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.

2. For even the youngest readers, call attention to and discuss the illustrations.  Illustrations provide clues as to what the text will be about.

Kindergarten and first-grade teachers consider picture viewing as a key comprehension strategy for young readers.  However, upon the first reading, it is more important to hear the story rather than stop too often to discuss pictures or make predictions.  As one of my elementary class students called out,  “just read.”  And she was right.

3. Once a child has learned to read comfortably and to comprehend at grade level, then the best way to improve reading is to read lots of books. These books should be on a child’s independent reading level, which means s/he can accurately read and comprehend about 95% of the words.

It is better for the child to independently read books that are a little easier than too hard. Frustration will impinge on his or her fluency and comprehension.

To determine the approximate level of a book, teachers and librarians often use what is called “the five-finger procedure.”  The child opens a book to the middle and begins reading from the top of the page.  Younger children should read aloud.  If there are five or more words on a page that the child either cannot pronounce or explain, then the book is too hard.

Finally, your child is never too old to be read to!  Young children have higher “listening” comprehension than the books they can read themselves.  By reading fine literature to children, they can internalize story language and structure and greatly increase their vocabularies.  But best of all, they can grow to love books.

Any questions or suggestion you have, please contact me.  I was a reading specialist in public and private schools for 30 years and am now tutoring children in grades K-8.

I am a Towers resident.  My email is amsolomo(at)gmail.com.  My telephone number is 202-368 7670 or 202-237 0829. ◊◊◊

The Safety & 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 2^nd 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! ◊◊◊

• Anne Richardson
• Teresa Savarino
• Veronica Smith
• Bernice Stavisky
• Peter Tanous

No word yet on candidate recruitment.

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. ◊◊◊

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.

9:24. 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.

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. ◊◊◊

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 of changing filters, cleaning condenser pans, cleaning coils, snaking and flushing drain lines, and lubricating electrical fan motors. The buildings’ horizontal lines will also be snaked and flushed. Although The Towers Condominium By-Laws assign responsibility of convector maintenance to Unit Owners, the Association offers this program at no charge as a convenience to all Residents .Convectors will be serviced pursuant to the attached 2010-Spring Convector Maintenance Schedule. In order to reschedule an appointment you must call Patricia Cottom, Maintenance Coordinator, or in her absence John Thies, Facilities Manager, in the Management Office at (202) 686-7306 and leave a brief detailed message.

Off-site owners may wish to contact their tenant to confirm participation in the Spring Convector Program.

There will be a $45.00 per hour charge for scheduling the Spring Convector Service after the deadline date of May 15th.

For the protection of your property and in order for the staff to perform service, all personal property on and/or directly in front of your convectors must be removed.  Maintenance will assist only if necessary.

Under TCA Rules and Regulations, each Owner/Resident is required to provide the Management Office with a key to each lock on their Unit door.  Please take the time to have your keys verified.  Should the key(s) on file not work or if you have not provided a set of keys to the Management Office, your Unit will not be serviced.  A Safety Patrol Officer will issue Unit key(s) to the Maintenance Staff each day of the program and Management will supervise the Convector Service Program.  One or more uniformed employees, will service your convector(s).    If you have any questions, please contact the Maintenance Department at 686-7306.  Let’s aim for 100% participation to assure proper operation of your convector(s).  As always, your cooperation in helping us maintain the heating and air conditioning systems is appreciated.

Please  find your unit’s scheduled date of inspection here. ◊◊◊

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

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. ◊◊◊