Town Crier Articles

Upcoming Fall Concerts in New Town
Posted on September 1, 2023 6:50 AM by New Town Commercial Association (NTCA)
 
The free concerts in Sullivan Square are restarting in mid-September on Wednesday evenings – starting at 5:30 PM.  Let’s hope for some cool evening weather. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy being outdoors. Dogs welcome! Gates open at 5pm. Shows start at 5:30pm.
 
Here’s the lineup!
 
Front Porch Chat
Posted on August 1, 2023 6:45 AM by Patti Vaticano
 
Well, we’re in the final stretch of summer, now.  For those “Summer People” out there, sadness has already set in.  Picnic baskets, pool noodles, flip-flops, and Hibachis will soon be mothballed for another year and many a constitution steeled against the cooler days ahead.  For those who are less charmed by summer months in the Tidewater, mosquito welts, sticky clothing, weeding woes, and the dreaded failure to hear the AC “click,” will be, blessedly, things of the past.  You can hear them all cheering, now.
 
But whatever your sentiments about the season, be safe and enjoy the days ahead.  Take those opportunities to see friends and family that will soon be engulfed in work and school, once more. Visit those places—seaside park and mountain trail—that will quickly offer less accommodating vistas and opportunities.  Most importantly, glory in the ever-changing Joys of the Seasons. Your favorite is never far away, and those seasons you can do without, make those favored seasons even more precious.
 
Riddle for the Month:  Where do you go to find a hot date?   
 
 
The Months by Sara Coleridge
 
  
January brings the snow,
makes our feet and fingers glow.
 
February brings the rain,
Thaws the frozen lake again.
 
March brings breezes loud and shrill,
stirs the dancing daffodil.
 
April brings the primrose sweet,
Scatters daises at our feet.
 
May brings flocks of pretty lambs,
Skipping by their fleecy damns.
 
June brings tulips, lilies, roses,
Fills the children's hand with posies.
 
Hot July brings cooling showers,
Apricots and gillyflowers.
 
August brings the sheaves of corn,
Then the harvest home is borne.
 
Warm September brings the fruit,
Sportsmen then begin to shoot.
 
Fresh October brings the pheasants,
Then to gather nuts is pleasant.
 
Dull November brings the blast,
Then the leaves are whirling fast.
 
Chill December brings the sleet,
Blazing fire, and Christmas treat
 
August Fun Fact:   August is National Sandwich Month!  Why, exactly?  Who knows!  Perhaps because sandwiches are a quick and easy cold meal to prepare in the sweltering August heat.  But the love of sandwiches goes back a long way.  It is believed that the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, John Montague (1718-1793), who, too involved to stop his game of cards, ordered meat between two pieces of bread be prepared for him at table.  His gaming addiction benefited us all.
 
Since August is National Sandwich Month, here is a quick and easy recipe for those hot weeks ahead:    
 
Italian-style Veggie Wrap                                                                                                          
 
Ingredients
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 cup cubed provolone cheese (1/2-inch)
1 cup cubed hard salami (1/2-inch)
1 cup chopped fresh broccoli/1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
12 pimiento-stuffed olives, chopped/12 pitted ripe olives, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup prepared zesty Italian salad dressing
3 tablespoons hot pepper sandwich relish or chopped pickled hot cherry peppers
1 tablespoon prepared Catalina salad dressing
6 romaine leaves/6 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches)
 
Directions:  In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. To serve, place a romaine leaf on each tortilla; top with filling. Fold up bottom and sides of tortilla, securing with a toothpick, if desired.
https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/italian-style-veggie-wraps/
 
 
Fun Craft:  Paper & Button Watermelon Slices      Perfect for kids!
SUPPLIES: glue stick (“heavy duty craft glue” is best); green and red craft buttons; small, black craft buttons; and white card stock paper 
  • First print out a colored picture of a slice of watermelon (“watermelon slice clipart” on Google Images) on a single sheet of white cardstock paper.
  • Next, have children trace the red and green colors of their watermelon slice, gluing each area with the color-coordinating buttons.
  • Finally, have the children glue on the “seeds” for their watermelon slice—the small, black craft buttons.
  • Once done, set it aside to let it dry completely before displaying proudly!
 
 
Pet Care:   Parked cars can be deathtraps for dogs. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes. Here’s what to do if you see a dog left alone in a hot car:
  • Gather information. Note the car’s color, make, and model, and write down the license plate number or take a picture of it.
  • Notify others. If there’s time, go into the nearest building and politely ask a manager to page the owner of the car immediately.
  • BE PERSISTENT! Remember: It takes just minutes for a dog to sustain brain damage when the weather is hot. Time is of the essence.
  • Monitor the dog. Go back outside and wait by the car. Don’t leave until the dog is safe!
  • Call for help. If the owner doesn’t show up or doesn’t unlock the car, call animal control.  If animal control can’t come immediately, call 911.  And remember: If all else fails, do whatever it takes to save the animal’s life.
 
As of 2016, it is permissible in Virginia for any law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical personnel or animal control officer to remove an unattended animal “at risk of serious bodily injury.”  There is not, however, a law that protects citizens from breaking into cars to rescue a dog. 
 
 
Riddle Answer:  Pick any date in August. They don’t get much hotter than that!
 
Lots of Spring and Summer Fun in New Town!
Posted on August 1, 2023 6:45 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
In the spring, New Town neighbors came together on May 5th to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Chelsea Green's green space common area. Neighbors enjoyed tacos with all the fixings desserts and salads. We played badminton and corn hole and had wonderful conversations in a circle that formed. It was good to connect with each other.  The children took turns and actively swung a cane at the pinata until the pinata broke open and the kids dived on the candy 
 
A raffle (gift card, courtesy of New Town Commercial Association) was won by Sue and Jim Turbish from Charlotte Park.
 
   
Our intrepid Committee volunteers!
 
Our events at the pool have also made a splash! So far this summer, neighbors have enjoyed two lunch-time pizza parties. Pizzas with various toppings, watermelon, brownies, and beverages were available for all. The watermelon is always a big hit on hot summer afternoons. There were some groups of families that included several generations, which is always fun to see. We also had some recent newcomers in attendance; they received a warm welcome to the New Town community.  
 
Two evening socials were also held at the pool. At the June 28 poolside social, residents appreciated an inviting array of appetizers.  The large dessert tray was also a hit as was the raffle.  July 28th was another fun evening, even though it was sweltering. 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
The Activities Committee will host a final lunchtime pizza party on August 26th. We look forward to seeing you there.
 
Stay tuned for details about events planned for the fall months brought to you by your New Town Residential Association Activities Committee.

Happy July 4th Weekend - Can You Help?
Posted on July 1, 2023 7:00 AM by Town Crier Staff
Front Porch Chat
Posted on July 1, 2023 6:57 AM by Patti Vaticano
 
TO ARMS! TO ARMS!    Repeating our desperate plea! If little things like knowing what your HOA is doing with your money; what landscaping projects are being launched, cancelled, or rescheduled; what new homeowner challenges are being experienced by your neighbors; what fun activities are being planned; what developments are coming, then perhaps you see the need for a healthy and active Communications Committee for your community.  Knowledge is power.  Without a Communications Committee, we are all blinded to what is happening around us. It is very much like exercising your right to vote.  If you care about who is in authority and in what way your life is being managed, you get out and vote.  Same deal, here.  
 
If you want to be informed and made knowledgeable about your New Town residency, then you need to volunteer and support the Communications Committee to be able to see what’s coming and what needs to be addressed. Yes. It will take a small sacrifice of your time.  But what is that compared to knowing and making known what is happening next with your money?  Perhaps you are new to our community and have some basic questions or need some background you think other owners would like to understand too.  Maybe you love Social Media and would like to see more engagement and news from residents. Please consider joining us in making New Town a community of informed and happy residents who are knowledgeable about life in their neighborhood--and beyond. Reach out today by clicking the link below and joining the NTRA’s Communications Committee:  The Few, The Proud, The Necessary.
 
 
Fourth of July Riddle:   What do you get when you cross a patriot with a curly-haired dog?
 
13 Fourth of July Fun Facts:   
  1. The Liberty Bell is struck 13 times, every July Fourth (It no longer is rung due to its crack, of course.);
  2. Massachusetts was the first state to celebrate the Fourth of July;
  3. There have been 27 versions of the American flag;
  4. Apple pie has been the “go to” dessert for Americans since the 1700’s;
  5. Bristol, Rhode Island, has the longest standing tradition of a Fourth of July parade;
  6. Three US presidents have died on the Fourth of July--James Monroe, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson—and President Zachary Taylor fell fatally ill on the day after attending Fourth of July orations.  He died on July 9th;
  7. Hawaii’s fiftieth star was added to the Flag on July 4, 1960;
  8. Americans consume 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July;
  9. Only John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776;
  10. 16,000 fireworks displays take place every Fourth;
  11. The Fourth of July was first celebrated 100 years AFTER the signing of the Declaration of Independence;
  12. The Star-Spangled Banner was not adopted as our national anthem until 1931; and
  13. It was once considered disrespectful to keep your business open on the Fourth of July.
 
Concord Hymn—by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1837)
 
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
   Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood
    And fired the shot heard round the world.
 
The foe long since in silence slept;
   Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
   Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
 
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
   We set today a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
   When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
 
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
   To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
   The shaft we raise to them and thee. 
 
Fourth-of-July Fun Craft:  Using food coloring, beach sand, and baby food or Mason jars, the kids can create patriotic sand art for your Fourth of July picnic table.
 
 
 
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A Yummy Fourth of July Hack! With a plain, iced sheet cake from your local grocery store and fresh blue berries and strawberries, you can serve up the American flag!
 
 
 
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Pets and Fireworks, Some Pet Care Suggestions:  A repeat—but an incredibly important reminder. House pets suffer greatly on the Fourth of July. The local fireworks display we all enjoy to commemorate the day is prolonged terror for a house companion.  Here are ten safety tips that might help you and them:
 
1.    Desensitize your pet by playing YouTube fireworks postings in your TV;
2.    Ready a safe place or bedding crate for him or her before the day arrives;
3.    Update licenses and tags;
4.    Have plenty of toys on hand to distract your pet;
5.    Use a thunder shirt (available on Amazon, of course) on your pet;
6.    Tire your pet out with a long walk before the fireworks begin,
7.    Shut curtains and blinds;
8.    Put the radio on or play CDs;
9.    Consider medications recommend by your vet; and
10.  Stay home with them, if at all possible.
 
Riddle Answer:  A Yankee Poodle
 
UPCOMING SUMMER FUN AT THE NEW TOWN COMMUNITY POOL
Posted on June 1, 2023 7:00 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
Mark your calendars for some great summer fun for New Town residents. All events are at the New Town Community Pool.
 
These events are organized by the New Town Residential Association Activities Committee. Volunteers to help us staff events are always welcome – if you can help on any of these dates, contact Liz at efwolf@wvu.edu
 
 
 
PIZZA PARTIES - Noon to 1:30 PM - Saturdays
  • June 10
  • July 15
  • August 26
Free pizza, brownies, watermelon and water and lemonade will be served.
 
 
POOLSIDE SOCIALS – (updated)
  • Thursday, June 29th - 6 to 7:30PM
  • Friday, July 28th  - 7:30 to 9
Poolside social and swim (if you wish). Meet new neighbors and chat with old friends.
 
Bring a beverage if you like. Cheese and fruit, cookies, water and lemonade will be provided.
 
 
POOL VOLLEYBALL – starting June 28th
 
Wednesday and Friday evenings 5:30 to 7:30PM
 
Open to all ages – noncompetitive fun. All equipment is provided. 
 
Note: days may change depending on attendance. Check the NTRA website calendar for updates.
 
 
Bring your pool pass for admission to all of these activities.
A Shout Out for Pool Season 2023!
Posted on May 1, 2023 7:30 AM by NTRA Pool Committee
 
The New Town Community Pool is set to open May 27th for the 2023 season. Your Pool Committee is excited to bring you a number of terrific improvements this year, in addition to continuing the very successful key card system, put into place last year. 
 
Through year-round efforts, the pool committee is happy to share that 10 brand new loungers have been added this year and the NTRA Board negotiated for additional lifeguards on weekends and holidays. In response to pool patrons’ feedback, the Committee has secured the NTRA's approval for a beverage vending machine at the pool this year and is working hard to get that in place prior to the pool opening this season. 
 
2023 Pool Rules and information has been sent via eblast to NTRA homeowners and is posted on the NTRA website’s Pool & Clubs page. May 11th is the target date for submission of the appropriate documents to Chesapeake Bay Management, whether you need to get your pool passes reactivated, or you’re a new pool pass user in 2023. You will find all of the instructions and documents here.  
 
An opportunity for new Residential Association owners to pick up passes (after appropriate document submission) at the pool is scheduled for Thursday, May 18th from 4:00-7:00pm. (Condo owners and renters in the New Town Commercial Association need to contact their own management companies to obtain or reactivate passes.)
 
Some new signage at the pool this year will help to keep the pool area secure and safe, while also informing residents of hours and events. Stay tuned for several events planned by the NTRA Activities Committee at the pool. A lot of effort, dedication and time goes into the three months of safe and fun pool days for the residents of New Town. Many thanks go to the friends and neighbors who serve on the committees and Boards to make this all possible! We look forward to seeing you at the pool throughout the season! 
 
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at our Community Potluck!
Posted on May 1, 2023 7:22 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
Friday, May 5, 5:30-7:30
 
Chelsea Green Park
 
Join your friends and neighbors at the Chelsea Green Park (intersection Lydias Drive and Discovery Park Boulevard) for a potluck celebrating Cinco de Mayo, a key event in Mexico’s drive for independence. 
 
The NTRA Activities Committee will set up games, break a piñata and raffle off a gift card, complements of the New Town Commercial Association.  Everyone in New Town is invited.
 
We will provide tacos and fixings and water and juice. 
 
Bring a chair and a dish to share! 
 
 
Rain Date:  Saturday, May 6, 5:30  
New Town Cornhole Fun
Posted on May 1, 2023 7:10 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
Laughter rang out across Abbey Commons on several Sundays this April as neighbors from across New Town gathered to play cornhole in the late afternoon.  While a few of the players were experienced, the novice bean bag players, adults and children, found to their delight that if you can toss a light bean bag, anyone can play cornhole.   And you can score a point if your bag just lands on the board.  Residents enjoyed meeting new people and catching up with friends.   
 
We have more cornhole Sundays scheduled for May 7 and 21 at 3:30 at Lydias Park in Abbey Commons (corner of Town Creek and Lydias). Note: date change to 1st and 3rd Sundays of May.
 
Also check out volleyball and badminton on other Sundays in May to be announced at Chelsea Green (corner of Discovery Park Blvd. and Lydias.)
 
Everyone, New Towners and their friends and family are welcome.
 
     
New Town Celebrates Earth Day with a Clean Up
Posted on May 1, 2023 7:10 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
On Saturday morning April 22, sixteen New Town volunteers including two children and one teenager, armed with pickers and wearing bright orange vests, participated in a celebration of Earth Day organized by the Activities Committee, with the assistance of the James City County Clean County Commission.  They helped beautify our community by picking up trash on the walking paths and woods along Ironbound Road, Longhill Road and Monticello Ave, filling 15 large orange trash bags.  Volunteer John Stratton observed:  "We made a difference and that feels good…even better that we travel that road often and get to enjoy the fruits of our labor."
 
 
 
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