“News
You Can Use”
Stratford
Manor Association’s
Newsletter
(February 2026)
HELLO FEBRUARY! February comes from the Latin word februa, which means to cleanse. It was named after Februalia, the Roman festival of purification, which was a month-long festival of purification which was a month-long festival of purification and atonement that took place this time of year. On average, February is the snowiest month in the US, according to data from the National Weather Service. February’s Full Moon reaches peak illumination on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Look skyward on that night to catch the best view of this Full Moon which is known as the Snow Moon due to typically heavy snowfall that occurs in February. Notable events include Groundhog Day, Super Bowl, Presidents’ Day, Valentine’s Day, Chinese Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, and African American History Month. “Though February is short, it is filed with lots of love and sweet surprises.” – Charmaine J. Forde
YOUR SUPPORT IS GREATLY
NEEDED! As an
owner of a townhome in Stratford Manor, you may be aware that the HOA was
developed nearly 40 years ago when the townhomes were built. As like most things over time, the governing
documents have become aged and in need of “updating”. The board was made aware
that there have been many significant changes to state laws over the years that
apply to our property owners’ association, and the Virginia Supreme Court has
decided several significant cases that interpret those laws which has
necessitated the need for changes to be made to the Declaration of Covenants,
Conditions and Restrictions (“Declaration”-) which is our main governing
document. Based on this, a new “Amended
Declaration” was developed.
What are the changes to the
“Amended Declaration”?
-
It cleans up the original declaration by
removing text which is no longer applicable. The original declaration had language
that the community is divided into ‘classes’ depending on when the townhomes
were built and lots were purchased. This
language is obsolete. We are all one community!
-
Adds restriction of lot signage advertising
townhomes for rent / lease. The number
of rental units has increased over the last few years.
-
Adds wording to specially approve architectural
guidelines and standards. Adds
maintenance requirements for lots and structures. This ensures that the townhomes are
maintained in a manner that prevents lack of care, thus making our community
less desirable to live in and ultimately lower property values.
- Allows for electronic participation in all meetings of the Association.
- - Adds the ability
to accelerate assessment payments for missed payments. Adds a late fee in addition to charging
interest for the past 30 days. Delinquent
payments hurt the budget of the Association.
- - Adds that enforcement costs will be responsibility of the lot owner should the need arise.
Until the “Amended
Declaration” is approved by 75 percent of the Stratford Manor Owners, the board
is limited in enforcement options. With
the recent increase in “turn overs”, approximately 25 votes are needed to
approve the “Amended Declaration”.
The economy is in difficult situation, and it impacts us all. One of the best investments that you have is YOUR HOME! To keep your property value from declining, standards are needed for everyone. Your HOA is more than just a governing body; it’s a dedicated group designed to benefit the community in many ways. Our HOA manages essential services such as landscaping and snow removal, ensuring that our infrastructure is sound and maintained, promoting communication within the community, and little things like picking up loose trash after the garbage truck has gone, repairing broken fencing, and putting up flags on our signage. Our HOA operates democratically, giving every homeowner a voice in decisions that impact on our community. Your participation in meetings and voting ensures that your opinions are heard and that our community continues to thrive.
The governing documents are
intended to hold everyone accountable.
Without them, our HOA’s responsibilities are limited to collecting
assessments and filing lawsuits against those who disregard our current
Declaration. Everyone is encouraged to stay engaged and be part of shaping our
neighborhood’s future. Together, we can
continue to make a community that is not only well-maintained, but a joy to
live in! If you would like
a copy of the current Declaration notating the new revisions and a copy of the Ratification
Form to cast your approval, please email Secretary.stratfordmanor@gmail.com
or visit our webpage at Stratfordmanornn@blogspot.com. Thank you for your continued support.
DO YOU WANT THE LATEST INFORMATION? The best way to
be kept informed is to receive a copy of the newsletter by email. To provide or update your contact
information, email it to the board at the following email address: board@stratfordmanor.net.
*****************
Speed Limit in the Community: The speed limit is 15 mph within our community. Please be careful of children playing and
riding bikes.
****************
Be A Good Neighbor – Please be a good neighbor and
promptly pick up dog waste from your pet.
If you are walking your dog, please feel free to use the two dog
stations found within our community. Do
not place dog waste in other people’s trash can. Per the City of Newport News,
dogs are required to be leashed.
******************
SEWER ISSUES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY!
The community has been experiencing an increase of “repair
calls” for clogged sewers. You should
only flush the “3 Ps”, pee, poo, and toilet paper; avoid flushing anything
else, especially wipes (even flushable ones), feminine hygiene products, paper
towels, tissues, dental floss, cotton balls, hair, condoms, medications,
grease, and food, as these clog pipes, damage sewer systems, and pollute
waterways. Be sure to keep a small trash bin in your powder room to keep these
items from being put in your toilet. Plumbing
/ sewer repairs can be costly to you and the HOA.
#####
2026 TRASH PICK UP
DATES:
(Recycle pickup dates in bold)
February 3, February 10, February 17, and February
24. Please be mindful when placing “bulk” items out for pickup. Styrofoam
needs to go in “green” trash can. Guidelines can be found at the
City’s website: nnva.gov.
Doug Marmon, President
Email: President.StratfordManor@gmail.com)
Ryan Hatter, Vice President
Fran (Dobby) Hodges, Secretary
Email: Secretary.StratfordManor@gmail.com)
Bob Lucas, Treasurer
Sara Hanson
#####
Association’s
Website:
stratfordmanornn.blogspot.com
Contact the Board via their email:
or through Abbitt.
Property Management:
Abbitt Management
Ms. Tricia Wells, Manager
Email:
associations@abbitt.com
757-874-4900
Board
Meeting Dates:
February 11, 2026, April 8, 2026, June 10,
2026, August 12, 2026, October 14, 2026, and December 9, 2026.
All
board meeting will be held at Abbitt Management and will start at 5:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting: November 18, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Abbitt Management Company
