Newsletter - Fall 2009

1. 1. The Master Plan: We need one more approval from the DC government (Public Space) before we can proceed. This is taking longer than expected because each entity in DC is essentially self-governing and each is in no hurry to approve. We have another meeting scheduled this month.

2. 2. New Green Space: Over the summer we developed the green space where 36^th Street and Winfield Lane meet. We had to remove four diseased trees and properly contour the land to allow for water runoff. We also placed into the ground a concrete/stone paving system that will allow the landscaping company to properly stage their snow removal equipment prior to a snow fall. The result is that we took an area that has been a muddy mess to one that is a pleasant green space.

3. 3. East Courtyard: We removed the overgrown Bradford Pear trees, planted sod, replaced two Cherry trees as well as properly pruned and shaped the other Cherry trees. This courtyard which we share with our neighbor the Cloisters of Georgetown is looking the best that it has in more than a decade.

4. 4. New Signage: This project is complete and looks great. This was authorized and designed under prior CWHOA President Diana Rich.

5. 5. Curb Dog Signs: We have ordered and will be installing Curb Your Dog signs in appropriate places. Please remember that the law in DC is that dogs must be on a leash. We ask you not to walk your dog in the East Courtyard or in the grassy and planted area along Reservoir Road. Dog urine kills grass and plants, moreover not everyone is picking up their dog’s droppings.

6. 6. Homeowners Handbook and FAQ section of the website: We are in the process of updating both and hope to have them available in the New Year.

Trash/Garbage Violation Notices: We are in the process of developing notices that will look similar to the parking violation notices. We have decided to issue notices because many residents do not use covered bins for garbage, put out garbage in plastic bags at the wrong time, and leave out garbage bins and recycle containers for days. The Cloisters West community has a rat problem and we need to take this problem seriously. We now have thirty-five rat bait stations in the community rather than the ten that we previously had.

As you can see this has been a busy time for the board. We hope to continue our maintenance and upgrades of Cloisters West to give our community the most attractive appearance possible

This holiday season, don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers, and pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work. Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it's an opportune time for crime.

Homes jam-packed with glittering gifts. Stores, malls, and downtown streets teeming with unsuspecting shoppers. People rushing around, stressed out and careless, looking for last-minute gifts, trying to get everything done. It's enough to make a crook giddy with holiday joy.

· Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.

· Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it's just for a few minutes.

· Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.

· Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

Loading up on all those gifts is a sign of progress in the holiday shopping. But if those packages are left out in the open after they're in the car, your car has become a likely target for thieves. Remember the old cliché "Out of sight, out of mind?" The same idea applies to items in your car.

Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight. Breaking into an empty car isn't worth a thief's time. However, anything left in plain view — from your holiday gifts to spare change, sunglasses, CDs, cell phones or briefcases — may tempt a thief.

Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it's cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store — even if for only a minute or two.

Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. And it's not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others' generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there's no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren't satisfied, don't give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead.

Last but not least, don't let holiday stress get the best of your holiday spirit. Make time to get together with family, friends, and neighbors. And think about reaching out in the spirit of the season and helping someone who's less fortunate or lonely.

The holidays are a good time to update–or create–your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file.

Make sure things like TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment, and power tools are on the list. Remember to check it twice!

The holiday season is a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road. Anyone with a BAC of .08 or higher is in violation of DC law and may go to jail. Remember that the risk isn't worth it—if you choose to drink alcohol at a party, don't drive. Take a cab, use public transportation or a designated driver, or call SoberRide® (800-200-TAXI), a free cab service in DC and the surrounding area active from the middle of December through January 1. Have fun, but remember to celebrate responsibly.

Also, if you are new to our neighborhood, and would like to sign up for crime alerts in our area, please contact: