Tuesday, April 30, 2024

"NEWS YOU CAN USE" - May 2024 Newsletter

Stratford Manor Association's Newsletter - May 2024


MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  Due to unforeseen circumstances, the April Meeting of the Board of Directors needed to be rescheduled.  It is now scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.   The location for this meeting will be Abbitt Professional Park located at 11835 Fishing Point Drive, Suite 205, Newport News, VA  23606.  By attending a board meeting it is a good way to learn what the Association’s board is doing to keep our community a beautiful place in which to live.

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The “Swing into Spring” Luncheon which was held at Sage Café at Anderson’s Garden Center was a huge success.  Over 20 people attended!  It was a great way to catch up with old friends, neighbors, and meet new people.  A special “thank you” goes out to Barb Lucas for spear heading this event.  The Community and Safety are planning more events - - so stay tuned!

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Landscaping is “looking good” - Atlantic Landscaping has only been “on the job” since April 1 and our community is looking great!  Sean and his crew have been working hard by edging around the borders, adding mulch, mowing, and trimming.  With the spring rains helping to “freshen up” our lawns and shrubs, Stratford Manor is looking beautiful.  A special “thank you” goes out to Rick Leib, Chairman of our Landscaping Committee, who has worked closely with the oversight of Atlantic Landscaping.  Great job!             

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With May Flowers, It Brings May Inspections!  As a reminder, spring inspections are anticipated to be done in May or June subject to the availability of an inspector from Abbitt.  Start planning what “sprucing up” you can do for your home and yard.  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 Board.  A request must be submitted to the Architectural Committee and an application form can be found on our webpage (stratfordmanornn.blogspot.com).

Here is a helpful list to make sure that your home is following the guidelines:

-           Roof in good condition – (NOTE:  If you are replacing your roof, you need to submit an architectural request.  The single color for all Stratford Manor homes is “Weathered Wood”.  Both three-tab and architectural asphalt shingles are permitted.)

-           Mullions in all windows and in good condition

-           Shutters in place, painted and in good condition.

-           Screens in all windows and in good condition

-           Fences and gates in good condition

-           Siding secure and well-maintained

-           Exterior paint in good condition and in required colors.

-           Gutters cleaned and in good condition.

-           Patios free of trash, rubbish, garbage, debris, and standing water

-           Rotting wood replaced

-           Landscaping in private spaces kept neat (weeded, grass cut, trees and shrubs trimmed)

-           Downspouts must not be routed under sidewalks to prevent erosion.

-           Sheds should be free of mold and mildew.

 

To prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, which carry dangerous viruses:

-           Make sure gutters, downspouts, and pads at the end of the downspouts are in place and working properly.

-           Make sure no buckets, flowerpots or other open containers are holding water.

-           Fill in any depressions in your outside spaces where water could collect.

 

As a reminder, if you ignore the little things, they become big problems!  Please ensure that repairs are done in a timely manner!

 

 Are you interested?  Some people within the community have expressed an interest in conducting and/or attending outdoor yoga or tai chi classes.  Depending on interest, the date / time to be announced.  If this is something that you are interest in pursuing, please send an email to board@stratfordmanor.net.

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GOOD TO KNOW! 

Trash Collection Procedures:

Per the NNVA.gov website, containers must be on the street adjoining your property by 7 AM on the day of collection.  Place your cart three feet away from your trash cart, mailbox, cars, etc.  You may set out your container after 3 PM on the day before the scheduled collection, and it must be removed by midnight the day of collection.  All other times, the container must be at the side or rear of your residence.  Be sure that both of your trash containers are marked with your house number. 

With warmer weather, please ensure that your garbage cans are not overflowing, and the lids are closed.  This will prevent “critters” from getting in your garbage cans.

 

Backyard Collection for the Physically Disabled  

Do you need help in taking your trash containers out for collection?  Did you know that the City of Newport News will do this FREE for you!  Residents who are temporarily or permanently disabled are eligible to received 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 and an application will be mailed to you, or you can download an application (PDF) at nnva.gov.  A physician’s certificate is required as part of the application process.

 If you have a problem with your trash service, call 757-933-2311. 

Trash Pick Up Dates:  May 7 (Bulk), 14, 21 (Bulk) and 28

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Tuesday, April 9, 2024

IMPORTANT NOTICE AND APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER



ATTENTION


PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SCHEDULED

FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2024

HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

THE RESCHEDULED DATE IS TO BE DETERMINED.

IF YOU HAVE AY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS,

PLEASE EMAIL:

SECRETARY.STRATFORDMANOR@GMAIL.COM 

OR

BOARD@STRATFORDMANOR.NET



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"NEWS YOU CAN USE"

Stratford Manor Association's Newsletter

(April 2024)


TOWN HALL MEETING RECAP:   For those who were not able to attend the Town Hall Meeting that was held on March 13th, Sgt. Gordon and Officers Mendez and Owens, from the Newport News Police Department, gave a very interesting and informative presentation detailing safety issues in an around the area, provided statistics on crime, and gave helpful suggestions on what we can do as an individual and as a neighborhood.  One of the “takeaways” was – “If you see something, say something” whether in your neighborhood or driving down the highway. 

FYI – (As provided by the NN Police Dept.)

·         For emergencies and crimes that are in progress, call 911 by phone or text message.

·         To report a crime that has already happened, call the non-emergency line (757) 247-2500 or the NNPD Records Customer Service Unit (757) 928-4100.  You may also file a report in person at Headquarters (9710 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA  23605).

·         Depending on the information you provide, someone may: refer you to the NNPD online to file your report electronically; take your report over the phone; or, dispatch an officer to your location.

·         For more information, visit https://www.nnva.gov/169/Police-Department

 

 Spring is just around the corner – Soon it will be time to think about what new flowers to plant in your yard.  On Monday, April 15, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. there will be a “Swing into Spring” luncheon at the Sage Café at Andersons’ Garden Center.  We are hoping that we will have a representative from Andersons talk about spring plants for our area.  Monday is “senior day” where a 10% discount is given.  Anyone attending is responsible for their own lunch costs.  Come and enjoy a meal with your neighbors and friends, stroll around the beautiful garden center, and maybe buy a new plant or two for your yard.  Be sure to mark your calendar.  LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

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Contractor Needed? 

The following list of vendors has been provided by homeowners. 

DISCLAIMER:  The Stratford Manor Association DOES NOT endorse nor recommend any of the following individuals and/or companies.  The Association does not assume any liability if a homeowner hires any of these vendors. It is up to each individual homeowner to ensure that the following vendors are bonded, licensed, and insured.

 

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

Howard Crear – 757-449-0036

HVAC:

Kearney & Sons Heating & Air Conditioning – 757-722-6311

Tommy Garner Air Conditioning & Heating – 757-930-0000

Steve Smith – 757-715-9762

Plumbing:

Brad Boyters – 757-268-7359

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

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New Landscaping Contract Awarded – The Landscaping Committee solicited bids from fourteen (14) landscaping companies.  Over the duration of a few weeks, Chair Rick Leib met personally with each contractor to walk the SMA property and discuss our needs.  Seven (7) companies provided responses back by the established due date with quotes ranging from the high $30K to $72K range. Those bid sheets were provided to the Board for review.  Based on the recommendation of the landscape committee, the Board voted to award the 2024 landscaping contract to Atlantic Landscaping, Inc.  Sean Gilbert, the owner, and his manager, Brice, came highly recommended.  Beginning April 1st, you will be seeing Sean, Brice, and their crew in and around the community. 

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Spring Inspections Are Coming!

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! As a friendly reminder, please be sure to take down your “seasonal” outside décor promptly.  Let’s all think “spring” and store the Halloween and Christmas décor.

 

“The exterior of your house and the landscaping surrounding is a big factor in the first impression people form when driving by or pulling into your driveway, and most people agree that location and curb appeal is paramount in the value of a home.  After all, you can drop a pile of lumber and drywall anywhere! – Bryan Baeumler

 

First Impressions – When you drive through a new community, what is the first thing that you notice?  Curtains!  Do your front window curtains need a makeover or to be ‘spruced up’?  Over time, a lot of curtains become faded due to the sun.  As a gentle reminder, all window and patio door coverings visible from the exterior of the home need to be maintained in good repair.  Permitted coverings are curtains, drapes, shutters, blinds, or shades.  Hanging sheets, blankets, flags, signs, cardboard, and newspaper are not permitted to be used as window or door coverings.  Your cooperation will be appreciated by your community.

 

Are you interested?  Some people within the community have expressed an interest in conducting and/or attending outdoor yoga or tai chi classes.  Depending on interest, the date / time to be announced.  If this is something that you are interest in pursuing, please send an email to board@stratfordmanor.net.

 

Trash Pick Up Dates:  April 2, 9 (Bulk), 16, 23 (Bulk) and 30


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