Spring

Newsletter May 2014

MWHOA Board of Directors:

President Donna Harding Vice President David Sohn Treasurer Paula Oas Secretary Lynn Musser Member at Large Teresa Krikor

How to Reach the Board:

Address: Post Office Box 2645 Laurel, MD 20709

Voice Mail: (240) 554-2438 E-mail: mail@mwhoa.com Internet www.mwhoa.com

MWHOA does not necessarily endorse advertisers’ products and services

From the woodpile…President’s Article

We are saving you money whether you realize it or not! It is stated in the covenants that the affairs of this Association shall be

managed and controlled by a Board of Directors. We have always been fortunate enough to have the willingness and participation of our homeowners to be members of the board. If there comes a time when we no longer have that interest, we will need to hire an outside company to manage our affairs for us. We want all of you to be aware of the potential cost that this could incur on each of us. Your current board has worked diligently on keeping our costs down. You need to be aware that the current board consists of homeowners such as yourselves. We do not get paid for our service and yet we work diligently for ourselves and our neighbors to keep the Montpelier Woods Community an affordable and beautiful neighborhood to live. Please consider this when we send out any correspondence to you in regards to any updates and changes that are needed to stay current with the laws.

Montpelier Woods was originally built in 1977. There are 348 homes in our neighborhood. Our declaration of covenants was originally created on August 19th of 1977. We, as a board, have tried to have the antiquated covenants updated but we need the majority vote of the community in order to accomplish this. Your current board is going to update the covenants again and we hope that you as a responsible and caring homeowner will actually read the updated covenants and submit your vote.

Springtime is here but with the harsh winter we had the cold weather is still lingering. None the less, we should be taking the time to begin spring cleaning and sprucing up around our homes. Now is the time to invest in yourself and your community by keeping the

“Curb Appeal”…and Covenants within the high standards that we should all be trying to uphold. Our homes are our investment and we need to retain their value. Below are some important areas that we should stay ahead of so that we do not end up with major repairs later. Simple maintenance can sometimes prolong the life of many items.

Examine your sump pump and the sump well. Is the area where the sump pump dumps water outside your house properly sloped? Is the basement stairwell drain clear? Wet basements are best avoided by providing

drainage away from the house. One preventative measure is to ensure that run-off from the roof is directed away from the ground beside the foundation wall using downspout extensions or splash blocks. Are the splash blocks, downspout extensions and window well covers still in place, and in good shape? Fixing these items will remove a major source of basement leaks. Check your windows, doors, and siding for damage

and replace any deteriorated caulking. These areas can allow water to come into your home often resulting in rot and mildew. Checking the vents and replacing the furnace filter

can save you money on your electric bill. Keeping the air flowing properly will better serve your heat and air conditioning needs. The garage door should be maintained regularly.

Check nuts and bolts for tightness including those in the door, the track, and the overhead drive mechanism, tighten any fastener that has become loosened but do not over tighten the bolts and crush the door material. Lubrication is highly recommended to keep your door in good working condition, this includes the tracks, drive chain (if present), guide wheels, and hinges.

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President’s Article (continued)

Now is also the time to start caring for the lawn and flowerbeds. Again, simple maintenance can keep the important equipment we need to keep our lawns in tip top shape and running properly.

Be sure to tune up your lawn mower and other power equipment. You will save fuel and reduce pollution at the same time.

If you do use fungicides and herbicides, please read the labels on all fertilizers and pesticides, and then apply them properly. Consider pets and animals when you use chemicals Save water by checking your spigots, hoses, and

nozzles for any leaks. Washers are inexpensive and save a lot of water.

Since we are going to be doing all of this cleaning and sprucing up around our homes, it seems that this would be a great opportunity to go over the County guidelines for disposing of bulk trash……….

BULK TRASH: Removal is Free, Just Schedule a Pickup

The County provides bulk trash collection by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, homeowners should call 301-952-7600 Monday through Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Appointments may also be scheduled electronically at BulkyTrash@co.pg.md.us. Your material needs to be at the curb by 7:30 AM on the collection day.

A list of acceptable and non-acceptable materials and additional information can be found on the County's website: BulkyTrash@co.pg.md.us

Let’s not lose sight of the fact that in order for us to maintain our homes we must take care of ourselves. It will soon be time for the shorts and bathing suits to come out of hiding. Find your walking shoes and start walking. Swimming is a great way to exercise as well. There are water aerobic classes weekly at the Fairland Aquatic Center. You should also be aware of the health benefits of a good night’s sleep. Clocking 7 to 8 hours

Direct: 301-873-4769 SRES, CNE, SFR Office :301-384-8700 REALTOR

Selling Laurel Since 1989! 70+ Homes Sold in Your Neighborhood!

Call, Email or Text Me Today For All of Your Real Estate Needs!

E-Mail: terri@LNF.com WWW.TERRISHIPP.COM

TERRI SHIPP

of sleep a night can reduce your risk of colon cancer by 50%, heart attacks by 48%, and strokes by 19% according to Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD. By getting in that good night’s sleep, you can also help protect yourself against diabetes, weight gain, and cranky mornings. Short sleep can throw off your appetite-regulating hormones in ways that make you eat more, gain more, and get more sugar problems. Some tips to getting that full night of restful sleep would be to stick to a regular lights out schedule, nixing caffeine three hours before bed, being physically active, turning off all electronics, and close the curtains.

Our Common Areas…..

~Donna Harding, President 2

Liabilities and Owners Equity

Prepaid Owner Assessments $ 0

Owners Equity $ 80,499.85

Total Liabilities and Owners Equity $ 80,499.85

MWHOA Financial Update

Balance Sheet

As of 2/28/2013

Assets

Bank, Savings & Investment Accounts

Checking – Bank of America $ 6,499.83

Savings – Bank of America $ 16,107.56

Money Market - E-Trade $ 7,577.05

CD - Risk Free - Bank of America $ 19,373.18

CD - Reg. - Bank of America $ 30,992.23

Total Assets $ 80,499.85

~ Paula Oas, Treasurer

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Welcome to our New

Neighbors

Thank you for joining us in Montpelier Woods!

Kenneth Feldman II 11511 Basswood Ct

Daniel & Melanie Wuertzer

11902 Basswood Dr

Youbaraj Poudel & Samjhana Sapkota

11701 Basswood Dr

Fredy & Erika Gonzalez 10203 Bignonia Dr

Eric Graybill 10400 Balsamwood Dr

Mahapara Sartaj 10306 Bristolwood Ct

Terrance & Jane Greenan 12204 Amblewood Dr

exposed to. I believe this may be responsible in part for the profound increase in allergies and immune dysfunction that I am witnessing.”

—Michelle Perro, M.D. Pediatrics (one of America’s Top Physicians, 5 consecutive years)

According to the physicians’ group, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM), lab animals fed GMOs suffered from reproductive disorders, immune dysfunction, signs of premature aging, gastrointestinal problems, organ damage, and insulin and cholesterol issues. “The AAEM asks physicians to educate their patients, the medical community, and the public to avoid GM foods when possible.”

- info from the Institute for Responsible Technology, www.ResponsibleTechnology.org

Now we know why the bill requiring GMOs to be labeled was introduced in our legislature. Otherwise, how can we avoid them, like the AAEM recommends?

What Are GMOs?

A bill was introduced in the Maryland legislature in 2014 to require labeling of GMOs in the food we eat. What are GMOs, you ask? It stands for

Genetically Modified Organism and is the result of a laboratory process where genes from one species—including bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or humans—are forced into the DNA of unrelated plants or animals. This process can be fraught with dangerous side effects.

There are two main types of GMO crops. The herbicide tolerant varieties are engineered to withstand high doses of toxic weed killers. These toxins, which are linked to birth defects, cancer, and hormone disruption, end up inside our food.

Some physicians are concerned about this: “Genetically engineered foods contain new proteins that children have not been previously

Do you enjoy gardening? Enjoy beautifying the neighborhood?

Betty Ann Kortlang has done an excellent job (Thank you, Betty Ann!) but she will be stepping down soon. Please contact the Board if you are interested in helping us keep our entrances colorful.

Calling all Yardsalers!

We wanted to give everyone advance notice that we are planning on having a Community Yard Sale in September. The date has not been decided, but it will be on a Saturday, not when the Pennysaver yardsale at the Bowie Baysox stadium is planned. Contact us if you have a preference for the date.

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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Helping the Community

During the last quarter there has been only one crime reported in Montpelier Woods. A theft from auto occurred on April 2nd on Basswood

Drive. County wide crime is down 9% as compared to last year at this time. Homicides are down 4%. This trend continues a five year downward trend in crime of over 40%. This year to date there has been a slight increase in robberies, both commercial and residential. Bank robberies are up in the Washington area. The County police are focusing more resources on robberies and the FBI has increased area investigation of bank robberies.

The first line of defense against all forms of robbery is awareness and reduction of potential items of value for thieves. Secure your homes and vehicles. Don’t place valuable property in sight in autos. Lock your doors and windows. Consider an alarm system for your home. The County Police will provide a free home security inspection. Call District VI police at 301-937-0910. If you see suspicious individual(s) in the area (who are moving around with no reason to be there) call the police emergency number: 301-352-1200 or 911. Let the police determine if the individual has criminal intent. Be a good neighbor and help protect the community. There are many good security tips at our MWHOA web site.

It’s spring when speeding and failure to stop at stop signs seems to increase. Please reduce your speed and watch for children. We expect the police to bring their radar guns into the area during the next month, especially during rush hours.

The County Department of Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement is responsible for enforcing laws in residential areas, including: illegal parking on the property, parties where fees are charged, excessive noise, littering, child care facility and rental properties. If you have any questions or concerns about prohibited use of residential properties, call 301-883-5776 or 311. The 311 number is still in development and is not always helpful.

If you see or believe that a crime is being committed it is your responsibility to call the police directly and immediately. To call a board member or police officer only delays the process and the police can not work with second hand information. The MWHOA Officers do not have police powers. Please call the Police or Department of Permitting, etc, directly. They will help you at: Fire/Police emergency; 911, Non-emergency; 301-352-1200, Tip Line; 301-931-3575. Department of Permitting; 301-883-5776 or 311.

Finally, if you have the time, Coffee with COPS is held at the Laurel/Beltsville Senior Citizens Center (near Laurel Hospital). It is held the 1st Thursday of every month at 1pm. There is free coffee with an interesting speaker on security, safety and crime prevention. It usually lasts about one hour.

Dale Good, Neighborhood Watch Chairman

Dinosaur Program

Dinosaur Park in Laurel is open the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from12 noon - 4 pm. Stop by and see their new discoveries! FREE.

Mark your calendars for these events at the mansion!

A Midsummer Night's Dream will be this summer's Shakespeare in the Park offering, performed July 18 at 7 pm on the mansion grounds. FREE

History Through a Drinking Vessel: Maureen O’Prey will speak on the history of beer in the colonies. May 21 at 7:30 pm. FREE

Research Cafe: African American Genealogy: Come discover your African American heritage with Nathania Branch Miles! A noted author and speaker with the Speakers Bureau of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (Prince George's Co., MD Chapter), she will introduce you to the best sites to start your research. Nathania can also help you overcome thwarted research attempts you may have encountered. June 28 11 am—1 pm. Residents: $3; Non-Residents: $5

Free First Fridays! First Friday of the Month, April through October. Get free admission to Montpelier Mansion with: Self-guided tours from 11 am—6 pm Tavern Games from 3—6 pm.

Blast-in-the-Past: A Hands-On History Playground: The Montpelier grounds will once again be transformed into a history playground! Be a tradesperson, town crier, frontiersman or woman, a farmer, and more! Come for an hour or stay for the day. Story times weekly. Call (301-377-7817; TTY 301-699-2544) for details. Wednesdays-Saturdays, July 16-August 9, 11 am-4 pm. Resident $2/day; Non-Resident $3/day

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Grill Safety Tips

When firing up your grills this summer, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds you to barbecue safely whether you use gas or charcoal.

Gas Grills

Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas container.

To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely perform the following safety checks:

Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.

Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.

Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.

Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.

Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from a leaking grill.

Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that can catch fire.

Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill and when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers.

Consumers should use caution when storing LP gas containers. Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.

Is Your Yard Too Wet?

Several residents have complained about water drainage or surface water. The Board has researched this problem and it has been recommended we plant trees to offset those that are dying in the common areas, contributing to the drainage problems. We have contacted the Arbor Day Foundation and The Board has agreed to purchase Arborvitae to help alleviate this common water drainage problem. We would like to know who is interested in planting these conifer trees on their property or in the common area adjacent to their property. This worthwhile effort would help beautify the property, assist in creating a windscreen for the neighborhoods and assist owners to regain some of the lost privacy caused by the thinning woods.

If you are interested in receiving some trees to plant this spring, please contact MWHOA by May 25th. Someone will take a look at your property to estimate the number of trees needed.

To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal produces carbon monoxide when burned. Carbon monoxide is a

colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 30 people die and 100 are injured as a result of carbon monoxide fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used indoors.

To reduce carbon monoxide poisonings, never burn charcoal indoors, in vehicles, tents or campers, even if ventilated. Since charcoal produces carbon monoxide fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.

For more information, visit the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov.

Look Inside For:

From the Woodpile: President’s article

Neighborhood Watch

New Neighbors

Health and Wellness

Financial Update

Other things of interest

Terri Shipp Real Estate Ad

Is Your Yard Too Wet?

NEXT MWHOA MEETING DATE

Deerfield Run Community Center

13000 Laurel Bowie Road

Monday, 19 May 2014

Meetings begin at 7:00 pm

Future meeting dates:

June 23 and July 28

Homeowners are encouraged to attend!

Montpelier Woods

Homeowners Association, Inc.

Post Office Box 2645

Laurel, MD. 20709

Note new time