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 CafĂ© 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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