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Quorum March 2019

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Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute

MARCH 2019

A Magazine for Community Association Volunteer Leaders, Professional Managers and Business Partners

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION of the Year

AWARDS

2018 Shenandoah Homeowners Association

Longfellow Condominium

Montebello Condominium

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

____________________________

Park PotomaC

Building a Culture of Volunteerism ____________________________ Over 20 Years of Outreach at Ronald McDonald House ____________________________ Why We DIDN’T Submit to Community Associations of the Year & How it Helped Us Grow


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MARCH 2019

­CONTENTS 14 Reflections from Past CAY Award Winners

BY LEE ANN WEIR, CMCA, AMS AND DEREK WILSON, CMCA

16 Building a Culture of Volunteerism

BY PAMELA WISE, CMCA

18 What Can Signage Do for My Property?

BY KEVIN KELLY

21 Small Category: Longfellow Condominium

BY JENAI WALTERS

23 Medium Category: Shenandoah Homeowners Association

BY MARVIN L. DAVIS

25 Very Large Category: Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association

DEPARTMENTS AND MORE 5 Message from the President 6 Chapter Benefactor: Community Association Underwriters of America (CAU) 7 Chapter Benefactor: Windows Plus, LLC 9 Welcome New Members 10 Upcoming Events 13 People & Places 36 Classifieds 37 Index to Advertisers

BY DOUGLAS M. KLEINE

27 Charitable Community of the Year: Park Potomac Master Association

BY BRUCE M. FONOROFF

29 Communicator of the Year: Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association

BY DOUGLAS M. KLEINE

30 Making a Difference in our Community: The First Annual Potomac Watershed Clean-up Day

BY CRYSTAL COATS, CMCA, AMS

32 Over 20 Years of Outreach at Ronald McDonald House

BY PATRICK SMITH

34 5 Landscaping Design Strategies That Will Make Your Homeowners Say “Wow!”

BY FRED PERATT

35 Why We DIDN’T Submit to Community Association of the Year & How it Helped Us Grow

WMCCAI MISSION STATE­MENT To optimize the operations of Community Associations and foster value for our business partners.

BY RON DIONNE

Reader comments and suggestions are welcome. Address your comments to: Quorum 7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100 West Falls Church, VA 22043

We also wel­come ar­ti­cle sub­mis­sions from our ­members. For author guide­lines, call (703) 750-3644 or e-mail publications@caidc.org. Articles may be edited for length and clarity. MARCH 2019

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President Rafael A. Martinez, CTP President-elect Airielle Hansford, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Vice President Michael Gartner, ESQ Secretary Ruth Katz, ESQ. Treasurer Kristen Melson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Immediate Past President Sarah Gerstein, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM (EX OFFICIO) Executive Director Jaime Barnhart, CMP (EX OFFICIO)

D IRECTOR S Jennifer Bennett, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Thomas Burrell, Anthony Humphries, Judyann Lee, ESQ., Sara Ross, ESQ., Gary Simon, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Todd A. Sinkins, ESQ., Jon Stehle

CO U N C I L C HAI R S Communications Council Leslie Brown, ESQ. Education Council Debra Johnson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Member Services Council Bernie Guthrie, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

CO MM I T TE E C HAI R S Conference & Expo William Cornelius and Donna Aker, CMCA, AMS, PCAM D.C. Legislative/LAC Scott Burka, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, and Jane Rogers, ESQ. Education Kevin A. Kernan, ESQ. and Todd El-Taher Golf Adrienne Zaleski and Brian Lord, CMCA, AMS Maryland Legislative Scott Silverman, ESQ. and Aimee Winegar, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM

Public Outreach Elisabeth Kirk and Kim Myles Membership Jeffrey Stepp, CMCA, AMS, and Noni Roan, CMCA Quorum Editorial Susan L. Truskey, ESQ. and Christopher Carlson, PE Chapter Events Kristen Adams and Jen Ann Santiago, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Virginia Legislative Ronda DeSplinter, LSM, PCAM and William A. Marr Jr., ESQ.

QU O RUM Managing Editor Morgan Wright, mwright@caidc.org Design Six Half Dozen

QU O RUM E DI TORI AL CO M M IT TE E Co-chairs Susan L. Truskey, ESQ. and Christopher Carlson, PE Members James Anderson, Michelle Baquero, CMCA, AMS, Adrian Blakeney, Mira Brown, CMCA, AMS, Leslie Brown, ESQ., Doug Carroll, Deborah Carter, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Sara Castle, Sarah Foley, Stephen Grant, Scott Greges, CMCA, AMS, Shannon Junior, Kevin Kelly, Richard Kuziomko, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Crishana Loritsch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Liliana Martinez, CMCA, AMS, Kirby McCleary, Thomas Mugavero, ESQ., Crystal Partin, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Kara Permisohn, Brandi Ruff, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Lauri Ryder, CIC, CRM, CMCA, Andrew Schlaffer, Chelsie Throckmorton, Olga Tseliak, ESQ., Lee Ann Weir, CMCA, AMS, Doug White, Nicole Williams, ESQ., Meagan Willis. Aimee Winegar, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM, Jim Wisniewski, Michael Zupan, ESQ. Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute, a 501(c) (6) organization, serves the educational, business and networking needs of the community association industry in 80 cities/counties in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Members include community association homeowner volunteer leaders, professional managers, association management companies, and other businesses and professionals who provide products and services to planned communities, cooperatives and condominiums. WMCCAI has more than 3,200 members including 300+ businesses, 1,100 professional managers from 85 management companies, and approximately 1,500 community association homeowners. WMCCAI is the largest of Community Associations Institute’s 62 chapters worldwide. Quorum is the award-winning premiere publication of WMCCAI, dedicated to providing WMCCAI’s membership with information on community association issues. Authors are responsible for developing the logic of their expressed opinions and for the authenticity of all presented facts in articles. WMCCAI does not necessarily endorse or approve statements of fact or opinion made in these pages and assumes no responsibility for those statements. This publication is issued with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services and nothing published in Quorum is intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied on as such. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought directly by the person requiring such advice or services. Articles appearing in Quorum may not be reprinted without first obtaining written approval from the editor of Quorum. In the event that such permission is granted, the following legend must be added to the reprint: Reprinted with permission from Quorum™ magazine. Copyright 2019 Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute. Quorum is a trademark of WMCCAI. Receipt of Quorum is a privilege of WMCCAI membership for which $65 in nonrefundable annual dues is allocated. The subscription price for nonmembers is $75 per year; contact publications@caidc.org or call (703) 750-3644.

This month’s issue of Quorum kicks off with recognition of the 2018 Community Association of the Year Award winners and reflects on all of the hard work and dedication that went into this achievement. In 2018 we had dozens of nominations for consideration in five categories: Very Large, Medium and Small Community, Communicator of the Year, and my personal favorite, the Charitable Community of the Year. Every nomination was carefully reviewed on the merits by a distinguished panel of industry leaders that ultimately chose our five deserving winners!

FROM THE PRESIDENT

O FFICE R S

Our communities are vibrant, diverse and dynamic and are often held together by a group of homeowner volunteers, property managers and industry-focused business partners. The Community Association of the Year Awards are a true reflection of the combined efforts of these partnerships and ultimately serve to recognize those communities that stood out among the crowded field of qualified candidates. I invite you to turn the pages of this month’s edition to learn more about each of the winners and how they brought their ‘A’ game in 2018. On behalf of the entire board of directors and Chapter staff, I would like to extend my congratulations to all of this year’s Community Association of the Year Award winners! Lastly, this edition also reflects on our Chapter’s history of service and giving back to the communities that we live and play in. Our fist give-back event of the year will be the annual Ronald McDonald House Landscaping Day, taking place on Saturday, March 23rd at the Ronald McDonald House in Fairfax, Virginia. The Chapter’s annual Landscaping Day event started many years ago and was the brainchild of the late, great Neil Moreland, as an effort to provide some hands-on help to spruce up the landscaping and exterior of the Ronald McDonald House. This local program serves an important role in our community as it provides a place for families to call home while they stay close by their hospitalized child at little to no cost. Many years after its inception, the chapter continues this tradition of assisting with keeping the grounds clean and vibrant. I invite you to join me for a day of service, Chapter camaraderie and an overall good time. Bring your work boots, some water and your teamwork sprit for this worthwhile event. See you soon!

RAFAEL A. MARTINEZ,

CTP

Raf is the community association segment manager with Access National Bank. Rafael brings more than 10 years of industry experience in community association treasury management and lending. He is a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), a designation earned through the Association for Financial Professional, signifying expertise in capital and risk management. He earned a B.A. in economics at George Mason University, is a U.S. Army veteran, and has been involved in Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Association Institute for more than eight years, including serving on the board of directors.

To advertise in Quorum, e-mail publications@caidc.org. For more information about Quorum or WMCCAI, visit www.caidc.org.

MARCH 2019

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CHAPTER NEWS

C H A P T E R

B E N E F A C T O R

Community Association Underwriters of America, Inc. Virginia Office 4530 Walney Rd, Suite 200 City, State ZIP: Chantilly, VA 20151 Maryland Office 9901 Business Parkway, Suite B City, State ZIP: Lanham, MD 20706 Telephone: (800) 228-1930 Fax: (267) 757-7469 Website: www.cauinsure.com Year Established or Incorporated: 1989 • CAI Member Since: 1989 • Areas you serve: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. • Corporate Associations: CAI, Insurance Agents & Brokers, Apartment Condominium and Townhouse Association, Community Association Management Executives Organization • Services Provided: CAU is one of the largest providers of community association insurance in the country. Our comprehensive insurance programs were designed specifically for residential and office condominiums, homeowners as-

sociations and cooperative apartments and include several coverage advantages that are either optional or simply not offered by other insurance policies. • Licenses Held: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. • Company Philosophy: CAU was established to meet the unique insurance requirements of the community associations and has designed its policies to specially address community association concerns. We continue to be the nationally recognized industry leader by offering innovative coverage enhancements and risk management solutions while at the same time maintaining our commitment to quality service, prompt resolution of claims and efficient processing of customer service requests. As we approach our 30th year of service to community associations, our commitment to an unwavering standard of excellence remains the cornerstone of our relationship with our association customers. Contacts: Doug Henken, CIRMS, dhenken@cauinsure.com; Mike Romano, CIRMS, CPIA, mromano@cauinsure.com

Article Submissions:

Are you interested in sharing your experiences and expertise with our readers? Quorum magazine is always seeking new article ideas, submissions, and content. If you have an idea or would like to submit an article for consideration, please make sure you contact us before you begin writing to see what our upcoming themes are. Questions and interests should be directed to Morgan Wright at publications@caidc.org or by phone at 703.750.3644. Advertising:

For advertising, availability, rates, and specifications, please contact Morgan Wright at publications@caidc.org. Targeted advertising in WMCCAI’s Quorum, opens the door to thousands of prospective customers and contacts in the community association industry. 6 | QUORUM


CHAPTER NEWS

C H A P T E R

B E N E F A C T O R

Windows Plus, LLC 4321 Markham Street City, State ZIP: Annandale, VA 22003 Telephone: (703) 256-0600 Fax: (703) 942-6987 Website: www.WindowsPls.com Year Established or Incorporated: 2000 • CAI Member Since: 2001 • Certificate of Insurance: Yes • Bonded: N/A • Areas you serve: Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC • Corporate Associations: WMCCAI, Associa Advantage, American Bar Association, EPA Lead-Safe Certified, A+ Rated, Better Business Bureau, Preferred Vendor for Best Pick Reports, Vinyl Siding Institute Certified Installer, Lawyers of Distinction 2018 • Services Provided: Turn-key operation for replacement windows, doors, siding and roofs. We offer renewable service/maintenance contracts to property managers for their buildings.

• Licenses Held: Licensed to operate in Virginia, Maryland & Washington, DC • Corporate Philosophy: Our philosophy and approach to business is to educate and guide you through the home improvement process. Our staff has many decades of field, trade and corporate experience and will help you make excellent and educated choices for your home improvements. We are committed to our customers and colleagues to ensure complete satisfaction throughout the life of your products. • Our Mission: Windows Plus’s mission is to assist homeowners in making informed decisions for their home improvements. We are committed to excellence in our service and offer premium lines of products to ensure your satisfaction without sacrificing the integrity of the home. Contacts: Kimberly Knight Wayland, kknight@windowspls. com

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WMCCAI proudly welcomes the following members who joined the chapter in January 2019. Community Association Volunteer Leaders from the Following Associations Arlington Village Auburn Village Condominium Association Barrington Pointe Condominium Belvedere Condominium Braemar Community Association Charleston Condominium Association Columbia Heights Village Tenants Association Council of Unit Owners of Parkside Condominium Dominion Valley Country Club Homeowners’ Association Fairmont Community Association Falls Run Community Association Kensington Crossing Homeowners’ Association Kenwood Condominium Lafayette Village Homeowners Association McLean Gardens Condominium Occoquan Pointe Condo Association Odyssey Condominium Unit Owners Association One Park Crest Condominium Association Poplar Run Homeowners Association, Inc. Potomac Green Community Association Riverbend @ LW Condo Association Stonecroft Condominium Templeton of Alexandria Condominium The Regency at Dominion Valley Van Ness East Condominium Association Virginia Center Phase II Virginia Manor Condominiums Vista Estates West Homeowners Association Westhaven Homeowners Association, Inc. Woodlake Towers Condominium

Nicole M. Jessup, CMCA, Brambleton Community Association Rose M. Lee, The Continental, A Condominium Clifford B. Leidig Mayea Lipscomb, Community Association Management Professionals, AAMC Christa K. MacDonald, AMS, Millenium Management, Inc. Marieta Medrano, Maredith Management, LLC, AAMC Antoinette Perry-Webster, Community Management Corporation, AAMC Kylee E. Pineda Roxana P. Rizzone Angel Robles, Community Management Corporation, AAMC David J. Sabih, EJF/Delbe, AAMC Robert Trent, CMCA, Front Street Management Kelly Whitzel, Community Management Corporation, AAMC Todd Zylka, Barkan Management, LLC, AAMC

CHAPTER NEWS

Welcome New Members

Business Partner Absolute Tree, Inc. Great American Landscapes, Inc. PlayMark, Inc. Somerset Landscaping Company

Individual Managers Folarin B. Afolayan Shelley M. Baggage, EJF Real Estate Services, Inc. Hanna Bechtle, Community Association Management Professionals, AAMC Kimberly Bowen, Landmarc Real Estate, AAMC Fred K. Brown, Potomac Plaza Apartments Cooperative Maria Burrell, Cardinal Management Group, Inc., AAMC David Butler, Cathedral Avenue Cooperative, Inc. Cynthia du Busc, CMCA, AMS, Cardinal Management Group, Inc., AAMC Claire N. Foote, Stone Ridge Association, Inc. Cynthia Gale Lauren Gentry Vivian Ham, Barkan Management, LLC, AAMC Jack Heagen, CGR Commercial Management, LLC John W. Hunting, Maredith Management, LLC, AAMC MARCH 2019

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UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 16

Membership Benefit Orientation 9 – 11 a.m. WMCCAI Chapter Office 7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100W, Falls Church, VA 22043

What’s in it for me?! If you are a new member or are considering joining Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute, please join us as we learn the benefits of CAI membership. The orientation is free, but registration is required. Please visit www.caidc.org for more information or to register online.

MARCH 19

FREE SESSION: Avoiding Accommodation and Harassment Claims 6 – 9 p.m. WMCCAI Chapter Office 7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100W, Falls Church, VA 22043

Join Scott Silverman, ESQ., Principal at Thomas Schild Law Group, LLC at this informative free session about fair housing laws in our region. Participants will gain a basic understanding of the legal requirements imposed by the Fair Housing Act, as well as how a community association’s board/management should respond to requests for accommodations and modifications guaranteed by the Fair Housing Act. Light refreshments will be served. This session is worth (3) three credit hours. The session is free, but registration is required. Please register online at www.caidc.org.

MARCH 23

Ronald McDonald House Landscaping Day 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. INOVA Fairfax Hospital 3312 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042

For the 22nd year, Chapter members will gather to landscape the grounds of the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Virginia at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. Ronald McDonald Landscape Day is one of the Chapter’s proudest and most successful charitable works. Families are welcome. Light breakfast/snacks will be provided. This event is free; please register at www.caidc.org.

APRIL 3

Spring Fling Happy Hour 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tysons Biergarten 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA 22182

Who’s ready for a Happy Hour?! Join WMCCAI at Tysons Biergarten as we kick off warmer weather and the beginning of the Spring season at our upcoming Spring Fling Happy Hour networking event. Sample some of the best German and Belgian biers, plus, enjoy small bites of Biergarten favorites alongside music and games. This event provides a perfect opportunity to network in a fun and casual environment alongside your association peers! Please visit www.caidc.org for more information or to register online.

APRIL 13

Potomac Watershed Clean-up Day 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. * Event takes place across several locations along the Potomac River

Don’t miss the Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Association Institute’s second annual Potomac Watershed Clean-up Day! Join us as we do our part to clean up the Potomac Watershed and positively impact the communities where we work and live. Volunteer as a site leader and make this event a success! The more leaders we have, the larger the event will be and the greater the impact. Interested in becoming a site leader? Have additional questions? Contact Liz Schell (eschell@caidc.org) or Elisabeth Kirk (elisabeth@tedrossconsulting.com) for more information. Please visit www.caidc.org for additional information.

For more information on WMCCAI meetings or upcoming events, contact the chapter office at (703) 750-3644, email info@caidc.org or visit www.caidc.org. 10 | QUORUM


Spring Fling HAPPY HOUR

Who’s ready for a Happy Hour?! Join WMCCAI at Tysons Biergarten as we kick off warmer weather and the beginning of the Spring season at our upcoming Spring Fling Happy Hour networking event. Sample some of the best German and Belgian biers, plus, enjoy small bites of Biergarten favorites alongside music and games. This event provides a perfect opportunity to network in a fun and casual environment alongside your association peers! Please visit www.caidc.org for more information or to register online.

Registration Rates EARLY BIRD RATE BEFORE: 3/22/19

when

REGULAR RATE

Homeowner MEMBER

$30.00

$50.00

NONMEMBER

$65.00

$85.00

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Registration opens 4:00 p.m. Event Starts at 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Manager MEMBER

$30.00

$50.00

NONMEMBER

$65.00

$85.00

MEMBER

$50.00

$75.00

NONMEMBER

$90.00

$105.00

where

Tysons Biergarten 8346 Leesburg Pike Tysons, VA 22182

Business Partner

who

This program will benefit Home Owners, Managers and Business Partners

how

Visit www.caidc.org to register

sponsors

7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100 West

E-mail: education@caidc.org

Falls Church, VA 22043

Web: www.caidc.org

T: 703.750.3644 F: 703.941.1740


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Linowes and Blocher LLP is proud to announce that Scott A. Killian has been elevated to Partner. Scott is a member of the Firm’s Real Estate Transactions Practice Group and his experience is in the areas of sophisticated transactions and complex legal disputes. Scott’s clients include developers, commercial landlords and tenants, institutional investors, joint ventures, lenders, and other parties to complex real estate transactions. While focusing his practice in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., Scott has also served as lead counsel working in conjunction with local counsel on transactions in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. He routinely advises clients on purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, leases, property management agreements, and a wide range of other real estate contracts. “Scott diligently serves clients and colleagues with his esteemed legal talents and perspectives in a manner that is truly representative of the firm’s core values,” said Linowes and Blocher Managing Partner Bob Dalrymple. “He will be a tremendous asset in continuing the firm’s commitment to high-level client services and involvement in the broader community.”

SOLitude Make Strides in Local Communities with 2018 Volunteer and Charitable Efforts SOLitude Lake Management is excite d to announce the final record-breaking results of the company’s 2018 charitable efforts through SOLitude’s dedicated volunteerism and community outreach program, The SOLution. SOLitude colleagues, friends, clients and vendor partners contributed $81,595 in donations of goods and in-kind services to non-profits, environmental projects and deserving families in need last year. The contributions were supported by 3,577 collective volunteer hours through SOLitude’s Earth Day, Love Your Lake, Little GOBBLERs, and HOLiday Cheer programs, as well as local initiatives. “Through the commitment of our generous colleagues, partners and clients, SOLitude was able to make a record-breaking impact in 2018,” said Director of Marketing Tracy Fleming. “We are proud and honored to serve the communities in which we live and are excited to begin a new year of giving.” The SOLution is a company-wide program that encourages the company and all employees to strive to “create a better world” through volunteerism, community outreach, sustainability and environmental consciousness. Since the program began in 2012, SOLitude has donated more than $335,833 in goods and in-kind services and contributed 13,023 volunteer hours to our local communities across the country. To participate or share a non-profit’s goals for consideration in The SOLution, visit www.solitudelakemanagement.com/solution.

Jaime Barnhart Earns Certified Association Executive (CAE) Credential ASAE has announced that Jaime Barnhart, Executive Director of the Washington Chapter Community Associations Institute, has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation. The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry.

PEOPLE & PLACES

Linowes and Blocher Announces Scott Killian Elevated to Partner

To be designated as a Certified Association Executive, an applicant must have a minimum of three years experience with nonprofit organization management, complete a minimum of 100 hours is specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics. To maintain the certification, individuals must undertake ongoing professional development and activities in association and nonprofit management. More than 4,300 association professionals currently hold the CAE credential. The CAE Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Jaime joined WMCCAI as the Events Manager in 2015, leading the planning and execution of Conference & Expo and chapter networking events. She has worked in non-profit associations for over 15 years, focusing on program management. Jaime also holds the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential by the Events Industry Council. On behalf of the entire Chapter, we are thrilled to share this news with our members and peers. Please help us congratulate Jaime on her recent accomplishment and hard work!

David Mercer Named to 2018 Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame David S. Mercer, a principal with MercerTrigiani law firm in Alexandria, VA, has been named to the 2018 Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame. The 33 leading lawyers were selected by Virginia Lawyers Weekly based on career accomplishments and contributions to the practice of law, the Bar and the quality of justice in Virginia. Mercer is the former president of the Virginia Bar Association and led the relocation and expansion of the organization’s Richmond’s headquarters to VBA on Main at the Bank of America Center. He also is past president and an emeritus board member of Lawyers Helpings Lawyers. He currently serves as community member for the Second Chance Offender Rehabilitation Effort for the United States District Court Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division. His community leadership includes tenures as past president and board member of The Campagna Center and Rebuilding Together Alexandria and past president of Hampden-Sydney College National Area Alumni Association. A leading authority on the practice of community association law, Mercer has received national recognition through his industry leadership with the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and the CAI’s College of Community Associations Lawyers. A 1970 graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, he received his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1973.

MARCH 2019

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By Lee Ann Weir, CMCA, AMS

By Derek Wilson, CMCA

Lee Ann has been the general manager for Lionsgate at Woodmont Corner and Woodmont Corner Master Condominiums for more than 8 years. She loves her job because of the dedicated board and committee members as well as the customer service-oriented employees. Lee Ann has been an active member of the Quorum Editorial Committee for the past three years.

Derek has been on the CAMP (Community Association Management Professionals) for over three years managing large and very large-scale communities in Prince George’s County. Previously working at Oak Creek Club Homeowners Association, Wilson led a team of dedicated professionals committed to customer service and performance excellence (awarded “Community of the Year” in the large category by WMCCAI in 2017). Derek is looking forward to continuing the path of excellence and professional growth for the Fairwood Community Association. He enjoys building relationships with community leaders business partners and industry professionals through collaboration and partnering on like topics and goals. Derek has been active as a member of several Chapter committees and continues to look for opportunities to volunteer within the organization.

Reflections

F R O M

Doesn’t Everyone Like to Win!? By Lee Ann Weir, CMCA, AMS

W

inning is fun, right? So, I wonder why so few communities complete and return the application for WMCCAI’s Community Association of the Year, also known as “CAY”? The applications have changed slightly over the years. A long time ago, the manager filled in all the required information. Years later, the manager could do most of the work, but a volunteer owner needed to write a letter supporting the manager’s answers. Now, almost all of the application must be filled out by association volunteers, such as board or committee members. Is that the drawback? I admit that I almost didn’t do it for 2016 because I thought it would be difficult to get volunteers, but I was wrong. I asked two people and they both said “SURE!” You must know where I am going with this.

14 | QUORUM

P A S T

C A Y

The volunteers wrote the essay and with my help, answered the questions on the application and we WON! Did I mention that everyone likes to win? When I told the two residents who helped with the application that their efforts were rewarded, they were ecstatic! I wrote the board of directors with the news. They were ecstatic! I wrote the residents of the Association and the responses were happy, proud, and ecstatic! Someone suggested that I tell the local realtors about it and I did. They used the information in their marketing materials.

So, fill out the application! When your association wins, it be announced and celebrated at Jump Start January and, again, at the Conference and Expo. Here’s a hint: You will be asked to provide pictures of your community. Think about that in the Spring or Fall when most properties look a lot better than in January.

Additionally, I wrote some of our service providers to thank them for their help. Without a fabulous landscaper, management company, exterminator, window cleaner, etc. the volunteers wouldn’t have been so willing to put in their time and effort to let others know what they already knew: This community is a winner! Lionsgate at Woodmont Corner has two CAY plaques proudly displayed on the wall in the management office.

Winning Isn’t Everything…But, It Sure Feels Good When You Do!

Winning this award allows you to brag about your staff, your contractors, yourself and the community as a whole. Take advantage of it. The high lasts a long time!

By Derek Wilson, CMCA

O

ak Creek Club Homeowners Association winning the Community Association of the Year in the largescale category for 2016 was a rewarding experience for all involved. The process of completing the application was just as rewarding as being announced as the win-


A W A R D

ner. At first glance the application looked intimidating to the community volunteer leaders and the management team. However, once we started completing the application, we realized that it was in no way as difficult as we perceived it to be. This was because the Association was following the industry’s best practices in the operation of the Association, which made it easy to answer the questions and share examples of how the best practices are used in the operation of the Association. I recall the community volunteer leaders and the management team getting excited as we completed the application, as we so often get caught up in the day to day that we don’t stop to realize how effective the Association is operating. We felt like winners just by submitting the application. Oh, but it gets better! Once we were announced as the WINNER, the comradery increased X 100. It was fun for me as the manager to take every opportunity to

W I N N E R S

share my excitement about the community winning the CAY award, whether it was at the company holiday party, education sessions, with existing and new homeowners of the community, and just about anyone that would listen. I am not sure how much longer I can continue the comradery on this win, but I am not tired of sharing the excitement with others yet. The community leaders used the CAY award as an opportunity to further connect with the other community volunteers letting them know that their participation assisted with the community being awarded the CAY acknowledgment. We sent out several communications to the community about the win. It was important to make sure that the community understood the criteria for being selected as a CAY winner and that it was not just about curb appeal. We had multiple copies of our CAY poster that was displayed at the annual Conference and Expo made into yard signs.

The signs were placed throughout the community at various times of the year as a reminder to the community that we are an award-winning community. The CAY posters were displayed at the community events, including the annual meeting, national night out, and the community day. The CAY essay, the newspaper announcement of the CAY winners, and the Quorum issue highlighting the CAY winners were added to the new homeowner’s welcome package, posted on the community website, sent to our local elected officials, and shared with the builders to make available to prospective homeowners. The CAY poster has been framed and displayed in the community clubhouse. It has been an awesome experience being recognized as a CAY winner. I encourage other communities to apply for the CAY recognition. Trust me…you will realize that your community is already a WINNER. MARCH 2019

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By Pamela Wise, CMCA Pamela works for Community Association Services, Inc. She is the community manager for Clarksburg Homeowners Association at Clarksburg Town Center. Pamela has been working with this homeowners association since 2017.

Building a Culture of

VOLUNTEERISM B

uilding community involvement is among the most important efforts an on-site HOA can take on. Research consistently indicates that when residents get involved, the community does better.

community manager by looking at involvement not as a big, scary endeavor, but as something you can improve on bit by bit. Here are some ways to do that right from the start of a new year.

But growing resident involvement can also prove to be one of the most challenging HOA efforts. A common way to think about getting people involved is to counter their objections. People say they don’t have time, so you make it clear you only need them for an hour or two here and there. People don’t feel comfortable at a committee or board meeting, so you work to make it more welcoming. Schedules won’t allow busy people to come to events or committee meetings, so you find ways they can contribute from home.

Resident Involvement Spectrum

Each time you address the “don’t” issues, you open up your Association to more people – people with time and schedule issues, or those who haven’t felt welcome in the past. All of that is important. But, don’t assume that once you tear down the barriers that people will flock to get involved. They should, sure. But they should go to the dentist more often, too. It’s up to the community leadership to make a stronger case for residents to get involved past the “It’s for our community,” plea. For many people, that’s simply not enough to get them energized. You can help alleviate that challenge as a 16 | QUORUM

One of the fundamental strengths of a wellrun HOA is the ability to identify just where residents are in terms of involvement and to reach out to those residents accordingly. I call this the Resident Involvement Spectrum, and the basic idea is that treating all residents the same way is a recipe for involvement frustration. For residents who have never volunteered or perhaps never even attended a community event, your “Meeting next Tuesday at 7 pm” flyer is unlikely to get them off the couch and skipping to the clubhouse. Your goal with currently uninvolved residents is to simply get them to attend an HOA event or function. In other words, if you’re throwing a pizza party at the pool, you’d like them to eat pizza and jump in. That’s it. If they come to the party to chow down and swim, you’ve made strides in involvement. That’s a win. Residents have made movement on the involvement spectrum. But what then? While great events with lots of kids, families, and residents interacting positively are wonderful, we also want to

move folks up the spectrum. We’d like those pizza eaters to become occasional pizza bakers. Or, occasional website helpers. Or, occasional event idea makers. And we’d really like some of those occasional volunteers to eventually move up to leadership slots, perhaps helping lead a pizza party committee or—maybe even taking over an elected spot someday. Hopefully, you’ve already held one or two resident events and committees, or you have them on the calendar and are moving toward success. Now you need to put some good habits in place for taking the best advantage of those events and committees.

The first step is making sure your events and committees are welcoming and fun. Sounds basic, but you shouldn’t underemphasize it. Residents will be much more open to connecting with your HOA if it gains a well-earned reputation for openness and spirit. Your events and committees are the first impression many residents will have of your HOA.


The next steps are a bit more specific. Do you actively try to team a new volunteer with a veteran volunteer for most of your HOA jobs? While it’s often easiest to let two pals run an event or committee, making an effort to pair new volunteers with experienced helpers can make a big difference. It creates natural, safe slots for new volunteers to step into, and it serves as a ready-made training ground for future leaders. And, where do you find those new volunteers? Among the pizza eaters, of course. That’s the next tip – assign someone to keep track (formally or informally) of which residents are attending your events and committee meetings. Those that come out a few times and have a good time are your best prospects for new volunteers. When you need help, reach out to a few of those residents personally with a very specific message and request. “So glad you’ve been able to make it out. Wondering if you might be able to help with the cleanup committee (or the ticket-takers, etc.) at XYZ event next month?” Similarly, those residents who start helping out on a semi-regular basis become great prospects for leadership positions next year. Identifying some of those potential leaders now, personally connecting with them, and easing them up these important next steps is far more effective than waiting until the Annual Meeting and placing a general “We need new officers” plea in your newsletter. Long-term success comes from knowing where residents are on the spectrum and effectively helping them take the next steps—even when some of those steps can be doozies.

Show and Tell Taking a soft approach—not making residents feel obligated to pitch in—is an effective way to get residents on board. The most important focus is your HOA, how cool it is, and ultimately how much the Association is doing for the community—not immediate, vague “please help” emails. Host an easy pool get together like an end-of-summer barbecue or ice cream social that will give residents a nice way to mingle and give you a way to talk about the HOA casually.

Up the Fun Quickly dispel the idea that involvement equals sitting through a bunch of boring meetings by showing your fun side. Break out a fun ice breaker and open the door to some fun interaction. Another fun activity is: “You Belong Here”—a selfie prop to use for posing (and eventually posting) with one or two other residents to attract potential volunteers when the opportunity presents itself (events, meetings, etc.).

Let Residents Choose Make it clear not everyone needs to commit to a board position— all involvement counts. Giving residents the option of a two-hour commitment here and there lets them know that even help in small increments (such as setup or cleanup after an event) is valued and appreciated. And, finally…

Small Steps Can Make It Happen

Be Social

Set a welcoming tone straight away by making yourself visible to residents at meetings and events. Consider having a table specifically designated to welcome them. You can even offer them a small welcome gift with your HOA’s name and contact information, like a candy bar or apple with a personalized tag.

Social media or community websites can help Associations build involvement by keeping residents in the loop in a fun and casual way.

MARCH 2019

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By Kevin Kelly Kevin P. Kelly is a Business Development Specialist with the full-service marketing firm, Graphcom. He works out of Graphcom’s signage division. Kevin has worked in the sign industry since 1981 and has worked in almost every area within a sign company. He currently sits on the Quorum Editorial Committee.

E G A N G I S N A C WHATOR MY P ROP E RT Y ? DO F

W

ant your residential property to stand apart from the competition? Creative, inviting signage can help craft an environment that practically does your selling for you.

Keep it simple. Your sign’s message needs to be clear and concise; a sign with too much information is often ignored. If needed, shorten your message or use a series of signs to convey the message.

Signs serve as a silent salesperson for your property, reinforcing your company brand and establishing a unique mood and feeling for potential residents. They help residents, potential customers, and visitors find and navigate through your property. And, signs provide information about available goods and services, promotions, offers, and amenities.

Create a call to action. What do you want the sign reader to do next? State it clearly in a call to action. An effective sign will have a simple goal, which can range from providing information and directions to helping people find amenity locations and understand usage.

What Types of Signage Should I Consider? 1. Monument, Entry Feature, and Logo-Building Signs 2. Wayfinding and Directional Signs 3. Marker Signs (Pool, Fitness Center, Restrooms, Laundry, etc.) 4. Suite and Unit Identification Signs 5. Street Signs, Regulatory, and Warning Signs 6. Marketing & Branding Signage

No matter what kinds of signs you choose, consider these best practices: Be specific. When designing a sign, include details, such as location-specific instructions and relevant product information. Think about how the color, visibility, messaging, and quality of your signage reflect the message you want people to receive when they see it. 18 | QUORUM

What’s the Brand Impact? Signs can be an essential component of a business’s overall marketing strategy. A sign that showcases a business’s logo can help reinforce its brand. And, because an exterior sign is visible 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, it draws continuous attention to the property. Think about it this way – every second of every interaction between you and your customer should be a pleasurable one. Consistenc y is paramount. If you have first-rate, inspiring signage, it sends a clear, pos-

itive message to possible customers about your property, the management company, the owner, and the brand. But, if you have second-rate, low-impact signage, what does that say about your business practices, your staff, and your services?

With its ability to be impactful and inspiring, signage helps reinforce your brand, and goes a long way toward providing a consistent customer experience.


“

“Property name signs are one of the primary assets involved in strategically branding the community. When they visit, our curb appeal is the customer’s first impression and, often times, the determining factor of whether they decide to come in!” Jamie E. Greco, Vice President of Marketing & Training (Panco Management Corporation)

Is it Worth It? For businesses that have limited marketing funds, signs can be a cost-effective form of marketing. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration website, the cost per thousand impressions (CPM)—in other words, the cost of reaching one thousand potential customers—is much lower for signage than other types of advertising, such as radio, televisions and newspapers, thus allowing a higher rate of return on investment.

Location, Location, Location

Where should the signage be located to provide the most visibility, attract the most customers, or serve its best purpose?

Monument signage gets the customer on the property. Wayfinding signage is key in alleviating stress or doubt in getting the customer from their car to your door. Once inside your door, interior signage, such as company or property logos, large-format printed vinyl or wallcoverings, and interior wayfinding signage, continue to reinforce the brand. From the highway to the street, from the parking lot to the front door, and from the lobby to the Leasing Office, nothing has the ability to increase recognition or interest better than well-designed signage.

“

“Effective and clear signage within any community is essential. Faded, broken, crooked signs on common areas adversely impact community appearances. On the other hand, new signs that are custom fabricated, in special colors that blend with community’s architecture and include the community’s name can add aesthetic value to the property.” Shireen Ambush, Executive Vice President (Abaris Realty, Inc.)

“

A recent survey of business students at the University of Cincinnati found that, “…most reported a belief that they could infer the quality of a business from its signage; and a majority (55%) report that they avoid going in to business establishments that have poor quality signage.” Signage as Marketing Communication: Research Perspectives and Next Steps James J. Kellaris, Ph.D. University of Cincinnati

MARCH 2019

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LONGFELLOW CONDOMINIUM Longfellow Condominium Unit Homeowners Association was named Community Association of the Year in the Small Category. They are managed by Legum & Norman, Inc., AAMC. This is the essay submitted with the community’s application.

By Janai Walters, Longfellow Board of Directors, Longfellow Condominium Unit Homeowners Association

L

ongfellow Condominium, located in Northwest, DC, is an energetic multi-ethnic enclave. Among shops, parks, the conveniences of Georgia Avenue, it’s situated between bustling Silver Spring and DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods, bringing the best of metro-DC to the doorstep of its residents and owners of the Longfellow Condominium Unit Owners Association (LCUOA). The Longfellow Condominium was a residential conversion project in 2007. The property consists of sixty-six units and limited common elements of storage and parking spaces in a below grade parking facility. The LCUOA had a cloud over it after the declarant transition in 2010. The volunteer Boards were left to learn many hard lessons on their own about community association management. In 2014 the association passed a very difficult but required special assessment of $400,000 for major building maintenance, security system installation, and eventual reserve capitalization. This action helped stabilize the association and allowed the volunteer Boards thereafter the foundation to move the LCUOA in a positive direction and provide all homeowners with the confidence that a harmonious and consistent environment will be preserved within the community.

The association is governed by the originally recorded Bylaws, Covenants, and Declarations. The governing documents direct all manners of business of the association and property including the constitution of: (1) the Board-its roles and responsibilities, the required terms for staggered lengths of service to preserve Board institutional knowledge; (2) the definitions of rights and responsibilities for owners/residents; (3) the managing agent working partnership with the Board and community; and (4) the operations, rules and regulations, communications responsibilities and due process. All association documents are made accessible both physically and electronically to the community for inspection and use. As described by its business partners, the LCUOA Board is a “very active and involved” team. The Board holds regular bi-monthly meetings to carry out its duties, and the President conducts bi-weekly status meetings with the managing agent for progressive delivery of goals and objectives. Additionally, the Board meets on a quarterly basis with the community in evening meetings to encourage information sharing and gathering feedback. The Board has opened access to all association meetings through email invitations, remote teleconferencing capability, and by posting minutes, monthly financials, and announcement updates

on our community management portal that connects neighbors, board members, owners and the managing agent. This combination of efforts has enabled a broader reach and engagement of community members. As needed, the Board conducts regular Violation Hearing meetings providing owners an opportunity to be heard in a fair dispute resolution forum. Lastly, the Board may conduct Executive sessions to discuss personnel, litigation, contract and violation of bylaws or other sensitive business. The LCUOA seeks to be a gracious neighbor. In prominent view on the comer of Longfellow and 8th streets, LCUOA has conducted numerous external building projects to refresh and beautify the corner landscape. Now the Board, residents, owners and management team are focused on the internal beautification of the property, delivery of amenities for residents, and increasing property value for all owners... as the “Jewel-of-Longfellow”. MARCH 2019

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SHENANDOAH HOA Shenandoah Homeowners Association was named Community Association of the Year in the Medium Category. They are managed by AssociaCommunity Management Corporation, AAMC. This is the essay submitted with the community’s application.

By Marvin L. Davis, Community Association Volunteer Leader, Shenandoah Homeowners Association

S

henandoah HOA in Lake Frederick, VA is a 55+ adult community which surrounds a 117-acre public lake which offers many amenities. To date, 425 homes are occupied out of the approximate 1,000 homes planned. Our association’s strategic plan is to create a vibrant, harmonious, active lifestyle resort community, not just a place to live. My wife and I have moved 21 times before arriving here. As a homeowner in other HOA communities, in conjunction with my 12-year experience as an HOA president in northern VA, I clearly recognize the positive results of our association’s implementation of CAI best practices. Homeowners have pride in our superior quality of life/wellness; our first-rate HOA governance; enthusiastic, spirited community harmony; and extensive volunteerism. Strategically, our HOA adopted the Policy Governance model in 2013. Our board has found this model improves association functions and, more importantly, elevates homeowner involvement in future planning. For example, our board employed an 18-month community-wide envisioning process, including eight homeowner focus groups. This approach produced exemplary results - an unparalleled resort life­style in a harmonious community which I’ve nev-

er experienced in any prior community. With the help of two standing committees of homeowner volunteers, our board focuses primarily on future goals, while our industry-leading staff experts work on the means to achieve those ends. The staffs are leading industry leaders – Associa/CMC, our management company and BlueStar which manages our 18-acre facilities and wellness/life-style programs. Their expertise and commitment directly support our goal of a spirited, harmonious community. As an example, Associa’s Reserve Specialist, our Budget committee, and Board have an integrated, structured, robust reserve process which includes multi-tiered analysis, preventative and repair/replacement maintenance, and funding mechanisms for 20 years that employ CAI’s best practices. Using multiple forms of effective and productive two-way communication, the association “hooks new residents from the get-go” using CAI’s best practices to build deep and enduring relationships through the years. This strong commitment to communication “connects” people through multiple paths our welcoming committee, our “My Trilogy Life” website, block parties, community lodge events, continuously evolving activities, surveys, blood drives - all of which get homeowners involved to be active in a harmonious community.

Two of the association’s top priorities are promoting community involvement and volunteerism which run very high. Our superb volunteerism starts with 50 member-led clubs and extends to resident efforts to create a 6.9-mile nature trail around our lake to our giving spirit both inside and outside our community’s borders. We benefit many organizations such as Relay for Life, Hospice, the local fire department and Veterans. This same commitment to effective communication, member involvement and harmony has had a positive impact on CC&R adherence resulting in only 1-2 disputes per year. When disputes occur, the staff utilizes CAI best practices of progressive step engagement to resolve the conflict successfully. Overall, our association provides a wonderful balance between self-fulfillment, enhancing our wellness and contributing to others. Each and every day I’m thrilled and proud to be a member of this amazing community! MARCH 2019

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MONTEBELLO CONDOMINIUM Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association was named Community Association of the Year in the Very Large Category. They are managed by FirstService Residential, AAMC. This is the essay submitted with the community’s application.

By Douglas M. Kleine, Board of Directors & Assistant Treasurer, Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association

M

ontebello is a community committed to vision and communication. Our vision statement and core values are printed at the beginning of each board meeting packet. Our board has at least one open retreat each year to tackle long term issues. The most recent retreat led to appointment of a Grounds Committee and a commitment of $500,000 a year, to be applied to restoring the extensive natural woodlands that provide a “getaway” setting for our residential towers and amenities and define our community’s distinctive character; also to improving ornamental plantings and landscaping in other common areas. Thirty volunteers jumped at getting involved and residents quickly began work on projects such as transplanting native seedlings, inventorying mature trees, and developing a landscape master plan. Vision means getting ahead of physical plant and financial issues. Montebello conducts reserve studies every three years. In addition to a strong preventive maintenance program, we commission other studies such as facade condition, energy audit, and water pipe risers, in order to have current information about hidden repair and replacement needs that may arise in the future. Montebello’s reserve balances are routinely praised by

our auditors, and the community is proud of its history of no special assessments. Montebello’s current board has three past Presidents (two other directors were presidents of other community associations) and four past Treasurers. You would think that there is nothing this board doesn’t already know. Yet this board has appointed “resident consultants” who voluntarily advise on engineering, architecture, interior design, web site, and even the care and upkeep of a baby grand piano bought with donations from the community. Montebello’s management has been trauma free. We have had just four general managers in 35 years, and three management companies. The current management company just completed its tenth year of service. Montebello’s staff is very stable with many employees passing ten- and twenty-year anniversaries. The board refuses to accept the status quo as “good enough.” Several years ago, the board appointed a Quality Improvement Committee. That committee has established quality benchmarks for governance and communication. One payoff is that the percentage of residents who say they would recommend Montebello to a friend is consistently in the high 80s. Another measure of satisfaction

and communication is the low delinquency rate for condo dues. Montebello’s is less than one percent. Recently the Quality Improvement Committee has been conducting 30 second email surveys on topics such as party room redo, choice of parking lot lighting fixtures, desired recreation and education programs, the community newsletter, and safety. Survey response rates have approached 30% and provided valuable input to the board. The committee also assisted in focus groups on pedestrian safety, Community Center renovation, and customer service. Montebello is also active beyond its borders. As a member of the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations, Montebello appoints representatives to have input on broader neighborhood issues and be messengers back to the owners about developments on the horizon. MARCH 2019

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PARK POTOMAC Park Potomac Master Association was named Charitable Community of the Year in the Community Association of the Year Contest. They are managed by Barkan Management, LLC, AAMC. This is the essay submitted with the community’s application.

By Bruce M. Fonoroff, Vice President, Park Potomac Master Association

Park Potomac Master Association Celebrates Ten Years of Helping Underprivileged Children in Montgomery County, Maryland.

O

n August 25, 2018 more than 350 residents of Park Potomac and neighboring communities came together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their “Ice Cream Social for Charity,” ICSC for short. Part community volunteerism, part fund raiser, part block party, the objective of the ICSC is to collect new backpacks for underprivileged children so that they can start the school year confident, proud and ready to learn. Park Potomac, built on 57 acres of former farmland off Route 270 in Potomac, Maryland, is designed as a mixed-use community, and is comprised of three distinct groups—elegant brownstones, high-end condominiums and rental residential units, and a variety of commercial entities (restaurants, shops, offices, and other businesses)—all of which come together under an umbrella organization called the Park Potomac Master Association. Ten years earlier, in 2008, a group of individuals who had just moved into the new planned community were musing about how fortunate they were to be living in such comfortable surroundings. The conversation gradually turned to what they could do to give back to the larger community.

Although by some measures Montgomery County is among the wealthiest in the nation, the fact is that over one in three county school children qualify for free and reduced-price lunches—a Federal government program for low income families. Many of these families struggle to provide the supplies their children need to begin the school year prepared to succeed. Someone in the group suggested working with an organization called Interfaith Works of Montgomery County to help underprivileged children...and an idea was born. Interfaith Works (http://www.iworksmc.org/) provides a long list of emergency and empowerment services to low income county residents, including temporary and permanent housing, a clothing center, meals, and a variety of vocational services. On Fridays in August, the IW Clothing Center opens for children from eligible families to “shop” in a welcoming room filled with backpacks of every style, color and size. Children can take their time to pick out the backpack that is just perfect for them. Over the last ten years the Park Potomac community has provided more than 8,000 backpacks, thousands of dollars in donations, and tens

of thousands of other school supplies for children in need. Ms. Monica Barberis-Young, the Director of Interfaith Family Services, writes: “The Park Potomac Community has become the one source I know I can rely on to assist the families that I serve. Park Potomac is by far the greatest contributor of school supplies to our Backpack Distribution Program. It is because of their annual Ice Cream Social that 2,490 Montgomery County children received backpacks this year. Park Potomac exemplifies goodwill and the notion that it takes a village to support and help our neighbors in need. As one parent puts it, “We are a low-income family and it is really hard to raise our kids in this situation. We work hard for our kids to have a good future and we want to thank your program for helping us.” With Park Potomac’s support every child who leaves the Interfaith Clothing Center with his or her brand new backpack filled with age appropriate school supplies is on the way to a better start for the new school year, and a brighter future. MARCH 2019

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MONTEBELLO CONDOMINIUM Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association was named Communicator of the Year in the Community Association of the Year Contest. They are managed by FirstService Residential, AAMC. This is the essay submitted with the community’s application.

By Douglas M. Kleine, Board of Directors & Assistant Treasurer, Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association

W

ith residents of diverse ages, nationalities, preferences, interests, and abilities, Montebello makes a priority of timely, clear, cost effective, and accessible communications. We made this understood in our Guiding Principles for Communications adopted by our board. When Montebello was built in 1983, we relied on paper media. Some residents today continue to prefer that method, so we still distribute information on paper while continually migrating to and updating our electronic options: website, cloud, BuildingLink, emails, videos, and apps. Our communications are directed by a staff member knowledgeable in multiple applications. For example, New Resident orientation information is available as a PowerPoint shown at a meeting with our Resident Coordinator and posted on our website. A Resident Handbook is available in paper or electronically. Our newsletter is distributed under doors, and also posted on our website, often with additional photos and content. We send an email blast when a new issue is posted. MCUOA communicates notices of activities and meetings, routine unit inspections, and similar information via email, with links to our website. Notices also appear on electronic bulletin boards in building lobbies

and in our Community Center; paper copies are delivered under doors and posted on bulletin boards. Under door deliveries also include a monthly Calendar and package of Special Events flyers. We post last minute notices, such as Shuttle Bus changes, as paper signs on entry doors or elevators, and send them by email. Urgent advisories (for example, construction activity or herbicide spraying), arrive by email and under doors. Our Grounds Committee developed an app with information about our woodlands, maps, and other useful information. A video, created to help owners fill out and submit their ballots for our annual board election, is available on our website. We installed the Internet based resident management system, BuildingLink, which enables residents to request and track inunit service, authorize visitor access, reserve party rooms, communicate with management, consult documents, and other actions-­ upgrading processes formerly handled on paper to a system with more accountability – and includes a free app for phones and computers. Of course, residents and owners can call or visit the front desk, staffed 7 days a week,

8:30 am (9 am on weekends) to 10 pm. They can limit the emails they receive by changing their personal settings on the website. Owners and residents are encouraged to attend board and committee meetings, which are open and posted. We support Informal communication with a full calendar of social activities and other opportunities to meet and mingle. We measure the effectiveness of our communications efforts through 30-second surveys, focus groups, and other feedback. Finally, what makes Montebello different— and, we believe, more cohesive and vibrant— is our culture of service excellence fostered by our General Manager and supported by our board. One example: Resident volunteers offered lessons in English to staff members who do not speak it as their first language—encouraging communications and inclusion with valued members of our community and bringing us all a little closer. MARCH 2019

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By Crystal Coats, CMCA, AMS Crystal is a Regional Director with FirstService Residential. She’s been with FirstService Residential for 8 years where she’s worked in several roles from accounting to community management. Crystal is an active WMCCAI member, participating as a speaker on a panel with several industry experts at the 2018 WMCCAI Conference & Expo. Crystal is a member of the Potomac Watershed Committee, serving as a site leader at last year’s Potomac Watershed event. She has actively volunteered in the Northern Virginia area for over 10 years.

Making a Difference in our Community:

The First Annual Potomac Watershed Clean-up Day

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t was a beautiful spring day on April 14, 2018. The FirstService Residential team, one of many companies that gathered to take part in this year’s Potomac Watershed Clean-up Day effort, selected Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail, part of Rocky Run Park in Chantilly, Virginia to clean. This area had not been cleaned up in over a decade which is why we selected this park.

We had plenty of work to do! The team collected well over 40 bags of trash and had about 40 volunteers show up in our group to the event. Many volunteers not only went knee deep, but also went HIP deep, pulling out large pieces of garbage out of the watershed. It was A LOT of hard work and our team worked diligently on tackling the beast that was among us.

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We started our morning with donuts and coffee sponsored by WMCCAI. We had a brief meeting to discuss our plan on attack in cleaning up the watershed as efficiently as possible. Everyone was excited to get started! Before we knew it, we were on our way to do our part in cleaning a watershed that flows into the water we drink every day. About halfway through the day, our volunteers found a car and a gun in the watershed! Thankfully, our site leader went through training through the Alice Ferguson Foundation and knew how to handle unusual items such as the car and gun. Following our training, we called Fairfax County Police. We thought we had solved a mystery! Our team worked with Fairfax County to coordinate a safe removal of the vehicle and the gun. We found out later


that the vehicle had been sitting in the watershed for well over a decade! Our team was lucky to clean up a watershed that had not been cleaned up in YEARS! Awards were passed out after the event ended. The following awards were given: • “Most Interesting Item Found” • “Item Most Likely to be Used” • “Most Trash Collected” • “Most Environmentally Destructive Item Found”

Many of the volunteers described it as a positive experience. Tanya Rys said, “Coming together and volunteering for such a good cause was a good feeling that was contagious among all. It leaves you wanting to help out more.” Mary Roger remarked, “This event gave me a sense of fulfilment for giving back something to the community. After we completed cleaning up our area, we looked around and felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The neighbors of the surrounding developments were so appreciative that we volunteered.”

FirstService Residential hopes to be a long-term participant of this program and the great work that Alice Ferguson Foundation does. We look forward to participating in the next watershed clean up event and our continued partnership with WMCCAI!

For those interested, the next Potomac Watershed Clean-up event is scheduled for April 13, 2019 at various sites across the Washington metro area. We would love to have anyone interested in joining us and are actively looking for volunteers! Please contact Elisabeth Kirk, chair of the Potomac Watershed Committee at Elisabeth@tedrossconsulting.com or Liz Schell at eschell@caidc.org with any questions. Or, visit the WMCCAI website at www.caidc.org for further details. We have plenty of work to do and look forward to doing our part to clean up our local waterways. MARCH 2019

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By Patrick Smith Patrick Smith is a Marketing Representative for Heritage Landscape Services (HLS). HLS has been servicing the Northern Virginia Area since 1998. Patrick has over fifteen years of experience in the landscape industry in all aspects of customer service, account management, and market development. His experience extends from landscape management to contract administration. Patrick attended George Mason University.

Over 20Years of Outreach at RONALD McDONALD HOUSE

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uring the month of May for the past twenty years, property managers, industry partners, chapter staff, and their families have gathered together at the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Virginia on the grounds of INOVA Fairfax Hospital for the annual WMCCAI Landscaping Day to give back to our community. Volunteers come together to pull weeds, prune shrubs, spread mulch and plant flowers in the courtyard and surrounding grounds of the facility, all in an effort to help make Ronald McDonald House a home away from home for the families that are staying there. Ronald McDonald House keeps families with sick children together and near the care and resources that they need. Many families travel far from home and spend several weeks or months to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children – a long time to be away or to divide a family. And for children facing a serious medical crisis, nothing seems scarier than not having mom and dad close by for love and support. The annual Landscaping Day was the brain child of the late Neil Moreland alongside Pine Ridge Landscaping, who together organized the first event on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1998. The idea was to help improve the landscaping of the new facility which had opened in January of the same year by plant-

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ing flowers and providing general grounds clean up. The event was organized as a way for WMCCAI to give back to the community in a meaningful way. A tree was planted on the grounds of Ronald McDonald House in the courtyard in 2017 in Neil’s honor. An “Honor Garden” was dedicated on August 20, 1999 to recognize the new partnership between WMCCAI and Ronald McDonald House. The annual Landscaping Day has grown over the years from the initial flower planting in 1998 to what has become a full-scale grounds clean-up that the chapter has come to know. It has truly become one of the chapter’s most successful public outreach events and it is a great way to get to know others in our industry.

For the first ten years, Pine Ridge Landscaping provided their expertise and guidance to the volunteers who gave up there Saturday morning, as well as donating all the materials for this worthwhile charity. Valley Crest was the second industry partner to team up with WMCCAI and continue the work that had been started by Pine Ridge. For the past four years, Heritage Landscape Services (HLS) has had the honor


of being the industry partner to spearhead and coordinate this worthwhile event. This coming year will mark the twenty-second annual Landscaping Day at Ronald McDonald House which will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019. I would encourage everyone to come out and get their hands dirty with friends, family, and colleagues. Help us help families in need. In the event that you cannot make it out or wish to do a little more, WMCCAI will be collecting items from the Ronald McDonald House “Wish List� that will be delivered to the charity on March 23. MARCH 2019

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By Fred Peratt Fred is president of Environmental Enhancements Inc., an award-winning landscaping company serving the DC metro area since 2001. Fred is wellknown in the landscaping industry for his dedication to innovation, teamwork, and the highest standards of workmanship. His role as Advisory Council Chair for the National Association of Landscape Professionals provides insights and best practices that enable Environmental Enhancements to offer industry-leading service to commercial and residential clients.

Landscape Design Strategies T H A T

Y

W I L L

M A K E

Homeowners Say ‘WOW!’

ou want a landscape design that’s easy to manage and budget-friendly. But homeowners don’t care about that. They want to live and play in homes with beautiful, inviting outdoor spaces. Fortunately, with careful planning, you can make everybody happy. The key to optimal landscape design for large properties or areas with multiple units is to foster a sense of intimacy and cohesiveness. When you create a consistent ‘look and feel’ to your property, you meet a subliminal need for familiarity that people unknowingly seek as they go about their busy lives.

5 Strategic Landscape Design Areas to Pay Attention To Ideally, your landscape designer has created a sense of place, flow, and alignment with your property’s surrounding environment, all without looking ‘forced’ or overdone. Not easy to do, but when you understand how a landscape designer thinks, you can evaluate your own property and figure out what needs to be fixed.

Below are five key landscape design strategies we recommend paying attention to: 1. Theme. When choosing plantings and hardscapes, take the surrounding area into consideration. Is your neighborhood in a wooded area? A more natural setting would be a good fit, with shade-loving plants, redbuds, and dogwoods. Is your property located in the middle of a bustling city? An Asian theme might be more suitable, with smaller trees and shrubs, a pachysandra ground cover, and intimate spaces for people to gather. Homeowners will be more inclined to enjoy a landscape that compliments— as opposed to clashing with—the surrounding environment. 2. Color. How do you want people to feel when they enter your property? Relaxed and mellow? (Think pastels.) Fired-up and ready-for-anything? (Try reds, oranges and yellows.) To a large degree, the season will dictate your choices, but keep in mind that you are sending out a new ‘vibe’ each time you refresh your plantings. 3. Repeats. Rather than install an overabundance of varying specimens, choose a core set of plants and arrange them differently in multiple locations throughout the property. It’s okay to have more than one basic group of plant-types, but use garden shape, color balancing, and outdoor structures to create variety, rather than a whole new look for each nook and cranny. 4. Segmenting. Tap into the natural topography of your property to create intimate spaces. A

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Y O U R

small hill, a brook, a cluster of trees—nature has already created a palette for you to work with. Use it! Then, by adding fences, gazebos, arbors, trellises, and pergolas, you can offer your homeowners places to gather—and places to get away. 5. Layers. Layering is essential for creating interest and ‘movement’ around a building or apartment complex. Medium-size conifers flanked by billowy shrubs ending in a bed of impatiens creates a ‘wave’ that piques interest—and sooths. Tiers of plants—from low to high—can draw the eye to a focal point, inviting a stressedout commuter, a frazzled young mother, or a busy teen to sit for a moment in your gazebo.

Think about how your property measures up in each of these five areas. Hopefully, your landscaping company has incorporated these strategic effects into your design, with a keen understanding of the impact each decision has on your residents. But now that you know what to look for, you be the judge! If you don’t feel your landscaping company has optimized your property in all five areas, challenge them to do so or seek out a new solution. A qualified landscaping company can help you with a phased approach to accommodate your current installation, the season, and your budget.


By Ron Dionne Ron serves as the Vice President of the Westridge Swim and Racquet Club Homeowners Association in Woodbridge, Virginia. He also serves as a member of the Covenants Committee and is an active volunteer in the community.

Why We DIDN’T Submit to Community Association of the Year & How it Helped Us Grow

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If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” We’ve all heard this expression and it is generally true. Why tinker with something that is doing the job and risk causing a problem? Such was the case with my HOA, Westridge Swim and Racquet Club. When I first moved into this community three years ago, I jumped right in and became a part of the management team with a seat on the Board of Trustees and as a member of the Covenants Committee. As I sat in meetings learning the ropes, and after reading articles in Quorum, I realized that we were using best practices in nearly every area. We clearly did not need to change since we were doing great. In 2016, I was asked to write the essay for the Community Association of the Year Awards. We had won this award before and

I was anxious to bring home another title for our HOA. But, this time we didn’t win. When I was again asked to write the essay in 2017, I accepted at first and then gave serious thought about the process. Yes, I could go through the motions again, but was there a way to improve our chances? Was this award rigged for newer communities with lots of “stuff ”? In my head, I decided to rebrand this award as Community of the Year. The “Association” part was on auto pilot, doing everything well. The part that was missing was COMMUNITY. I approached the Board and recommended that we skip our participation in 2017, and focus instead on how to make Westridge a better place to live for our residents. Balancing budgets, addressing grievances, holding meetings, maintenance, Our Reputation is Built on Reliability That You Can Always Count On

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reserve studies, and winning awards, etc., all have a proper place, but those alone would not make Westridge “The Natural Place to Be,” as our masthead states. Instead, we had to energize our people and show them how WE can become a great community.

We read each question asked in the Community Association of the Year Award application to decipher WHY that question was asked. The results of this analysis paid off. For a successful community, it is not enough to have great amenities or proper governance – you have to nurture good citizens. And so, we set out to improve our community relations and programs. We reactivated a social committee, formed a pool guidance committee, had brainstorming sessions, met with neighborhood boards, renovated the clubhouse, and installed an electronic bulletin board...and, lots more. We are investing in our people and are INVOLVING our community, so winning an award is moot. In 2018, Westridge knows that our community is a winner, title or not! Did I write the essay for this year’s award? You bet I did! I’m darned proud of our HOA and its people. Submitting that essay was my way of showing how Westridge fixed what wasn’t broken. Putting words into action makes a difference. MARCH 2019

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Directory and Classifieds AMUSEMENT & PARTY RENTALS

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

MANAGEMENT SERVICES (CONT’D)

Fantasy World Entertainment 124 Jibsail Drive T: (800) 757-6332 Prince Frederick, MD 20678 www.fwworld.com Brooks Grady brooks@fwworld.com

Ploutis Contracting Co, Inc. T: (703) 360-0205 8365 Richmond Hwy F: (703) 360-5439 Alexandria, VA 22309 info@ploutiscontracting.com Stella Ploutis www.ploutiscontracting.com

Comsource Management, Inc. AAMC www.comsource.com 3414 Morningwood Drive T: (301) 924-7355 Olney, Maryland 20832 F: (301) 924-7340 Gary M. Simon, cmca, ams, pcam gsimon@comsource.com

ASPHALT PAVING/MAINTENANCE/REPAIR

HEATING, VENTILATING, AIR CONDITIONING

Brothers Paving & Concrete Corporation 9469 Hawkins Dr T: (703) 393-1927 Manassas, VA 20109 F: (703) 393-1928 Paul Battista info@brotherspaving.com Espina Paving, Inc. Asphalt/Concrete 15441 Farm Creek Drive T: (703) 491-9100 Woodbridge, VA 2191 F: (703) 491-9101 Serving: MD, DC, VA info@espinapaving.com ATTORNEY

COWIE & MOTT, P.A. T: (202) 670-6289 2310 Boston Street www.cowiemott.com Baltimore, MD 21224 Nicholas D. Cowie ndcowie@cowiemott.com Thomas Schild Law Group, LLC www.schildlaw.com 401 North Washington Street, Suite #500 T: (301)251-1414 Rockville, MD 20850 Thomas, C. Schild, CCAL tschild@schildlaw.com Scott J. Silverman ssilverman@schildlaw.com BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

WINTRUST Community Advantage T: (734) 276-3330 Metro DC www.communityadvantage.com Kim Myles kmyles@communityadvantage.com A leading provider of financial services to condominium, townhome, and homeowner associations. ENGINEERS

The Falcon Group www.falconengineering.com 7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 325 Rockville, MD 20855 T: (240) 328-1095 Stew Willis info@falconengineering.com

Advanced Building Services, Inc. 23475 Rock Haven Way #135 T: (703) 661-4280 Sterling, VA 20166-4444 www.advanced-building.com Deborah Ammann dammann@absi1.com JANITORIAL

Clean Advantage Corporation 4000 Pen Belt Place T: (800) 315-3264 District Heights, MD 20747 F: (301) 595-3331 www.cleanadv.com info@cleanadv.com MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Associa Community Management Corporation, AAMC 4840 Westfields Blvd, Suite 300 T: (703) 631-7200 Chantilly, VA 20151 www.cmc-management.com John Tsitos, CMCA, AMS, PCAM jstitos@cmc-management.com Barkan Management Company, Inc 8229 Boon Blvd., Suite 760 T: (703) 388-1005 Tyson Corner, VA 22182 F: (703) 388-1006 Michael Feltenberger, cmca, ams, pcam Capitol Management Corporation 12011 Lee-Jackson Highway, Suite 350 Fairfax, VA 22033 L. Peyton Harris Jr., cmca, cpm lph@capitolmanagementcorp.net

T: (703) 934-5200 F: (703) 934-8808

Cardinal Management Group, Inc., AAMC 4330 Prince William Parkway, Suite 201 T: (703) 569-5797 Woodbridge, VA 22192 www.cardinalmanagementgroup.com cardinal@cardinalmanagementgroup.com Thomas A. Mazzei, CMCA, AMS, PCAM CFM Management Services, AAMC 5250 Cherokee Ave, Suite 100 T: (703) 941-0818 Alexandria, VA 22314 F: (703) 941-0816 Christiaan Melson, ams, pcam c­­­­­­­­melson@cfmanagement.com CAMP, AAMC (Community Association Management Professionals) www.gocampmgmt.com T: (703) 821-CAMP 4114 Legato Road, Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22033 hgraham@gocampmgmt.com 209 West Street, Suite 302 Annapolis, MD 21401 sblackburn@gocampmgmt.com

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FirstService Residential DC Metro LLC, AAMC 11351 Random Hills Road, Suite 500 T: (703) 385-1133 Fairfax, VA 22020 Robert Teeling robert.teeling@fsresidential.com KPA Management, AAMC www.kpamgmt.com 6402 Arlington Blvd., Suite 700 T: (703) 532-5005 Falls Church, VA 22042 F: (703) 532-5098 Offering personalized service Ed Alrutz, cpm, cmca, pcam ealrutz@kpamgmt.com Legum & Norman Inc. AAMC 3130 Fairview Park Drive Ste 200 T: (703) 600-6000 Falls Church, VA 22042 www.legumnorman.com Marc B. McCoy, CMCA, AMS MMcCoy@legumnorman.com Sentry Management www.sentrymgt.com 4401 Ford Avenue, Suite 1150 T: (703) 642-3246 Alexandria, VA 22302 602 South King Street, Suite 400 T: (540) 751-1888 Leesburg, VA 20175 Dave Ciccarelli, ams, pcam dciccarelli@sentrymgt.com Sequoia Management Company Inc., AAMC 13998 Parkeast Circle T: (703) 803-9641 Chantilly, VA 20151-2283 www.sequoiamanagement.com Craig Courtney, PCAM ccourtney@sequoiamgmt.com PAINTING SERVICES AND RETAILERS

Capital Painting Co. www.capitalpainting.net 5520 Oakwood Road T: (703) 313-0013 Alexandria, VA 22310 F: (703) 922-1826 George Tsentas george@capitalpainting.net Reston Painting & Contracting 619 Carlisle Drive Herndon, VA 20170 David Hamilton

T: (703) 904-1702 F: (703) 904-0248 dave@restonpaint.com

RESTORATION SERVICES

Titan Restoration Co Warrenton, VA T: (540) 349-1503 www.titanrestoration.com F: (540) 349-1512 Anita Puckett apuckett@titanrestoration.com


­­INDEX TO ADVERTISERS A Advanced Building Services, Inc. ...................................................................................................35 Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC....................................................................12 B Barkan Management, LLC, AAMC..................................................................................................26 Brothers Paving & Concrete..............................................................................................................4 C Capital Painting Co...........................................................................................................................9 Clean Advantage Corporation T/A Condominium Cleaning Service..................................................40 ROOFING

TWC Services, LLC PO Box 150277 T: (703) 971-6016 Alexandria, VA 22315 www.twcser.com Linda Walker info@twcserv.com

COWIE & MOTT, P.A.......................................................................................................................24 D DoodyCalls.....................................................................................................................................33

WINDOWS & DOORS

Windows Plus, LLC 4321 Markham Street T: (703) 256-0600 Annandale, VA 22003 F: (703) 942-6987 Kimberly Wayland kknight@windowspls.com

F Fantasy World, Inc. dba Fantasy World Entertainment ....................................................................22 The Falcon Group.............................................................................................................................8 FirstService Residential DC Metro, LLC, AAMC................................................................................39 M McMillan Metro, P.C.......................................................................................................................20 Mutual of Omaha Bank@Community Association Banking & CondoCerts.......................................24 P Ploutis Contracting Co., Inc.............................................................................................................39 R Reston Painting Company................................................................................................................2 S Sentry Management, Inc.................................................................................................................22 T Titan Restoration Co........................................................................................................................20 TWC Services, LLC..........................................................................................................................33 U Union Bank & Trust..........................................................................................................................8 W Windows Plus, LLC.........................................................................................................................28 WINTRUST Community Advantage Bank.......................................................................................30

MARCH 2019

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J O B

P O S T I N G

Assistant General Manager The Assistant General Manager (Asst GM) reports to the General Manager (GM) in a subordinate capacity. He/She must be able to assume the duties of the GM in his/her absence. The Asst GM must display exceptional interpersonal skills, be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and accurately and efficiently conduct office and operating operations. Human resources management is a critical aspect of this job. The Asst GM is one of the primary communicators with the community acting as the Management’s lead Customer Service Representative, which requires diplomacy and professionalism at all times. The position co-supervises a staff of 22 positions including a 24-hour front desk, valet services, security staff, an accountant, a management operations representative, an executive assistant and all office operations. This position maintains significant interaction with residents in person, by telephone or e-mail by providing prompt, helpful, courteous and professional assistance on the broad range of activities and services required at The Towers. The Assistant GM serves as the liaison between

the General Manager, residents, delivery companies, contractors and the general public. The Asst GM is responsible for general office duties, telephone traffic, office decorum, maintaining the office files, inspections of the property, and for addressing resident and the general public concerns. The Asst GM must maintain ongoing communications with the GM by advising of complaints, suggestions, and requests and report any other information regarding the operation of the property. Education: Undergraduate Degree Job Type: Full-time Job Level: Management Industry: Residential Property Management Company Name: The Towers Condominium Location: Washington, D.C. N.W. Salary range: $70,000 – $75,000 To apply: Please send resume with contact information to Stephen DeSimone at sdesimone@Towersca.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2019 @ 9 A.M. - 12 P.M. For the 22nd year, Chapter members will gather to landscape the grounds of the Ronald McDonald Northern Virginia at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. House of Northe Ronald McDonald Landscape Day is one of the Chapter’s proudest and most successful charitable works. Volunteers at this event make a measurable difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families being treated at area hospitals. Under the direction of WMCCAI member, Heritage Landscape Services, Chapter members, families, and friends will work to clean, spruce up, and rejuvenate the WMCCAI honor garden and the Ronald McDonald House’s surroundings.

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Exceptional Service is Our Mission. As greater Washington DC’s property management industry leader, we know what it takes to create great communities that residents are proud to call home. We start by putting the right teams in place – local property experts who deliver our best-inclass solutions, along with genuinely helpful service, to enhance the property values and lifestyle of those we serve. That’s how we make a difference, every day, for great communities like yours. 8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD 20910 11351 Random Hills Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 923 Maple Grove Drive, Suite 201, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 www.fsresidential.com

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Making a Difference. Every Day.

Proudly serving greater Washington DC communities for over 35 years

MARCH 2019

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CHAPTER BENEFACTORS

WMCCAI 7600 Leesburg Pike Suite 100 West Falls Church, VA 22043 www.caidc.org (703) 750-3644

C

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID ALEXANDRIA, VA # 5659

OUR MISSION To optimize the operations of Community Associations and foster value for our business partners.

ASPHALT & CONCRETE

Annual Janitorial Agreements Temporary Staffing Solid Waste and Recycling Services Garage Clean Up • Pressure Washing • Bulk Trash Removal Storage Room Cleaning • Stripping and Waxing Floors Trash Chute Cleaning • Graffiti Removal Carpet Cleaning • Roll off Services Hoarder Unit Clean out Construction Clean up Fire Watch Services

Serving MD, DC and VA T: (800) 315-3264 F: (301) 595-3331 www.cleanadv.com info@cleanadv.com


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