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 13^th, 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 ================================= 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 **************************************************************************

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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