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1
Fairfax Station News
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PAGE 2
Fairfax Station
HOA Information,
From the Treasurer
PAGE 3
Architectural
Review Board,
Neighborhood Events
PAGE 4 Roads & Common Drives
PAGE 7
Spotlight on a Neighbor
PAGE 9
Message from
our Supervisor
PAGE 11
FSHOA Alert
WANTED:
Email Addresses
The FSHOA continues to col-lect email addresses of the membership, to allow us to provide you with timely updates on community activities and HOA matters. Please email
your address to: [email protected]
The official newsletter of the Fairfax Station Homeowners Association
Spring 2015 www.fshoa-va.com
President's Corner
As I write this message, the sun is out and the
temperature is close to 55 degrees. Just one week
ago, the temperature was 23 degrees and snowing
like there was no tomorrow. Reminds me of grow-
ing up in Michigan, just plain brutal. Having said that, Spring is right around the corner. According
to Punxsutawney Phil, our most famous ground-
hog, he saw his shadow on February 2nd portend-
ing six more weeks of winter. However, don't take
his accuracy seriously as it's an enduring source
of controversy. Now that six weeks have passed,
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more tolerable
weather.
You probably noticed over the past month the
evergreen trees at the Clara Barton entrance have
been cut down. This is part of our beautification
plan. We will be enhancing the area with new
trees, bushes and plants in the Spring.
Roof discoloration and siding mold are still the
most common Covenant violations. Our Winter
policy is still in effect until 30 March if you re-
ceive a violation for roof discoloration, siding
mold and/or painting extending the compliance
date until 30 April. After that date, the 30 day compliance goes into effect. We encourage these
items to be corrected, weather permitting, if possi-
ble during our Winter policy.
Please remember to keep the public sidewalks
surrounding your property clean of debris (and
snow).
Our Community has experienced 26 unauthorized entries of Unlocked Vehicles from February 2014
to February 2015. We have sent numerous emails
and one recent ALERT flyer with reminders to
REMOVE your valuables from your vehicle and
LOCK IT. This should be checked every time
your is vehicle unattended. If everyone follows
this procedure, we can dramatically reduce the
number of incidents in our Community.
I attended a Fairfax County Police Department
Sully District Station Citizens' Advisory Committee
(CAC) event in February. It was well attended by
numerous homeowner association representatives in the District area. The "State of the Station" was
an opportunity to learn about the crime in Fairfax
County and the policing efforts provided. A Crime
Analyst provided historical as well as real time data
for crimes in the area. Officers continue to patrol
our neighborhood in the wee hours. Additional
police officers from the Lorton District will be
supporting the Sully Station soon by providing
additional staffing for more patrols since we are
closer to their District. To help the police with
potential incidents and you "SEE Something; SAY Something" by calling their non-emergency number
703-691-2131.
Please continue to remind your friends, contractors,
vendors and family drivers to slow down while traveling on our neighborhood streets. If they are
caught speeding, a $200 fine will be added to the
ticket. Is it really worth it to try to save 10-20
seconds to rush to the stop light and then sit until
the light changes?
We encourage our FSHOA homeowners to attend
and participate in the monthly Board meetings. It's
a great forum to make your voice heard and to work
together to improve our community. Consult our
website Home Page for the date and time of the
next monthly meeting and read about other planned
activities in the neighborhood.
William Baker
President
Fairfax Station Homeowners Association
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Sully District Police Station
4900 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA
Main Number: 703-814-7000
FCP Non-Emergency:
703-691-2131
Crime Prevention Office: 703-814-7018
Fairfax County Crime Solvers
1-886-411-TIPS
Child Car Seat Installation:
703-814-7000 X 5140
SAFE Self Defense Class: 703-246-7806
Citizen Reporting System: 703-691-2131
$200 Added to Speeding Fine
FOR MOWING
ONLY
LICENSED & INSURED
*$30 Weekly Regular Mowing as low as
and Debris
Spring Cleanup of Leaves
Mulching
Trimming of Shrubbery
FSHOA WHO’S WHO
Directors
President
William Baker, 703-250-2877
Vice President Mike Bugelski, 703-764-7282
Directors at-Large
Robert Orlosky, 703-250-5259
Johnny Restivo, 703-250-7830
Director at-Large/
Treasurer Andrew Combe, 703-250-1982
Committee Chairs/Coordinators
Architectural Review Board
Peggy Speelman 703-239-2972
Roads and Common Drives/
Common Grounds and Pond
Pat Flaherty 703-250-2143
Neighborhood Events and Welcoming Nancy Hoyler 703-250-5013
Neighborhood Watch
Paul Ciatti 703-978-9610
Utilities Coordinator
Andy Novotny 703-425-4973
Traffic Coordinator
Steve Hurwitz 703-250-7656
Newsletter
Editor Craig Eldr idge 703-239-0007
Layout Mary Ruehl 703-254-8157
From the Treasurer
Our Association budget ending 2014 was very close to target.
• Liens have been placed on four properties for failure to pay as-
sessments. The total amount of these liens is $4,038.
• 2% of homeowners had not paid their 2015 assessments.
"Second notices," including applicable late fees, have been sent
to these homeowners. A significant number of homeowners
report that they have misplaced the statements that were mailed
to them the first week of January. The bill does not need to be
included with payment. Payments should be sent to FSHOA,
P.O. Box 222641, Chantilly, VA 20153. The lot number must
be shown on the check.
• The 2015 basic assessment is $184 per lot. If necessary, the as-
sessment may be increased each year by 5% or by the Consumer
Price Index, whichever is higher.
• The balance in the pipestem escrow account is $411,674.01.
Queries regarding individual pipestem balances should be di-
rected to the FSHOA treasurer at [email protected].
Andrew Combe
Treasurer
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Join the Neighborhood Fun!
Neighborhood Egg Hunt
Hop on over to Sangster Station on Saturday, March 28th at 11:30 AM for the neighborhood egg hunt! This annual
event is open to all children. Eggs filled with goodies will be “hidden” in the grassy areas and children are divided by
age to find their eggs. Please bring a container for your child. You’ll want to have your camera, too! The rain date for
this event is Saturday, April 4th.
A Night under the Stars
Bring your lawn chairs and join your neighbors on Saturday, June 27th at 9 PM for the annual neighborhood movie
night. The event is a great way to kick off summer and will be held at the Fairfax Station Swim and Tennis Club. The
movie will be a family friendly film. The rain date for this event is Sunday, June 28th. Many thanks to Ann Marlow
and the NEC for coordinating the details of this event. If you would like to be a sponsor for this event, please contact
Ann at [email protected].
Fairfax Station Welcome Bags
Did you just move in? The Fairfax Station Homeowners Association would like to welcome all new neighbors with a Fairfax Sta-
tion Welcome Bag. The bag contains local information, money-saving coupons and handy resources. Please contact Cheryl Ander-son at [email protected] if you are new or know someone that recently moved in. We look forward to greeting all
newcomers and introducing them to our special neighborhood.
If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Hoyler, the Neighborhood Events Committee (NEC) Chair, at [email protected].
ARB Season - Spring to Fall
As winter ends, exterior projects requiring ARB prior approval begin. Here are the classic questions homeowners ask.
1. Where are the ARB guidelines? Guidelines are on the FSHOA website.
2. Where is the ARB application form? Also on the FSHOA website.
3. Where is the ARB application sent? Send the application and other information to: First Service Residential 11351 Random
Hills Road, Suite 500 Fairfax, VA 22030
4. What's next? ARB reviews and votes on applications; ARB meets the first Monday of every month at a member's home.
Meetings are open, but only for ARB issues.
5. Then what? Homeowner is notified by mail of approval or disapproval. Owners may appeal to FSHOA if a project is disap-
proved.
6. Most typical projects: All projects needing PRIOR approval are on the FSHOA/ARB website. Fences. Detached Structures
(sheds). (NOTE: additional guidelines for sheds are in the appendix). Paint color changes (siding, trim, shutters). Lighting (lamp
posts; security lighting; consider effect on neighbors)
7. What do neighbor signatures mean? Neighbors are informed of a change; they may comment but ARB decides on any project.
8. Who are the ARB members? 6 members: currently, Rex Becker, Marjie Lex, Ellie Miller, John Jensen, Christine Shevock, Peg-
gy Speelman.
The ARB guidelines support the goal of FSHOA - keeping the community open and green to preserve its natural beauty.
Peggy Speelman, Chairman, Architectural Review Committee, (703-239-2972) or [email protected]
Other Committee members can be found in the FSHOA directory.
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Roads & Common Drives
Roads I’ve noticed a lot of deterioration to the gravel road shoulders over
the past few months, not only along the edge of roads but particular-
ly in front of mailboxes/newspaper tubes. VDOT will restore these
areas but they have to be notified of the problem. I do encourage you
to report problems directly to VDOT either by a phone call or
through their website. When you call be sure to ask for the work order number. When you submit by the website you’ll get an email
back the following day with the work order number. Having this
number will enable you to follow up if you don’t see any action. In
either case, I do appreciate it if you’d let me know what your com-
plaint was, and what the work order number is, so I can follow up if
necessary. Reporting instructions are below and posted on our web-
site.
Telephone: either 703-383-8368 or 1-800-367-7623
On-line: www.virginiadot.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Common Drives As we approach spring and summer, the thoughts of homeowners
who live on a Pipestem often turn to sealing or paving projects, and
how to pay for the work.
Common Drive Escrow Account funds may be used solely for
maintenance of the common drive area and not for adjacent private
drives.
If you are considering having work done, here is the procedure to be
followed to gain access to the escrow funds. Feel free to contact either myself or Andy Combe to obtain your account balance.
Escrow Account Procedure
- A majority of the owners of a common drive must agree on the
maintenance work to be done. Written documentation of this
agreement should include the signatures of a majority of owners, as well as the following:
- the street addresses,
- a contact telephone number,
- a description of the work to be performed (i.e., sealing, repair,
resurfacing),
- the date the work is expected to be performed,
- instructions for payment of escrow funds. - This authorization
letter is to be submitted to the FSHOA Treasurer, along with a
copy of the contractor’s estimate.
- The Treasurer will issue a check in the amount of the estimate, up
to the amount in the Pipestem Escrow Account, payable to either
the contractor or one of the homeowners. If the check is to be pay-
able to the contractor, the request must be provided to the Treasur-
er at least 7 days before the work is scheduled.
- The Treasurer will advise the Roads & Common Drive Committee
Chairman that a check has been issued, the Pipestem number, the
contact owner’s name and telephone number, the contractor’s
name, and when work is scheduled.
- The Roads & Common Drive Committee Chairman will follow-up
with the contact owner to request an evaluation of the contractor’s
performance. Contacts:
Roads & Common Drives - Pat Flaherty (Committee Chair)
Escrow Account - Andy Combe (Treasurer)
Attention ALL Fairfax Station Residents!!!
This is your newsletter, for you and your neighbor. Use it!
Do you have something you want to share with your neigh-bors in Fairfax Station? Maybe you know of a military mem-
ber, retired or active, who has a special story to tell. (We have
A LOT of military in our neighborhood!)
Do you have a favorite place you love to go OUT TO DIN-
NER? Your favorite winery, favorite Chinese Food restau-
rant? Favorite NOVA day trip!
Your favorite recipe, best route to avoid traffic, (yea right!!)
to Washington D.C. Favorite Movie, TV show, game night
with the family!
OR do you have a troublesome pet peeve! (Like right turn on red, the wrong way!! Or drivers using their fog lights when
there is NO fog!)
A safety issue that the neighborhood needs to know about...SEE ALERT page 11.
It could be anything at all, we want to hear from you.
Send info to [email protected]
Please call Mary Ruehl at 703-254-8157
if you have any questions.
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A TIDBIT ABOUT MULCH AND IVY
The Post Garden and other writers always advise homeowners NOT too create “mulch cones” around the trunks of trees. The
excess mulch is not good for either the tree trunk or its root system. Typically, the landscape companies pile up mulch in a “cone”
nearly a foot or more at the tree trunk. No more than 3-5 inches in a saucer shape is recommended for mulch. Also, ivy growing
up tree trunks is bad for the trees. Ultimately, the ivy will choke off the tree’s life. People can just cut the vines at the base of the
tree trunk and also rip up vines at ground level near the trees . As ground cover, Ivy, like pachysandra, is an invasive, non-native
plant.
from Peggy Speelman
SAFETY NOTE!
All SNOW and ICE must be removed from your moving vehicles BEFORE driving on Virginia roads!
Safety Concern At Ox Rd
I almost got slammed entering RT 123 from Clara Barton, I
would have been killed. That is the truth! My family would
have had Thanksgiving and Christmas without me, the Mom in
the Family, sad to think about but true.
The light was red and I was the 3rd vehicle in line to enter
Rt123. To turn left. Waiting, I opened cell phone to check new
messages from a friend in France. Woops! Green light and
now I am the 4th space because I waited so long. Vehicle 1 and 2 were already turning left, NORTH, on Ox Road….BIG
SPACE since I was looking at my cell. I get to the boundary of
Ox Rd, look left—I see a car in left turn lane, a car in right turn
lane to turn into Clara Barton, and I see a car stopped in the
right straight lane. I started out. As soon as I was directly in
front of the stopped vehicle going straight, FLASH BEFORE
MY EYES, OUT OF NOWHERE, an SUV flying an inch in
front of my car! Coming SOUTH from the left straight lane!
Through a RED LIGHT!!! Had I not been checking my cell
phone, there would not have been a BIG SPACE between me
and vehicle #2, I would have been right there, behind him to
turn left. SLAMMED. Dead.
Moral of this true story:- NEVER GUN IT OUT ON A GREEN
LIGHT WITHOUT LOOKING LEFT FIRST!
Signed
A Lucky Mom
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Submitted by Mary M. Ruehl
Submitted by Christine Shevock
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Know somebody in the neighborhood you’d
like to nominate as a future “Spotlight on a
Neighborhood” feature?
Contact Craig Eldridge at
Christine Shevock is a Fairfax Station neighbor who is an inspiration in her dedication to helping animals that have had a
harder life than they deserve. She has been able to combine her busy career as a real estate agent with regular volunteer work
at the Animal Shelter for the past 5 years. Here’s what she does there: She is a morning dog runner who takes the dogs out-
side for their morning exercise. The morning runs are a vital part of their daily routine to keep them healthy, happy, and--
sadly, too often--to help in their recovery from past traumas and poor care. What drives her to devote herself to these critters? “My reward is seeing the dogs happy, safe, learning new tricks, and best of all, being adopted.” She and her husband Tom
have pitched in by adopting Rascal, a big, happy retriever mix who would bring a smile on the grayest of winter mornings.
The Fairfax County shelter is a model program that does not euthanize animals due to space or time limits. They take in cats,
dogs, birds, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets, as well as some farm animals like pigs, chickens, and most recently, a goat. They
whelp as well as neuter animals and rehabilitate traumatized dogs through a retraining program with experienced staff and
volunteers. They have developed a robust social networking program that keeps adoptable pets in the spotlight. They have
become a go-to facility that has been visited and emulated by numerous programs in other counties and states.
In May 2014, the Animal Shelter opened their newly renovated facility that doubled the size of the kennel. The new building
features wood, stone, and tons of windows that let in plenty of light. The new look not only enhances visual appeal but is
also good for the animals’ emotional health. Volunteers believe that it also has helped to boost animal adoptions, which is their number one focus. Fairfax County is now the largest municipal shelter that has a 90% adoption rate!
Amazing facts about the Fairfax County Animal Shelter:
Did you know that Fairfax County has one of the highest rated public animal shelters in the Country?
Did you know that the Shelter on West Ox near Costco was newly renovated in 2014 and now features a War Dog Memorial?
Did you know that the shelter will provide new adoptive owners with a ‘starter kit’ of supplies?
Did you know that there are all kinds of ways you can help out our furry friends in Fairfax County who could use some tender attention?
How can you help?
Contact the Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter through their website: www.ffcas.org
Friend the Friends on Facebook and share the posts on animals up for adoption.
Donate or start a drive to collect items that the shelter always needs. A partial list includes unopened pet
food,
towels, leashes, collars, fleece cat beds, Kongs®, pet cages and crates. Christine would be happy to pick up
any donations within the community. Please contact her at [email protected]
Consider adoption. Or consider becoming an animal foster parent. Or sponsor a particular cat or dog.
There are lots of wonderful animals needing a forever home.
SPOTLIGHT ON A NEIGHBOR: Christine Shevock
CALLING ALL BIRD WATCHERS: THE EAGLES HAVE LANDED!
Mason Neck is a peninsula jutting into the Potomac River to the south of Washington,
DC. It is surrounded also by Belmont Bay to the west, Gunston Cove to the east, and
Pohick Bay to the northeast. It comprises an area of approximately 9,000 acres (36 km2), two-thirds of which is preserved as parkland by regional, state, and national au-
thorities.
The recorded history of Mason Neck began around 1775 with the construction of Gun-
ston Hall, the plantation home of Virginian statesman George Mason. During the 19th
and early 20th centuries, pollution and habitat destruction caused a decline in the bald
eagle population. By the 1960s, much of the forest had grown back, and in 1969, local
residents and conservation groups achieved the establishment of the Elizabeth Hartwell
Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, with the specific objective of protecting the bald
eagle. This, along with Mason Neck State Park and Pohick Bay Regional Park, provides
a variety of recreational activities while preserving the land's natural resources.
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Your Fairfax Station Resident
Neighborhood Realtor
Mary M. Ruehl , REALTOR®
USAF Retired
Military Relocation Professional
Century 21 New Millennium
5990 Kingstowne Towne Center
Alexandria, VA 22315
C: 703-254-8157 O:703-922-4010
Email: [email protected]
Licensed In Virginia Sold on Housatonic Ct
“If you are ready to
explore downsizing by
selling your home, you can
count on me for quick and
satisfying results. I live here, I know this
neighborhood, I know what
will get your house sold!!
Call me today. “
Just Being a Good Neighbor
Hello Neighbor,
When I shovel your driveway and your walkway after it
snows, when I rake up your yard of leaves in the fall, when I mow your lawn in the summer, I am doing it because I am
your neighbor and that is what neighbors do!
A simple thank-you is sufficient. No wine, no $$$, no
flowers, no cakes or cookies, no gift cards. Just thank-You.
You are Welcome!
Signed, Your Neighbor
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MESSAGE FROM OUR SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT SUPERVISOR: Board Votes to Look at Raising Their Own Salary At the December 7th Board meeting, the Board voted 8-2 in favor of looking at the legal process and requirements for adjusting the compensation of members of the Board of Supervisors. Based on the current condition of the economy and the County I cannot support looking at raising our salaries.
We have increased our citizens’ taxes by 14.5% in the last 3 years alone,
our commercial office vacancy rate is hovering at a historic high of 19%,
we are facing a $160M shortfall in next year’s budget, and
our AAA bond rating is in jeopardy. Frankly, our residents don’t have the luxury of just increasing their pay when we raise their taxes to pay for our salary increase, and many of them have seen their take home pay go down or stay the same while County taxes continue to rise. We have many challenges ahead in the FY2016 budget and we have more pressing priorities to deal with. By state law the Board of Supervisors cannot give themselves a pay raise, but they can give the next Board a pay raise, and with our elections coming up next year the Board decided that they would look into doing just that. Supervisor Smyth and I voted against the request. At the last Board Meeting, January 27th, the Board opened up discussion on the pay raises to the citizens. After three citizens had spoken on the matter, several members of the Board tried to call a vote on the measure instead of leaving it open to public discussion for another month before the Board takes up the matter at the March 3rd meeting. I motioned that the Board not vote on the measure until the citizens have been given more time to express their opinion on the topic and that motion was se-conded by Supervisor Gross and the Board will take up the matter at the March 3rd Board Meeting. If you would like to share your views with the Board on this issue email them to [email protected]. Planning for the Silver Tsunami As Chair of the 50+ Committee, I was delighted when recently the Board voted unanimously to adopt the revised 50+ Commu-nity Action Plan. A plan that has been several years in the making by a whole team of community leaders. Between 2005 and 2030, Fairfax County expects the 50 and over population to increase by 40 percent and the 70 and over population by 88 percent - noticing this drastic change in demographics and how it would affect county services, the Board tasked the 50+ Committee with updating its 2007 Action Plan. As Chair of the 50+ Committee I set to work to update the plan with the help of the Board, the Commission on Aging, staff, and from 800 residents who attended 15 community forums last summer. I directed that any initiatives introduced be attainable, affordable and actionable in five years. A Steering Committee comprised of leaders from community groups, nonprofits, business and county agencies was created to develop a draft plan. They, through the work of subcommittees, developed initiatives in the areas of Transportation, Housing, Safe & Healthy Communities, Community Engagement, and Services for Older Adults and Caregivers. Summaries of these ini-tiatives and the completed plan can be viewed here - http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/fairfax50plus.htm This is a big step forward for Fairfax County that will make us one of the most senior-friendly communities in the country. The Silver Tsunami is here and it is vital that we address the needs of our aging community and the dramatic affects it will have on the county; with the passing of this plan we have shown our commitment to our seniors. I am very proud of the work of the committee, and all of the people that helped make this plan a reality. However, this is only the beginning, now the work begins on implementing the initiatives and tracking their progress. Pat Herrity Springfield District Supervisor 703-451-8873 [email protected]
ROLAN PAINTING
Interior/Exterior, drywall repair, power wash,
And wallpaper removal!
Serving Northern Virginia and the Metro area
for over 20 years! References upon request.
Contact us at: 703-866-0223
10
BE KIND TO
ONE ANOTHER, PAY IT FORWARD,
AND SMILE!
11
A L E R T
26 unauthorized entries of UNLOCKED VEHICLES in 11 months
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
LOCK YOUR VEHICLES - Not locking your vehicles makes it insecure;
the vehicle alarm is disengaged when not locked.
REMOVE YOUR VALUABLES from your vehicles; do not invite trouble.
DO NOT STORE YOUR REGISTRATION CARD IN YOUR CAR -
Put it in your wallet.
GARAGE YOUR VEHICLES, if possible.
LIGHT THE AREA SURROUNDING YOUR VEHICLES if not garaged.
DOUBLE CHECK EACH DAY .....
ARE YOUR VEHICLES LOCKED?
ARE YOUR GARAGE DOORS/OUTSIDE ENTRY DOORS
LOCKED?
IS YOUR ALARM SYSTEM ACTIVATED?
WHEN YOU ARE AWAY, ask your neighbors to check outside your home for
flyers, newspapers & deliveries and store in their house.
SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING
Immediately call FCPD non-emergency (703) 691-2131
"IT IS BETTER TO CALL THE POLICE
AND IT BE NOTHING, THAN NOT TO CALL
AND IT BE A CRIME IN PROGRESS"
William Baker, President, FSHOA Paul Ciatti, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
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FAIRFAX STATION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 162
Fairfax Station, VA 22039-0162
NEIGHBORHOOD MAP