“News
You Can Use”
Stratford
Manor Association’s
Newsletter
(March 2026)
HELLO MARCH: March
is special as the gateway to spring forward, longer days, nature waking up, a
month of cultural celebrations (St. Patrick’s Day, Women’s History Month, Ides
of March, Red Cross Month, Pi Day, and NCAA March Madness). “March comes in
like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” – An old proverbial saying
IT’S OFFICIAL! In accordance with the By-Laws, President Marmon
conducted a special meeting of the association on February 11th to decrease
the number of board members from 9 to 5.
The
By-Laws revision was approved by proxy and in-person votes. A shortage of volunteers led to fewer board
members, but you can still volunteer your time. Your board welcomes volunteers for the
following committees:
·
Governance Committee: Oversees governing
documents, their enforcement, and coordinates with the Architectural Committee
and Abbitt. (Sara Hanson, Chairperson)
·
Finance
Committee: This
committee manages the budget, contract reviews, insurance, banking, financial
issues, reserve study funding, and monitors collection accounts. (Doug Marmon,
Chairperson)
·
Architectural
Controls: This
committee oversees the townhomes' physical aspects and reviews architectural
change requests. (Fran “Dobby” Hodges, Chairperson)
·
Municipal
Service: This
committee oversees infrastructure, drainage maintenance, street and sign
lighting, community needs, and coordinates with the city as required. (Doug
Marmon, Chairperson)
· Community and Safety Committee: This
committee manages welcoming new homeowners, organizing social events, publishing
newsletters, and launching programs such as neighborhood watch and safety
awareness. (Fran “Dobby” Hodges, Chairperson)
o Block
Captains – (Barb Lucas, Chairperson) This new sub-committee under
Community and Safety, is looking for volunteers interested in keeping their
street or neighborhood connected and informed, enhancing communication
throughout our community, and assisting with the organization of various
community events.
·
Landscape
Committee: This
committee collaborates with the landscaping company to ensure the contract is
cost-effective, attainable, and expectations are clear. It handles bid
proposals, solicits new bids, monitors contract work, assesses community
landscaping needs, and suggests financially feasible projects. (Bob Lucas,
Chairperson)
· Nominating Committee: This committee nominates candidates to fill board vacancies as needed. (Doug Marmon, Chairperson)
If you are interested on serving on a committee, please contact Doug Marmon, President, at the following email address: President.StratfordManor@gmail.com
************
As a gentle reminder, please lock your cars and leave your
porch lights on. NN police recently patrolled after suspicious individuals were
seen in the community late at night.
***********
Good News to know! The
contract with Atlantic Landscaping has been extended for another year at the
same annual rate. Over the past month, Atlantic effectively managed icy and
snowy conditions. Additionally, fresh mulch has been added to enhance the
community's appearance.
In the coming months, Landscape Chair Bob Lucas will
obtain proposals which will be submitted to the board for approval to grind
approximately 17 stumps throughout the community.
************
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! On Sunday, April 26th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., SMA will be conducting a community cookout (hamburgers, hot dogs, chips) for homeowners. This event lets the community meet new homeowners and reconnect with friends. If you haven't voted for the Amended Declaration yet, you'll have another opportunity to do so. A notary will be present. In February, the board sent a “ratification package” by email to 41 homeowners who had not voted and by mail to 18 without email addresses.
Why
Your Vote Matters - Without approval from 75% of Stratford Manor homeowners, the Board can only enforce
community standards through court action instead of more affordable methods
provided by the Property Owner’s Association Act. Currently, we are about 25
votes short of the number needed to adopt the Amended Declaration.
Let’s Keep Stratford Manor Strong By
updating our Declaration, we can ensure Stratford Manor remains a
well-maintained, desirable community that supports and protects our property
values. If you have any questions, please contact Doug Marmon at president.stratfordmanor@gmail.com.
Thank you for your continued support and participation.
Every vote counts — together, we can move our community forward.
************
If you are planning to update your home, please remember
to submit an architectural request. Send
your requests to associations@abbitt.com.
**********
DO YOU WANT THE
LATEST INFORMATION?
The best way to be kept
informed of SMA “happenings” is to receive a copy of the newsletter by
email. It is more cost effective to
receive communication electronically.
Please provide or update your contact information, email it to the board
at the following email address: board@stratfordmanor.net.
*****************
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.
*****************
2026 TRASH PICK UP
DATES:
(Recycle pickup dates in bold)
March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24, March
31. 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.
*****************
MARCH 8, 2026 – DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS
SPRING
FORWARD!
DAYLIGHT
SAVING TIME BEGINS ON
MARCH 8,2026
***********
|
|
SMA Board for 2026
Doug Marmon, President
Email: President.StratfordManor@gmail.com)
Ryan Hatter, Vice President
Fran (Dobby) Hodges, Secretary
Email: Secretary.StratfordManor@gmail.com)
Bob Lucas, Treasurer
(Email: lucasb@att.net)
Sara Hanson
(Email: Smhanson64@gmail.com)
#####
Association’s
Website:
stratfordmanornn.blogspot.com
Contact the Board via their email:
or through Abbitt.
Property Management:
Abbitt Management
Ms. Tricia Wells, Manager
Mr. Zack Wiise, Assistant
Email:
associations@abbitt.com
757-874-4900
Board
Meeting Dates:
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
