Potomac Ridge

In This Issue: Page 2 Manager’s Corner President’s Message Board of Directors Page 3 Potomac Ridge Library Purcellville Painted Benches and Planters Halloween Mix & Mingle Craft Fair/Flea Market

Page 4 A Remembrance from the End of World War II Book Review Lecture/Luncheon: "Fidel's Personal Spies - The Myers" The Waterford Fair

Page 5 Forever Angels AVFRD Donation Drive Results Reston Players presents “Aida” Page 6 Yoga Anyone? Annual Meeting & BOD Elections Rummage Sale Pickup

Did’ ja know Page 7 PR Veteran’s Day 2017 PR Red Hat Ladies - Lunch and Swim Movie Night Reading Group Bingo Page 8 Committee Reports

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7 V O L U M E 1 3 , N U M B E R 1 0

Two residents have stepped up to run for the two open positions on the Potomac Ridge Board of Directors. We had a good turnout of residents to hear the candidates speak last Tuesday. If you missed that meeting, or just want to refresh you memory, here is a summary of what each candidate stated on his or her information form:

Chris Blake, Unit 317. Chris has been in IT sales and Management for a variety of high tech companies including, Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Lumeta Corp., IBM, BEA and others. He has been a Potomac Ridge Board Member for 2016 and 2017. He has served on the Activities Committee of River Creek, and Chair of the Building and Ground Committee of Lansdowne Woods. Chris also the Lead of the Technology Working group of LWVA, and the Lead of Landscape & Grounds of LWVA. He was a member of the Restaurant Advisory Committee of LWVA and a

member of the Clubhouse Working group of LWVA. As a board member he would like to make this a better community in which to live, improve value of our individual units and work to get more participation of the residents and owners in our community.

Brenda Brohard, Unit 221. Brenda worked as a U.S. Government and International Baccalaureate high school teacher for Prince William County schools, as well as a Adjunct Professor at New River Community College, in Dublin, Virginia and holds a masters degree in education. She has served as the Chair of the Potomac Ridge Covenants committee, Potomac Ridge Board of Directors President for 2 years and Secretary for 1 year, and Lansdowne Woods Board of Members, Vice President. Brenda said "If reelected to the Board, I will strive to continue the calm, positive and peaceful atmosphere in our beautiful building. I will also maintain the financial health of our building."

Kathy Stegner, Unit 316. Kathy is a registered investment representative who has worked with individual investors, small institutions and corporate stock option plan participants. She has been on the Budget and Finance Committees of Potomac Ridge and Lansdowne Woods; served 6 years on the PR Board and currently serves on the LWVA Board as Treasurer. Kathy states that she wants "to make our community more viable for our residents and future residents. We need to attract new residents who are willing and able to serve in the governance

of our community. We need to recruit more owners to serve on projects and committees. "Service to our community by our owners and residents is important to maintain and expand the vitality of LWVA. I believe many would find it rewarding.”

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Lansdowne Woods Board of Members Representative Nominee

P A G E 2

Fall Window Cleaning - Window washing will be October 4 & 5, weather permitting. If you

need assistance with removing your screens and have not yet made a request to the office to have them removed, please fill out the form that was distributed with the fall window cleaning schedule. Copies of this form are also available in the office and on the website.

M.E. Flow will be here to perform the fall maintenance check-up the week of October 16-20. The schedule for M.E. Flow technicians has been distributed and is also

below. Technicians will work between 8 a.m.-12 noon and 12:30-5 p.m. each day. If you are unable to be home for this project, your convenience key will be used (unless you notify us otherwise). If you have pets, please stay at home or make other arrangements for the day. Also, please make sure there is nothing blocking the door of your utility room.

Reminder: Please do not park in the hash marks located next to handicapped spaces. These spaces are specially designed and oversized so that they can accommodate a van or wheelchair lift. It allows a person using a wheelchair to enter or exit the vehicle. When parking your car, please make sure that your car does not overhang on the hash marks. Audra Wallace, Association Manager

It’s hard to believe it’s been 3 years since I ran for the board. The 4 years I

have lived here have flown by; I’m sure it is the same for you, even though I know some of you have been here for 13 years. I have felt at home from the beginning. Our community is a welcome haven for new residents. I believe that my time on the Board as secretary and then president has been successful, in

great part, because of you. So many of you have offered your support with kind words, encouraging notes, and emails. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also owe a big thank you to our very cohesive board. Everyone has worked so well together with compromise and equality. A huge thank you also goes to Audra. She is my daily guide for making the right decision. I truly believe that the key to happiness and fulfillment in retirement and life is service. Volunteering is the path to meeting people, helping neighbors, and contributing to our community. I urge everyone to at least try it. It’s amazing how good you will feel! My fervent hope is that our new/old Board will be able to continue the strong financial position we hold and the positive, peaceful atmosphere in our beautiful building. It has been a privilege and an honor to serve you. Thank you. Brenda Brohard, President of the Potomac Ridge Board of Directors

The September Board meeting had approximately 29 residents in attendance. Brenda

Brohard announced that the Comcast implementation based on our new contract was in the final stages. All residents are urged to contact Comcast (855-MDU-BULK or 855-638-2855) if they have issues, questions or concerns. Paul Earle pointed out that on or about Sept. 25 construction at Riverbend will start with regards to the replacement of their roof. The roof

project is anticipated to take approximately six months. Pete and Ruth Ann Thrift in conjunction with the Activities Committee led the fund raising efforts for the Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department with a total of $8,490 being donated. Thanks to everyone involved and to the Building for your generosity. Water leakage is an ongoing concern in Potomac Ridge. Negotiations are under way to allow residents to purchase at a discount water turn off valves, toilet part replacements and water detectors. The Board highly recommends that all owners consider the replacement of these items. Finally the Board approved the list of candidates for the two open Board positions and for the one LWVA Board of Members position. Brenda Brohard and Chris Blake are running for the Potomac Ridge Board and Kathy Stegner for the LWVA position. - Chris Blake

MONDAY

Oct. 16

TUESDAY

Oct. 17

WEDNESDAY

Oct. 18

THURSDAY

Oct. 19

FRIDAY

Oct. 20

AM Tiers 01&02 Tiers 05&06 Tiers 09,10 &11 Tiers 15&16 Tiers 19&20

PM Tiers 03&04 Tiers 07&08 Tiers 12&14 Tiers 17&18 Tiers 21&22

P A G E 3

Potomac Ridge Library by Dottie Vazzana

We all have seen the shelves of books in our Party Room which constitutes

our building's library. Available to us day and night, whenever the need for a great read strikes, you may very well be able to satisfy your desire with a good book from this small but varied collection. For the past couple of years, Ruth Ann McGrail has been keeping our library in order. Simply alphabetically by author you may select the book of your choosing and keep it for as long as you like. When you are done, return the book to the lower shelf and Ruth Ann will replace it on the proper shelf for you. If you have books you would like to donate to this library, just leave them down on a lower shelf and Ruth Ann will take care of them.

Because there is limited space, only one copy of a book is kept here. Additional books and duplicates are taken over to the library in the Clubhouse which is a larger facility. Surplus books at the Clubhouse do not go to waste. They are donated to a group in Appalachia. Take a look at our little library and see if something might catch your interest. A big “thank you” to Ruth Ann for keeping this nice convenience to all of us running smoothly.

Potomac Ridge Craft Fair/Flea Market

Saturday, November 4 ~ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Potomac Ridge Activities Committee once again plans to sponsor a Craft Fair/Flea Market on Saturday, November 4, from 10:00 to 1:00 in the Party Room. You may reserve a table for ten dollars, payable to the Potomac Ridge Activities Committee. All profits from the sale go to the individual selling the items. Checks should be placed under Emily Lipson’s door, Unit 612, no later than October 21 with your name and the items you plan to sell. This will be used for publicity purposes. In past years we have had original paintings, hand-made baby items, homemade jams, knitted goods, jigsaw puzzles, hand-crafted jewelry and many other items. The Activities Committee will have a table of flea market items as well as a bake sale. Donations for this table will be accepted in the Party Room on Friday, November 3 from 3:00-5:00 or call Sheila Hood or Emily Lipson.

Purcellville Painted

Benches and Planters by Dottie Vazzana

The quaint and charming town of Purcellville is

again celebrating with their 2 nd Annual Summer Community Art project. This year fifty local artists painted 30 custom made wooden benches and 20 custom made wooden planters. These unique and colorful pieces of art are displayed throughout the town. The brainchild of Discover Purcellville and organizer is Michael Oaks. This fun display will be exhibited through Oct. 31, the benches and planters will then be auctioned off on Nov. 11 at the Purcellville Skating Rink at 7 p.m. to raise money for community projects. More information and pictures of the benches and planters are available at www.discoverpurcellville.org. Just seventeen miles west on Rt. 7, Purcellville has small town shopping, antiques and restaurants to enjoy. A fun Fall afternoon is waiting with the local artists benches and planters as icing on the cake.

Mix and Mingle

Halloween Party Monday, Oct 30 at 6p.m.

The annual Mix and Mingle

Halloween Party is upon us. This year’s event will be held Monday, October 30 at 6 p.m. in the Party Room. It is a dollar and a dish event, or $10 without a dish. Sign up on the mailroom table and join us for a spooktacular good time. Those in the best costumes will be awarded first, second and third prizes.

Come and join the fun!

P A G E 4

A Remembrance from the End of World War II, When the Japanese Surrendered on September 2, 1945

by Louise Koch

On August 14, 1945, I was at Nantasket Beach amusement park

in Massachusetts. I was fifteen. We had just dropped the atomic bomb on Japan and all of a sudden, everyone at the park was screaming, “The War is over!” I’ll never forget the euphoria I felt that day. Fire engines were driving around clanging their bells, church bells were ringing, never stopping. Cars were driving around honking their horns. The park was not far from the Charlestown Naval Yard, and there were lots of sailors at the park

at that time. They grabbed us and kissed us and my lipstick got smudged! Believe it or not, I jumped into a convertible with a bunch of other kids and we drove to the local hangout and I had a drink (at age 15!). I knew then that I never would drink again – it tasted awful! My brother was stationed in England and I wrote to him about what I did that day. When the war ended, my brother came home with his duffel bag, and unbeknownst to me, he had that letter in his belongings. When he died at the age of 80, his daughter found that letter in his file cabinet, and mailed it to me. And lo and behold, living here at Lansdowne Woods, another woman named Louise from Riverview, who shares my first name, and subs in our Saturday night bridge club, was at that same amusement park the same day I was there on August 14, 1945! On the deck of the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japanese Empire representatives and several Allied Powers formally signed the surrender on Japan September 2, 1945. Read Wikipedia for the history of the World War II. It was our good fortune to develop the Atomic Bomb before the Germans.

THE LIBERATOR By Alex Kershaw

This is a story about the ground war in

Europe from 1943 until the end of the war in 1945. It highlights the 45th infantry Division (Thunderbirds) and Felix Sparks, one of the leaders of the Thunderbirds. He was devoted to his men and so much so the German soldiers knew of him. Sergeant Bernard Fleming, whose wounded squad members had been rescued, later remembered that Sparks’ actions “buoyed the morale of all who were aware of his gallantry that day. Our commander had proved that he valued his soldiers’ lives and was willing to take large risks on their behalf.” The author spent five years

writing this book and it shows. His

writing is so good you will not want to

put the book down until you finish it.

It is one of the best and most realistic books I have read

about World War II. - Reviewed by Steve Mirin

Lecture/Luncheon:

"Fidel's Personal Spies - The Myers"

October 3 is the deadline to

make a reservation for the upcoming Lecture/Luncheon. Robert Booth, retired special agent for the State Dept., will present the true story of how a successful American blue-blood and senior U.S. Government official betrayed his country while spying for Fidel Castro. Signed copies of his book, Leaks, Spies and Lies, will be available for purchase for $20. Please join us in the Party Room at 12:00 on Tuesday, October 10, for lunch catered by Crossroads with the lecture to follow. Admission is $12 cash, or checks payable to PR Activities Committee. Please put under Emily Lipson’s door, Unit 612.

LECTURE LUNCH

WATERFORFD FAIR OCTOBER 6, 7 & 8 The Waterford Fair is a fun place to attend but will be even more exciting because our own artist, Ligia Inra

(Unit 509) is displaying her paintings in both the Fine Arts and Main Arts areas. Tour historic houses, watch juried artisans demonstrate techniques of traditional craftsmanship, stroll through the Old Mill and vintage barns transformed into galleries for painting, traditional crafts, dried flowers, and more! For more information go to: https://www.waterfordfoundation.org/programs/waterford-fair/.

P A G E 5

AVFRD DONATION DRIVE RESULTS

Our 12th annual donation drive for the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and

Rescue Department concluded on September 4. Along with a very generous donation from our Activities Committee, 96 Potomac Ridge residents gave a total gift of $8490 to this life-saving volunteer service! Since 2006, Potomac Ridge has given a total of $87,925 to the AVFRD. Our gift was presented to the AVFRD President and the Chief on September 8. THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED! During this year’s campaign, several residents questioned the need to donate to the AVFRD, since charges are now being billed to those receiving rescue/ambulance services. Loudoun

County funds only about one-third of the AVFRD’s annual operations budget. The department depends on donations, fund-raising activities and mortgage debt for the remainder. Any funds paid by individuals for ambulance services go to the county, not the AVFRD.

Reston Players Presents

Subscription holders of the Potomac

Ridge Theater Group will attend our first production of the season on Sunday, October 29. Carpools will leave from our lobby at 1:30 p.m. to see “Aida” at the Reston Community Center. Fourteen PR residents have purchased subscriptions. We have room for one more in our current carpools, so contact Emily Lipson, Unit 612, if you are interested in finding out more about this. Future plays include “Peter and the Starcatcher” on January 28, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on March 18, and “Thoroughly Modern Millie” on April 29.

Forever Angels by Dottie Vazzana

Many of us know personally or know of someone who has lost a child

through miscarriage, stillbirth or death shortly after birth. It is a tragic shock to a couple who has been anticipating with excitement and impending joy the arrival of a baby to have to face the heartbreaking emptiness of loss. The bonds between parent and child have already had their beginnings. Plans and visions of the future have been in hearts

and minds. Often no formal ceremony of closure is held as in other deaths. Yet the sympathy and empathy is felt for the life that ended before life even began but not before the bonds of love were formed. Our own Mary Anne Healy (Unit 505) has become a volunteer seamstress with Forever Angels (http://foreverangelsofvirginia.com/), an organization dedicated to providing comfort to individuals and families in their time of grieving. The beautiful white material, often satin and lace, for the infant's gowns comes from wedding gowns donated by women who feel a connection to this organization and cause. From one gown, Mary Anne, with her considerable talent and creative touch, has made numerous

small gowns for both boys and girls as well as fetal pouches. The object is to give dignity to the life that was lost and comfort to the parents to know that there are others who care. On a personal note, I am continually inspired by the many here at Potomac Ridge who give of their time and talents for a vast range of causes often borne of their own personal life experiences. It is a pleasure to live amongst those with such big hearts and bright smiles.

P A G E 6

Yoga Anyone? By Dawn Perusse

Did you see the inspiring article in the August Connector about the hour-long

Chair Yoga class at the clubhouse on M, W, F (and now Saturday too, for people who are working). Are you new to Yoga and wondering what it’s all about? It was new for Milt and me, so we decided to start with Nikki’s ½-hr Chair Yoga class in our very own party room on Fridays (12:15-12:45). This ½-hr class is all done while sitting on a chair, gently stretching your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, knees, ankles, and feet, with an emphasis on breathing. The combination of low lighting, soothing music, and specific and calming instructions from Nikki make for a very enjoyable experience. Even though you’re sitting on a chair, you can make it as easy or as strenuous a workout as you’d like. It’s probably a good idea to start out slowly, though, to avoid pain from using muscles you haven’t used in a while. Nikki encourages everyone to do only as much as they can, and offers alternative options for people with physical limitations. Milt and I recently “graduated” to taking the hour-long Chair Yoga class at the clubhouse (Nikki teaches the W & F classes). It is the same as the PR class, plus ½-hour of standing exercises, using the chair as a support for additional gentle stretching and balance-enhancing “poses.” There are also more advanced classes, such as the Slow Flow Yoga class. The first class is free, to see if it’s right for you, and then it’s $5/session thereafter. Come and give it a try. Like us, you might be very happy you did!

Opinion: Equifax and the whole US credit-bureau industry behave like pirates. With few checks and balances in the political system, the bad guys will go on plundering and holding everyone hostage. First, I did not ask any of the big three - including Equifax -

to plunder my accounts, collect my payment history and SSN, nor keep a hackable database. Did you? What's wrong with this picture? With the latest breach, I and others smell a class action suit of major proportions. Let's see, class action settlement divided by 143,000,000 reaps about three maybe four cents each. People ... read every credit card statement and every charge. Be your own security chief. And now, I need to consider joining Lifelock after the water has gone under the bridge back in JULY!!!!! Oh, by the way, Lifelock isn't cheap. And, unless you buy into their super-duper premium package - there is no (near) 100 percent assurance of safety. They have a 10% off sale going on as I speak. (Humbug) The SEC was hacked. The federal securities regulators said late on 9-22-17 that its massive electronic database (Edgar) which holds thousands of filings made by financial firms and public companies was breached last year. The SEC only realized the possibility of illicit trading in August this year. Really?! They just found out in August '17. (Quartz 9-21-17). Scientists are collecting poop from elite athletes. Their microbes may carry the secret to endurance. (Quartz 8-23-17) - By John Hood, jerhood914@gmail.com

POTOMAC RIDGE ANNUAL MEETING &

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS OCTOBER 18, at 7 p.m.

Owners will be electing two members to the Potomac Ridge Board of

Directors and one member to the LWVA Board of Members. If you wish to vote early, please bring your signed and witnessed proxy to the office. As has been the custom at Potomac Ridge, after the annual

meeting and the announcement of the election results, the Board

meets with the newly elected members and selects a new President,

Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The officers assume their

positions immediately after the Board vote.

79th ANNUAL LADIES BOARD

RUMMAGE SALE

It is this time of year again!!

October 10, 2017 we will be in Lansdowne Woods starting at 8:00. Please bring your items down to the loading docks by 8:00am. If you need assistance with heavier items, please contact Ladies Board at 703-771-2985 or email rummageladies@gmail.com.

P A G E 7

The Hours

Author: Michael Cunningham October 17 at 7 p.m. Led by: Lee Weitz

“The Hours” is the story of three

women searching for more potent, meaningful lives. Each is alive at a different time and place,

all are linked by their yearnings and their fears. Their stories intertwine, and finally come together in a surprising, transcendent moment of shared recognition.

Movie Night

“Light Between the Oceans”

Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:00 p.m.

Movie Night will be held on October 12 this month

due to a conflict with the Clubhouse. The movie to be featured is “Light Between the Oceans.” The film tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who rescue and adopt an infant girl adrift at sea. Years later, the couple discovers the child's true parentage and are faced with the moral dilemma of their actions. Please come to the Party Room at 7:00. There is no admission charge.

NEXT BINGO

IS FRIDAY

October13 at 7 p.m.

In September, there were fifteen players for BINGO

with several winners. Tilde Berini was the cover-all winner for the night. Mary Anne Healy helped out while Ruth Aldenberg recovered from her recent illness. Thank you, Mary Anne, and Ruth is doing better. Our next game will be played on Friday, October 13, in the Party Room at 7 p.m. All are welcome to join in the fun!

POTOMAC RIDGE'S VETERAN'S DAY 2017 MIX & MINGLE CELEBRATION, NOVEMBER 13 at 5:30 P.M.

It may be hard to envision the crisp, blustery days of November but they will be here

before you know it and we are preparing to celebrate our Veteran's in grand style! If you would like to pick up a tri-fold display board contact Sue Luster

(703-729-2852) or Cathie Holm (703-729-4950). Use the board or partial board to create and display a tribute to your particular Veterans (spouses, parents, siblings, and relatives). Post a picture, hang a hat, pin a medal, your choice! One picture or twenty, a cover or a ball cap, Sharpshooter, Wings or Dolphins - your choice! If you only have a single picture or two, contact Cathie Holm (703-729-4950) and she will make sure those pictures get displayed. Let's make this an all inclusive fun event!! If you have a story to share, military lore or true facts contact Carolyn Yosaitis (703-723-3213). She doesn't mind talking and will present your memories for you if you are too shy! You can contact Carolyn by phone or stop by her Unit 1101. REMINDER: Diane Edwards (Unit 307) is compiling a list with your name, branch of Service and a uniform photo (if possible and it will be returned) to be included in our Potomac Ridge Honor Board. ALL residents are encouraged to attend and are most welcome!

Potomac Ridge Red Hat Ladies of Leisure Lunch and Swim

Thursday, October 5 at 12:15 p.m.

On Thursday, October 5th, the Red

Hats will join the Potomac Ridge Lunch Bunch at Crossroads at 12:15. Bring

your bathing suits to lunch or wear them under your clothes because we are having a Pool Party following lunch. You may choose Lunch Only, Pool Only, or both. Spouses are welcome. Purple bathing suits and red baseball caps or visors are optional. Participants also have the option of joining the Water Yoga class which meets at 2:15. Looking forward to a splash-tacular time!!

Activities Committee

At the Sept.1 meeting, plans were finalized for the Labor Day Hot Dog Feast. This is in conjunction with the drive to raise money for AVFRD. Robert Booth, author of “Leaks, Spies and Lies” will speak at our Lecture/Luncheon on Oct. 10. The committee voted to purchase a copy of his book for our building’s library. Our annual Craft Fair will be held on November 4. There will be an Activities Committee table as well as a bake sale at the event.

P A G E 8

View from the Ridge A publication of The Potomac Ridge at Lansdowne

Woods Condominium Unit Owners Association

Brenda Brohard, President; Cora Menatti, Vice-President; Anne Miller, Treasurer; Chris Blake, Secretary;

Bill Mercier, Member

Copies available online at www.potomacridge.net

Potomac Ridge Management Team:

Audra Wallace, Manager; Carol DuPuis, Assistant Association Manager; Jay Burrell, Engineer;

Ernie Chilcotte, Assistant Engineer Produced by the Communications Committee:

Dan Behrooz, John Hood, Cora Menatti, Steve Mirin,

Anne Thomas (Chair), Dorothy Vazzana (Vice Chair), and Lee Weitz.

Photos by: Dan Behrooz and Michael Lipson

Visit our Potomac Ridge Web site at http://potomacridge.net/ for the latest "What's Happening" information.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Covenants

The committee has nothing to report at this time. Our next scheduled meeting is Monday, October 23 at 10:00 a.m. – Mary Ferney

Communications

The Communications Committee continues its efforts to plan articles for the forthcoming month. We have a lot of wonderful events in the coming months for the holidays! Please feel free to contact us if you have an article and/or ideas you would like us to feature. October 23 is the deadline for the November newsletter.

- Anne Thomas

Budget & Finance Committee

In a previous meeting we recommended approval of the 2016 audit, in which the auditor identified some items where we might have owed prior owners money from dues that were incorrectly paid. After a careful examination of those accounts by the Building Manager, including a statement from the auditor that there would be no adverse tax consequences, we recommended to the Board that we should be credited $6,269.62 for accounts that were in fact not owed to prior owners. We then began to review a draft of the 2018 budget that was prepared by the Building Manager. The Chair reviewed the nature of budgets in which there are some items that are fixed, either by contract or by some other organization setting the amount; there are other items that are estimates, sometimes made by staff, sometimes by committee members of future income or expenses; and then there are those items which are requests for new expenses which are entirely discretionary. It's important to remember which are which as we review the budget. Two such items that the chair proposed be treated as an external estimate were the line items for salaries, which the Board of Directors will determine at a subsequent meeting, and for which the Board provided a preliminary estimate for our use in drafting the budget. We began going through the draft line by line, and adjourned until a special meeting to be held on September 11 (at 1:00 pm) at which time we will complete the review and prepare a recommendation for the Board of Directors. – Mike Leavitt

Building Facilities Committee

The committee is recommending to the Board of Directors that our aging and nearly obsolete fire control system be completely replaced in 2018 at a cost of $114,165. This system is crucial to the safety of everyone living in Potomac Ridge. The funds will be taken from our replacement reserves. At its October meeting, the committee will discuss whether to reduce the number of exterior window cleanings from two to one per year, due to rising costs. - Pete Thrift