Boot Camp for Board Members
Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute's Board Member Boot Camp is a one-day seminar designed to bring community board members up to speed quickly on the basics of community association leadership. After a single Saturday session, attendees emerge more than conversant in the basics of community association governance, financials, vendor management, communications and law, and feel confident in their position on a board of directors. Your boards will operate more efficiently and more work will get accomplished.
For this class, the registration fee has been cut by 60 percent from $115 to $50 for CAI members and from $165 to $55 for nonmembers. For that fee, your board members will receive breakfast, lunch and eight hours of face-to-face time with professionals who will teach them the basics of community association leadership. In addition, the attendees will be given a 142-page manual to assist them in implementing the techniques and skills that they learned during the seminar.
Where & When
Saturday, April 30
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Thompson Center
6090 Kingstowne Village Parkway
Alexandria, VA 22315
Click here to register online.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Free Trees for Arbor Day
As Arbor Day fast approaches on April 29, it’s time to take stock of the trees around us. It’s no secret that trees are an invaluable resource to the earth—they provide oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, help lower temperatures, act as wind and sound barriers, help prevent soil erosion, add natural beauty to the landscape and much more. Unfortunately, the more land is developed, the more we need these amazing plants.
One of the ways you can help protect the trees is to plant new ones, and Arbor Day is the perfect time to do just that. For those who want to be environmentally-friendly on the cheap, the Arbor Day Foundation is offering 10 free trees for each household that signs up for a new membership. Membership* is $10 for six months and $15 for the year, and they offer a wide variety of trees to choose from: flowering trees, oaks, white pines, autumn classics and more. Shipping is free, and the trees arrive at the time they should be planted.
Before you plant your trees, be sure to check with the association about the location—especially if you’re planting your trees on common areas. Also, check with the association before making your choice of trees to ensure they are compatible with the overall association landscaping plan.
You also have the option to have the Arbor Day Foundation plant 10 trees in forests across the US in your honor. And as a member, you get discounts on all of their already low-priced trees as well as access to special member promotions, such as free trees with purchases. To become a member, go to www.arborday.org and click on the Membership section to join.
Also, for almost-free trees, search the web for companies selling cheap trees, such as www.1dollartrees.com, where all trees are only a dollar plus approximately $3.95 in shipping.
Trees give the earth so much, and it’s time for you to return the favor. Plant a tree today and make a difference that can last for years to come.
One of the ways you can help protect the trees is to plant new ones, and Arbor Day is the perfect time to do just that. For those who want to be environmentally-friendly on the cheap, the Arbor Day Foundation is offering 10 free trees for each household that signs up for a new membership. Membership* is $10 for six months and $15 for the year, and they offer a wide variety of trees to choose from: flowering trees, oaks, white pines, autumn classics and more. Shipping is free, and the trees arrive at the time they should be planted.
Before you plant your trees, be sure to check with the association about the location—especially if you’re planting your trees on common areas. Also, check with the association before making your choice of trees to ensure they are compatible with the overall association landscaping plan.
You also have the option to have the Arbor Day Foundation plant 10 trees in forests across the US in your honor. And as a member, you get discounts on all of their already low-priced trees as well as access to special member promotions, such as free trees with purchases. To become a member, go to www.arborday.org and click on the Membership section to join.
Also, for almost-free trees, search the web for companies selling cheap trees, such as www.1dollartrees.com, where all trees are only a dollar plus approximately $3.95 in shipping.
Trees give the earth so much, and it’s time for you to return the favor. Plant a tree today and make a difference that can last for years to come.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide, or CO2, is a poisonous gas that can be particularly dangerous because it is colorless and odorless. Headache, nausea, dizziness and even permanent brain damage or death can occur. Hundreds of people die each year from accidental CO2 poisoning, many of them while using portable generators during severe weather.
A byproduct of burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, kerosene, natural gas, oil, wood or coal, carbon monoxide is emitted from internal combustion made by engines, like those that power lawn mowers, portable generators, cars, power washers and many household appliances such as furnaces, ranges, fireplaces, water heaters and room heaters. To prevent CO2 poisoning in your home, be sure to take the following precautions:
• Educate your family about the causes of CO2 poisoning and how to prevent exposure to this deadly gas.
• Do not use portable generators indoors, including in garages, carports, storage sheds and the like, even with doors and windows open. CO2 can quickly build to lethal levels in even partially enclosed spaces.
• Do not place pressure washer engines indoors, and, when using pressure washers outdoors, keep engines away from open windows, doors or vents during use, as CO2 can seep inside through the openings.
• Hire qualified professionals to install new furnaces and appliances and to inspect and service your HVAC system, chimneys and flues.
• Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills and tools. Always refer to the owners’ manual when performing minor adjustments or performing maintenance on fuel-burning equipment.
• Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment or burn charcoal indoors.
• Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never use your gas oven or clothes dryer to heat your home.
• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
• Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the air flow through the appliance and can produce CO2.
• Install CO2 detectors throughout your home, especially in hallways near sleeping areas, and follow the manufacturers’ instructions for testing and replacing. Keep detectors unobstructed by furniture or draperies.
For additional details about how to prevent CO2 poisoning, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html or the website for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/co/.
A byproduct of burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, kerosene, natural gas, oil, wood or coal, carbon monoxide is emitted from internal combustion made by engines, like those that power lawn mowers, portable generators, cars, power washers and many household appliances such as furnaces, ranges, fireplaces, water heaters and room heaters. To prevent CO2 poisoning in your home, be sure to take the following precautions:
• Educate your family about the causes of CO2 poisoning and how to prevent exposure to this deadly gas.
• Do not use portable generators indoors, including in garages, carports, storage sheds and the like, even with doors and windows open. CO2 can quickly build to lethal levels in even partially enclosed spaces.
• Do not place pressure washer engines indoors, and, when using pressure washers outdoors, keep engines away from open windows, doors or vents during use, as CO2 can seep inside through the openings.
• Hire qualified professionals to install new furnaces and appliances and to inspect and service your HVAC system, chimneys and flues.
• Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills and tools. Always refer to the owners’ manual when performing minor adjustments or performing maintenance on fuel-burning equipment.
• Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment or burn charcoal indoors.
• Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never use your gas oven or clothes dryer to heat your home.
• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
• Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the air flow through the appliance and can produce CO2.
• Install CO2 detectors throughout your home, especially in hallways near sleeping areas, and follow the manufacturers’ instructions for testing and replacing. Keep detectors unobstructed by furniture or draperies.
For additional details about how to prevent CO2 poisoning, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html or the website for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/co/.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Urban Gardening Basics
As the bleak cold of winter finally breaks and signs of spring begin to pop up all around, thoughts of vibrant flowers and lush vegetables are on gardeners’ minds. For those green thumbs living in tiny quarters, an impressive garden may seem unattainable. However, many are turning toward urban gardening, bringing plant life into unique spaces and growing gardens in every nook and cranny. These miniature Edens bring great natural beauty and help reduce our carbon footprints. As more people move to urban areas, urban gardens are becoming more popular, and encouraging those who have never planted to go dig in the dirt to see what comes up. While urban gardening does have its challenges, we have a few tips on how to overcome them to bring your small garden into full bloom.
Know Your Plot
Before you go on a planting spree, take the time to plan out the logistics of your garden. Will it be in your back yard, on your porch, on the roof, on a window sill? Is your intended spot part of the association’s common ground? Check with the association before you start.
How much direct or partial sunlight does that area get, and is that the right amount of sunlight for your plants? Is your space large enough to house the plants when they’re full grown? And, if not, do you have a bigger space where you can relocate them? Will you be doing container gardening, or will you be planting in the ground? What steps do you need to take to get your soil ready for planting? Answering these questions is important before you begin gardening, as the different environments will affect your plant life. Having a plan can help you avoid unnecessary chaos.
Know Your Plants
All plants aren’t created equal, and knowing which will best suit your urban garden is a must for robust growth. Often, urban gardeners will be restricted by space or the need to plant only in containers. They will also need compact plants that can thrive in those conditions, such as herbs, tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, zinnias and the like. And be sure to know what your plants need, such as when and how deep to plant them, as well as how much light and water they need. Also, will they need to be started as seedlings under a grow light until they’re hearty enough to go outdoors, and what mixture of soil do they need to flourish? Being ready to address your plants’ needs is an important step in making sure they grow to their full potential.
Know When to Transplant
Container gardeners will need to be vigilant about making sure they transplant their plants into the right containers as they grow. If your plant is in a container that’s too small, the roots will become restricted, causing the soil to dry out quicker, so you’ll need to move your plant to a roomier home. Be careful, though, not to use too large a container, as the roots won’t be large enough to suck up all the moisture in the soil, which can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb in choosing the right size container is to make sure your plant is neither overflowing or dwarfed by the container, and that there’s a few inches of dirt that can be seen around the plant. So the next time your plants hit a growth spurt, make sure they have the right amount of space to live comfortably.
Get Creative
The best part about an urban garden is that you can set it up anywhere and make it anything you want. Your garden can be in places like your patio, your front door steps or anywhere else good sunlight hits—and the association permits.
While these tips just covered the basics, to learn more about urban garden, go to www.gardenguides.com. No matter what your living area is like, if you’ve got a bit of imagination you can make an urban garden that’s uniquely your own.
Know Your Plot
Before you go on a planting spree, take the time to plan out the logistics of your garden. Will it be in your back yard, on your porch, on the roof, on a window sill? Is your intended spot part of the association’s common ground? Check with the association before you start.
How much direct or partial sunlight does that area get, and is that the right amount of sunlight for your plants? Is your space large enough to house the plants when they’re full grown? And, if not, do you have a bigger space where you can relocate them? Will you be doing container gardening, or will you be planting in the ground? What steps do you need to take to get your soil ready for planting? Answering these questions is important before you begin gardening, as the different environments will affect your plant life. Having a plan can help you avoid unnecessary chaos.
Know Your Plants
All plants aren’t created equal, and knowing which will best suit your urban garden is a must for robust growth. Often, urban gardeners will be restricted by space or the need to plant only in containers. They will also need compact plants that can thrive in those conditions, such as herbs, tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, zinnias and the like. And be sure to know what your plants need, such as when and how deep to plant them, as well as how much light and water they need. Also, will they need to be started as seedlings under a grow light until they’re hearty enough to go outdoors, and what mixture of soil do they need to flourish? Being ready to address your plants’ needs is an important step in making sure they grow to their full potential.
Know When to Transplant
Container gardeners will need to be vigilant about making sure they transplant their plants into the right containers as they grow. If your plant is in a container that’s too small, the roots will become restricted, causing the soil to dry out quicker, so you’ll need to move your plant to a roomier home. Be careful, though, not to use too large a container, as the roots won’t be large enough to suck up all the moisture in the soil, which can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb in choosing the right size container is to make sure your plant is neither overflowing or dwarfed by the container, and that there’s a few inches of dirt that can be seen around the plant. So the next time your plants hit a growth spurt, make sure they have the right amount of space to live comfortably.
Get Creative
The best part about an urban garden is that you can set it up anywhere and make it anything you want. Your garden can be in places like your patio, your front door steps or anywhere else good sunlight hits—and the association permits.
While these tips just covered the basics, to learn more about urban garden, go to www.gardenguides.com. No matter what your living area is like, if you’ve got a bit of imagination you can make an urban garden that’s uniquely your own.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Born to be pack leader: Annandale civic association elects dog as president
Check out the Washington Post article about the dog elected President at a local homeowners association.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Promoting Your Cause in the Community Association
So you’ve found a great cause and are looking for a way to rally support for it—wonderful! Of course, as you’ve thought about the people who could help your charitable cause, your friends and neighbors in the community probably came to mind. The board encourages all residents in their altruistic endeavors and always welcomes any effort that fosters a philanthropic environment within the community. But before you start going door to door to fight cancer or whip up a bake sale to end hunger, please check with the manager or a member of the board not only to make sure you’re within the association’s fundraising policies, but also to see if there is any way the association can help.
If you’re looking to get the community association involved in your charity, such as holding an event in one of the association’s common areas, come to a board meeting and propose your idea to the board. We’ll let you know what’s possible, and how to go about it. Or we may recommend other places within the greater community that might be willing to work with you. Also, to help you get the word out, be sure to ask us about mentioning your event in our newsletter or on our website.
It’s caring people like you who make our community a great place to live, and we want to give you the support you need to make a difference—so keep fighting for your cause and don’t hesitate to see what we can do to help.
If you’re looking to get the community association involved in your charity, such as holding an event in one of the association’s common areas, come to a board meeting and propose your idea to the board. We’ll let you know what’s possible, and how to go about it. Or we may recommend other places within the greater community that might be willing to work with you. Also, to help you get the word out, be sure to ask us about mentioning your event in our newsletter or on our website.
It’s caring people like you who make our community a great place to live, and we want to give you the support you need to make a difference—so keep fighting for your cause and don’t hesitate to see what we can do to help.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Cut Out the Catalogs- Less Trash in the Mail Room!
When you buy something from a mail-order catalog, your transaction is likely to be reported to Abacus, a company that compiles a cooperative database of catalog and publishing companies' customers. Your name is then sold to other mail-order companies that send you catalogs and offers. This explains why you are likely to receive several unsolicited catalogs after ordering anything by mail.
To opt out of the Abacus database, write to Abacus, P.O. Box 1478, Broomfield, CO 80038 or email abacusoptout@epsilon.com. Include your full name and current address (and previous address if you have moved recently). For more information, visit www.abacusoptout.com.
You’ll have to notify companies yourself that do not participate in the DMA and Abacus opt-out programs. Contact the customer service department and request that your name and address not be shared with other companies. Contact magazines, charities, nonprofit organizations and professional associations to which you have either donated money or joined.
To opt out of the Abacus database, write to Abacus, P.O. Box 1478, Broomfield, CO 80038 or email abacusoptout@epsilon.com. Include your full name and current address (and previous address if you have moved recently). For more information, visit www.abacusoptout.com.
You’ll have to notify companies yourself that do not participate in the DMA and Abacus opt-out programs. Contact the customer service department and request that your name and address not be shared with other companies. Contact magazines, charities, nonprofit organizations and professional associations to which you have either donated money or joined.
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