Meadows Messenger
May-August 1999

Volume XXIII, No. 3

Dear Neighbors,

By the time you read this, we should have completed the reconstruction of five parking lots (courts 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9) and the installation of accessible curb cuts in each as well as concrete paver walks connecting the county sidewalks in three of the lots. Many thanks to all who participated in this project and especially to our residents for their patience and understanding.

As many of you know, this has been a laborious endeavor discussed and planned in the last three years. Next year, we hope to complete five additional lots, finishing the f inal five in 2001. We have hired a new consulting company, Seal Engineering, to help us complete this year’s work and hope to work with them in the future reconstructions. The paving contractor, Applicators, Inc., has done an excellent job and received many positive comments from affected residents. Welook forward to working with them as well.

The new trash and recycling contractor, Capitol Services, has also received favorable comments as has the new painting contractor, Capital Painting (the two are not related). Hand in hard with the painting process begun in May at courts 7, 8, 9, and 10, we are replacing rotten wood trim as needed and trying a new environmentally friendly peel-away process for paint removal.

We are currently in the process of developing formal job descriptions for our two onsite maintenance personnel. We recently implemented a new system for organizing their work flow through the use of written work orders.

Since my last letter to you, we have experienced little to no vandalism in the community. The walkway lights bordering the Glen tennis court out to Quaker Lane continue to solicit positive comments from Meadows residents and neighboring villages.

Many thanks to David Andrews and Diane Thurber for organizing the court chairpersons into a new committee (see related article).

On March 2 9th , Fairlington Villages gained entry to the National Register of Historic Places having already been accepted to Virginia’s register. We feel that the improvements made to our community this spring further compliment this historic appointment.

Best regards,
Ronald A. Quinn, President

TWO NEW YORK CITY KIDS COME TO
FAIRLINGTON-AND STAY

Luckily, in their college years mutual friends set them up on a blind date and Richard did make more of an impression. They were married shortly before the Second World War broke out, after Richard had graduate( from City College with an economics degree and Louise from Hunter with a pre-social work degree.

Richard did radar and radio maintenance in the Signal Corps during the war, skills that helped him get a regulatory job as a communications expert with the Federal Communications Commission in 1946. He stayed at the FCC until the Rural Electrification Association hired him to oversee the design and construction of the rural telephone system in 1949; only 20% of farms had phones at that time. He notes with a touch of pride that 98% of rural homes have telephones now, “higher than in urban areas”.

Richard stayed with the government until 1974, when he became a communications consultant. His work, which he gave up just a year ago, focused on representing consumer organizations and other public interest group before utility commissions to relieve the level of phone rates.

The Gabels had moved to Fairlington after the war, living in two places on the north side as their young family grew to four children. They moved to their current place in the Meadows on South Utah Street at the time of the 1973 renovation to condominiums.

Louise had gone on to earn a Master’s degree in social work from Howard University. She wrote her thesis jointly with a young black man. Washington and Virginia had strict segregation laws, and “even though it would have been more convenient for us to meet in a restaurant to discuss our work,” says Louise, “there was no restaurant that would allow us to do that”. The only place the two could get together and discuss their work over sandwich was at the local YMCA, or at home. Louise shifted to elementary school teaching as the family grew, in order to have a career with a schedule better matched that of their children. As adults, two of the children Eve in the Washington area, and two in Boston. There are now eight Gabel grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Many family members gather in their Dominion model home for Seder dinner at Passover. Louise explains they seat 24 by bringing a narrow table into the dining room and placing the usual dining table at its end, running into the living room. The dining room is decorated with a colorful quilt made by family members to celebrate their 50′ wedding anniversary. The square from Louise’s sister in California has a row of red hearts marching across a map of the United States from her home to the Gabel’s.

Richard and Louise like living in Fairlington in their retirement years-although Louise isn’t strictly retired. She volunteers full-time as a tutor five days a week at the Glencarlyn Elementary School, a school she had taught in, and occasionally she substitute teaches. Richard enjoys a game of handball two days a week with a group of friends at the Y. What they don’t like about this stage of life, they both agree, is seeing too many friends die.

When asked to reflect on the changes they’ve seen in Fairlington and the Meadows-they note the drop in the number of children. “When our children were small and we would have a birthday party,” says Richard, “if you invited just the children in your courtyard, you would have 25 kids.”

Now, he notes, there seems to be more dogs than children. “And the owners don’t take care of their pets.” Louise makes clear just what he means when she disagrees with him: “I don’t think I have to step over very much when I go out for a walk-especially not compared to New York City.”

As for other Fairlington changes, they think the advent of air conditioning has made it harder to get to know people. “Before air conditioning,” says Richard, “we would all sit out on our front steps on a summer evening while the children played. You got to know people that way.” And another negative: squirrels. Thanks to the pesty creatures, the Gabels have had to give up growing tomatoes in their garden.

On the plus side, says Louise, is how beautiful the trees and flowers have become as they’ve matured. She notes that the tree at the side of their house – “a pygmy tree when we moved in” – now towers over the roof.

And, she says, they both love the swimming pool, which took the place of the central “boiler house” that used to supply steam heat to all the units. “Those radiators gave off nice even heat”, she says. “Although we don’t miss the constant stream of trucks that brought the fuel oil.”

Going Away This Summer? Crime Prevention Tips

All types of personal and household crime are highest in warm months when people spend more time on vacations or are involved in outdoor activities. Avoid becoming a statistic by following these suggestions:

Make sure your home looks lived in, not empty. Stop mail and cancel all deliveries or ask a friend or neighbor to make daily collections. Leave shades and blinds in normal positions. Put an automatic timer on several lights and the radio.

Leave a key with a trusted neighbor so that they can check your home periodically. Supply them with an itinerary with phone numbers where you can be reached in an emergency. Offer to do the same for them!

Store valuables in a safe deposit box.

Lock all windows and doors. Don’t forget the basement windows!

While traveling, keep a minimum amount of cash. Use traveler’s checks or credit cards (keep numbers in a safe, separate place). Keep careful tabs on your travel tickets — they’re as good as cash. Carry them (and wallets) in an inside pocket.

If driving, plan your route carefully through main roads and using maps. Have your car serviced and tires checked. Avoid driving at night. Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher, spare fire and tools, and a first aid kit.

Don’t advertise your plans to strangers-before you leave or while on vacation.

Always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight (or take them with you into hotels overnight and lock the doors).

Have fun but be observant! Learn about your surroundings and select sightseeing companies and guides carefully.

Send Board of Directors Mail to:

Fairlington Meadows Board of Directors c/o Community Management Corp. (see below)

Direct Maintenance Requests to:
Theresa Swan, Vice President
Community Management Corp.
12701 Fair Lakes Circle, #400
P.O. Box 10821
Chantilly, VA 20153
631-7200
631-9786 Fax
Or Steve Coombe or Jack Clarke
Onsite Personnel
820-6799

Towing Requests: Call A-1 Towing of Northern Virginia
979-2110

Request for Board Meeting Minutes:
Contact Theresa Swan (see above)

COUNTY JUDGE SUPPORTS BOARD ACTIONS IN BYLAW INFRACTIONS

Recently, the Fairlington Meadows Board of Directors has had two issues arise; both of which involve covenants dealing with violations of the Association rules and regulations.

One situation developed as a result of a complaint lodged by one owner against another, alleging that one owner was keeping more than two pets as permitted by the Bylaws. After following Due Process Procedures in accordance with the documents and the Virginia Condominium Act, a hearing was conducted by the Board of Directors. The allegation was substantiated and, in keeping with the Bylaws, the Board ordered the removal of one of the three pets.

The owner of the pets refused to remove one of the pets. Based on the hearing decision, a special monetary assessment was levied against the owner in violation. In the furtherance of their fiduciary duty, the Board filed suit against the owner to force compliance with the Bylaws.

Two years after this situation began, one of the pets passed away. While this unfortunate event had the affect of bring the owner into compliance, the Board continued to seek financial recompense of the considerable monies expended on this matter in attorney fees and the collection of the special assessment, which by this time was substantial. Settlement offers on behalf of the Association were rejected by the owner and so trial commenced in Arlington County in November of 1998.

The Association was able to place into evidence its legal documents giving authority to the Board to enforce the regulation limiting the number of pets to two, and the Due Process Resolution adopted by the Board which provided legal relief in cases where the Board is enforcing the rules.

In part, the Judge found the Association rules “neither arbitrary nor capricious . .” and that “Special Resolution No. 1 of the Council (Due Process) grants to the Council the right to pursue, pursuant to statute, to assess monetary damages and the right to restrict co-owners access to recreational facilities, for violations of the condominium instruments, and . . . the right to assess attorney fees and costs in the event that the Council must pursue litigation to enforce the condominium instruments”. The judge awarded all special assessment charges and attorney fees, which had been sought.

It is also important to note that the Judge, in making his decision, considered the fact that the dog owner chose not to participate in the Association’s internal due process procedures.

In the second situation, a unit owner was notified that their window replacement was not in accordance with the adopted guidelines. Again, a hearing was held as authorized under the Due Process Policy Resolution, and the owner was given a certain amount of time to bring the windows into compliance or a special assessment would be levied. Fortunately, the unit owner has complied with the Board’s ruling and no further legal action was necessary.

These two cases are the only situations over the past five years where the Board has had to formally convene a hearing and/or take legal action to gain compliance with the governing documents. As many of you are aware, the Board is made up of your neighbors who volunteer their time to ensure that the community remains well maintained and fairly operated. However, what the above two situations point out is that the rules and regulations are deemed to be an integral part of living in a condominium community and as such, the efforts by the Board to enforce these rules has been upheld legally.

RESERVED WEEKEND PLAY IN EFFECT

Reserved weekend play began May 15th at our tennis courts and is in effect until September 26th. A sign-up sheet will be posted by 7:30 a.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Residents 16 or older may reserve a court for one hour by printing their full name and unit number on the sign-up sheet. There is a limit of one hour per unit per day. If the person signed up for the court does not commence play within ten minutes after the hour, he/she will forfeit the court to those present.

During the weekdays, court time is available on a first-come, first served basis. Two players must be present to establish a place in line when waiting for a court. Please note that one player alone cannot hold a place in line.

Before starting play, set the bulletin board clock to indicate your starting time and place your pool pass in the corresponding holder. If you fail to indicate your start time or display your pass, you must vacate the court if others are waiting. Also, after one hour (singles), you must vacate the court if others are waiting to play. Doubles may continue play for two consecutive hours provided that two residents have their passes on display.

In good shape after receiving a new color coat system last spring, the courts are rarely full all day.

If you have any questions, contact John Stack (379-7245) or Marc Chittum. (820-5731).

PLEASE NOTE: The North Fairlington Homeowners’ Association asked that we remind our residents that their tennis courts are for their use only, unless you are invited to play by and with their residents. This rule applies to all of the individual villages as well as our own. Our condo dollars maintain our Meadows courts only. Evidently, they have nonNorth Fairlington residents using up their court time and resources.

WATERING DOESN’T REQUIRE A GREEN THUMB

Residents often ask “who is responsible for watering grass, trees and shrubs?”. The answer is “all of us”.

Our on-site personnel only handle watering around the pool/maintenance areas, the traffic islands, and newly planted areas required by the paving work. By the time you read this, the traffic islands (33rd Street and South Stafford Street) watering will be enhanced by an irrigation system paid for by Arlington County and installed by Delmar Systems of Alexandria for our personnel’s use.

For the rest of the Meadows’ property, it is up to all of us to water and keep our plant life healthy and green. The following guidelines for watering have been provided by CMC and should be adjusted according to the weather, soil composition, and seasonal conditions.

Another guide to follow is based on the weekly outdoor temperatures:

– 90 degrees-water 4 times a week
– 70-90 degrees-water 3 times a week 50-70 degrees-water twice a week

NOODLES AND FREEZE POPS-MUST BE SUMMER!!

Noodles have been restocked, and the umbrellas and ping-pong/basketball gear have been spritzed and polished. Even the showers/rest rooms are sporting an improvement underfoot: new non-slip matting in a marine blue color that adds a dash of panache.

The freeze pops are awaiting customers (and are still a bargain at 10 cents). So, a hearty “well done” and “welcome back” to Pool Manager Dave Lassiter for a sixth “term”. Another “welcome back” to lifeguards Maureen, Jessie, Claire and Stephanie. To all of them, we promise to behave ourselves.

Here is a repeat of the 1999 Pool Schedule:

June 19 – Sept. 3: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends July 4th: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sept. 4-6: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sept. 7-10: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sept. 11-12: Noon to 7 p.m.

You should have received your pool passes and rules by now. If you have not received them, see Dave at the pool.

Also, check out the pool bulletin board for upcoming parties and events. Our experience with past pool parties confirms our initial belief that food and the pool are a fun mix! We have an excellent record of not one accident or mishap during a pool party-no reports of someone getting sick from mistakenly squeezing sunscreen on their hot dog instead of mustard, or someone jumping in the pool with a piece of pizza stuck to their bottom.

As reported in the last newsletter, the Pool Committee has been asked to survey interest in additional pool services; e.g. early morning swimming and swimming instruction. This survey should be printed and available at the Guard’s table by the end of June. Please note that implementation of any such additional services will be at actual charge of Guards’ fees to the users.

Applause and congratulations to two of our committee members: Cliff for rallying like a teenager after hip surgery, and Jennifer (and husband Jim) who’s third child has debuted at the baby pool! So, come by to swim, nibble (the food) or join in the conversations. Unlike those stilted cocktail parties we’ve all attended, you don’t have to balance a beverage and a snack while talking: our parties are relaxed sit-downs around the umbrella tables-welcome to suburbia.

NEWS FROM THE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE

In mid-June, committee members conducted a walk-thru with our grounds contractor STM’s representatives, Bill Munt and Edguardo Blanco, to discuss the lawns, weeding in the beds, pruning, etc.

IRRIGATION: The Committee would like to recognize the contributions that Ed Hilz has made to the continued beautification of the entire Fairlington community. Ed is a Meadows resident who is very active in the community and in Arlington County. He is Fairlington’s representative to the Neighborhood Conservation Program and a Director/Treasurer) of the Fairlington Citizens Association. Ed is mainly responsible for the new sprinklering system installed at the Stafford Street traffic circle and in the 33rd Street median.

The irrigation systems will enable our maintenance crew to program the watering of these areas. The shrubbery and flowers that all of us enjoy will now survive drought and heat. Ed spent many hours working with the County officials and with the subcontractor. As a result, the County agreed to pay for the system but will allow the Meadows to control the watering. We owe Ed a great deal for his dedication to the continued success of our community.

NEW LIGHTING: The Committee is researching possibilities for new exterior lighting fixtures. We feel that it is time, after 25 years, to look for new and better lighting and to have some approved standard for the lighting fixtures on our buildings. Committee members who are working on this project are Kym Hill, Linda Peterson, Carrie Quinn and Tim Tereska. Over the summer, they will be preparing a presentation to the Committee and later to the Board for approval of these changes.

DOWNSPOUT EXTENDERS: Committee members Chuck Edwards, Trudy Laub, and Virginia Mathes are exploring alternatives to the growing number of downspout extenders cropping up throughout the community. They have surveyed the village for the extender locations and will make recommendations to the Committee and the Board for action.

SHUTTERS: The Committee is investigating the possibility of replacing the shutters on our buildings. The present ones are in poor condition and many do not even match. We will be looking for replacements that are more permanent and attractive. Committee members for this project include Linnea Barry, Kym Hill, Carrie Quinn, and Gordon Wray.

POOL ENCLOSURE IMPROVEMENTS: The B and G and Pool Committees are working together to provide additional landscaping and a shaded area at the pool. This project will not begin until the pool closes in September.

DROUGHT: Last summer’s heat and drought has taken a toll on many of our trees and shrubs. So far, the community has lost a large white pine behind Court 10 and an evergreen in the South Stafford circle plus various shrubs. Our arborist and tree contractor have warned that we may lose more. The effect of the drought will continue to be seen for several years. Please help by watering old and new plantings!!!

If any resident has a request, please inform us in writing. Send your request to me (3460 A-1 South Stafford Street) or Theresa Swan at CMC (12701 Fair Lakes Circle, #400, P.O. Box 108221, Chantilly, VA 20153).

PATIO TOUR SLATED FOR AUGUST

The tour is scheduled for Saturday, August 7, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Call Janet (820-8428) or Linnea (931-7873) to join in.

COURT CHAIRPEOPLE REORGANIZED INTO COMMITTEE

Participants discussed such issues as the greeting of new residents, distribution of the annual pool/tennis passes, fielding inquiries about parking and trash pick-up, and the best ways of communicating community expectations and condominium bylaws to residents.

New court chairs have been recruited to replace those who have moved away or were unable to continue in the position. A standardized “welcome packet” is being developed and will soon be available for court chairs to give to new residents, who will also be provided with a copy of the Resident’s Guide to Fairlington Meadows.

Diane Thurber and I gave a brief report on the Committee to the Board of Directors at their May meeting.

The Committee plans to meet again in September (date and place to be announced). Meanwhile, if any resident has a suggestion or concern, please speak with your court chairperson or call Diane (998-8723) or myself (379-7256).

We are pleased that the Committee is off to a good start and hope to contribute to the smooth operation of the village for years to come.

FOOD BYTES

By Janet FilerRefreshing beverages are just what’s needed to perk up our long hot summer. You can’t go wrong with one of these summer coolers. …. Cook-out season is also in full swing. Here are some new ways for enjoying juicy steak or pork chops. Marinating opens up a whole new dimension of flavors-besides making the grilled meat juicer and more tender.

2 six ounce cans frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
4 1/2 cups rose’, chilled juice of one lime
2 cups club soda, chilled 1 lemon, thinly sliced I orange, thinly sliced
Combine lemonade, rose’ and lime juice; stir until blended. Slowly stir in club soda. Garnish with lemon and orange slices. Yield: 2 1/4 quarts.

2 pints fresh strawberries
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 cups water
1 1/2 cup lemon juice

Place strawberries in blender and process until smooth. Combine sugar and water in saucepan and cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Combine sugar mix, strawberries and lemon juice; mix well. Chill. Garnish as desired. Yield: 1 1/2 quarts.

13/4-2 pounds flank steak
3/4 cups vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

Place steak in shallow baking dish. Combine all ingredients. Mix well and pour over steak. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 4 hours, turning steak occasionally. Grill five inches from hot coals for four minutes on each side (rare), turning frequently and basting with marinade. To serve, slice across grain into thin slices. Serves 4-6.

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons dry white wine
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon Worchestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried whole oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon dried whole basil
4 (1/2″ thick) pork chops

Combine ingredients and mix well. Pour into shallow baking dish and add pork chops. Marinate in fridge for two hours, turning every 30 minutes. Place chops 4-5″ from slow to medium coals. Grill for 30-45 minutes or until done, taming frequently and basting with marinade.

July 20 – Meadows Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at the Community Center
Aug. 17 – Meadows Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at the Community Center
Sept. 1 – Buildings and Grounds Mtg. Gordon Wray’s at 3462 S. Stafford, A- 1
Sept. 15 – Third Quarter Estimated Taxes Due
Sept. 21 – Meadows Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at the Community Center

RODENT CONTROL DEPENDS ON OUR RESIDENTS

We have experienced some rodent infestations within the Meadows recently and ask for all residents to help control this problem by:

Not letting trash bags or yard debris collect in the patio areas;
Not letting patio areas become overgrown hiding areas for rats and other rodents;
Not making birdseed, cat and dog food, etc. available for consumption;
Checking that dryer vents are properly maintained (and not stuck open);
Reporting exterior rodent activity to CMC (631-7200) immediately.

Interior rodent problems are generally the owners’ responsibility.