The Compass - Cameron Station September-october 2008

Volume 9 Issue 5 • September/October 2008

Newsletter of the Cameron Station Community Association, Inc.

Pride of Ownership Award Winners Announced By Robert Burns

On Sunday, August 17, the Common Area Committee (CAC) recognized the owners of four beautifully landscaped homes in our community with the annual Pride of Ownership awards. This year’s winners are: Evelyn and Thomas Henry of 4912-A Barbour Drive

Dolores Murray and Brendan Hanlon of 5193 Brawner Place

Nefissa and Awol Ali of 5004 Grimm Drive

Linda and Phillip Rezulli of 5197 Brawner Place

All winners received Home Depot gift cards to continue their fine work and were recognized at the August CAC meeting. Robert Burns is chairperson of the Common Area Committee.

Don’t Miss the Year’s Most Important Meeting! By Pat Sugrue This year’s Cameron Station Community Association Annual Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 7-9pm, in the cafeteria at Tucker Elementary School. In order to make it easier for residents to attend this important meeting, the HOA will be providing free food and drinks, and there will be door prizes provided by Cameron Station retailers and other local establishments. Registration will begin at 6:15pm. The terms of three (3) board members expire this year. Each position must be filled for the community to operate properly. The election will take place at the Annual Meeting. There

will be a Meet the Candidates night this fall, the date of which will be announced shortly. If we do not have a quorum at the Annual Meeting – either by on-site attendance or proxies – the election cannot take place and MUST be rescheduled, so please mark your calendars. (Continued on page 5)

Fall Yard Sale

Saturday, October 18 8:30am-1pm Balloons to indicate participation may be picked up at the Cameron Club that morning.

What’s Inside Board of Directors Meeting ................4 Mark Pillow Award.............................5 Committee Updates.............................7

Fitness News....................................8-9 Civic Association Update................10 Shuttle Bus.........................................16

Carla’s Picks.....................................20 Restaurant Review..........................21 Advertising Policy ..........................23

CSCA COMMITTEES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE [email protected] Derek Hardwick – Chairperson CAMERON CLUB & EVENTS COMMITTEE [email protected] Ray Celeste – Chairperson COMMON AREA COMMITTEE [email protected] Robert Burns – Chairperson COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE [email protected] Cheri Avila – Chairperson

Cameron Station Community Association, Inc. (CSCA)

FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE [email protected] Stacey Croghan – Chairperson

Board of Directors ([email protected]) John Sullivan (President)

CONDOMINIUM/MANAGEMENT COMPANIES

Brad Holsclaw (Vice President) Mahl Avila (Treasurer)

Carlton Place Condominium Main Street Condominium Oakland Hall at Cameron Station Condominium Woodland Hall at Cameron Station Condominium Management Company: Community Management Corporation William Lynch, Manager on site at Cameron Club: 703-212-8020, 703-212-8021 (fax), [email protected]

Michael Kuhl Mindy Lyle Tom McClimon Sarah Townes Meetings are the fourth Tuesday of every month, except November and December when they are the third Tuesday.

Community Management Airielle Hansford, Community Manager [email protected]

Unit Owners Association of the Condominiums at Cameron Boulevard (Centex Condos) Judy Wojciechowski, President Management Company: Klingbeil, Powell & Alutz, Inc. 703-532-5005

Leah Pommrehn, Assistant Community Manager [email protected] Nicole Rice, Administrative Assistant [email protected]

The Residences at Cameron Station Management Company: Armstrong Management 703-385-1133 Community Manager: Angela Luker On-site number, 703-751-4070

Meghan Halfhill, Covenants Administrator [email protected] 703-567-4881 Cameron Club Fitness Center Kevin Horner, Director [email protected] 703-567-8555

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September/October 2008

From the President of the HOA Board of Directors As we head into fall, the board and management staff are working diligently on preparing next year’s budget. As always, we are trying to balance the requests from the committees with the need to keep any increase in the quarterly homeowner fees to a minimum. I encourage all residents to talk with the committees and the board on their expectations for services, events, etc. for the upcoming year.

The Norfolk Southern ethanol issue continues its slow process toward some type of resolution. The City of Alexandria has legal action pending against Norfolk Southern regarding its haul permits and a hearing pending before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. The city has also prepared an emergency evacuation plan for Cameron Station and Samuel Tucker Elementary School. An emergency situation charrette is scheduled for October 4 to test out the plan.

At the quarterly town hall meetings, the question about “bond out” keeps coming up. I wish I had a definitive answer for you, but I do not. However, the board has taken the steps of formally requesting from Greenvest, Cameron Station’s developer, their intentions, schedules, etc. for Phases I, II and III. This letter went out in late August, and hopefully by the time you are reading this we will have had an answer. More to follow.

I encourage you to attend our monthly board meetings on the fourth Tuesday of the month (third Tuesday in November and December) at 7pm. The open forum for residents is usually the second item on the agenda. We welcome your attendance and comments. John Sullivan

Welcome to Cameron Station’s Administrative Assistant

Board of Directors 2008 Meetings Tuesdays, 7pm All residents are welcome to attend. Residents’ Open Forum is second item on agenda.

The new, friendly face behind the front desk at the Cameron Club is Nicole M. Rice, who was hired in August as the community’s administrative assistant.

October 28 November 18 December 16

Nicole was born in Montclair, California, grew up in Crandon, Wisconsin, and moved to Alexandria in 2004 when she was a teenager. Nicole is a recent graduate (2007) of Woodson High School. She plans to attend Devry University in March of 2009 to study computer information systems, but not to worry…she plans to take classes at night so she can continue to work for the Cameron Station community. According to Nicole, “I have loved this job since the first day I started it! Being an administrative assistant is something I have always wanted to do, and in fact have been looking for this kind of job since I was 15 years old. I also hope to own my own place one day, and being here at this job will teach me a little bit more about owning a home.”

Cameron Station 10-Year Anniversary Celebration The November/December issue of The Compass will feature the September 19-21 celebration and memories of the past 10 years in Cameron Station. If there is something you would like to submit for this issue, please send it to [email protected].

Nicole can be reached at 703-567-4881 or [email protected].

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Annual Meeting, Wednesday, November 12 . Mark your calendars now!

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September/October 2008

Board of Directors Meeting, August 19 By Ann Grochala and Pat Sugrue

Police Report

Deputy Chief Blaine Corle reported on a burglary in the Main Street Condominiums. Two individuals were seen taking electronic items from a residence in pillowcases. He said police do have a lead. He reminded residents to call the police whenever they observe any activity that appears unusual.

Resident Open Forum

past deadline: bond out for phases I, II and III was supposed to be completed in 2007.

Parking Enforcement Policy

In response to numerous complaints over the lack of parking enforcement, the board voted to reinstate parking enforcement by an off-duty Alexandria police officer starting September 5. (See page 5.)

Additional Shuttle Stop

No speakers.

Financial Report

On July 31, 2008, the HOA had operating and investment funds totaling $2,045,651.52. The Income Statement report reflects a year-to-date income of $1,452,514.75, which is $18,217.25 below the budgeted amount of $1,470,786.00. The year-to-date expenses are $1,131,894.24, which is $59,954.76 below the budgeted amount of $1,191,849.00. Overall, there is a positive variance between year-to-date income and expenses in the amount of $320,620.51.

Fitness Center Report

An architect is expected to make a presentation to the board in September regarding expansion/improvement of the facility.

The board approved an additional shuttle stop on Brenman Park Drive. The chairperson of the ARC indicated that his committee unanimously opposed it.

Action Items

• Renew Harmony Ponds contract for 2009 – Approved • Renew Lancaster Landscapes contract for 2009 – Approved • Proposal for irrigation services from Lancaster Landscapes – Approved • Institute parking enforcement for remainder of 2008 – Approved • Hold special meeting of board and ARC to discuss DMS changes, date to be determined – Approved

HOA Office Closing Dates

Committee Reports

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is making revisions to the Design & Maintenance Standards (DMS). The ARC proposes designating the month of May as “Property Maintenance Month.” The committee is looking into vendors who might be willing to offer discounts to residents for improvements to their properties.

Election, Tuesday, November 4 Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27 Day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 28

The Cameron Club & Events Committee dedicated a bench to the memory of former member Laura Moutray. The committee is looking into vending machines for the Cameron Club. ID cards are in bad shape, and the committee is looking into replacing them with plastic ones. Plans are progressing for the 10-Year Anniversary Celebration.

Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25

The Communications Committee will be making a request to the Financial Advisory Committee for more staff to manage the web site and the databases. The chairperson will send CMC examples of missing data from the C3 database.

Annual Holiday Party Sunday, December 7 Cameron Club Great Room 5-7pm Food, drinks and a visit from Santa Claus!

The Common Area Committee recommended no changes to the existing pet policy.

Town Hall Meeting

One of the major concerns is the bond out process and how to compel Greenvest to proceed. The board will send a letter to Greenvest and copy city staff, explaining that Greenvest is

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September/October 2008

Giving Thanks for Good Neighbors – The Mark Pillow Award By Robert Burns

Mark Pillow, who died suddenly in December 2005, was a terrific neighbor – someone who embodied the community spirit of Cameron Station and made it a better, brighter place to live. In memory of Mark, and to honor those residents who have followed in his footsteps, the Common Area Committee (CAC) instituted the “Mark Pillow Community Spirit Award.” The first award, given in 2006, focused on landscaping and on those who helped beautify the common areas of the community, as Mark did so well. Kathy Price was that year’s winner, and Denise Cantrell the runner-up – Their handiwork can be seen in the gardens in Brenman Park at the end of Somervelle Street. In 2007, the scope of the award was expanded to honor a resident who exemplified Mark’s special volunteerism… someone who has made a lasting impact on the welfare and spirit of our community through numerous contributions and community building. Last year’s award was shared by two residents, Marilyn Means and Pat Sugrue. The CAC is now asking for nominations for the 2009 award. Think about your good neighbors and how they add to your quality of life.

on the civic association—Cameron Station could not exist without these dedicated volunteers, many of whom toil year after year after year. And there are those who help on a more personal level— who feed and walk your pets, water your plants, pick up your newspapers and mail, shovel your driveway, provide rides to airports and doctors—the ordinary, day-to-day neighborliness that can make such a difference. How do you thank your neighbors for all they do? Nominate them for The Mark Pillow Community Spirit Award. NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10. Winners will be announced at the Annual Meeting, Wednesday, November 12, and the winner’s name will be added to the award plaque located in the Cameron Club. Nothing would make the CAC happier than to be inundated with nominations. Please take a minute to think about those neighbors who deserve some recognition and send their names and a description of their contribution to our community to [email protected].

There are those who help out the entire community – who volunteer on committees, lend a hand at community events, organize meetings and parties, serve on the board, work

The Year’s Most Important Meeting! (Continued from the front page)

Next year’s budget and the monthly assessment fees for 2009 will be presented at the meeting. You will also have the opportunity to meet members of the HOA committees and learn more about the committees and the important work they do to improve the community. More information on the Annual Meeting and Meet the Candidates night will be sent to all occupying and absentee homeowners. If you are interested in applying for one of the open board positions, or would like to nominate someone, please contact Community Manager Airielle Hansford at 703-567-4881 or ahansford@cmc-management. com. Please note that according to the HOA governing documents, only homeowners “in good standing” with their assessments will be permitted to vote in the election or run for one of the positions.

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Police to Enforce Parking Policy After receiving numerous complaints over lack of parking enforcement, the Board of Directors has reinstated parking enforcement by an off-duty Alexandria police officer. This individual will ticket those vehicles not authorized to park in the community’s visitor parking spaces. Please note that these are Cameron Station Community Association (CSCA) tickets and NOT city parking tickets. The CSCA parking policy states that owners are not allowed to park in visitor parking areas in their own phase. Any guest/visitor staying longer than 24 hours must display the CSCA visitor parking sign placed on their dash board. Guests/visitors who will be staying less than 24 hours do not need to display the CSCA visitor parking sign on their dashboard. CSCA visitor parking signs are available, one per household, at the front desk of the Cameron Club. A copy of the parking policy is available for viewing and download on the Cameron Station web site, www.cameronstation.org.

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September/October 2008

Adopt-a-Family for the Holidays By Mindy Lyle

Once again, the Cameron Station community plans to help those less fortunate have a Merry Christmas through the Adopt-a-Family holiday gift program. Over the past eight years, Cameron Station residents have adopted more than 100 families from Samuel Tucker Elementary School, who without our help might not have had any Christmas celebration. Individual residents, groups of neighbors, committee members or entire streets can join together to adopt an individual student, a couple of students, a family or several families. Family needs are screened by the social worker and principal at Tucker. Lists of needs -- some as basic as dishes and towels – are compiled by the school, along with clothing sizes, shoe sizes, toy requests, etc. You can shop for individual items, or if you want to help but don’t want to shop, gift cards are also welcome. If you are interested in helping to continue this wonderful holiday tradition, please e-mail [email protected]. We will have more information available in late October. Mindy Lyle is a member of the HOA Board of Directors.

No Pet Fee

Alexandria Transit Company Improvements

The Common Area Committee (CAC) wishes to thank all the residents who offered input regarding the proposed revisions to the Cameron Station Pet Policy, especially feelings regarding the proposed pet fee under consideration.

The Alexandria Transit Company (ATC) announced service improvements and a peak period fare adjustment that took effect on July 20, 2008: • The AT5 route has improved frequency during peak periods to every 20 minutes (to Old Town in the morning and from Old Town in the afternoon).

At the September 3 meeting of the CAC, the committee unanimously voted not to recommend the proposed fee to the Board of Directors. No other action will be take by the CAC regarding the previously proposed fee.

• The AT2 and AT5 routes have improved schedules to provide 10-minute service from King Street Metro to Old Town in the morning peak period and from Old Town to King Street Metro in the afternoon peak period. • Minor timetable adjustments were made on several routes to improve schedule adherence.

Halloween Party

• The DASH fare structure has been adjusted to $1.25 for peak period fares (from 5am to 9:30am and from 3pm to 7pm weekdays), and the base fare will remain $1 during off-peak periods, weekends and holidays. The $30 monthly DASH Pass will remain the same.

Friday, October 31 6-8pm Food Matters Restaurant

New schedules are available on the DASH web site. Newly printed Ride Guides may be found on DASH buses. For more information, please call 703-370-3274 or visit www.dashbus.com.

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September/October 2008

Committee Updates Architectural Review Committee

Fall is upon us, and the holiday season is right around the corner. In preparation for fall and spring plantings and the holiday season, the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) has a few reminders for homeowners. Fall is a great time for planting, especially trees and shrubs. If you plan on adding or removing plantings to your property, please make sure to submit an Exterior Design Modification application to the ARC. Applications must be approved before work is started. Please take the time to remove dead or dying plant material or weeds from your planting beds before it gets cold. Your thriving plants (and your neighbors) appreciate it. Homeowners are not required to submit Exterior Design Modification applications for holiday lights or seasonal decorations to the ARC. However, homeowners are reminded that holiday lights and decorative objects are only approved for “four weeks prior and three weeks after the holiday in question” (Design and Maintenance Standards, p. 16). Enjoy the remainder of 2008!

Common Area Committee

member of the committee, was dedicated at the event. The bench has been installed in front of the Cameron Club. Next social events scheduled for the community include a fall yard sale on Saturday, October 18, the annual Halloween Party on Friday, October 31, and the annual Holiday Party on Sunday, December 7.

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee worked on developing recommendations for the HOA board regarding the database and web site changes. The budget request for 2009 was also discussed, and a budget was developed to be presented to the Financial Advisory Committee at their next meeting.

Financial Advisory Committee No update was received.

Committee Meetings All meetings are held in the Cameron Club. If dates change due to holidays or other reasons, they will be posted on the Cameron Station web site: www.cameronstation.org.

Cameron Station homeowners take great pride in the upkeep and maintenance of the landscaping of properties. The visual appearance and value of properties is enhanced by the attention to the landscaping of your home. There are homes in the community that lack the attention to landscape, however, where weeds proliferate, shrubs are not pruned, and flowers die and are never replanted. If you recognize your home’s landscape as needing attention, please take some time to attend to the area and improve its appearance. By doing so, you improve the entire community! Please also take a look at your private trees and remove any tree stabilizers as needed. If a tree stabilizer stays on too long, it could hurt the tree. The CAC currently has a vacancy on the committee and is actively seeking residents who would be interested in participating. If you are interested, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or to Community Manager Airielle Hansford at [email protected].

Cameron Club & Events Committee First Monday of the month at 7pm Architectural Review Committee First Tuesday of the month at 7pm Common Area Committee First Wednesday of the month at 7pm Communications Committee Second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm Financial Advisory Committee Third Thursday of the month at 7pm

Cameron Club & Events Committee

An ice cream social was held in conjunction with the Pride of Ownership awards on Sunday, August 17. The Main Street Market provided the ice cream and water. A bench in memory of Laura Moutray, former

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Main Street Market provided the ice cream for this year’s Ice Cream Social.

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September/October 2008

Fitness Center News By Kevin Horner

Group Exercise Classes

Group Exercise classes are going strong; these classes continue to be very popular. Walk-ins on the night of a class are welcome for a $10 fee; this is a great way to try out a class. The schedule is as follows: Muscle Sculpt: Mondays, 7-8pm (with Cynthia) Yoga: Tuesdays, 8-9am (with Denise) Pilates: Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30pm (with Denise Muscle Sculpt: Wednesdays, 7-8pm (with Kathy) Yoga: Wednesdays, 8-9pm (with Suzanne) Yoga/Sculpt: Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am (with Denise) Pilates: Thursdays, 8:15-9:15pm (with Denise) Pilates: Saturdays, 9-10am (with Denise) Yoga: Saturdays, 10-11am (with Denise)

Monday-Friday, 5am-11pm Saturday-Sunday, 8am-8pm The Fitness Center’s regular hours will be in effect every day, except for the following: Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day

Workout Parents

Are you an at-home mom or dad who would like a chance to work out during the day? Here’s an opportunity to get some exercise and take a short break from the kids, all under one roof at the Cameron Club. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8:30am to 10am, you can bring your kids to the Great Room and alternate childcare duties with other participating parents. How often you watch your children and those of other residents depends on how many moms and dads participate. This is not a babysitting or daycare service.

Suggestions

We appreciate all the positive input we receive here at the club. During the hot months of the year, the most common suggestions have to do with the temperature in the Fitness Center. We constantly monitor the temperature to ensure that it is comfortable. During times of increased usage and intense heat and humidity, the temperature and the humidity inside the center may increase. The air conditioning can only do so much, and we keep it maintained so it will keep the Fitness Center cool. We appreciate your patience in this matter. All of us at the Cameron Club appreciate everyone’s commitment to fitness, and we value your support throughout the year. Thanks for making the fitness program here at Cameron Station a huge success! For information on any of the programs, please contact the Fitness Center: 703-567-8555 or [email protected].

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Cameron Club Fitness Center Hours

Closing at 6pm: Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Eve, New Year’s Eve Opening at 8am: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, Day after Thanksgiving

Support Our Cameron Station Retailers Bright Start Learning Center Cameron Perks Coffeehouse Cameron Station Valet Cleaners Dr. Mai, Family Dentistry Food Matters L’VIDA Salon and Spa Main Street Market Stems

Cameron Station Retailer Web Sites For the most up-to-date information and monthly specials at our community retailers, check out these web sites: www.cameronperks.com www.foodmattersva.com www.lvidaspa.com

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September/October 2008

FALL ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE Sunday 8:00/9:00AM

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

8:30-10:00AM Workout Parents

8:00-9:00AM Yoga (Denise)

8:30-10:00AM Workout Parents

9:00/9:30AM

9:30-10:30AM Stroller Strides

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

8:30-10:00AM Workout Parents 9:30-10:30AM Yoga/Sculpt (Denise) 9:30-10:30AM Stroller Strides

10:00AM

9:00-10:00AM Pilates (Denise)

10:00-11:00AM Yoga Denise 10AM-12NOON Pick-up Basketball

7:00PM

7:00-8:00PM Muscle Sculpt (Kathy)

7:00-8:00PM Muscle Sculpt (Cynthia)

7:30PM

7:30-8:30PM Pilates (Denise)

8:00/8:15PM

8:00-10:00PM Pick-up Basketball

8:00-9:00PM Yoga (Suzanne)

8:15-9:15PM Pilates/Yoga Fusion (Denise)

Drop-ins are welcome on a space-available basis for $10. This schedule can change at any time due to low class participation, so please call the Fitness Center or check the web site for an updated schedule.

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September/October 2008

Civic Association Update By Ingrid Sanden

The Cameron Station Civic Association will meet in the Cameron Club Great Room on Monday, November 3, at 7pm (social time), and the meeting will be called to order at 7:30pm. Speaker to be determined, but check our web site at: www.cameronstationcivicassociation.org for more details as the meeting draws near. The civic association continues to monitor the Norfolk Southern ethanol transloading facility. We also continue to work with city, state and federal elected leaders to create legislation protecting our neighborhood from possible leaks, spills or fires at such facilities. We also believe legislation is needed to ensure that neighborhoods are aware of a railroad’s plans to place such facilities in close proximity to schools, densely populated areas and major transportation centers. Please continue to check our web site for updates on this topic. You may read the city’s position on this topic at http://alexandriava.gov/special/ transloading/default.aspx. The civic association is also waiting to see how the City Council will react to the Landmark/Van Dorn Small Area Plan, which lays out a general plan regarding transportation, population density, land uses and zoning in the area from (roughly) the Landmark Mall to the Van Dorn metro. I have served on the mayor’s panel, which has been instrumental throughout this small area plan process, since December 2007 and am looking forward to the final plan. You may catch up on the group’s

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progress via the city’s website: http://www.alexandriava.gov/ planning/info/default.aspx?id=7014. Join the civic association group on Facebook to stay up to date on meeting notices and important developments: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=57893870441.

Pet Tips If you are a dog owner and you take your dog on walks throughout the community, please be mindful of alternating the location where you walk your animal and where it is allowed to relieve itself. If you take the animal to the same location daily, the constant stress on the turf and soil from the waste will cause the grass to die, and ultimately it will need to be replaced. Attention to this small detail will assist in keeping turf areas in Cameron Station in better condition.

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September/October 2008

Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste City of Alexandria residents may dispose of household hazardous waste such as leftover paint, cleaning solvent and other hazardous household materials safely, conveniently and at no cost through the Household Waste Facility, 3600 Wheeler Ave. For the convenience of residents, the facility is now open two days a week: Mondays and Saturdays (except holidays), from 7:30am to 3:30pm. The facility is available to city residents only; photo identification will be required to prove residency at time of drop-off. The city also accepts computers, televisions, VCRs, printers, stereos, cellular phones and many other types of electronics at this site (no appliances including air conditioners, dehumidifiers, microwaves, etc.) Electronics can be dropped off every Monday and Saturday (except holidays) from 7:30am to 3:30pm. For more information about the Household Hazardous Waste Facility or about household hazardous waste collection, please visit www.alexandriava.gov/tes or contact Alton Weaver, Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, at 703-519-3486.

Residents from the Main Street Condos enjoying the July 16 free concert in Brenman Park – “Boys Night Out” jazz/folk trio.

Proud to be a Cameron Station Resident

≈ERIKA≈ EXPERIENCED ENTHUSIASTIC EXPERT

It is my goal to provide you with the highest level of service and expertise you deserve.

Erika Carroll Direct: 703.568.7376 Email: [email protected] Website: www.homewitherika.com

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Weichert, Realtors

®

Weichert, Realtors 121 N. Pitt St. Alexandria, VA 22314

September/October 2008

The Communications Committee (and friends) had such a good time at their holiday dinner at Food Matters last December that they decided to hold another one in the summer. Now, don’t you want to join this fun group? Members are needed: contact Chairperson Cheri Avila at [email protected].

High Energy… High Performance! When performance counts with your real estate needs...

VAUGHN & DIANE PADDOCK Cameron Station Residents… Cameron Station Realtors www.paddockhomes.com 703-628-2828 Owned and operated by NRT, Inc.

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September/October 2008

Complementary Medicine Comes to Cameron Station

Art on the Avenue

By Eliza Dolin

Many residents are unaware that L’Vida Salon and Spa offers therapeutic treatments in addition to regular spa and salon services. A variety of treatments are offered by JooPyo Hong, known as “J.P.” J.P. has practiced acupressure, acupuncture and meridian massage, among other traditional eastern medical techniques, for more than 25 years both in Seoul, Korea, and various locations in Northern Virginia. Acupressure is a blend of focused massage and acupuncture, which employs tiny needles placed at strategic points on the body. It is used to rebalance the body’s energies and improve posture in order to bring relief from chronic problems such as those associated with muscolo-skeletal disorders. Acupressure has been used for thousands of years not only therapeutically, but also in training martial artists. As practiced by J.P., eastern medicine is complementary to western medicine, rather than exclusive of it. Leisa Brewer, proprietor of L’Vida as well as a registered nurse, explains: “I invited J.P. to work with our clients at L’Vida not only because of his extensive experience and professionalism, but also his intuition and his sympathy for those suffering from chronic discomfort who have not always found relief in western medical therapies.”

Saturday, October 4 10am-6pm Mount Vernon Avenue Del Ray Alexandria A multi-cultural arts festival with craft vendors, ethnic foods, musical entertainment, kids’ activities, pie baking contest and more. One of Cameron Station’s own retailers, Stems, will be displaying a wide variety of dried arrangements, wreaths and other botanical decor items. Hurricane Hanna turned Backlick Run into raging rapids on Saturday, September 6, but by Monday the sleepy run had returned to normal.

This writer, a lawyer and equal-opportunity skeptic, has been under J.P.’s care for about 20 weeks. Those with an open mind and a commitment to making healthy lifestyle changes in order to improve their quality of life may well find, as she has, that eastern medicine has remarkable curative powers. And she can attest that acupuncture doesn’t hurt one bit. Eliza Dolin is a resident of Cameron Station.

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September/October 2008

15th Annual Walk to Fight Breast Cancer Saturday, October 25, 2008 8am Cameron Run Regional Park / Eisenhower Avenue The Alexandria Office on Women and Inova Alexandria Hospital ask for your participation in the 1.5K/3.5K/5k walk/run to support the Alexandria Breast Cancer Walk Fund at Inova Hospital. The Walk Fund provides free mammograms and other diagnostic screening procedures for Alexandria women who are not adequately insured and could not otherwise obtain these necessary medical screenings. To date, the Walk Fund has helped over 4,000 women. For more information or to volunteer, call the Office on Women at 703-838-5030 or visit www.alexcancerwalk.com.

Cameron Station residents enjoyed the Cambodian Festival in Brenman Park in August.

Below: Ava Miller, 3, with her swim lesson trophy, and Zhivko Tsonkov Zhechev, head lifeguard at the Cameron Station pool. Miller took swim lessons this summer with Kristin Shaw-Goetz, who is a Cameron Station resident.

Right: Swim instructor Kristin Shaw-Goetz celebrates the Cameron Station Trophy Swim with a few of her students from the summer.

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September/October 2008

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Service Daily Dog Walking Last Minute Dog Walks Overnight Visits (your home or ours) Dog Park Visits Pet Taxi 703-980-0417 [email protected] www.woof4walks.com New clients receive a complimentary walk with this ad.

Cameron Station Book Clubs “Monday Night Bookball” has some openings. If you would like to join, please contact PJ Sottile at psottile@ steptoe.com or 703-566-4804. For those of you reading with the book clubs, here are the current selections: Monday Night Bookball September A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith October The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell Reading Between the Wines September The Godmother by Carrie Adams October Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson

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September/October 2008

ALIVE!

Change in Shuttle Bus Service

(ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically) Food Distribution

A reminder that there is an additional shuttle bus stop in front of the Main Street Market/L’Vida Salon & Spa, and the times of the buses have changed slightly to accommodate the new stop. You will find a copy of the new schedule on the Cameron Station web site, www.cameronstation.org, at the front desk of the Cameron Club and on the buses themselves.

Saturday, October 25 8:30-11:30am Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria (Take 395 north to Seminary Road west, right on Beauregard, right into parking lot.)

Volunteers Needed! Thank You!

Gibberman Dental ___________________________

______________________________

Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

Dr. Paul Gibberman has been an important part of this community for over 20 years. The reason we have been so successful is because we recognize that you are the most important part of the practice. Utilizing advanced technology in our newly remodeled office, our primary goal is to give your family the highest quality dental care for a reasonable cost. Each patient is a unique individual and we treat every case, from periodic check-ups to root canals to cosmetic crowns and veneers to dental implants, with a focus towards your needs. Call our office or visit our website today to schedule your appointment.

Hrs: Mon- Thurs: 7am – 7pm Sat by Appointment

703.823.6616

www.gibbermandental.com

Shops at Foxchase 4613 Duke Street (next to the new Harris Teeter Grocery Store) Alexandria, Virginia 22304 The Compass

www.cameronstation.org 16

September/October 2008

Do You Want to Receive The Compass Electronically?

End of Season for West End Farmer’s Market

In an effort for the Cameron Station Community Association to “go green,” homeowners will now have the option of receiving The Compass via mail (paper copy) or via e-mail by electronic copy (e-copy). A great advantage of receiving The Compass via e-copy is that you will be able to see the newsletter in COLOR!

The market is open in the south parking lot of Ben Brenman Park every Sunday, 9am-1pm, until October 26. During the last two Sundays, October 19 and 26, prepared foods, arts and crafts will also be featured.

If you would like to sign up for the electronic version and no longer receive a paper copy, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. In your e-mail request, please include the following information: name, Cameron Station address, off-site address if you do not reside in Cameron Station, and e-mail address to which you want your e-copy sent. Please note that by signing up for this service you will no longer receive the newsletter in the mail. However, you can always print it out yourself. If at any time you wish to get back onto the mailing list for a printed version of The Compass, it will be necessary to give the HOA office 30 days notice so your information may be moved from the e-copy list to the paper copy list. Please consider this idea in an effort to be more environmentally friendly.

The Compass

www.cameronstation.org 17

September/October 2008

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Going Organic and Green the Simple and Affordable Way By Inayet F. Sahin

Save your money to buy these fruits and veggies; they have the highest levels of pesticide residue and are the most important to buy organic:

Step-by-step tips for transforming your living! Going organic can be overwhelming and expensive if you decide to replace every conventional item in your fridge and cupboard with its organic counterpart. The 12 fruits and vegetables below have the lowest levels of pesticide residue, and consequently they are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume:

•Peaches •Apples •Sweet bell peppers •Celery •Nectarines •Strawberries •Cherries •Lettuce •Grapes (imported) •Pears •Spinach •Potatoes

•Broccoli •Eggplant •Cabbage •Banana •Kiwi •Asparagus •Sweet peas (frozen) •Mango •Pineapple •Sweet corn (frozen) •Avocado •Onion

Source: FoodNews.org

Inayet Sahin is a resident of Cameron Station.

The Compass

www.cameronstation.org 18

September/October 2008

Don’t Miss Out on Fast-Breaking Cameron Station News!

Not Receiving the Community Newsletter Regularly?

The Cameron Station Community Association periodically sends out notices via e-mail. To be sure you receive the latest news, add your e-mail address to the Community Directory in the “Residents Only” section of the community web site, TRACKING ISSUE August-September 2008 NUMBER: TC- 334099 www.cameronstation.org. DATE:

Proof Release

TEAM 4G

Justin Piosa, At 717-509-9256

EDITION NAME

00339 Alexandria-VA

Please note that in order for you to add your e-mail address to the web site, you will need your user name and password information. If you haven’t yet received your web site To have one coupon online at myClipper.com password to log onto the site, please e-mail your name, To indicate your choice, circle one coupon. If you do not circle one, we will select one for you. address and e-mail I wouldaddress like to put to: I do not want any one coupon online coupons online [email protected].

❑ YES

EMAIL: [email protected] FAX: 717-358-2542 Office Use Only ARTIST

3252MMC

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4

1

SALES REP

PLEASE SIGN YOUR PROOF AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

Ad is approved is approved with changes not approved ❑Once ❑ Ad logged ❑ Ad issite, you have onto the web you make canchanges clickindicated on “Website User Information” from the menu bar on the left of the screen. Then click on “Update Website User Information” SIGNATURE and type your e-mail address in the appropriate field. If you wish, you can specify that your e-mail address be used PRINT NAME DATE only by the community manager by checking the box on the COUPON right. PLACEMENT MAY CHANGE PRIOR TO PUBLICATION

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ART DIRECTOR

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images

8/11 L’Vida Spa #171032

If you have not been receiving The Compass on a regular basis, or know of any neighbors who have not been receiving it, please contact the HOA office: 703-567-4881 or [email protected] to be sure they have the correct address on the mailing list. Each occupied residence is entitled to one copy Contact Your Account Services Coordinator, of each issue of the newsletter. (x3905)

Leisa Brewer is not allowed in Cameron Please deliver asapthat to: _____________________________________________ A reminder soliciting [email protected] EMAIL: ___________________________________________________________

Station. Only charitable organizations are permitted to go from door to door. If you receive commercial 00339.06.08 flyers, please bring them to the HOA office, and the staff will contact the companies; or you may call the non-emergency line, This ad is the property of Clipperpolice Magazine and may 703-838-4444. not be reproduced in any other publication. PHONE: __________________________ FAX: __________________________

AREAS

Please review your proof carefully. Clipper Magazine is not responsible for any error not marked.

SPECIAL FOR CAMERON STATION RESIDENTS: DISCOUNTS EXTENDED TO 11/1/08.

50 off %

Look & Feel Your Best This Fall at L’Vida L Vida Spa LOOK YOUR BEST!

20

% off

All Vinotherapy Services

Indulge in Alexandria’s only wine-based spa. Experience the benefits of Olavie Chardonnay Facial, Chardonnay Aromatherapy Massage, Chardonnay Sugar Body Scrub, Chardonnay Mani/Pedi, Chardonnay Hair And Scalp Restoration. MEDICAL SERVICES Microdermabrasion, Oxygen Facials, Organic Enzyme Peels, Obagi® Skincare & Blue Peel, Botox® Cosmetic, Restylane® & Perlane®, Mesotherapy™ & Body Sculpting, Acupuncture, Acupressure and Meditation Classes SPA SERVICES Full-Service Hair Salon, Waxing, Make-Up Applications, Eyelash & Hair Extensions, Massage & Couples’ Massage, Vichy Shower For Body Exfoliation, Body Wraps For Detoxification & Inch Loss

O L AV I E Gift Cards Available

The Compass

4907 Brenman Park Drive • Alexandria

703-212-6752 • www.lvidaspa.com Open Monday-Saturday

Conveniently located off of Duke St. in Cameron Station. One Mile From Landmark Mall.

www.cameronstation.org 19

Purchase One Syringe of Restylane®/ Perlane® at Reg. Price ($600/$750) and Receive the 2nd at 50% off Syringes must be used at time of purchase.

Alexandria • 703-212-6752 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer expires 10-1-08.

10 off %

Any Spa Or Hair Service Alexandria • 703-212-6752 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer expires 10-1-08.

95

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only

Express Stress Relief Package 30-Min. Facial (Excluding Extractions) & 30 Min. Tension Relief Massage

Alexandria • 703-212-6752 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer expires 10-1-08.

September/October 2008

Carla’s Picks By Carla Besosa

Birchmere

The Barns of Wolf Trap

Blues Alley

October 12

October 12

October 7

The name says it all, a must see!

Smooth voice, torchy style, moving performer.

Smooth and sexy sax playing!

Safire - The Uppity Blues Women

Jane Monheit

November 1

November 5-6

Christine Lavin

The Queen of Folk with a cleaver sense of humor.

Strathmore October 9

Perhaps coming to our area was a “Simple Twist of Fate.”

November 20

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Talented bluegrass diva.

November 26

October 11

This King is King of the Blues and still goin’ strong.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony—a great piece!

Kennedy Center October 26

Very talented blues dudes.

I heard this performed in 1971 when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis commissioned the piece to commemorate the opening of the Kennedy Center. A powerful and moving piece...time to hear it again 37 years later!

October 30

k.d. lang

A voice “like buttah”!

November 22

National Philharmonic

Carmina Burana; Orff’s tremendous choral work.

Jammin’ Java October 24

Bernstein’s Mass

November 11-30

Frost/Nixon

Stacy Keach stars in this Tonynominated theatrical work that captures the famous David Frost interview of Richard Nixon.

Ellis Paul

Singer/songwriter with heartfelt lyrics.

The Compass

ALWAYS a top-notch jazz performance.

George Mason Center for the Arts November 29-30

Chanticleer Christmas

B.B. King

October 23

Derek Trucks Band

October 30

Rippingtons

Joan Baez

Natalie Cole

No introduction needed.

Jimmy Sommers

www.cameronstation.org 20

Superb blend of voices to ring in the holidays.

Mount Vernon Estate October 3-5

Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour

And Another Thing… Another great escape, less than two hours from home — Antrim 1844. Nestled at the foot of the Catoctin Mountains in Taneytown, MD, this elegant inn is the place to get away, relax and be pampered. With acres of manicured landscaping, a superb gourmet restaurant, a quaint little pub, pampering service, period décor and tea at 4:00 (rhyme intended), you can enjoy the inn and all it has to offer and/or venture north a stone’s throw to explore historic Gettysburg, PA. I highly recommend venturing to Antrim 1844 for one of their many mid-week specials. Take a virtual tour at www.antrim1844.com.

September/October 2008

Zikrayet By Carla Besosa

I have to tell you about Zikrayet, the new Lebanese restaurant in the Carlyle complex! This place is so much fun that I have dined there six times already, and it’s only been open a few months! Zikrayet (translation: memories) is the “new kid on the block” in the scheme of Old Town restaurants. Folks are just starting to discover Zikrayet, so now is the time to check it out. The establishment is appealing on many levels: the menu offers wide variety, the food is delicious and the servers/bartenders/management are extremely personable. You can dine on the umbrella-ed patio, weather permitting, or sit inside where the décor is modern and the exterior walls are glass, creating a very open feeling. The handsome bar and lounge also provide additional seating. The music varies: you may be treated to some smooth jazz or some lively Arabic music.

For you beer drinkers, the Almaza is a must. The wine selection is inclusive and offers an impressive variety of vintages by the bottle and by the glass. Check out their list of specialty drinks as well. Friends who sampled the homemade lemonade (made with orange blossom water) proclaimed it to be the best ever! Once you have completed your dinner, I recommend adjourning to the lounge to order dessert (excellent Baklava and Chocolate Fondant, among other fine selections), experience the Lebanese Coffee and sample one of the many varieties of Hookah. A Hookah is a water pipe that operates by water filtration and indirect heat. Zikrayet offers a selection of fruit flavors for your “puffing” enjoyment. High on the list are the grape and apple variety. A novelty that adds to total Zikrayet experience. I can’t say enough about the staff. The folks at Zikrayet are quick to greet you, helpful when ordering, efficient when serving and quite generous when they feel you should sample something other than what you have ordered. Management is in the habit of interacting with the patrons as well, which gives the experience an additional personal touch. I will definitely return to Zikrayet, and everyone I have taken there is anxious for an encore!

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday: 11am-12 midnight Saturday: 11:30am-1:30am Sunday: 12noon-close Z (Happy) Hour, Monday-Friday, 4:30-7pm Half-price drinks/25% off appetizers

540 John Carlyle Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 703-838-2008 • www.zikrayet.com The appetizers (Cold Mezza & Hot Mezza) are always my favorite part of any Lebanese fare. The Hommus is superb and is offered in three varieties: plain, with roasted pine nuts (my favorite!) and with meat. Their Grape Leaves are among the best I’ve consumed. Their Cheese Rolls are scrumptious, and the list goes on….You will also receive a complimentary starter, which includes Olives, Labne (yogurt spread with olive oil), Pickled Vegetables and Pita. Enticing soups and salads are also offered. For your entrée, you can select from a tasty variety of shrimp, fish, chicken, beef, lamb or vegetarian dishes. I am particularly attracted to the Shrimp Kabob—jumbo shrimp (plenty of them!) marinated and grilled. The Chicken Shawarma is also a favorite of mine—slices of marinated chicken accompanied by a flavorful garlic paste. Most of the main dishes are served with some of the best Basmati Rice (with toasted almonds) I’ve tasted.

The Compass

Price Range:

Appetizers: $6-$7.50 Sandwiches: $6.50-9 Entrées: $14-$30 Desserts: $6.50-$8 Hookah: $18.50

Smoking: Dining Room - No; Bar/Lounge - Yes Handicapped Accessible: Yes Parking: Street parking available Reservations: Recommended for large parties and on weekends

Private parties and catering also available

www.cameronstation.org 21

September/October 2008

Tucker Elementary Needs Volunteers! Samuel Tucker Elementary School seeks volunteers to tutor children, help in the library and assist with the computer lab. If interested, please call Orla Higgins, volunteer coordinator, at 703-933-6300. We appreciate your help!

Please Support Our Wounded Troops Twice a month, Cameron Station resident Pinky Fitzgerald brings donations to wounded U.S. troops at Walter Reed Hospital. The patients especially appreciate dessert packs of Jello and pudding, hair brushes, combs, toothpaste and toothbrushes, packs of peanut butter or cheese crackers and cups of ramen noodles. In addition, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, reading material, phone cards, sodas, toiletries and clothing are also welcome. Please remember that any clothing donated must be new. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Pinky at 703-461-3027 or 703-628-3405 to arrange dropping off the items. Thank you for your generosity.

The Compass

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September/October 2008

Advertising & Submissions Policies & Procedures Advertising:

The Compass newsletter is published bimonthly. Advertising space is filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and the ads published in each issue are solely at the discretion of the newsletter staff or Communications Committee. Only one ad per advertiser per issue is permitted. Ads must be submitted NO EARLIER than the 15th of the month preceding issue date and no later than the 30th (e.g., October 30 for November/December, December 30 for January/February, etc.). Payment must accompany all ads. Artwork must be camera-ready: 65 line screen or 300 dpi. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS ARE PREFERRED. Advertisers will receive a copy of the printed newsletter in which their ad appears.

The Compass Staff Carla Besosa, Denise Cantrell, Pinky Fitzgerald, Scott E.Z. Franklin, Ann Grochala, Patricia Sugrue Photographer: Pinky Fitzgerald Contributing Photographers: Gardner Bates, Sonia Agosto

“Our Neighbors Recommend”

Article Submissions:

Any submissions for publication must include writer’s name, address and phone number and must be received by the 30th of the month preceding issue date (October 30 for November/December; December 30 for January/February, etc.). The newsletter staff, Communications Committee and Board of Directors reserve the right to edit submissions for typos, length, tone and content. They will also determine the newsletter to be “full” at their discretion. Articles are to be factual and of public interest. Editorial content may be deemed inappropriate at the discretion of the newsletter staff, Communications Committee or Board of Directors. Photographs submitted will be returned to sender if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Advertising Rates: Display Ads (Camera-ready) 1/2 page (horizontal: 7” x 4 ½”; vertical: 3 ½” x 9 ¼” ) 1/4 page (3 ½” x 4 ½”) 1/8 page (3 ½” x 2”)

The list of vendor recommendations can be found on the community web site, www.cameronstation.org, under “Resident Postings.” If you do not have a password to access this site, please contact Assistant Community Manager Leah Pommrehn at [email protected]. If you would like to submit recommendations for this list, please e-mail [email protected].

Vendor Complaints If you have used a recommended vendor and have a complaint to make, please send an e-mail describing your concerns to the assistant community manager, [email protected], who will keep a copy on file. Any resident may have access to the file.

$200 $125 $100

Classified Ads

(Limit 35 words) Resident $5 Non-resident $25 Lost & Found, Carpool, etc. Free

Thanks for the Photos

Checks should be addressed to Cameron Station Community Association and sent with camera-ready artwork to Community Manager, 200 Cameron Station Boulevard, Alexandria, VA 22304. Artwork may be e-mailed to [email protected].

Note

: The included advertisements, articles or references to web sites of third parties do not indicate an endorsement by Cameron Station Community Association, Inc. and are not verified for accuracy. The Compass will not be responsible for poor ad reproduction due to the quality of the material provided by advertisers.

The Compass

Vendor List on Web Site Only

We encourage residents to submit photos they take around Cameron Station or at community events to The Compass. You may send them electronically to [email protected]. Or you may provide prints, which we can scan in and will return to you. Thank you to this issue’s contributor: Ingrid Sanden

www.cameronstation.org 23

September/October 2008

Help us go greener... Please recycle this newsletter.

200 Cameron Station Blvd. Alexandria,VA 22304

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