march 2017 volume 4, issue 3 - constant...
TRANSCRIPT
Retreat Roundabout
Reflections
March 2017 Volume 4, Issue 3
Around the Board
Our association board plays a paramount role for our community. It is their
responsibility to assure adherence to our governing documents. Their actions guarantee
the principal tenets of ownership (we the people) the continuation of their home value
and harmony within the community.
May is the month when we vote to replace those members who have served two years
and will be leaving the board. If you feel this is a great place to live, thoughtfully
consider signing a petition to seek election to the board. We need great people with your
talents and input who are willing to serve. Please come to the annual meeting and cast
your vote for the person of your choice.
Please thank the volunteers serving as your board members for the past year. They have
endeavored to resolve issues, while keeping within the condominium documents and for
the benefit of the community.
During the months of April and May – remember these three important action words:
Meet Your New Neighbors
Mike and Doris Tanner, 1534 Carrolton Way
Mike and Doris and their dog Katie moved into The Retreat from The
Villages in Florida just in time for our January Snow Storm! That’s the
way to get acclimated! Doris was born in Conway, SC then at the age of
three, her family moved to Charleston, SC. Later the Navy took her family
to the Norfolk area where they stayed. Mike was born on a farm outside
Lynchburg, VA. He joined the Navy reserves in high school and enlisted
after graduation to serve his obligation. Realizing he liked the military, he
stayed in for 21 years before retiring in this area. His next line of work
was a consultant for the Navy on Electronic Weapons Systems, then he
went on to work with Chartway Federal Credit Union where he helped
design and build their locations. After that retirement, he and Doris moved
to The Villages in Florida for six years. Mike and Doris have been married
43 years and met at a softball game at which their daughters played. What
brought them to The Retreat? They had looked here before they decided to
move to Florida, but a large Virginia based family (6 children, 11
grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren) brought them back. Mike is a golfer, but hasn’t had a chance to play
yet, definitely not like Florida weather! Doris enjoys games of trivia and makes beautiful greeting cards.
Jim and Linda Wallace, 1528 Carrolton Way
Jim and Linda, along with dogs Kobe and Sweetie Pie, moved to The
Retreat to be near family in the area. They still have their home in New
Bern, NC, and travel back and forth. Both are Virginia natives. Linda
was born in Wytheville, VA and with a father in the State Police, the
family moved around the state. She spent most of her life in
Richmond. Jim was born in Norfolk and his family moved to
Richmond where he met Linda in high school. They were married
after Linda graduated and both had to get their mothers’ signature for
the marriage license due to their ages! While raising their family they
worked on their degrees: Linda in Nursing and Jim in Business
Management. After their kids left home, the couple lived in
Williamsburg, Fredericksburg and Wilmington, Delaware. Linda
worked as a nurse and then moved into healthcare risk management
and patient safety. Linda still consults in patient safety as a contractor. Jim was the General Manager for two
different conglomerates and one multistate company. Jim still runs his small printing brokerage company.
They have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Linda is a quilter and loves reading mysteries. Jim is Mr.
Handyman. He loves gardening, helping others and working on houses. He and his son-in-law did a lot of
work to renovate their home at The Retreat.
News and Notes
By Glenna Skinner
Architectural Control Committee
The ACC is established and defined in the Declaration documents (Article XI) of The Retreat. The purpose of
this committee to ensure aesthetic harmony of the community is preserved and maintained in accordance with
the governing documents of The Retreat at Greenbrier Condominium Association. The
Committee’s goal is to prevent any damage to the exterior of your home and to
maintain the overall appearance of our Community. Residents who are wanting to
change the exterior of their unit or the landscaping surrounding their unit must refer
to the Rules and Regulations for the required procedures. Applications for change
requests are provided on The Retreat’s web site (www.retreathomeowners.net) under “Documents” and must
be submitted for approval to the ACC before action can be taken. The ACC meets at the Clubhouse on the
second Thursday of the month. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings.
Clubhouse Upkeep
The Association has a contract with a cleaning company to clean the Clubhouse on a monthly basis. The
Social committee has volunteers to clean up after the main monthly events. Residents who rent the Clubhouse
for an event have the responsibility for cleaning up after their event. For all other events where
food is consumed, participants are requested to clean the area before leaving the clubhouse.
(Note: A list is posted in the kitchen window that details what needs to be cleaned and checked
after each event. All cleaning supplies are kept in the hall closet and under the kitchen sink.)
Everyone’s efforts in keeping our beautiful Clubhouse clean is greatly appreciated.
Pool Volunteers
Our pool will be opening in a couple of months, so it’s not too early to start thinking about volunteering to be
a pool water tester. The City of Chesapeake requires the Chlorine and pH of our pool water be checked 4
times a day. Our pool company checks in the morning and our volunteers check the
other 3 times a day, saving us a few thousand dollars every summer. More
information and the signup sheet will come out in May.
Trash Can Placement
There was an article in the newspaper that said with the automated trash trucks, trash cans should be placed 3
feet from any object, so the automated arms can reach around the can to pick it up. In
our situation where more than one can is lined up together, trash cans should be placed
at least 3 feet from each other. This will prevent cans from being knocked over.
LED Bulbs… or Bust?
LED light bulbs lower energy costs and can last decades, but don’t waste money where they
aren’t needed, advises the Family Handyman magazine. Avoid more expensive LEDs inside an
oven (the heat destroys them) and refrigerators or freezers (short operating times). LEDs can
interfere with garage door remote controls; check the manufacturer website to see which LED
bulbs are compatible with your opener.
Source: AARP January-February 2017 Bulletin
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Hot Topics
Scoop the Poop!
It’s a stinky situation, but we need to talk about it. I’m personally seeing this happen in my neighborhood, so
I know it’s probably happening in yours, too. I’m talking dog poop.
When dog poop is left on the ground, whether it’s your background, a city right-of-way or even on the street,
it gets washed up with the rain and flows into the stormwater system. This means all the bacteria and nitrogen
in the poop eventually makes its way to our local waterways where we like to fish and swim. The excess
nitrogen can create rapid algae and weed growth, producing green, smelly water and depleting oxygen levels
needed by aquatic life. And the bacteria can literally make other people sick. You’ve probably heard of
sections of the beach being closed due to high bacteria levels. This often happens after heavy rains bring
contaminated stormwater straight to the ocean.
If the stormwater issue isn’t enough to convince you, how about the health of other dogs and children in your
neighborhood? Dogs can pass diseases through their poop to other dogs and even to humans, especially
children who may be playing in the area. The bacteria can cause fever, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches and
more. Unlike many environmental and health issues, this one has a very simple solution: Just scoop the
poop!
If you own a dog, consider this one of your responsibilities, right up there with providing it with proper food
and shelter. When you walk your dog, always have a plastic bag handy. If you want a pet waste bag holder
that can connect right to your dog’s leash, just come visit me at City Hall, and I’ll give you one!
Source: Va-Pilot, Elizabeth Vaughn, Chesapeake Public Works.
Use Caution and Common Sense with Door-to-Door Solicitors
A friend who lives in Chesapeake recently had a solicitor ring her doorbell. She was expecting a friend and so
was caught off guard when she opened the door and found a stranger standing there. Fortunately, she has a
huge dog who was right by her side.
The man said he was selling home security systems. He started asking her questions: Do you currently have a
security system? If so, what kind? How many exterior doors does your house have? Do you have children?
Do you work during the day? My friend declined to answer his very personal questions and politely but
firmly asked him to leave.
Was he a legitimate salesman, I asked her? Probably, she said. But she wasn’t taking any chances. What
would you have done? Surprisingly, many people will answer personal questions asked by a total stranger
because they get flustered or are too embarrassed to ask him to leave.
So, here are some tips for dealing with solicitors in the City of Chesapeake, courtesy of the Police Dept.:
• To solicit in Chesapeake, individuals must obtain a solicitors permit from the Police Department. You can
check www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/City-Departments/Departments/Police-
Department/certified-solicitors.htm to see what a solicitor’s permit looks like, and a list of the certified
solicitors in Chesapeake.
• When I checked last week, there were only 20 companies with permits.
Continued from previous page..
• Ask to see his permit – it looks like an ID card and has his picture and description on it as well as his
name, company and expiration date of the permit.
• If a solicitor does not have a permit, call the police with a description of the person.
• Even if a solicitor has a permit, if he is rude or will not leave your property when asked, call the police.
• You can call in a non-emergency at 382-6161. Call 911 for emergencies.
• If you are home alone, and don’t recognize a person at your door, you may want to consider not
answering.
• Use common sense, and protect yourself, your identity and your home from human predators.
Here is an example of a door-to-door solicitor's permit that would be issued by the Chesapeake
Police Department.
Source: Lia Russell, Clipper Editor, 757-222-5202, [email protected], Feb 12, 2017.
The two preceeding articles were submitted by Margie Simpkins. Permission for use in the Retreat
Roundabout Reflections was obtained from the Virginian Pilot.
“Healthful” Hints
Chair Yoga
Come join our Chair Yoga group every Thursday at 9:00 AM at the Clubhouse. You get 35 minutes of
stretching while seated. This is great for those with arthritis and sore muscles. And it’s FREE. We have three
different DVDs which we alternate each week. Come join us for a great way to start your day!
Look at what they can do after attending our class!
Imagine what it could do for you!
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-In Memoriam
Gerald (Jerry) Hyatt passed away December 27, 2016. Gerald served 30 years
in the U.S. Navy. After Navy retirement, he served those in need through his
many volunteer activities. He and Barbara were married 66 years, have five
children and were early residents of The Retreat. We express our sincere
sympathy to his wife Barbara.
Social Events
Breakfast at the Clubhouse
New Breakfast Hosts
A New Format…
Interesting Programs and
Guest Speakers—Come April 1
to experience the new format!
Same Great Cooks…
Everybody bring a breakfast
food to share.
Meet the new Social Committee Co-chairs:
Thank You!!!! We are so glad you volunteered!!!
COMING ATTRACTION
Wii BOWLING
Saturday - April 21 7:00 pm
Mary Dail
Margie Simpkins and Billie Williams
Bob Banes
Put a Spring Into Your Step
Now that spring has finally arrived, you may want to visit two local parks to enjoy the full beauty of the
season.
Norfolk Botanical Gardens
Spring is a fantastic time to plan a visit to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens--millions of blooms to be found and
plenty of gardens to explore. Some of those gardens include the Bicentennial Rose Garden, Colonial Herb
Garden, and the Rhododendron Glade which features over 175 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas.
Don’t think you can walk the gardens? No worries—Tram service starts April 1 and departs on the hour and
half hour from 10a to 4:30p. Tram tours are free with garden admission. Boat tours will also be returning this
spring. Boat tours last approximately 45 minutes.
Ticket price for Seniors and Military is $10. Members are free. If you are interested in taking classes, check
out their website for lots of class offerings, ranging from swing dancing to planting your own rain garden.
There are always special events throughout the year. Just a few of the many spring events include:
Azalea Celebration Walk - Enchanted Forest - Tuesday, April 11, 2017, 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Azalea Celebration Walk - Mirror Lake - Thursday, April 13, 2017, 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Azalea Celebration Walk - Enchanted Forest - Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Azalea Celebration Walk - Mirror Lake - Thursday, April 20, 2017, 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Virginia Bonsai Society Show & Sale 2017 - Saturday, April 22, 2017 - Sunday, April 23, 2017,
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Spring Plant Sale - Friday, April 28, 2017 - Sunday, April 30, 2017
Tidewater African Violet Society Show & Sale 2017 - May 12-May 14, 2017, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mountain Laurels Walk & Talk - Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
As it was built on a former state highway, the Dismal Swamp
Trail provides a wide, paved and flat pathway along its Namesake
waterway and the Great Dismal Swamp Refuge. Not only does
this wetland area provide scenic views and opportunities to
glimpse many types of birds and other wildlife, it is also of
historical significance: Parts were surveyed by George
Washington’s company, and it also served as a stop on the
Underground Railroad.
To access ample parking at the northern trailhead, follow US 17
Business/George Washington Highway south from Chesapeake. An entrance to the parking area will be on
the right, just before the road curves toward US 17’s main alignment. The nice thing is this park is shaded
and is handicap accessible. It also has wonderful reviews and some great videos can be found on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/3m3g01-9EfE
Which Resident looked like this as a child?
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8 - ____________________ 9 - ______________________
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11 - ___________________
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14 - ____________ 15 - ____________
Social Activities
Join the Monthly Activities at the Clubhouse
Bingo ....................................................... Fourth Friday ............................................ 7:00 PM Bunco ...................................................... First Thursday .......................................... 6:30 PM Bunco ...................................................... Third Thursday ....................................... 10:30 AM Bible Study .............................................. Every Thursday ........................................ 1:30 PM Billiards .................................................... Every Wednesday ..................................... 6:30 PM Breakfast & Speaker at the Clubhouse……….First Saturday every other month ........... 10:00 AM Bring a dish to share Next breakfast will be held June 3 Card/Game Night Left/Right/Center .......... Second Friday ........................................... 7:00 PM Bring 9 one-dollar bills for the game of Left, Right, and Center Chair Yoga ............................................... Every Thursday …………………………… ......... 9:00 AM No fees involved Coloring – Adult …………………………………….First and Third Monday…………………… ...... .10:00AM Poker Night – Guys and Gals ..................... Fourth Thursday ....................................... 7:00 PM
Retreat Lunchoneers ................................ Fourth Tuesday ....................................... 12:30 PM April luncheon is April 25 Note: See your email Evite for restaurant and host/hostess of the month or check The Retreat website for more information.
Classes Art and Painting Class Third Saturday 10:00 AM
Check the Retreat Website for updates to Social Events and other important information.
www.retreathomeowners.net
Meet Your Editor
By Glenna Skinner
Nancy Rakestraw (AKA Nurse Nancy) has been our newsletter editor for the last five years.
She wanted to create a publication that would give valuable information and introduce new
residents to the community. Nancy solicited articles from residents since this was to a
publication of the people, by the people and for the people of The Retreat. The board president
was asked to write a pertinent article for the front page, but all other articles were written by
volunteers.
A little background on Nancy. She was born and raised in Boardman, Ohio with two other
siblings. From the time she was very young, she dreamed of becoming a nurse. Her dream
became a reality after attending Western Reserve University and graduating from St Luke’s
School of Nursing in Cleveland, Ohio. Nancy worked a total of 45 years in Nursing in the
states of Ohio, Maryland and Tennessee. She raised her two children while living in Ohio.
After her husband died, Nancy moved to Virginia to be near her daughter, a teacher in
Norfolk. Prior to moving, while she was visiting here on spring break, she was told to check
out The Retreat. The rest is history!
Besides working on the newsletter, Nancy likes to paint, sew, garden and travel. She
developed a very successful newsletter enjoyed by all BUT she is now giving up her editor
duties and would like to find someone willing to take over. She will help anyone who is
interested, so give her a call if you would like to be our next newsletter editor! 410-8566
I sincerely regret resigning my position, but due to my caregiving duties for Phil and some
recently diagnosed health problems of my own it now became necessary. I have enjoyed
being a part of this endeavor working with a wonderful staff and getting to know the great
people of this community. I do hope that someone will step forward and continue to provide
this newsletter for the community.
Sincerely, Nancy
Retreat Roundabout Reflections Staff
Nancy Rakestraw, Editor [email protected], Phone: 410-8566 Edna Constand, Assistant Editor [email protected], Phone: 410-7695 Contributors
Fayeelaine Haddaway .................................................................... Around the Board Andy Butler .................................................................... Technology Tips and Tricks Dennis Petraitis .................................................................... The Stories of Our Lives Glenna Skinner.................................................................................. News and Notes Susan Tarkenton ................................................................... The Retreat Chronicles
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Any Retreat resident is invited to contribute news or information to the newsletter. Please
email any contributions or suggestions to [email protected]
All articles submitted are subject to editing and space available