2017 Winter Newsletter
2017 Winter Newsletter
Little River Mews Homeowners Association Newsletter
WINTER 2017
Small Dues Increase For 2018 Dues have not been raised in nearly 10 years, so we are raising them a modest $5 per quarter (less than the cost of living increase). This will be reflected in your new payment books for 2018, which you should have already received. If not, call Northern Virginia Management.
Parking Lot Fixes
Our contractor put in parking lot stripes, blacked out the old, faded “Reserved” & “Permit Required” letters and repainted them larger making it easier to spot which places are which at night. The men also filled cracks helping prolong the life of our resurfacing.
Landscaping Takes Shape
We have removed the vegetation and sinking paver stones in the entryway, planted purple salvia and mulched the area. It should bloom in subsequent summers and should improve visibility. The dead tree at the front was cut down, and the dead bushes in the traffic circle were removed. Ground cover was planted in their place and mulched. Most trees in common areas were mulched for the winter. Additionally, the dead tree encroaching on our property in the back parking lot was taken down by the owner. Additional plants were put on the slopes behind houses to help beautify the area and prevent erosion.
Garbage Can Etiquette
Garbage cans corral trash and keep animals from strewing garbage all over. Please:
Only put out your cans after dark the night before pickup
Bring them in the evening of pickup—do not leave them out the next day
Keep your garbage cans hidden in your home, backyard, or behind bushes or where they can’t be seen during the week.
Winter Safety Tips
If it snows more than a little, Blade Runners will plough snow, which will be mounded near the holding pond, in the traffic circle, in the four spaces after you turn the corner in the parking lot, and on traffic islands. If we expect a major snowfall, keep these areas free and clear.
Homeowners are responsible for clearing/de-icing walkways shortly after precipitation has stopped, whether you do this yourself or hire someone to shovel.
– Take breaks and don’t overdo shoveling it’s a risk factor for heart attacks, especially for those who don’t exercise regularly.
– Make sure your tailpipe is free of snow/ice blockage to avoid carbon monoxide backing up into your car.
– Get your chimney checked and swept if needed to keep smoke and gases from backing up into your house.
– In case of an electrical outage, do not use outdoor grills indoors to use as this can cause deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
– Be neighborly! Check on elderly or infirm neighbors to be sure they are OK, or offer to clear their walks.
Keep Snakes Away
One property owner was surprised by snakes living under their front stoop. If you don’t want to be surprised, keep any holes and cracks in your home, porch, steps or walkway filled. Snakes like cool, dark places with rodents and insects, which can shelter in long grass and thick landscaping. Check your woodpiles to see they are sufficiently raised off the ground. There are commercial snake repellants, and moth balls and lemon grass can deter them. While most snakes in this area are harmless garter or black snakes, get a professional to remove any single snakes or snake families from your property. Fairfax County Animal Control: 703-691-2131, open 6 a.m.-12:30 a.m. seven days a week.
Coyote Attacks
Please Note: A coyote jumped a fence, carted off a small dog, killed and ate it. Keep a 6 foot leash or less as coyotes have been known to attack dogs on long leashes too. Please look out for your small children and pets when outdoors.
Your Officers
Julie Elkins, President, Unit 4511,
Karyn Selko, Vice President, Unit 4518,
Pam Broberg, Secretary, Unit 4521,
Kristin Newett, At-Large, Unit 4504,
Lori Hyzdu, At-Large, Unit 4501,
Also: Northern Virginia Management, Tim Kircher, 703-941-9002 (4306 Evergreen Lane, Ste. 101, Annandale, VA), [email protected]
Little River Mews Homeowners Association Newsletter
WINTER 2017
Small Dues Increase For 2018 Dues have not been raised in nearly 10 years, so we are raising them a modest $5 per quarter (less than the cost of living increase). This will be reflected in your new payment books for 2018, which you should have already received. If not, call Northern Virginia Management.
Parking Lot Fixes
Our contractor put in parking lot stripes, blacked out the old, faded “Reserved” & “Permit Required” letters and repainted them larger making it easier to spot which places are which at night. The men also filled cracks helping prolong the life of our resurfacing.
Landscaping Takes Shape
We have removed the vegetation and sinking paver stones in the entryway, planted purple salvia and mulched the area. It should bloom in subsequent summers and should improve visibility. The dead tree at the front was cut down, and the dead bushes in the traffic circle were removed. Ground cover was planted in their place and mulched. Most trees in common areas were mulched for the winter. Additionally, the dead tree encroaching on our property in the back parking lot was taken down by the owner. Additional plants were put on the slopes behind houses to help beautify the area and prevent erosion.
Garbage Can Etiquette
Garbage cans corral trash and keep animals from strewing garbage all over. Please:
Only put out your cans after dark the night before pickup
Bring them in the evening of pickup—do not leave them out the next day
Keep your garbage cans hidden in your home, backyard, or behind bushes or where they can’t be seen during the week.
Winter Safety Tips
If it snows more than a little, Blade Runners will plough snow, which will be mounded near the holding pond, in the traffic circle, in the four spaces after you turn the corner in the parking lot, and on traffic islands. If we expect a major snowfall, keep these areas free and clear.
Homeowners are responsible for clearing/de-icing walkways shortly after precipitation has stopped, whether you do this yourself or hire someone to shovel.
– Take breaks and don’t overdo shoveling it’s a risk factor for heart attacks, especially for those who don’t exercise regularly.
– Make sure your tailpipe is free of snow/ice blockage to avoid carbon monoxide backing up into your car.
– Get your chimney checked and swept if needed to keep smoke and gases from backing up into your house.
– In case of an electrical outage, do not use outdoor grills indoors to use as this can cause deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
– Be neighborly! Check on elderly or infirm neighbors to be sure they are OK, or offer to clear their walks.
Keep Snakes Away
One property owner was surprised by snakes living under their front stoop. If you don’t want to be surprised, keep any holes and cracks in your home, porch, steps or walkway filled. Snakes like cool, dark places with rodents and insects, which can shelter in long grass and thick landscaping. Check your woodpiles to see they are sufficiently raised off the ground. There are commercial snake repellants, and moth balls and lemon grass can deter them. While most snakes in this area are harmless garter or black snakes, get a professional to remove any single snakes or snake families from your property. Fairfax County Animal Control: 703-691-2131, open 6 a.m.-12:30 a.m. seven days a week.
Coyote Attacks
Please Note: A coyote jumped a fence, carted off a small dog, killed and ate it. Keep a 6 foot leash or less as coyotes have been known to attack dogs on long leashes too. Please look out for your small children and pets when outdoors.
Your Officers
Julie Elkins, President, Unit 4511,
Karyn Selko, Vice President, Unit 4518,
Pam Broberg, Secretary, Unit 4521,
Kristin Newett, At-Large, Unit 4504,
Lori Hyzdu, At-Large, Unit 4501,
Also: Northern Virginia Management, Tim Kircher, 703-941-9002 (4306 Evergreen Lane, Ste. 101, Annandale, VA), [email protected]