HOA & COA News

Autumn’s arrival, leaves fall

by the East Village Board of Directors

As cooler air moves into the mid-Atlantic region, the leaves begin to show off their true colors. After mildly bracing air settles into Montgomery Village, the leaves begin their annual cycle of falling to the ground. This past week, Brightview started removing the leaves from curbsides throughout East Village.

To facilitate the leaf removal process, homeowners have to rake the leaves from their yards to the curbside. Trucks will come by once in November and then make another sweep in early December when, hopefully, all leaves have fallen.

Time change means fall maintenance

As winter approaches, it’s a good time to have your home inspected to make sure all HVAC systems are in working order. Many homeowners are smart to have a professional inspect the heaters in their homes before winter really settles in with cold weather.

While some items can be carried out by homeowners, always have a professional check for possible air leaks if they need to climb a ladder onto your roof. Your life and safety are put at risk when you choose to perform home maintenance off the ground. Have someone who does it for a living and knows how to be safe at all times check for you.

Carbon monoxide detectors need their batteries to be changed regularly, and every time we change our clocks—fall back and spring forward—is a good time to make those changes.

Additionally, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms units should be replaced based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Some units last 10 or 12 years and need to be updated with newer alarms. Some alarms are now capable of being connected to your smart phones so you can be alerted to alerts from anywhere in the world.

Street entrance signs

After a recent maintenance inspection, the Wethersfield entrance was updated with new plantings. Residents should immediately see the improvements. Ashford’s entrance sign received significant improvements, also, after several trees fell from summer storms.

Dispose of trash properly

Residents are reminded to dispose their trash in sealed containers and place them in front of their homes; do not place them anywhere else. Placing trash outside in plastic bags invites rodents and birds to open the bags and search for food waste. It’s unsightly, unhealthy and unlawful.

Please be kind to your neighbors and do the right thing.

For any matters in the neighborhood that require attention from our management team, report them to Community Manager April Steward at 240-243-2327 or e-mail asteward@mvf.org.

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.

It’s holiday season!
by the Maryland Place Board of Directors

The Maryland Place Board of Directors would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

We are still seeing a huge amount of speeding on neighborhood streets, even with the additional speed bumps that were installed in September. There was an incident at the beginning of November involving three cars parked in parking spaces. A speeding car came down Transhire Road over the speed bumps and around the bend plowing into the three parked cars. Then, the driver backed up and sped out of the neighborhood without stopping. Thankfully, no one was unloading groceries from or near any of the three parked cars, or they could have been seriously injured. Please, let’s all remember that this is a residential street where pedestrians are crossing and children are playing. We need to drive slowly while on neighborhood streets.

Another issue that continues to be a problem—and the board receives constant complaints from residents about—is trash. Residents are seen placing plastic bags of trash, recycling bins, paper leaf bags, furniture, appliances, etc. on community property daily! Not only is this unsightly and unsanitary, it’s also against Montgomery County law and the Maryland Place by-laws.

All trash and recycling is to be stored on your property in a sealed vermin-proof container at all times. Trash or recycling should never be placed on community property period! As a result of all the plastic bags of trash left on community property, we now have a major rat problem. We are providing them with a buffet of food in easy-to-chew-through plastic bags. The board is currently looking into ways to get rid of the rats.

As a reminder, all trash is to be placed out for collection in vermin-proof containers on Sunday and Wednesday nights after dark at the rear of your property. Trash is picked up on Monday and Thursday mornings. Recycling is to be placed in the front of your property on Wednesday night after dark for collection on Thursday morning. At no time should trash or recycling ever be placed on community property.

Maryland Place Messages: for residents of Maryland Place.

Mark your calendar - 2020 parking tag distribution dates

by the Middle Village Board of Directors

The 2019 parking tags will expire on Tuesday, Dec. 31. The 2020 parking tag distribution will take place at the Thomas Choice Clubhouse, 19401 Brassie Place, on the following dates/times:

Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 8, 2 to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7 to 9 p.m.

Residents must have a photo ID to receive 2020 parking tags.

Homeowners/landlords are responsible for contacting ComSource if they do not want their tenants to obtain parking tags. If you are a renter, you must verify with the property owner that you are authorized to pick up the parking tags. Parking tags will not be given to renters if the homeowner/landlord has requested that parking tags only be given to the owner.

If a homeowner is delinquent on their assessment account, they will not receive a third parking tag/permit until they have paid the past due assessment balance, including all outstanding administrative fees, legal fees, fines and interest in full.

Please note, after Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, all cars displaying an expired parking tag anytime of the day or night will be towed, even if they are parked in their reserved space or an open space.

If you are a new resident and do not know your assigned parking space number or have not picked up your parking tag, contact Shirley Umali at ComSource at 301- 924-7355 or e-mail sumali@comsource.com.

Towing

The current Middle Village Parking policy states:

"All vehicles parked overnight in the community are required to display a MVHC parking tag/permit or they are subject to immediate towing. For purposes of these Rules, overnight is defined as parking a vehicle in MV anytime between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m."

"Parking tag/permit must be clearly/properly displayed, on the driver’s side, facing the front windshield, on vehicles parked in a reserved parking space, or parked in the community overnight. Tags/permits can be hung from the rearview mirror or taped to the driver’s side dashboard or front windshield, front side facing toward the windshield."

"Failure to properly display the current year’s parking tag/permit will lead to immediate towing – even if vehicle is parked in the appropriate reserved parking space. No warnings or notifications will be issued."

“No commercial vehicles or trailers of any type, campers, or recreational vehicles shall be permitted to remain overnight on either the property of a private dwelling unit or on the community-owned property within Middle Village. For purposes of these rules, overnight is defined as parking a vehicle between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.”

“Commercial vehicles include vehicles with any type of writing or printing (letters, words, pictures, insignia, etc.) identifying a firm, organization, service, product, etc., of any kind, type or description. All vehicles carrying ladders, pipes, ladder racks, truck-loaded tools or truck-loaded tool boxes, etc., will be considered commercial. Vans used for delivering, storing or transporting goods or cargo are also considered to be commercial vehicles and are prohibited from remaining overnight in the community. Police vehicles are exempted.”

“No commercial vehicles (including commercial pickup trucks) shall be permitted to remain overnight in the community. Pickup trucks must not have ladder racks, truck-loaded tools or truck-loaded toolboxes. Further, pickup trucks may not park overnight in the community with any cargo, items or material of any kind in the truck bed (landscaping debris, tools, boxes, trash, equipment, etc.) that exceeds the height of the truck bed sides or that extends beyond the tailgate. Pickup trucks with cargo that meet this description will be considered commercial vehicles and are not permitted to park in the community overnight. Violations are subject to immediate towing.”

Assessments

We live in a community that requires every homeowner to pay assessment fees. Assessments are used to pay contractors for landscaping, snow removal, trash collection, collection of illegally dumped trash, lighting, repairs on community property, etc. If you are a homeowner, you were provided with this information during closing.

Reminder: Assessments are due to be paid monthly. Your payment must be received by ComSource on or before the 15th of the month to avoid late charges. Your regular payments allow us to continue providing services to our community.

Homeowners who are delinquent with their assessment payments must pay their past due balance in full or make arrangements to pay them. The first step to making payment arrangements is contacting Edna Kweti at 301-924-7355 or e-mail ekweti@comsource.com.

Important Contact Phone Numbers

Security on Demand                       877-241-1265
Big Tow                                           301-424-4869
Potomac Disposal                           301-294-9700

Montgomery County Police
Non-emergency                              301-279-8000
Emergency                                      911
Comsource                                      301-924-7355

Contacting ComSource

ComSource is our management company. If you have a comment or complaint, please include your name, address, phone number, location of issue/problem and specific details in your correspondence or when you are leaving a phone message for the property manager.

Contact ComSource at 301-924-7355 or e-mail ekweti@comsource.com or sumali@comsource.com.

Board Meeting Schedule

The next Middle Village Homes Corporation board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in the Thomas Choice Clubhouse, 19401 Brassie Place.

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

Roaring into the Twenties

by the North Village Board of Directors

In this first week of 2020, your board of directors wishes all of our residents a healthy and happy new year. With 2019 in the history books, we’ll continue to work hard to provide the services required to maintain North Village as a pleasant environment for all our families while exercising reasonable fiscal constraint.

S’more About Smoke & Other Safety Reminders
It’s a good idea to have your fireplace inspected and cleaned on a regular basis, and have your dryer vents inspected. Also check and make sure your outside water faucets are turned off. Stay safe and sound this winter season.

Your Vote Your Voice
The North Village Homes Corporation Board of Directors election is underway. Residents should have received election materials in December. Ballots are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, so check the instructions in the election packet and be sure to vote. Board members serve a three-year term, and every year we elect three members to the nine-member board. Each year we also elect the North Village Representative to the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors. This person attends the MVF Board meetings and represents the interests of North Village. This position is critical whenever the homes corporations are asked to vote on an issue.

Remember that all the directors serve as volunteers, dedicating their time and energy to making the important decisions required to maintain your North Village community. Winning candidates will be announced at the North Village Annual Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 20.

Quarterly Assessment Due
You should have received your new 2020 assessment booklet in the mail. Your quarterly assessment was due on January 1. With all of the excitement of the holidays, you may have forgotten to send in your assessment payment. Payment can be made either by mail or direct delivery to the MVF Offices, 10120 Apple Ridge Road, where there is a convenient drop-off box. Your community cannot function without the contributions of the residents.

Assessments are used to maintain our physical property such as the roads, street lights, curbs, storm drains, bike paths, sidewalks, common areas, tot lots, fences, signs, trees and all other community property. Assessments are also used to obtain trash and security services and to set aside reserve funds for larger maintenance items, such as road resurfacing. In the face of increases in several of our contracts, your board of directors struggles each year to keep increases in the assessment as low as possible.

Important numbers to keep
Security APS: 240-631-2399
Potomac Disposal: 301-294-9700
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, Jan. 16 in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road. Please remember that if you wish to address the board, you must arrive at the start of the meeting and sign in. Our corporate calendar is posted on your Resident Dashboard at www.montgomeryvillage.com. If you have any questions or want to report any problems, call Community Manager April Steward at 240-243-2327.

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

How to dispose of Christmas trees

by the Northgate Board of Directors

Disposing of your Christmas tree is simple. Set your tree out by 7 a.m. on your recycling day and it will be picked up by Montgomery County. This does not include artificial trees or trees with a root ball. All decorations must be removed for the tree to be picked up. Please utilize this free service.

Please start the new year off right by properly disposing of your trash. Northgate provides ample opportunity to get trash picked up. Disposal outside the schedule costs the community substantial amounts of money that could be used on other projects. Also, you must use trash cans!

Pickup days are:
The Points and Overlea - Monday and Thursday. Bulk pickups on Thursdays.
Apple Ridge, Dorsey’s Regard, Shadow Oak, McKendree I & II and William's Range - Tuesday and Friday. Bulk pickups on Fridays.

All bulk pickups must be placed curbside. Residents of Overlea and McKendree I & II must bring their bulk items to the curbside. No recyclable or construction items will be taken as bulk. If a resident places a rug or carpet out for bulk pickup, this is acceptable. If a homeowner has a carpet contractor replacing carpet in the home, the contractor is responsible for the removal of the carpet.

Holiday Service Schedule
Collections on the following holidays will take place on the next regularly scheduled service day: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

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

Patton Ridge Homes Corporation candidate statements

by the Patton Ridge Board of Directors

By now you should have received your ballot for the 2020 Patton Ridge Homes Corporation election.  Please mark and return your ballot by Friday, Feb. 14.  Voting is as simple as voting for no more than three candidates.  There is no cost to return your ballot.  Drop it in your mailbox for postal service pickup and you are done.  It is important for you to vote as our legal documents specify the number of ballots that must be returned for the election to be official.  We will hold the Annual Meeting to announce the elected candidates at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25 in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road.  The candidates’ statements are listed below.

Ralph Bally
I moved to Montgomery Village in 1988, knowing that it was a community with maintenance rules and regulations that would help protect property values. Over the past several years, as I’ve walked around the community, I noted persistent infractions that I began to report to the HOA. That is how I learned that some residents simply ignored correction letters. Even referrals to the county did little to remedy the problem. I would like to be a member of the Patton Ridge HOA Board to see if I can help remedy this situation and protect our property values. My priority as a board member would be the maintenance and improvement of our community property infrastructure. Of the 27 years I spent on active duty in the Navy as a clinical psychologist, 10 were spent at medical headquarters. Thus, I have much experience getting things done in a bureaucratic setting.

Brandon Coffee-Borden
I have lived in Montgomery Village since 2014, first as a resident of Partridge Place and now as a resident of Fairidge. My goal as a member of the board of directors is to support the continued growth of our community. I am committed to improving the lives of those who live here. I believe that the community should have a voice in the board’s decision-making and that all residents should be fairly represented. I would like to continue as a board member to support the maintenance and improvement of our community infrastructure. I also hope to strike an appropriate balance in upholding community standards. I have over a decade of experience working as a consultant in the areas of program and policy evaluation and organizational capacity building. As a result, I have developed skills in budgeting, contracting, negotiation, and project management. My work has also formed a deep understanding of the problems faced by families and communities across the country and promising solutions. I believe that this knowledge and experience will allow me to continue making a valuable contribution to the board. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as a member of the board of directors!

Brian Post
Being a resident of Montgomery Village since the Spring of 2000, I have always been interested in the inner workings of our Board and was asked to become a board member about 6 years ago. I take my role on the board seriously and I am honored to serve the Patton Ridge community.

Currently, I work as a salesman in the construction industry with 30 years of building and landscaping experience. In my role as a salesman, I work with countless homeowners, contractors, historical associations, and homeowner associations daily. Being a Recent Graduate from UMUC with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management gives me a fresh perspective on life allowing me to assess issues from varying points of view with improved decision-making skills.

Serving on the board allows me to use my background to assist in keeping our facilities properly maintained and ensuring that our community will always be able to meet its obligations to all our residents and partners alike. It is gratifying to serve our community and I look forward to serving on the board for many years to come.

Patton Ridge Holiday Lights Winners

Best Overall
(TH) 19836 Billings Court
(SF) 9812 Dellcastle Road

Traditional
(TH) 9642 Duffer Way
(SF) 9837 Dellcastle Road

Kid Friendly
(TH) 19931 Spur Hill
(SF) 9913 Shrewsbury Court

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to everyone who decorated their homes. Touring the community was an uplifting experience for the judges. Happy Holidays all.

Next Meeting
The next Patton Ridge board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28 in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road.

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

South Village Homes Corporation candidate statements

by the South Village Board of Directors

The following statements have been submitted for candidates for the South Village Homes Corporation Board of Directors.

Carlos Brizuela
I am an owner in the South Village community and I would be pleased to serve on the board of directors for my community. I feel I could be of help during meeting and considering decisions because: I like to get involved with my community love to help others and have the resources and support for my community as we all know there is so much to be done but not enough time, it seems that I could be helpful to give feedback to our owners and listen to what they have to say and make us all understand what can and cannot be done. Also would enjoy representing the community and members of the board. I’m looking for a successful community that we can all try our best and also give solutions to all our concerns and issues. 

Amani Emmanuel Jude
I in seeking my second term, I reflect on the many challenges facing South/Montgomery Village, and the entire county. At the heart of these challenges is the question of Values: that of Community Interests versus Self-centered interests, and that of Community Involvement versus Apathy/Indifference.

I diligently served the board these past three years; in a volunteer capacity, and far beyond the monthly meetings. This service was due the VALUES that were instilled in me, by my grandmother, mother, and family; which are reflected in these two scriptures from the Book of Matthew:

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

When former President Kennedy stated, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what YOU CAN DO for your country,” I believe this statement echoed the Values of the two scriptures above; whereby I would ask each and Every Resident within this “Village,” the very same question; as it relates to our community; for “The Harvest is Plenteous!”

I thank you for the confidence in your vote, and more so for the Partnership of Your Participation with/in your board!

Suzanne Wheeler
My name is Suzanne Wheeler and I would like to tell you a little bit about myself. I have been a resident of Montgomery Village since 1997 and have a great appreciation for the community and its residents. I am the current Treasurer of the South Village board. I have worked in the Securities Industry for over 20 years and currently work for a Financial Planning Firm in Olney, Maryland. I feel I can continue to contribute a broad and unbiased view of issues that concern the residents of our community and community property. Please consider me for another term of service on the South Village Homes Corporation Board.

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

Beginning the New Year

by Keith Silliman

The 2020 New Year has begun on a relatively warm and quiet note. However, we still need to plan for several more months of cold winter weather. We have to wait to see how much freezing weather we get and how much snow will fall. If snow is forecast, please park cars in designated parking areas to facilitate snow plowing and removal activities.

Preliminary end-of-year financials indicate that the Stedwick Homes Corporation will come in on or under our spending budget. An audited financial statement should be available by the time of the annual meeting.

The Stedwick Homes Corporation recently completed the reconstruction of some curbs and parking areas in Clusters II to correct a water drainage problem. That was another example of how we are renewing our community infrastructure.

Several trees of multiple species were recently planted throughout our community as part of our effort to maintain and improve our tree canopy.

The application period for candidates for the Stedwick Homes Corporation Board of Directors closed at 5 p.m. on January 3. Two applications were submitted by that deadline. Nancy Horn and Sam Korper submitted their applications by the deadline. Their names will be the only ones that appear on the ballot.

The next maintenance inspection is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 14. The inspection routinely includes a drive through the entire Stedwick community by the maintenance committee, our community manager and our landscape contractor. It allows us to follow up on any pending items from previous inspections, to assess any items recently brought to our attention, and to identify needs that might be seen during the drive. If you know of any items, situations or conditions that need the maintenance committee’s attention, please let us know prior to that date.

The next meeting of the Stedwick Homes Corporation Board of Directors is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Stedwick Community Center, 10401 Stedwick Road. Come join us for that meeting. The first item on the agenda of the regular meeting is residents time, which provides an opportunity for you to ask questions or express concerns and opinions. In the meantime, if you have an issue, please contact our Stedwick Homes Corporation community manager at 240-243-2326, e-mail stedwickhc@mvf.org or communicate via regular mail to the Stedwick Homes Corporation at 10120 Apple Ridge Road.

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

Happy New Year!

by the Thomas Choice Condominium Board of Directors

Happy New Year, Thomas Choice Condominium!

Along with welcoming the new year, it is the hope of the board of directors and management that all residents take the time this year to become well informed and intentionally aware of the many moving parts of the community. You are invited and encouraged to attend all of the 2020 board of directors meetings, starting with our upcoming meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13 in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road. You will find all of the meeting dates posted online at www.montgomeryvillage.com or in the Village News.

Questions may be submitted to Community Manager Liana Roberts at lroberts@mvf.org by 5 p.m. the day before each meeting. Feel free to forward questions in advance of the meetings so that management can provide you with the most accurate information. Communitywide understanding of the cost to operate, maintain reserves and maintain the community is imperative in the efforts and strides to keep Thomas Choice Condominium a wonderful place to call home.

Lastly, please note Thomas Choice Condominium is not reissuing parking passes for 2020. Please make sure to carefully read any and all correspondence received and ensure that the community name is Thomas Choice Condominium and not another community within Montgomery Village.

Thank you, and best wishes for the new year!

Whetstone Holiday Lights Contest Winners

by the Whetstone Board of Directors

Best Overall
9304 Judge Place
Honorable Mention
9849 Canal Road
9748 Whetstone Drive

Traditional
18828 South Meadow Fence

Winter Wonderland
19105 North Pike Creek Place

Kids Delight
9713 Breckenridge Place

Williamsburg
9717 Breckenridge Place

Best Tree
9829 Whetstone Circle

Best Street
Breckenridge Place
Honorable Mention
Digging Way
Annapolis Way

Board Vacancy
At the November meeting John Nicolettos was appointed to fill the open seat on the board. His term will expire in 2021.

Thank you to each of you who expressed interest in serving the Whetstone community.

2020 WHC Election
The term for Incumbent board members, Bryan Price, James Martin and Michael Allen expire at the Whetstone Annual Meeting in March 2020. All three have submitted candidate statements indicating their desire to continue service to the community. Candidate statements will be published in the February edition of the Village News.

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