News Articles
July 2025 Newsletter
Posted on Aug 16th, 2025
Fairland Towns Homeowner Association
PO Box 1376
Annandale, VA 22003
www.fairlandtownshoa.com
July 2025
Dear Neighbor,
We hope everyone’s summer continues to be fun and full of time with family and friends.
Garden of the Month.
June honors go to our neighbors at 6579 Irvin Court. This home always presents a handsome and well-manicured yard. Thanks! Photos are on our website. Thanks to everyone who made efforts to tidy up your yards and gardens. We are raising the bar across the community and looking good for it.
DUEs Day is 31 July.
HOA dues reminders were send this month by email only. Dues are $500 and due by 31 July. Expanded options for paying are available and explained in the email. We are working on bank-to-bank electronic transfers. Note that some electronic payments require added charges to you, so do add them to your payment if you elect to use one. We rely on your prompt payment of dues so we can pay our bills for essential services that you expect. $50 late fees apply 1 August.
ARB Fines Begin 01 August.
ARB infractions letters for the Spring inspection were mailed in May. If you receive an infraction notice, our bylaws allow 30 days to complete and REPORT repairs to the ARB officer (Hector), or to present a reasonable plan to complete repairs if there are extenuating circumstances. Thanks to those of you who have already completed repairs or responded to Hector. We assume that everyone else intends to complete repairs by the extended deadline of 31 July, as you have had 6 weeks to notify us of other arrangements. If Hector does not hear from you by 31 July informing him that your repairs are complete, your property will begin to accumulate a $150 fine/lien per month beginning 1 August and increase by $150 the 1st of each month until repairs are completed. Recall that the new fines were approved by you, the homeowners, at our September 2024 community meeting, as a means to enforce architectural standards. We remain committed to work collaboratively with homeowners to maintain properties for owner and community benefit, but we will no longer ignore flagrant disregard for our established community bylaws. Please do your bit to keep Fairland Towns a preferred living destination and keep resale values high.
Fence Foibles.
A good number of ARB infractions this year included fence repairs. Good to see that six homeowners have recently replaced aging fences, vastly improving their property and community aesthetics. Most of our fences and decks are original and over 35 years old. You might consider replacing yours rather than constantly trying to repair them. It adds to your home value. In either case, be reminded that either repairs or replacement require repainting with approved wood STAINS. As of January 2025, any repainting of decks or fences now require both be the SAME color stain. Several homeowners have recently replaced their fences and are pleased with the quality of work contracted. If any homeowners are interested in using one of these recommended contractors, knock on the door of a neighbor with a new fence. I am sure they would be glad to provide you necessary contact info – and you will meet another terrific neighbor!
Busy Bees.
I gotta say, our community looks better every day. There is a lot of work happening recently across homes in the neighborhood. The incentive may be the looming fines, but I think not. In my curbside chats with you, I detect an increased awareness that your work not only improves the look and value of your own home but also benefits the entire FT community. Our home values prove that. Let’s keep it up!
Board at Work.
We have made our decision on Irvin Court repairs and plan to conduct work early August. It will likely involve shutting down Irvin Ct to all traffic for three full days. I will issue more detail as we get exact dates. We have also signed a contract for Professional Landscaping of Springfield to replace Blade Runners for our grounds and snow services beginning this winter. They were one of three (3) bids we solicited and vetted. We will receive expanded service and save over $5000/year compared to our current contract. We are confident that this established company will not only provide a more dependable and quality service, but they have already demonstrated a high level of engagement and communication with our HOA Board – something that you cannot put a price on. Kudos to your HOA officers Ronda and Jeff, for making this happen.
Poopy matters, Part 2.
My reminder last newsletter regarding poop-scooping and leashing your four-legged family members brought several responses from homeowners who reminded me that pets peeing in private yards are also causing concern due to burn spots and dead grass as homeowners try to maintain a healthy yard. This is especially of concern for your neighbors along the main sidewalks in and out of our community along Major Street and Irvin Court which is a high traffic pet area. We are open to suggestions from all as to how we can resolve this as a community. In the interim, might I suggest giving Fido or Fifi a “headstart” on their business in your own backyard, and then making a beeline to common areas behind Irvin Ct along the drainage ditch and on the Thomas Jefferson fence side of the sidewalk along Major Street as you exit the community for a walk. Please be considerate.
C’mon, we can do better!
During weekly grounds patrols we expect to find trash along our outer perimeter where cars, passers-by and students carelessly toss litter. However, we continue to find trash discarded internal to our community, and that is on US. Our common parking areas are the worst with loads of cigarette butts and cartons (Marlboro and Virgina Slims smokers take note), bottles, napkins, food items and other car trash discarded when entering or exiting parked cars. Recently a full bag of household garbage was left strewn about the Irvin Court commons. We should be proud caretakers of our Fairland Towns grounds. It takes all of us. C’mon!
More Sticks Stuff.
If you happen to see a pile of sticks and limbs in your front yard or behind your gate, it is a result of our weekly grounds walks, and the sticks are from in/around your property, including behind and outside your fence. Please do us the solid of placing them in a tidy bundle at your curb for Friday trash collection. Also, we won’t frown if you want to do that collection yourselves, especially after wind or rain storms. Cheers.
From the Archives.
This month’s blast from the past concerns long-standing disregard for trash health laws. Fairfax County and FTHOA guidelines require organic trash to be kept in, and placed at the curb, in a covered garbage bin. Both trash and recycle bins can be obtained/replaced at no cost by calling Republic Trash Service or using their website – and they deliver! Does not get easier than that.
Good on You, Neighbor.
One of your neighbors recently used the HOA power washer to put a shine on their home siding, porch and sidewalk. After, they cheerfully donated a high-power nozzle they purchased for more efficient and effective work, and it is now available to all using the washer. Thanks for your generosity, mate!
Landlords Take Note.
If you are an owner that rents your home you must make the HOA aware. Owners must also advise their tenants on your/their responsibilities regarding the HOA – better yet, provide them a copy of the bylaws (see website). Landlords are encouraged to register tenants’ contact information with the HOA so we can communicate directly with them via monthly newsletter, or for important announcements regarding emergent FT community affairs such as snow removal, holiday trash schedules or upcoming road repairs. Landlords are ultimately responsible for tenant’s compliance with HOA bylaws.
Annual Community Meeting.
Please mark your calendars for our FTHOA annual community meeting, the first or second Wednesday in September (exact date will be included in August newsletter), right after we all return from summer activities. It will be held at Weyanoke School, right next door on Braddock. Of note, we will need a new Secretary, and potentially one other position for the Board, to replace a neighbor completing 25 years of service to the HOA. Please consider taking your turn in the barrel to serve and have voice in your community. All of the current Board members are keen to take any calls to discuss responsibilities from any interested homeowners ahead of the meeting. We will be reminding you as that date gets closer.
That is all for July. Safe travel to those vacationing away.
Spread kindness!
Cheers,
Kevin (703-772-6216), Ronda, Neil, Jeff and Hector
PO Box 1376
Annandale, VA 22003
www.fairlandtownshoa.com
July 2025
Dear Neighbor,
We hope everyone’s summer continues to be fun and full of time with family and friends.
Garden of the Month.
June honors go to our neighbors at 6579 Irvin Court. This home always presents a handsome and well-manicured yard. Thanks! Photos are on our website. Thanks to everyone who made efforts to tidy up your yards and gardens. We are raising the bar across the community and looking good for it.
DUEs Day is 31 July.
HOA dues reminders were send this month by email only. Dues are $500 and due by 31 July. Expanded options for paying are available and explained in the email. We are working on bank-to-bank electronic transfers. Note that some electronic payments require added charges to you, so do add them to your payment if you elect to use one. We rely on your prompt payment of dues so we can pay our bills for essential services that you expect. $50 late fees apply 1 August.
ARB Fines Begin 01 August.
ARB infractions letters for the Spring inspection were mailed in May. If you receive an infraction notice, our bylaws allow 30 days to complete and REPORT repairs to the ARB officer (Hector), or to present a reasonable plan to complete repairs if there are extenuating circumstances. Thanks to those of you who have already completed repairs or responded to Hector. We assume that everyone else intends to complete repairs by the extended deadline of 31 July, as you have had 6 weeks to notify us of other arrangements. If Hector does not hear from you by 31 July informing him that your repairs are complete, your property will begin to accumulate a $150 fine/lien per month beginning 1 August and increase by $150 the 1st of each month until repairs are completed. Recall that the new fines were approved by you, the homeowners, at our September 2024 community meeting, as a means to enforce architectural standards. We remain committed to work collaboratively with homeowners to maintain properties for owner and community benefit, but we will no longer ignore flagrant disregard for our established community bylaws. Please do your bit to keep Fairland Towns a preferred living destination and keep resale values high.
Fence Foibles.
A good number of ARB infractions this year included fence repairs. Good to see that six homeowners have recently replaced aging fences, vastly improving their property and community aesthetics. Most of our fences and decks are original and over 35 years old. You might consider replacing yours rather than constantly trying to repair them. It adds to your home value. In either case, be reminded that either repairs or replacement require repainting with approved wood STAINS. As of January 2025, any repainting of decks or fences now require both be the SAME color stain. Several homeowners have recently replaced their fences and are pleased with the quality of work contracted. If any homeowners are interested in using one of these recommended contractors, knock on the door of a neighbor with a new fence. I am sure they would be glad to provide you necessary contact info – and you will meet another terrific neighbor!
Busy Bees.
I gotta say, our community looks better every day. There is a lot of work happening recently across homes in the neighborhood. The incentive may be the looming fines, but I think not. In my curbside chats with you, I detect an increased awareness that your work not only improves the look and value of your own home but also benefits the entire FT community. Our home values prove that. Let’s keep it up!
Board at Work.
We have made our decision on Irvin Court repairs and plan to conduct work early August. It will likely involve shutting down Irvin Ct to all traffic for three full days. I will issue more detail as we get exact dates. We have also signed a contract for Professional Landscaping of Springfield to replace Blade Runners for our grounds and snow services beginning this winter. They were one of three (3) bids we solicited and vetted. We will receive expanded service and save over $5000/year compared to our current contract. We are confident that this established company will not only provide a more dependable and quality service, but they have already demonstrated a high level of engagement and communication with our HOA Board – something that you cannot put a price on. Kudos to your HOA officers Ronda and Jeff, for making this happen.
Poopy matters, Part 2.
My reminder last newsletter regarding poop-scooping and leashing your four-legged family members brought several responses from homeowners who reminded me that pets peeing in private yards are also causing concern due to burn spots and dead grass as homeowners try to maintain a healthy yard. This is especially of concern for your neighbors along the main sidewalks in and out of our community along Major Street and Irvin Court which is a high traffic pet area. We are open to suggestions from all as to how we can resolve this as a community. In the interim, might I suggest giving Fido or Fifi a “headstart” on their business in your own backyard, and then making a beeline to common areas behind Irvin Ct along the drainage ditch and on the Thomas Jefferson fence side of the sidewalk along Major Street as you exit the community for a walk. Please be considerate.
C’mon, we can do better!
During weekly grounds patrols we expect to find trash along our outer perimeter where cars, passers-by and students carelessly toss litter. However, we continue to find trash discarded internal to our community, and that is on US. Our common parking areas are the worst with loads of cigarette butts and cartons (Marlboro and Virgina Slims smokers take note), bottles, napkins, food items and other car trash discarded when entering or exiting parked cars. Recently a full bag of household garbage was left strewn about the Irvin Court commons. We should be proud caretakers of our Fairland Towns grounds. It takes all of us. C’mon!
More Sticks Stuff.
If you happen to see a pile of sticks and limbs in your front yard or behind your gate, it is a result of our weekly grounds walks, and the sticks are from in/around your property, including behind and outside your fence. Please do us the solid of placing them in a tidy bundle at your curb for Friday trash collection. Also, we won’t frown if you want to do that collection yourselves, especially after wind or rain storms. Cheers.
From the Archives.
This month’s blast from the past concerns long-standing disregard for trash health laws. Fairfax County and FTHOA guidelines require organic trash to be kept in, and placed at the curb, in a covered garbage bin. Both trash and recycle bins can be obtained/replaced at no cost by calling Republic Trash Service or using their website – and they deliver! Does not get easier than that.
Good on You, Neighbor.
One of your neighbors recently used the HOA power washer to put a shine on their home siding, porch and sidewalk. After, they cheerfully donated a high-power nozzle they purchased for more efficient and effective work, and it is now available to all using the washer. Thanks for your generosity, mate!
Landlords Take Note.
If you are an owner that rents your home you must make the HOA aware. Owners must also advise their tenants on your/their responsibilities regarding the HOA – better yet, provide them a copy of the bylaws (see website). Landlords are encouraged to register tenants’ contact information with the HOA so we can communicate directly with them via monthly newsletter, or for important announcements regarding emergent FT community affairs such as snow removal, holiday trash schedules or upcoming road repairs. Landlords are ultimately responsible for tenant’s compliance with HOA bylaws.
Annual Community Meeting.
Please mark your calendars for our FTHOA annual community meeting, the first or second Wednesday in September (exact date will be included in August newsletter), right after we all return from summer activities. It will be held at Weyanoke School, right next door on Braddock. Of note, we will need a new Secretary, and potentially one other position for the Board, to replace a neighbor completing 25 years of service to the HOA. Please consider taking your turn in the barrel to serve and have voice in your community. All of the current Board members are keen to take any calls to discuss responsibilities from any interested homeowners ahead of the meeting. We will be reminding you as that date gets closer.
That is all for July. Safe travel to those vacationing away.
Spread kindness!
Cheers,
Kevin (703-772-6216), Ronda, Neil, Jeff and Hector