"The Crier"

 The Colonies Monthly Newsletter

A Publication of The Colonies Condominium at McLean

Volume XXXV Number 9 

September 2010  

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Administrative Office Hours/Emergency Contacts

 September Classifieds

Services Available

 Advertising Guidelines

The Colonies Online Connection

RECYCLING Guidelines

In- Unit Service Fee Schedule 

 

INOVA BLOOD DRIVE   We will have a blood drive sponsored by Inova blood donor services on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 2:00 until 7:00p.m. at the Clubhouse. Please invite friends and family. The more the merrier. If you wish to make an appointment call 1–866-BLOODSAVES  1-866-256-6372 or visit www.inova.org/donateblood     Some of the foods high in Iron include: Chicken, Eggs, Enriched Bread, Ham, Liver, Raisins, Tuna, amongst others.     FLU SHOT CLINIC   The Flu Shot Clinic will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 from 5:00 until 7:00pm at the Clubhouse. The shots will include the H1N1 vaccine and will cost $29.     STAFF INFORMATION   Barbara resigned effective August 20.  Barbara joined the staff as The Colonies’ permanent part-time receptionist March 2000.  She was the staff baker and made birthday cakes, of the recipient’s choice, for everyone on the staff.   If someone wanted cheesecake, Black Forrest Cake, or apple pie, she made it.  Barbara has made plans to move to Annapolis to be close to family and wants to do some traveling around the country. She emphatically stated her desire of parachuting from an airplane on her 80th birthday.  A surprise “going away” luncheon was held in her honor on July 29.   We all wish Barbara much happiness…     10th Anniversary   We congratulate Leo as he celebrated his 10th Anniversary at The Colonies on August 29.  Leo is a member of the Landscaping crew working three days per week, and technically a member of the Porter Staff working as the weekend floater.  In his honor, a luncheon was held on August 25 and Leo was presented with a commemorative wristwatch.   Leo is a dedicated, hardworking member of The Colonies Staff.  In 2005, he was selected as Colonies Employee of the Year. Congratulations Leo on your 10th….We wish you many more years.         STORAGE ROOMS   Residents utilizing their storage bin (located in the garage) are encouraged to inspect their storage room periodically to ensure that their items are “high and dry.” From time to time, (usually when residents are preparing to move out) we receive calls of property damage in the storage room. “Any Co-owner or resident at his sole risk and without liability or responsibility on the part of the Council of Co-owners may use his assigned storage space for its intended purpose. The Council shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or expense that may be suffered or sustained in connection therewith. Items stored in storage space must comply with county ordinances.”   All items placed in the storage bins should be on pallets and covered with plastic sheeting in the event the sprinklers go off or there is any water seepage or other water leak. If personal property damage occurs, please file a claim with your insurance carrier, as the Council is not liable for the loss, destruction, theft, or damage to such property.   Please do not place any items in the storage room aisles, as the items will be removed in compliance with county regulations. The staff will dispose of items removed.     CHILD SUPERVISION GUIDELINES (Provided by Fairfax County Family Services Publications)   Social work professionals in collaboration with the community have developed these guidelines. THEY ARE GUIDELINES ONLY. There may be situations, even within these guidelines, when it is not safe to leave a child unsupervised.   Parents are    ultimately responsible for making decisions about their child’s safety.   Whenever any child is unsupervised/unattended, the following should apply: ·         There must be no emotional, medical, or behavioral problems that affect judgment or decision making skills. ·         Child must be comfortable being alone. Youth must have a safety plan worked out with the parent/caretaker, that includes: ·         1. How to access parent/guardian at all times and having a telephone number where parent/guardian can be reached ·         2. What to do in case of emergency ·         3. Guidelines for acceptable behavior ·         4. Knowledge of emergency telephone numbers   Youth must demonstrate the ability to follow the safety plan and to make decisions that reflect concern for personal safety.   Supervision Guidelines:    ·         7 years and under should not be left alone for any period. This may include leaving children unattended in cars, playgrounds, pools, and backyards. The determining consideration would be the dangers in the environment and the ability of the caretaker to intervene. ·          8 -10 years should not be left alone for more than 90 minutes and only during daylight and early evening. ·         11-12 years may be left alone for up to three hours but not late at night or in circumstances requiring inappropriate responsibility. ·         13-15 years may be left unsupervised, but not overnight. ·         16-17 may be unsupervised. In some cases, for up to two consecutive overnight periods.

SUMMER YOGA CLASSES AT THE COLONIES!

 

EVERY RESIDENT SHOULD KNOW   AC FILTERS —The Colonies sell filters at $1.50. They are 30-day filters.  Please change the filter monthly, pick up the FREE air conditioning treatment packet and place a water sensor in the HVAC closet.   Inspect your AC closet regularly.     WASHING VEHICLES—Residents wishing to wash their vehicles, may obtain the necessary outside water faucet handle (faucets are attached to the buildings) by presenting their valid facilities pass to the Security Gate attendant. Vehicles may be washed in the back of the parking lots of Bldg. 4, parking lots between Bldgs. 13 & 14, and between Bldgs. 7 & 9. The Colonies does not provide buckets or hoses.   CHARCOAL OR GAS? - At the Clubhouse there are four gas grills and a Weber charcoal grill available for your convenience. (NEVER place charcoal in the gas grills. Gas grills are not designed to accommodate charcoal; charcoal will clog the gas jets). PLEASE TURN GAS VALVE TO OFF POSITION WHEN FINISHED GRILLING.  Additional picnic tables and charcoal grills are located throughout the property. County ordinance strictly prohibits the use of grills (propane or charcoal) within fifteen (15) feet of any building.   TENNIS COURTS—The Colonies tennis court surface is made to withstand tennis only. Activities such as rollerblading, skateboarding, cycling, etc. are prohibited because they will damage the court surface.   SIGNS—No signs (including Open House Signs), advertisements, and posters of any kind shall be posted in or on The Colonies except as approved in writing by the Board of Directors.   WATER SENSORS available at the Office for $18 including battery. This device comes in very handy in detecting a leak in time to prevent extensive damage.   FYI: Leaks and Their Costs Per Unit    Formula based on current City of Falls Church Water Authority figures (Colonies’ water provider)  $.0031 per gallon of water and $.0045 per gallon of sewage Costs Gallons Per Day Water Chrg Sewer Chrg Total Per Year Water Chrg Sewer Chrg Total Faucets:               Slow Drip 36 $0.11 $0.16 $0.27 $40.15 $58.40 $98.55 Steady Drip 180 $0.56 $0.81 $1.37 $203.67 $295.65 $499.32 One Quarter Open 684 $2.12 $3.08 $5.20 $773.95 $1,123.47 $1,897.42 One Half Open 1,620 $5.02 $7.29 $12.31 $1,833.03 $2,660.85 $4,493.88 Full Open 3,600 $11.16 $16.20 $27.36 $4,073.40 $5,913.00 $9,986.40 Toilets:               Seeping 30 $0.09 $0.14 $0.23 $33.95 $49.28 $83.22 Leaking 250 $0.78 $1.13 $1.90 $282.88 $410.63 $693.50 Constantly Running 6,000 $18.60 $27.00 $45.60 $6,789.00 $9,855.00 $16,644.00       .KEY FEES: Bldg/unit/clubhouse/storage/mailbox key copies are $3.00 each; Elevator keys $100 each (non-refundable); Back gate passes are $20 each for the 1st two ($5 user fee + $15 deposit).   .   FREE EXTERMINATING: This service is offered FREE every Wednesday.                         Please call the office at 703-827-8388 to schedule an appointment. PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES DUE OCTOBER 5   The 2010 personal property tax bills are being mailed to Fairfax County residents this summer,  with payment due October 5. This year your bill includes a vehicle registration fee, as approved by the Board of Supervisors.     CONCERNS OF THE MONTH…   Vehicles Not Stopping at Intersections …Speeding Vehicles   Management once again received complaints from residents living on Magarity Road that Colonies’ residents are not stopping at the Tremayne intersection creating a dangerous situation.   This is true at the Tremayne/Provincial intersection as well. There have been several fender benders at this   intersection.   Speeding is an ongoing problem at The Colonies. Posted speed limit is 15 miles per hour on the roadways and 5 miles per hour in the garages. Please slow down and remember to stop at the intersections. There is always someone out and about, some may not have the reflexes or agility to dodge an oncoming vehicle.  It is better to be safe than sorry.   Tailgating… On going reports of vehicles following residents through the Tremayne gate.  One man stopped his vehicle and denied the driver access. The driver became belligerent, but The Colonies is not a thoroughfare. If it were, there would be no need for the gates.   If you stop your vehicle after passing through the gates, in less than 10 seconds the gate arm will come down and the following vehicle will not gain access.           Classified Ads  September 2010 For Rent:   1BD/1BTH, “C” model 2nd fl. Avail immed. Call 571-338-5920. 1BD/1BTH,”B” model 1st fl Avail. Oct. New W/D, DW & Windows. Please call 571-437-4441. 2BD/2BTH,”M” model 2nd fl. NO Pets or smokers $1,600 per mo. Outstanding Condition, extra walk-in closet Avail. immed 703-992-0434. 2BD/2BTH,”J” model 2nd fl. $1,650 per mo. Call 703-352-0975 2BD/2BTH,”K” model 1st fl. Avail. Dec 15 Call 410-421-9019 or email apple_mclean@hotmail.com     . PARKING SPACE FOR RENT  Parking space for rent in Bldg. 13 space #1 for $70 per mo. Call 703-356-3199 Changes to the Website can only be made once a month when the newsletter is printed.

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