Quorum September 2018

Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute

SEPTEMBER 2018

A Magazine for Community Association Volunteer Leaders, Professional Managers and Business Partners

Forever Young ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

____________________________ Protecting Senior Communities ____________________________ Programming for Active Adults ____________________________ ABC’s of Age-Restricted Active Adult Communities

Zalco Realty is now FirstService Residential You already know our passion for service and excellence in the Washinton DC metro area. Now we would like to introduce you to our new name: FirstService Residential.

FirstService Residential is the North American leader in property management, and is renowned for consistently adding value and enhancing lifestyles for people like you, in communities of all sizes and types.

While our name has changed, what hasn’t changed is our local team and steadfast commitment to delivering best-in-class solutions and genuinely helpful service.

8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD 20910 11351 Random Hills Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 923 Maple Grove Drive, Suite 201, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 www.fsresidential.com

2 | QUORUM

New name.

Same commitment.

SEPTEMBER 2018

­CONTENTS 14 Perspectives in Managing an Active Adult Community

BY WENDY B. BETHKE, CMCA, AMS

16 Yes, We Do Enforce “Adult Swim”!

Age-Restricted Communities

BY PETER S. PHILBIN, ESQ. AND KELLY C. ZOOK, ESQ.

18 Aging in Place: Finding Help for Older Residents

BY GRACE LYNCH, MSW, MS

21 Emerging Technology in Senior Communities

DEPARTMENTS AND MORE 5 Message from the President 6 Chapter Benefactor: Associa Community Management Corporation 7 Chapter Benefactor: Finley Asphalt & Concrete 9 Welcome New Members 10 Upcoming Events 13 People & Places 36 Classifieds 37 Index to Advertisers

BY JIM WISNIEWSKI

22 Protecting Senior Communities from Scams & Fraud

BY MELVIN KEY

24 Programming for Active Adults

BY APRIL LUDTKE MEZA, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

27 Planning for the Future and Avoiding a Guardianship

BY MARISSA R. BAGASRA, ESQ.

29 The 55+ Living Experience

BY SARA JONES

30 ABC’s of Age-Restricted Active Adult Communities

BY CRAIG MAGARGEL, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

34 Designing Active Adult Communities

WMCCAI MISSION STATE­MENT To optimize the operations of Community Associations and foster value for our business partners.

BY KRISTA DAVISSON, ESQ.

Reader comments and suggestions are welcome. Address your comments to: Quorum 7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100 West Falls Church, VA 22043

We also wel­come ar­ti­cle sub­mis­sions from our ­members. For author guide­lines, call (703) 750-3644 or e-mail publications@caidc.org.

Articles may be edited for length and clarity.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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Protecting your largest investment and your peace of mind for years to come?

Challenge accepted.

Secure your community’s future with national resources and local expertise.

The most successful associations know that fair governance, responsible budgeting and community maintenance are the cornerstone of sound community management because they understand that focusing on these core initiatives is vital to protecting—and even raising—the value of their largest investment: their home.

It takes more than just a provider to deliver the core services and customized solutions necessary to keep a community functioning at the highest level – it takes an experienced partner.

Associa’s national resources and local expertise have uniquely positioned us to help you accomplish your community’s goals. Top-tier management, bulletproof finances, comprehensive maintenance and a customizable menu of additional services ensure your community thrives, and our local, qualified team members are committed to being your trusted advisors every step of the way. You deserve a team that has seen it all and is ready to help your community achieve its vision.

Associa is up for the challenge.

CONTACT US TODAY!

Proudly serving the Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland and the Eastern Shore areas.

Community Management Corporation 4840 Westfields Blvd., Suite 300 Chantilly, VA 20151 703.631.7200

Legum and Norman 3130 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 200 Falls Church, VA 22042 703.600.6000

Select Community Services 4840 Westfields Blvd., Suite 160 Chantilly, VA 20151 703.631.2003

www.associaonline.com Delivering unsurpassed management and lifestyle services to communities worldwide.

President Sarah Gerstein, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM President-elect Rafael A. Martinez, CTP Vice President Airielle Hansford, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Secretary Michael Gartner, ESQ. Treasurer Kristen Melson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Immediate Past President Bruce H. Easmunt, ESQ. Executive Director Jaime Barnhart, CMP (EX OFFICIO)

D IRECTOR S Gordon Boezer, Thomas Burrell, Anthony Humphries, Ruth Katz, ESQ., Ted Ross, Todd A. Sinkins, ESQ., Stephen Wright, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM

CO U N C I L C HAI R S Communications Council Leslie Brown, ESQ. Education Council Jennifer Bennett, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Member Services Bernie Guthrie, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

CO MM I T TE E C HAI R S Conference & Expo William Cornelius and Donna Aker, CMCA, AMS, PCAM D.C. Legislative/LAC Jane Rogers, ESQ. and Scott Burka, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Education Kevin A. Kernan, ESQ. and James Santos, CMCA, AMS Golf Adrienne Zalenski and David Crone, CMCA, AMS Maryland Legislative Thomas Schild, ESQ., CCAL Public Outreach Elisabeth Kirk and Sara Ross, ESQ. Membership Joe Inzerillo and Noni Roan Quorum Editorial Susan L. Truskey, ESQ. and Christopher Carlson Chapter Events June Chulkov and Lauren Kolb Virginia Legislative Ronda DeSplinter, LSM, PCAM and William A. Marr Jr., ESQ.

QU O RUM Managing Editor Morgan Wright, mwright@caidc.org Contributing Editor Diane Sohn Design Six Half Dozen

QU O RUM E DI TORI AL CO M M IT TE E Co-chairs Susan L. Truskey, ESQ. and Christopher Carlson Members Beverly Alston, James Anderson, Noel Arevalo, CMCA, Sarah Auringer, Mira Brown, CMCA, AMS, Leslie Brown, Chris Carlson, PE, Deborah Carter, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Sara Castle, Crystal Coats, CMCA, AMS, Kenny Cohn, Cheryl Crawford, Christopher Dibble, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Bruce Easmunt, ESQ., Sarah El-Taher, Matt Gallagher, Michael Gartner, ESQ., Amy Gaynor, Sarah Gerstein, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Rippy Gill, CMCA, AMS, Laura Goguet, CMCA, AMS, John Goins, Stephen Grant, Scott Greges, CMCA, AMS, Timothy Hipp, Mary Horner, Chase Hudson, Peter Hughes, Iman Jackson, CMCA, AMS, Shannon Junior, Ruth Katz, ESQ., Leisa Keys, Richard Kuziomko, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Crishana Loritsch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Liliana Martinez, CMCA, AMS, Laura McVey, Thomas Mugavero, ESQ., Crystal Partin, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Joycelyn Peoples, AMS, Kara Permisohn, Nicki Phenneger, Christine Rudert, Brandi Ruff, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Lauri Ryder, CIC, CRM, CMCA, Scott Silverman, Mark Smith, Chelsie Throckmorton, Olga Tseliak, John Tsikerdanos, Ron Unger, CIC, Kim Veirs, Lee Ann Weir, CMCA, AMS, Doug White, Samuel Wiest, Lakisha Williams, Aimee Winegar, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM, Jim Wisniewski, Kelly Young, Michael Zupan, ESQ. Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute, a 501(c) (6) organization, serves the educational, business and networking needs of the community association industry in 80 cities/counties in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Members include community association homeowner volunteer leaders, professional managers, association management companies, and other businesses and professionals who provide products and services to planned communities, cooperatives and condominiums. WMCCAI has more than 3,000 members including 300+ businesses, 1,100 professional managers from 85 management companies, and approximately 1,500 community association homeowners. WMCCAI is the largest of Community Associations Institute’s 62 chapters worldwide.

Quorum is the award-winning premiere publication of WMCCAI, dedicated to providing WMCCAI’s membership with information on community association issues.

Authors are responsible for developing the logic of their expressed opinions and for the authenticity of all presented facts in articles. WMCCAI does not necessarily endorse or approve statements of fact or opinion made in these pages and assumes no responsibility for those statements. This publication is issued with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services and nothing published in Quorum is intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied on as such. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought directly by the person requiring such advice or services.

Articles appearing in Quorum may not be reprinted without first obtaining written approval from the editor of Quorum. In the event that such permission is granted, the following legend must be added to the reprint: Reprinted with permission from Quorum™ magazine. Copyright 2017 Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute. Quorum is a trademark of WMCCAI. Receipt of Quorum is a privilege of WMCCAI membership for which $65 in nonrefundable annual dues is allocated. The subscription price for nonmembers is $75 per year; contact publications@caidc.org or call (703) 750-3644.

To advertise in Quorum, e-mail publications@caidc.org.

For more information about Quorum or WMCCAI, visit www.caidc.org.

M E M O R I E S O F F U N A N D FA M I LY AT S U N C I T Y PA L M D E S E R T A C T I V E A D U LT C O M M U N I T Y I didn’t grow up in an HOA. I lived in a neighborhood, but the houses were built before HOAs became standard for new construction. The only organized activity was a Neighborhood Watch and my parents performed patrols. My introduction to HOAs was when my grandparents moved to Sun City Palm Desert. Sun City was a gorgeous, sprawling active adult community in the California desert 100 miles east of Los Angeles. We would fly out for our annual visit and drive up to the big gates. The friendly guards were prepared for our visit and greeted us with smiles, providing us with a car pass that granted easy access in and out of the gates, not that you wanted to or had many reasons to leave. Once inside, I marveled at the happy town of grandparents shuttling from homes to clubhouses in their personal golf carts. My grandfather didn’t golf, but in Sun City that was irrelevant. The garages came complete with a space to park and charge a golf cart, as this was the primary mode of transportation inside the community walls. His was proudly decked out in the colors of his alma mater, USC (and in case you’re wondering, yes you can get pulled over for being 15 years old driving a golf cart).

FROM THE PRESIDENT

O FFICE R S

Sun City boasted golf courses, pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, you name it.

There were craft rooms for almost every type of craft, tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball courts for staying active, and billiards rooms where we sought refuge from the sun after spending the morning tanning by a pool. My grandmother took dance classes, acted in plays, and participated in social groups.

This 9,000 unit active adult community was the epitome of what a community could and should be. You could happily retire, stay physically fit, attend social functions, and entertain friends and family.

Sun City and other age privileged brands have popped up all over the country, finding themselves in other parts of the country outside of the traditional retirement regions of California, Florida, and the desert Midwest. In the D.C. area, many have been constructed to cater to those age 55+ who may still be working or want to stay close to children and grandchildren but desire the amenities and lifestyle such a community has to offer. For example, my mother was so impressed with the resources Sun City had to offer that she couldn’t wait to move into her own active adult community. You will currently find her residing in Potomac Green. Over time, my grandparents’ health deteriorated, my grandmother could no longer participate in her beloved plays, and they could no longer live on their own. So, they sadly sold their home and have since passed on, but I will never forget the wonderful times I spent with my cousins and sisters exploring (and causing a little trouble) at Sun City.

SARAH GERSTEIN,

CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM

Sarah is the General Manager of Broadlands Association Inc., a 3,800 unit homeowners association in Loudoun County, Virginia. She has been engaged in the management of community associations as a portfolio manager for some of the area’s top management companies since 2000 first as a portfolio manager before transitioning to large scale on site management in 2012. Sarah has been active in the chapter since 2004 and served on various committees during that time. She has authored articles in Quorum and presented at both local and national CAI education seminars. She was elected to serve on the Board of Directors in 2011, having served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President-Elect. Sarah was named to Loudoun County’s Class of 2015 Top 40 Under 40 Business and Community Leaders and was a top 3 finalist in the National Manager of the Year Contest in 2018.

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CHAPTER NEWS

C H A P T E R

B E N E F A C T O R

Associa Community Management Corporation Company Name: Associa Community Management Corporation Contact: John Tsitos CMCA, AMS, PCAM Address: 4840 Westfields Boulevard, Suite 300 City, State ZIP: Chantilly, VA 20151 Telephone: (703) 631-7200 Fax: (703) 631-9786 E-mail: jtsitos@cmc-management.com Website: www.cmc-management.com Year Established or Incorporated: 1971 • CAI Member Since: October 1979 • Certificate of Insurance: Yes • Areas you serve: Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Delaware, West Virginia • Corporate Associations: D.C. Cooperative Housing Coalition, Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, Building Owners and Managers Association International • Services Provided: Associa CMC has been in the association management business for over forty-six years. CMC was the first firm in the nation formed for the purpose of providing professional management services to common interest communities. Our firm is dedicated to providing professional management services to common interest communities and commercial properties. We are fully focused on developing the knowledge, techniques and resources that will best serve our Boards and communities. We strive for excellence in homeowner customer service and build collaborative and productive working relationships with our Boards of Directors. Using the collective strength and purchasing power of the Associa

family of companies, we benefit our clients by providing quality products and services at significant discounts.

• Licenses Held: Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) • Company Philosophy: “Delivering unsurpassed management and lifestyle services to communities worldwide.” We are a thoughtful, collaborative, and reliable company and are proud of our team and we ensure the highest level of service is provided to our clients. At Associa CMC, we promote professionalism and camaraderie among our managers through the open exchange of ideas and encourage them to assist each other in perfecting their individual product and presentation. Our staff members hold the following industry designations: » 95 Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) » 53 Association Management Specialist (AMS) » 21 Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) » Large-Scale Manager (LSM) We believe maintaining positive, long lasting relationships is mutually beneficial. The satisfaction of our clients is paramount, and that philosophy has rewarded us with a client renewal rate of 96%. We take our fiduciary responsibility seriously and we do our absolute best to provide information and professional recommendations that assist the board in making informed decisions for their community.

Article Submissions:

Are you interested in sharing your experiences and expertise with our readers? Quorum magazine is always seeking new article ideas, submissions, and content. If you have an idea or would like to submit an article for consideration, please make sure you contact us before you begin writing to see what our upcoming themes are. Questions and interests should be directed to Morgan Wright at publications@caidc.org or by phone at 703.750.3644.

Advertising:

For advertising, availability, rates, and specifications, please contact Morgan Wright at publications@caidc.org. Targeted advertising in WMCCAI’s Quorum, opens the door to thousands of prospective customers and contacts in the community association industry.

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CHAPTER NEWS

C H A P T E R

B E N E F A C T O R

Finley Asphalt and Concrete Asphalt and Concrete Services with a Family Tradition of Excellence P.O. Box 1710 Manassas, VA 20108 Phone: 703-830-2309 Fax: 703-330-6023 Founded in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area as The Finley Paving Company in 1965, Finley Asphalt and Sealing has a well-earned reputation for over five decades as a major commercial contractor of asphalt, concrete and incidental services.

Serving the D.C. metro area and reaching as far as Baltimore, Md., and Richmond, Va., Finley’s mission is to provide customers with the finest in asphalt, excavation and concrete services and to give superior value to customers in the Finley family tradition of strong work ethic and quality assurance, backed by a 100 percent guarantee.

With state-of-the-art equipment and more than 160 highly skilled employees, this family-owned business can perform small projects or large projects with trusted expertise and unsurpassed customer service. In addition, Finley never uses subcontractors to perform the asphalt work, ensuring both a quality job and the ability to control the scheduling.

From stone to sidewalks, paths to parking lots, Finley’s team of experts apply the same level of attention to every service provided, including: • Asphalt Resurfacing • Stone Installation • New Asphalt Construction • Asphalt Repair • Milling • Asphalt Paths/Trails • Recreational Paving • Excavation & Grading • Drainage Improvements • Sidewalks • Curb & Gutter • Concrete Repair • Seal Coating • Striping & Signs • Parking Lot Expansion With an unrivaled combination of family, passion, expertise and experience, it’s no wonder so many customers have come to rely on Finley Asphalt and Concrete.

Finley is offering a brand service that will help you to identify and resolve your community’s asphalt and concrete needs more efficiently and effectively! Visit our website at finleyasphalt.com to request a free property assessment.

ASPHALT & CONCRETE

SEPTEMBER 2018

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Virginia Legislative Leftovers Is what we had for dinner in 2018 going to be for breakfast in 2019?

Join us to explore the origins of critical themes that are defining how laws that govern community associations are changing today. Participants will have the opportunity to “weigh in” on the issues that are most critical to communities and homeowners and provide comments to help guide legislative activity in 2019. Issues include: • Home based businesses within communities • Storm water management regulation and responsibility • Resale disclosure requirements • Insurance coverage • Capital reserves Presented by: Virginia Legislative Committee of the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of Community Associations Institute and Fairfax County Office of Consumer Affairs Moderated by (subject to change): Ronda DeSplinter, LSM, PCAM William A. Marr, Jr., ESQ., Law Office of William A. Marr, Jr. Lucia Anna “Pia” Trigiani, ESQ., MercerTrigiani Space is limited! Register today.

Who

When

Where

REGISTRATION RATES REGULAR RATE

Homeowner MEMBER

$25

NONMEMBER

$35

Manager MEMBER

$25

NONMEMBER

$35

Business Partner MEMBER

$25

NONMEMBER

$35

How

Sponsors

This program will benefit Monday, October 1, 2018 Fairfax County Government Center Visit Quest Insurance Business Partners, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

12000 Government Center Pkwy www.caidc.org Griffin Owens Homeowners and Managers Registration opens at 4:30 p.m. Fairfax, VA 22035 to register Insurance

8 | QUORUM

7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100 West

E-mail: education@caidc.org

Falls Church, VA 22043

Web: www.caidc.org

T: 703.750.3644 F: 703.941.1740

CHAPTER NEWS

Welcome New Members WMCCAI proudly welcomes the following members who joined the chapter in July 2018.

Community Association Volunteer Leaders from the Following Associations Lake d’Evereux Community Association Little Rocky Run Homeowners Association Mayflower Square Section III One Park Crest Condominium Association Top of the Park Condominium Association Vantage Point West at Leisure World Individual Managers Kasim Baihaki, Gates Hudson Community Management, AAMC Charles Bollech, The Westchester Corporation Angela Capriolo, Clagett Enterprises, Inc. Darrin S. Cassidy, Select Community Services Allen Grimm, CMCA, Coventry Group Community Management, Inc., AAMC Ashby B. Henderson Mark Howell, Gates Hudson Community Management, AAMC Shelby McGrew, SFMC, Inc., AAMC Amanda Murphy, Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC Tina Nichols Sandra L. Ross, Tidewater Property Management, AAMC Jili Tian, Gates Hudson Community Management, AAMC Steve O. Wrightsmith, CMCA, AMS, Patriot Properties, Inc., AAMC

WHO WE ARE SIGMA Real Estate Services is a residential property management company that delivers superior service by applying the latest technology, excellent customer service and the benefits of its 25 years of experience.

WHAT WE DO • Condominium Management • Cooperative Management • Homeowner Associations

Business Partner Fellner Legal Services, LLC Multi-Chapter Business Partners LiftMaster Specialized Pipe Technologies United Bank Management Company Wexford Property Management

CONTACT US 301-513-9300 8911 60th Ave. College Park, MD 20740

info@sigmares.com CAI

NAA

NYARM

NARPM SEPTEMBER 2018

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UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 8

Ronald McDonald House Landscaping Day 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

INOVA Fairfax Hospital 3312 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042

For the 21st year, Chapter members will gather to landscape the grounds of the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Virginia at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. Ronald McDonald Landscape Day is one of the Chapter’s proudest and most successful charitable works. Families are welcome. Light breakfast/snacks will be provided. This event is free; please register at www.caidc.org.

SEPTEMBER 13

Manager Breakfast and Business Showcase: Damage Responsibility vs. Liability 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Fairview Park Marriott 3111 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042

Join David Mercer, ESQ., MercerTrigiani, Nick Mazzarella, CMCA, LSM, PCAM, Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC, Steve Dickerson, USI Insurance Services, and Petrine Squires, PCAM of Polinger Company as they guide you through the proper handling of damage claims. The seminar with be preceded by breakfast and a business showcase. Visit www.caidc.org to register. Sponsorship opportunities available.

OCTOBER 1

Virginia Legislative Leftovers: Is what we had for dinner in 2018 going to be for breakfast in 2019?

5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Fairfax County Government Center 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035

Join us to explore the origins of critical themes that are defining how laws that govern community associations are changing today. Participants will have the opportunity to “weigh in” on the issues that are most critical to communities and homeowners and provide comments to help guide legislative activity in 2019. Issues include home based businesses within communities, storm water management regulation and responsibility, resale disclosure requirements, insurance coverage, and capital reserves.

Session is presented by Virginia Legislative Committee of the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of Community Associations Institute and Fairfax County Office of Consumer Affairs. Moderated by Ronda DeSplinter, LSM, PCAM, William A. Marr, Jr., ESQ., Law Office of William A. Marr, Jr., and Lucia Anna “Pia” Trigiani, ESQ., MercerTrigiani. Visit www.caidc.org for more information or to register.

OCTOBER 11

Membership Benefit Orientation 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

WMCCAI Chapter Office 7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100W, Falls Church, VA 22043 Cost: FREE (Registration Required)

What’s in it for me?! If you are a new member or are considering joining Washington Metro Chapter Community Associations Institute, please join us as we learn the benefits of CAI membership. Networking Happy Hour to follow. Visit www.caidc.org for more information or to register.

OCTOBER 19

2018 Golf Classic 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Westfields Golf Club 13940 Balmoral Greens Ave, Clifton, VA 20124

Grab your clubs and join your WMCCAI colleagues for a day of golf at Westfields Golf Club. Spend the day on this popular and challenging course, win door prizes and enjoy food and festivities. Registration includes greens and cart fee and food & beverage on the course, and an awards networking reception. Not a golfer?

Join us for the cornhole tournament and the awards networking reception! Visit www.caidc.org to register. Sponsorship opportunities available.

NOVEMBER 3

SAVE THE DATE: Annual Awards Dinner 2018 – Royal Ball 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

The Kellogg Conference Hotel 800 Florida Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Join us as we roll out the red carpet for an evening of royalty at this year’s WMCCAI Annual Awards Dinner! Visit www.caidc.org for more details, or to register online. Sponsorship opportunities available.

For more information on WMCCAI meetings or upcoming events, contact the chapter office at (703) 750-3644, email info@caidc.org or visit www.caidc.org.

10 | QUORUM

DAMAGE RESPONSIBILITY VS LIABILITY MANAGER BREAKFAST AND BUSINESS SHOWCASE

My property is damaged and I need to file a claim.

• Who pays for the work?

• Who performs the work?

• What if a party refuses to cooperate?

Join David Mercer, ESQ., MercerTrigiani, Nick Mazzarella, CMCA, LSM, PCAM, Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC, Steve Dickerson, USI Insurance Services, and Petrine Squires, PCAM of Polinger Company as they guide you through the proper handling of damage claims.

The seminar with be preceded by breakfast and a business showcase.

Homeowner

Who

Thursay, September 13, 2018 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Registration opens at 9 a.m.

Breakfast begins at 9 a.m.

Showcase open 9 – 10 a.m.

This program will benefit Managers

Where

Credits

Fairview Park Marriott 3111 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church, VA 22042

This program is worth three (3) credit hours

How Visit www.caidc.org to register

Exhibiting Sponsors

REGISTRATION RATES RATE

When

RATE

Manager

MEMBER

$65

MEMBER

$75

NONMEMBER

$75

NONMEMBER

$85

Capitol Concierge, Inc. DoodyCalls Exterior Medics Minkoff National Cooperative Bank Planned Companies PuroFirst of Metropolitan Washington

Quest Insurance SC Companies South River Restoration, Inc. Trash Away, Inc. TRC Engineering Windows Plus, LLC WINTRUST Community Advantage

Session Sponsor

7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100 West

E-mail: education@caidc.org

Falls Church, VA 22043

Web: www.caidc.org

T: 703.750.3644 F: 703.941.1740

12 | QUORUM­

Delbe Real Estate and EJF Real Estate have merged, creating the largest DC-based community association management firm.

With both firms specializing in the management of condominium, cooperative, and HOA associations for over 20 years, the new combined company will oversee over 250 properties and more than 10,000 units in the District.

The combined office will be managed by Peter Greeves, President and Scott Burka, Executive Vice President.

Congratulations to the Newest 2018 PCAM Recipients!

Charity Avé-Lallemant, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Cheryl BelleDeen, CMCA, AMS, PCAM David J. Coyle, CMCA, PCAM Leslie Ann Cruz, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

PEOPLE & PLACES

Delbe Real Estate and EJF Real Estate Merge

SOLitude Lake Management Welcomes Industry Leaders to Growing Team SOLitude Lake Management® is pleased to officially welcome eight of its newest hires to the company’s growing team. Aquatic specialist Jim Sheeran (Southwest Florida) and seven sales and administrative professionals joined the company to support SOLitude’s industry leading biologists, ecologists and environmental scientists, and create positive and memorable experiences for clients, prospects and partners. These experienced individuals, spanning from the Mid-Atlantic to the Southwest, bring unique expertise and a shared passion for the restoration and protection of lakes, ponds, and wetlands throughout the country.

New sales and administrative professionals include Devin McGuire (Richmond, VA), Marti Veatch (Central & Northern Florida), Ben Green (Virginia Beach, VA), Pam Murray (Virginia Beach, VA), Regina Brimmer (Charlottesville, VA), Karen Miller-Warwick (Tyler, TX), and Mary Jane Moyer (Georgetown, DE). For more information about these new hires or about SOLitude Lake Management, please visit www.solitudelakemanagement.com.

Phil Dunn, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Jason J. Eglin, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Nicholas James Elgas, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Mort Farshchi, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Eric Finke, CMCA, AMS, PCAM John H. Lyons, CMCA, AMS, PCAM James M. Santos, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Audra Wallace, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Michelle A. Wallin, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Gail Windisch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

Come one, come all.

Share the community!

Join up to 15 board members for only $250!

We now make it easier for your entire board to join CAI at the lowest cost.

The best community associations have the best boards—they’re educated, knowledgeable, and prepared to lead their communities successfully.

CAI membership provides your board members the best resources and education to stay informed.

Renew your entire board and they’ll enjoy all of the benefits of CAI membership. For more details, visit www.caionline.org/ ShareTheCommunity

SEPTEMBER 2018

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By Wendy B. Bethke, CMCA, AMS Wendy is the property manager at Villa Cortese in Leisure World. She has over 10 years’ experience in on-site property management at Leisure World of Maryland, which is an active adult community for individuals aged 55 or older, located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

PERSPECTIVES IN MANAGING AN

ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY

Y

ou may think that managing an active adult (age 55+) community would not be any different than managing any other community. In many respects, you would be correct. However, there are aspects of managing active adult communities that are truly unique. The uniqueness is centered around the following two entities: A resident population comprised almost solely of specific generations and the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (HOPA).

A Great Resident Population!

One of the most amazing aspects of managing in an active adult community is the depth and breadth of experience found in the resident population. People age 55 or older may still be working full time, part-time, or may be retired. These same individuals are also serving as governance volunteers on the community association’s board of directors, standing committees, ad hoc committees, or in various other volunteer or leadership capacities. They bring years of knowledge and life experience to the table.

For example, the community may have a certified public accountant (CPAs) with 30+ year experience serving as the association’s treasurer or as the budget and finance committee chair. Or, the community may have retired judges, psychologists, entrepreneurs, nuclear physicists, journalists, homemakers, and educators serving on the board of directors. The list goes on! As a manager, I have had the opportunity to learn much from 14 | QUORUM

these individuals, and I have witnessed grace under pressure as knowledgeable community volunteers have solved thorny issues with thoughtful and measured responses.

The great reservoir of knowledge and experience found in 55+ communities is a unique asset available to the community and to its managers.

Generational Differences At the CAI 2018 National Conference, keynote speaker, Cam Marston, presented a wealth of information about generations and their differences. Two of the generational groups he highlighted were the “Matures” and the “Boomers.” He defined Matures as individuals born in 1945 and prior; and he defined the Boomers as individuals born in 1946 through 1964 (Marston, 2010). These two groups comprise, for the most part, the resident population found in 55+ active adult communities today.

Community managers and their staff teams need to understand their unique resident population in order to provide optimal customer service. Some key items important to residents in 55+ communities are safety, access to health care, fitness, recreation, transportation, socialization, opportunities to provide meaningful service, continuing ed-

ucation, travel opportunities, aging in place, and a community that eases the burden of home maintenance while maintaining property values. Two great resources available to managers for learning more about this unique resident group are the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the American Society on Aging (ASA).

Generational differences within the resident community itself also uniquely influence the management of 55+ communities. Over the last ten years, there has been a shift in generational influence in our active adult community due to changing demographics.

The Matures have been the dominant generation for many years and are still strongly represented in the community. But as homes turn over to new residents, we are seeing an increasing influx of Boomers. Dr. Ken Dychtwald, one of our nation’s foremost authorities on aging, predicted the following about aging Boomers: “On January 1, 1996, the first baby boomer turned 50. By the second decade of the 21st century, boomers will evolve into the largest elderly generation in history. Once their oldest members start turning 65 in 2011, the numbers will skyrocket, from approximately 40 million to 70+ million by 2030. As they age, the look, meaning, experience, and purpose of maturity will be transformed.” (Dychtwald, 1999)

population as a whole, and across all forms of communication needed in a community association. Managers often have to straddle the communication style of two generational groups in order to reach them both effectively.

Additionally, the adoption and deployment of new technologies have to be weighed carefully, keeping the resident generational base in mind.

The Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA)

The needs and expectations of the Matures and the Boomers vary and can provide challenges to the community and to community managers. Two issues at the forefront are technology use and communication.

Modern business standard technology is important to Boomers. They have used it in the workplace and at home, are familiar with it, and know its benefits. While understanding the benefit of technology, the Matures generally have not had the same experience with it over the course of their lifetime, may not be convinced of the need for it in a community association setting, and may also be reluctant or unwilling to adopt its use. Below is one, small, simplistic example of how this can play out in community governance and management communications: The board of directors of nine is a mixture of Matures and Boomers. All of the Boomers use email and are concerned about the environment. They only want to receive board communications electronically and do not want to receive printed hard-copies of board agenda packages. Some of the Matures use email, and some do not. Those that do use email may not necessarily read it on a regular basis. All of the Matures want a printed hard-copy of the board agenda package.

Now apply the above example to all of a community’s standing committees, ad hoc committees, other volunteers, the resident

The reason we can have active adult communities currently filled with Matures and Boomer generations is the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995. HOPA provides an exemption to the Fair Housing Act’s protection for discrimination based on familial status, provided one of the following conditions is in place. To qualify, 1. the entire community must either have a resident base where all residents are over the age 62, or 2. the community must have “at least 80 percent of the occupied units include at least one resident who is verified to be over the age of 55, and the community follows a policy that demonstrates an intent to provide housing for those aged 55 or older” (Ness, 2011).

Over time, an active adult community can lose its HOPA status if it is not vigilant in meeting one or the other of the above conditions. Helping boards of directors establish and carry out policies that allow communities to keep their HOPA status is another responsibility unique to managing 55+ active adult communities.

References Dychtwald, Ken. (1999, p.77) Age Power: How the 21st Century Will be Ruled by the New Old, New York, NY: Penguin Putnam, Inc. Marston, Cam. (2010, p.30-32) Generational Insights: Practical Solutions for Understanding and Engaging a Generationally Disconnected Workforce, Mobile, AL: Generational Insights.

Ness, Bill. (2011, November 25) Yes, Age-Restricted Communities are Legal, Retrieved from: https://www.55places.com/blog/yes-age-restricted-communities-are-legal.

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By Peter S. Philbin, ESQ.

By Kelly C. Zook, ESQ.

Peter is managing shareholder of Rees Broome, PC, and practices community association law in Maryland and Virginia. He heads the firm’s Bethesda office. Peter co-chairs the Maryland Legislative Action Committee.

Kelly Zook is counsel with the law firm Rees Broome, PC. Kelly represents community association clients, including homeowners associations and condominiums, located in Virginia. Her experience includes representation of associations in collections and other covenants enforcement efforts, as well as working with board of directors to handle the associations’ various general legal needs including contract negotiation and interpretation and amendment of governing documents.

Yes, We Do Enforce “Adult Swim” Age-Restricted Communities

W

hen you dream about your retirement, do your picture afternoons relaxing by the pool without getting splashed? Do you envision participating in gardening and poker clubs and fitness classes with similarly aged neighbors?

If so, a community for persons who are 55 years of age or older may be the perfect fit.

In the local area and nationwide, “active senior” or “age-restricted” communities and other housing for persons who are 55 years of age or older have been growing at a significant rate.

But, how do these age-restricted communities exist given the housing discrimination laws that prohibit discrimination against families with children? Quite simply, they exist because Congress said so and carved out an exception to the federal Fair Housing Act in the form of the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (HOPA). HOPA and the attendant federal regulations implementing the same expressly permits communities to include age-restrictions on residents within the community.

HOPA requires that to maintain status as housing for persons who are 55 years of age or older, a community must: 1) be able to show at least 80% of the units are occupied by at least one person 55 years of age or older; 2) publish and adhere to policies that demonstrate the intent to provide housing for persons 55 years or older; and 3) comply with the Department of Housing and

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Urban Development’s (HUD) regulatory requirements for age verification of residents.

There are other permissible “age-restricted” communities (e.g., where all units are occupied by persons over 62 years of age), but we are focused on the more prevalent “over 55” communities.

The 80/20 Requirement In terms of the occupancy ratio, the standard is pretty straightforward. In order to be eligible, at least 80% of the units must be occupied by a person 55 years or older.

The community restrictive covenants can be MORE restrictive (e.g., requiring 90% or 100% of units be occupied by a resident over 55 years in age) but not less so. What the community does with the remaining 20% is up to the community but is NOT relevant to the community’s eligibility as housing for persons who are 55 years of age or older. An association’s goal should be to ensure that all units are in compliance. However, the 20% is a “safe harbor” in terms of maintaining a community’s status as a 55+ age-restricted community and it is meant to reflect the reality that due to deaths, incapacities, inheritance, etc., that some flexibility was needed to protect a community’s status as a 55+ age-restricted community.

Publish and Adhere to Policies Showing Intent HUD, by regulation, has provided examples of “policies and procedures relevant to a determination of compliance” that

associations could follow to help evidence the “intent” to be a legitimate 55+ age-restricted community. Among those policies are: 1) inclusion in the leases/restrictive covenants of the association of the over 55-language; 2) posting of signage that the community is “over-55 age-restricted community”; 3) distribution of over-55 restrictions and information to occupants; and 4) notification of local realtors. HUD states that some or all of these criteria could satisfy the “intent.”

In order to ensure that the intent to be a 55+ age-restricted community is clear, we suggest the following steps: 1) if there is currently no signage in the community consider adding “Over 55 Age Restricted Community” on common entrances or the community facilities; 2) prepare and include a short summary regarding the age-restricted nature of the community in any annual mailings (e.g., annual meeting materials) to residents; 3) if there are identifiable local realty firms that “farm” the association more than others, send a periodic notice to such local realty firms reminding them of the association’s over-55 requirements; and 4) ensure that any webpage for the community clearly discloses the fact that it is an age-restricted community.

Verification HUD’s position is that verification need only be documented through reliable survey, census or affidavit or other doc-

Please note that the association must certify compliance with the age requirement at least once every two years. HUD indicates that associations should “develop” procedures for routinely determining occupancy of each unit. As a result, an association may want to adopt a stand-alone policy to help guide future board of directors and management on the procedures followed. Such a policy may also address how such records are kept/summarized.

umentation, which must be retained by the association. The association can use the following reliable documentation: driver’s license; birth certificate; passport; immigration card; military id; any other state, local, national or international official documents containing a birth date of comparable reliability; or a certification in a lease, application, affidavit or other document signed by any member of the household age 18 or older asserting that a least one person in the unit is 55 years or older.

A self-certification is adequate.

What happens in the event that owners fail to respond to requests for verification? If owners fail to respond, the association may “consider the unit to be occupied by at least one person over 55 years” if it can reasonably satisfy itself of the occupants qualifying age by: 1) government records or documents, such as a local household census; 2) prior forms or applications; or 3) a statement from an individual who has personal knowledge of the age of the occupants. The individual’s statement must set forth the basis for such knowledge and be signed under the penalty of perjury.

While effort is required to maintain qualification as an age-restricted community (and there may even be state or other local issues to consider) such efforts are not crushing in terms of time or expense and certainly worth the effort given the alternative (i.e., not being able to qualify as an age-restricted community and being sued for housing discrimination).

Seniors rule!

SEPTEMBER 2018

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By Grace Lynch, MSW, MS As communication and community outreach manager of Fairfax County’s Division of Adult and Aging Services, Lynch’s job is to ensure older adults are aware of county services, wellness programs, and community engagement opportunities. She and her staff produce the monthly Golden Gazette Newspaper, the twice-monthly Fairfax 50+ Podcast series and coordinates the community outreach speakers bureau. Earlier in her career, Lynch worked as a geriatric social worker and program manager.

Aging in Place: FINDING HELP FOR OLDER RESIDENTS

B

ack in the 1990’s, Psychologist and Gerontologist Ken Dychtwald was among the first to raise the “Age Wave” flag. He was referring to the aging of the Baby Boom, that post-war cohort of 76 million people, born between 1946 and 1964, that seemed to change everything during its remarkable odyssey.

2030, and to 88.5 million—or 20 percent of the population—in 2050.

He noted that as boomers thundered through history, fundamental relationships were tested and changed. Women joined the workforce and stayed, even after having children. Strict child raising practices gave way to helicopter parenting. And the markets rumbled in their wake. Spikes in diaper and toy sales during the 60’s were echoed by spikes in minivan and home sales in the 90’s.

Where retiring boomers choose to live is also impacting families and communities. New amenityrich retirement communities are attracting throngs of affluent older adults looking for their forever homes.

Dychtwald’s point was that the sheer size of this group meant it was destined not just to influence society but transform it. He predicted that as boomers age, their challenges and choices would continue to rock the country and everyone in it.

So now it’s 2018, and the Age Wave is clearly cresting. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010, 40.3 million people were 65 and older. This number is expected to increase to 55 million in 2020, 70 million by 18 | QUORUM

Already we see the impact. Benefits include thousands of hours of community volunteering by boomers as well as many hours of caring for grandchildren to the relief of busy young families.

However, most are either priced out of the market or simply prefer to age exactly where they are. In fact, AARP reports that 90 percent of older adults, nationwide, say they want to age in place.

Since aging is often associated with chronic illness and chronic illness is associated with changes in functioning, what Aging in Place often means is: “Aging in Place with

Services.” AARP reports that 65 percent of seniors between the ages of 60 and 70 find it “very easy” to live independently, but only 43 percent of those older than this find it easy.

Chronic illness can include physical illnesses such as arthritis and heart disease, cognitive disease such as Alzheimer’s, and mental illness including depression. As people age, they often have more than one chronic illness which can affect their ability to live independently in a variety of ways and in a variety of severities.

Fortunately, many older adults have support from families and close friends when they need help. In fact, you could say that the rise in family caregiving is another impact of the aging Baby Boom. The Family Caregiver Alliance reports that in 2015, 43.5 family caregivers provided an estimated $470 billion worth of services to their older relatives.

Yet another development related to the aging Baby Boom is the number of apartment and condo complexes that, though they didn’t begin with the idea of becoming a retirement community, residents aged in place and the property evolved into what aging specialists call Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities or NORCs.

One response to the development of NORCs has been the development of property-based supportive service programs. Some properties have hired social workers and/or have partnered with nonprofits and volunteer networks to deliver services.

Included in the assessment is a financial review to determine eligibility for public service and the ability to pay for private services. Once all is known, a service plan is developed and, ideally, services begin.

In properties that have not developed a supportive services program, often property managers and their staff are among the first to notice an older adult is having difficulty functioning.

That is unless the older adult refuses services. Tavna Limage, LCSW, points out, that “capacitated adults have the right of self-determination.” This means services can be offered, but adults have the right to refuse them.

Some signs of difficulty may be obvious such as rent checks being made out incorrectly, water overflowing from tubs, kitchen fires (leaving a pot on the stove), or evidence of dangerous hoarding practices.

However, property managers often observe more subtle changes in an older resident’s appearance or behavior that may be of concern.

When they do, they are not always clear what their role is regarding finding help. How and when to step in become critical questions.

Another question is, who to call.

In Fairfax County, the “who to call” with concerns about a resident is the Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line at 703-3247948, TTY 711.* This line is staffed, Monday through Friday, by professional social workers who specialize in older adult services.

While they provide quick answers to questions like, ‘Where’s the closest senior center?’ they will also listen carefully to people calling with concerns about an older adult.

Home visits and resulting case management can take a bit of time, and property managers are likely to get frustrated, particularly because social workers are bound by confidentiality laws not to share details of the case.

Nevertheless, Limage and Hannigan urge property managers to take the time to make the call if they are concerned about an older adult.

Regardless of the issue that drives a property manager to the phone, Limage says they should be assured that “Our focus is always to keep the older adult safe and independent.” *Most Washington Metropolitan jurisdictions have similar services to Fairfax County. To find the telephone numbers of older adult resource lines and Adult Protective Services Offices, call your local jurisdiction or go to this search engine: https://eldercare.acl.gov.

Karen Hannigan, LCSW, and director of the county’s Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line, advises that some property managers may be more comfortable suggesting a resident call the line on their own. Another option, depending on the relationship, is to offer to place the call with the resident.

“This,” says Hannigan, “ensures the call is actually made.” (She advises property managers who do this keep in mind that they may be asked to leave the room during the call if the resident prefers to speak more privately about certain issues.)

What happens next is that the resource line social worker listens carefully, asks a number of questions, and assesses for the level of urgency. The first is whether the older adult is in immediate danger.

An example would be the older adult fell down the stairs and can’t get up. This would clearly result in a 911 referral.

The second is whether the older adult may be experiencing abuse, exploitation or neglect. This would result in a referral to Adult Protective Services.

If a home visit is indicated, the social worker interviews the older adult and assesses their ability to perform “activities of daily living” including bathing, handling bills, preparing meals, etc.

For a clearer understanding, the worker may also interview family members, neighbors, physicians and even property management staff.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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Emerging Technology in Senior Communities

A

lmost with the same excitement that accompanies the World Cup, but not nearly the same chills that brought the Stanley Cup finally home to D.C., new technologies are streaming into senior communities across the country. While it seems a counterintuitive thought, more and more of our seniors are now very tech-savvy and looking for additional digital solutions in their world. However, and luckily for all of us, these technologies aren’t just for the residents, but also for the management, boards, and committees who work ever so diligently to bring a fantastic quality of life to all who call these communities “home.”

One of the largest challenges is keeping track of every resident’s preferences, allergies, special dietary needs and special requests or “nuances.” Today, the staff of the facility can be outfitted with Tablet POS (Point of Sale) terminals as they move about through the property. These terminals will allow the staff to take food orders from the residents in a mobile format, and as you may have guessed, allow the staff to see not only the preferences of the residents but also their likes, dislikes, allergies, and much more. The staff will also be able to make reservations for the residents to attend classes and events, schedule tee times as well as set up specialty dining times.

This technology completely integrates directly with the kitchen, accounting system, reservation database and email system of not only the resident but also the resident’s

family so that all the charges are recorded if necessary, and everyone is notified of the upcoming events!

Following up on that wonderful benefit is the notion that the residents, and their families, can make these reservations for dinner, events, courts, tee times or any activity that the property may offer directly from their own web portal or app.

Many properties allow residents to be able to view all of their reservations on apps and websites to keep track of all their own activities as well.

The most advanced of these technologies will use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or even Beacon Technologies to track the incoming residents to events to check them in without, that’s right, without any interaction with a staff member. This technology quite literally allows residents to simply walk through a door and be recorded as being present. The Beacon technology is a small device approximately the size of a 9-volt battery that sits inconspicuously out of site. These devices emit a low-energy Bluetooth pulse or beacon. An app on the resident’s phone is detected when the device passes through the beacon, and the resident is identified and recorded. It truly is revolutionary!

Not to be left out of the equation, if you belong to a board or a committee at one of these fantastic communities, it has always been a challenge to determine how best to receive some of the information that you need to perform your responsibilities effectively, as well as how often. The new technologies that exist can actually solve both of these issues. Some technologies can have specialized custom reports, designed for your committee and board members to be saved to their own account within the system so that they can run them in real-time, at any time. This means that without needing to ask the management of the property, a finance committee chair could run a custom report and receive accurate, up-to-theminute data! Also, many possibilities exist to design customized micro-sites exclusively for committees and board members so that they can receive specialized documents such as minutes, agendas, financial documents, applications and much more in a completely secure environment. Additionally, these micro-sites can also be used as a communication vehicle so that committees and boards can hold private communications such as blogs and chatrooms with each other as well.

Many more technologies exist, and as time goes on and as more residents grow increasingly comfortable with using these technologies, more will come. New opportunities will always bring rise to new solutions and hopefully new ways for residents to enjoy their communities!

SEPTEMBER 2018

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By Melvin Key Melvin is the CEO of MVP Protective Services, a security firm serving D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Melvin is board certified in security management (CPP) and physical security (PSP). He is also a retired Police (MPDC) Captain and a CAI member.

Protecting Senior Communities from

SCAMS & FRAUDS C

on schemes are at an all-time high, and con artists are taking direct aim at senior citizens.

According to a 2016 report, 16 million dollars was stolen in scams from 5.4 million U.S. citizens. Further, 60 percent of all callers to the National Fraud Information Center are seniors. The report also states that 67 percent of U.S. seniors have had their computers hacked or have fallen victim to an online scam.

Con artists target seniors for several reasons.

Firstly, seniors often have saved or invested their money wisely over the years and usually have expendable cash. Many of their homes are owned free and clear or have a considerable amount of equity in them.

Many seniors live alone, especially after the loss of a spouse. For that reason, they may often welcome the company of someone who seems to genuinely care for them. And lastly, seniors are targeted because they were raised in an era when being courteous and trusting was the standard, which oftentimes makes

it difficult for them to say no or to be inhospitable to people.

Con men are crafty, and I’ve learned that the best way to beat craft is with wit. And thus, I hope the following information provides you with the tools you need to outwit a con.

The following are two of the most prevalent con schemes that pose a threat to seniors living within the United States today.

Contractor scams — Contract scammers come in two different flavors: (1) unlicensed and (2) licensed. While unlicensed contractors pose the greatest risk, there are some licensed contractors who scam people as well. Contract scammers cruise neighborhoods looking for any reason to convince you to hire them. The majority of cons are roof, window and deck repairs. Con men come off as very friendly, hence their name.

The con is short for “confidence” (confidence men). They operate by creating a sense of urgency, detailing the alleged problem with the worst-case scenario. Con men start with giving very high estimates, but then advise that they’ll do the work at a much cheaper rate to help you out. Any request for upfront payment is a dead giveaway that you’re being scammed. If you feel uneasy, get a second opinion. It’s good to get at least three different quotes anyway.

Never allow people that you do not know inside your home. Conduct all negotiations outside or perhaps at the contractor’s office.

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Always verify that the contractor has a legitimate company. This can be done by checking the Maryland business search website at SDAT.GoV, state or municipal licensing websites, the contractor’s website, the Better Business Bureau, social media pages, and at least three references. Always get a written contract that spells out the work that the contractor will perform and the bottom line price. As a rule of thumb, never pay more than $1000 or 10 percent down — in most states that’s all that the law requires.

Utility scams – Utility scams are another regularly used con scheme. Utility scammers are most active during the summer and winter months when HVAC problems are at their height. They operate by posing as utility company telephone collections agents calling customers to demand payment or face having their utilities shut off. These calls are usually followed by in-person visits from other con men posing as utility workers, threatening to cut off services unless payment is made, and usually people hand over payment.

To avoid becoming a victim of utility scammers, I recommend the following: • Never give any credit card or payment information over the phone. Advise the caller that you will call back to make a payment. Then call your utility company to verify the veracity of the phone call.

• Check credentials to verify whether the person is legitimate.

• Understand that utility company would never send anyone unscheduled or call your home for payment information over the phone.

• Encounters with scam artists can turn violent. If you feel uneasy, keep your door closed and call the police. Get a good description of the person, what they are wearing and what type of vehicle they are driving.

Communities can help protect each other from fraud by participating in neighborhood watch, and list serve programs to disseminate information quickly and report things that seem out of order. Other good measures include attending community and association meetings.

Home surveillance systems are a terrific way to deter scammers because criminals don’t like to be seen. Keeping your yard, and the area around your home neat and clean deters criminals because it creates what we call in the security field “Territorial Reinforcement in Defensible Space.”

In a nutshell, the term means that in neighborhoods where properties are well taken care of, owners are usually more alert and responsive when something seems out of place.

I hope this information prevents you or someone you know from being scammed. If you’ve been a victim of fraud or financial exploitation, please contact your local police department.

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By April Ludtke Meza, CMCA, AMS, PCAM April is the director of association management at National Realty Partners, LLC, AAMC. She has worked in the common interest management industry for 15 years managing a variety of communities. She is involved with CAI and has served on several committees.

Programming for Acti

S

uffield Meadows Condominium is a vibrant, 55 and older community in Northern Virginia. As with most 55 and older communities the population includes members that are single, widowed and married. Some of the members are employed full-time, and others are truly retired, spending most of their time at home or in the local community. While daily obligations and habits differ, all the members of the community desire a neighborhood they are proud to call home and one where they feel connected through all the phases of their lives.

This presents a unique challenge to the members of the board of directors, the social committee and the club coordinators. Kathy Dunkin, the co-chair of the Suffield Meadows social committee, shared some of the secrets that helped Suffield Meadows earn the WMCCAI Community of the Year Award for 2018.

The Suffield Meadows Condominium social committee set a goal to provide a variety of activities and gatherings that would appeal to the members, whether they were looking for mid-day entertainment or an end of the

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work week event. Social committee events occur no less than once per month, and club events occur regularly throughout the week.

The inspiration for many of these events was the memory of Kathy’s childhood neighborhood where the grown-ups gathered on a neighbor’s front porch on Friday evening to share stories, snacks, and libations at the end of each week.

Kathy believes the key to a successful, social community is inclusiveness and lots of communication.

The social committee and club coordinators provide details on upcoming events and requests for new ideas via email blasts, save the date cards, flyers posted in community buildings, signs at the community entrance and announcements at the regular board of directors’ meetings. All events are guaranteed to have family style seating and committee members ensure each person is welcomed with a smile. The board of directors and the social committee also take the time to introduce new members of the community or to connect members that may have common interests.

Social committee and club events are designed to appeal to differing interests. For those that are home during the day, there are mid-day club events such as cards, cribbage, yoga, water aerobics, men’s luncheons and women’s luncheons. Some of these events are offered in the community clubhouse, and others are off-site adventures. Evening and weekend events range from Friday Night

ive Adult Communities on the Porch, (a popular, informal, come-as-you-are gathering on the clubhouse porch with potluck snacks and drinks) to the more formal Valentine’s Day and Christmas parties where members don their formal wear and celebrate in grand style. Veteran members of the community are honored on special days such as Veteran’s Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Pearl Harbor Day with sunrise flag-raising ceremonies, donuts, and coffee. And the community bans together several times a year to sponsor food and toy drives to support local families and food banks. Most importantly, the community supports each other in life-changing events such as the transition to full retirement or the loss of a parent or spouse. In a 55 and older community, such events are not uncommon and having support, compassion and understanding so readily available often helps.

Kathy also provides a little advice to ensure the traditions continue, budget objectives are met, and transition to new members of the board of directors or social committee is seamless. Most events require an RSVP and a small fee to attend. The committee has found that these obligations ensure people attend once they have committed. Additionally, the committee tracks the attendance, cost, quantity of food and beverages purchased, advertising efforts and notes about the successes and failures of each event. This is a budget planning tool for future years, allows the committee to tweak the details of each event and provides historical data when new committee members take the baton. Kathy believes success is a team effort and contributes to the community’s success to a wonderful support system and the “be a cheerleader” approach to having fun.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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By Marissa R. Bagasra, ESQ. Marissa is an associate at SmolenPlevy and a member of the bars of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. After graduating from George Mason University School of Law, she was a law clerk for John H. Rust, Jr., Commissioner of Accounts of Fairfax County. Marissa’s practice areas include estate planning, estate administration, and probate litigation.

Elder Law: Planning for the Future and Avoiding a Guardianship

G

iving up control is hard—few things are more intimidating. No one wants to think of a time when they can’t safely drive, make their own medical decisions, or pay their bills. But if you don’t make plans to deal with this possibility, when the time comes that you are unable to do these things, you may find yourself under the supervision of a Court-appointed guardian.

A guardianship is expensive, complicated, and leaves important decisions up to a potential stranger. Rather than relying on a guardianship, you can plan now to ensure your assets and well-being are protected by the people you choose.

A guardian is a court-appointed official who manages the financial and medical decisions for someone who cannot act for themselves, whether due to illness or mental incapacity.

In Virginia, a “guardian” handles medical decisions and daily living responsibilities for an incapacitated person (also known as a “ward”), while a “conservator” handles financial decisions. One person can be appointed to both of these roles, or the court can appoint separate people. For this article,

I use the term “guardian” to mean a person who acts both as a guardian and as a conservator. The circuit court of the locality where the ward lives appoints the guardian. The court generally tries to appoint a relative or someone the ward knows. Sometimes, that is not possible, and the court appoints a local attorney who has experience with guardianships. Often, this attorney is someone that does not have an existing relationship with the ward.

In Virginia, a guardian has broad powers. A guardian can control where the ward lives, make health care choices, enter into contracts on the ward’s behalf, and plan the ward’s funeral. In some situations, they can sell a ward’s real estate and make gifts on the ward’s behalf. A guardian is entitled to fees for his or her work, and these fees are paid from the ward’s assets.

Even if the court appoints a guardian you would have chosen; a guardianship comes with significant administrative costs and reporting obligations that are otherwise avoidable. A petition to appoint a guardian may be brought by someone concerned about a person’s ability to take care of herself, such as a family member, neighbor, or the local Department of Family Services. Appointing a guardian may require the payment of significant legal fees, filing fees, and court costs, and the court may direct that these fees be paid from the ward’s assets. Additionally, a Virginia guardian must file accountings

every year with a court-appointed official known as a Commissioner of Accounts. The Commissioner of Accounts makes sure that a guardian is using a ward’s money appropriately, and to do that, the commissioner requires a detailed accounting of a ward’s assets. The commissioner charges a filing fee for this account each year, and many guardians employ professional accountants or lawyers to help them prepare the account to the commissioner’s specifications. The cost to prepare these accounts can be high, and the guardianship will incur them every year the ward is alive.

Instead of relying on the court to appoint a guardian to handle your affairs and decide how much power they have, you can make these decisions now by drafting powers of attorney and/or revocable living trust. Powers of attorney and revocable living trusts are legal documents that allow you to name one or more people to act on your behalf when you are unable to do so. The documents work together to ensure that your loved ones know your wishes on health care decisions, housing, and management of finances. You can change these documents throughout your life to ensure they remain up to date.

It’s hard to think about losing control of these important aspects of your life, but with some thoughtful planning, you can make a difficult time easier for you and your family.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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By Sara B. Jones Sara is a retired community manager who spent her career managing properties for Dreyfuss Management, Charles E. Smith and Legum and Norman Realty. She and her husband Ed have 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. After retirement, Sara joined an art group, a book club, Pilates class and more. Sara and Ed love to travel and sample fabulous food both near and far.

The 55+ Living Experience

F

ull disclosure. I am a recovering Community Manager, former PCAM with over 30 years managing high rises, HOAs, and one active adult 55+ community. When I retired, I made it very clear to all who would listen, “I will NEVER live in a condo, and specifically NOT a 55+ community”. I honored that promise for 10 years, and then I fell off the wagon.

lived, the three or four-story buildings are designed so that there are no long common area hallways. Each of the four apartments on each floor is one-fourth of the building. Each apartment has exterior exposure on 2 sides.

Our two-bedroom, two-bath apartment has 14 large windows. The 1574 square foot space with open concept sold us in minutes.

In November 2015, the lawnmower broke.

My husband Ed declared he was not buying another one. He was done mowing, trimming and all that went with it. I wholeheartedly agreed. In less than 3 months we sold our home, bought a condo on the third floor in a 55+ community and moved in. At Hearthstone at Village Crest where we have

Two days after we moved in it snowed 30 inches. We stood at the window and watched others plow and shovel. Reason #1 to love where I live…the same day a neighbor knocked on our door and invited us to the first “pop-up” potluck of the winter season.

BYOB (which quickly became Reason #2 to love where I live).

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Reasons #3 – 10: The indoor pool - complete with hot tub and sauna, state of the art exercise room, on-site library, card and billiard/ping-pong room, movie night, water aerobics, outdoor pool, tennis courts, art club, community-wide parties, happy hours, great room with library, activity room, dropin poker, and wine club. Okay…so that is more than ten. There are more like this, but you get the idea.

Prior to down-sizing, when my husband and I discussed living in a 55+ community, our biggest fear was being around so many “old” people all the time. We thought being surrounded by seniors would be depressing. Now I find it not only not depressing, but quite uplifting and exhilarating. Being around “people of a certain age” is one of the things I enjoy the most.

We continue to meet and socialize with so many smart, interesting, accomplished, well-traveled, energetic, fun-loving, and like-minded people. Our neighbors are on the go and have more energy than most younger folks we know. This is an Active Adult Community in every sense.

Where else can you gush about your gorgeous, smart, accomplished, grandchildren, share all the latest pictures on your phone, and know your neighbors will not only enthusiastically agree with you, but will eagerly return the favor? No one needs to be embarrassed about, or apologize for, not hearing well or forgetting your name and what they did yesterday. We are either in the same boat or are headed in that direction. Wrinkles?

Who cares! Everyone here has them.

As you can see, I am close to giddy about this 55+ and better active adult lifestyle. I gotta go! Happy Hour starts in the Great Room soon.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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By Craig Magargel, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Craig Magargel is a building manager at Lansdowne Woods of Virginia. He has over twelve years of community management experience in the Virginia and Washington, D.C. area and is active in the D.C. Chapter of CAI. He has managed active adult communities ranging from 225 – 2,000 units in condos and HOAs as an on-site manager and portfolio manager.

ABC’s of

Age-Restricted Active Adult Communities

M

any, but not all aspects of age-restricted active adult communities have niche qualities with respect to marketing, legal, management, activities, and operations. Using “active adult” or “age restricted” to describe a community is one of the first attributes used when discussing such a community along with its unit count, whether it’s an HOA, condominium or coop and location. Let’s peel the onion on these niche qualities and see what it means when someone says active adult or age-restricted community.

A lot of communities have generalized monikers such as bedroom or commuter community, retirement, assisted living, family, singles, high rise, single family, etc. that are reflected in the makeup of the community.

Active adult is such a moniker and more because it has a legal basis and specificity that other community descriptions do not have.

The legal basis for active adult communities stems from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s (HUD) 1968 Fair Housing Act as amended that protects all residents from various classes of discrimination. HUD includes in this Act a “Housing 30 | QUORUM

for Older Persons” exemption which allows a community to legally discriminate based on age, i.e. refuse to sell or rent to persons, not 55 or older. Note this federal exemption to legally discriminate is based only on age and does not include discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin.

if the community is designated as an active adult or age-restricted community.

Board of directors and association managers of active adult communities have a HUD-imposed onus they are subject to: (1) they must be able to demonstrate 80% of the occupied units are occupied by persons 55 State and local governments also have laws years of age or older, (2) be able to provide allowing communities to legally discrim- documentation for verification of occupancy inate based on age, but local governments through reliable surveys and affidavits and have pursued age-restricted communities for (3) include examples of published written an additional goal- active adult communities and procedures for determination of GG:\Adoc\TCS\MARKETING\Advertisement -2017 Quorum policies Ad.102517.docx add less to the government’s burden of pro- compliance of the Act. Boards and managviding schooling, recreation, and transpor- ers must be able to demonstrate compliance tation than non-age restricted communities. with these three specific criteria under threat So, governments will sometimes mandate a of a lawsuit and significant costs. Other comdeveloper will only get permits for housing munity types do not have this legal burden.

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Common ways to fulfill this legal burden are to require all new residents sign an application for parking, door fobs, amenity use, etc. that includes a statement the community is age restricted, they attest they comply with the age requirements and to provide space for them to enter their birth dates and sign it. This age data should be kept in a database or paper files that are maintained and organized to demonstrate the age restriction requirements are being met effectively. Also, the community’s marketing, legal and descriptive documentation should state it’s an active adult community with age restrictions. Note the age restrictions apply to residents and tenants and not owners.

This allows a younger adult such as a relative to own the housing, but the residents such as parents that meet the age criteria can live there.

A section in the bylaws must exist that states the community is age restricted in order for the community to be an active adult age-restricted community. A board of directors cannot simply pass a motion or resolution declaring itself to be one. Boards often pass a resolution that expands on the community’s bylaw’s age restrictions to include criteria that lower the age restriction from age 55, states how long minors can live or visit in the community and other age rules. The bylaws and age restriction resolution are part of the requirements for written rules and procedures stated in (3) above. So are documents from procedures of age restriction violations processes.

Other legal criteria in the community’s documents can affect the activities part of an active adult community. The governing documents can mandate activities and amenities appropriate for adults remain funded, and the requirement to do so is codified in the government permitting process and bylaws. Specific amenities such as pools, exercise or hobby facilities can be mandated by the government in order for a developer to pass the permitting process. Sometimes the governing documents prohibit or constrain the reducing of budgeting for operating activities and amenities without a vote from the membership. The legal requirements are one thing, but many of the owners’ expectations are that they will be offered an array of activities and amenities on an ongoing basis and woe to the director or manager that does not respect or deliver on these expectations.

Our advanced reserve studies help you achieve a deeper engagement with your properties and a more effective way to manage them. Both today and tomorrow.

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For your reserve study proposal, contact Michelle Baldry at (844) 701-9884 or visit reserveadvisors.com.

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HIGHER LEVEL of ATTENTION

to Your Association “My job is to help your board balance keeping down operating costs while maintaining property values and improving quality of life for homeowners. We have a strong community presence, independent advising and full transparency. ” – Katie, Sentry Manager

4401 Ford Avenue, Suite 1150 Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 642-3246 northernvirginia.sentrymgt.com 602 S. King Street, Suite 400 Leesburg, VA 20175 (540) 751-1888 loudoun.sentrymgt.com

Continued on page 33 SEPTEMBER 2018

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A trip wire for boards and managers of active adult communities can be how far to go in supporting elements of an assisted living community. There can be tension between the older or aging active adult residents making demands for more services or assistance and the more vibrant active adult residents that do not want their assessments to go towards fostering an assisted living environment. The more active residents will cite they bought into an active adult community, their home values could suffer if appearances of assisted living emerge and their self-image will suffer if the active adult environment becomes meshed with elements of an assisted living environment.

So, in ways described above, there are unique, hard ways that differentiate an active adult age restricted community from other types of communities. There are also unquantifiable, general, soft ways that distinguish an active adult community from other communities. Volunteerism, sense of community and pride are often more evident in active adult communities.

These elements may manifest their selves to management and the board of directors by increased resident interaction, more rules to manage, more demand for activities and services and more needing out of the box reaction and thinking to meet the expectations of residents. More often than not, meetings are held during the daytime (which annoys the active adults that still work yet want to be involved). There are more pressures to work outside the traditional scope of work in community management and governance, especially from increasing-

ly needy residents or aging active adults. Examples of this are getting into the social services space of providing meals, coordinating transportation, interpreting documents, technology support and sometimes just being a good listener and giver of your precious time.

Another way of saying this is that there is more room for compassion in an active adult community than other community types. When you get involved in an active adult community be prepared and patient with the inevitable time management conflict between compassion and the daily tasks of community management and governance.

In a holistic comparison between managing and governing age-restricted active adult communities and other types of communities, there are more similarities than differences. By and large, residents in all common interest communities want the same thing from their management and governance of their community: professionalism, communications, openness, awareness, accessibility, and accountability. These fundamentals apply to community management, the board of directors and community volunteers. These fundamentals are taught and practiced by Community Associations Institute (CAI) and their largest chapter the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of CAI (WMCCAI). Both are at www.caionline.org.

They offer a lot of resources, information, and training that will help you manage your community.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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By Krista Davisson, ESQ. Krista is a land use attorney and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP.) She was in private practice for 24 years with Miles & Stockbridge, P.C. Krista is currently general counsel for Natelli Communities, a mid-Atlantic real estate investment and development firm with projects in the Washington metro area, coastal Delaware, and the Nashville area.

Designing Active Adult Communities

H

ousing developments for older persons are sometimes designated as “age-restricted,” “age-targeted” and “active-adult,” but all are intended to appeal to the same segment of the population – individuals over the age of 55 who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Active adult housing is a thriving segment of the U.S. housing market today. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in March that older people (65+) will outnumber children by 2030. In 2015, persons 65 or older comprised 14.9% of the U.S. population, and that percentage is projected to increase

over the next several decades. The youngest “baby boomers” (persons born between 1946 and 1964) will turn 55 next year. The declining birth rate and aging population will result in what some call the “graying of America.”

For many years, retired Americans flocked to southern states where retirement communities are plentiful. Temperate weather and lower housing costs fueled this exodus.

However, recent trends indicate that many older adults desire to remain in or near their existing communities rather than relocate to a different geographical region.

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LEED AP

Since the “Great Recession” a decade ago, many people who otherwise would have retired are working longer to recoup diminished savings in retirement and investment accounts.

An increasing percentage of active adult households (singles and couples) desire to downsize their homes and reduce the amount of home maintenance once adult children are grown and gone; however, they also want to live reasonably close to their children and grandchildren.

Community Design Developers and homebuilders have responded to this market demand with communities and products specifically designed to appeal to active adults. Successful active adult communities share several common elements that promote a healthy, low-maintenance lifestyle. Many active adult developments incorporate resort-style amenities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, well-equipped fitness centers, expansive clubhouses, extensive walking trails, multiple sports courts, and programmed social activities such as cooking classes, wine tastings, and travel clubs. Recent market studies indicate that community gardens, dog parks, and other natural outdoor areas are increasingly popular.

Homes are designed for single-level living with main floor master bedrooms. Ideally, units are handicap-accessible from both the front and back and feature generous landscaping and outdoor living spaces in the rear. Low maintenance exteriors are essential. The homeowner’s association (HOA) is normally responsible for landscaping and lawn maintenance, mowing, snow removal, trash collection and enhanced security monitoring. Residents are free to travel and enjoy other activities without the typical worries of homeownership.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on familial status to protect households with young children. However, the law contains an exemption for “Housing for Older Persons” (HOPA) that allows housing intended and occupied solely for occupancy by persons 55 years of age or older. To qualify for the exemption, a community (or facility) must satisfy the following requirements: • Ensure that at least 80% of units are occupied by at least one person who is 55 or older • Publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate intent to operate as housing for persons 55 years or older • Comply with HUD’s regulatory requirements for age verification of residents HOPA also provides an exemption for communities where 100% of residences are occupied by at least one person is 62 or older. These communities are not subject to the above requirements for 55+ communities. Developments that comply with either the 55+ or 62+ provision of HOPA enjoy protection against discrimination claims based on familial status, although they may not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. By contrast, “age-targeted” developments are designed and marketed to active adults but cannot legally discriminate against families with young children if they do not agree to abide by the provisions of HOPA. Many jurisdictions with adequate public facilities ordinances and impact fees designed to reduce the impact of new development on public schools include exemptions for “housing for older persons.”

Often these exemptions incorporate the standards of HOPA and go further to prohibit school-aged children as permanent residents and require that an age-restricted deed covenant be recorded against the title to all lots.

HOAs and their managers typically undertake the enforcement of HOPA and local restrictions. They generally work with the project developer to create the required policies and procedures and implement a protocol for periodic age verification of residents. The HOA must then publish the rules, regulations, required lease provisions and deed restrictions, ensure that units for sale are marketed accordingly, and verify occupancy information through reliable surveys and affidavits. Enforcement of the age-restriction covenant could potentially result in the displacement of owners or residents from their home in the event of a violation. Therefore, it is important that managers of age-restricted communities be aware of anticipated occupancy changes and impending plans for home sale or rental.

Active adult communities present unique challenges and opportunities for community associations and managers. Enforcement of HOPA requirements and the provision of additional services places a greater burden on management. However, HOAs and managers who establish clear policies and procedures, maintain good communications with residents and encourage owner involvement in HOA governance and operations will contribute to the success of their communities.

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Directory and Classifieds AMUSEMENT & PARTY RENTALS

ENGINEERS (CONT’D)

Fantasy World Entertainment 124 Jibsail Drive T: (800) 757-6332 Prince Frederick, MD 20678 www.fwworld.com Brooks Grady brooks@fwworld.com

ETC Engineering and Technical Consultants Inc. Water intrusion, roofing, exteriors, windows, balconies, property studies, structural & architectural services www.etc-web.com T: (703) 450-6220 Mindy Maronic mindy@etc-web.com

ASPHALT PAVING/MAINTENANCE/REPAIR

The Falcon Group 7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 325 www.falconengineering.com Rockville, MD 20855 T: (240) 328-1095 Stew Willis info@falconengineering.com

Brothers Paving & Concrete Corporation 9469 Hawkins Dr T: (703) 393-1927 Manassas, VA 20109 F: (703) 393-1928 Paul Battista info@brotherspaving.com Espina Paving, Inc. Asphalt/Concrete 15441 Farm Creek Drive T: (703) 491-9100 Woodbridge, VA 2191 F: (703) 491-9101 Serving: MD, DC, VA info@espinapaving.com

TRC Engineering 9210 Wightman Rd., Ste 110 www.tedrossconsulting.com Gaithersburg, MD 20886 T: (301) 869-6446 Ted Ross ted@tedrossconsulting.com JANITORIAL

ATTORNEY

COWIE & MOTT, P.A. T: (202) 670-6289 2310 Boston Street www.cowiemott.com Baltimore, MD 21224 Nicholas D. Cowie ndcowie@cowiemott.com Thomas Schild Law Group, LLC www.schildlaw.com 401 North Washington Street, Suite #500 T: (301)251-1414 Rockville, MD 20850 Thomas, C. Schild, CCAL tschild@schildlaw.com Scott J. Silverman ssilverman@schildlaw.com BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

Mutual of Omaha Bank Community Association Banking/CondoCerts Noni Roan T: (301) 639-5503 Noni.Roan@mutualofomahabank.com WINTRUST Community Advantage T: (734) 276-3330 Metro DC www.communityadvantage.com Kim Myles kmyles@communityadvantage.com A leading provider of financial services to condominium, townhome, and homeowner associations.

ENGINEERS

Becht Engineering BT, Inc. 10717 Birmingham Way www.bechtbt.com Woodstock, MD 21163 T: (410) 461-3904 Bill Hasselman info@bechtbt.com

36 | QUORUM

Clean Advantage Corporation 4000 Pen Belt Place T: (800) 315-3264 District Heights, MD 20747 F: (301) 595-3331 www.cleanadv.com info@cleanadv.com LAKE AND POND MANAGEMENT

SOLitude Lake Management 12522 White Drive info@solitudelake.com Fairfax, VA 22030 T: (540) 371-4382 Kevin Tucker www.solitudelakemanagement.com LAUNDRY ROOM EQUIPMENT

Caldwell & Gregory, Inc. Your Commercial Laundry Professionals 129 Broad Street Road Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

T: (804) 784-6100 F: (804) 784-7418

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

MANAGEMENT SERVICES (CONT’D)

Cardinal Management Group 4330 Prince William Parkway, Suite 201 T: (703) 569-5797 Woodbridge, VA 22192 www.cardinalmanagementgroup.com cardinal@cardinalmanagementgroup.com Thomas A. Mazzei, cmca, ams, pcam CFM Management Services, AAMC 5250 Cherokee Ave, Suite 100 T: (703) 941-0818 Alexandria, VA 22314 F: (703) 941-0816 Christiaan Melson, ams, pcam c­­­­­­­­melson@cfmanagement.com CAMP, AAMC (Community Association Management Professionals) www.gocampmgmt.com T: (703) 821-CAMP 4114 Legato Road, Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22033 hgraham@gocampmgmt.com 209 West Street, Suite 302 Annapolis, MD 21401 sblackburn@gocampmgmt.com Comsource Management, Inc. AAMC www.comsource.com 3414 Morningwood Drive T: (301) 924-7355 Olney, Maryland 20832 F: (301) 924-7340 Gary M. Simon, cmca, ams, pcam gsimon@comsource.com FirstService Residential, AAMC, AMO 8701 Georgia Ave., Ste. 300 301-495-6633 Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.fsresidential.com Arthur Dubin, CMCA, PCAM, CPM arthur.dubin@fsresidential.com FirstService Residential DC Metro LLC, AAMC 11351 Random Hills Road, Suite 500 T: (703) 385-1133 Fairfax, VA 22020 Robert Teeling robert.teeling@fsresidential.com KPA Management, AAMC www.kpamgmt.com 6402 Arlington Blvd., Suite 700 T: (703) 532-5005 Falls Church, VA 22042 F: (703) 532-5098 Offering personalized service Ed Alrutz, cpm, cmca, pcam ealrutz@kpamgmt.com

Associa Community Management Corporation, AAMC 4840 Westfields Blvd, Suite 300 T: (703) 631-7200 Chantilly, VA 20151 www.cmc-management.com John Tsitos, cmca, ams, pcam jtsitos@cmc-management.com

Sentry Management www.sentrymgt.com 4401 Ford Avenue, Suite 1150 T: (703) 642-3246 Alexandria, VA 22302 602 South King Street, Suite 400 T: (540) 751-1888 Leesburg, VA 20175 Dave Ciccarelli, ams, pcam dciccarelli@sentrymgt.com

Barkan Management Company, Inc 8229 Boon Blvd., Suite 760 T: (703) 388-1005 Tyson Corner, VA 22182 F: (703) 388-1006 Michael Feltenberger, cmca, ams, pcam

Sequoia Management Company Inc., AAMC 13998 Parkeast Circle www.sequoiamanagement.com Chantilly, VA 20151-2283 T: (703) 803-9641 Craig Courtney, pcam ccourtney@sequoiamgmt.com

Capitol Management Corporation 12011 Lee-Jackson Highway, Suite 350 T: (703) 934-5200 Fairfax, VA 22033 F: (703) 934-8808 L. Peyton Harris Jr., cmca, cpm lph@capitolmanagementcorp.net

SIGMA Real Estate Services 8911 60th Avenue T: (301) 513-9300 College Park, MD 20740 www.sigmares.com Constantin Anagnostopoulos, President info@sigmares.com

­­INDEX TO ADVERTISERS A Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC......................................................................4 B Barkan Management, LLC, AAMC..................................................................................................32 Becht Engineering BT, Inc..............................................................................................................34 C Caldwell & Gregory, Inc...................................................................................................................24 Capital Painting Co.........................................................................................................................35 Clean Advantage Corporation..........................................................................................................40 Cowie & Mott. P.A...........................................................................................................................23 PAINTING SERVICES AND RETAILERS

D

Capital Painting Co. www.capitalpainting.net 5520 Oakwood Road T: (703) 313-0013 Alexandria, VA 22310 F: (703) 922-1826 George Tsentas george@capitalpainting.net

DoodyCalls.....................................................................................................................................13

Ploutis Painting & Contracting Co., Inc. T: (703) 360-0205 8365 Richmond Hwy F: (703) 360-5439 Alexandria, VA 22309 info@ploutiscontracting.com Stella Ploutis www.ploutiscontracting.com Reston Painting & Contracting 619 Carlisle Drive Herndon, VA 20170 David Hamilton

T: (703) 904-1702 F: (703) 904-0248 dave@restonpaint.com

PET WASTE REMOVAL

DoodyCalls Pet waste management solutions and services 13923 A Willard Road Chantilly, VA 20151 T: (800) DoodyCalls (366-3922) www.DoodyCalls.com

E Engineering and Technical Consultants.................................................................................... 26 F Fantasy World, Inc. dba Fantasy World Entertainment ....................................................................33 The Falcon Group...........................................................................................................................39 FirstService Residential, AAMC.........................................................................................................2 FirstService Residential, AAMC, AMO.............................................................................................15 M Mutual of Omaha Bank@Community Association Banking & CondoCerts.......................................35 P Ploutis Painting & Contracting Co., Inc..............................................................................................2

RESERVE STUDIES

Reserve Advisors 4600 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 404 T: (844) 701-9884 Arlington, VA 22203 www.reserveadvisors.com Michelle Baldry mbaldry@reserveadvisors.com

R Reserve Advisors, Inc.....................................................................................................................31 Reston Painting Company..............................................................................................................26 S

RESTORATION SERVICES

SageWater......................................................................................................................................20

Titan Restoration Co Warrenton, VA T: (540) 349-1503 www.titanrestoration.com F: (540) 349-1512 Anita Puckett apuckett@titanrestoration.com

Sentry Management, Inc.................................................................................................................31

ROOFING

T

TWC Services, LLC PO Box 150277 T: (703) 971-6016 Alexandria, VA 22315 www.twcser.com Linda Walker info@twcserv.com WINDOWS & DOORS

Windows Plus, LLC & Allied The Window Center, LLC 4321 Markham Street T: (703) 256-0600 Annandale, VA 22003 F: (703) 942-6987 Kimberly Wayland kknight@windowspls.com

SIGMA Real Estate Services..............................................................................................................9 SOLitude Lake Management...........................................................................................................25

Thomas Schild Law Group, LLC......................................................................................................30 Titan Restoration Company.............................................................................................................23 TRC Engineering ............................................................................................................................29 TWC Services, LLC..........................................................................................................................19 W Windows Plus, LLC & Allied The Window Center, LLC......................................................................28 WINTRUST Community Advantage Bank.......................................................................................17

SEPTEMBER 2018

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CUL-DE-SAC

By Jill Allen, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Jill is a manager with Community Management Corporation, an Associa Company and has been in the community association industry since 2008. Jill’s ten years of management experience, is comprised of managing very large upscale communities consisting of over 1,900 units plus. Presently, she is the general manager of Belmont Community Association, a golf course community comprised of single-family homes, townhomes, attached homes, and condominiums located in Ashburn, Virginia. Jill is a member of WMCCAI.

tend the meeting. Management runs a report to determine who is eligible to vote and prints two copies, one for documenting votes on and one to be made available for owners during the annual meeting. Blast email the same day to introduce the election and annual meeting schedule.”

Conclusion

T

he end of the calendar year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s conjures so many memories and correlations for all of us. When I think of this time of year, one of my earliest and most vivid memories is of my grandparents’ dining room table filled with desserts surrounding a centerpiece made of pinecones and candles. The season also brings to mind children wishing for snow days, traditional songs, family visitors, vacations, beautiful ornaments, ugly ornaments, snow, ice, freezing cold temperatures, and feast after feast. I picture lights, and glitter, feeling the underlying stress that I always try to ignore. I remember with amusement relatives who always seem to tell the same stories and family lore, while everyone present jumps in to repeat the punch lines. For family and friends, it’s a time of personal reflection, gratitude, and the offerings of gifts.

In my professional realm as a manager of a very large-scale, homeowners association with mixed housing and some commercial aspects, the last months of the year and the start of the new year are very predictable in some ways and unpredictable in others.

What follows is perspective for community management on activities and considerations for associations during this season.

Annual Calendars Just as we often pause to take special care of the people we care about in our personal lives during the holiday season, so too can 38 | QUORUM

we pause for our communities at this time of year to make sure we can begin the new year in an orderly fashion.

Calendar traditions are important in our celebrations and can be important in the workplace in terms of planning.

For an event such as the annual meeting, it is good to have a timeline that is dictated by the bylaws of the community. My standard is to begin planning the annual meeting with the community starting in July. As the year progresses, there are times when it is important to share information with community members. Here is an example of one of the communication items on my annual meeting calendar: “September 28, 2017 - Section 2.8 of the bylaws, states the record date for determining those homeowners who are eligible to vote shall be the close of business on the 10th business day before the effective date of notice of the annual meeting which is being sent out on October 11th. This means that any person who settled on their home by September 28th is eligible to vote in the coming election. Homeowners who settle after September 28th will not be eligible to vote. However, they are welcome to at-

The holiday season at the end of the year can be a time of both personal and professional connection and productivity. Take time to communicate with residents and staff regarding the last twelve months and what to expect in the coming year. Pause to get reorganized and ensure that everything is in place to start fresh in the new year. Show gratitude, celebrate the people who surround you and prepare for new beginnings.

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