Items of Community Importance

This information was emailed to a select few ~if you would like to be on that email list, please call any of our Board Members and request to be added to Tom's informational email list.

He began this sorely needed communication as a way to help share information about our community.
It is not an official email for any group or organization. Its only purpose is to keep the community informed about significant events, activities and other important items. Tom's intent is to keep our Virginia Oaks community advised.

Items of importance:

Everyone knows about the highway construction that will occur in Gainesville. It will be very complex and will take a few years. However, when it is completed we'll have a better transportations system. The old Sun Trust Building will be the VDOT headquarters and will be open to the public. There you can review the plans when VDOT activates the interactive demonstration project. It should become functional in late April.

According to the project engineer, demolition of the property in the right of way should begin this month. Thankfully, we'll get rid of the eye sores.

If your are interested go to the Virginia Oaks web site and hit the VDOT project web site. There you'll find additional information on the construction

The VOA Board is considering a community meeting about the project. At the annual meeting many of you stated that you would attend such a meeting. More on that later.

Just an FYI, Redmond Community Management is still our community management group. However, the Redmonds do not own the business and it was sold in January . I don't think we'll see any changes in the way the community is managed.

At the last VOA Board meeting approval was given to sell of easement rights at the front entrance to VDOT. These rights are needed for utility undergrounding. Most important, the front area will be put back into top shape once the work is completed.

If you are an original owner, and you have rotten casement windows, you may be able to have those defective windows replaced. I understand that the windows carries a 15 year warranty, but it only applies to the original owner. I think Tom H. has information on this issue, if anyone needs it.

Also, please report any suspicious activity.
We are a "No Solicitors" community and all should be reported to the PWC Police at the non emergency number 703-792- 6500.
EMERGENCIES 911!

I hope you find this information helpful.

County Map of Sedona Drive

People who have recently purchased homes in our community have questions about ownership of "open space" property. Who can purchase it? Can someone build on a little plot? What are the rules?

Andy, President of our VOB answers and sent the above map of that area.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A screen shot from the county mapper shows that the property behind 14514 is owned by the golf course, indeed that is the case for all the houses on Sedona around this area. There is the cut through between 14514 and 14515 that leads to the property on the point which is numbered as 14520 and is still owned by the developer. Further any construction would in this area (apart from on the point - although that may well have lapsed) require that the plan that VA Oaks was built to would require to be amended with the opportunity of expressing opinions at the County meetings.

V/R
AndyB

Chicken Marengo ~ Good Cold Weather Recipe

This is a dump recipe. After browning the meat, dump everything in and cook. Can add and subtract things easily. Good for cold weather to leave on stove top and dip into when hungry. Enjoy!

CHICKEN MARENGO (A very forgiving recipe to change ingredients to taste.)
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
1 lb hot Italian sausage
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp salad oil
2 chickens cut into pieces (Use boneless chicken breasts or chicken pieces as desired)
2 cans (1lb 12oz) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes (which consistency you like best)
1 small can tomato paste
1 6oz can of sliced mushroom with the liquid
1 8oz can of pitted ripe sliced olives with the liquid
1/3 cup sweet pepper flakes
1 Tbsp parsley flakes
1 Tbsp celery flakes
1 Tbsp Italian seasonings
2 Tbsp minced onion
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 bay leaf
Prick sausages and place in large Dutch oven or stock pot to brown. (If you do not want to use large pieces of meat, then cut the sausages into bite size pieces before browning. Instead of using whole pieces of chicken, cut it into bite size pieces when browned.) Remove sausage when brown. Add butter and oil and sauté chicken until golden brown. Remove chicken and add ALL remaining ingredients. Return sausage and chicken to Dutch oven or stock pot. Cover and simmer for at least 60 minutes over low heat. Serve with rice or spaghetti..

"Open Space" or "Golf Course"

Neighbors gathered yesterday to discuss areas of grey.
Who owns large areas of land located between the golf course and their property. The areas are not maintained by our "Open Space" group and left to nature by the golf course.

This will be offered for discussion at the next Board Meeting, February 16th at the Club Meeting room.

Questions will be, who owns this property. Who is responsible for maintaining said property and can homeowners buy the open space?

This was brought up years before and the answer was yes, however, the upkeep would then be transferred to the owner. The person who had inquired decided he didn't care to cut all that grass as the Open Space Committee were doing that for him. He had the view without the maintenance.
Let's go to the meeting to see what, if anything is said.

Something Going Bump in the Walls at Night

We assumed we had a squirrel family living with us, as we could hear noises in the night~
but no, it is field mice.
Seems they come in any hole in the ground and work their way into the walls and eventually the house. UGH.
We are having the "Critter Control" get rid of them. I hate mice.

Bath Brushes and Shower Oils

How many bath brushes are hanging in your shower?

So far, I have three. Why?

Even if we are not yet less agile a nice brush on handle is a wonderful tool to clean and then oil our skin when in the shower.
That takes two brushes.

It was one summer when I discovered one brush is needed for FEET.
It is so simple to scrub the entire foot with a nice brush.

It is wintertime when we usually feel the dryness of skin...especially the shoulder blades and back areas we can't reach to moisturize. AH! A nice soft back brush to apply shower oil is perfect.
Watching "The Doctors" they advise not to use deodorant soaps except for problem areas. Otherwise, a plain soap for the rest of the body, it any, they advise is best.

A Dermatologist says to keep a nice watered down oil in the shower and oil up before getting out. Then just blot away any excess water.

To water down your oil, pour half into another container and add water to the half left in the bottle. Shake before using. Keri oil mixes best but hard to find these days.

Put oil on your brush reserved for oil and brush it onto the back, arms and all the body. It feels great. Enjoy~

For The Birds

Feeding the bird is a kind act in this harsh winter weather.
They reward you with quite a show as they feed. Once you start feeding the little creatures, they do become dependant on your feeders to stay alive.

Plan your site. Place your feeders so they are is easy to get to when there is snow on the ground. That is a critical time in their little lives. You might find the feeders need to be refilled each day.Ideally, we need two seed dispensers. One for wild bird seed mix and the other for sunflower seeds. I have a third for thistle, as there are many wild finch in our area.Here's a recipe to make suet patty for the finches.

Finch Fries

Raw beef suet (ask the butcher...that's beef tallow) and put through grinder or have butcher grind it for you.
1/2 Cup American cheese
1 cup millet
1/2 cup bread crumbs
Sand for grit

Save tuna or cat food size cans.
Cube the cheese, add millet, bread crumbs and sand ~ devide this into four of the little cans.

Melt the suet in double boiler and set aside to cool.

When hardened slightly and then re-heat again to make it smoother.

When it is in liquid form the second time pour over the mixture you have in the 4 tins. Fill to the top and then refrigerate to harden.

Nail to trees with 6 inch nails. Cover the end of the nails with tape to make a
safe perch for the birds.

The finches turn all brown in the winter time and spring, you will see them change to their bright colors.

January Open Letter

Sherry and Tom;

Last night was the BEST~
THANK YOU FOR HAVING US...almost 100% of membership there...can't beat that.

Everyone really appreciated Tom's organizational skills to have us all set for Trivia ...what a hoot...I loved the way the groups were separated...
Everyone wanted to be with Joe...He is the brains of our group and that is really saying something!!!
I wonder just how many degrees all the guys have total? A FANTASTIC and FUNNY GROUP!

I don't know what the Guys talked about, but I have never seen such closeness and sharing as the girls accomplished last night. We were much more interesting than "THE VIEW."

The talk about WW 11 memories which everyone shared ~ was over the top for all...
Interesting that the memories were as clear and all different as we are as people. With every one growing up in different parts of the country...made for a "Talk Show" better than THE VIEW and ours wasn't scripted either. Then we went right into memories of segregation
~ that too, was interesting as well.
I LOVED IT.

I have to say it was THE BEST YET. Maybe we should change our social name to "Virginia Oaks View"...invitation only group.

Thanks again...everyone for being the BEST.
Hugs,
June

"OPEN MIC" NIGHT at the Club~

Another fun night planned at Club House

What? "Open Mic" Night.

When? This Friday, January 23rd

Time? 7:30 PM

Dust off your Dancing Shoes and get it together for a fun night of Live Local Entertainment right here at our Club House.

We have lots of talent right in our own backyard.

~ Mimi's Cafe ~

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner,

our new Mimi's Cafe is due to open the first week in February.

Prices are basically $7-$12 with a wide range menu.

They have Pumpkin Pancakes, Eggs Ranchero bowl, Croissants and Crepes.

The Lunch Menu has Shrimp, Chicken, Turkey, Salmon and Ribs.

Dinner looks good too~

Some of their
" Classics"list Meatloaf, Chickenpot Pie, Pot Roast, Turkey Breast, County Fired Steak and say "ugh" but I was happy to see Liver and Onions as one of the classic choices. Do you know how hard it is to find Liver/onions on a menu?

Guess I should add that they have Past, Burgers, Fish, Sandwiches, Salads, etc.

Think they will be a great addition to our growing spots near-by.

The only problem could be parking.

Chili's next door has a booming Happy Hour making parking almost impossible.

Board Meeting Scheduled for Monday 7 PM at Clubhouse

Board Meeting

Monday January 26th at 7 PM.

Don't know the agenda, however, Redmond Community Management is now under new ownership.

Come meet one of the Representatives.
We expect business as usual.

Hope to see you there~

Are The Police Raising Our Children or What?

What's going on here in Virginia Oaks?

Thirty (30) police calls during THE FIRST 15 days of January~to ONE STREET here in our community~
What the heck is going on?

Disgruntled Firefighter Disrupts Happy Home

Did you miss this story in the Metro Section of the Washington Post?

The Gainesville District Volunteer Department has been dissolved and is now staffed with County Career Firefighters.

Fire Chief Bird of the Gainesville Volunteer Fire Department is now without a job and a home.

Seems that a couple of the Firefighters were "let go" who, in turn, brought to the County's attention the Chief's "unorthodox housing arrangement."

Chief Bird has been at the Firehouse some thirty years and apparently at some point during those years, moved his family in to make the Firehouse their home. His wife and daughter, who is 19 now, lived there with him.

A four month audit followed. The findings were records and paperwork in disarray. They also reported the Firehouse to be an operation that appeared to disregard county staffing and safety requirements, according to the Washington Post story.

Management of the Firehouse was transferred to the county and is now staffed with Career firefighters in both stations without interruption.

Police Call to Virginia Oaks

Good communication within our community is important.

There is so much going on that we should be aware to keep our Community safe.
Word of mouth doesn't do the job.

January 1, 2009 the Police and Fire Department responded to answer a call.

Complaint "Disorderly Conduct" at lakeside off Montour Heights Drive.

Apparently a New Years Eve Party went awry~
The shouting of foul language alerted home owners and a bonfire could be seen. When the Police arrived the "kids" were gone, abandoming the bonfire which was very much alive.
The Fire Department was called.

What a mess down there~ trash all over grounds and in the lake.

NO ONE is allowed to TRESPASS and be on the golf course unless they are playing golf. There are exceptions for the homeowners who may walk the course BEFORE 7 AM and AFTER the golf course is closed for the day.

Let us all be watchful to keep our community safe.
A woods fire could endanger many homes.

January Senior Party

Check you E-Mail~

Fun night on the horizon~
Private information concerning our January Event was sent via email. Call me if you have any questions.

We are so looking forward to seeing you~ our Christmas Party seems a long time ago, doesn't it?

This event we have decided on Pizza Night and more hot games of Trivia.

Maybe Mike will bring his Dirty Santa Gift ...remember? ....the one he couldn't give away at the Christmas party...that could possible be the prize for the losing team...as far as I know, not even the Salvation Army will take it.

As you might remember,
everyone is really good at Trivia~ why? Everyone selects "Geography." Being world travelers, we KNOW that subject. I remember who I want on my team, do you?

OUR FEBRUARY EVENT will be a Chili Cook-off. All the guys are to make and bring one recipe of your very own chili (the girls may help). Start looking for your recipe. A neat prize will be awarded to the winning recipe.

Eleanor plans to begin phoning for the January Event on Monday. June

Who knew ~ Coffee Filters 101 Uses and Counting

COFFEE FILTERS Coffee filters ..who knew!
This is from Joe and blogable (new word).

You can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing.

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.
2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.
5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint- free coffee filter.
7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.
9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.
12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.
13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."
OH YEAH, THEY ARE GREAT TO USE AS FILTERS IN YOUR COFFEE POT TOO.

High Entertainment ~ American Idol ~

The new season of American Idol began last evening and didn't disappoint. For sure, next to America's Got Talent, is one of the most entertaining programs to be found on our televisions.

Another TV program breaking ground to educate the general public is The Doctors which is on each afternoon. Nice to record all these so
you can buzz to the parts which appeal to us. The panel of Doctors talk about everything and most interesting is all the latest breakthroughs in the medical world.
Of course, I take notes and take them to my doctor when I see him. Thus far, he agrees with everything.

The Doctors recommend Omega 3 suppliment as it will increase blood flow, especially to the brain.
WOW..that sounds good.
Of course, I bought a quart size bottle at Costco and took it with me for my Doctor's appointment.
My first question was
with the Fish Oil in the Omega 3, would they send my cholesterol sky high?
He told me that actually it would help lower cholesterol.
His recommended... "Take two each day."

I didn't know that. Did you?

Redmond Community Management Sold

Sources have revealed to us that Kelly Redmond has sold Redmond Community Management to someone from Maryland as of Friday, January 9th.

This news came as a total surprise to our HOA as they received absolutely no notice of the sale.

Seems our Board President has no reaction to this announcement. He apparently expects business as usual. What if they are a disappointment?
Legally, a 90 written notice is all required to give to a Management Company should they fail to meet our expectations.

WE NEED MORE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. Kindly attend the JANUARY 26 MEETING at the Club. Usual 7 PM.

I understand a Representative of the new Management Company will attend our meeting.

We wish Kelly the very best. She worked very hard for our Community and was appreciated.

While The Cat Is Away, The Mice Will Play

Police were called to investigate an Illegal Entry to a Virginia Oaks Residence on January 1, 2009. Seems a little private party took place in a home while owners were away.

Interestingly, a neighbor received a phone call saying a party had taken place at the residence. According to my sources, entry was made through basement window after screen was cut and window opened.

Since nothing was taken and only the cabinet of alcoholic beverages had been disturbed, youngsters in the neighborhood were questioned. Apparently a small party had taken place as residue from potato chips were found on the downstairs game room floor. No evidence that anyone even went upstairs.

Owners were surprised the window had been unlocked. Easy to clean and forget to re lock or even the children could open the window for some reason.

Observe simple precautions before leaving your home for a few days and always.

Please re-check your windows and doors of your home.

Forward your home phone to your cell phone. When calling, no one can tell you are not answering from your home.

Place timers on lamps to come on and go off at the time you usually have them on.

Purchase a sensor light for your back door. The light will come on as it begins to get dark.

Anyone looking for an easy target will think that someone might be in the house, and go to the next house.

Don't advertise to service people, hairdressers and house cleaners that you plan to be away. To suspend their services until you return, explain you are having house guests and need to reschedule their services.

Have newspapers and mail suspended.

Advise your neighbors that you will be gone and if family will be coming by for any reason.
Neighbors are the best to watch out for each other.

If at all possible, have a security system with connection to Police and Fire Department installed. BRINKS seem to be the least expensive.
One deterred break-in could save the loss property than would pay for the system for years.

Travlers Return to Virginia Oaks

Donnette, Ken, Ford and I are keeping track of weather there at home as we bask in the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and boating to neighboring islands. We know so many of you are traveling too. Wendy and Bill are just back from China~what a trip we understand.

Our group will be enjoying Pizza Night soon~ Posting on that to come.
Should any Virginia Oaks Resident care to join us, kindly respond via email or call Kelly who will put you in touch with me. We have a most enthusiastic group.

Yesterday met a neat couple from Statten Island (New York). Nancy and girl friends have a very clever group who have have get-togethers under a neat name and have goals.
We girls will have to talk about this for ourselves.

Looking forward to all the news there and seeing you guys soon.

June Leads the way

On Saturday we had the most wonderful horseback ride through a French Nature Preserve which climaxed with a ride through the surf. It was one of the most pleasant horseback riding expieiriences I have ever had and would recommend it to anyone going to St. Maarten.

Another Morning in Paradise

Life is so hard here, the weather is a chilly 80+ and I cannot find any humidity. Ford and I are finding great pleasure sipping our morning coffee and looking out at the Bay.

Fun in St. Maarten

Ford and I are on vacation with Ken and Donette in St. Maarten. They made sure we had enough food for our New Year's Eve dinner by catching about 200 lbs of Mahi Mahi the day before we arrived.

With Ken's help, we will be keeping you posted on how we are enjoying this 80 degree weather and some of the things we are doing in the beautiful Caribbean.



Love
June