News for October 2017

Stratford Manor Annual Meeting  
The Stratford Manor annual meeting will be held on Thursday, October 26, at 7 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church on Deep Creek Road. 

Email newsletters starting in November 
Beginning next month, Stratford Manor will no longer distribute printed newsletters. You can get your Stratford Manor news by joining our email list. Go to www.bit.ly/stratfordemail to subscribe. Please note that you can also get the latest news by simply visiting our website. If you need to continue receiving the newsletter in print, we are happy to do so. 

Maintenance Updates

Drainage: The contractor from whom the board received a proposal for work to improve drainage was unable to attend the Oct. 12 board meeting. However, the board is determined to get their questions answered and vote on the proposal BEFORE the Oct. 26 annual meeting. We are very anxious to finally move forward, but want to ensure that the proposed work will provide an effective solution. 

Landscaping: We will have a professional tree service checking trees in the common areas for any hazardous limbs that need to be removed. Hurricane season is still upon us and we want to keep our trees and residents well cared for. Additionally, Year Round Landscaping will be putting in some new plantings, replacing shrubs that have failed to thrive, and aerating and seeding the grass. The replacement of the dead plants is at no cost to Stratford Manor. Seeding and aeration are part of our contracted services. 

Signage: Property management will be obtaining proposals for the cleaning and/or painting of the large Stratford Manor signs. 

Prettiest Yard Contest Winner

Each quarter, one hard-working homeowner will win a $25 gift card for Anderson’s. This quarter’s winner is April Peterson, 110 Wellesley. Congratulations, April and thank you for your hard work, especially during the hot summer months! 

Owners help beautify common areas 
We want to thank homeowners on Wellesley who, with board approval, purchased flowering plants for the common areas near their homes and watered and cared for them through the hot summer. Their cooperative efforts make our community more beautiful. 

Bulk trash and yard waste reminders 
We  include the recycling and bulk trash pick-up schedule in our newsletter. Please make sure you only place bulk pick-up items and yard waste on the curb on the correct day. Please also note that bagged yard waste must be placed in CLEAR bags or it will not be picked up. Please do not place yard waste, bagged or loose, on the curb until pick-up day. Please note that large cardboard boxes will not be picked up as bulk trash—they must be broken down and placed in the blue recycling bin. Also, when it comes to recycling, place your recyclables loose in the bin, NOT in plastic bags. 

Theft from automobiles up in Newport News
Throughout the city, officers are reporting an alarming spike in the rise of theft from automobiles – and, surprisingly enough, most of the automobiles were left unlocked. The Newport News Police Department is offering the following tips to help keep your belongings and automobile safe:

• Always make sure all windows are rolled up-all the way,  lock your automobile, and take your keys. Do not leave spare keys in your car. Give a reliable family member or friend a spare key or subscribe to a service that provides lockout assistance for emergencies.
• Avoid leaving valuables in your automobile or in your trunk. If your car is unlocked, a thief can still gain access to your trunk if your car has a trunk release button on the inside.
• Parking your automobile in a well-lit area, garage, or driveway will deter theft. Although parking garages are convenient, it is particularly important to lock your car when parked in one. They are attractive to thieves because they have a wider selection of cars to steal or steal from. 
• Never leave your automobile running. Subscribe to a service similar to OnStar who can track your car or invest in a tracking device so that your car is easily found if it is ever stolen.
• Install an anti-theft device that is highly visible, hard to defeat, and that renders the automobile un-drivable.  
• Do not leave important papers, especially a car title, in your automobile. Be sure to record the serial numbers of aftermarket stereos, or other items and leave them in a safe place at home.

If you have experienced a theft call 911 or the non-emergency number at 247-2500. Or if you meet certain criteria, you can file an online report by visiting www.NNPDOnline.com. The most important thing you can do to protect your belongings and your car is to LOCK IT UP. 

Trash Pickup Schedule 

Oct. 17—trash, recycling & bulk
Oct. 24—trash only
Oct. 31—trash, recycling & bulk
Nov. 7—trash only
Nov. 14—trash, recycling & bulk
Nov. 21—trash only
Nov. 28—trash, recycling & bulk
Dec. 5—trash only
Dec. 12—trash, recycling & bulk
Dec. 19—trash only 
Dec. 27—Wed. pickup due to holiday.  Trash, recycling & bulk 

If your container was missed during collection, call 757-933-2311. 

Remember: Trash receptacles must be curbside for collection no earlier than 3pm on Monday for collection on Tuesday and removed from the street by 6pm on Wednesday.

Residents who are temporarily or permanently disabled are eligible to receive backyard garbage and recycling collection, if no other able bodied person resides in the household. To receive an application for backyard collection,

call 757-933-2311.