Town Crier Articles

Extended Mulch Beds to Curb Pet Damage to Turf
Posted on March 1, 2020 7:00 AM by Patti Vaticano
Categories: Life in New Town
Dogs are popular and always welcome in New Town, as they add a richness and greater dimension to our lives.  Unfortunately, dog urination is damaging community turf.
 
The Landscape Advisory Committee has developed a pilot program to address the problem and is asking dog owners to assist in its implementation. The intent is to find a solution that protects the community’s investment in landscaping while also addressing the daily needs of dogs and their owners. A total of four test sites have been identified in the neighborhoods most impacted by the problem--Chelsea Green, Savannah Square, Abbey Commons and Village Walk,  Each mulch bed will be situated on common property between curb and sidewalk, near an established dog station, and incorporating a tree, a fire hydrant, or both.  The appearance will be that of a markedly extended mulch bed clearly identified with appropriate signage. In a few weeks, you will be seeing these extended mulch beds being prepared. More specific location information will be provided, shortly, as well as a sincere appeal to dog owners to “Respect the Turf.” and use the extended mulch beds, as requested. LAC member, David Carter, will lead the project, and fellow-LAC member, Eden Glenn, will communicate to New Town residents the systematic progress being made. 
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Save the Date - Activities Committee Releases 2020 Noon Talks Schedule
Posted on March 1, 2020 7:00 AM by Mike Reilly, Board Liaison to Asset Maintenance Committee
Categories: Life in New Town
The NTRA Activities Committee has released dates and topics for 2020's Noon Talks series held quarterly at Center Street Grill (registration for March 11 Noon Talk below).
 
NASA’s Search for Life Beyond Earth
John Delano, PhD - Geochemistry and NASA Researcher
Wednesday, March 11 @ 12:00 PM
Center Street Grill
 
Archeological History of Our Roper Park
Joe Jones, Director, W&M Center for Archeological Research
Wednesday, May 13 @ 12:00 PM
Center Street Grill
 
Dream Catchers Therapeutic Riding – How it Enhances the Lives of Individuals with Physical, Emotional & Developmental Needs
Tom Miller, Retired Physician and Charlotte Park Resident
Wednesday, September 9 @ 12:00 PM
Center Street Grill
 
An Historical Interpreter’s Experience at Mt Vernon and Washington’s Tomb
Dave Gaydos, Historical Interpreter and Charlotte Park Resident
Wednesday, November 11 @ 12:00 PM
Center Street Grill
 
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New Town Pet Showcase
Posted on March 1, 2020 7:00 AM by Patti Vaticano
Categories: Life in New Town
Betty Painter (Submitted by Lucy and Charlie Painter)
In April 2019, my husband, Charlie, and I lost our 20-year old cat, Sunny, known to some in         Charlotte Park as the “Cat that got away.”  He escaped when we moved in and returned five days later, much the worse for wear.  When kidney disease took him in April, we made a firm decision:  No more cats.
 
Then we met Betty.
 
Betty was a resident of Matthews-Gloucester Humane Society where she had lived for over a month.  We were not looking for a kitten but another older cat, and Betty was turning five when we found her. Her former family had been transferred with the military and were unable to take her or her brother with them.  Her brother found a forever home within the first week; but, according to the adoption counselors, Betty’s blind eye frightened off some adopters.     But not us.
Betty has ruled our house, including our two dachshunds, since May 22 of last year.  She is, in the words of our cat sitter, a “confident” cat, code word for spoiled, and happy – and home.
 
Athena and Bull (Submitted by Max Pfannebecker)
Sugar Gliders, Athena, age 7, and buddy, Bull, age 9, share their New Town home with companion, Max Pfannebecker.  Though native to Australia, Athena and Bull were bred locally by Highland Sugar Gliders in Smithfield. In the wild, gliders live in colonies of a dozen or more and even as pets their good health requires company of their own species--hence this happy two-some. 
 
While they may look like flying squirrels and can “fly” similarly; unlike squirrels, sugar gliders are marsupials, mammals whose offspring are born incompletely developed and are carried and suckled in their mother’s belly pouch until maturity. They’re very active and affectionate and like to snuggle up in hoodie pockets. Their fur is very soft like a chinchilla.
 
They eat mostly fruits and vegetables with a homemade glider food that adds other essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Sugar gliders, much like a dog or cat, live 12 to 15 years.
 
Lilas Chandler (Submitted by Joyce Brown Chandler)
I took this photo of my cat, Lilas, last night. She was helping me complete my online leadership training required of my employer. She was truly intent on absorbing the new knowledge.  
Bailey Stetler (Submitted by Chuck and Susan Stetler)
My name is Bailey Stetler and I am a combination beagle and Tennessee walker. I now live with my mommy and daddy on Rollison drive. Before I was rescued three years ago, I spent some time at Heritage humane society. It’s hard for me to remember my life before the Stetler’s, but I’m told I never lived in a house. Never even walked with a leash.
My mommy Susan, had lost a sweet beagle called Molly a year before...and she said she only wanted a five pound dog if she ever got another dog. That she was tired of big heavy dogs. Well, I knew I weighed more than five pounds.....more like 55 pounds!! So, I had to pour on the charm... .and
it worked... and soon I was a member of the family. What a good life I have had these past three years....lots of walks, and plenty of great food. Maybe too much. Possibly I should call Oprah or Marie Osmond?. I somehow knew that these people would love me and give me the best home a dog could ask for. I hang out a lot with my mommy because I never know when she’ll be going to the kitchen....more food for me!!! Recently my mommy had an accident on the porch when my daddy wasn’t home, and she called for me. Only, she must have hit her head because she called me Lassie. I asked her,” who is Lassie ?” Just another fun day here at the Stetler home. My daddy says that I am the perfect dog for them...I never bark, I sleep good, and I take long naps. And you can see from my picture that my favorite place is under the kitchen table looking and begging for food from my mommy. Its a wonderful life !!
 
 
If you have a furry companion who deserves a moment of New Town fame, please email bio and pic to Patti Vaticano at pastaparty54@gmail.com.
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Kung Fu Tea & TKK Chicken Add 1-2 Punch to New Town's Dining Options
Posted on March 1, 2020 7:00 AM by Maxwell Pfannebecker
Categories: Life in New Town
You may have noticed a shiny new sign hanging over the vacant space between Conte's Bike Shop and the old Dudley's Bistro location on Courthouse St. The new tenant will be a combination location of Kung Fu Tea, a decade-old international startup specializing in the wildly popular bubble tea phenomenon, and TKK Chicken, a Taiwan-based veteran of the overseas fast food market dating back to 1974.
 
For owner Feiyan Lin, it will be her second Kung Fu Tea location and she hopes to repeat the success of a buzzing location in Newport News near Christopher Newport University. The interior is sleek and adorned with bright colors, vibrant music (that isn't too loud) and includes tables, chairs, and even a comfy couch for patrons to enjoy Kung Fu Tea's vast selection of potables spanning from bubble tea to milk tea to smoothies and espresso. If you've never had bubble tea (also known as pearl milk tea, boba milk tea, or simply boba) it's definitely worth a whirl. Kung Fu Tea USA describes it as "a Taiwanese drink that was invented in Taichung in the 1980's. Typically, tea is mixed with milk or fruits and topped off with chewy tapioca balls (bubbles, boba, pearls). Customers can go classic tea or slush, milk tea or punch—and more. All drinks can be customized in three steps: Topping Level, Sugar Level, and Ice Level. Toppings range from bubbles and popping bubbles to different types of beans and jellies. Bottom line: you can't go wrong and trust your baristas (also known as Kung Fu Masters) to guide you to your new favorite drink.
 
Joining Lin's lineup in this location will be the launch of her first TKK Chicken location and even though they've been overseas for over 40 years, they've only been on the domestic scene since 2018 with locations in New York and throughout the Northeast, Detroit, Oklahoma, and Texas. New Town will be the growing empire's eleventh location. The menu includes flavorful Taiwanese style fried chicken in original, crispy, and spicy crispy varieties as well as sandwiches, tenders, and a very Westernized selection of sides like seasoned fries and biscuits. Most notable, however, is one of TKK's signature dishes called Kwa Kwa Bao, a mixture of sticky rice and shiitake mushrooms stuffed into chicken skin and fried to crispy brown (and yes your author will be waiting in line to try this decadent delicacy on day one).
 
Construction is almost complete and Lin expects to be open for business sometime in March, though a firm date hasn't been set. If you would like to dream (and maybe drool a little) about TKK's deliciousness, you can get started by visiting the websites for TKK Chicken or Kung Fu Tea! 
 
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Little Library Update & Pictures
Posted on March 1, 2020 7:00 AM by June Dawkins
Categories: Life in New Town
Work on the New Town Book Clubs' Little Library is underway! Look for details on the planned April dedication in the next issue. For more info, check out the Little Library Article in the February issue of New Town Crier.
 
 
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What’s in a Name - Streets of New Town
Posted on February 1, 2020 7:00 AM by June Dawkins
Categories: Life in New Town
Recent articles have delved into the history of Roper Park and reported on why New Town’s newest neighborhood is called Shirley Park. For others living here, how many of you have wondered how your street, as well as the common areas and neighborhoods of New Town, got their names? 
 
According to Robert Casey and his son in law, Town Management President Randy Casey-Rutland, who provided the details for this article, some of the street names and locations were chosen to recognize the people who were instrumental in founding the New Town community. Casey Boulevard is a major entry.  Joe Stettinius, Larry Salzman, active managing Board Member, and John McCann all will have streets bearing their names in Shirley Park.  Stettinius was one of the founding New Town visionaries and advisors. McCann was for many years the CEO of New Town Associates, which developed New Town. Stettinius and McCann are no longer living, but Salzman continues his role in leadership, which he has done since New Town’s inception.  Sullivan Square behind Legacy Hall is named for Tim Sullivan, the 25th president of the College of William and Mary. The College is a partner in New Town Associates. There are plans for a marker in Pecan Square at the Ironbound entrance to be dedicated to Robert’s father, Carlton Coleman Casey, the father of Robert and his brothers Carleton and Lewis. The family land formed the majority of New Town.
 
Robert says other names were chosen to recognize Casey family members. Most of these are streets in Charlotte Park. Do you live on Elizabeth Davis Boulevard?  She was Robert Casey’s grandmother and Ercil was Lewis’ wife.  Lucretia Way is named for Robert’s and his brothers’ great aunt, the Olive of Olive Drive was their mother, and their great grandmother was a Rollison.
 
In naming the streets in other neighborhoods, except Village Walk and Settlers Market, where names were chosen by their builders, Helen was chosen because it is the name of more than one family member. Luanne is a cousin, but the actual spelling differs.  All potential street names must be submitted to and approved by James City County. If a name is too similar to one in existence, it needs to be modified, as was the case here.
 
Most of the other street names in New Town are female. These and the neighborhood names, like Savannah Square and Chelsea Green, and were chosen because they were of British origin in recognition of the Williamsburg area’s colonial past. So, if you live on Shannons or Lydias, Brittany, Beverly or Marthas, your street was meant to evoke a sense of history, rather than to serve as a tribute to a specific person, although there certainly were plenty of real Marthas in colonial Virginia.
And what about Victoria’s Way?  Is it a secret? No, it was named for the queen!
New Town Boards Approve Little Library
Posted on February 1, 2020 7:00 AM by June Dawkins
Categories: Life in New Town
The New Town Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Residential Advisory Board (RAB) have approved an application by the Book Clubs of New Town to install a Little Library in the Residential section of our community.  The concept is that a resident can contribute a book to pass on and another resident can take it and/or put in a book of their own.  Books that fit in the box for all reading levels will be accepted.
 
The first Little Library was put up in Hudson, WI in 2009.  This one library grew into the Little Free Library organization, a non-profit with more than 90,000 libraries in 91 countries by August of 2019. They sell kits for organizations that do not want to construct their own.  Many more such libraries have been erected individually by homeowners and communities.  The New Town Commercial section currently has a one in the parking lot behind Iron Bound Gym.
 
The new Little Library will be installed on the Elizabeth Davis Boulevard green across from the other Residential amenities, the Pool and the Playground in Charlotte Park, so as not to encroach on individual property or VDOT street strips.  The design will be consistent with the architectural standards of surrounding homes. It is being sponsored by the members of the Book Clubs and constructed and installed by volunteers.   
 
Keep up with the Crier, as progress is reported in the coming months.
New Board of Directors to Shape New Town's Future
Posted on February 1, 2020 7:00 AM by Kathy Mullins
This is a milestone year for the New Town Residential Association (NTRA).  On April 1, the developer-controlled Board of Directors (BOD) will relinquish authority and responsibility for governance of this community and a homeowner-controlled BOD will be elected.
 
Now what?  If any NTRA member does not know what this Transition Period entails, please read John Marston’s clear and concise summary Recruiting New NTRA Board of Directors. 
 
This transition period is a very important time.  The work to audit documents, review status and recommend action, continues. One of the most critical tasks is recruiting qualified homeowners to serve on the new BOD; another, seeking additional volunteers for openings on all committees, including those newly formed.
 
Qualification
Two residents, Lisa Trichel-Beavers and Bill Voliva, who formerly served on the RAB shared their experiences. 
 
Lisa had never lived in an HOA community before becoming an early resident of Chelsea Green. “It was around 2011 when John Wright talked to me about getting involved.  I knew that as a homeowner I should know more about HOAs. Serving on the RAB might be a good way to learn. So I pulled out the HOA docs and started reading,” she said, and added, “Everyone should do that – they explain a lot.”During her time on the RAB, Lisa says, she learned a great deal, but asked so many questions. “Too many, I thought.  But then, other RAB members told me that my questions helped them look at issues from a different perspective.”
 
When Bill Voliva accepted a position on the RAB, he brought with him a great deal of experience. Before moving to Charlotte Park he was an executive manager at Kings Mill, a large, complex community. “I’ve had these responsibilities before, so I knew what I wanted to do as an RAB member.”
 
“Some people think they don’t have the right skills to be on an HOA board. There is not any one resume or set of credentials that mark an ideal BOD candidate. There are many ways to be an asset. One member may be a financial genius; while another is a speedy note-taker who can draft minutes within minutes of leaving the meeting.  Having an appealing personality and the ability to engage another person in a frank, but fruitful discussion of issues, is a valuable quality that is sometimes overlooked,” according to Bill. “Right now we need to have as many people as possible become involved in various ways in running New Town, from its governance to its social activities.  That would be one of the strongest links that we could have as we transition to managing our own community,” he asserted.
 
When the BOD was initially devising committees to carry out some of the management work, Lisa was part of an energetic campaign to recruit volunteers.  From the beginning, according to Lisa, the BOD wanted a broad representation of residents and neighborhoods on the NTRA committees.
 
“Quite a few of us went out two by two and knocked on doors to make sure everyone knew what efforts were underway and what kind of help was needed. It was a great way to enlist people,” Lisa recalled.  “We also held open meetings to discuss issues like those involved with building the community pool. Homeowners were encouraged to plan neighborhood events that would bring people together.  Chelsea Green had great picnics with games for the kids. It was fun and we got to know each other.  This would be a good time to do more of that.”
 
Lisa still uses every opportunity to sound out newcomers about their interests and skills, and persuade them of the rewards of volunteering.  Upon learning that one young father she spoke to had agreed to serve on the RAB, she called him to offer babysitting services during meetings, should he need help.  “It’s hard for parents to free up time for committee responsibilities, especially meetings — I thought babysitting might help,” she said, “and, I was really glad he stepped up.”
 
The Board’s decision in 2010 to create a Residential Advisory Board (RAB) proved to be an excellent step. The RAB has been able to foster communication throughout the neighborhoods, cultivate leadership and encourage greater involvement of NTRA members. In some ways the RAB actually served as an unplanned training ground for BOD service.  But the RAB can only make recommendations; the BOD has the responsibility and the authority to make decisions.
 
“What I encourage people to do if they have any thoughts of putting themselves forward for BOD consideration, is to come and sit through a meeting.  By simply watching the action that takes place they’ll learn what it is like to participate. Sitting there will also help that individual determine whether being on the BOD is something he or she wants to do, . . . or not,”  Bill suggested.
 
He usually advises a community member who is interested in “getting started” with some type of involvement, to begin with one of the NTRA Committees. For someone who really enjoys gardening, the Landscape Committee would be a natural choice. “It’s an easier way to get comfortable with the process and learn how to work in concert with others,” Bill explained. “While committees are focused on projects or issues, the BOD is all encompassing.  You can’t just think about part of the agenda.  You have to care about all of it.”
 
Lisa and Bill, who have both remained active in the community, recognize that when homeowners are part of the process, they start to take ownership of the community and become invested in working out solutions to problems. There are many other personal benefits: new friends, better grasp of issues, being in the know.  Best of all, it is very rewarding to help make changes and work towards solutions. 
 
Motivation
One of the main responsibilities of the BOD is to protect property values and maintain a sound community. For some NTRA members, this might be the main reason to step up as a BOD nominee. Others, remembering what caused them to buy a home here in the first place, may be motivated to protect the quality of life that we all enjoy. Both areas are important. 
 
Under homeowner control many changes could be proposed: for example, rules and regulations, committee size and meeting time, use of common elements that belong to all NTRA members, and more.  Members that want to have input in certain areas, should get involved soon with the committees and boards concerned. There will be important meetings to update NTRA members and help everyone understand issues as they arise. Be sure to attend and listen. 
 
What we can all do is:  Get informed (read the Docs, Committee minutes, Crier articles); Attend meetings (BOD, RAB, Transition or other Presentations); Persuade capable people to serve; Volunteer to serve in some capacity.  Or  maybe,  .  .  . offer to babysit?
Please Share Pet Pics for the Animal Companion Showcase!
Posted on February 1, 2020 7:00 AM by Patti Vaticano
Categories: Life in New Town
For those of you who share your home and lives with the four-footed, furred, feathered, or finned and recognize the importance of animal companionship—and, in particular, how your own roomie enriches your life--please consider sharing their photo and a brief profile with your New Town neighbors.  It will enrich our community, and, hopefully, help forward the cause for animal ownership and adoption.   So many animals need homes; so many people have space and love to give. Please submit your photo and bio by February 21st for inclusion in our March publication.  Grab that 15 minutes of fame for your little guy or gal!
 
 
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. –Anatole France
Charlotte Park Christmas Carolers
Posted on January 3, 2020 3:02 PM by Town Crier Staff
Categories: Life in New Town
 
               Neal Witherspoon organizes the Charlotte Park Christmas Carolers on December 23, 2019
 
 
       The Charlotte Park Christmas Carolers in performance.  Prior to caroling, the group lit luminaries that staid lit through December 27.
 
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