3D"Montpelier

MWHOA B= oard of Directors:

     President        &nb= sp;              C= harles Kortlang

     Vice Preside= nt       &nb= sp;       Donna Harding

   Treasurer            &n= bsp;         P= aula Oas

   Secretary           &n= bsp;           Kevin Kenealy

   Member at Large           Alda S= impson

     =             &nb= sp;            =             &nb= sp;    <= /p>
       &nb= sp;         How to Reach= the Board:

     Address:            &n= bsp;         Post Of= fice Box 2645

   &nbs= p;            &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;            Laurel, MD 2= 0709

   Voice Mail:           &n= bsp;      (240) 554-24= 38

   E-mail:               &nb= sp;         mwhoa@hotmail.com

   Internet           &n= bsp;             www.mwhoa.com

MWHOA d= oes not necessarily endorse

adverti= sers’ products and services

= &nb= sp; Spring

&n= bsp; = ; Newsletter

= April 2009

From the woodpile…President’s Article

Spring has finally arrive= d! With that come all of our outdoor activities. Please use all fertilizers and insecticides with care.&nb= sp; The first step is to read the directions and follow them carefully, = for your safety, and the safety of our community.

Before you engage in any = repair or project fully understand the steps required to successfully complete the project. Know how to safely u= se any tools before you use them. Ma= ke sure you are physically up for the challenge. If there is any doubt in any of th= ese areas, hire a professional.

Sidewalk repairs are near= ly finished, but because offending tree roots had to be cut away to level the sidewalks, some trees may have been structurally weakened or lost the abili= ty to survive. One tree has alre= ady fallen. Keep an eye on tre= es near your property that might pose a hazard of falling. If you discover a fallen tree, do = not attempt to move it. The roots= may be in contact with energized electric lines, especially when a light pole is nearby. Call PG County DPW= to report a fallen tree, or one that shows signs of falling. Their number is 301-725-0088. =

-Charles Kortlang

<= span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Keeping our “Curb Appeal”… and Covenants

One of the goals of the MWHOA is to pro= mote maintenance of a quality neighborhood appearance and for our homes to have = what is referred to in the real estate market as “curb appeal.” Especially now, every homeowner wants to maintain their property value R= 11; and in this edition of the newsletter, there are a couple of tips on how we= can make that happen.

Numerous homes are well-maintained, and we all certainly appreciate that. The Montpelier Woods Homeowners' Association Boa= rd has recently noticed a number of architectural code violations, and want to call them to your attention. Our concerns focus on the following:

Trash and debris left in front of houses

Normal trash pick up is Tuesday and Friday and c= an be put out the night before; debris and larger items require a special pickup which you can schedule calling 301-952-7600. Details are on page 2.

Trash cans and recycling containers improperly kept in front of = houses adjacent to the street

Please= store your trashcans and recycle bins in your garage or behind your homes u= ntil trash pick up day.

Pieces of siding and shutters missing from homes

These must be kept in good repair.

Broken attic shutter windows that permit the access of small ani= mals into the attic.

Since these are violations of MWHOA regulations, we are asking all homeowners to correct any of these violat= ions that may be in place at your home, by the end of April 2009. Homeowners in violation after Apri= l will receive specific communication from the Board.

- Your MWHOA Board of Directors

BULK TRASH– Removal is Free, Just Schedule an Appointment!

Bulk trash (furniture, refrigerators, tires, water heaters, mattresses, etc.) – if left in front of your home for days or weeks at a time -- is not only an eyesore that affects property values, but= in some cases, this is potentially hazardous especially to children and animal= s.

Since we’re approaching Springtime when many of us will be sprucing up our homes and putting bulk items out for trash, which makes this is a great opportunity to go over t= he County guidelines for disposing of bulk trash – it’s a free service, but you have to schedule an appointment.

The County provides bulk trash collection by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, homeow= ners 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 mat= erial needs to be at the curb by 7:30 AM on the collection day.=

Note that in inclement weather, the County may not make the schedul= ed pick up, but the collection will be rescheduled for the next day. If the homeowner fails to place the items at the curb by 7:30 a.m.= on the scheduled collection day, the homeowner has to reschedule for the ne= xt available date AND the items must be removed from the curb. Do not l= eave bulky trash items at the curb or outside your home past the pick-up date. <= /i>

A list of acceptable and non-acceptable materials and additional informat= ion can be found on the County’s website: BulkyTrash@co.pg.md.u= s

Acceptable materi= als

Some of the acceptable materials in= clude:

-= Furniture and refrigerators    (Remove refrigerator doors for saf= ety.)

- Washing machines and dryers

- Hot water heaters and lawn mowers<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>    (Remove gas tank, drain oil from l= awn mowers)

- Other large household materials not picked up by refuse collection

Unacceptable materials for bulk trash pick up include (see website for complete list):

- Construction and demolition debris=

- Stumps/logs/skid/pallets

-   Liquids, including paint, se= wage and septic waste

-   Compressed cylinders of any = size

- Riding lawnmowers

- Shingles, roofing materials

- Console televisions

- Drums, tanks, kegs, barrels greater than 55 gallons unless sides are= removed and vessel flattened

Especially now, every h= omeowner wants to maintain their property value – and this is a small step tow= ards keeping that “curb appeal.”

The neighborhood Spring Clean-Up is scheduled for Saturday April 18, to coincide with PG Co= unty's Spring Clean-Up. Please conta= ct the Board if you, and perhaps your family, would like to participate. Students can earn service hours.

Volunteers needed for Welcoming Committee=

Would you like to be = a member of a new committee that will play a role in welcoming our new neighbors= to the Montpelier Woods community? This will not require a lot of time; but your small investment can make a big difference. For details, please contact one of the members of the board via e-mail at mwhoa@hotmail.com or leave a voic= e mail at 240-554-2438.

Activity Safety

This is a great neighborh= ood for walking, running, and biking, and the best weather for these activities is = upon us. Walkers, runners, and children on bikes are all sharing the same roads = and sidewalks, and we need to look out for each other. This starts with drivers obeying the speed limit.

&n= bsp;

The greatest danger is from automobile traffic. Remember that drivers may not be as fully alert as they would be on other roads -- after all they are almost ho= me and their guard may be down. People who are out enjoying the fresh air may = be less alert as well, since they are already home.

So, everyone needs= to be careful because no one

wants to be involved on e= ither side of a tragic

accident, especially one involving you or your

loved ones.

To help drivers see you:<= /p>

Wear light colored clothing when it is dark or the light is dim.

Wear reflective strips on your clothing.

Keep in mind reflective strips illuminate only when a light source strikes them directly.

Reflective mesh vests in the new safety yellow color stick out like a sore thumb; buy one and use it.

Consider bringing a flashlight with you. You can use the flashlight to illuminate your path. Wi= th all the new sidewalk work and a flashlight, you don’t have to run or= walk in the street.

To help= your neighbors:

Please trim all bushes and tree limbs that interf= ere with people using the sidewalks.

DO not park your vehicle so that it obstructs the sidewalk. It is not simp= ly an inconvenience to others, it is illegal and police can ticket the vehic= le.

By all means, let’s= enjoy our neighborhood – we can work together to enjoy it safely.

--Charles Kortlang

Speaking of safety…= remember our four-legged friends! Below is an excerpt from an article that outlines = the responsibility of pet owners, and --since we have leash and littering laws = that could result in legal action-- it is a good article to read so our dogs can= be good neighbors too.

Your Dog and the Law

Considering that animal laws are not usually a result of state or federal battles (cont= rary to that portrayed in “Legally Blonde 2”), but rather the consequence of neighborhood squabbles turned into complaints to local governments, it’s the duty of a pet owner to be aware of possible nuisance factors and train the dog to be a good canine citizen, to prevent confrontation or the threat of litigation.

To start, you should become acquainted with the state and county laws as well as the pet-related ordinances in your city. T= hese vary from location to location, and can often be found on the internet. Gon= e are the days when you could let the dog out unsupervised to do its thing. Bette= r to play it safe. After all, it is up to you to be a responsible owner.<= o:p>

To ensure positive pet attitudes in your neighborhood, follow these general guidelines:

-          Never leave your pet outside unattended. Dogs left outside may bark, dig their way out of the yard, or menace passers-by.

-          Keep Baron confined when he’s not on a leash.

-          Always clean up after your = pet, even in your own yard. A lawn dotted with dog feces raises eyebrows of even= the most patient neighbor.

-          Finally, attend obedience training for at least two sessions to teach Rex manners. =

Being aware and being proac= tive about the legal side of dog ownership pays off for everyone in the end: dog= s, their owners, law-makers, as well as the general public. Remember, it is your responsibility to show that dog ownership is respectable and responsible.

Author: Emma Snow (h<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>ttp://articles.director= ym.com/Your_ Dog_and_the_Law_Maryland-r944400-Maryland.html)

Speaking of the law…did you know that there is a county ordinance about cleaning up after your dog?

No owner or cu= stodian of a domestic animal shall permit excrement of such animal to remain on pub= lic property at any time or to remain on private property without consent of the owner or occupant thereof. Failure of the owner or custodian of the animal = to immediately remove the animal's excrement shall be a violation of this Ordinance. The owner or custodian of the animal shall be liable for any damages.

Also, it stinks, is messy= and dangerous, damages the environment, can cause blindness in young children from roundworm eggs in the feces, and it’s a food source for rats.

Bottom line: if you take your dog out of your yard, be a good neighbor and clean up after it. It keeps our community clean and healthy. And it’s the law.=

= MWHOA Financial Update

Balance Sheet

As of 2/28/09

Assets

Bank, Savings & Investment Accounts=

Checking Account - Ban= k of Am $16,758.48

Money Market - E-Trade= &= nbsp; $ 8,278.73

CD - Risk Free - Bnk o= f Am &= nbsp; $ 9,074.53

CD - Reg. - Bnk of Am = &= nbsp; &nbs= p; $ 7,073.05

CDs account - E*Trade = &= nbsp; $17,768.14

Other Assets

Assessments receivable= &= nbsp; $ 1,114.53

Late fees receivable <= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:2'> &= nbsp; &nbs= p; $ 315.00

Legal fee receivable &= nbsp; = $ 1,565.00

Liened amounts receiva= ble

for pre-2005 = &nb= sp; = $ 1,461.24

Certified mailing cost= /

NSF receivable = &nb= sp; $ 216.50

Lien costs receivable,= 2005 dues $ 805.45

Lien costs receivable,= 2006 dues $ 284.40

Lien costs receivable,= 2007 dues = $ 568.80

Total Assets &nb= sp; = $65,283.85

Liabilities and Owners Equity

Funds

Reserve Fund = &nb= sp; $ 0.00

Other Liabilities=

Prepaid Owner Assessments &= nbsp; $ 69.6= 9

Loans &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; $ 0.00

Owners Equity &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; $65,214.16

Total Liabilities and

Owners Equity = $65,283= .85

-- Paula Oas

FREE IRIS -- If you'd like some pale blue-violet iris cuttings/rhizomes please contact Paula Oas at 301-725-0805, or paulaoas@juno.com.

They are best planted in July-early= fall, but I believe they can be transplanted any time they're not blooming. My ya= rd is being engulfed with them!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Welcome to our New Neighb= ors!

= We’d like to wish a heartfelt welcome to our newest neighbors. Thank you for joi= ning us in Montpelier Woods!

Khoa Tho Bui = 10310 Balsamwood Ct

Maureen Okafor = 10301 Bristolwood Ct

Ariel Ortiz-Medina &

N= icola Rankin = 10109 Madronawood Dr

&n= bsp;

* * * * * * * * * * * *=

THINGS TO DO IN

PRINCE GEOR= GE’S COUNTY

Xtreme Teens: Café Groove

Friday, May 2, 8-11 pm

A series of concerts at different locations around the County, allows teens (ages 12= -17) to experience an evening of lyrical sounds. Each concert has an emcee, an open= ing act and a headline act. Light refreshments are served. For details, go to www.pgparks.com or call 301-454-1459.

The Montpelier Folk and Blues Series starts 1 Ma= y. G= et tickets to six concerts for the price of five - just $100. Single tickets are $20. Members and seniors (60 and older)= get 10% discount. Call (301) 377-7800. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Concerts are Fridays at 8 PM. Montpelier Mansion & Montpelier Arts Center Arts Center: 301-377-7800.<= /span>

Dallas Black Dance Theatre

Friday 24 April, 8 PM; Saturday, 25 April, 8 PM

A wonderful performance, high-energ= y, modern dance.

Tickets: $20 center & side front orchestra; $18 side rear orchestra; $15 DancePa= ss

Publick playhouse

5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly, MD 20784

301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312

Big Bubba’s Fishing Rodeo will be held on Saturday, May 9, from 8 to 11 AM at Lake Artemesia in Berwyn Heights/ College Park area. Call 301-627-6074 for more information. All participants must be registered through SMARTlink. For information about establishing an acc= ount, call the Customer Service Desk at 301-699-CALL (2255) or visit www.p= gparks.com/faq/faq.html.

Come to Big Bubba’s Fishing Rodeo

•= For ages 5 to 10, cost is $5 per child, all children must be accompanied by an adult

•= FREE fishing rod for all registered participants

• “Live tank” display, other great attractions<= /p>

This program has been made possible by a grant from the Nati= onal Recreation and Parks Association in cooperation with the Recreational Boati= ng and Fishing Foundation.

Ready to plan summer activities? =

The Department of Parks and Recreation's Sum= mer Programs offer plenty of options. Cho= ose from more than 250 camp sessions, 100 summer playgrounds, and 17 summer teen centers in Prince George's County.

Registration f= or County residents began 28 <= i>February.

And speaking of Summer activities for the entire family…

Here’s a sampling of just a few of the many programs availabl= e at the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program, just a Metro ride away, in Washington D.C.**=

= Bollywood Celebration: Festivals, Rituals, and Food

Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 11 a.m.=

A celebration complete= with a sumptuous banquet of exotic appetizers, aromatic curries, vegetarian side dishes, fragrant breads, traditional and modern desserts, and discussion illustrated with video clips.=

Botswana, from Desert to Delta

Friday, May 15, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

With vivid images and pers= onal insight, travel writer Andrew Ev= ans explores the crowning highlights of Botswana in colorful detail. From t= he elephants in the Kalahari to the verdant delta's teeming wildlife there is = much to appreciate.

Think Smart: How Your Brain Can Achie= ve Peak Performance

Thursday, June 18, 200= 9 at 6:45 p.m.

Renowned neuroscientist Richard Restak discusses his research about what we can do to keep our brai= ns functioning optimally, boost creativity, and maintain productivity. His new= book includes brain-enhancing routines used by eminent neuroscientists.

**For details on these progra= ms, see the website at http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/Lectu= res.aspx

Committees of the MWHOA=

The following is a list o= f our committees. Many of them are understaffed or not staffed at all, so members= of the Board are doing extra duty. Just like previous Boards, we know there is a lot of talent out ther= e, and willingness to contribute to the community, so here is your opportunity= to help us help you and your neighbors. How much time does it take to make a difference? Many of these committees take very little time, from a few hour= s a month to a few hours a year.

Architectural - 3D"MCBD07599_0000[1]" Review pr= oposed modifications and repairs. (N= o need to have construction experience).

Clean-up - Coordinate the spring and fall clean up.

Beautification -Coordinate the planting and maintenance at the three entry signs. The garden club.

Welcoming - Welcome new residents to the neighborhood.

Newsletter - Edit and publish the quarterly newsletter.

3D"MCj03659780000[1]" Neighb= orhood Watch - Block captains are needed on:

Balsamwood Terrace, Bassw= ood Terrace, Bristolwood Terrace, Blackwood Court, and

the Western part of Balsa= mwood Drive.

Block Captains coordinate= crime prevention and community safety on their street. They provide information to the police and to their neighbors as a crime prevention service.

Nominating committee- Review nominations for the Board and oversee the election.

From the Editor’s Desk: 3D"MCj04104830000[1]"

Would you like to writ= e an article that would be of interest to the Montpelier Woods Community, or con= tribute to one by providing information? If you do, please submit it for review via e-mail or to the Board’s mailing address found on the first page.

One or two line announcements/ads for services provided by homeowners such as babysitting, yard work, tutoring, e= tc., may be included in the newsletter at no charge. Commercial-type ads can als= o be published, and at an affordable price.

The MW= HOA Newsletter is published on a quarterly basis, and the next one will be published during the July/August time frame. Note that it may be a month or two before your item is published. And we reserve the right not to publish any article that is inappropriate. Please contact the editor for additional information and/or deadlines, at mwhoa@hotmail.com, ATTN: Editor. = &nb= sp;

&= nbsp; &nbs= p; = - Deborah Barrett

= &nb= sp; Newsletter E= ditor

3D"Text

=

Neighborhood Yard Sale

Saturday and Sunday

June 6th and 7^th

8am to 1pm

=

=

NEXT MWHOA MEETING DATE

=

Deerf= ield Run Community Center

13000 Laurel Bowie Road

Monday 18 May

Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.

Pleas= e check www.mwhoa.com for future meeting dates.

=

Homeowners are encouraged to atten= d!