Stratford
Manor Association’s
Newsletter
(November 2025)
“November is the month to remind us to be thankful for the many positive things happening in our life.” Author Unknown
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR - --
SAVE THE DATE:
The 2025 Annual General Membership Meeting for Stratford Manor Association will be held at Abbitt Professional Center, 11835 Fishing Point Drive, Ste. 205, Newport News, VA 23606 on Wednesday the 12th of November 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is for the membership to elect five (5) Director(s) to the Stratford Manor Board at this annual meeting. Nominations may also be submitted from the floor during the meeting. The Board will hold an Organizational meeting for selecting officers directly after the annual meeting.
On October 24, 2025, Abbitt Management sent to every homeowner an absentee ballot. Please take a moment to complete the ballot and return it to Abbitt Management as a quorum is needed to conduct business. It is extremely important that you return your absentee ballot. If a quorum is not established, a second meeting is required to conduct business. This is costly to the Association and can be avoided by simply returning your absentee ballot by mail no later than November 11, 2025, or email the ballot form to associations@abbitt.com. Every vote counts. Every vote is needed. Come and show your support by attending the Annual Meeting. Homeowners’ comments will be welcome. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting!
IN AND AROUND THE
NEIGHBORHOOD:
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, a board member and a resident homeowner, conducted a walk-thru of Stratford Manor property to identify potential tree work needed this fall. When you walk about the property, you may find yellow caution tape around several tree trunks. This is to identify the tree for potential work. Based on the quotes obtained, the board has approved Terraco, LLC to perform the tree work that is needed. Stratford Manor is a community that was built back in 1980’s and has begun showing its age. Many of our trees are overgrown, have huge limbs falling which create a hazard, and numerous have disease issues. It is wonderful to live in a community where there are many beautiful trees, but it does come at a price.
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RODENT PROBLEM – BEWARE OF
THE CRITTERS:
Some of our neighbors (specifically in the Wellesley Drive area) have noticed a lot of rodent activity. With the cooler weather, rodents will be seeking a warm place for the winter and that means inside your house! Homes, sheds, and attics provide the perfect location for rats to keep safe and be able to eat, sleep and reproduce without disruption. Everyone is encouraged to check your homes to see if there are any places where rodents can get into your home.
Be sure to fix any openings that you see. Even check your outdoor faucets for possible entry. If you, or your neighbor are experiencing rodent issues, please work together with EVERYONE IN YOUR ROW OF HOMES to solve the problem. Remember that rodents can easily squeeze through small spaces between the firewalls of your home. The best way to prevent roof rat infestation is to eliminate any sources of food, water, and shelter. An inspection of the exterior house or building to help identify potential rodent entry points. This includes sealing off any entry points to the home or building, keeping trash in covered cans, and cleaning up after a dog (if you have one) as rats love animal poop. Check your HVAC pipes and all the wiring leading into your home to ensure that the roof rats do not have access to your home. Be sure to inspect your attic space and crawl space. Inspection of all vents, plumbing pipes, A/C chases, etc. Be sure to seal shut all entry holes with professional grade repairs. Setting rat traps or bait stations and removal of dead rodents until all are gone. Clean up rat waste and repair any damage. Caulk and/or weather strip windows and doors as needed. Check your grill regularly to see if they are nesting. Seek professional help if needed.
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FALL IS CLEAN UP TIME:
Fall is also a great time to
clean up our yards. What can I do to
make my yard more attractive?
1) Trim the shrubs and
bushes; 2) Dead head azaleas and other plants to make room for spring blooms;
3) Weed and trim borders, 4) Plant bulbs for spring flowers, 5) Remove all dead
debris and put down new mulch, and 6) Put out fall seasonal decorations (mums,
pumpkins, etc.). Our front yards are one
of the first things people notice when visiting Stratford Manor. Your continued cooperation is appreciated.
TRASH PICK UP DATES:
November 4, November 12, November 18, and November 25.
SMA Board for 2025
Doug Marmon, President
Email: President.StratfordManor@gmail.com)
Donna Groller, Vice President
Email: VicePresident.StratfordManor@gmail.com)
Fran (Dobby) Hodges, Secretary
Email: Secretary.StratfordManor@gmail.com)
Bob Lucas, Treasurer
Rick Leib
Stephen DiPersio
Ryan Hatter
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: December 10, 2025.
All board meeting
will be held at Abbitt Management and will start at 5:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting: November 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Abbitt Management Company
