOT replacedwhen Fairlington Villages was convertedto condominiums 40 years ago. That makesthem 70 years old.• The sewer laterals (from building to streetmain) serve all the units in each building, notjust your unit.• When the property was first built, apartmentunits did NOT have:1. Garbage disposals2. Dishwashers3. Washing MachinesColin A. Horner, General Manager, CMCA ® , PCAM ® continued on page 6


6North Fairlington News<strong>May</strong> <strong>2015</strong>The News is published byFairlington Villages,A Condominium AssociationBoard of DirectorsPresident, At Large DirectorTerry Placek 703-671-7550placekterry11@gmail.comVice President, Ward 1 DirectorCindy Kunz 703-578-4895cynthia.kunz@kunzandcompany.comSecretary, At Large DirectorAndi Dies 703-836-3323Treasurer, Ward 3 DirectorHarold Reem 703-845-8659hnreem@comcast.netWard 2 DirectorElizabeth Greczekegreczek@hotmail.comWard 4 DirectorJuliette SheppardSheppard@go-roam.netWard 5 DirectorPhilip J. Brown 703-637-9152PBrownBoard@pjb3.comWard 6 DirectorBob Tetrotetrobob@gmail.comAt Large DirectorAnne Wasowskiaw4fair@gmail.comCommittee ChairsActivities: Melanie Alvord, KateBannan, and Christine Chirichella,Co-Chairsactivities@fairlingtonvillages.comCommunications/Technology:Carol Bellcomm@fairlingtonvillages.comGrounds: David Rosegrounds@fairlingtonvillages.comParking, Security, & Traffic:Kim Malinowskiparksec@fairlingtonvillages.comPools: Ellen Varley and Paul Emigpools@fairlingtonvillages.comTennis: Peggy Bultmantennis@fairlingtonvillages.comVariance: Wayne Keyservariance@fairlingtonvillages.comfollow usLike us on Facebook@NFairlingtonComments, articles, and lettersare welcome. The deadline forsubmissions is the 10th of eachmonth. Please deliver or emailmaterials to the management office.The editor reserves the rightto edit submissions.Board Meeting AgendaWednesday, <strong>May</strong> 6The following is the preliminary agenda of the <strong>May</strong> 6, <strong>2015</strong> Board ofDirectors meeting. The Board invites residents to review the agenda,contact a Board member with concerns or suggestions, and attend. Themeeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the community center.I. Homeowner ForumII. Contractor Presentation – Capitol ServicesIII. Call to OrderIV. Establishment of QuorumV. Approval of Minutes – Mar. 30, <strong>2015</strong>VI. Old BusinessVII. New BusinessA. Variance Request – 4922 S. 29th Rd. (Create Penetration forAdditional HVAC)B. Plant ReplacementsC. Balcony Replacement Program – Phase 5D. Flat Roof ReplacementsE. Slate Roof ReplacementsVIII. Management Action ItemsIX. Reports1. Abingdon School Renovation – Discussion2. Officers’ Reports (President, Vice President, Secretary, andTreasurer)2. Committee Reports3. Management’s Financial Report4. Management’s Administrative Report5. Maintenance Reports6. Operations Report7. Work Order Response Log & Violation LogX. Establishment of Next Board Meeting – June 3, <strong>2015</strong>XI. Adjournment of MeetingThe agenda and the management report are available for review in themanagement office. The Board packet is available for review beginningon the Thursday before the meeting.Manager’s Cornercontinued from page 5Our current use places a greatdeal of stress on the sewer linescompared to when they were firstconstructed. Sewer stoppages,when they do occur, can be verydamaging.Please be thoughtful of everythingyou dispose of through yourgarbage disposal or down thedrain. The problem that may resultfrom a stoppage does not alwaysappear in your unit. Be considerateof your neighbors, who may sufferthe consequences.Ph o t o b y Gu y La n dBoard Chair Terry Placek and AssistantGeneral Manager John Williams at theAnnual Meeting.


Board NotesNorth Fairlington News<strong>May</strong> <strong>2015</strong>The Board of Directors held its regular meeting on March 30, <strong>2015</strong>. The following are highlights.New BusinessA. Variance Request – 2998 S.Columbus St., C-2 – GrandfatherHVAC Relocation: Ms. Dies movedthe Board approve a variance requestto grandfather the relocation of theHVAC system to accommodate a newand larger HVAC system for the unitin accordance with the attached variancerequest. Passed 9-0.B. Variance Request – 4639 S.30th Rd. – Relocate Load-BearingWall: Mr. Brown moved the Boardapprove a variance request to removea non-load bearing wall between thekitchen and dining room, remove aload-bearing wall between the kitchenand living room; convert the attic intoa living space with new stairs accessedfrom the existing closet in the bedroom,in accordance with the attachedvariance request and drawings, providedthat there be of record a certifiedengineer’s letter that includes a clearstatement that the structural integrityof the building will not be impactedby this work. Passed 8–0–1.C. Variance Request – 2920 S.Buchanan St., A-2 – GrandfatherScreen Door: Mr. Brown moved theBoard approve a variance request tograndfather the installation of a petscreen door in the rear of the unit inaccordance with the attached variancerequest on the condition that theowner return the screen door to theoriginal condition upon sale of theunit. Passed 9–0.D. Variance Request – 4704 S. 30thSt., B-1 – Run HVAC Line AlongExterior: Mr. Brown moved the Boardapprove a variance request to run anew thermostat line along the rearexterior of the unit, in accordance withthe attached variance request. Passed9–0.E. Variance Request – 4847 S. 27thRd. – Install Paving Stones BeneathBalcony: Ms. Dies moved the Boardapprove a variance request to installflagstone under the balcony in the rearof the unit leading to the edge of theretaining wall in accordance with theattached variance request. Passed 9–0.F. Variance Request – 4602 S.30th Rd. – Run HVAC Line AlongExterior: Mr. Brown moved the Boardapprove a variance request to run newHVAC lines along the rear exterior ofthe unit, in accordance with the attachedvariance request. Passed 9–0.G. Variance Request – 2815 S. ColumbusSt. – Relocate HVAC System:Ms. Dies moved the Board approve avariance request to relocate the HVACsystem to accommodate a new andlarger HVAC system for the unit inaccordance with the attached variancerequest. Passed 9–0.H. Standing Board Practices andProcedures, <strong>2015</strong>–2016 Board Year:Mr. Reem moved that the Board adoptprocedures for the conduct of monthlyBoard meetings and the transactionof Association business during the<strong>2015</strong>–2016 Board year. Passed 8–0–1.I. Spring Yard Sale Flowers/FocalBeds: Mr. Brown moved the Board authorizeManagement to contract withLancaster Landscapes Inc., for YardSale Flowers at a cost of $1,296 andFocal Bed Flowers at a cost of $4,192.Passed 9–0.J. Hallway Carpet Cleaning: Mr.Reem moved the Board authorizeManagement to contract with CMI Alliance,for Apartment Carpet Cleaningat a cost of $13,860. Passed 9–0.K. Trash Removal Contact: Mr.Brown moved the Board authorizeManagement to contract with CapitolServices, for Trash and RecyclingService for a three year period at acost of: June 1, <strong>2015</strong> – <strong>May</strong> 31, 2016:$25,529.54; June 1, 2016 – <strong>May</strong> 31,2017: $25,529.54; June 1, 2017 – <strong>May</strong>31, 2018: $25,784.84. Passed 8–0–1.L. Painting and Rotten WoodReplacement: Ms. Dies moved theBoard authorize Management tocontract with Middledorf PropertyServices, Inc., for the replacement ofrotten wood in Ward II, at a cost not toexceed $30,000.00 and to contract withMiddledorf Property Services, Inc., forexterior painting in Ward III at a costof $57,825. Passed 9–0.7Ph o t o s b y Gu y La n dLEFT: Two happy hunters closely inspect the ground to findEaster Eggs. RIGHT: Young Fairlingtonians heed the call tofill their baskets with eggs during the Easter Egg Hunt.Like us on Facebook to see more photos of Fairlington events


8 North North Fairlington News<strong>May</strong> Fairlington <strong>2015</strong>NewsFairlington Villages, A Condominium Association3001 South Abingdon StreetArlington, VA 22206Presorted StandardU.S. Postage PAIDArlington, VirginiaPermit No. 5598North Fairlington News<strong>May</strong> <strong>2015</strong>SundayMonday Tuesday Wednesday ThursdayFridaySaturday1 <strong>May</strong>2Spring Yard Sale8 am – noon3 4 5 6 7 8 9Play GroupBoard MeetingPet Happy Hour10 am – noon7 pm5 pm10 11 Play Group 12 13 14 15 16 FHS Home &10 am – noonPool CommitteeTennis Party 7 pm Garden TourGrounds Committee7 pmPool 2 opens7 pmMain Courts 10 am – 3 pmnoon17 18 19 20 21 22 23Play Group Parking, Security,VariancePools open at noon10 am – noon and TrafficCommittee 7 pmCommittee 7 pm24 25 Memorial DayOFFICE CLOSED26 27 28 29 30Trash WILL BEPICKED UP31 1 June2 3 4 5 6Board MeetingSummer Kickoff7 pmParty 5 pm, Pool 3Meetings held at the community center unless otherwise noted. Please call the office to confirm.


Fairlington Villages,A Condominium Association<strong>2015</strong> SWIMMING SCHEDULEPool 1: 3055 S. Woodrow St. 703/998-8401Pool 4: 2848-B S. Buchanan Street 703/998-8516<strong>May</strong> 23 – June 12 WeekdaysWeekends3 pm – 8 pm12 pm – 8 pm<strong>May</strong> 23 – June 12 WeekdaysWeekends3 pm – 8 pm12 pm – 8 pmJune 13 – Sept. 7 M, W, F, Sa, SuTu, Th10 am – 8 pm3 pm – 8 pmJune 13 – Sept. 7 Everyday 10 am – 8 pmPool 2: 3025 S. Buchanan Street 703/998-8503<strong>May</strong> 16 – <strong>May</strong> 22 WeekdaysWeekend<strong>May</strong> 23 – June 12 WeekdaysWeekends3 pm – 8 pm12 pm – 6 pm3 pm – 8 pm12 pm – 8 pmJune 13 – Sept. 7 Tu, Th, F, Sa, Su 10 am – 9 pmM, W 12 pm – 9 pmLap Swim Weekdays 7 pm – 9 pmLap Swim Weekends 10 am – 12pmSept. 8 – Sept. 20 Weekdays 3 pm – 8 pmWeekends 10 am – 8 pmLap Swim Weekdays 7 pm – 8 pmLap Swim Weekends 10 am –12 pmSept 21 – Oct 12 WeekendsLap SwimPool 3: 4709-B S. 29th Street 703/998-851110 am – 8 pm7 pm – 8 pmPool 5: 2985 S. Columbus Street 703/998-8520<strong>May</strong> 23 – June 12 WeekdaysWeekends3 pm – 8 pm12 pm – 8 pmJune 13 – Sept. 7 Tu, Th, F, Sa, Su 10 am – 8 pmM, W 3 pm – 8 pmLap Swim M, Tu, W, Th 7 pm – 8 pmLap Swim Weekends 10 am – 11 amSept 8 – Sept 11 Weekdays 12 pm – 8 pmSept 12 – Sept 13 Weekend 10 am – 8 pmPool 6: 2920 S. Dinwiddie Street 703/998-8528<strong>May</strong> 23 – June 12 WeekdaysWeekendsJune 13 – Sept. 7 M, W, F, Sa, SuTu, Th3 pm – 8 pm12 pm – 8 pm10 am – 8 pm3 pm – 8 pm<strong>May</strong> 23 – June 12 WeekdaysWeekendsJune 13 – Sept. 7 M,W, F, Sa, SuTu, Th3 pm – 8 pm12 pm – 8 pm10 am – 8 pm3 pm – 8 pmLap Swim: Pools 2 and 5 have times specified for lap swimming. If a lap swimmer is in thepool at these times, the pool will be for the exclusive use of lap swimmers.


Fairlington Villages,A Condominium Association<strong>2015</strong> SWIMMING POOL RULES AND SAFETY REGULATIONSEach resident is required to submit his/her up-to-date resident Fairlington Villages IDCard to the pool lifeguard upon entering the pool area, and to remove it upon departure for the day.Residents are also required to sign the daily log when they arrive at the pool.A "guest" is anyone not entitled to a Fairlington Villages ID Card. Guests will be permitted into the poolenclosure if accompanied by a resident showing a valid Fairlington Villages ID Card. Guests must alsosign the daily log when they arrive at the pool.If the guest is not accompanied by a resident, he/she must present a special guest pass. Residents mayobtain a guest pass from the Management Office at 3001 S. Abingdon Street, weekdays Monday thruFriday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (phone: 703-379-1440). Residents mustpresent their Fairlington Villages ID Card to receive a guest pass. Issuance of a pass and any limitationson it is discretionary with the Management Office.Special permission of the pool lifeguard is required for residents wishing to bring more than five guests ata time.The following are general guidelines for use of the pool:1. All residents must sign in upon entering the pool enclosure.2. An adult must accompany children under 10 years of age within the pool enclosure. If thechild has not passed the swim test OR cannot stand flatfooted with neck and head above thewater, the adult must be in the pool and within arms reach of the child at all times.Parents or guardians are responsible for their children's safety and behavior. The lifeguardhas many duties to perform and is not a baby-sitter.3. Any child, unaccompanied by an adult, must pass a swim test. The test will includeswimming the length or two widths of the pool (measured at the widest width) and treadingwater for one full minute in the deep end. The lifeguard will administer the test.4. Bathing suits are required. No cut-offs.5. A shower is required prior to entering the pool.6. Open wounds or serious injury shall be grounds for refusing entry to the pool enclosure.7. Running and rough playing of any sort is prohibited.8. Playing with a ball, Frisbee or aquatic toys in the pool area is limited to times when the poolis not crowded.9. Wading pools are designed for children six years of age and younger. Children must beaccompanied by a parent or guardian at all times at the wading pools.10. Diapered babies must wear plastic pants.11. The area around the lifeguard table shall remain free of patrons.12. No diving is permitted.13. Rafts of any type are not allowed. Only pool noodles and approved personal flotation devicesare permitted. The lifeguard must approve any floatation device.


In June, July and August, players under 14 years of age must yield to adults after 4 p.m. onweekdays and all day on weekends and holidays. During this time, cardholders with a validFairlington Villages ID Card or guest pass must be over 14 years old.Two or more players take precedence over an individual when all courts are in use.Dog-walking, bicycling, roller-skating, skateboarding, or similar activities are not allowed on thecourts.At the Community Center courts (except for Court 5, with the divider net drawn) no more than sixballs may be in use on each court. There is no restriction on the number of balls on the satellitecourts.RULES INTERPRETATIONInterpretation of these rules may be given by the tennis pro, members of the tennis committee,management, or members of the Board of Directors.Friday Night Tennis Parties<strong>May</strong> 15June 19July 17August 21September 18Parties start at 7:00 pm at the Main CourtsSocial doubles, snacks, and drinks providedFree Tennis ClinicsJune 6, 7, and 13 from 10-11am (Court 5)All parties and events are open to all Fairlington Villages residentsApril <strong>2015</strong> 2

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