Monday, July 27, 2009

July Westmoreland Condo Board meeting

The July Condo Board meeting featured discussions of bats, stolen bikes, near death experiences, and rejuvenation trimming, among other important topics. Michelle C., a Westmoreland resident and expert flower gardener, recently reviewed Westmoreland with our landscape contractor. One result was the trimming of our azaleas. Did you notice that some bushes vanished? Don't worry, they'll grow back thicker and better. It's called "rejuvenation trimming."

Trimming of the oak trees in front of 1301 is under consideration. No major branch breakage occurred in the recent storms. Cost of trimming both trees would be about $1,100.

A bat recently got into the common room in 1301. It seemed to be out for blood. While vampires are typically only seen in this area in dreams, keeping unscreened windows closed is a good idea.

A number of bikes apparently were stolen from the common room in 1336. Keeping your bike locked with a high-quality u-lock will lessen the chance of it getting stolen. You should also register your bike with the Arlington County Police. Compared to other jurisdictions, Arlington is relatively successful in recovering stolen bikes. Registering your bike will help the police return it to you if it's stolen.

Cars cutting through the parking lot of 1301 remains a concern. A resident of 1301 recently was nearly hit by a car speeding through the parking lot. Be particularly careful when crossing this parking lot. Suggestions for appropriate and feasible actions to lessen the danger would be welcomed. Signage indicating "no thoroughfare" will be installed shortly.

The facade work on 1315 has finished. The cost was $89,321. The roof on 1301 will be repaired this fall at a cost of $65,145.

All the parking lots will be re-sealed and re-striped starting on Aug. 3 and continuing for a few days. Be on the lookout for signs indicating temporary changes in parking. Cost: $9,453.

Replacement of some cement sidewalk blocks along the entrance path to 1309 will occur in a few days.

Board members Jose Calvo, Valerie Corda, Emil Tabakov, and Joe Ruland, four residents, and Property Manager Dennis Freeman attended this fine, free business, social, and entertainment event.

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Monday, Aug. 24, 7pm, in the condo office.

Monday, July 20, 2009

brilliant piano playing

Stephanie Trick performed this past Sunday in Fairfax as part of the Northern Virginia Ragtime Society's concert series. Her concert was awesome. To get a sense for what she can do with a piano, here's her performing "Carolina Shout" by James P. Johnson. She played this piece, as well as other fiendishly difficult stride pieces, at the concert. She also very expressively played Joplin's tender Bethena Waltz.


Wednesday, July 15, 2009

brochures picked up

[photo recreation of scene]

About 5:15pm on Wednesday, a Westmoreland resident pulled up to the door at the end of his bike commute from work. Pizza brochures were scattered around the entryway. He ignored them and went upstairs to his apartment. Sometime between 5:15pm and 8:30pm, another person arrived on the scene and PICKED UP THE BROCHURES! That's the sort of action that makes Westmoreland a great place to live. As for that other guy, I'd bet his apartment is really messy.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

slacker in Rosslyn

Scooping all other major DC-area media, the Ode Street Tribune is pleased to report that Nat was slacklining in Ft. Myer Heights Park this Monday night about 9pm. Nat is in the area on a business trip. Slacklining is a good way to build core strength. I have some doubts about its value as relaxation after a hard day's work.

There's a lot of talent in our neighborhood. Keep your eyes open.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

artistic allusion to the Belvedere


This cast bronze statue by Ray Kaskey is right in front of 1530 Wilson Boulevard. Entitled "Chicago Titan", it has artistic similarities to the Belvedere Torso, which gives added luster to the Belvedere Condominium in Rosslyn. Still, it's nowhere near as impressive as Westmoreland's beans.