Stratford Manor

Thursday, July 9, 2026

"NEWS YOU CAN USE" - July 2026 Newsletter

“News You Can Use”

Stratford Manor Association’s

Newsletter

(July 2026)

HELLO JULY! HAPPY 250^TH BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! What a special month to celebrate! On July 4^th, 2026, America marks 250 years of independence. With one sheet of parchment and 56 signatures, the American Revolution began one of the greatest political journeys in history. July also brings the height of summer, with warm weather, vacations, and outdoor fun. Its birthstone is the ruby, symbolizing passion and energy, and its birth flowers are the larkspur and water lily. “Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” Benjamin Franklin

#####

SAVE THE DATE: Join us for our next adventure, a “Meet & Greet,” on Saturday, July 11^th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Schooners Restaurant. New residents are warmly invited to meet neighbors, board members, and perhaps a few future friends. Longtime neighbors are also encouraged to come welcome our newest residents. If you have new neighbors nearby, please share a copy of this newsletter so they have the opportunity to join us. For more information, contact Barb Lucas at barbwlucas@yahoo.com or 757-880-1627. Hope to see you there! Note: Bookish Bites (Book Swap) will meet again in August; the date and time will be announced in the August newsletter. (Contributed by Barb Lucas, Welcoming Committee Chairperson)

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Please remember to lock your vehicles, even for quick stops. Locked doors help protect your belongings and discourage theft, especially when valuables are visible. Also, keep your front and back porch lights on to improve neighborhood visibility. If you notice anything suspicious, please contact the police.

UPCOMING: At the last board meeting, the board approved Parking Lot Maintenance to repave Wellesley Drive. Because of budget constraints, the parking spaces will not be repaved since they remain in good condition. Parking Lot Maintenance, which recently repaved the Hidenwood Shopping Center parking lot, is expected to complete the work in July.

Summertime Clean Up: Due to scheduling issues, Abbitt Management expects to complete home inspections this month. Now is a great time to freshen up your property by cleaning gutters, weeding and mulching flower beds, removing trash and debris from the rear fence area, checking that fences and gates are in good condition, and ensuring attic vents are properly maintained. The HOA thanks everyone for helping keep our homes well cared for. Together, we can continue making Stratford Manor a beautiful place to live.

GOOD TO KNOW!

All exterior structural work must be pre-approved. All owners must gain approval prior to making exterior structural, color, or other decorative changes in appearance. No owner has the authority to authorize any exterior work to be done in Stratford Manor without prior approval of the Architectural Committee. An architectural request can be found on the Stratford Manor Blogspot. All architectural requests must be submitted to Abbitt Management Company. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

#####

Dealing with mosquitoes? Reduce breeding areas and help limit mosquito-borne viruses by following these tips:

· Keep gutters, downspouts, and downspout pads properly installed and working.

· Empty standing water from buckets, flowerpots, bird baths, and other open containers.

· Fill low areas outdoors where water may collect.

· Use an outdoor mosquito repellent in your yard.

· Plant citronella, lemongrass, or marigolds near patio seating to help deter mosquitoes naturally.

· Use a mosquito deterrent, such as Mosquito Dunks, in bird baths. A few copper pennies may also help keep the water cleaner longer.

· Set up oscillating outdoor fans, mosquitos are weak flyers and the breeze will help keep them at bay.

######

Summertime Hints and Suggestions – Make outdoor living more enjoyable by focusing on sun protection, pest control, and comfortable entertaining.

Sun and Heat Safety – Apply sunscreen correctly and choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Stay hydrated.

Master Shade – Use overhead umbrellas along with vertical shade, such as angled planters or breezy trellis curtains, to block morning and evening sun.

Ground Heat – Place a light-colored outdoor rug on stone or concrete to reduce heat absorption and radiation.

Entertaining and Dining – Pull your seating slightly away from exterior walls, as these surfaces absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night. Avoid sweating over a hot grill by offering customizable stations (like a hot dog bar) or pre-prepped ready-to-eat salads. Keep food chilled to prevent spoilage

#####

DON’T BE A GARBAGE CAN’T … BE A GARBAGE CAN! The HOA has received numerous complaints about garbage cans sitting out and not promptly removed. Please follow these community trash guidelines:

- Do not keep trash, rubbish, garbage, or debris on front porches. Store trash bins behind your home, or on the side if you live in an end unit. DO NOT STORE THEM IN YOUR FRONT YARD!

- Do not allow trash, garbage, or debris to build up in your backyard.

- Do not allow trash, garbage, or debris to accumulate in common areas or make them unsightly, offensive, or harmful to other property.

- Place trash receptacles and recycling bins out the evening before the scheduled pickup day and bring them in the evening of collection or the following morning.

- Bulk trash is collected on the same day as recycling and should be placed out no earlier than the weekend before the scheduled pickup day.

- Trash receptacles and recycling bins must be marked with the appropriate house number.

TRASH PICK UP DATES: July 7, July 14, July 21, and July 28.

#####

SMA Board for 2026

Doug Marmon, President

Email: President.StratfordManor@gmail.com

Ryan Hatter, Vice President

Email: Murphysdad12@gmail.com

Fran (Dobby) Hodges, Secretary

Email: Secretary.StratfordManor@gmail.com

Bob Lucas, Treasurer

Email: lucasb@att.net

Sara Hanson

Email: smhanson64@gmail.com

Association’s Website:

stratfordmanornn.blogspot.com

Contact the Board via their email:

board@stratfordmanor.net

or through Abbitt.

Property Management:

Abbitt Management

Ms. Tricia Wells, Manager

Mr. Zachery Wise, Assistant

Email: associations@abbitt.com

757-874-4900

Board Meeting Dates:

August 12, 2026, October 14, 2026, and

December 9, 2026

All board meetings will be held at Abbitt Management and will start at 5:30 p.m.

Annual Meeting:

November 18, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Abbitt Management Company

"NEWS YOU CAN USE - JUNE 2026 NEWSLETTER

“News You Can Use”

Stratford Manor Association’s

Newsletter

(June 2026)

HELLO JUNE! The month of June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage, making it a traditional time for weddings and new life. It is also known for many things, including Pride Month, the start of summer, the end of school for many students, and the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It also features important holidays like Father’s Day and Juneteenth. In addition to these, June is also marked by various awareness months and celebrations like National Safety Month, Men’s Health Month, and African American Music Appreciation Month. The birth flowers of June are roses or honeysuckle. And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.” John Keats

#####

A SPECIAL THANK YOU GOES TO: A special thank you goes to our HOA President, Doug Marmon, who takes time his time to store, maintain, and put up the American flags on the three entrance signs. These flags will be flying from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The flags gently swaying in the wind is a welcome sight as you enter our community and it reminds us of its significance as a symbol of freedom, unity, and national pride.

#####

Bookish Bites: Bookish Bites” is a new social event that will be held on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month. On June 9th, they will be meeting at “Sage Kitchen” at Anderson’s Garden Center at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and a book swap. Everyone is responsible for their own meals. Bring a book or two to “swap”. Come and grab a book, have a bite to eat, and enjoy the fellowship. If you have any questions, contact Barb Lucas at barbwlucas@yahoo.com or 757-880-1627. Hope to see you there!

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Please ensure that you lock your cars. Locking your car doors is a crucial step in vehicle security. Even briefly leaving your car, like for a quick shop, requires locking. Locking your car prevents thieves from easily accessing and stealing items left in plain sight. Remember, if you see anything suspicious, please call the police.

Summertime Clean Up: With summer approaching, it’s a good time to spruce up your home. Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Gutters need cleaning front and rear. By keeping the gutters free of debris helps to prevent any roof damage from happening.

2. Weeding and mulching flower beds and trim shrubs.

3. Ensure trash and debris is removed from behind fence in rear of properties.

4. Repair / replace house numbers. House numbers need to be visible so that emergency assistance can readily see it as needed.

5. Do not use your front yard as storage for items. Ensure that your front yard is neat and pretty as that is what visitors see when they come into our community.

6. Please ensure that your back fence and gate are in good condition.

7. House shutters are fading. The color of home does not match trim board and porch. (See article below).

8. Repair any broken windows and window trims.

9. Repair/replace broken mullions in windows. All windows MUST HAVE mullions in them.

10. Ensure attic vents are in good condition to prevent unwanted “critters” from coming into your attic.

11. Remove all “old” seasonal décor. Time to put away the Christmas décor.

12. Plant pretty flowers for the summer.

13. Keep your back patio clear of debris that can attract mosquitoes. If you have pets, remove pet waste promptly so outdoor gatherings stay pleasant for everyone.

As always, the HOA thanks everyone in the community for helping keep our homes well maintained. Together, we can continue making Stratford Manor a beautiful place to live.

GOOD TO KNOW!

All exterior structural work must be pre-approved. All owners must gain approval prior to making exterior structural, color, or other decorative change in appearance. No owner has the authority to authorize any exterior work to be done in Stratford Manor without prior approval of the Architectural Committee. An architectural request for can be found on the Stratford Manor Blogspot and a copy is attached for your use. All architectural requests must be submitted to Abbitt Management Company. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

#####

Painting Your Home? There are certain requirements for matching colors of two or more elements of your exterior. They are:

1. Front door paint color and the color of your shutters must match

2. Porch color (rails, posts and brow) must match the trim of the house. The trim is the top trim board just under the roof and trim board on the side of the roof (also known as a rake board).

3. If your unit has a bay window, it too must match the trim.

4. The trim color of your unit cannot be changed.

Each unit within Stratford Manor has authorized, approved colors. There is an assigned color for your door and shutters, another for your porch, trim and bay window, and a third one for your siding (if your home has siding). The assigned colors are available on the Stratford Manor Blogspot.

#####

PARKING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY:

Please be mindful to allow guests to use your parking space as needed. If additional spaces are needed, be neighborly and talk with your neighbors to use a vacant space. There are two visitor spots within the community. There is public parking on Kenilworth.

TRASH PICK UP DATES:

June 2, (Bulk), June 9, June 16, (Bulk), June 23, and June 30 (Bulk).

Remember to leave 3 feet between cans for easy pickup. Per city guidelines, all can lids must remain closed. Please do not place bulk items on the medians, as they damage the grass. Styrofoam does not go in the recycle bin; please place it in your garbage bin. Thank you!

SMA Board for 2026

Doug Marmon, President

Email: President.StratfordManor@gmail.com

Ryan Hatter, Vice President

Email: Murphysdad12@gmail.com

Fran (Dobby) Hodges, Secretary

Email: Secretary.StratfordManor@gmail.com

Bob Lucas, Treasurer

Email: lucasb@att.net

Sara Hanson

Email: smhanson64@gmail.com

Association’s Website:

stratfordmanornn.blogspot.com

Contact the Board via their NEW email:

board@stratfordmanor.net

or through Abbitt.

Property Management:

Abbitt Management

Ms. Tricia Wells, Manager

Mr. Zachery Wise, Assistant

Email: associations@abbitt.com

757-874-4900

Board Meeting Dates:

June 10, 2026, August 12, 2026, October 14, 2026, and December 9, 2026

All board meeting will be held at Abbitt Management and will start at 5:30 p.m.

Annual Meeting:

November 18, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Abbitt Management Company

"NEWS YOU CAN USE - May 2026 Newsletter

“News You Can Use”

Stratford Manor Association’s

Newsletter

(May 2026)

HELLO MAY! May is recognized as the bridge between spring and summer, characterized by warm weather, blooming gardens, and the emerald birthstone. It is known for holidays like Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day, alongside observances such as Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the Kentucky Derby

Cookout Update: The April 26th cookout was cancelled due to bad weather. It will be rescheduled for late summer or early fall, and the HOA will share the new date when confirmed.

NEW EVENT HAPPENING! “Bookish Bites” meets on the 2nd Tuesday each month. The next event is May 12th at Sage Kitchen, Anderson’s Gardening Center, 11:30 a.m. Bring a book to swap and pay for your own meal. Attendance at the first book swap was low, so we hope for more participants this time. Questions? Email Barb Lucas at barbwlucas@yahoo.com.

Home Inspections in May. Stratford Manor owners: Abbitt Management will conduct spring exterior inspections in May, joined by Association Board members. Inspectors will check for issues like peeling paint, loose shingles, or sagging gutters. For more details, see the Architectural Compliance checklist at stratfordmanornn.blogspot.com.

Let’s Get Connected: Communication means sharing information. The board now sends newsletters and mass emails to save on paper and provide timely updates. If you’re not receiving these, email Fran “Dobby” Hodges at Secretary.StratfordManor@gmail.com.

Landscaping – Good to Know! Atlantic Landscaping is scheduled to begin removing ivy and overgrowth from the fences behind Sloane Place and Wellesley Drive within the next month. This maintenance will help extend the life of the fencing. The work will be billed hourly and completed in phases, based on the HOA’s budget.

Safety Concerns – Ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure: A resident on Sloane Place recently reported an intruder in their backyard. Police were contacted, but the person had already left. To stay safe, keep front and back porch lights on and report any suspicious activity to the police.

TOP 10 THINGS THAT ARE GOOD TO KNOW: The information below reminds Stratford Manor residents of key community guidelines. Newer neighbors might not be familiar with all the rules, and following them helps keep our neighborhood harmonious and valuable. These points are provided as a handy reference for everyone. Protecting Stratford Manor’s integrity and value depends on everyone working together. Please read and follow these reminders:

1. Bulk trash should only be placed at the curb during the designated weekend before collection. Early placement may cause complaints and detract from the neighborhood's appearance. Keep your trash schedule handy from each newsletter for easy reference. Bulk waste pickup occurs every two weeks, on the same day as recycling. Mark your house number clearly on all trash and recycling bins.

2. Bring in trash and recycling bins quickly after collection. Bins should not remain at the curb beyond pickup day. Place bins 3-4 feet apart to avoid blocking collection.

3. Get approval before changing exterior paint colors. To maintain uniformity, submit an architectural review application before altering doors, windows, porches, or trim. Download the application at stratfordmanornn.blogspot.com.

4. Visitor curb parking is generally prohibited. Contractors or brief case workers may park temporarily, but routine visitor curb parking creates safety risks and could lead to towing. Direct visitors toward public street parking.

5. Do not use front porches for storage. Storing coolers, tools, or bikes on porches negatively affects the community's appearance.

6. Follow the 15-mph speed limit throughout Stratford Manor. Speeding puts pedestrians, especially seniors and children, at risk. Drive safely.

7. Report criminal activity immediately by calling 911. The SMA board cannot handle criminal issues. Violations of SMA rules are not crimes and do not fall under police jurisdiction.

8. Send neighbor complaints directly to Abbitt via email. Use Associations@abbitt.com for official complaints, ensuring proper documentation. Avoid hearsay evidence.

9. Contact the board through official channels for questions or suggestions. Reach out via president.stratfordmanor@gmail.com or attend a board meeting.

1 Practice responsible dog etiquette. Dogs must always be leashed outdoors. Owners must promptly pick up pet waste from both private and shared areas, including patios, to prevent odors and keep everything clean.

********

Let’s Keep Stratford Manor Strong – Maintain your townhome promptly to protect property values. Support the HOA by participating and paying dues on time. Follow guidelines for neighborhood harmony and communicate to build better relationships. Thank you for helping keep Stratford Manor a great place to live.

TRASH PICKUP DATES:

May 5 (bulk), May 12, May 19 (bulk), May 27 (delayed for Memorial Day)

************

SMA Board for 2026

Doug Marmon, President

Email: President.StratfordManor@gmail.com)

Ryan Hatter, Vice President

Fran (Dobby) Hodges, Secretary

Email: Secretary.StratfordManor@gmail.com)

Bob Lucas, Treasurer

(Email: lucasb@att.net)

Sara Hanson

(Email: Smhanson64@gmail.com)

#####

Association’s Website:

stratfordmanornn.blogspot.com

Contact the Board via their email:

board@stratfordmanor.net

or through Abbitt.

Property Management:

Abbitt Management

Ms. Tricia Wells, Manager

Mr. Zachary Wise, Assistant

Email: associations@abbitt.com

757-874-4900

Board Meeting Dates:

June 10, 2026, August 12, 2026, October 14, 2026, and December 9, 2026.

All board meeting will be held at Abbitt Management and will start at 5:30 p.m.

Annual Meeting

November 18, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Abbitt Management Company

"NEWS YOU CAN USE - April 2026 Newsletter

"News You Can Use”

Stratford Manor Association’s

Newsletter

(April 2026)

HELLO APRIL: April signals the start of spring with warmer weather, blooming flowers, and frequent rain. Key observances include April Fool’s Day (April 1), Earth Day (April 22), Arbor Day, and Tax Day.

Mark Your Calendars: On Sunday, April 26^th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., SMA will be conducting a community cookout (hamburgers, hot dogs, chips) for homeowners. This event lets the community meet new homeowners and reconnect with friends. Location: Transportation Lodge Field (behind Kenilworth homes). Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and lawn games. If you haven't voted for the Amended Declaration yet, you'll have another opportunity to do so. A notary will be present. In February, the board sent a “ratification package” by email to 41 homeowners who had not voted and by mail to 18 without email addresses.

Why Your Vote Matters - Without approval from 75% of Stratford Manor homeowners, the Board can only enforce community standards through court action instead of more affordable methods provided by the Property Owner’s Association Act. Currently, we are about 25 votes short of the number needed to adopt the Amended Declaration.

Let’s Keep Stratford Manor Strong By updating our Declaration, we can ensure Stratford Manor remains a well-maintained, desirable community that supports and protects our property values. If you have any questions, please contact Doug Marmon at president.stratfordmanor@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued support and participation. Every vote counts — together, we can move our community forward.

************

NEW EVENT HAPPENING! “Bookish Bites” is a new social event that will be held on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month. On April 14^th, they will be meeting at “Taste” (702 Mariners Row in City Center) at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and a book swap. Everyone is responsible for their own meals. Bring a book or two to “swap”. Come and grab a book, have a bite to eat, and enjoy the fellowship. If you have any questions, contact Barb Lucas at barbwlucas@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there!

SPRING IS HERE – Time to Spruce Up Your Yard!

Dispose of old pumpkins and store Christmas decorations. Spring is ideal for yard updates: clean up, weed, trim, mulch, and plant flowers. For exterior repairs, submit your Architectural Request to Abbitt Management at associations@abbitt.com.

Spring inspections are expected in May, pending Abbitt inspector availability. Begin preparing your home and yard now.

Kindness makes a difference. Let’s be good neighbors.

Everyone has some neighborly pet peeves—like trash bins left out or messy porches. Board volunteers help set policies, but all Stratford Manor residents can improve our community.

Check pick-up schedules for trash, bulk waste, and recycling.

Avoid leaving items out too early, especially when they won’t be picked up soon.

Label your trash bins.

Neighbors are more likely to help if they know which bins are yours.

Don’t blow leaves from your patio into common areas.

Bag them (clear bags only) or put them in your own bin.

Let’s Get Connected: Communication is the exchange of information between people or groups. To keep everyone informed, the board now uses Google Workspace for virtual meetings, document storage, and mass emails, reducing paper costs. Please send your current email to our secretary, Fran “Dobby” Hodges, at Secretary.StratfordManor@gmail.com to stay updated.

TRASH PICK UP DATES:

April 7, (Bulk pick up) April 14, Apri 21, (Bulk pick up), and April 28