HILLTOP UPDATER ONLINE !
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HILLTOP UPDATER ONLINE ! |
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Our Winter Party and brief business meeting were held at the home of Lance and
Donna Optican this year. The party was attended by 15 Hilltop families, one half
of the 30 dues-paying homes of the Hilltop Civic Association, plus one invited
guest, former resident Len Schreiber. It was wonderful to see Len again. There
were 27 individuals in all.
President’s Message
Ron welcomed everyone and, after enjoying a delicious
meal, called the meeting together.
He thanked Lance and Donna for providing their
home for the Winter Party this year and also Lynette for handling the
invitations, purchasing supplies, and organizing everything.
Ron announced that the Cabin John Shopping Center had been sold by the Carl
Freeman Corp. to Edens, a retail developer for $165 million in December. The
shopping center currently includes ~214,000 square feet of retail and office
space. This can potentially be increased to add an additional 700,000 square
feet of new development with approval from the County. Glenn pointed out that
there is a 35 ft. height limitation currently in effect, so a high-rise cannot
currently be built.
Ron also stated that the County is aware that the intersection at Tuckerman Lane
and Seven Locks Road is a “failed intersection.” A right turn lane is planned
from northbound Seven Locks Road to Tuckerman Lane, to be funded by the
developers of Park Potomac at Montrose Road. The County is also aware of
problems caused by the bus stop on Seven Locks Road just north of Tuckerman Lane
and of general traffic congestion.
Treasury Report
Lenny said that a detailed financial statement covering the last year will be
sent to everyone in the near future. Dues for 2017 will remain the same at $150
per household payable to “Hilltop Civic Association” and are due at this time.
During 2016 the roof of the gazebo was replaced by
Dan and Ron R. (See photo on Hilltop’s website.)
Landscaping Committee Report
Carol S. said that it costs about $2,000 per year to maintain the hill (grass
cutting, weeding, pruning, and other maintenance). Approximately half of that
goes to services by Dan and the other half to Oscar. She pointed out that the
almost 50-year-old cherry trees are dying and will need to be replaced. This
will be an expected expense of hundreds, but not thousands, of dollars.
Social Committee
Lynette thanked everyone for the delicious dishes and said that it’s not too
early to request a volunteer to host next year’s Winter Party. Please let her
know if you are willing to do this. According to Donna, all you need to do is
rearrange a few chairs, create or designate a space for coats, and open your
front door. She said Lynette brings disposable plates, utensils, cups, napkins,
etc., and the guests bring all of the food. Clean-up is so easy – you just need
a large trash bag!
Helping Hands Committee
Carol L. asked everyone to please let her know if any neighbors become ill
and/or otherwise have need of assistance.
Hilltop’s Website
Lance recently added new content including lots of nice photos to the Hilltop
Website at
www.HilltopUpdater.net.
He encouraged everyone to send him any announcements or information of interest
they would like to see on the website.
Other
County repair:
“Norma’s corner” at the top of the hill has been a problem area for a long time
with trucks running over the curb and creating a mess. She said that the green
road markers kept getting knocked over and called the County to see what could
be done. Within a couple of weeks, the County arrived and installed sturdier
reflective posts to protect the corner. They also seeded the area with grass
seed.
Renovation:
Barb and Rob Nooter thanked everybody for their patience and understanding
regarding their home renovation which is expected to be finished in about a
month. They plan to have an open house of some type to show everyone the
results.
Fireplace:
Lance mentioned that he had noticed a crack in the refractory cement of his
fireplace several years ago and had to have it replaced. He suggested that
people check their fireplaces for cracks every year before lighting their first
fire. Klaus added that after the cement is repaired, you can install a metal
reflector plate to protect the fire brick.
Wine:
There are two bottles of red wine ($12 ea) and four bottles of white wine ($9
ea) left over from the case of wine that Lenny purchased for the party. Anyone
can purchase these and Lenny will deduct that amount from the amount charged to
the treasury.
(Minutes recorded by Donna Optican)