Dear Neighbors,
I trust everyone enjoyed a "star-spangled" July 4th holiday.
 
Annual Open Board Meeting.
Due to requests by several neighbors to delay the HOA open meeting until after the summer vacation period, we have postponed it until Wednesday, 4 September.  We hope this will allow more of you to attend.  This meeting will require your vote on important financial decisions to carry us through mid-2025.  As such your attendance, or proxy, will be essential.  The most important decisions will involve road repairs, HOA dues increase vs special assessment, and amendments to the by-laws and architectural guidelines which have not been updated since 2003.  Look for more details in the August newsletter.
 
You Look Fabulous!  
Join me in congratulating the first recipient of our Fairland Towns "Garden of the Month Award."  Check out Ronda and Betty's tidy plot at 6528 Major St. There were several other well-kept gardens that made it a tough decision for the board. The next award will be selected 01 August.  Will it be you?
 
Tree Trimming.  
We completed a massive pruning and clean-out of almost 40 trees on our community public spaces.  We hope you noticed the difference.  This work should carry us for several years.  There are several small trees which the experts have advised we remove, but we will defer that work until a future time.
 
Down the Drain.  
Credit to your Board members Jeff and Neil for leading the charge on clearing debris in and around our community storm sewers.  The three primary drains are now open, and will ensure proper drainage for the community in the event of heavy rains.  We ask that you do not place any materials or yard debris (grass, leaves, shrubs) in the drains to ensure they function properly and do their intended job.  Thanks, gents.
 
ARB and Home Repairs.  
The latest tranche of ARB infraction letters has recently been mailed.  HOA guidelines allow 30 days for repairs, but we have extended the deadline for repairs or submission of reasonable plans for repair to the ARB Committee (Hector) until 30 August.  Please make your repairs on time and notify Hector when you are complete so you can be removed from the "naughty list."  Compliance keeps our neighborhood standards high and saves us both administrative time reissuing letters and postage. A big thanks to those of you who have diligently made your repairs.
 
Plans for a Makeover?  
If you are planning any alterations to your property, major or minor, do check with the ARB in advance, as is required by our FTHOA by-laws, to which we all signed on to.  We continue to see changes to paint color, fences, decks and drives that do not meet guideline standards.  In every instance, the homeowner stated "I was not aware that I needed to submit an alteration request."   That is not an acceptable reason.  Please review the guidelines and the included Alteration Request Form on the FTHOA website under the DOCUMENTS tab.  If in doubt, give us a shout - first.
 
Do Do Your Dues.  
Homeowner dues must be paid by 31 July.  Current dues are $460.  You do not have to wait until you receive the dues notification letter, and can mail your check to the HOA address at the top of this letter.  Simply include your name and address on the check so YOU get the credit.
 
Website Refresh.  
Take a minute to check out the updated FTHOA website  http://fairlandtownshoa.com.   One of our FT young neighbors, Abel Bekalu, has worked to make the site attractive, current and useful.  We want to use the site as your Go-To place for neighborhood information, recommended contractors and urgent news.  Let us know what you think and what you would like to see.  Abel will happily take your inputs, as well as photos of the grounds, events, and pets to give it a real community feel.
 
Cheers, Neighbors.  
A big thanks to Al Silas for replacing the yellow SAFETY signs on our main street.  Al remains active in the community keeping our kids safe and our grounds attractive.  Thanks, neighbor.
 
That’s it for this month.  Spread kindness!
 
Cheers,
Kevin (703-772-6216), Ronda, Neil, Jeff and Hector