Stratford Manor Association's Newsletter
(March 2024)
TOWN HALL MEETING
SCHEDULED: The next Town Hall Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March
13, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hidenwood Presbyterian
Church. At this meeting, a representative
from the local police department will discuss neighborhood safety and offer
suggestions on ways to help keep our neighborhood safe. The re-vitalization of the Neighborhood
Safety Watch Program will be discussed. If
you are interested in volunteering your time to be part of the neighborhood
watch program, please contact Doug Marmon at his email address (president.stratfordmanor@gmail.com).
Several of the homeowners within our community have had their vehicle broken into and no windows were broken. The homeowners felt that they had locked their doors. As a reminder, do not keep any items of value visible in your car. Unfortunately, there are “apps” that can clone key fobs (and credit cards) within Bluetooth range. As a suggestion, on Amazon you can buy RFID signal blocking envelopes to keep your key fob, credit cards, etc., in to prevent cloning.
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Renewal Efforts Are Underway – As you may recall, the Stratford Manor Association launched an effort to adopt a newly updated Declaration – the legal document that serves as our community’s Constitution. The board is renewing their efforts to get the remaining 17 signatures needed to approve the Amended Declaration. Stephen DiPersio, Chairman of the Governance Committee, states, “For those who have not yet signed the ratification form to approve the Amended Declaration, the HOA board will be contacting you either via email or in person to provide you information on why the Amended Declaration needs to be approved. Your help to maintain the integrity of the HOA community is appreciated.” This will be one of the topics discussed at May’s Town Hall meeting. The board will provide information to the homeowners and answer any questions or concerns they might have.
Why should you make an effort to sign the amended declaration? Because the value of your property and the future of our community depends on it. The original declaration that is currently in place was created in 1983 when the townhomes were built – over 41 years ago! If you take time to read the original declaration, it speaks of “classes” based on the different sections as the townhomes were built. Now, there are no ‘classes’ - - all the homeowners are one! This is one reason why the 41-year-old document needs to be amended/updated. The Association was advised that the original declaration does not comply with the current Virginia State laws. Not approving the Amended Declaration will result in the board's inability to administer the necessary guidelines to ensure that violations are taken care of. Over time, you will see gutters falling off, shingles broken, paint peeling, rotting holes in soffits, and this deterioration will lead to a dramatic decrease in your investment - - your home's value. If you would like more information or have not signed the ratification form and wish to do so, please email Doug Marmon at president.stratfordmanor@gmail.com or Fran (Dobby) Hodges at secretary.stratfordmanor@gmail.com and a copy of the Amended Declaration and Ratification Form will be emailed to you. No one wants to live in a rundown community. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.Looking for a Notary – The Association is looking for someone in the
community who is a notary that can assist us with notarizing the signatures of
the homeowners. If you would like to
volunteer your service, please email Doug Marmon at president.stratfordmanor@gmail.com.
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Neighborhood Book Swap and
Luncheon at Taste was a big success!
There were lots of books to pick from and everyone had a wonderful time
of fellowship. A big thank you goes to
all the members of the Community and Safety Committee for their hard work in
planning such an enjoyable event. A
special thank you goes to Donna Groller for making the lovely bookmarks given
as favors and for the beautifully decorated tablescape.
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Spring is just around the corner – Soon it will be time to think what new flowers to plant in your yard. On April 15, 2024, at 11:30 there will be a “Swing into Spring” luncheon at the café at Anderson’s Garden Center. We are hoping that we will have a representative from Anderson’s to talk about spring plants for our area. Monday is “senior day” where a 10% discount is given. Be sure to mark your calendar. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!
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As a reminder, spring inspections are anticipated to be done in May subject to the availability of an inspector from Abbitt. Start planning what “sprucing up” you can do for your home and yard!
Trash Pick Up Dates: March 5, 12 (Bulk) 19, and 26 (Bulk)
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Contractor
Needed?
This area of the
monthly newsletter will be devoted to proving homeowners with recommendations for
local professionals. NOTE: The
following companies / professionals have been recommended by homeowners and ARE NOT endorsed by Stratford Manor
Association.
Appliances:
Cashwell Appliance Parts – 757-599-8434
GH Appliance Repair – 757-535-5649
Chimney
Cleaning:
Black Goose
Chimney – 757-280-5200
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Exterminating:
Colonial Exterminating Co – 757-599-0889
National Exterminating Co. – 757-599-3621
Florist:
Jeff’s Flowers – 757-827-5333
Handyman:
Steve James – 757-570-1795
HVAC:
Kearney &
Sons Heating & Air Conditioning – 757-722-6311
Tommy Garner Air Conditioning & Heating – 757-930-0000
Steve Smith – 757-715-9762
Plumbing:
One Stop
Plumbing – 757-321-8874
Zeigler Plumbing & Sewer – 757-877-2054
Restoration:
Priemer Restorations – 757-549-1160
Vent Cleaning:
Atlantic Vent –
757-595-7660
If you have a
company /professional that you would like to recommend (or one that you feel
does not provide good service), please send your information to Fran (Dobby)
Hodges for publication. E mail: secretary.stratfordmanor@gmail.com
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KEEP IN TOUCH: To make sure you are receiving the most
up-to-date information, please provide our secretary (Fran “Dobby”) Hodges with
your current email address. She may be
contacted at Secretary.StratfordManor@gmail.com
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