HOA & COA News

RING video cameras available for East Village residents

by the East Village Board of Directors

The East Village board is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to improve our community and home security. The East Village Homes Corporation (EVHC) President, along with Board of Directors, has negotiated a discounted offer exclusively for EVHC residents to purchase RING video doorbells, alarms and security cameras. The RING products included in the offer are: RING Video Doorbells 2, Video Doorbell Pro, Door View Cam, Video Doorbell Elite, Spotlight Cams, Floodlight Cam, Stick Up Cams and Alarm Security Kit 5-Pieces.

Once a resident has installed their RING device, neighbors will be able to download the Neighbors App to connect with other residents in the area and keep each other in the loop of any suspicious activity. The board is working to make connections to provide images of suspicious activity to be directly submitted to the Montgomery County Police Department.

Many residents who already have installed a RING front door camera or camera systems; this program will allow all residents to acquire more security cameras for their homes. East Village Homes Corporation consists of 1,389 homes and includes the following communities: Ashford, Candle Ridge, Downs I and II, Essex Place II, Gabelfield, Glenbrooke, Holly Pointe, Meadowgate, The Estates, The Reach and Wethersfield.

Please check your mail in early May for a memorandum from the board that will outline the program and how to get the exclusive discount code for EVHC. The unique EVHC discount offer is active from Monday, May 16 through Saturday, June 18.

The East Village Board of Directors is not responsible for any issues with the RING products, and all service or purchase concerns must be addressed directly with RING customer service. East Village Homes Corporation Board and agents are not being compensated in any way in relation to this offer. Any purchase made by EVHC residents is made directly to RING, and EVHC is not liable or a party to any transaction. Offer is only valid for EVHC residents. For any additional information concerning this announcement after you have received the memorandum, please contact Community Manager April Steward at 240-243-2326.

Residents are reminded that any exterior modifications, including security cameras, must be approved by the MVF Architectural Review Board before being installed. Remember to fill out a Property Improvement Request (PIR) ahead of time. For questions or information, call the Architectural Standards Department at 240-243-2364 or visit www.montgomeryvillage.com.

East Village Echo: for residents of The Downs, The Reach, The Estates, Essex Place II, Candle Ridge, Gablefield, Glenbrooke, Meadowgate, Ashford, Holly Pointe and Wethersfield.

Dos and Don’ts of Kitchen and Bathroom Drains

Did you know your kitchen drain line is connected to your neighbors?  If you throw the wrong things down that drain, your garbage can wind up on their kitchen floor, as well as yours! The Horizon Run Board of Directors would like you to remember that you are ultimately responsible for what’s put down your drain. Below is a helpful guide as to what SHOULD NOT, be placed down your drain.

• KITCHEN DRAINS ARE NOT MEANT FOR DISPOSAL OF GREASE AND SOLID WASTE.
• BATHROOM DRAINS ARE NOT MEANT FOR DISPOSAL OF EXCESSIVE PAPER PRODUCTS, ETC.

WHAT GOES DOWN MAY COME BACK UP!!!

PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE DRAINS RUNNING CLEAR.

When in doubt, throw it out!

• Don’t grind glass, plastic, metal or even paper.
• Don’t grind anything combustible or grind cigarette butts.
• Don’t pour grease, oil or fat into your garbage disposal or drain. Grease will slowly accumulate and impede your garbage disposal’s grinding ability as well as clog drains.
• Don’t use hot water when grinding food waste. Hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate, causing drains to clog.
• Don’t grind extremely fibrous material like corn husks, celery stalks, and onion skins. Fibers from these can tangle and jam the garbage disposal motor and block drains.
• Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the garbage disposal first. Let water continue to run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles. Then turn off water.
• Don’t put potato peels down the garbage disposal. The starches in the potatoes will turn into a thick paste and may cause blades to stick.
• Don’t put expandable foods into your garbage disposal. Foods like pasta and rice expand when you add water in a pot; they do the same thing once inside your pipes or garbage disposal and are the cause of many jams and clogs.
• Don’t grind large animal bones (beef, pork etc.).
• Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners. They can damage blades and pipes. Borax is a natural sink cleaner and sanitizer that effectively works on odor-causing mold and mildew that accumulates inside the garbage disposals.

As it states in your Homeowner Guild.

Inside Drains

(No grease or oil, disposable wipes, personal items, toys, etc. should be placed in drains. Failure to comply may result in a backup in your home or a liability for a backup in someone else's home, for which you will be financially responsible.) 

Spring is finally here!

by the Maryland Place Board of Directors

With spring finally here to stay, we should all get out and enjoy the many amenities that Montgomery Village has to offer. It’s easy to forget about them when we are constantly busy with day-to-day life. Even just spending time in your backyard on a nice day is very relaxing.

Not a lot to report this time. The board of directors wants to remind residents of the new trash collection procedures. We have observed residents still leaving trash by the street on community property. Please do not do this, especially since all you have to do is place you trash can and recycling bins at the end of your front walkway at the main sidewalk. Why walk it all the way to community property? We pay the trash company to pick up the trash in front of our houses. As a reminder the current trash procedures are listed below along with the holiday schedule.

We wish everyone a safe and healthy spring!

Trash is collected from the front of our homes at the sidewalk in front of your unit. The only exception is for residents of the interior courts on Marston Lane, which now, unfortunately, have to bring trash and recycling to the curb located at the parking area closest to their court for collection.

Trash must be placed in a vermin-proof container for collection in front of your house. This is not a Maryland Place rule, but a Montgomery County Law!

All trash cans must retrieved on the evening of trash day—Monday and Thursday nights—and returned to your property out of sight. Nothing is to be left behind your fence on community property.

For bulk trash (furniture, mattresses, etc.), you can schedule a free pickup from your front yard by calling 301-898-2109.

Reminder—trash will not be picked up on the following 2022 holidays; collection will take place on the next regular service day:

• Memorial Day, Monday, May 30
• Independence Day, Monday, July 4
• Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5
• Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24

Maryland Place Messages: for residents of Maryland Place.

Middle Village resident reminders

by the Middle Village Board of Directors

Illegal trash dumping on the property is prohibited
Middle Village no longer provides dumpster services. Every homeowner is responsible to properly dispose of their bulk trash items, free of charge, at the Montgomery County Trash and Recycle Center at the Shady Grove Transfer Station, 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood. For hours and other Transfer Station information, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/sws. Persons observed putting out bulk trash in the common areas of the property will be subject to immediate fine and further action. 

Trash/Recycling collection
Residents are reminded to properly dispose of their household trash in a marked receptacle with a closed lid to prevent spillage and trash blowing around the community. Residents putting out receptacles before or after the regular trash collection days of Tuesdays and Fridays, will be subject to fines and possible further penalties.

Please remember cardboard for recycling must be broken down and placed in your recycling bin. Recycling collection takes place on Wednesdays.

Towing
Towing enforcement is in effect 24/7 for vehicles parked in reserved spaces without a valid, properly displayed and corresponding numbered permit.

Towing enforcement is in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for vehicles parked in open (un-numbered) spaces without a valid parking permit displayed.

Middle Village Voice: for residents of Thomas Choice West and Clubside.

Spring into action

by the North Village Board of Directors

If you recycle your lawn cuttings, please place then in the accepted containers and place at the curbside for pickup. Having them put it in common areas increases the costs for all of us. Also note that recycling and trash pickup changes for Memorial Day are approaching. Only one trash pickup that week is scheduled for Thursday, June 2. Recycling will move one day. Below is the remaining holiday trash schedule for the year.

Trash Collection 2022
J&J Trash Service is our disposal company. Note that on holiday weeks, J&J will only provide one pickup that week. If the holiday falls on a Monday, then the pickup will be on Thursday. The holidays with an asterisk (*) indicate that the county transfer facility is closed.

Bulk Pickup is free and Keep Recycling
Free bulk pickup on large items is available. Bulk trash does not include yard waste, construction materials, metal or appliances. Remember that failure to call and arrange the bulk pickups leads to increased costs for all of us. Many of us have now seen updated recycling information on our blue cans and front doors. Review the fliers and postcard and keep them handy. Contact the numbers below or go to MyGreenMontgomery on Facebook for more details.

Parking Permits in Place
Parking Permits have been implemented in all neighborhoods. Renters need to coordinate with their landlords to ensure permit acquisition. Download the Parking Permit form at https://bit.ly/32jfMQv. A set of FAQs is also available online at www.montgomeryvillage.com. Remember: no warnings for towing will be issued if you do not have a permit. Important—if you are delinquent in your assessment fees, you will only be issued one visitor permit. Contact the MVF Office to get paid up so you can obtain your resident permits or to work out a schedule to pay off your fees.

Say If You See
“If you see something, say something.” In other words, if you see suspicious activity anywhere in Montgomery Village please call the police at 301-279-8000. Of course, if it is an emergency dial 911. Silver Horse is our North Village security company.

Important numbers to keep
J&J Trash Service – 301-898-2109
Authorized Towing – 301-562-4020
MC Recycling/New Blue Bins/Scrap Metal – 311
Pepco – 877-737-2662
WSSC – 301-206-4001

Next Meeting
The next North Village Homes Corporation meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road. If interested in attending the meeting, contact Community Manager April Steward at 240-243-2326. Please note that your time to speak will be limited to 3 minutes, and the board may or may not respond at that time with information pending further discussion.

If you have any questions or want to report any problems in the community, please reach out to April at that number, or e-mail asteward@mvf.org.

North Village View: for residents of Essex Place, Highland Hall, McRory, Perry Place, Picton, Pleasant Ridge and Salem’s Grant.

Stream valley repairs around Northgate

by the Northgate Board of Directors

The Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) is in conversation with outside entities regarding stream valley erosion in several areas around Northgate. We ask that you follow all communications and news articles on this topic, as it will have a significant impact on our community. The board plans to work with MVF to protect our property values and infrastructure. This proposed project affects every subdivision in Northgate surrounded by trees.

The following is information we would like residents to pay attention to:

The contemplated stream restoration project proposes to stabilize the slopes, arrest erosion and head cut encroachment, as presented at a community meeting on November 17, 2021 and during the Committee on the Environment’s January 12, 2022 meeting. Although specific details were not provided, the project may include grade controls on the steep valley slopes, an engineered step-pool and cascade design in the stream channels, and possible "armoring” of the stream banks with large boulders. All of this will require significant forest clearing, earth moving and alteration of topographical conditions.

The anticipated loss of trees will significantly reduce the noise dampening the present woods provide and reduce the quality of the viewshed. A viewshed that, for many residents, was the reason their homes were purchased. We experienced this above North Creek Lake in our Overlea community. If you want to see the kind of impact expected with the proposed project, go to the North Creek Community Center parking lot and look across the stream. Tree cover once thick enough to dampen the sounds from the recreational facilities and parking lot from view was lost—losses felt everyday by Overlea residents.

Northgate has advised MVF of its concerns regarding tree removal, including the forested area between Meadow Pond Place and Forestview, behind Shadow Oak subdivision, and additional treed areas, in addition to the need to potentially bring heavy equipment across our roads and green space.

We want to emphasize our willingness to interact with all parties, but NGHC’s priority is protecting the community. If we ask for you help, please step up. An MVF staff member will be providing information at the next Northgate Zoom meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

Moving on, improper disposal of trash remains the most frequent complaint the board receives. Each household has two trash pickups per week included in the assessment fee, plus bulk pickups when needed. Recycling is once per week and our landscaper also picks up litter.

If you live in The Points or Overlea, your trash collection days are Mondays and Thursdays. Bulk trash will be picked up on Thursdays. If you live in Apple Ridge, Dorsey's Regard, McKendree I & II, Shadow Oak or Williams Range, your trash pickup days are Tuesdays and Fridays. Bulk trash will be picked up on Fridays. Do not place your trash out in white bags, please! Please do not put out your trash for collection until the evening before the pickup. If you miss a trash pickup DO NOT place your trash out until the next scheduled trash day.

The deadline for applying to run for the board of directors is Friday, Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. E-mail Sean Farrell at NorthgateHC@comsource.com for application information.

Northgate News: for residents of Apple Ridge, Dorsey's Regard, McKendree I & II, Overlea, The Points, Shadow Oak and Williams Range.

ATTENTION RESIDENTS of Park Place l and Park Place ll

PROPER TRASH DISPOSAL: All residents shall dispose of household trash inside the GREEN DUMPSTERS located in the trash corrals.

Recyclables shall be disposed within its appropriate containers located inside the trash corrals.

        Plastic Bottles & Cans                                    Paper & Cardboard

Residents shall not throw trash over the corral or place trash/recyclables outside their appropriate containers. Violation of this rule shall result in an immediate $100 fine to the unit owner.

Winter is Here

• If you intend on traveling this winter, please, DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR HEAT! Failure to do so can result in frozen pipes bursting causing major damage to your unit and others.
• Please remember that unit owners are responsible for up to the first $10,000 in the event a claim originates in their unit.
• If you plan to be away shut off the water supply valve to your washing machine.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. 
• Keep your windows closed and vents open.
• If you are aware of a neighboring unit that is unoccupied contact management immediately on 301-948-0110 so every attempt can be made to contact the owner.

The ideal temperature range for your thermostat in the winter is from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but most people like it around 68. Whichever you choose please make SURE it remains in that range.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at (301) 948-0110 ext. 2344 or by email at Chaynes@mvf.org

Patio/Balcony Utility Closet HEATER TURN ON 2021

In an effort to save on costs, preserve your equipment, and maintain social distancing recommendations due to COVID, the board of directors is asking that each home TURN ON your own auxiliary heater that is in the hot water heater closet, located outside on your balcony or patio.

Management, is requesting that once you have performed this yearly maintenance requirement to please send an email to Chaynes@mvf.org to confirm. 

Again, please turn ON the auxiliary heater that is in the hot water heater closet located outside on your balcony or patio, for the winter season.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at (301) 948-0110 ext. 2344 or email at Chaynes@mvf.org

ATTENTION RESIDENTS of Park Place l and Park Place ll

PROPER TRASH DISPOSAL: All residents shall dispose of household trash inside the GREEN DUMPSTERS located in the trash corrals.

Recyclables shall be disposed within its appropriate containers located inside the trash corrals.

        Plastic Bottles & Cans                                    Paper & Cardboard

Residents shall not throw trash over the corral or place trash/recyclables outside their appropriate containers. Violation of this rule shall result in an immediate $100 fine to the unit owner.

Winter Preparation

As we prepare for the first freeze this winter season, Management would like to remind residents to leave their heat on at all times.

• If you intend on traveling this winter, please DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR HEAT! Failure to do so can result in frozen pipes bursting causing major damage to your unit and others. Please remember that unit owners are responsible for the first $5,000 in the event a claim originates in their unit.
• If you plan to be away shut off the water supply valve to your washing machine.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.  Temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures may incur a higher heating bill.
• Keep your windows closed and vents open.
• If you are aware of a neighboring unit that is unoccupied contact management immediately on 301-948-0110 so every attempt can be made to contact the owner.

The ideal temperature range for your thermostat in the winter is from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but most people like it around 68. Whichever you choose please make SURE it remains in that range.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at (301) 948-0110 ext. 2344 or email at Chaynes@mvf.org

Dos and Don’ts of Kitchen and Bathroom Drains

Did you know your kitchen drain line is connected to your neighbors?  If you throw the wrong things down that drain, your garbage can wind up on their kitchen floor, as well as yours! The Park Place II board of directors would like you to remember that you are ultimately responsible for what’s put down your drain. Below is a helpful guide as to what SHOULD NOT, be placed down your drain.

• KITCHEN DRAINS ARE NOT MEANT FOR DISPOSAL OF GREASE AND SOLID WASTE.
• BATHROOM DRAINS ARE NOT MEANT FOR DISPOSAL OF EXCESSIVE PAPER PRODUCTS, ETC.

WHAT GOES DOWN MAY COME BACK UP!!!

PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE DRAINS RUNNING CLEAR.

When in doubt, throw it out!

• Don’t grind glass, plastic, metal or even paper.
• Don’t grind anything combustible or grind cigarette butts.
• Don’t pour grease, oil or fat into your garbage disposal or drain. Grease will slowly accumulate and impede your garbage disposal’s grinding ability as well as clog drains.
• Don’t use hot water when grinding food waste. Hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate, causing drains to clog.
• Don’t grind extremely fibrous material like corn husks, celery stalks, and onion skins. Fibers from these can tangle and jam the garbage disposal motor and block drains.
• Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the garbage disposal first. Let water continue to run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles. Then turn off water.
• Don’t put potato peels down the garbage disposal. The starches in the potatoes will turn into a thick paste and may cause blades to stick.
• Don’t put food down the garbage disposal. Small amounts into the garbage disposal, a little at a time, with the cold water running is fine. This will help the food scraps flow down freely through the drain pipes and plumbing.
• Don’t put expandable foods into your garbage disposal. Foods like pasta and rice expand when you add water in a pot; they do the same thing once inside your pipes or garbage disposal and are the cause of many jams and clogs.
• Don’t grind large animal bones (beef, pork etc.).
• Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners. They can damage blades and pipes. Borax is a natural sink cleaner and sanitizer that effectively works on odor-causing mold and mildew that accumulates inside the garbage disposals.

Recap:

• Grease or oil.  Just because it is out of sight does not mean the garbage disposal “disposed” of it.  Usually, it solidifies and begins to build up in your pipes.  Not good.
• Vegetable peels.  You might get away with it from time to time, but odds are, eventually this one will catch up with you–and leave a soupy backfilled mess in your sink.  Garbage disposals do not do many peels–they’ll spit them up.
• Egg shells.  The membrane on the inside of the egg can wrap around the blades.
• Coffee Grounds.  Over time, the little grounds build up like sediment in the pipes.
• Pits or seeds.  Peach pits, avocado pits, cherries, etc.  
• Anything in bulk, rice and pasta.   
• Garbage.   It is not designed for those types of things.
• Stringy veggies.  Celery, corn husks, or even some types of lettuce.  The stringy parts can wrap around the blades, causing resistance on the blades.

Learn and pay attention to what your disposal SOUNDS like.  It costs you, your neighbors and even the Condominium a heavy expense if there's a serious back up of kitchen drains.  Make sure you don't contribute to those costly messes.

Parking in Patton Ridge

by the Patton Ridge Board of Directors

The Patton Ridge Board of Directors wishes all Patton Ridge Homes Corporation residents a Happy New Year!

The board has received an increasing number of comments from residents about congested parking within our community, and in response the board has been working on a resolution to address the issue. A memorandum describing the proposed policy dated January 14, 2022, with the subject “Proposed Parking Policy” has been distributed to all residents for review. Please send any comments or feedback on the policy to PattonRidgeHC@mvf.org no later than Thursday, Feb. 17. Resident comments will be evaluated at the February 2022 Board of Directors Meeting. Thank you for your engagement on this issue.

Candidate Statements

Lauren Hydorn
My name is Lauren Hydorn, I have lived in Montgomery Village for 32 years and have recently become a homeowner here! Having grown up in Montgomery Village, I participated in MCSL Swim Team – North Creek Neptune’s, Foundation run programs and camps and volunteered at numerous events. My first job was a lifeguard for the Montgomery Village Foundation, which then led to my first full time position in the Recreation Department where I worked for over 4 years. I currently work for the City of Gaithersburg in the Aquatics Division. Outside of work I play volleyball, enjoy reading and traveling!

Larry Nicholson
I’m Larry Nicholson and I have lived in Patton Ridge since the summer of 2004 with my family. I’m a Senior Project Manager for a local CRO, husband and father. I have been a member of the Patton Ridge Board for the last 9 years. I hope to continue the board’s successes by helping to ensure that we are doing our best for the community. I see the board addressing long overdue community maintenance and wish to continue this path in Patton Ridge. I believe that we must maintain the current emphasis placed on resident’s safety. Additionally, I believe we must ensure equitable solutions to issues facing Patton Ridge. I bring insight and a unique perspective to the Patton Ridge Board, by helping to navigate the changing times and needs in the Village. As our community ages, I believe it is important to ensure that Patton Ridge continues to thrive beyond its first 48+ years.

John Scavullo
My family and I have been living in Fairidge since 2009.

I’d like to provide my input and perspective as a longtime resident to the board in hopes of making the community even better for all residents.

I love living in our community because of established trees, landscapes, paths and amenities such as the pools. In addition, it’s very exciting to see more young families move into the neighborhood as they have over the past several years.

In my professional life, I work for Nasdaq as a senior enterprise specialist. I primarily perform software engineering and support teams within our organization.

Patton Ridge Report: for residents of Arrowhead, Fairway Islands, Fairidge, Greentee I & II, Highfield and Partridge Place I & II.

Upcoming projects in South Village

by the South Village Board of Directors

The board works hard to plan and budget for and schedule projects to improve the community and maintain our property. Recently, the 2021 Audit was completed with no issues found and a year-end surplus of just over $16,000 was identified.

There are several projects approved for 2022: concrete repairs throughout Nathans Hill, Millrace and Dockside; a large tree pruning project in Dockside; and the enhancement of the Nathans Hill entrance sign. The lighting project through the CBDG Grant program does appear to show movement through Montgomery County, and the board is hopeful to see the project back on course in the next several weeks.

The parking pass program has resulted in a lower delinquency rate. Thank you to all residents for working to pay off balances or paying diligently each quarter to keep the association running smoothly.

In the coming months, an updated reserve study will be completed. This valuable tool will aid in future project planning. Additionally, a comprehensive tree study has been completed, which will help the board analyze the next phase of tree work.

Concrete Repair
Repairs will be completed between Monday, May 9 and Friday, May 13, weather permitting. During this time, all residents in the affected areas must move their vehicle(s) if parked along the sidewalk by 7 a.m. on the day of scheduled work. Vehicles may be returned after 6 p.m. Any vehicle that is an obstruction will be relocated at the owner’s expense. A map of the affected areas can be found online at https://www.montgomeryvillage.com/sites/default/files/coomunity-information/South_Village/2022_concrete_repairs.pdf.

For more information or questions, contact Director of Community Management Karen Kodjanian at 240-243-2347.

South Village Scenes: for residents of Center Stage, Dockside, Grover's Forge, Hamptons, Millrace, Nathan's Hill and Walker's Choice.

Change is all around in Stedwick

by the Stedwick Board of Directors 

It is that time of year when gardeners may be planting seeds to nurse indoors, or buying potting soil and plants at local nurseries, hoping there will be no more frosts. Others are cleaning up the messes left behind in their gardens after a long, wet winter. Many may head for the local trails, among them the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail that can be accessed at the bridge over Seneca Creek on Watkins Mill Road, and birdwatchers head for the shores or the local woodland to enjoy the “brief, but spectacular” spring in Maryland.

Local nature lovers in this area may re-read a wonderful book published in 1947, “Spring in Washington” by Louis J. Halle. Halle was an employee of the State Department, but in non-working hours traveled the city and beyond on his bike, recording his observations of the natural world around him. A serious biker, Halle was up at 5 a.m. or earlier to head for Mount Vernon or Rock Creek Park before going to work. Weekends were the time for longer rides, all with the purpose of observing nature as spring emerged. As Halle noted, the mathematicians reckon that spring begins March 21, but “for those who observe the first signs, spring comes earlier.”

Here in Stedwick, the observations made by Halle still ring true. The cardinals and chickadees began their mating calls in late January. The surrounding woodlands of Stedwick are home to Barred Owls who laid their eggs in mid-March and by the end of May are teaching their nestlings to fly. The woodpeckers are drumming on trees to attract mates, and the lovely American Goldfinches are in the process of exchanging their drab olive winter wear to their brilliant yellow and black breeding plumage. Halle’s small book is a worthwhile read for all of us who live in the metropolitan area.

Our maintenance crew, JB Kline Landscaping, works throughout the year. They clean up after every windstorm, managing the removal of downed trees and large branches. They are also responsible for snow removal and doing scheduled trash cleanups in the communities. The first of 18 mowings scheduled for this year has been done. The landscape crew also planted annuals at the entryways to each community as part of the winter cleanup. On Capehart Drive, near Canadian Court, the JB Kline crew created a new bed with a large tree in the center surrounded by shrubs and flowers.

The community has put forth a great effort since the trash memo was mailed. There is a visible improvement in the use of proper containers for trash storage and a noticeable decrease in the amount of trash on community property. Let us all keep up the good work.

Throughout this growing season, we will continue to maintain the overall appearance of the community. Our standard scheduling of rotating two or three communities for work such as curb painting, pruning, replacement of paths, etc. was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we plan to restart the program and get back on track this year. We are hopeful that the Tree Montgomery program will be funded by the county so that we will again be given an opportunity to plant many dozens of new trees supplied by Montgomery County. Stedwick continues to thrive!

Thanks to the many residents who contributed their ideas and issues on the revised parking policies. The board of directors voted to accept the three parking policies at the April meeting. Our Community Manager is now working on the implementation plan.

If you have suggestions for maintenance, repair items to report, or have questions or concerns about conditions in Stedwick, contact our Stedwick Homes Corporation management team at 240-243-2326 or e-mail stedwickhc@mvf.org. You may also bring any ideas or concerns to the board of directors during residents time at any of our meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18 and will be held virtually. Directions for obtaining the link to participate in the meeting will be provided 2 or 3 days prior to the meeting and posted online at www.stedwickhc.org.

Stedwick Signals: for residents of Club Hill, Clusters of Stedwick I, II, III, Forest Brooke, Frenchton Place, Ridges of Stedwick and The Heights

Winter is Coming

As we prepare for the first freeze this winter season, Management would like to remind residents to leave their heat on at all times.

• If you intend on traveling this winter, please DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR HEAT! Failure to do so can result in frozen pipes bursting causing major damage to your unit and others. Please remember that unit owners are responsible for the first $10,000 in the event a claim originates in their unit.
• If you plan to be away shut off the water supply valve to your washing machine.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.  Temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures may incur a higher heating bill.
• Keep your windows closed and vents open.
• If you are aware of a neighboring unit that is unoccupied contact management immediately on 301-948-0110 so every attempt can be made to contact the owner.

The ideal temperature range for your thermostat in the winter is from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but most people like it around 68. Whichever you choose please make SURE it remains in that range.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at (301) 948-0110 ext. 2344 or email at Chaynes@mvf.org

Water Turn Off 2021

IMPORTANT  -   COLD WEATHER IS COMING!

As you know, the cold weather is coming and it is necessary to prevent the outside water lines from freezing. To properly drain the water lines, access to your unit is required. If you cannot be home or provide access to your unit, please call the office and make us aware.

The following homes have the valve located inside their Garage: 19506, 19524, 19608, 19507, 19539, 19555, 19585, 19605, 19641, and 19655 (Greenwood and Clearview Models)

The following homes have the valve located inside the laundry room area or the back patio area of the home: 19525, 19569, 19617, 19623, and 19673 (Fairway Models)

Residents of the Greenwood and Clearview Models should please make sure you leave your garage door unlocked or be home at the time of service. Residents of the Fairway Models should please make arraignments to be home during the time of service.

The plumber is scheduled to arrive Friday   October 15, 2021 between 9 am & 1 pm.

If the water is left on after this time, and damage occurs, the property owner of the unit where the valve is located will be held accountable for payment of the repairs.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. Should you have any questions, please contact the office at, 301-948-0110 Ext. 2344

Sincerely,

Courtney Haynes, Community Manager

301-948-0110 *www.montgomeryvillage.com*tccondo@mvf.org*THOMAS CHOICE CONDOMINIUM

NOTICE

Garage and Home Owners:

Please be Mindful of Freezing Temps Inside your Garage and Homes.

A garage that gets too cold can damage not only to your car but also to the equipment you're storing there. Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break and water will freeze, no matter where it is. Pipes most likely to freeze, according to the Red Cross, are those exposed to severe cold and unheated interior areas. Examples of these areas are garages, or kitchen cabinets; and pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

Prevent frozen pipes in very cold weather, by keeping garage doors closed as often as possible. If the garage contains water supply lines, keep the thermostat set to the same temperature day and night. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing and try weather-stripping and insulation to help protect your garage from extreme winter weather. ~Management

Pet waste – an unpleasant issue

by the Whetstone Board of Directors

Judging by the number of signs popping up all over Whetstone, it seems that pet waste is again becoming a problem. Pets are wonderful and can bring great happiness to any household. Pets also come with great responsibility, and one of those responsibilities is cleaning up after them. Now you may think that it is not that big of a deal. Well, anyone that has stepped in it or has had it deposited in their yard can tell you it is a big deal. Additionally, it can spread disease to both pets and humans. Aside from being part of the Whetstone covenants, and it is also against Montgomery County law to leave pet waste lying around. Please clean up after you pet.

Replacement Lighting
One of the new light fixtures has been installed on the greenspace at the entrance to North Dock. Please check it out.

Maintenance
There are hundreds of trees in Whetstone. The board schedules different sections of Whetstone for tree pruning so that all trees are inspected/treated over a 4 or 5-year period. Tree pruning and Gum Tree removal for 2022 should be completed by the time you read this. If you notice any fallen limbs or limbs broken and hung up in any trees, please notify the board of their location. The nature path along Lake Whetstone will be topped with clean millings in the coming weeks. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please understand that this work must be done to help prevent erosion of the path and lakeshore. Recently, the five monuments at the entrances to the Whetstone communities were cleaned.

Parking
Please remember the parking of commercial vehicles or pickup trucks are prohibited in Whetstone, unless they are parked in a garage. Vehicles with expired tags are also prohibited by Whetstone and Montgomery County.

Board Meetings
Remember, if you would like to attend the monthly Whetstone board meeting virtually, send your request to mcruz@mvf.org to receive the link and password as the date approaches. Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month.

The board is always looking to communicate effectively with our residents/neighbors. If you have made a change to your e-mail or have not yet provided an e-mail and would like to receive notices, agenda, emergency information and other pertinent communication from the board, please e-mail your contact information to vermillion.whc@gmail.com.

Whetstone Watch: for residents of The Courts, Goshenside, Lakeside and the Ridges of Whetstone.