Quorum — November 2017

Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute

NOVEMBER 2017

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

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NOVEMBER 2017

­CONTENTS 12 Row Your Boat Into The New Year

BY JILL ALLEN, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

14 Holiday Season Crime Prevention Practices

BY PETE HUGHES

16 Giving Back

BY APRIL LUDTKE MESA, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

19 Does Your Isurance Policy Cover Your Holiday Activities

BY DANIEL BLAINE

20 To Drink or Not To Drink?

BY SUSAN L. TRUSKEY, ESQ.

22 Decorating Diligence

DEPARTMENTS AND MORE 5 Message from the President 6 Chapter Benefactor: Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn, PC 7 Welcome New Members 8 Upcoming Events 11 People & Places 32 Classifieds 33 Index to Advertisers 34 Cul-de-sac: Finding Joy When There is One of “Those” Houses in Your Community

24 Holidays in the D.C. Area Multifamily Communities

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

BY LEE ANN WEIR, CMCA, AMS

25 Winter is Coming

BY SCOTT GREGES, CMCA, AMS

27 These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

BY RUTH O. KATZ, ESQ.

28 Don’t Ruin the Holiday with Plumbing Drama

BY KEWIN GREENSHILL

30 Fall Leaf Removal

WMCCAI MISSION STATE­MENT

BY KARA PERMISOHN

BY STEVE SULLIVAN

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.

NOVEMBER 2017

|3

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S E R V I N G WA S H I N G T O N D C, M A R Y L A N D, V I R G I N I A A N D N E W E N G L A N D

People you can count on. Experience you can rely on.

President Bruce H. Easmunt, ESQ. President-elect Sarah Gerstein, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Vice President Rafael A. Martinez, CTP Secretary Michael Gartner, ESQ. Treasurer Airielle Hansford, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Immediate Past President Jeremy M. Tucker, ESQ. (ex officio) Executive Director Jaime Barnhart, CMP (ex officio)

REFLECTIONS It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as 2017’s WMCCAI Chapter President. WMCCAI’s 40th year has proven to be a year of transition, challenge, and opportunity demonstrating to me that our Chapter is as vibrant and active as ever. Together, we have accomplished great things.

D IRECTOR S Gordon Boezer, Thomas Burrell, Dorothy Firsching, PMP, Kristen Melson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Ted Ross, Todd A. Sinkins, ESQ., Elizabeth Schultz, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, John Tsitos, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, and Stephen Wright, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM

CO U N C I L C HAI RS Communications Council Crishana Loritsch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Education Council Jennifer Bennett, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Member Services Council Ruth Katz, ESQ.

CO MM I T TE E C HAI R S Conference & Expo William Cornelius and Donna Aker, CMCA, AMS, PCAM D.C. Legislative/LAC Jane Rogers, ESQ. Education Kevin A. Kernan, ESQ. and James Santos, CMCA, AMS Golf Elizabeth Rudolph, AMS, PCAM and David Crone, CMCA, AMS Maryland Legislative Thomas Schild, ESQ., CCAL Outreach Lenard Goldbaum, AMS, PCAM and Sara Ross, ESQ. Membership Joe Inzerillo and Jarold Martin Quorum Editorial Susan L. Truskey, ESQ. and Nicole Williams, ESQ. Chapter Events June Chulkov and Bernie Guthri, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Virginia Legislative Ronda DeSplinter, LSM, PCAM and William A. Marr Jr., ESQ.

QU O RUM Managing Editor Diane Sohn, dsohn@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 Nicole Williams, ESQ. Members Beverly Alston, James Anderson, Noel Arevalo, CMCA, Sarah Auringer, Mira Brown, CMCA, AMS, Leslie Brown, Chris Carlson, PE, Deborah Carter, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Sara Castle, Crystal Coats, CMCA, AMS, Kenny Cohn, Cheryl Crawford, Christopher Dibble, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Bruce Easmunt, ESQ., Sarah El-Taher, Matt Gallagher, Michael Gartner, ESQ., Amy Gaynor, Sarah Gerstein, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Rippy Gill, CMCA, AMS, Laura Goguet, CMCA, AMS, John Goins, Stephen Grant, Scott Greges, CMCA, AMS, Timothy Hipp, Mary Horner, Chase Hudson, Peter Hughes, Iman Jackson, CMCA, AMS, Shannon Junior, Ruth Katz, ESQ., Leisa Keys, Richard Kuziomko, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Crishana Loritsch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Liliana Martinez, CMCA, AMS, Laura McVey, Thomas Mugavero, ESQ., Crystal Partin, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Joycelyn Peoples, AMS, Kara Permisohn, Nicki Phenneger, Christine Rudert, Brandi Ruff, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Lauri Ryder, CIC, CRM, CMCA, Scott Silverman, Mark Smith, Chelsie Throckmorton, Olga Tseliak, John Tsikerdanos, Ron Unger, CIC, Kim Veirs, Lee Ann Weir, CMCA, AMS, Doug White, Samuel Wiest, Lakisha Williams, Aimee Winegar, CMCA, AMS, LMS, PCAM, Jim Wisniewski, Kelly Young, 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 3,000 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 2017 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.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

O FFICE R S

We have appointed Jaime Barnhart as our executive director, and have only begun to see the positive energy and ideas that her leadership and staff will bring to the Chapter. We have transformed the Chapter’s headquarters into a modern space that will serve us for years to come in hosting our networking and educational events. We have published a new website that actively highlights the successes of WMCCAI and grants greater access to resources for those whom we serve. We had record-breaking attendance at this year’s Conference and Expo, and have received incredibly positive feedback about our educational and networking offerings. Our Chapter continues to thrive.

2017 has been a success because of you: the volunteers who serve on and lead our respective committees; the staff members who devote their time and energy to make our events and ideas a reality; the individuals and organizations who financially support the Chapter through our Partner Program or through sponsorships; the members of the board of directors who lead our organization with purpose; and the past leaders who continue to offer their invaluable guidance and advice.

On behalf of WMCCAI, I want to once again personally thank each of you for all that you do, and all that you have done, to improve our Chapter. Your efforts are acknowledged, appreciated, and valued.

On a personal note, this experience has been more rewarding than anticipated. The relationships that I have built and strengthened over this past year have encouraged me to continue personally investing in CAI, and I once again encourage you to do the same. Our organization is unique; the relationships that we create and maintain with one another are lasting. In our involvement with CAI, we each serve a common purpose, and we do so with care.

As I pass the title of president to Sarah Gerstein’s more than capable hands, I once again thank you all for this distinct honor and look forward to working alongside you for years to come.

BRUCE H. EASMUNT,

ESQ.

Bruce a senior associate in the law firm of Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn, P.C. His practice is devoted to community association representation. He has previously served as president of a condominium unit owners’ association and as vice president of a master association, both in Falls Church, VA. Bruce was elected to serve on the WMCCAI Board in 2012, he has authored articles in Quorum, presented at CAI education seminars, and chaired the WMCCAI Outreach Committee. He was awarded the WMCCAI Rising Star in 2011, Committee Chair of the Year in 2012, and Educator of the Year in 2015.

To advertise in Quorum, e-mail publications@caidc.org.

For more information about Quorum or WMCCAI, visit www.caidc.org.

NOVEMBER 2017

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CHAPTER NEWS

C H A P T E R

B E N E F A C T O R

Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn, PC 3201 Jermantown Rd. Suite 600 City, State ZIP: Fairfax, VA 22030 Telephone: (703) 352-1900 Fax: (703) 352-5293 Website: www.chadwickwashington.com Year Established or Incorporated: 1990 • CAI Member Since: 1990 • Certificate of Insurance: Yes • Areas you serve: Virginia and the District of Columbia • Services Provided: Legal Representation • Licenses Held: Licensed in Virginia and D.C. • Company Philosophy: Assisting association clients with knowledgeable, thorough and creative counsel.

Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn P.C. devotes its practice entirely to community association law in D.C. and Virginia, working with: • Homeowners associations • Condominium associations • Residential and commercial master associations • Housing cooperatives Since 1990, Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn PC has provided comprehensive legal representation of community associations in Virginia and the District of

Columbia, including homeowners associations, residential and commercial condominium associations, and housing cooperatives. The firm delivers wise, creative counsel to support an association’s ultimate goal—to run an efficient community that properly serves its members. Our lawyers provide guidance and assistance to boards and managers on the full array of issues facing community associations—such as covenant enforcement, covenant and bylaw interpretation, contract negotiation, amending governing documents and collecting delinquent assessments. We are also experienced in assisting new communities in transition from developer control and provide litigation services if needed.

In addition, the firm is a leader on Virginia legislative issues and presents annual seminars to clients and managers regarding the latest developments in the law and other topics of interest.

Contacts: Ken Chadwick, ESQ., CCAL, kechadwick@ chadwickwashington.com; Wil Washington, ESQ., CCAL, wwashington@chadwickwashington.com; Brendan P. Bunn, ESQ., CCAL, bpbunn@chadwickwashington.com; Allen Warren, ESQ., abwarren@chadwickwashington.com (all of whom are past presidents of WMCCAI) and Bruce Easmunt, ESQ., bheasmunt@chadwickwashington.com (current president of WMCCAI)

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 Diane Sohn at publications@caidc.org or by phone at 703.750.3644.

ADVERTISING:

For advertising, availability, rates, and specifications, please contact Diane Sohn 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.

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WMCCAI proudly welcomes the following members who joined the chapter in September 2017.

Community Association Volunteer Leaders from the Following Associations Fort Ellsworth Condominium Loudoun Valley II Homeowners Association Providence Square Condominium The Bristol Condominium Individual Managers Manuel Arevalo, The Seville Condominiums Jennifer Arroyo, SFMC, Inc., AAMC Ambrose Augustt, Gates Hudson Community Management, AAMC Joseph Bennett, The Greens at Leisure World Paola Fiess, Cardinal Management Group, Inc., AAMC Christopher Froehlich, AMS Rebecca F. Giron Arlene Harris, Legum & Norman, Inc., AAMC Erin E. Hebdon, PMI Prince William Brian Huempfner, Lake Braddock Community Association Hannah Jones, Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC Porsha Jordan Jennifer Lehman, Cardinal Management Group, Inc., AAMC

Franchon Martin, 2101 Connecticut Ave Apts.

Sheena Mitchell John F. Morse Jessica L. Owens, Community Association Management Professionals Jose Palacios, Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC Xiomara Perez, Abaris Realty, Inc., AAMC Jerome T. Polite, Sr., CPS Solutions, LLC Ronald F. Polite, CPS Solutions, LLC Sierra Sims, Cardinal Management Group, Inc., AAMC Darlene Spencer, Cardinal Management Group, Inc., AAMC Jaimie A. Trevethan, Sequoia Management Company, Inc., AAMC Brooke Wilkins, Fairwood Community Association

CHAPTER NEWS

Welcome New Members

Business Partner Elevator Technologies Inc. Federal Lock & Safe Multi-Chapter Business Partner Nesbitt Realty

NOVEMBER 2017

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UPCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER 4

Annual Awards Dinner: Throughout the Decades 5 – 11 p.m.

Fairview Park Marriott 3111 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042 Member $250 Nonmember $300

Take a trip back with us through the decades. Relive the 70s, 80s, 90s or 2000s while we continue the celebration of our chapter’s 40th Anniversary and honor our hard-working volunteers. The food and décor will celebrate the decades, and we encourage our guests to celebrate their favorite as well. Were you a disco queen?

Perhaps a David Bowie fan? Loved Flock of Seagulls? Or maybe you still enjoy a good Nirvana jam? Whatever your musical interest or favorite fashion era, come celebrate throughout the decades with us! Attire: Black Tie optional or in theme.

NOVEMBER 8

Membership Open House: Using LinkedIn to Increase Visibility and Sales 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Join us for a discussion on how to best utilize LinkedIn to promote our company.

Learn more about CAI membership, its benefits and how to join. The event starts at the WMCCAI Chapter Office event then moves down the street to Tyson’s Biergarten for networking. Attendees will receive a Biergarten chip for a free drink on us!

This event is designed for nonmembers. Current CAI members are welcome and invited to bring a nonmember as a guest. This event is free. However, registration is required.

Visit www.caidc.org/event/membership-open-house to register.

NOVEMBER 16

Manager Breakfast and Business Showcase: The New Face of Community Management 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sheraton Pentagon City 900 S. Orme Street, Arlington, VA 22204 Visit www.caidc.org for location and registration details.

Homeowner Member $65 Nonmember $75 Manager Member $75 Nonmember $85

What does it mean to attract millennial managers and staff? What impact will it have on your organization? How do you balance expectations for work-life balance in a 24/7 field when priorities are different for senior managers and new team members?

Join Chelsey Kelly, CMCA, Director, Association Management and owner of Roost D.C. and Emily Servais Assistant Director of Building Management at Roost D.C. as they take you through the in’s and out’s of recruiting and managing millennial staff. The seminar with be preceded by breakfast and a business showcase.

This session is worth (3) three credit hours.

DECEMBER 5

Rookie Manager Essentials: Stop, Drop and Contact Counsel: Recognizing Legal Issues 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.

WMCCAI Chapter Office 7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100W, Falls Church, VA 22043

Practicing law without a license is a crime in many states and creates risks for community managers as well as the boards and associations that rely on them. Join William A. Marr, Jr., ESQ. and Tiago Bezerra, ESQ., of the Law Office of William A. Marr Jr. as they explain what constitutes “practicing law” and provide guidance on how to identify and resolve legal issues. Lunch will be provided. This session is worth (3) three credit hours.

Early Bird After November 21 Member $35 $50 Nonmember $40 $55

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.

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*STOP, DROP AND CONTACT COUNSEL* RECOGNIZING LEGAL ISSUES

Practicing law without a license is a crime in many states and creates risks for community managers as well as the boards and associations that rely on them.

Join William A. Marr, Jr., ESQ. and Tiago Bezerra, ESQ., of the Law Office of William A. Marr Jr. as they explain what constitutes "practicing law” and provide guidance on how to identify and resolve legal issues.

WHEN

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.

WMCCAI Chapter Office 7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100 W Falls Church, VA 22043

REGISTRATION RATES

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Registration opens 12 p.m.

Lunch begins at 12 p.m.

WHERE

EARLY BIRD RATE BEFORE: 11/21/17

REGULAR RATE

MEMBER

$35

$50

WHO

NONMEMBER

$40

$55

This program will benefit Managers

MEMBER

$35

$50

NONMEMBER

$40

$55

HOW Visit www.caidc.org to register

HOMEOWNER

MANAGER

CREDITS This program is worth three (3) credit hours

SPONSORS Chancellor | Purofirst of Metropolitan Washington

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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SOLitude Lake Management Receives 45th “Seeing is Believing” Award

Virginia Lawyers Weekly has announced the 2017 class of “Up & Coming Lawyers.”

Shannon Junior was amongst five aquatics industry professionals from SOLitude Lake Management that were recently awarded the “Seeing Is Believing” award. This award recognizes the highest standard of excellence in water quality treatment for lakes, ponds, stormwater basins, or other waterbodies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of SePRO products. Shannon was recognized for her rapid, thorough and environmentally-friendly treatment of an invasive hydrilla bloom in a 2.05-acre pond belonging to a high-profile inn, conference center and luxury spa in Charlottesville, VA.

This awards program, started last year, recognizes lawyers across the commonwealth who are making their mark within their first ten years of practice. Congratulations to WMCCAI members Jeremy Moss, ESQ. with Vandeventer Black LLP, and Stacey Forbes, ESQ., with Reed Smith LLP.

PEOPLE & PLACES

Jeremy Moss and Stacey Forbes Honored as “Up & Coming Lawyers for 2017”

Four WTP Lawyers on Benchmark Litigation “Under 40 Hotlist” Four lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been named to the Benchmark Litigation Under 40 Hotlist: Todd Brooks, Aaron Casagrande, Katherine Good and Christopher Samis. Peers and clients have identified each as being among the most notable up-and-coming litigation attorneys in the United States. Mr. Brooks and Mr. Casagrande are the only two Maryland lawyers to have been selected for this national ranking.

The byline for the article, “Budgeting for CAI Membership” in the September issue mistakenly indicated the author, Greg Brooksher, is the General Manager at 22 West.

Mr. Brooksher is with Westlight D.C. The General Manager at 22 West is Tamiko Feltenberger. We apologize for the incorrect information.

Come one, come all.

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We now make it easier for your entire board to join CAI at the lowest cost.

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Renew your entire board and they’ll enjoy all of the benefits of CAI membership. For more details, visit www.caionline.org/ ShareTheCommunity

NOVEMBER 2017

| 11

By Jill Allen, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Jill is a manager with Community Management Corporation, an Associa Company and has been in the community association industry since 2008. Jill’s ten years of management experience, is comprised of managing very large upscale communities consisting of over 1,900 units plus. Presently, she is the general manager of Belmont Community Association, a golf course community comprised of single-family homes, townhomes, attached homes, and condominiums located in Ashburn, Virginia. Jill is a member of WMCCAI.

ROW YOUR BOAT INTO THE New Year T

he end of the calendar year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s conjures so many memories and correlations for all of us. When I think of this time of year, one of my earliest and most vivid memories is of my grandparents’ dining room table filled with desserts surrounding a centerpiece made of pinecones and candles.

The season also brings to mind children wishing for snow days, traditional songs, family visitors, vacations, beautiful ornaments, ugly ornaments, snow, ice, freezing cold temperatures, and feast after feast. I picture lights, and glitter, feeling the underlying stress that I always try to ignore. I remember with amusement relatives who always seem to tell the same stories and family lore, while everyone present jumps in to repeat the punch lines. For family and friends, it’s a time of personal reflection, gratitude, and the offerings of gifts.

In my professional realm as a manager of a very large-scale, homeowners association with mixed housing and some commercial aspects, the last months of the year and the start of the new year are very predictable in some ways and unpredictable in others.

What follows is perspective for community

12 | Quorum­

management on activities and considerations for associations during this season.

Annual Calendars Just as we often pause to take special care of the people we care about in our personal lives during the holiday season, so too can we pause for our communities at this time of year to make sure we can begin the new year in an orderly fashion.

Calendar traditions are important in our celebrations and can be important in the workplace in terms of planning.

This is the time of year when your annual calendar should lead the way. One of my guiding organizational priorities is maintaining a strong annual calendar. Once an annual calendar is in place, it is ideal to update and consult it daily. I keep my annual calendar on Outlook where I share it with all of my staff. The end of the year is when we start to anticipate snow, and I find that it’s

useful to make entries in the annual calendar stating the dates and times snowstorms start and end. I document the hours, as well as whether sand or salt was used for treatment, the number of inches of snow or ice accumulated, and the total cost of snow removal and surface treatment for a particular storm.

This way there is always an accurate reference at year’s end. Being able to present data showing all the storms and their costs is instrumental information to present to boards and finance committees.

Inclement Weather Winter weather is unpredictable, so this is the time of year to think about winterization and policies on providing weather notices to communities. I have been successful in managing snow removal via snow contractors by creating an online form for resident snow complaints, which is helpful for a number of reasons. For instance, when you are responsible for 80 to 120 streets, an online form helps to determine if contractors have accidentally missed clearing a street, pipe stem, or cul de sac. An easily accessible form also helps keep track of repetitive complaints from particular homeowners who may desire a higher level of snow removal service than the snow contract allows. Since community association staff members may not be able to travel to work during a snowstorm, an online form is another tool in addition to emergency numbers that allow residents to maintain contact with managers and staff. In our system, residents who enter information in the online form receive an automatic response that confirms feedback has been transmitted, thanks individuals for their concern, and assures them work will occur in a timely manner. This allows staff to focus on communication with snow contractors instead crafting email conversations with homeowners. Finally, online forms allow snow complaints to be categorized and thus better organized for comparing and relaying information in the future.

Budgets and Annual Meetings As is the case for many communities, my fiscal year matches the calendar year. Two large items on many action lists at this time of year are the budget and the annual meeting. Moreover, many contracts and insur-

ance policies expire or renew during the end of the year. Best practice is to be aware of and working on these items throughout the year so that the end of the year isn’t a time of stressful overload for community associations. This should be the time to make sure you hit your budgeting and planning targets.

For an event such as the annual meeting, it is good to have a timeline that is dictated by the bylaws of the community. My standard is to begin planning the annual meeting with the community starting in July.

As the year progresses, there are times when it is important to share information with community members. Here is an example of one of the communication items on my annual meeting calendar: “September 28, 2017 - Section 2.8 of the bylaws, states the record date for determining those homeowners who are eligible to vote shall be the close of business on the 10th business day before the effective date of notice of the annual meeting which is being sent out on October 11th. This means that any person who settled on their home by September 28th is eligible to vote in the coming election. Homeowners who settle after September 28th will not be eligible to vote. However, they are welcome to attend the meeting.

Management runs a report to determine who is eligible to vote and prints two copies, one for documenting votes on and one to be made available for owners during the annual meeting. Blast email the same day to introduce the election and annual meeting schedule.”

Seasonal Slowdown The end of the calendar year may bring a slowing of some regular work activities, which may provide opportunities to attend to lower priorities or to rearrange duties your duties temporarily. For instance, in our community, the covenants administrator has some downtime in the colder months because there are not as many applications to process, and weather hinders outside inspections.

Weather also impacts exterior work for maintenance staff such as painting and landscaping. This is a good time to take inventory and evaluate stored items. Covenants and maintenance staff may be able to assist other staff members at this time as needed. It’s also a time to closely monitor and communicate information internally regarding staff calendars and coverage since many staff members will take vacation time during the holiday season. Staff meetings can be scheduled to debrief and discuss the past year and any upcoming projects.

Conclusion The holiday season at the end of the year can be a time of both personal and professional connection and productivity. Take time to communicate with residents and staff regarding the last twelve months and what to expect in the coming year. Pause to get reorganized and ensure that everything is in place to start fresh in the new year. Show gratitude, celebrate the people who surround you and prepare for new beginnings.

Notice that the calendar entry above cites a specific bylaw section, which is helpful for quick reference. The note then clearly explains the bylaw and answers a frequently asked question. Lastly, it gives staff instructions for the annual meeting, and the action needed to be taken on this day. Another helpful measure may be to add any useful contact numbers to the entry. Of course, the annual meeting itself is the optimum platform to recap the year and look forward to new directions for the community.

The budget is always a continually evolving task. I usually begin working on the budget for the community by April 1, and the budget tends to wrap up around September or October. Once the board of directors has approved the budget, I send a large mailer that includes the new budget and the annual meeting notice. Some managers may tell you not to include too much in one mailer to avoid information overload. My community, however, prefers that I don’t spend their money on postage for two separate mailings.

Beyond that, I send weekly blast emails to residents, which provide updates on current activities, and stresses the importance of participating in the annual meeting. End of year communication with the community is also a great time to market new initiatives, highlight accomplishments, and celebrate the work of community volunteer members. You may even consider hosting a community gathering or party along these lines. Regardless of the platform of communication, make sure that any item sent out includes links and information that answers frequently asked questions, including reasoning for changes made from last year, and provides office contact details.

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By Pete Hughes Pete recently retired from NCIS after a 34-year law enforcement career. He joined First Coast Security, an armed and unarmed security service provider to residential communities and commercial buildings in the National Capital Region.

Holiday Season CRIME PREVENTION PRACTICES The happy homeowner, with the decorated house, needs to consider the following during the holiday season: • Lock your doors when you leave home, even if it is for a couple of minutes.

W

ith the holidays rapidly approaching, our thoughts turn to decorating, shopping, giving and receiving gifts, spending quality time with family and friends, as well being thankful for what we have. It truly is a wonderful time of the year! Unfortunately, though, there are others whose thoughts are preoccupied with seeking opportunities to take advantage of homeowners and shoppers who are easy crime victim targets. As the spending and gift giving increase this time of year, so does crime. It is reported that theft, burglary and property crimes increase as much as 30% during the holiday season. Being a crime victim can put a huge damper on the holidays. However, those who follow just a few key crime prevention tips will considerably reduce the risk of being another holiday season crime victim. Below are a few general tips to keep yourself and your property safe during and after the holiday season.

14 | Quorum­

»» Do not leave the spare key under the flower pot. The “bad guys” will find it.

• When leaving home for an extended period, have a neighbor watch your house and pick up the newspapers and mail. »» Or contact the post office and newspaper to suspend having them delivered until your return.

• Use automatic timers to turn indoor and outdoor lights on and off for it gives the appearance someone is home.

• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.

• Never place holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.

• Do not advertise holiday gifts you received by placing empty boxes on the street on trash day. »» Break the boxes down or haul them to the dump yourself.

The happy mall shopper, slightly stressed, has made those last-minute purchases and is absent-mindedly walking to their parked car and is not aware of others who might be watching and/or following him/her. The happy shopper should consider the following tips: • Always park in well-lit areas.

• Never overload yourself with packages for you make yourself an easy target for a “bad guy” to grab them from you and flee.

• Be aware of your surroundings while walking through the parking lot to get to your car.

• Place all purchased items in the trunk of your car. Too many “bad guys” see bags in the vehicle and conduct a “smash and grab” act. It only takes a few seconds.

The happy online shopper, taking advantage of all those great deals, needs to consider the following tips: • Shop with companies you know and trust.

• Be aware of the “Porch Pirate,” the person driving or walking through the neighborhood who is looking for the opportunity to steal delivered packages left on your front porch. There has been a huge increase in this type of theft.

»» Track deliveries online. You can sign up for email notifications. »» Be home when packages are delivered or have a friend hold them until your return.

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The happy donator is always looking for the ideal opportunity to give to those in need.

However, there are those “bad guys” seeking opportunities to take advantage of those with big hearts. Be sure to: • Donate to a recognized charitable organization.

• Ask for the identification of the individual soliciting donations “door to door”; inquire about the company they represent and ask how the donations are to be used. If not comfortable, then do not donate.

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The happy and responsible homeowner will find this to be the ideal time of year to update or even create their home inventory of valuable items. Should your home be burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make the filing of insurance claims much easier. This can be done by:

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• Taking photos of all items, including make, model, and serial numbers.

• Inscribing driver’s license number or other personal identification number on the valuables. Do not use your social security number.

If these crime prevention tips are properly executed, then you have significantly lowered the risk of being another holiday crime statistic. Taking account of these tips will allow you to become less vulnerable and help prevent potential crimes in your future. You will be able to maximize the holiday spirit and spend quality time with family, friends, and neighbors enjoying the season. These days, many people are concerned about the threat of rising crime in their communities.

Fortunately, there are ways to help protect your home and your neighborhood from crime. Share your crime prevention tips with your neighbors and friends, help one other stay safe.

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| 15

By April Ludtke Meza, CMCA, AMS, PCAM April is the director of association management at National Realty Partners, LLC, AAMC. She has worked in the common interest management industry for 15 years managing a variety of communities. She is involved with CAI and has served on several committees.

Giving Back E

very year Americans donate billions of hours to volunteer efforts and hundreds of billions of dollars to charity.

And most years, the numbers grow a little from the prior year. But, why do we volunteer and donate? And to whom should we dedicate our time and money?

Most people are aware that if you donate to a qualified organization and itemize deductions, there are tax advantages to charitable giving. But many of the reasons for giving go beyond financial benefits.

• Feel Happier – A multitude of studies show that donating time and money results in a personal feeling of satisfaction and happiness. There are actual physiological changes including the release of dopamine and endorphins associated with charitable contributions and volunteer time.

• Protect Your Community – Local community organizations support our neighbors by providing food, housing, utility services, pet rescues, local wildlife and ecosystem preservation, medical services and other support. Such local organizations tend to respond faster and more appropriately to the needs of the local community than other agencies.

16 | Quorum­

• Improve Community Pride – Most people are proud of their community and want the community to prosper. Donating to local organizations helps improve the well-being of your community thereby improving the quality of life for the residents and the overall appearance of the community.

• Expand Your Horizons – Donating in your local community provides immediate impact and you are very likely to see the effects of your donation. But there are other communities beyond where you live and work. There are communities in other states, countries and on other continents that are in need of help. Donating to charities that serve beyond your community allows you to have an impact around the world.

• Set an Example – Sharing word of your charitable acts with friends and family may encourage them to donate to causes of their choosing, thereby increasing the impact of your donation. Encouraging your children to participate in charitable giving increases the likelihood that they will be aware of the needs of others around them and that they will continue such acts of kindness and generosity when they become adults.

Of course, there are hundreds of thousands of organizations that will happily accept your time and money. But when it comes to charitable giving, not everyone is created equal. You must research to find the charity that supports your causes and dedicates a significant portion of donations to the cause, rather than to overhead such as advertising, fundraising, or salaries.

To find a charity that supports a cause important to you, simply visit one of your favorite places. Your local contacts such as your veterinarian, physician, religious leader, and school leaders may be able to direct you to local charities that they work with. You can also search for organizations online or consider using a volunteer match website such as www.VolunteerMatch.org.

Before you give, take the time to research each charity you are considering.

Some organizations dedicated to vetting charities include Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and Give Well. Other resources may include publications such as Forbes

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And finally, once you have found a cause that is important to you, have vetted the organization supporting that cause, and have committed to donating your time and money, stick with it. Become a vested partner in your organization and consider your donations an investment. Your efforts will become a rewarding experience to give back and contribute to your community.

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Holiday Activites A

chill is in the air and the days are getting shorter. Throughout the D.C. region, we are all gearing up for the holiday season. Bring on the sweaters, turkey, holiday movies and, of course, gatherings with friends and family to celebrate the season. The soundtrack of the parties will surely be filled with seasonal classics that we all know by heart. But as we enter this season of celebrating, I encourage us all to take a closer look at these jingles to consider what impact they may have on our communities, and whether or not the existing master policy provides coverage for our merriment.

Deck the Halls…

Lights, trees, candles, and stockings hung in the lobby with care…all possibly presenting risk for the property, residents, and staff. As you dust off the container marked “Holiday Decorations” take some time to consider the age and quality of the items. You may be hanging the lights by the chimney with care, but if the lights are frayed or damaged, you may find your local fire department, rather than old St. Nick, coming to your rescue. Those beautiful ornaments on the tree, specifically the glass ones, are they securely and safely placed on the tree? One break in a busy condo lobby can cause injury to tenants, guests, and staff.

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree…

The tree is decorated, lights are hung—now let’s party, safely! Are you planning on serving adult beverages at your community gathering? Many communities do every year, but how many engage an independent and insured, bartender to provide that service?

The additional expense of hiring out easily outweighs the potential negative outcomes.

Make sure to ask the company for their COI and be sure they know to serve responsibly and to keep an eye out for any guests who have enjoyed one too many spiked eggnogs.

And for those of you who are reading this and breathing a sigh of relief since your association’s parties are all BYOB—you are not off the hook! Regardless of where the alcohol comes from, if the party is sponsored by the association, you can be held liable.

Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer…

A light-hearted tune, allow this song to serve as a reminder that alcohol & automobiles do not mix. With so many ridesharing and carpooling options available in the region, drinking and driving should never be an issue—but sadly every holiday season brings new and tragic stories of life-chang-

ing accidents. Community members must commit to looking out for each other. You might want to consider posting thoughtful reminders in the party location or include them in the email invitations. Don’t forget— the goal of a holiday party is to celebrate the past year and look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2018.

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas…

While there are certainly risks to be considered in celebrating the holidays—be sure to celebrate. You live in a great community, work hard on boards and committees, and you and your fellow residents have earned it. If you ever have any questions, be sure to consult your insurance broker or association attorney. They would be more than happy to answer any questions and remedy the situation if there are any gaps in coverage.

So, cut the turkey, break out the ugly sweaters, tune up the piano for carols, and start on those shopping lists. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year!

NOVEMBER 2017

| 19

By Susan L. Truskey, ESQ. Susie is an attorney at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP. Her practice is devoted to the representation of condominium and community association clients throughout Virginia and the District of Columbia. She has been named a “Rising Star” by the Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute and currently co-chairs the Chapter’s Quorum Editorial Committee.

To Drink OR NOT

To Drink?

W

ith the holiday season upon us, community event planning will soon be in full swing, and many boards of directors will face the issue of whether to permit or serve alcoholic beverages at community-hosted events. Holiday parties are popular events as they can help strengthen community ties and provide an excellent opportunity for neighbors to meet one another. When it comes to alcoholic beverages, there is no doubt that the safest course for an association is to abstain from serving them. The more directly the association is involved in serving alcoholic beverages, the greater the potential liability exposure. Simply put—no alcohol, no liability. But where is the fun in that?

Despite (or in spite of) these words of caution, it is inevitable that some community associations will ignore the advice of counsel and will proceed with hosting boozy community events.

20 | Quorum­

It is important that boards understand the risks involved whenever an association serves or permits the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the common areas and to understand precautions that can be taken to ensure a successful event while limiting risk to the association and its members.

Liability and Insurance

Virginia and Maryland are non-dram shop states, meaning there is no statute that places liability on a person or entity that serves alcoholic beverages to an individual who, because of his or her alcohol consumption, causes injury to a third-party or to property. Likewise, D.C. does not have a dram shop statute either; however, the D.C. courts impose a heightened standard of care on en-

tities engaged in serving alcohol to others.

D.C. Code Section 25-781, prohibits the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to persons less than 21 years of age and to any intoxicated person or person who appears to be intoxicated.

If a community association is sued, it may ultimately avoid liability, but it may still have to endure potentially costly litigation. The association can avoid over-serving attendees by implementing responsible controls designed to limit consumption, such as imposing a two-drink limit and limiting the type of alcoholic beverages served to beer and wine.

Additionally, the hiring of professional bartenders for community events can help an association manage various aspects of alcoholic beverage service.

In addition to limiting consumption, boards should contact the association’s insurance provider to understand whether there is coverage for incidents that may occur at events hosted by the association or that take place on the common areas where alcohol is consumed. The association may be able to obtain additional coverage on the association’s commercial general liability policy for injuries or damage caused by an intoxicated person who consumed alcohol at the community’s event. If professional bartenders are hired, the association should make sure it is named as an additional insured for the event in addition to having its own coverage in place.

Licensure Requirements Next, boards should be aware that an event license may be required by their jurisdiction’s respective alcoholic beverage control board for a community event at which alcohol will be served or consumed. Licensure requirements vary depending on the type of event and type of alcoholic beverages being served at the event.

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (“ABC”) is responsible for administering the state’s ABC laws. Virginia associations are encouraged to contact the ABC to inquire about licensure requirements before each planned event. Please note that Virginia Code Section 4.1-200(10) provides that

no license will be required for private parties limited in attendance to the members of a common interest community and their guests provided the following requirements are met: (i) the alcoholic beverages are not being sold, (ii) the event is held on private property, such as the common areas regularly utilized for private parties, and (iii) such party is not open to the public.

Under the Virginia Code, Section 4.1209, associations must obtain a license from the ABC for community-sponsored events where alcohol will be sold to attendees.

In Maryland, the sale and service of alcoholic beverages is regulated by local government. Accordingly, Maryland associations are encouraged to contact their local city or county government to determine whether a license is required prior to hosting an event where alcohol will be served by the association or consumed on the common areas.

In D.C., the appropriate authority to contact prior to serving alcohol is the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (“ABRA”) to determine whether an event license is required.

Similar to the law in Virginia, a license may not be required for events hosted

by D.C. associations where: (i) alcoholic beverages are not being sold, (2) consumption occurs on private property, and (4) the event is not open to the public.

Prohibition on Underage Drinking

Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. prohibit the sale of alcohol to minors and the knowing service of alcohol to minors.

All three jurisdictions also prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors, which can prove challenging to manage at events where minors are welcome to attend. It is imperative for associations to ensure that minors do not consume alcohol at community-sponsored events regardless of who may have provided it to them.

One way associations can guard against the occurrence of underage drinking is to schedule events at times when minor children are less likely to attend, such as at night. Please note that the association should not, however, limit attendance at community-sponsored events to residents who are age 21 and older because such events could be construed to violate fair housing laws. Another way to prevent the service of alcohol to minors is to card all attendees and issue wristbands for identification.

The safest course for all community associations is not to allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages at any event hosted by the association or at any event that takes place on the common areas. By planning responsibly, complying with all state and local laws, and ensuring the right insurance coverage is in place, an association’s potential liability will be limited for injury or damage that occurs as the result of the consumption of alcohol at an association event.

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By Kara Permisohn Kara has worked in business development for Minkoff Company, Inc. since 2004. She is a past president of the Chesapeake Region Chapter of CAI (CRCCAI), has served on both WMCCAI and CRCCAI Boards of Directors, and is active on committees in both chapters.

Decorating DILIGENCE

R

egardless of your religion, faith, or traditions the holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s tends to bring plenty of decorating to homes, offices, lobbies, and more. It’s important to do your due diligence when implementing the creative ideas that you saw on Pinterest and Google! The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that there have been over 15,000 injuries related to holiday decorating activities the past couple of years. Once you devise your vision consider the following tips before you begin placing and hanging anything.

slipping falls, ensure exterior outlets are protected with dome covers, use only electrical cords meant for outdoors.)

• Use wooden or fiberglass ladders for hanging electrical décor. Metal ladders conduct electricity and can get slippery in inclement weather.

• Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children.

• Avoid smoking near flammable decorations.

• Don’t wear loose flowing clothes such as long open sleeves near stoves, fireplaces, and candles.

General Rules:

Candles:

• Devise an emergency preparedness plan for an event like a fire or power outage.

Most importantly PRACTICE THAT PLAN! (Include escape routes, a grab-n-go bag, flashlights, bottled water, nonperishable food, blankets, and more.)

• Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.

• Use non-flammable candle holders. Try placing glass trays or tin foil under the holders to catch hot wax drips. (This works well for Menorahs or candelabras.)

• Remember common sense. Survey your space before decorating and eliminate danger spots. (Indoors remove flammable materials from near fireplaces and electrical outlets; remove small parts to prevent choking hazards, consider keeping poisonous materials out of reach of kids and pets. Outdoors make a note to keep walkways and entrances clear of leaves or ice to prevent

• Keep candles away from decorations and wrapping paper. Never use them on a Christmas tree (live or faux).

22 | Quorum­

Fires: • Prior to lighting a fire remove all decorations, papers, and greenery from the area.

Check that the flue is open and the chimney is swept.

• A screen in front will help prevent sparks from flying out.

• Have a fire extinguisher nearby. (Never use water on a grease fire. Try baking soda.)

• Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. The chemicals that produce the ink patterns and glossy finishes can cause a flash fire or ignite immediately.

• Keep emergency information near the phone with building address, phone number, resident/tenant and pet names.

Even a young child can call 911 and be thorough.

Trimmings and Paper: • Use non-combustible or flame-retardant materials to decorate. Specifically, when making paper decorations.

• Keep all trimmings or hangings away from the fireplace and electrical outlets.

• Avoid using materials that are sharp or breakable, consider young kids and pets.

• Be careful of using trimmings that resemble candy or food. Someone might mistakenly try to eat them and become sick or choke.

Lights: • Indoors or outdoors only use lights that have been tested for safety. Packaging will indicate that an independent agency gives them a seal of approval.

• Check all lights for cracked or broken bulbs, bare wires, and loose connections. Throw any out that cannot be easily fixed.

• Keep strands fastened securely to protect from weather damage or tripping hazards.

• Always turn lights off when leaving the house or going to bed. They can short and start a fire. (Try using a weather-safe timer if you can’t remember.)

• Limit the number of connected strands to three standard size sets per extension cord.

• Never use electric lights on a metal tree. This can conduct electricity and someone could touch it and be electrocuted.

Holiday Trees & Shrubs: • Consider fire retardant artificial trees. There will be a label on the packaging.

• Keep live trees fresh. A dry tree is a fire hazard. (Remember a fresh tree is green, this takes regular watering. Falling needles indicate that it’s drying out.)

• Stand the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources that might cause a fire.

•

Be certain that the tree stand, bucket or other container is large enough to hold the weight of the tree.

• Likewise, place the tree in an area that’s out of the way and doesn’t block doorways.

NOVEMBER 2017

| 23

By Lee Ann Weir, CMCA, AMS Lee Ann has been in the community association industry for the past 28 years.

She is currently the general manager of Lionsgate at Woodmont Corner Condominium in Bethesda, MD. Lee Ann is active in Rockville High’s After Prom Party and Booster Club, as well as president of the Twinbrook Swimming Pool.

“We have a live tree that is decorated by the residents, and during Hanukkah, residents gather to light candles and say prayers.”

One manager explained that the staff decorates the tree and residents wrap empty boxes to place under it to complete the Norman Rockwell-like picture. They also have a table on which residents can display Menorahs.

I know of one high-rise that provides a party for the staff and their kids, complete with Santa Claus and gifts!

Holidays

Another manager claims that he climbs the tall ladder to decorate the top of a very large, live tree. Now that is a real micromanager!

in the D.C. Area

One manager describes her association as one that decorates for the winter season and does not recognize any holidays. Clear glass balls are hung from a chandelier and wreaths made of magnolia leaves are hung on the beautiful bronze doors leading into the lobby. Those who decorate take great care to make it elegant and keep it neutral.

Multifamily Communities

I

love living in the D.C. area for many reasons; I can get to museums, plays, and art galleries in minutes. There are numerous choices for the theater. The beach and mountains are only a couple hours away, and rarely does this area experience extreme weather phenomenon. (This article was written just after Irma clobbered Florida). Another reason I love this area is because of the diversity.

Because there are people from everywhere in the world, we get to experience different foods, dress in different ways, hear various languages when waiting to cross a street, and learn about different lifestyles and cultures.

What a great place this Washington D.C. metropolitan area is!

As I mentioned above, and anyone in this industry can attest to: just as the metro area is diverse, so is each multifamily community.

I have managed five different communities, and each had similarities and differences. I offered to write an article from a manager’s perspective regarding how holidays are celebrated in diverse communities. I was able to expand my five community experience with the help of Angie Apel, John Blackburn, Bill Caldwell and Carl Patton who

24 | Quorum­

add 75 years of community management to my 27!

Based on my experiences and those who responded to my questions, there are more similarities than differences among communities. I think you will agree, that regardless of which holidays are represented, or who does the decorating, the winter holiday season is one in which most employees, employers, residents, and off-site owners are happier than at any other time of year.

Below are direct quotes and general descriptions from managers. They gave me a smile: “We decorate with a holiday tree, wreaths, poinsettias, and a Menorah on the mantle.”

“Our community recognizes the winter holidays, and we expend a considerable amount on decorations and events. There is a tree trimming party, a local school’s choir comes to sing, and the Marines come to pick up toys that have been collected. We would celebrate any other holiday that residents want to recognize as long as a live sacrifice isn’t required.”

As far as I can tell, EVERYONE has a party for the residents.

These range from potluck dinners, to catered events with champagne.

All communities refer to this event as a “Holiday Party.” As a conversation starter at your next holiday party: Have you ever wondered how certain symbols came to be associated with Christmas? Why is an evergreen tree a Christmas tree? Jesus was born in a manger in the desert, right? Why is the color red associated with Christmas and blue associated with Hanukkah?

The winter holidays as we have come to call them traditionally include Christmas and Hanukkah. As I have mentioned more than once, the diverse residents of this area, bring other opportunities to celebrate love, respect, and wonderment. I hope that regardless of whether or not you celebrate any of the winter-time holidays, that you join in the well wishes and generous spirit that all of them inspire. It’s ALL GOOD as the millennials say!

By Scott Greges, CMCA, AMS Scott works at the Gates of McLean in Tysons Corner delivering unsurpassed management and lifestyle services. He has been a portfolio manager, where he specialized in small communities in the Northern Virginia and D.C. region, as well as a covenants administrator where he enforced covenants for 2,157 homes.

Winter is Coming

I

magine the following conversation in a household near you: “Honey! We got a holiday card from the association!!”

“Really, what’s does it say?”

“It says, ‘Happy holidays! During a recent visit to your home, we noticed your trash can was on the curb during a non-collection day. According to policy no. 7 sec 2’… [long pause] …It says we need to move.”

wants to receive is a covenants violation notice from their homeowners association in time for the holiday.

At the end of the calendar year during the holiday season, covenants duties alter slightly in my experience as a covenants administrator.

In larger communities with many single-family houses, the work slows due to cold and inclement weather. Snow and ice can obscure certain violations. Lower temperatures and precipitation also hinder work The holidays can be stressful enough with on violations that require paint or outside travel, family, and gift giving (or worse, for- construction. I learned of this after sending AAB_Innov_Burkhammer_HorzQtrPg_120115.pdf 5:46:30 PM getting gifts).

One of the last things anyone1 12/1/2015 fifty violations instructing residents to paint

mailbox posts. I received fifty responses that all politely said some variation of, “We are unable to paint when it’s -10 degrees.” For covenants staff during these months, perhaps it is a good time to catch up on filing or assist colleagues with their duties.

This is also the time of year when holiday lights start to go up. You may assume that covenants administrators receive lots of complaints from residents about their neighbors’ hideous lights. Perhaps I always brace for this because I’ve watched “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” too many times.

In reality, in my experience complaints about holiday decorations and lights are rare. However, I have had to send plenty of notices for lights left up too long after the holiday season. In the New Year, it’s back to the grind for a covenants administrator.

While some areas of a covenants administrator’s duties slow down in the cold months, other areas ramp up. Some condominiums require that heating systems are inspected before winter. These inspections are a wise preventative measure to protect the condo association from costly expenses caused by heating system Even though this can cause its own flurry of hectic responsibility, making sure systems are working and at less risk of causing damage is one of the more important covenants duties to get right. An unpainted mailbox isn’t going to cause all the pipes to freeze and flood ten units.

In the end, if violations of any sort must be sent, it is very important to follow your enforcement procedures, but it is also important to take into account the timing that your notices will arrive, as you will still need to complete your job after the holiday season is over. So keeping the peace and joy is important all year round.

I’ll leave you with this: “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind.

The second way is to be kind.

The third way is to be kind.”

— Fred Rogers

NOVEMBER 2017

| 25

OF OUR EMPLOYEES SAY THEY’VE FOUND A GREAT WORKPLACE.

Find out why We’ve Been Certified as a Great Place to Work®!

AUG 2017 - AUG 2018

Associa – Community Management Corporation, Legum & Norman and Select Community Services have been certified as a 2017 great workplace by the independent analysts at the Great Place to Work® Institute. We earned this credential based on the feedback of our employees which they provided through an extensive survey process.

The research also showed that: • 82% say that people care about each other at work.

• 82% say they can be themselves at work.

• 81% say that management trusts people to do a good job without watching over their shoulders.

CONTACT US TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN SHARE IN THE EXPERIENCE.

Community Management Corporation 4840 Westfields Blvd., Suite 300 Chantilly, VA 20151 703.631.7200

Legum and Norman 3130 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 200 Falls Church, VA 22042 703.600.6000

Select Community Services 4840 Westfields Blvd., Suite 160 Chantilly, VA 20151 703.631.2003

www.associaonline.com Delivering unsurpassed management and lifestyle services to communities worldwide.

26 | Quorum­

By Ruth O. Katz, ESQ. Ruth is a community associations attorney at Lerch, Early & Brewer in Bethesda, MD. She serves as the Member Services council chair and is active on both the Events and Quorum Editorial Committees. For her efforts she has been named a “Rising Star” by both Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute and Maryland Super Lawyers.

other religious affiliations. For example, if an association displays a nativity scene, it would be well-served to include an equally prominent religious symbol for Chanukah, Kwanza, etc. Also, if a challenge arises, or if someone believes their religion is being excluded, it’s important to review and consider their request, possibly with the help of legal counsel.

Homeowner Decorations

Few a e r A These y of M

e t i r o v Fa Things

s) oration day Dec i l o H t (Abou

A

nd, just like that, another year is nearing its end, which brings with it the holidays. Holiday parties, music, and of course, decorations. The burning question is whether associations should decorate their common areas or common elements for the holidays or forgo decorations entirely? While decorating brings with it a sense of community, it may also incite anger and resentment if the common area holiday display gives the impression that the community favors one holiday or religion over another. So, what should an association do?

How should an association navigate requests by homeowners for holiday displays on homeowner property? Knowing the law surrounding these issues and planning ahead can help associations avoid the holiday blues, and instead, have a joyous and stressfree holiday season.

Common Area/Element Decorations The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion. Therefore, an association should avoid favoring (or appearing to favor) one religion over another when it displays its holiday decorations. An

association may do so either by not decorating, decorating in a non-religious manner, or ensuring equal treatment of all religions if decorating in a religious manner.

Not decorating common areas and common elements may appear to be the easiest and safest route, but could also be perceived as “Scrooge-like.” Therefore, if an association makes the determination that it would like to decorate, those decorations should be carefully reviewed and monitored. An association, for example, may choose to decorate in a non-religious manner by hanging lights and displaying evergreens or pictures of snowflakes. If the association takes this approach, it’s important to be thoughtful.

For example, while some may perceive Santa Claus as neutral, others do not. While an association doesn’t need to go to an extreme, it is important to be cognizant of the decorations on display.

Alternatively, if your association determines that it does wish to decorate in a religious manner, it shouldn’t favor one religion over another and should give equal treatment to

Your association’s governing documents may prohibit holiday decorations in their entirety. If so, the association should apply the restrictions consistently one holiday decoration versus another.

If the association’s documents permit holiday decorations, your association may wish to avoid battles over decorations by having a policy in place well before the holidays.

The policy should consider the size and location of the decoration and the time frame in which it may be kept up. When drafting a policy, it’s important to be specific about these restrictions so there is no confusion.

It is also important to address the timing of when the holiday decorations may remain.

Associations should be cognizant that the time for removing decorations for some holidays may not coincide with the timing of other holidays. Therefore, instead of listing a specific date that decorations must be removed, the association’s policy might just state that decorations must be removed 10 days after the holiday. Again, these rules should be reasonable and shouldn’t favor or be restrictive of one religion over another.

By keeping non-favoritism in mind, associations can enjoy a happy Chanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas, winter solstice, festivus or holiday, or non-holiday, of their choice.

NOVEMBER 2017

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By Kewin Greenhill Kewin is the general manager for All Plumbing based out of Arlington, VA. He has been with All Plumbing for ten years and is an active business partner of the Washington Metro Chapter of CAI. He is also a member of the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC). Kewin has worked with numerous management companies and individual homeowners to resolve their plumbing needs.

DON’T RUIN THE HOLIDAY WITH

3. Vegetable peels: Occasionally putting peels in the disposal will not cause problems, but over time pipes will spit the peels up in a soupy mess like an unhappy infant.

4. Egg shells: Believe or not, the membrane on the inside of the egg can wrap around the blades and jam it. Compost or trash is the better place.

5. Coffee Grounds: Grounds appear to go down fine, but over time, grounds build up like sediment in the pipes causing backups.

P

lanning for holiday events can be exciting, but preventive plumbing maintenance—not so much. For most people, plumbing is an afterthought because you don’t see the pipes: they are behind walls, under cabinets, across ceilings, and under floors. Plumbing is ignored until a pipe leaks, backs up, or breaks. Those are fun, right?

People take time to plan elaborate dinners and parties during the holidays but leave plumbing maintenance to…no one. Who thinks of plumbing? Plumbing just works until it doesn’t. Imagine the embarrassment when a guest pulls you aside and says water and other surprises are flowing out of your sink. There is panic and chaos. What to do?

Who to call? And most importantly, will they come? The stress builds thinking about the interruption and potential costs.

Consider these preventive measures for your kitchen sink and disposal. I didn’t call it a garbage disposal because it is NOT a substitute for the trash can.

28 | Quorum­

6. Pits or seeds: Peach pits, avocado pits, cherries seeds, etc. should never be placed in the disposal. Pits and seeds will rattle around in disposal like a pinball of destruction.

Things You Should Never Put Down Your “Garbage” Disposal

1. Find a plumber: The best time to find a plumber is when you don’t NEED one.

Ask about licensing, certifications, insurance, years in business, references, pricing, if they are available for emergency service. Use them for small jobs to determine if you want to stick with them or continue searching. Making the selection before you need a plumber lessens the stress of trying to find one later.

2. Grease and oil: Just because it is down the disposal doesn’t mean it was “disposed” of. Grease and oil solidify and build up in your pipes creating a good environment for a back-up.

7. Bones: Bones are hard and will damage the disposals. Don’t—the disposal will lose the battle.

8. Anything in bulk: If it struggles to get down the disposal, it will struggle getting down the pipes and find its way back up.

9. Garbage: Did I mention it really isn’t a garbage disposal? Cigarette butts, paper towels, newspaper, etc. A disposal is not designed for garbage. Garbage goes in the trash can.

10. Rice and pasta: Pasta and rice will stick to the pipes and continue to expand every time it’s exposed to water making the passageway smaller and smaller until it won’t allow anything else down the pipe. And if it can’t go down, it will come back up.

11. Stringy veggies: Avoid putting vegetables like celery, cornhusks, or even some types of lettuce in the disposal.

The stringy parts can wrap around the blades causing resistance and damage the unit.

Partner with Associa. gling, burping, and other sounds are hints that something is wrong.

It is time to snake the line, jet the line, camera the line, replace fixtures, replace pipes, etc. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.

Calling a professional early will save you lots of time and money in the long run.

12. Avoid using Drano: This is not a plumbing industry gimmick or scheme.

Using these products every once in These tips apply to all types of homes but are a while is ok, but excessive use of the doubly important for multi-unit dwellings chemicals can corrode pipes making because what one person puts down the them likely to hold onto food trying drain can eventually impact another unit. Be to pass through. Also, when snaking proactive with preventive plumbing maintenance so you won’t have to worry later. A litthe pipe, it may be more susceptible to Ad.061317.docx G:\Adoc\TCS\MARKETING\Advertisement -2017 Quorum tle preparation before the holiday season will breaking due to chemical corrosion. put you in a much better position to avoid Remember to look for warning signs. Are the potential stress and chaos of plumbing your pipes talking to you? Rusty pipes, slow drama. Have a wonderful 2017 holiday seadrains, constant or intermittent drips, gur- son.

We work closely with each of our clients to understand their vision and each community's distinct features.

Associa Community Management Corporation and Select Community Services believes this is the key to delivering a smooth operation for our boards and a better experience for our homeowners.

CONTACT US TO LET EXPERTS HELP GUIDE YOUR COMMUNITY.

Keep Current on Legal News and Trends!

schildlaw.com

Attorneys for Community Associations in Maryland and the District of Columbia

Nicholas J. Mazzarella MBA, CMCA®, PCAM®, LSM® President 703.230.8586 www.cmc-management.com

Thomas C. Schild  Scott J. Silverman  John E. Tsikderanos (301) 251-1414

law@schildlaw.com

NOVEMBER 2017

| 29

By Steve Sullivan Steve is the director of technical services in the Mid-Atlantic region for Brightview, having worked in the horticultural field for over 36 years. He graduated with honors from Southern Illinois University with a B.S degree in plant and soil science and is a certified arborist with the National Arborist Association.

His responsibilities include all regulatory issues, horticultural and pest management training, seasonal color program, plant selection, and other field related training.

Fall Leaf Removal

T

he great deciduous forests of the east are some of the most dense and colorful on our planet. A combination of deep soils, abundant rainfall, and favorable climate all combine to make this part of the country the most beautiful region for deciduous trees; those that leaf out in the spring and then shed them all before the onset of colder weather in the winter.

The transformation in the landscape is truly amazing as these dense trees start to turn color in the fall and then drop all of their leaves as they prepare to survive the months of colder weather and snow. Fall leaf removal can be a major task for many communities due to the amount and size of the trees in the landscape. Below are recommendations on how to best remove leaves safely and efficiently.

30 | Quorum­

Tree Species and Leaf Drop: Depending upon the species of trees in your community, leaf drop can vary greatly; from as early as late October to well into December.

Some of the earliest trees are natives, such as red maples (photo) and ash, followed by sugar maples, hickory and then finally the oaks. Weather can also make a difference in when leaves drop, with a warm and wet fall delaying leaf drop while a fall that is drier and has cooler temps will allow the trees to drop their leaves faster. The age of the tree can also be a factor, with younger trees that are growing more vigorously hanging on to their leaves longer than older ones that put on less growth and tend to drop earlier.

Leaf Drop and Turfgrass: Some leaves are very dense and can damage lawns if allowed

to fall and are not cleaned up in a timely fashion. While it may be tempting to wait until all, or most of the leaves have fallen before you do a cleanup, this can stress the lawn that is trying to put out growth. While a lot of homeowners will spend the weekend raking up these leaves and placing them in bags and setting by the curb to be picked up and recycled, a vast majority of these leaves can be recycled right into the turf with your mowers. Even trees that drop a lot of leaves, such as a sugar maple (photo), can be chopped up with a recycling mower and allowed to filter through the grass and go back into the soil. Studies have shown this to be beneficial to both the grass and trees since the nutrients and organic matter is put back from where it came. If done correctly when the leaves are dry, mulching should leave your lawn looking as neat as if they were all raked up and bagged. This mimics what is happening in the forests as the leaves are allowed to decompose under the trees year-after-year and allowing the valuable nutrients to be reused each year.

Safety Considerations: Fallen leaves, especially on hard surfaces such as sidewalks and parking lots (photo), can become a safety hazard in the fall. Leaves can become slippery when they are wet, such as after rain, and can lead to slip-and-falls when allowed to accumulate. Larger leaves, such as those from maples and planetrees, tend to cause more issues than those with smaller leaves in regards to slipperiness and potential to cause a fall.

A

HIGHER LEVEL of ATTENTION

to Your Association

Leaf Removal Recommendations: When considering the timing for your fall leaf removal you need to take into consideration the overall effect the leaves will have in your community. Are the leaves covering the lawn and reducing the important fall growth that occurs with the turf? Are leaves piling up in areas that might cause a hazard for pedestrians who walk on them? Is the community planted with tree varieties that shed their leaves early or late? While it might be tempting to wait until all the leaves have fallen so you can make one cleanup late in the fall, often it is easier to do several smaller cleanups as the leaves drop to reduce some of these potential problems. Also, communities will have a spring cleanup, usually in late winter that will clean up any of the leaves that may drop late, such as some of the oaks, and leaves blown in from other areas.

“My job is to help your board balance keeping down operating costs while maintaining property values and improving quality of life for homeowners. We have a strong community presence, independent advising and full transparency. ” – Katie, Sentry Manager

4401 Ford Avenue, Suite 1150 Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 642-3246 northernvirginia.sentrymgt.com 602 S. King Street, Suite 400 Leesburg, VA 20175 (540) 751-1888 loudoun.sentrymgt.com

While our trees create a spectacular display in the fall that is unrivaled anywhere in the world, be sure to approach your community’s leaf removal process with a full understanding of all contributing factors.

Are Your Funds and Data Secure?

OUR TECHNOLOGY PROTECTS YOUR FUTURE. Your community deserves PROTECTION. As a board member, it is your responsibility to protect your association’s future by ensuring your community funds and data are secure. You need a management company dedicated to innovative security measures and the highest standards. Our built-in redundancies and infrastructure assure your funds and confidential data are accessible and safe 24/7. That’s the Legum & Norman difference. Our Team Delivers Exceptional Service Everyday.

Delivering unsurpassed management and lifestyle services to communities worldwide.

3130 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 200 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | 703.970.8864 | www.legumnorman.com

NOVEMBER 2017

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Directory and Classifieds ASPHALT PAVING

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

MANAGEMENT SERVICES (CON’T)

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

Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC 4840 Westfields Blvd., Suite 300 T: (703) 631-7200 Chantilly, VA 20151 F: (703) 631-9786 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 907 T: (301) 692-1700 Rockville, MD 20852 F: (240) 221-0443 Nick Mazzarella, mba, cmca, pcam, lsm NMazzarella@cmc-management.com

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

ATTORNEY

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

Barkan Management Company, Inc 8229 Boon Blvd., Suite 760 Tyson Corner, VA 22182 Michael Feltenberger, cmca, ams, pcam

T: (703) 388-1005 F: (703) 388-1006

Capitol Management Corporation 12011 Lee-Jackson Highway, Suite 350 T: (703) 934-5200 Fairfax, VA 22033 F: (703) 934-8808 L. Peyton Harris Jr., cmca, cpm lph@capitolmanagementcorp.net

Alliance Association Bank T: (703) 856-7463 Direct Tracy Burkhammer tburkhammer@AllianceAssociationBank.com

Cardinal Management Group 4330 Prince William Parkway, Suite 201 T: (703) 569-5797 Woodbridge, VA 22192 cardinal@cardinalmanagementgroup.com Thomas A. Mazzei, cmca, ams, pcam cardinalmanagementgroup.com

Mutual of Omaha Bank Community Association Banking/CondoCerts Noni Roan T: (301) 639-5503 Noni.Roan@mutualofomahabank.com

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

ENGINEERS

ETC Engineering and Technical Consultants Inc. Water intrusion, roofing, exteriors, windows, balconies, property studies, structural & architectural services www.etc-web.com T: (703) 450-6220 Mindy Maronic mindy@etc-web.com Falcon Engineering, Architecture + Energy Consultants 7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 325 Rockville, MD 20855 www.falconengineering.com T: (240) 328-1095 Stew Willis info@falconengineering.com JANITORIAL

Clean Advantage Corporation 4000 Pen Belt Place District Heights, MD 20747 www.cleanadv.com

32 | Quorum­

T: (800) 315-3264 F: (301) 595-3331

info@cleanadv.com

CAMP (Community Association Management Professionals) 1921 Gallows Rd., Suite 320 T: (703) 821-CAMP (2267)Tysons Corner, VA 22182 Heathergraham@gocampmgmt.com Susanblackburn@gocampmgmt.com Comsource Management, Inc. AAMC www.comsource.com 3414 Morningwood Drive T: (301) 924-7355 Olney, Maryland 20832 F: (301) 924-7340 Tony Martella, cmca, ams, pcam tmartella@comsource.com

KPA Management, AAMC 6402 Arlington Blvd., Suite 700 Falls Church, VA 22042 Offering personalized service Ed Alrutz, cpm, cmca, pcam

www.kpamgmt.com T: (703) 532-5005 F: (703) 532-5098 ealrutz@kpamgmt.com

Legum & Norman, Inc., AAMC 3130 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 200 T: (703) 600-6000 Falls Church, VA 22042 Direct: (703) 970-8811 John Rhodes jrhodes@legumnorman.com Liberty Management Corporation 5515 Cherokee Avenue, Suite 400 T: (703) 914-2100 Alexandria, VA 22312 F: (703) 914-1624 Serving VA, D.C., MD for 30 years Beth Getachew, cmca, ams Beth@LMC2100.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 www.sequoiamanagement.com Chantilly, VA 20151-2283 T: (703) 803-9641 Craig Courtney, pcam ccourtney@sequoiamgmt.com Zalco Realty Inc., AAMC, AMO 8701 Georgia Ave., Ste. 300 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Arthur Dubin,cmca, pcam, cpm Z.J. Chelec, cpm

www.zalco.com

T: (301) 495-6600

adubin@zalco.com zchelec@zalco.com

­­I NDEX TO ADVERTISERS A Alliance Association Bank...............................................................................................................25 Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC..............................................................26, 29 B Barkan Management, LLC, AAMC....................................................................................................4 C Capital Painting Co.........................................................................................................................11 Clean Advantage Corporation..........................................................................................................17 Community Advantage a Wintrust Company.....................................................................................7 PAINTING SERVICES AND RETAILERS

Capital Painting Co. 5520 Oakwood Road Alexandria, VA 22310 George Tsentas

www.capitalpainting.net T: (703) 313-0013 F: (703) 922-1826 george@capitalpainting.net

Ploutis Painting & Contracting Co., Inc. T: (703) 360-0205 8365 Richmond Hwy F: (703) 360-5439 Alexandria, VA 22309 info@ploutispainting.com Stella Ploutis www.ploutispainting.com Reston Painting & Contracting 619 Carlisle Drive Herndon, VA 20170 David Hamilton

T: (703) 904-1702 F: (703) 904-0248

dave@restonpaint.com

Williams Professional Painting 110 S. Floyd Street VA: (703) 768-8143 Alexandria, Virginia 22304 DC: (202) 751-2026 williamsprofessionalpainting.com Rick Williams Rick@williamsprofessionalpainting.com

Cowie & Mott. P.A...........................................................................................................................23 F Falcon Engineering, Architecture & Energy Consulting....................................................................36 First Coast Security.........................................................................................................................15 FirstService Residential, AAMC.........................................................................................................2 I Inspector of Elections......................................................................................................................35 L Legum & Norman, Inc., AAMC.......................................................................................................31 M Mutual of Omaha Bank...................................................................................................................13

RESERVE STUDIES

P PM+ (Specializing in Reserve Studies Since 1990) A Veteran Owned Company T: (703) 803-8436 www.pmplusreserves.com engineer@pmplusreserves.com or Ben Ginnetti, pra, rs, p.e. pmplusreserves@cox.net WINDOWS & DOORS

Windows Plus, LLC 14230 Sullyfield Circle, Suite F T: (703) 956-6172 Chantilly, VA 20151-1660 F: (703) 956-6744 Kimberly Wayland kknight@windowspls.com

Ploutis Painting & Contracting Co., Inc..............................................................................................2 R Reston Painting Company..............................................................................................................35 S Sentry Management, Inc.................................................................................................................31 T Thomas Schild Law Group, LLC......................................................................................................29 TWC Services, LLC..........................................................................................................................23 W Williams Professional Painting.........................................................................................................17 Windows Plus, LLC.........................................................................................................................10 Z Zalco Realty, Inc., AAMC................................................................................................................21

NOVEMBER 2017

| 33

CUL-DE-SAC

By Jaime Barnhart, CMP Jaime is the Chapter’s executive director and is responsible for imple¬menting the organization’s mission and goals, and managing its staff. She has worked in non-profits/associations in the D.C. Metro area for over 12 years fo¬cusing on program management, events, and trade shows, and marketing.

She joined WMCCAI as the events manager in 2015.

Finding Joy “Those”Houses

WHEN THERE IS ONE OF

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

T

he holiday season is my favorite time of year—hot chocolate in big mugs, watching the snow fall, family gathering together to celebrate, and of course, the lights! My family has a tradition— each December 23, we pile in the car with bags of popcorn, hot chocolate in travel mugs, and kids wearing coordinated holiday pajamas. We drive all over the area looking for the most extravagant light displays possible. It takes us hours to cover our route and is one of the highlights of our holiday week.

I grew up in a community with one of “those” houses—the Tacky Lights House; the house covered in more lights than you thought possible; the house that lit up the sky around it; the house with a line of cars driving slowly by for weeks during Decem-

34 | Quorum­

ber. You can see the glow of the lights as you turn the corner. In fact, I was (and still am!) friends with the owners. Every year, we make that house our last stop of the holiday tour – it’s always the favorite of course! The time and planning it takes to hang all those lights is incredible; building begins in October and the first days of December bring the inaugural lighting each year.

As we drive around, I see other families doing very similar things to us— cruising the area looking at houses lit up for the holiday. And now, as the Executive Director of WMCCAI, I have a new perspective on this activity—while it’s fun for my family, how must the community feel about all the traffic every night for weeks? Here are my best tips to enjoy the lights while respecting the communities you are visiting:

• Plan out your route. There are so many decorated houses and communities in our area; planning your drive will ensure you experience as many as possible in an orderly and efficient style. My favorite website to use for route planning is Holly’s Tacky Christmas Lights (www.fairfaxchristmaslights.com). Route suggestions for Northern Virginia and Maryland, photos of displays, and schedules of commercial light shows are all featured on this site.

• Pay attention to signage near the light display and in the community. Some of the houses with the most intricate displays also post signage, often reading “Stay off the yard” or “Do not block the driveway.”

Respect these instructions as the homeowner is trying to find a balance between celebration, display, safety and the ability to come and go to his own home.

• Remember, people live there. Don’t park in reserved spots while enjoying the light show. Avoid blocking driveways or the road; simply pull to the curb. When leaving, go to the next street to turn around instead of pulling into neighbors’ driveways.

There is an opportunity in these light spectacles. One neighborhood in Sterling sticks out in my mind—the entire street gets in on the action. Each house picks a theme and decorates their house and yard. Some more extravagant than others but everyone has something to contribute to the overall street look. Each house places a donation box on their curb, collecting canned goods from visitors to donate to their local food pantry.

Easy and impactful community activity!

Another house near me goes a different route—instead of the “tacky” look, the house is draped in white lights for an elegant holiday display. It is simple and gorgeous, even if that simplicity adds up to more than 200,000 lights. The sign on their lawn shows a link to donate to a children’s charity. Neighbors add to the fun— and fundraising—with a hot chocolate stand. For a few dollars, we refill our kid’s travel mugs, and the charity gets an extra donation.

So this year, ENJOY the lights. RESPECT the neighbors. And use the opportunity of the holidays to create a tradition of celebration and neighborly fun!

Online Voting Solutions specially designed for Community Associations Request a Quote Today: www.theinspectorsofelection.com Or Call: 888-211-5332

NOVEMBER 2017

| 35

CHAPTER BENEFACTORS

C

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

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID WASHINGTON, DC # 3070

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

ACCURATE, REALISTIC FUNDING PLANS OVER 2,000 RESERVE ANALYSES PERFORMED

The Falcon Group prides itself on having a strong, talented team of five (5) licensed Reserve Specialists (RS). Since 1997, we have provided over 2,000 Reserve Studies to communities and building owners.

We want to be your partner for success to protect your assets through an accurate, pro-active and realistic reserve funding plan and with your next capital planning & improvement project. Contact us today for more information.

info@falconengineering.com www.falconengineering.com 908-595-0050

WASHINGTON D.C. METRO 7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 325 Rockville, MD 20855