HOA & COA News

Volunteers needed for homes corporation boards of directors

Each year, the Village homes corporations seek candidates for election to their boards of directors. Interested residents are invited to submit applications for candidacy to the Nominating Committee of their local homes corporation.

Directors of homes corporations are responsible for setting assessments and managing the maintenance of all open spaces, streets, paths and lights that belong to the individual homes corporation.

Basic qualifications for board membership are time and interest, but whatever other knowledge, training, skills or experience one has will almost certainly be used in some capacity.

1. According to the documents, a candidate is not required to be a resident of Montgomery Village, except in Whetstone Homes Corporation and North Village Homes Corporation, where the candidate is required to be a resident homeowner. However, resident candidates must be in good standing with the Montgomery Village Foundation and their respective homes corporation with regard to covenants and policies and must be current in all assessment payments. In several cases, the Nominating Committee is given the authority to determine which of the nominees will be on the final slate of candidates.

2. To apply for candidacy, a prepared statement of the applicant’s qualifications and interests must be delivered to any member of the Nominating Committee or to the Montgomery Village Foundation Office, 10120 Apple Ridge Road, no later than 5 p.m. on the closing dates stated in the box.

3. A candidate may be solicited or may volunteer. A resident nominating another resident must secure his/her written consent.

4. The number of candidates is unlimited.

5. All nominees will be requested to submit a single page (typewritten, double spaced) statement, which will be reproduced in the December, January or February issue of the Village News and will be sent to all voters along with the ballots (standard form will be supplied to board nominees).

6. Also, per a new Montgomery County Law, effective January 1, 2016, if elected, candidates must participate in a Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities (CCOC)-approved board member training class, to be scheduled and completed within 90 days of the start of their term of service.

Ballots will be mailed to the electorate either in December, January or February, depending on the specific corporation’s election calendar.

In addition to electing directors, each homes corporation also elects a representative and an alternate representative to the MVF for one-year terms. Suggested names for the position will appear on the ballots.

Each board of directors consists of nine directors who serve three-year terms. The terms are staggered, creating three vacancies every year.

Note: While the word count for candidates’ statements varies among homes corporations (check with your community manager), the word count for candidates’ statements for the Montgomery Village News must not exceed 200 words per candidate. To view Village News guidelines, visit www.montgomeryvillage.com, select Press Room, select Village News, then Village News Editorial and Submissions Policy (see #4 under Homes Corporations/Condominium Associations).

Eastgate
Nominating Deadline: Friday, Dec. 16, 2022
Nominating Committee: Whole Board

East Village
Nominations Close: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023
Nominating Committee: J. Helenek, J. Shukla, T. O’Grady

Maryland Place
Nominations Close: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023
Nominating Committee: C. LaRose, A. Thomas

North Village
Nominations Close: Tuesday, Nov.1, 2022
Nominating Committee: D. Rabil, T. Wills

Patton Ridge
Nominating Deadline: Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022
Nominating Committee: Whole Board

South Village
Nominations Close: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022
Nominating Committee: Whole Board

Stedwick
Nominations Close: Friday, Jan. 6, 2023
Nominating Committee: Whole Board

Whetstone
Nominations Close: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023
Nominating Committee: D. Barnes, D. Vermillion, L. Perine

View the proposed 2023 budgets for MVF-managed home corporations.

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.

Please put a lid on it!

by the North Village Board of Directors

New signs were recently installed in some North Village neighborhoods reminding residents of the need to place trash in lidded cans. This is Montgomery County law. Lidded cans prevent problems where rodents, crows and other animals are rummaging through plastic trash bags. According to the county health department, vermin is a growing problem in the county. Plastic trash bags on the ground contribute to infestation. This issue requires the cooperation and effort of all our residents, and each resident is strongly recommended to follow proper storage and garbage disposal rules.

Note: only one trash pickup day for Labor Day week
On holiday weeks, J&J will pick up only once that week. Trash will not be picked up on the holidays shown below. If the holiday falls on a Monday, then the pickup will be on Thursday. The days with an asterisk (*) indicate that the county transfer facility is closed, so recycling will move one day that week.

Don’t dump that stuff!
Bulk trash costs everyone money. We ask everyone’s help with the amount of bulk trash in the common areas (a.k.a. dumping large household material). Every time a special call must be made to our special vendor to pick up the bulk trash, we must pay for that separately. Ultimately, the “we” is all of us in North Village. If you see neighbors putting out bulk trash, please ask that they call for one of their free bulk pickups if they haven’t already. If you see a neighbor that is dumping, you may e-mail our community manager so that we can get a letter out to them.

2023 Budget in Process
We are now working on the 2023 budget with the information from security, trash and the management agreement with Montgomery Village Foundation recently arriving. As suspected both the security and trash contracts have shown an increase over last year. The 9% CPI increase is putting financial pressure on the community boards budgets for 2023. We will do whatever we can to minimize the increases. We can only do so much with the types of services we need especially as the vendors struggle to find labor. We will be finalizing and approving the budget at the August meeting.

Mowing schedule and leaf removal
Our landscaping company, BrightView, is scheduled to mow common areas in North Village until November. Please note that Montgomery County is no longer allowing pesticides to be used in grass applications. This means you will see more weeds mixed in grassy areas. Note that we have two leaf removal pickups scheduled this fall. Please understand that only the week the signs are posted are you allowed to put leaves on the street. Otherwise, please bag the leaves for weekly recycling or have your contractor remove the leaves entirely. Also, a question arose regarding composting. You can bring your composting to the MV Farmers’ Market at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 9801 Centerway Road, on Saturdays. For more information, visit www.mvfarmersmarket.com.

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 board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18 via Zoom.

You may contact Community Manager April Steward, at 240-243-2326, with your interest in attending the meeting. 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.

Summer updates

by the Northgate Board of Directors

A number of projects throughout the community have taken place or will shortly. Over $10,000 in storm drain repairs were done on Maple Leaf Court, Maple Leaf Drive and Brookridge Court; asphalt repairs and crack fill in Overlea were completed at a cost of $41,500; additional asphalt repairs in Dorsey’s Regard, McKendree I & II and Shadow Oak cost $145,000, and an additional $80,000 in crack fill should be completed by the end of the year. There is a minimum of $30,000 in tree work that needs to be done in the fall.

The board watches the budget carefully. Like each of you, we have to deal with increasing costs. Our trash company raised its price by $1 per unit effective July 1, adding an unexpected $7,000 to the community’s costs. It remains the best option both cost and service-wise, but will add a minimum of close to $14,000 to the FY23 budget.

The board will begin its FY23 budget work in August. The community will be kept informed.

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.

It’s all about trees

by the Stedwick Board of Directors 

Keeping Stedwick green
Stedwick would not be the lovely and inviting community it is without our spacious landscaped areas and the adjacent woodlands throughout the area. The board of directors is aware of the value of our “natural” spaces and so a sizable portion of your assessments go towards the upkeep and improvements made yearly to our green spaces. As the area matures, so do the trees. Currently, we are losing more trees than in previous years, and with an associated cost.

In 2016, the Department of Environmental Protection and Montgomery County signed an agreement for the county to plant and maintain trees with the sole focus of planting shade trees. Stedwick has applied for, and twice benefited from this agreement; one year receiving 47 and a second year receiving 49 trees. These trees were planted in areas chosen by the maintenance committee. We had only to water the trees as needed the first few years. We have applied for consideration again this year and are awaiting a response.

Stedwick also plants mature trees to the extent possible within the budget. In 2020, we planted 25 mature trees spread throughout the community. In that year we also planted 120 small trees—1 to 1-1/2” caliper ones—which we used to fill in open areas where larger trees once grew. They are not very visible now, but if they survive, they will be the canopy of the future. In 2020, we had an exceptional opportunity as J.B. Kline Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance Company had trees left over from another large project and offered them to Stedwick. Our only cost was the planting, easing our budget and giving the tree population a major boost. Like all plants, trees do not always meet their full potential so the need to keep planting will always be with us.

Trees are an asset
The existing trees in Stedwick are among our most important assets. They are a capital item of significant value and thus included as a line item in our reserves budget. Our trees and shrubs have value beyond their beautifying qualities as they provide shade, protection from winds, help control urban storm water runoff, and produce oxygen while absorbing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.

Trees can also be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new business and people looking for a home in beautifully landscaped area. Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space in a wooded area is more valuable to sell or rent.

The USDA Forest Service notes trees placed properly around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and can save 30 to 50% in energy used for heating.

Dr. E. Greg McPherson of the Center for Urban Forest Research says if you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years, the savings will be nearly 12%.

Tree maintenance
Given the importance of the trees as assets and a main element in the beauty of the area, the board of directors keeps close tabs on the needs of trees. Our trees are subject to stress from storms, excessive amounts or lack of water, compacted soils, air pollution and the straightforward process of aging thus requiring constant attention and resources. Ongoing efforts to maintain trees and shrubs include a pruning schedule that ensures each neighborhood is trimmed every 3 to 5 years. Unfortunately, the pandemic impacted our normal schedule for 2 years, but we are now back on track with pruning. Every month, with information gleaned from our maintenance inspection tours, we add dying or dead specimens to our Tree Removal List and for a prompt removal. Trees that appear unhealthy or otherwise compromised are put on a Tree Watch list. Residents also help the process by alerting the community manager of trees in need of attention.

Tree diseases
Today, many of North America’s trees are being destroyed by non-native insects and diseases. These invaders are removing entire species of trees from our forests and neighborhoods. The latest of these invaders is the Hypoxylon Canker which is a fungus attacking all species of oak. Thus far we have removed 3 diseased oaks from Clusters I and expect there will be further need as the fungus can quickly colonize weakened or stressed trees growing nearby.

In the past, we dealt with Emerald Ash Borer that was causing removal of our ash trees; dogwoods have succumbed to anthracnose, a disease which is less common now, but Powdery Mildew has become the most serious threat to these trees. While no longer an issue, the so-called Dutch Elm Disease sharply reduced the American Elm population throughout the country. All tree diseases cost money for treatment, removal and replacement. Tree diseases will always be with us, and Stedwick will continue to respond to diseased trees as much as possible within the confines of our budget.

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, Aug. 17 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

Maintenance items in Whetstone

by the Whetstone Board of Directors

In the last several months, and months to come, Whetstone residents are seeing a wide variety of maintenance activity underway. Everything from pressure washing entrance signs, milling the lakeshore path and general landscaping, to large-scale projects such as street repaving and major work on our aging trees.

New post lights
The board approved the replacement of all 400+ globe post light fixtures and posts for every existing lighting unit in the Whetstone community. The approved fixture is the Wave Lighting model 410-LE26, color black, with beveled ltenses. Posts will be black fiberglass, standard 3” diameter, mounted in a concrete base. A sample can be seen at the driveway entrance to North Shore Dock. These fixtures use standard replaceable screw-in A19/E26 bulbs. Bulbs are included with installation; presently an 800 Lumen, 90 CRI, 3000 Kelvin, 10 Watt frosted LED.

All this jargon demonstrates how confusing buying light bulbs has become for many of us. Gone are the days of incandescent bulbs, when all you needed to know was basically wattage. Wattage is actually how much electrical power a bulb uses, not necessarily brightness. Since LED’s use significantly less power, we need to switch our thinking to the actual measurement of brightness, Lumens. An 800 Lumen LED bulb is roughly the brightness of a 60-watt incandescent bulb, yet uses less than 10 watts of electricity. Next time you’re at the hardware store, look at the specifications on bulb boxes, or maybe a conversion chart online, you’ll be saying lumens before you know it.

The CRI rating is the “Color Rendering Index,” which simply rates how accurately and cleanly a LED bulb produces light for its indicated color/temperature (anything 90 CRI and up is good). This brings us to the aforementioned color/temperature, which is measured in Kelvins. Kelvins rating refers to how warm (amber) to cool (blue) the light is. Most bulbs are available in the 2700K to 6000K range; high numbers will appear blueish, and lower numbers amberish. When in doubt, a 3000K bulb is usually the happy middle ground, and most similar to color of our old incandescents.

And finally, to anyone wondering what the A19/E26 specification means: A19 is bulb size (19 one-eighths of an inch wide), and E26 is its type of screw-in base. In this case E26 is the standard base we have in most of our household lamps.

Formal scheduling of our post light replacement project is currently pending, as supply chain issues are being assessed. Presently, we hope to begin sometime later this fall. And we will provide ample notice to all residents, as installation will require working access to the area around your existing light pole.

Street repaving
As you read this, much of our street repaving should be well underway, weather permitting. A letter describing the schedule, with a map indicating phases and affected streets, was mailed to residents the last week of July; this document is also available on our web page at www.montgomeryvillage.com. The small streets will be worked on between Monday, Aug. 1 and Friday, Aug. 5. Whetstone Circle will be milled on the Saturday, Aug. 6, then paved on Monday, Aug. 8.
We greatly appreciate everyone’s patience with this somewhat disruptive project, but when it’s complete we’ll have significantly improved the appearance and quality of our streets, which makes a big difference in the value of our already wonderful neighborhood.

Tree maintenance
Everyone’s certainly aware we were very busy this spring with major tree maintenance and removal. A big thank you to our residents for contending with the noise and general disruption. To anyone concerned, we’re certainly not planning on removing all our wonderful big trees, but unfortunately due to age and disease, a certain number of our old Oak and Gum trees were inspected by our certified arborists last year, and deemed in need of removal. That work was completed this spring.

Following this, we recently learned there are 13 additional trees in bad shape, with a recommendation for removed as well. Removal of these additional trees was discussed at the July 14, 2022 board meeting. We will be replacing most of what was removed with new Zelkova trees (2 ½”to 3” trunk size).

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.