Newsletter - Spring 2009

CWHOA Spring 2009 Newsletter

Covenants Committee Report

Your Covenants Committee is made up of Dona Meehan, Gail Gershon, and yours truly, Art Roberts. I am one of the original owners in the Cloisters. The Covenants Committee reports to your Board and can make recommendations to the Board on potential exterior changes and possible violations of covenants rules. The Board then moves on these recommendations and submits them to the management company for action. We then are tasked to monitor what action has been taken or to remind the homeowner that he or she should be complying with management's requests.

We are very much aware of the importance of maintaining our homes' property values. Reminding residents to keep their homes and yards in the best condition possible helps maintain values. We are also cognizant of the tough economic times in which we find ourselves. The Committee takes its work seriously and endeavors to be as responsive as possible to homeowners' requests. We try to facilitate solutions that benefit individual homeowners and their neighbors. For example, recently power-washing was made available through our landscape contractor. A large number of our homeowners took advantage of this opportunity, however, some did not, and their homes now stand out because of the buildup of the mildew on our brick walls and stoops over the years. We would urge you to take advantage of the power-washing service and we will try to make the same offer later in the summer. We are also endeavoring to have Long Fence provide the Association members with a unit price to replace their back fences, particularly along the Visitation School property.

With the onset of spring/summer, many of your neighbors are contemplating painting the exteriors of their homes. We have found that paint pallette/McCormick Colonial/State House has been updated and altered. Since the colors originally chosen in cooperation with the Old Georgetown Committee, the Cloisters West enclave was designed to blend harmoniously with neighboring Federal-style homes. With this in mind, the McCormick Paint Company's exterior Colonial color collection was selected, but was not intended to limit the use of other brands of paint so long as they match the McCormick color palette. With computerized matching, any paint store can customize a color from the Colonial palette. We are endeavoring to obtain a new brochure from McCormick to make available to everyone and we will try to update the CWHOA website to display these colors, but since individual computer colors may not be true, please do not match to these colors -- take the colors from the McCormick Colonial palette brochure for matching.

CWHOA MANAGER’S REPORT

We frequently are asked for reference to rules, Covenants, or other issues relating to your community. We are happy to provide this information. However, you should always keep www.cloisterswest.org bookmarked on your computer. This is where you will find information relating to many of the questions you have involving your community.

In an effort to be more green, we also are posting more materials on your web site rather than mailing them to residents. You will find Minutes to your Board meetings, as well as other current information such as the statements of the candidates running for the Board this year (located in the News section) on the website. Check out the site often for updates!

Speaking of green issues, the next TBM newsletter which you will receive electronically in the next few weeks will be all about the environment. We hope you will enjoy it and perhaps learn something new so that we all can do our part for the environment.

CWHOA BOARD INFORMATION

Homeowners should have received the following information in the mail recently from Tilton Bernstein Management, Inc.:

Cloisters West Homeowners Association Agenda for the Annual Meeting on June 16th, Proxy to Vote for the best candidates running for the Board, and the Cloisters West Budget.

The following information is available on the website: www.cloisterswest.org

*Board Meeting Minutes

*Statement of Candidates

(As noted above, the infoprovided by the candidates is located in the NEWS section of the web page.)

The annual meeting will be held 7pm Tues., June 16th at 1500 35th St.,

Georgetown Visitation —Heritage Room (2nd Floor). Ice Cream will be served!

Please review the list of Safety Tips that apply to issues in our neighborhood. I hope you find them helpful! If you have any questions, or would like to join our daily e-mail "police alert" list, please feel free to contact me.

In addition to the Metropolitan Police, we are also protected by an extra Reimbursable MPD Detail, as well as Citizen's of Georgetown Security Patrol, SECURITAS. Contact information: Robert Taylor - Head of Securitas and Reimbursable Detail 202-438-8917 guards.cag@gmail.com If John cannot be reached, call the Police at 911.

Securitas - Wed., Thursday, & Sunday - 6 PM - 1:00 AM; Friday & Sat. - 6 PM - 3:00 AM

Reimbursable MPD Detail - Friday through Sunday - 9:00 PM - 3:00 AM. Do not hesitate to phone for their help when needed. As you know, the Metropolitan Police are always available by dialing 911. That number is to be used for any and all Police calls, emergency or not.

Neighborhood Safety Committee &

CAG Block Captain - Cloisters West

Neighborhood Safety:

Leave your front & rear exterior lights on during all hours of darkness. Photo electric cells/light sensors, available at electric and lighting supple stores, are inexpensive and as easy to install as changing a light bulb. Your lights will automatically go on when it gets dark and go off when it becomes light.

Leave lights on inside your home by using either timers or light sensors.

Be sure to have your house number clearly visible. This is required by law. Police and fireman are often hampered by not being able to find an address easily. It is also important to have any back or alley entrances marked clearly with your house number.

Keep all doors, garage doors & windows locked (even on upper floors and skylights).

Do not leave ladders lying around or against your house at any time they are not in use.

Do not open your door to strangers.

Stop newspaper delivery before you go away. Take in your neighbor’s papers, phone books, etc. if they are delivered to an empty house.

Tell neighbors when you will be away so they can be mindful of your property.

Don’t leave personal property in cars.

Have your keys ready before you get to your home or car and don’t keep car and house keys on the same key chain.

Keep shrubbery cut low so that criminals cannot hide behind it.

Call the police to report anything suspiciousNon Emergency or Emergency: 911

Protecting Your Car:

You should always protect your vehicle by removing your keys from the ignition, locking all of your doors, closing all of your windows, parking in a well-lit area, and never leave your engine running and vehicle unlocked while you run into your home, a convenience store or anywhere else.A visible or audible device alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular devices include audible alarms, steering wheel locks, tire locks, theft deterrent decals.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS….

Safety While Walking, Etc.:

Here are general tips for staying safe in a variety of situations, including walking, jogging, shopping, or riding elevators:

Stay alert at all times and tuned in to your surroundings, wherever you are. The wearing of headphones while walking or jogging can reduce your level of alertness.

Plan your route in advance, and vary your routes whenever possible.

Get to know the neighborhoods and neighbors where you live and work. Find out what stores and restaurants are open late and where police and fire stations are located.

When walking or jogging, use busy streets, and avoid shortcuts through deserted parks, vacant lots, and unlit passages.

At night, walk or jog only on streets with plenty of light and traffic, and avoid walking alone if possible.

Walk on the part of the sidewalk close to the street and away from shrubbery, trees, or doorways..

Stand tall and walk confidently. Don't make it obvious if you are in unfamiliar territory.

Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and get help if necessary.

Don't carry large sums of cash. If you do carry cash, do not display it in public.

If possible, carry only identification, phone numbers, and the credit cards you will need. Keep a list at home of credit cards and other important material you would need to replace in case of loss.

Separate your house keys from your car keys. Women should keep their keys in places other than their purses. That way, if your purse is snatched, you will still have your keys.

Keep names and phone numbers of relatives or friends on your person, in the event of an accident or emergency.

Consider carrying a whistle or other noisemaker, and sound it loudly if you are accosted or feel threatened.

Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Thieves often work in pairs. One may bump you or cut you off, while the other is picking your pocket.

A good purse is one with a flap that folds over the opening and fastens at the bottom, and often has an interior zipper. The easiest purse for you to open is also the easiest for a pickpocket to steal from.

Purses should be carried close to the body, under an exterior garment, and slung across the body. Flaps should be secured and turned toward the body at all times.

Wallets should be carried in an inside coat pocket and cash in a front pants pocket. A rubber band tied several times around a wallet can increase friction and make it easier for you to notice if you are being pick pocketed.

Avoid wearing excessive jewelry. In particular, keep necklaces and bracelets inside your clothing.

Don't discuss personal information with strangers.

Before entering an elevator, look at the persons already in the car. If you are uneasy, wait for the next elevator.

If a suspicious person enters an elevator and you are uneasy, then get off right away.

If you notice a person in an elevator has not pushed a floor indicator button, do not get off at your floor. Go back to the lobby and report the suspicious activity.

Stand near the control buttons. If threatened or attacked, sound the alarm and push several floor buttons if possible

Burglary Prevention:

Check Your LocksMake sure every external door has a strong, well-installed dead bolt lock. Key-in-the-knob locks alone are not enough. Sliding glass doors offer easy access if they are not properly secured. You can secure them by putting a broomstick or dowel in the inside track to jam the door or by installing commercially available locks. To prevent the door being lifted off of the track, drill a hole through the sliding door frame and the fixed frame. Then insert a pin in the hole. Lock double-hung windows with key locks or "pin" your windows by drilling a small hole at a 45 degree angle between the inner and outer frames, then insert a nail that can be removed. You should secure basement windows with grilles or grates (but make sure that they can be opened from the inside in case of fire). Never hide keys around the outside of your home. Instead, give an extra key to a neighbor you trust. When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks. Check Your DoorsWhile we all like to feel that once we close and lock our doors, we're safe and secure, the truth of the matter is that a lock on a flimsy door is about as effective as locking your car door but leaving the window down with your wallet on the front seat. All outside doors should be metal or solid wood. Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors so that you can see who is outside without opening the door. Door chains break easily and don't keep out intruders. If your doors don't fit tightly in their frames, install weather stripping around them. Check the OutsideTake a look at your home from the outside, and keep in mind the following tips to help make your home as safe as it can be: Burglars hate bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night. Motion-detector lights can be particularly effective. Keep your yard clean. Prune shrubbery so it doesn't hide windows or doors. Cut back tree limbs that a burglar could use to climb to an upper-level window. If you travel, create the illusion that you are at home by getting timers that will turn lights (and perhaps a television or radio) on and off in different parts of your home throughout the day and evening hours. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house. Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions. And make sure you don't let your mail and/or newspapers pile up. Call the post office and newspaper to stop delivery or have a neighbor pick them up. Make a list of your valuables, such as VCRs, stereos, computers, and jewelry. Take pictures of the items, list their serial numbers and description. This will help police if your home is burglarized. Ask your District police station for a free home security survey. When getting work done on your vehicle, leave only the vehicle key for the service personnel. The same goes for car park attendants and valets. If you are having work done on your vehicle, give the service station your business address — not your home address. Burglars Can Do More Than Just StealWhile most burglars prefer to strike when no one is home, intruders can commit other crimes such as rape, robbery, and assault if they are surprised by someone entering the home, or if they pick a home that is occupied. If something looks questionable — a slit screen, a broken window or an open door — don't go in. Call the police from a neighbor's house, a cell phone, or a public phone. At night, if you think you hear someone breaking in, leave safely if you can, then call the police. If you can't leave, lock yourself in a room with a phone and call the police. If an intruder is in your room, pretend you are asleep. One other important note — never leave a message on your answering machine that indicates that you may not be at home, or that you live alone. Instead, say "We're not available right now."

Protecting Yourself From Sexual Assault:

Follow these awareness and prevention tips to protect yourself from sexual assault:

* Be Alert! Walk with confidence and purpose.

* Be aware of your surroundings- know who's around you and what's going on.

* Don't let drugs or alcohol cloud your judgement.

* Avoid people who use anger as a means of control. Most rape victims know their attacker.

* If you are being followed, drive to a police or fire station or walk to a well-populated area.

* Always walk with friends in busy, well-lighted areas and avoid known trouble spots.

* Trust your gut. If your instincts tell you to leave, then leave-immediately. If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, remove yourself.

* Always have your keys out and ready before approaching your car; check the front and rear seats and floors before getting in.

Have your keys out before you reach the door at home and office also.

* If a stranger stops to ask you a question and you choose to respond, keep your distance.

* Protect yourself from date rape drugs: Never leave a drink unattended.

* Report any assault to the police and seek medical attention immediately.

* Make sure all entrances (windows, sliding glass doors, patio doors) are locked at all times with sturdy locks.

* Never open your door to strangers.

* Never enter your home if you see a door ajar or a window broken, call police immediately.

ANNUAL Community Meeting:

Who: Cloisters West Home Owners

What: Annual Meeting CWHOA

When: 7:00pm Tues. June 16th

Where: Heritage Room: Georgetown Visitation

community...and eat ice cream together

FLOWERS FOR EVERYONE

If you have a green thumb resulting in a garden full of flowers that can be cut fresh anytime and brought into the home...kudos to you! If not, consider joining the Flower of the Month Club with ProFlowers (www.proflowers.com)

or FTD (www.ftd.com) Beautiful seasonal flowers arrive on your doorstep to brighten your home and make you smile!

Another option these days; buy your fresh flowers during your weekly grocery run or trip to the local farmers market!

If you are interested in helping to create the CWHOA Newsletter for 2009/2010, please contact Nancy Carpenter

nancylcarpenter@hotmail.com