Town Crier Articles

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!

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.

 

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. 

 

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?

Usually we like to feature items about New Town entertainment or events for the February Valentine season, but this year we’re branching out to share a bit of Virginia Valentine history that you may be less familiar with. After all, Valentine’s Day is the start of a long 2020 weekend, so why not explore things out of the area?

 

Valentines, Virginia – Did you know that there is a community called Valentines (in Brunswick County) where you can get your special valentines hand-postmarked for February 14? Other states may have their “Santa Claus,” “North Pole” or “Bethlehem”, but Virginia has Valentines. The town started a heart-shaped postmark after World War II that is still in use. So history buffs and philatelists, you have a new spot to visit – Here’s more about this unique Virginia tradition in Richmond's Style Weekly

 

The Valentine Museum, Richmond- Located in downtown Richmond, The Valentine is a center for exploring the extensive history of the city of Richmond. Named for sculptor Edward V. Valentine, the museum features his restored sculpture studio. The Valentine also includes a National Historic Landmark, the Wickham House, a 19th century urban mansion that preserves some of the upstairs/downstairs life of the 1800’s and a new First Freedom Center, dedicated to the history of religious freedom in Virginia. From April to October, The Valentine is the starting point for a variety of walking tours of the City of Richmond.

 

Valentine Puzzles in Colonial Williamsburg- In 1768 valentines appeared in print in the Virginia Gazette in the form of acrostic puzzles praising the virtues of area ladies.  Many of these women subsequently married the author of their ode. "I have sometimes observed, with great pleasure, that your paper is become the channel for lovers to celebrate their particular favorites," a Norfolk subscriber wrote.

 

Perhaps instead of giving roses or chocolates, some New Town poets among us would like to revitalize this practice for their special valentine this year.

 

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.

For the past three years, Town Crier Editor Phil Casey steered the newsletter through changes with a new website, new members, and much business to report. He served one year past his assigned term to help with transitions within the Communication Committee, but in December he resigned to pursue other interests, including more time to devote to his music.

             

During Phil’s time as Editor, the Town Crier was published on the New Town Residential Association website as well as in print, available to all interested in the activities and news of our community.  Much of Phil’s responsibility as Editor lay in the need to format both print and electronic editions of the newsletter, a time-consuming task that involved design skill as well as patience. 

             

We as members of the Communication Committee thank Phil for his dedication to the Town Crier over the past three years, for his creativity and dependability in insuring its publication for each of the eleven scheduled months each year.  We will miss him. We also thank him for his willingness to help the transition and be available to the Town Crier’s new Editor, Max Pfannebecker, who begins his term with the February 2020 issue.

 

With the departure of Phil Casey, the Communications Committee welcomes local resident Max Pfannebecker as our new Editor and thank him for his willingness to take on the role, especially as we go through our transition period in 2020.

 

Max attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls where he majored in English Education and Journalism. He comes to Virginia through his work with Sysco Foods where he now serves as District Sales Manager for Sysco for Williamsburg and the surrounding areas.

 

A resident of Chelsea Green since 2018, Max is also President and founder of Triangle Skateboard Alliance, a nonprofit organized in 2017 to support skateboarding in central and coastal Virginia with the mission to increase the number of skate parks in the area as well as to serve the local communities in raising funds for projects such as providing food and school supplies for families in need.  The Williamsburg Community foundation recently awarded the Alliance a grant to support youth sports and summer camps in the area this summer.

 

In his “spare” time, Max enjoys painting, sculpting and woodworking as well as fishing and kayaking in the area waterways.  New Town is his home, and he looks forward to being involved in the growing number of activities and events here in the community we share.

 

The Communications Committee also welcomes two new members: Patti Vaticano and Christian Kent. You may run into Patti if you visit Edgeworth Park in our neighborhood where she greets visitors when she is not writing articles for the Town Crier. Christian brings to the committee much experience with social media and will be working toward enhancing our presence on Facebook and on the website.

 

With new members and old, we begin 2020 with many changes and much to do.  We thank you as residents for your past support and look forward to hearing from you in this new year.

 

Lucy Painter, Committee Chair

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!

 

 

On April 1, 2020 the New Town Residential Association (NTRA) will transition from a Developer-controlled Board of Directors (BOD) to governance by a Home Owner-controlled BOD. The new BOD will have 5 homeowner members with no more than two Directors from any one neighborhood.  More often than not, Home Owner Association (HOA) members wake up one morning to find out they are in charge without a clue of what to do.  Fortunately, the Developer of New Town provided for a Residential Advisory Board (RAB).  In the past few years, the RAB was given a lot of responsibility.  The RAB has taken steps that will provide the new BOD with a firm foundation. During the Fall of 2019, a Transition Committee made up of homeowners was chartered by the BOD.  The Transition Committee has already started a detailed review of documents, financials, insurance and development of policies and procedures.  The current contract with Town Management continues in the coming year so daily operations should go smoothly during the transition.  The recent Reserve Study shows that we are in good condition to repair and replace our amenities.  The RAB minutes, Town Crier articles, and Transition notes are posted on our Web. There is much to do.  But, we are in an excellent position for a smooth transition. 

 

There is one big task that needs to get underway now—recruitment and identification of candidates of the new BOD.   This means that the community needs YOU to consider running for the BOD yourself or to encourage a Homeowner you know to be a BOD member.  The Articles of Incorporation of the NTRA specifies that within 90 days after the expiration the Developer control (April 1, 2020), a new BOD controlled by Homeowners will take place.  There will be a special meeting of the Developer controlled BOD early in April 2020 for the BOD to officially disband.  So, we will want to have the new Board elections as soon as possible. With only two months to go before the Transition, it’s time to talk with neighbors who might consider running for a BOD position or consider running for a position yourself.

 

A primary responsibility of the BOD is to protect our property values and enforce the Declarations. The new BOD will take over the governance of the NTRA and be responsible for the operation, administration, and maintenance of common property.  A qualified Director will understand business and financial procedures, a strong knowledge of the Declarations, and applicable laws.  However, a successful BOD will also take steps to insure a good quality life for all residents.  This includes energetically supporting Committees, and working closely with New Town Commercial Association.  As in any leadership position, interpersonal relationship and conflict management skills are essential and the ability to put the needs of the Homeowners and NTRA first. Article IV of the Amended Bylaws in the Declarations has the details of the duties of the Directors.

 

The duties of the BOD may seem daunting but there are many supports in place to support the new Board. As part of the transition, the new BOD will receive training from the NTRA Attorneys who have a reputation as among the best legal practices for HOAs in Virginia.  The new BOD will also have access to the Homeowners who have served on the RAB and Transition Committee.  The RAB has recommended that monthly BOD meetings will be held in the evenings.  Attending the RAB meetings is good way to find out what is happening and specifics about the transition.  Also, be sure to read the Town Crier and look for messages about the transition and how and when to apply to be a candidate for the BOD.

 

               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.

 

 

 

 

 

Randolph (Randy) Flood will talk about the American Revolution and highlight certain events and personalities that have evolved into "myths" that confuse the truth, distort the facts, or outright lie about what really happened.  Randy is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the American Revolution Consortium for Civic Education; a nonprofit organization established to educate citizens about the American Revolution with an emphasis on History, Civics, World Geography, Economics and Historic Preservation. He is a frequent guest lecturer on topics about the American Revolution.

 

Graduating from Shepherd College, West Virginia in 1973, Randy began his professional career serving on the staff of the U. S. Committee on Environment and Public Works during the “Environmental Decade of the 1970’s” when most of our nation’s environmental laws were enacted.  Later, he joined the Legislative staff of U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. (I-VA) and eventually formed his own government relations firm, which represented numerous maritime and defense clients that included transportation pioneer Malcom McLean, the “Father of Containerization,” among others.  

 

While in Washington, D.C., Randy taught federal government courses on the legislative and budget processes as an Adjunct Faculty at George Washington University, and was a frequent guest lecturer at numerous colleges and universities, trade associations, business and Labor meetings and conferences.

 

Currently, he is Vice Chairman of the Williamsburg-Yorktown American Revolution Roundtable and a Co-Founder of the Dr. Joseph Warren Historical Society.

 

And watch for events in New Town like Carol - oke and Cocoa on Fridays in December and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

 

 

 

Thanksgiving weekend in front of the Regal Cinema