by Roberta Lesh
The S
afety & Resident Activities Committees are pleased to host local police department officials on Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room.
Come join Lt. Eric Hayes and Officers Anthony McElwee & Kevin Kennedy, from Metropolitan Police Department’s 2nd District as they address our community on the do’s and don’ts of crime prevention in our neighborhoods and homes. Questions will be welcomed and refreshments will be served.
So come, listen, and discuss! ◊◊◊
The following owners have been named to the Nominating Committee for 2010:
No word yet on candidate recruitment.
by Matthew Kelly
The Towers Board of Directors adjourned its meeting on Tuesday without getting to everything on its agenda. It met again Wednesday evening to discuss the remaining issues.
Board members considered proposals to replace all the boilers at an estimated cost of approximately $800,000. The Board was told that doing so could save the Association significant sums in future. The Board asked John Thies, the facilities manager, to provide a report on all the design-options available, along with a precise estimate of cost-savings over time for each. The Board will put off a decision until it can also consider the impact of the expense on other capital reserve projects.
The Board also discussed legal and employee-related matters, including how to show the community’s appreciation for those members of the Towers’ incredible staff who went above and beyond the call of duty during the recent blizzard.
The issue of lobby decor came up again, too. At Tuesday’s open meeting, a motion to approve the Option 1 decor was voted down. Last night’s meeting considered how to proceed, and included a suggestion to pay the architects to prepare two more decor options. Further discussion suggested this could cost the Association $25,000 or more. The Board agreed to put off the discussion to a later meeting, which some members asked be closed. ◊◊◊
by Matthew Kelly
In the midst of Tuesday’s open board session, my internet connection went down, taking with it nearly 40 minutes-worth live blogging from the meeting. That explains the sudden silence some of you may have seen. As it it turns out, not a lot was missed.
9:40. With the board unable to decide anything, your humble blogger departs for the night, frustrated, tired, and desperately trying to keep from expressing his true feelings in the name of live-blogging objectivity. Good night!
9:24. Norm reminds everyone that there is a motion on the floor. He asks for everyone to state their position. Norm says he’s not crazy about everything in Option 1. He doesn’t believe complete agreement will ever be reached. Diane says she doesn’t like Option 1, and that she would change the colors, the furniture, the tables; prefers old world charm. Anna Maria reminds Diane that we asked Muse to review the comments on design based on comments. Now we have to respect what the majority of the people said. Michaela has no idea what it will look like. Asks for further drawings from Muse, with price tag. Matt agrees with Michaela should spend money to get it right, points out there will never be complete agreement on the design, and that it’s time to finally move forward.
9.23. The discussion continues, a little heated, but moving.
9:21. Matt says the board has been dishonest in its approach to the design issue. Norm explains why he voted for a new ballot, because he thought it was misunderstood by many people.
9:18. Diane says she thought the Board has already been polled by the GM on its views. The GM says that the comments of the board members are also all over the place, and that there is no single view.
9:15. Mitch says he went through all the comments, as did Muse, and concluded that they said nothing cohesive. Muse has asked that the Board make up its mind, says Mitch.
9:14. Oy vey.
9.10. Anna Maria asks if Muse will make any adjustments of the designs? Mitch says they will give us a cost figure for any adjustments, but we will have to pay. Michaela asks if we know what the front desk will look like. Mitch says we’re talking about the furniture. Michaela says any new furniture must match the new desk. Diane asks for clarification on what we’re expected to do: Are we talking about changing the decor options?
9:05. Mitch asks whether board can get together to revise the design option and have something ready for the March meeting. Anna Maria asks what the architect did with the review of owners comments gathered during balloting last year? Mitch responds that that was under an old contract, since replaced, and that any further designs would cost more. Anna Maria is upset. Mitch says whatever Muse was obligated to do under the old contract disappeared.
9:04. Second lobby issue: Decor. Uh-oh…
9.03. Motion passes, 5 in favor, Michaela opposed.
9.00. The discussion continues. Mitch agrees to amend the motion to make it subject to approval of project manager. Motion –
8.53. Lobby Project. Motion to approve construction drawings. Anna Maria moves, Diane seconds. Mohsen asks where Bennett Group’s report is on the construction drawings. Matt says it is not necessary. Mohsen insists it is, and Matt agrees to approve the resolution subject to approval of construction documents by project manager.
8.52. Resolution passes, 5 yes, 1 no, no absentions. (Phew.)
8.50. We’re still discussing why it takes so long to get things done.
8.46. Still discussing whether to table the motion or not. Mohsen is in favor of forming a subcommittee. Michaela expresses concern that this has dragged on for too long. Matt revises his motion to establish a subcommittee. Anna Maria urges finality.
8.41. Matt moves to table procurement based on Mitch’s suggestion that Norm would like further review. Seconded. Michaela reports that the proposal comes from Mohsen and Lou Perez. Michaela says approve first, revise later. We have big procurements coming up.
8.39. Sorry. OK – Here’s the catch-up: Resident forum comments on the fire alarm molding, the valet services, and the lobby project. Back in session. The board agrees to form a subcommittee to review the proposed staff manual and report back to the board at the April meeting. Now discussing the proposed procurement policy.
8.38. (Looks like I’ve lost everything from the past 40 minutes. ARGHH!!)
8.11. Resident’s Forum!
8.09. Matt asks about water seeping into the B-1 level West rear elevator stairs. John Thies is investigating it, believes it may be groundwater rising.
8:06. Permitting could take 45-60 days. Bidding reports due by middle of March. Decor option must be finalized by March board meeting. Completion date for lobby project remains August 2010.
8:03. GM reports that the snow delayed the fire alarm project, but that the time can be made up. We’ve received the construction drawings from the architects, have done walk-throughs with security and builders to examine camera placement, structural issues. The scoping packages will be distributed to contractors for bids and for permitting soon.
8:01. The board discusses the molding, its color, how to paint it, its history, its joints, whether plastic takes paint, and the corners.
8:00. Norm asks about the coloring of the new molding. Thinks it matches the existing colors OK. Big concern is the shine.
7:55. Fire alarm project progresses smoothly. Sample molding available on 7th floor west for viewing. Anticipate it will take two weeks per floor to install fire alarms inside units. Anna Maria asks about the mock-up alarm units, whether more are available. GM says one criticism is that the new molding is too glossy, but that it can be painted so as not to stand out. No other option available.
7:54. Will recommend financial bonuses to staff who went above and beyond the call of duty during the storm. Many trees damaged by the blizzard. Arranged with landscaper to remove snow from the east parking lot. Pool cover damaged by weight of snow; waiting for snow to melt to repair.
7:51. Management report. Brick facade work delayed by 1 week from snow. Kudos to maintenance staff for their hard work in the snow. Wireless in library now up and running properly. TV in activities room now replaced; working on fixing stand. The front driveway canopy was damaged by a truck last year. A structural review will be undertaken before repairs are made.
7:49. Still talking flush.
7:45. Energy committee report. Stan Talpers discusses results of flush regulator trial. Seeks 6 more volunteers to test new regulators. No permanent commitment required; if you don’t like it, it can be switched back after 90-days at no charge. Interested? Contact the management office.
7:44. Safety committee report.
7:41. Treasurer talks about management report concerning cash flow needs. Reports B&F looking at new investment firms for the Towers.
7:39. Eureka! Finally got it working. Minutes approved. President reports problem with master TV antenna in 16-tier West; John Thies said will be repairing it this week. Construction on lobby to begin in April?
Treasurer’s report.
Testing testing.
by Jonathan Gifford, 915W
I would like to express my extreme concern about the crown moldings proposed for the building as part of the new fire system. These are currently installed as examples on the 7th floor of both buildings.
These crown moldings are extremely unattractive. They are shiny, unpainted plastic, with visible joints every 10 feet or so. Also included are surface mounted plastic wire moldings at several places along the hall, which may be for fire alarm pulls. We will be living with these crown moldings for the rest of our lives here at the Towers. We will be looking at them every day, whenever we leave or return to our apartments. Over time, the plastic will likely shrink slightly, opening up gaps, and the plastic may discolor.
Before we proceed to install these ugly moldings throughout our building, I urgently request that the Board request Muse Architects, or another licensed architect, review the installed samples and suggest possible alternatives.
To my fellow residents, please visit the 7th floor and look at these moldings. These will really degrade the level of decor in our hallways and cheapen our physical environment. Every guest, every potential buyer, and every one of us will be confronting these ugly moldings whenever we enter or leave our apartments.
Thank you. ◊◊◊
by Patricia Cottom, Towers Maintenance Coordinator
2010 Spring Convector Schedule
The 2010 Spring Convector Service Program will begin on Tuesday, March 9 and run thru May 14th. This year Units will be serviced Tuesday through Friday.
The semi-annual Preventive Maintenance program is designed to keep your convector(s) in good working order. It will help prevent damage to your convector, your unit and your neighbors unit from dirty filters and clogged drains. This year’s Program will be performed in both buildings simultaneously. This will reduce the length of time to complete the Program. (In the past the East and West Towers have been serviced at different times.) The work will be performed by The Towers Maintenance Staff and will consist Keep reading →
Does anyone know a cook?
I’m looking for someone who might be available to cook 3 simple meals two nights a week for a couple in the neighborhood. If you have anyone you can recommend, please let me know via towersblog@gmail.com.
Thank you! — Elizabeth Rich, 1122E
by Lisa Bregman
STREET PARKING AND SNOW MOUNDS
Let’s get organized! Who knows when the weather will warm up and/or rain will fall and wash away the mounds of snow lining New Mexico Avenue, Cathedral Avenue and all the side streets, where many Towers residents park their primary or secondary vehicles? We are working with the Management Office to come up with ideas for clearing the parking lanes so that we can park after cleaning the snow and ice from our cars and venturing out. If you are among the residents who park on the street, join us in solving what could be dilemma of several weeks’ duration. Watch for more notices about this on this blog and at the front desk — and on the back door, of course. ◊◊◊
March 6, 2010
Teaching Your Child the Joy of Reading
by Aileen Solomon, MEd., Reading Specialist, Public and Private Schools
When I frequently visit my favorite DC bookstore, Politics and Prose, I am overjoyed to note children of all ages, including toddlers, grasping books from the shelves and sitting down to “read” them. Also it is fabulous to see many parents AND grandparents reading to and encouraging their children to explore the world of books.
Given the lure of beautiful and well-written picture books, we can encourage our children to love reading not only for assignments but also for pleasure.
Here are a few ways to promote your child’s love of reading:
1. Read the title of the book to your child (or have your child read the title), examine the cover picture, and PREDICT what the book is about.
Reading is an active process, and good readers frequently predict or anticipate what will come next. It doesn’t matter if their predictions are wrong. What matters is that they are thinking. Reading is thinking, not simply word calling. Some children may read a list of sixth-grade-level words but do not have the background or skills to comprehend what they are reading. Keep reading →
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