The Chantilly Highlander Your Community Newsletter Serving Chantilly Highlands V i s i t u s on t h e N E W LY r e d e s i g ne d w e b s i t e a t www.c hha . or g
March 2009 Traffic Calming Update Following the community’s approval of three speed humps and two raised crosswalks throughout the streets of Cobra and Kinross, the county has been working with the Virginia Department of Transportation on a plan for the installation of the devices. Per Michael Coyle of Supervisor Frey’s office, “The Board of Supervisors approved the traffic calming measures for Cobra Drive and Kinross Circle, and a letter from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) was sent to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on January 13th requesting installation of the approved measures as soon as possible.” VDOT does not install any type of traffic calming device in the winter months. The Chantilly Highlands traffic calming task force is awaiting further information from the county as to a timeline for installation. Questions can be directed to CHHAtrafficcalming@chha.org. Residents of Chantilly Highlands will continue to be informed of this matter through future newsletter articles and website postings. The June-December 2008, and January 2009 issues of The Chantilly Highlander contained important information regarding this project. If you missed these articles, previous newsletters can be found on the Chantilly Highlands website at www.chha.org.
2009 CHHA Annual Dues will be $234.50, with a $25 fee assessed if postmarked after March 31, 2009 Dues invoices were mailed in February. If you have not received your invoice by March 5th, contact Treasurer Michelle Doucette at chhatreasurer@chha.org. Tenants should make sure that any invoices are forwarded to the property owner. All homeowners are responsible for paying their annual dues regardless if there is a delay or problem with the mail service.
Neighborhood Stream Cleanup By Janice Zhuang
Rushing between countless trees and underneath a busy road is a creek, the life source of Horsepen Run Stream Valley Park. Snaking behind the Chantilly Highlands neighborhood, the creek serves as a water source for the woodland animals living in the park. Grandparents, children, and dog walkers have enjoyed the chirping birds and cool shade on summer walks along the bike path running almost parallel to the creek. This creek is sadly also a trashcan for Styrofoam cups, plastic grocery bags, aluminum cans, and plastic bags which are either dumped into the water or washed into the creek from the roads. This trash is not only unsightly, but also a hazard to the animals that make this area their home. Removing trash from local creeks is one of the goals in the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Trash Free Potomac Initiative. Every year volunteers from the foundation organize a clean up on the Potomac River and encourage others to clean up streams and creeks. This year, I volunteered to organize a cleanup of the creek behind Chantilly Highlands on Saturday, April 23rd from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. We will cover about a .25 mile radius area which will require moving through the woods or the creek itself. If you would like to volunteer to help clean up the creek or want more details please contact Janice Zhuang via email at janice_z5@yahoo.com or by phone (703) 4789625. Gloves, trash bags, and water bottles are provided.
In This Issue: Traffic Calming Update Annual Dues Notice Neighborhood Stream Cleanup Project Board Minutes Community Events Coordinator Needed New CHHA Email Addresses CHHA Poetry Contest Community Calendar Classified Ads Board & Committee Contacts
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The Chantilly Highlander
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Chantilly Highlands Homes Association Board Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 5, 2009 Submitted by Mike Laverdure
Minutes are tentative and will be reviewed and approved at the upcoming Board of Directors’ meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 P.M. on Thursday, February 5, 2009. Four members of the Board were present (Paul Thurneysen, Brian Keagy, Greg Zilberfarb and Mike Laverdure). Absent a quorum, no votes on any subjects were taken.
The CHHA Dues form is in the process of being updated and should be available in the next few weeks. Members agreed that the announcement sign in front of the community center should be updated to indicate when dues are due. The Board members discussed the possible need for repair or replacement of pool chairs for the upcoming season. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
No residents of the community were in attendance. There was general discussion regarding the 2009 Annual Dues increase of 1.1% ($2.50) as announced in The Chantilly Highlander, February 2009. In accordance with governing by-Law, dues could have been raised up to 5%, or approximately $10.00.
Get Paid in Smiles!
Installation of traffic calming devices (previously approved by the community) is believed to still be on track with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDoT).
Make a whole lot of kids happy and volunteer to be our new Community Events coordinator! Outgoing Board member Wendy Hunt has been serving our community in this position for the past few years, and it is time for someone new to take over. Partner up with a friend, or make some new friends while coordinating the events!
This spring will see various improvements around the community center as a result of a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Project recently approved by the Board.
Our annual Egg Hunt is scheduled shortly, but with no one to coordinate the efforts it just won’t happen for our children.
CHHA is seeking a Community Activities Chairperson to organize and run various community events throughout the year. If you are interested in learning more about this terrific opportunity to get involved in your community, please contact Paul Thurneysen for more information.
Contact one of our board members directly, or email the board at chhaboard@chha.org to see what is involved or to take on the position. You’ll be glad you did it (and so will the children)!
Fairfax County continues to pursue legal action relative to a house in poor repair. The Chantilly Highlands Homes Association (CHHA) is also pursuing legal action regarding this property with respect to violations of Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Guidelines and Standards.
Board members discussed a recent robbery at BB&T as well as previous robberies at the Sunoco station (both located at the Franklin Farm Shopping Plaza). Members of the Board have received some letters from concerned residents suggesting the Board contact these businesses to express community concern. Those present at the meeting indicated that this might be something more appropriately handled by the Neighborhood Watch Committee and will be referred to them for consideration.
March 2009
CHHA Emails to Change Due to the ever increasing amount of spam that the CHHA is receiving we are changing our email addresses on all officers’ emails as well as our CHHA mailing lists.
Beginning March 1, all email addresses will receive a “CHHA” preface. For example, will become example@chha.org CHHAExample@chha.org. Additionally, when the mailing list emails are changed over each member will receive a welcome email that will allow you to update or remove your subscription to that mailing list. If you have any questions please feel free to email your volunteer webmaster Greg Zilberfarb at CHHAWebmaster@chha.org.
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Storm Drain Systems in Fairfax Storm drains in Fairfax County remove water from the roads, taking it straight to our creeks and rivers. Anything on the ground, streets, and lawn can end up there, too. For those of us who grew up elsewhere, some older sewer systems combine used water from houses with storm water. During heavy storms, wastewater in these systems often overwhelm the treatment plants, allowing untreated water to overflow into waterways. Washington and Boston have older systems such as this. Fairfax County, however, has a two-drain system: one for untreated storm water that feeds into local streams; and one separate system for indoor wastewater that is treated before being released into larger bodies of water, such as the Potomac River. The two-drain system was put into place in the 1900s when people saw that dumping raw sewage into waterways was killing plant and animal life and causing illness. This is why it is important to carefully consider the type and amount of lawn treatments we apply, and to make sure not to dump chemicals or other waste on our streets or down the storm drains. More information on water stewardship can be found at the Fairfax County website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
Publishing of the CHHA Directory has been delayed until after annual dues are collected in March 2009 in order to have the most current information in the directory. Advertising will continue to be accepted until then. Email us at CHHAnewsletter@chha.org for advertising rates, or go to the November newsletter at www.chha.org/ newsletter/nl200811.pdf for details.
The Chantilly Highlander
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CHHA Poetry Contest Once again, the Homeowners' Association is sponsoring a contest to select our Poet Laureate. The winner will be announced in the April edition of the Highlander. Entrants must be residents of Chantilly Highlands and can be of any age. If an entrant is under age 18, we will ask a parent's or guardian's permission before awarding the laurels. It is very easy to enter! Send up to three poems to Poet Laureate Selection, c/o David Howlett, 13153 Ladybank Lane, Oak Hill, VA 20171, by March 31, 2009. To paraphrase W.B. Yeats, "Chantilly Highlands poets, practice your craft!"
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Daylight Savings Time Begins-set clocks forward 1 hour and change smoke detector batteries
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The Chantilly Highlander Page 5
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FY 2010 Budget Timeline Announced As the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors continue with the difficult process of making cuts to balance the budget, they have announced dates for various meetings and hearings. Fairfax County Executive Anthony Griffin’s presentation of his proposed fiscal plan for FY 2010 to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in late February will air again on Channel 16 on Friday, March 6, at 9 p.m. In addition, it will be available throughout the month of March as video-on-demand on the county’s Web site at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cable/ channel16/vod.htm. Budget committee meetings are scheduled for Monday, March 16, at 2 p.m.; Monday, March 23, at 1:30 p.m.; and Friday, April 17, at 2 p.m. in the Government Center, Conference Rooms 9 and 10. Public hearings on the FY 2010 fiscal plan have
been set for Monday, March 30, at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, March 31, at 3 p.m.; and Wednesday, April 1, at 3 p.m. Those wishing to speak at any of the public hearings should contact the Office of the Clerk to the Board at (703) 324-3151, TTY (703) 324-3903, to place their name on the speakers list or sign up online at https:// www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/ speaker_bos.htm. The Board of Supervisors has scheduled the budget markup session for Monday, April 20, at 10 a.m. The formal adoption of the budget is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 27, at 10 a.m. during the regularly scheduled board meeting. All of the board’s public hearings will be held in the Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center and will be televised live on Fairfax County Government Channel 16.
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Chantilly Highlands
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2009 Seedling Sale This Sale is for the Birds! The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is holding its annual seedling sale for 2009. All tree and shrub seedlings in the package are native to Northern Virginia, and the varieties were chosen to provide food for our feathered friends. Each package is $17.95 and includes two of each of the following bare-root seedlings: Washington hawthorn, Silky dogwood, Willow oak, Persimmon, American hazelnut, and Elderberry. These plants are sure to bring song birds to your backyard! For more information, please contact Nick Kokales by phone at (703) 3241420, by e-mail at nicholas.kokales@fairfaxcounty.gov, Download an order form at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/ seedlingsale.htm.
10 Bag Minimum $4.60 per bag DOUBLE SHREDDED HARDWOOD MULCH
3 cu/ft Bags Orders in increments of 5 only
FREE DELIVERY Will be delivered and stacked in your driveway Delivery available Saturday, March 21, 2009
TO ORDER: Mail Form and Check (Payable to Troop 811) To: Ken Rich 13624 Old Dairy Road Herndon, VA 20171 Questions Call: Ken Rich (703) 435-3034 or email at krich1@cox.net Cut here ————————————————————— NAME:__________________________________________ PHONE:_________________________________________ ADDRESS:-______________________________________ _________________________________________________
# of Bags: ______
Amount Enclosed:
_________
“Thank you for supporting your community Scouts”
The Chantilly Highlander Page 9
Page March9 2009
Traffic Rules During Power Outages Traffic signals are designed it take the guesswork out of negotiating difficult or busy intersections. If drivers understand and abide by the rules, the roads can be relatively safe. When there is a power outage or disruption, however, traffic lights may not be operable. When this occurs: ◊
Treat each traffic light as a four-way stop, with the driver on the right having the right-of-way.
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Proceed with caution only when traffic permits.
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Enter intersections or highways only when it is safe to do so, using turn signals to let others know of your intentions.
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Use extreme caution in school zones.
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Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
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Obey police officers directing traffic within the intersection.
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Unless you are reporting an emergency Do Not Call 9-1-1 during a power outage.
Spring is Just Around the Corner Just about now we start to look forward to the arrival of spring and may be too anxious to get started on lawn and garden chores. While some tasks are premature at this time, there are duties to take care of when you are motivated. Make sure that you don’t overdue it and injure yourself. Some of these activities are great to do together with the kids. •
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Virginia Code 46.2-833(b) states: “If the traffic lights controlling an intersection are out of service because of a power failure, or other event that prevents the giving of signals by the traffic lights, the drivers of vehicles approaching such an intersection shall proceed as though such intersection were controlled by a stop sign on all approaches.” The provisions for the above code do not apply when intersections are controlled by: portable stop signs; police officers or other authorized persons directing traffic; traffic lights displaying flashing red or flashing amber lights. Violators can be fined up to $350.
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Tune up and clean your mower. If you didn’t do this in the fall after your last mowing, do it now. This includes changing or sharpening the blade, cleaning and tuning up the motor, changing filters, tightening loose screws, and other needed maintenance. You can do this yourself with the guidance of your mower’s manual, or you can take it in to a shop for their services. Set the mower blades high for the first cutting, and gradually reduce height with each mow. Test lawn samples for pH levels and apply lime if recommended. Rake up bare lawn spots to expose the soil for reseeding. Apply pre-emergents to keep crabgrass and other weeds out of your yard this year. Dethatch, edge, and weed as needed. Clip back established ground covers to encourage dense growth. Start seeds indoors for summer annuals and vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, impatiens, zinnias, etc.
Information can be obtained from local garden centers, as well as the Virginia Cooperative Extension at www.ext.vt.edu/resources, and The Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association at www.fairfaxmastergardeners.org. Other websites include gardeningtips.org, www.merrifieldgardencenter.com, and www.hgtv.com/landscaping. Merrifield Gardens also has a weekly television program, "Merrifield's Gardening Advisor," which airs every Saturday at 8 am on NEWSCHANNEL 8. This interesting and informative program provides you with great gardening ideas and answers your call-in questions.
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Know the Signs of Stroke According to the American Stroke Foundation, stroke is the number one cause of adult disability and the third leading cause of death in the US. People over age 55, males, and African-Americans have a higher risk of stroke, although it can affect people of all ages, genders, and races. Factors that may increase your risk include obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. While there are treatments to diminish the effects of a stroke, there is a limited three-hour window when this drug can be administered, so you need to call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is having a stroke. Expect the person to protest—denial is common. Don’t take “no” for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action. Take note of the time the first symptoms were noticed—you’ll be asked this important question later.
Simple Stroke Test Smile-is their smile symmetrical or is one side drooping. Raise both arms-can they hold both arms up or is one arm weaker. Repeat a sentence-such as, “The sky is blue.” Can they form the words. Not all warning signs occur in every stroke. Don’t ignore the signs, even if they go away.
Five warning signs of stroke: ♥
Slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying.
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Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body—can be the arm, hand, leg, face, or body.
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Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
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Severe and sudden headache.
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Loss of balance, dizziness, unstable walk, tripping or falling.
More information can be found at the American Stroke Foundation at www.americanstroke.org or at the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.
The Chantilly Highlander
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MSC, LLC Residential and commercial cleaning has been servicing the Washington metropolitan area for 20 years offering competitive rates and great references. Free estimate, (703)723-3850, www.mariasstarcleaning.com.
GOT JUNK? 123JUNK hauls virtually everything: furniture to garage clutter, appliances to yard debris. We’ll even donate items in good condition! Call 703-400-7645 for a free estimate. A&S Home Improvement-Remodeling Bath/Kitchen, Ceramic floor/wall tile/Painting/Drywall/Electrical/ Plumbing/Ceiling fans/raises light/more. Lic., Honest, Exp. Free estimates. (703)860-4734; cell (703) 944-3135.
KidWorks Babysitter/Pet sitter - Need a responsible babysitter or pet sitter? Call Katie at 703-471-8654. Certified babysitting program completed. Pet Care-12th grader willing to take care of your pets anytime. Experienced, responsible, and dependable. References available. Call Jennifer at (703) 787-9323.
March 2009
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COMMITTEE INFO Board of Directors meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 PM at the Community Center. Meetings are open, and all residents are welcome and encouraged to participate. To include a specific item on the agenda, please contact the Board President. Architectural Control Committee (ACC) meets monthly at the Community Center. Contact any ACC member or appropriate Board member if you have ACC questions or concerns. Chantilly Highlander newsletter welcomes your articles and community photos of specific events. Advertising questions and other information may be emailed to CHHANewsletter@chha.org or mailed to the Editor at P.O. Box 710238, Oak Hill, VA, 20171. Community Activities Committee identifies and schedules events for the participation of Chantilly Highlands families. The committee meets as events are scheduled, and chairpersons vary throughout the year. If you are interested in leading an event or have ideas for a community activity, please contact a Board member. Community Facilities Committee (ComFac) meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 PM at the Community Center. Issues pertaining to our swimming pool, tennis courts, playground, Community Center and its grounds are managed by the Community Facilities Committee. If you would like to become involved in this committee, contact Jeff Boehlert at 703-435-2836. Land Management Committee handles all issues that involve the common areas of our community: primarily lawn care and snow removal. Meetings are held as needed. You may contact Paul Thurneysen at 703-318-1468 with questions and if you are able to help on the Land Management Committee.
The Chantilly Highlander is a monthly publication which informs the community of our accomplishments, upcoming events, committee meeting highlights and decisions, and provides a forum for you and your family to communicate items of interest to your neighbors! Articles are reviewed and published at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Published advertisement is accepted, however it is not considered an endorsement by the Board. Electronic submissions are encouraged via email; however, please also provide a “camera ready” printed copy for comparison if there are graphics or fonts (print styles) that must be maintained. Email address: CHHAnewsletter@chha.org (Include ‘Chantilly Highlander’ in the subject line so it is not deleted as spam) Mailing address: CHHA, c/o The Chantilly Highlander, P.O. Box 710238, Oak Hill, VA 20171 Please submit articles, advertising (with payment), and photos so they are RECEIVED by the 12th of each month for consideration in the next month’s issue: be sure to allow sufficient time for mail processing. Any non-profit notices will be included only if space allows—for guaranteed placement it must be paid advertising. Classified & KidWorks ad wording should be no more than 30 words, or will be subject to editing.
Advertising Rates:
KidWorks (Under 18 yrs) Classified Ad Business Card 3½”W x 2”H Quarter Page 3¼”W x 4½”H
Resident $ 3.00 $ 15.00 $ 30.00 $ 55.00
Non-Resident $ 10.00 $ 20.00 $ 50.00 $ 70.00
CUT OUT AND HANG BY YOUR PHONE FOR HANDY REFERENCE! When calling board or committee members, please be mindful that they are volunteers, with jobs and families, making sacrifices to serve our community. Try to contact the appropriate liaison or committee chair for the best response to a concern/question.
Chantilly Highlands Committees Carla Abbud 703-925-0949 Cindy DiPalma 703-471-1874 Brian Keagy 703-909-7698 Michelle Doucette See to the right Jeffrey Parnes Civic Affairs 703-904-0131 Community Ctr Rental Answering Machine 703-435-0736 OPEN Community Events OPEN Community Facilities Jeffrey Boehlert 703-435-2836 CHHAdatabase@chha.org Database Administrator Greg Zilberfarb OPEN Garden Club OPEN Paul Thurneysen Land Management 703-318-1468 Imrana Umar Neighborhood Watch 703-471-4923 (see Comm Facilities) 703-435-2081 Pool House Phone Lori Manik Resale Packages 703-796-1061 Karin Johnston Swim Team Chair 703-437-5452 Steve Edwards Tennis Courts 703-742-3353 Greg Zilberfarb Webmaster 703-779-4890 Greg Zilberfarb CHHAwebpostings@chha.org Web Posting
Architectural Control (ACC)
2009 CHHA Board of Directors PRESIDENT Paul Thurneysen 703-318-1468 VICE PRESIDENT David Howlett 703-689-9840 TREASURER Michelle Doucette chhatreasurer@chha.org SECRETARY Mike Laverdure 703-481-4551 mlaverdure@verizon.net COMMUNITY FACILITIES Larry Miller 703-707-0891 LONG RANGE PLANNING Mike Laverdure 703-481-4551 mlaverdure@verizon.net ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL David Howlett 703-689-9840 NEWSLETTER, DATABASE & WEBSITE Greg Zilberfarb 703-779-4890 NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Imrana Umar 703-471-4923 COMMUNITY EVENTS LAND MGMT & CIVIC AFFAIRS
Paul Thurneysen 703-318-1468 BOARD MEMBER Brian Keagy 703-909-7698
Chantilly Highlands Homes Association P.O. Box 710238 Oak Hill, VA 20171
POSTMASTER PLEASE DELIVER BY THE 1ST OF THE MONTH