1. Art and Diseño

GREATER FIRST COLONY
NEWSLETTER
February, 2015
Volume 33, Issue 2
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Happy Valentine’s Day! To kick off February, I
wanted to thank the entire Board and Committee
Chairs for putting up with a lengthy first board meeting on January 11th. During this kick off meeting, we
took an extensive tour of our amenities, the dam and
spillway. The Chairs and returning Board members
shared beneficial information with one another concerning the neighborhood amenities. I also appreciate them not flogging me for holding this meeting on
a Sunday afternoon during the NFL playoffs.
The spillway has degraded to a point that it has now
become priority number one for the Association.
The eastern roadway drainage swale on the river side
of the street has failed and will need corrective action soon. I want to thank Jim Szykman and Tim
Harris for all of their efforts the past 45 days trying
to resolve this issue. The three of us have had numerous meetings with both VDOT and James City
County and at this point, the Board feels our best
course of action is to consult with an attorney. I am
sure you all can agree, we want to proceed cautiously with this and not create any “unintended consequences” for Greater First Colony. I will try to do
an email blast to all the members once we have had
a chance to review this with legal counsel informing
you of our next step.
I have just received a first draft of the Capital Reserve Audit conducted by DMA. I have forwarded
this on to the board members for review, comments
and questions. Once the board has had a chance to
review this extensive 45 page report, my plan is to
meet with DMA to put the finishing touches on the
final draft. It is our goal to publish this on the
GFCACA website for all of you to review no later
than February 28th, 2015. My sincere thanks to
Tucker Edmonds for coordinating this project.
I neglected in December to thank all of the business
owners who reside in Greater First Colony and who
are members of our association. I cannot tell you
how many times these folks have stepped up, often
using their own equipment, at their expense to help
us with volunteer projects. We all know who they
are, so I ask all of you to give these dedicated selfless neighbors a hard look when doing projects
around your home or business. A special thanks to
Teresa Turner for extending her time by producing
this newsletter during the transition.
I am pleased to report that John Poorman will be returning as pool manager this summer. I know we all
cannot wait for warm weather and the fun we all
have at our wonderful pool.
In closing, I wanted to thank you all of you who renewed your membership in the GFCACA.
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Larson, President GFCACA
1/11/15 BOARD MEETING MINUTES
President Craig Larson called the meeting to order at
3:00 PM in the clubhouse. Board members present
were Jim Szykman (VP), Kevan Danker (Treasurer),
Gene Bruss, Sylvia Davis, Roger Hunt, Bobby Jankovic, John Otey, Sonya Peretti-Hull, and John Hochella. Meagan Schultz (Business Manager), Richard Schauffler (Beach and Marina Chair), and Mike
McCann (Park Chair) were also present.
After introductions, this being the first meeting of
the 2015 board, the minutes were approved without
change.
The park’s broken basketball backboard was briefly
discussed. Craig agreed to check on the warranty,
and Meagan agreed to check on our insurance coverage.
The meeting members then left the clubhouse for a
tour led by Craig of neighborhood amenities needing
attention. The following places were visited with a
discussion held at each place, the most pressing
items discussed listed after each place: the lake
Call JCC Police Non-Emergency Number (566-0112)
with every security incident! If it’s an Emergency — Dial 911
spillway (between 184 and 186 The Maine) - broken / undermined concrete drain channels, erosion of
spillway; the lake dam (between 220 and 222 The
Maine) - vegetation growth on lake side; the marina
- rotting piling of boat ramp dock, dead trees on adjacent property; and the pool - cover, chlorine system, general appearance.
Following the neighborhood inspection, the meeting
reconvened inside the clubhouse. It was agreed that a
park work day would be set up in early April.
Kevan presented the October 1 – December 31 Treasurer’s report with support from Meagan. As of December 31, 2014, the association had 338 household
memberships, 68 of those using the dues installment
payment option. For the period reported, the first
quarter of the association’s fiscal year - Revenue:
$106,657; Operating Expenses: $19,156; Capital Expenditures: $5,567; Net Income: $81,934. The Treasurer’s report was approved as presented.
BEACH AND MARINA REPORT
Polar Plunge Fundraising
This year we raised about $1,500, all of which is
donated to Special Olympics. Thanks again to our
sponsors: Ace Hardware, Berkshire Hathaway/
Towne Realty, Berret’s Seafood Restaurant, East
Coast Bricking, Hathaway Electric, Johnny Timbers Tree Service, and Drs. Morrison and Murphy
DDS. Thanks to all who donated their bodies to
the river and their wallets to the cause. Special
thanks once again to the Otey family for hosting,
to Zach Schauffler for t-shirt design, and the Colonial Sports for donation of staff time for printing
the t-shirts. And really special thanks to Ed Wigley, who appeared as the New Year’s Baby,
dressed only in top hat, sash, and diaper, to the
great entertainment of all. Buy that man another
cigar!
Membership drive: The board discussed the lapsed
membership fee which had been temporarily waived
for the current membership drive. The board approved a motion to allow the lapsed membership fee
waiver to remain in force throughout this fiscal year.
The board agreed to consider reducing the lapsed
membership fee during the next fiscal year budget
process. About thirteen association members from
last year did not rejoin. Craig volunteered to call
those lapsed members.
Lake Pasbehegh spillway and dam: Craig reported
on initial, inconclusive meetings with the VDOT Williamsburg Area Maintenance Superintendent and the
James City County Storm water Division. The James
City County representative stated there is little funding available because the storm water tax was eliminated. It is clear that James City Service Authority is
at least part owner of the dam because of the wastewater pump house located there. The board agreed
that spill water runoff was the biggest and most pressing issue to be addressed. The board approved a motion for the association to hire an attorney to research
ownership of the spillway and dam, and to recommend a course of action.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 PM due to its
long length.
Respectfully submitted,
John Hochella, Secretary
Boat Slips and Storage
The fees are still coming in as this is being written,
but it looks like most slips and storage spaces are
being renewed and that we will not be able to accommodate those on the waiting list for storage. If
so, you will be notified in February. The waiting
list will be maintained in its current order, so if
you are on it, no need to renew your interest. If
you are no longer interested, please advise so I can
take your name off.
Non-renewing Member Cards Now Suspended
In January, we deactivated the cards of nonrenewing members of the Association. We hope
many will return, and when they do, their cards
will be reactivated (there is no need for new
cards). Keep in mind that as a volunteer organization, it can take us up to two weeks to reactivate
these cards once renewal payments have been received. We regret any inconvenience.
See you at the river,
Richard Schauffler, Beach/Marina Chair
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SUNSHINE COMMITTEE
We sent get well wishes to Johnnie Blair of the Maine,
who is recovering from pneumonia.
Get well wishes were sent to John Wimmer of The
Maine who was recently hospitalized and to Sara
Weaver of Argall Town who had surgery.
In case I have missed someone, I will send get well
wishes to all who are suffering or have suffered this
month from a cold, the flu, pneumonia, or any other
illness. There is a new pneumonia shot available,
which should last you the rest of your life, and is free
to Medicare recipients. It would be wise to take advantage of it. The way the days are flying by, spring
will be here before we know it.
On a very sad note, I just learned from Terry Johnston
on Jordan's Journey that “back in December, she saw
the carcass of Clyde, our wonderful swan, across the
lake from them by Alex Kuras' old house on Pasbehegh. She was just reading the December newsletter,
where I asked if anyone had seen him.” At least now
those of us who loved him have closure. Most of us
enjoyed the beauty of Bonnie and Clyde for many
years."
Ann Hunt, Sunshine Chair
229-1384 [email protected]
WELCOMING COMMITTEE
Donald and Denise Thomas are the owners of a new
house at 116 Pasbehegh. They lived in the Denbigh
area for 25 years when they were civilian employees at
Fort Eustis and Fort Monroe, but were transferred to
Illinois over 4 years ago. After retiring they wanted
to return to Virginia which they considered home and
be closer to their two grown children and four grandchildren still living in the area. Their first requirement was for a place on the water and their final
choice was the lot on Lake Pasbehegh. Since they
needed to build, they followed the plans for their
house in Illinois, but incorporated "aging" features to
make it easier to live in it for the rest of their
lives. Donald likes fishing and he plans to fish in the
lake with his grandson. Denise likes to work in the
yard and she is anxious for the weather to improve so
the yard can be landscaped. Both are concerned with
the choice of plants for the yard as they have heard
how everything should be deer resistant if it's going to
last.
Late last year the secret allure of the house known as
Secret Creek, aka 178 John Rolfe, was discovered by
Andrew and Mehgan Mayfield, who were looking to
buy a home with water access. Accompanied by
their short- haired Collie, Riley, the young couple moved into the house which is a short walk/
ride to the James River in which they can indulge
their love of boating, kayaking, canoeing and
stand-up paddle boarding.
These high school sweethearts, who hail from
Clark County, Virginia, lead busy professional
and social lives. Andrew obtained a degree in airplane piloting from Ambry Riddle Aeronautic
School, but decided that flying commercial jets
was too tame. He segued his career into aeronautic communications and became the marketing
manager for International Communications
Group, whose business deals with jet plane/
satellite communications. Mehgan is an environmental scientist, and works for the Virginia Department of Corrections. After speaking with her,
we learned that Virginia's prisons are selfcontained units with much of the labor provided
by the inmates themselves. As a result of their
work and learned skills, Virginia has the fourth
lowest rate of recidivism in the country. Mehgan
is also the president of the Jr. Women's Club of
Williamsburg, which not only produces our wonderful "Art on the Square" each year but also
holds fund raisers to help support the Bacon
Street child substance abuse program. Mehgan is
also proud of her Russian lineage which includes
a blind Cossack dancer, whose DNA shows itself
in her obvious ability to finesse her way through
the myriad parts she's assumed.
Contact us if you see any new neighbors around
your area:
Georgia Allen
Carolyn Morris
[email protected]
[email protected]
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NOTES FROM THE GARDEN CLUB
FIRST COLONY GARDEN CLUB
January 19, 2015
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Feb. 16
Garden Club Mtg
Clubhouse
Feb. 2,4,9,
11,16,18,23,
25
Yoga
5:30 pm
Clubhouse
Alice Alexander, Sandy Liebler, Carolyn Morris and
Elgin Morris with Williamsburg Floral
Winter Arrangements
For the January Garden Club meeting, Mr. Elgin
Morris with Williamsburg Floral brought in examples of various arrangements from small floating
candles to large sprays, all in shades of white and
green. He demonstrated his talent for ‘mimicking
nature’ by creating a beautiful arrangement using
perennial bulbs and deer moss in combination with
cut flowers and various greens. He recommended
the floral arranging products available at Williamsburg Floral located in the James York Plaza on
Merrimac Trail. He also advised us of the week day
‘happy hour’ from 4-5 pm and Saturday from 12-1
pm, when leftover cut flowers are half price!
Our hostesses for the evening were Alice Alexander, Sandy Liebler and Carolyn Morris.
Co-President Georgia Allen conducted a short business meeting and introduced new First Colony resident and potential new club member, Denise Thomas. It was decided that next month’s floral arrangements would be made with fresh cut flowers,
a date of March 4th was set for our annual tea, and
the annual yard sale will be held in early spring
with an exact date to be determined. All First Colony residents are encouraged to join in this yard
sale and any donation of items for the Garden Club
to sell would be welcome! Remember, all proceeds
the Garden Club makes are used for community
beautification projects.
The next Garden Club meeting will be February
16th. Club members will be creating small floral
arrangements for a local nursing home. Hostesses
will be Johnnie Blair, Teresa DePew and Linda Osborne.
For sale: 42 inch HDTV - $75
(Note: Occasionally blanks – resets with power
cycle) – Call Lee at 757-220-2127
These ads are free to resident members of Greater First
Colony only. Ads are generally limited to 20 words or
less, must be submitted to [email protected] no later
than the 20th of each month for inclusion in the following
months newsletter and are to be used only for tangible
items. GFCACA is not responsible for any disputes that
may arise between seller and buyer.
Melanie Davis, Secretary
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FOUR LOCATIONS TO
SERVE YOU!!!!
1230 RICHMOND RD
WILLIAMSBURG
12490 WARWICK BLVD
NEWPORT NEWS
4511 JOHN TYLER HWY
WILLIAMSBURG
2098 NICKERSON BLVD
HAMPTON
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Are you interested in renting the Clubhouse for your next party,
social event or business function?
A beautiful, spacious and affordable facility, the
Clubhouse is available for rental by members and
non-members for business meetings, private
functions, community events, and much more.
The Clubhouse features high ceilings, patio, deck,
full kitchen, seating for up to 150 people, ample
parking and a beautiful view of the park.
The Clubhouse is located at 125 Pasbehegh,
adjacent to the playground, pavilion and pool.
Clubhouse Fee Structure
For events sponsored by Association Members:
Number of attendees
1-50
51-100
maximum
Up to 3 hours
$45.00
$55.00
Up to 5 hours
$65.00
$85.00
Up to 8 hours
$95.00
$130.00
101-150
$100.00
$140.00
$200.00
For events sponsored by non-First Colony residents:
Number of attendees
1-50
51-100
101-150
maximum
Up to 3 hours
$65.00
$75.00
$150.00
Up to 5 hours
$95.00
$115.00
$200.00
Up to 8 hours
$140.00
$175.00
$275.00
Call *Marion Wolfe to make reservations for the clubhouse.
You may contact any Clubhouse member for information or to take a tour.
(Clubhouse members are listed below)
Sandy Tarantelli 221-8195
*Marion Wolfe 565-1860
*Kerry Armbruster 564-0447
Ann Hunt 229-1384
Dion Walsh 220-1638
Roger Guernsey 229-9496
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FIRST COLONY EMPLOYMENT HELP LINE
* Red Cross Certified
**CPR certified
Janet Riddett—Certified K-5 Teacher, teaching
Adult
[email protected]
810-9577
experience, Tutor for elementary grades
Jessica Lee-Babysitting*, Pet Sitting
14 Years
345-9432
Ashley Hoover—Baby Sitting*, Pet Sitting
14 Years
810-9844
Caroline Larson— Babysitting,** Pet Care
15 Years
259-9237
Victoria Hardy—Babysitting, Pet Sitting, Plant-
13 Years
253-8422
Zachary Ward-Leaf pick-up
13 Years
535-5455
Zychowski, Ted—Available for tutoring in general mathematics, pre-algebra and algebra. Certified teacher for grades 4 - 8
Adult
259-0969
Full Availability
ing, Mowing
To receive notice that the newsletter is available for viewing on the website by e-mail, send a quick note to
[email protected] and include your name, street address, and email address. You will receive the
link to the eNewsletter in your e-mail each month! To view the newsletter on the First Colony Website as
well as accessing information regarding membership, Committee information, community events, the activities calendar and booking community facilities go to http://www.greaterfirstcolony.org.
All you need is Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, print and forward your color eNewsletter—and it’s FREE at
several Internet sites, including http://www.adobe.com/ or http://download.cnet.com/Adobe-Reader/300010743_4-10000062.html
Advertising Rates: Business card - $15; quarter page - $25; half page - $37.50; full page - $75; Employment Help Line listing - $12 per year. Unless noted, deadline is the 20th of each month.
Editor: Amy Carter Day, [email protected] Payment must accompany ad. Make check payable to GFCACA.
The Greater First Colony Area Civic Association publishes this newsletter monthly for the benefit of the membership.
Unless noted, deadline for ALL newsletter submissions is the 20th of each month by 9pm.
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Photo courtesy Tim Killibrew
Photo courtesy Peggy Arnett
Photo courtesy Sonya Peretti-Hull
Photo courtesy Shirley Vermillion
Photo courtesy
Tim Killibrew
WINTER
AROUND
FIRST
COLONY
Photo courtesy Pat Burke
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Photo courtesy Kevan Danker