Fallsmead News
Calling All Volunteers!
January 13, 2023
Fallsmead runs as well as it does due to the effort, time, and talents of its residents. We have several openings for new volunteers on our committees, a list of which can be found
here. If you are interested in serving on (or learning about) any of these committees, please
reach out to one of the Board members or send an email to
president@fallsmead.org.
We are also looking for volunteers to fill several key positions:
- Pool Committee Chair - One key position that is open and needs filling urgently is chair of the Pool Committee. That committee reviews and oversees contracts for the pool management company that provides the lifeguards and maintains the pool operation during the pool season. It also oversees the maintenance of the pool and associated structures throughout the year. A renovation of the poolhouse has been under discussion, which adds to the importance of filling this post.
- Social Committee Chair - The Social Committee has been without a chair for a year. That committee helps organize community social events such as neighborhood picnics, parades, pool parties, house decorating contests, holiday events, and adult happy hours. The committee also identifies ways the neighborhood can participate in charitable events such as toy/food drives, etc.
- Fallsmead Forum Editor - We are looking for a new Fallsmead Forum Editor after this year. Anyone interested in that job could join us on the Communications Committee this year to start learning the ropes.
We look forward to working with you!
ACC Matter Regarding Unapproved Copper Gutters
December 12, 2022
In response to community interest, the Board of Directors is making available the presentation on this matter from the October 19, 2022, community meeting, as well as a followup explainer. Both documents can be accessed under the ACC section of the
Documents and Forms page of the website (residents are required to log in to their Fallsmead.org accounts to access this page).
Pipestem Culvert Bridge Construction Update
September 14, 2022
The long-awaited construction of a new pedestrian bridge at the Pipestem Place entrance to the park, replacing the old culvert frequently overwhelmed by rains and runoff, commenced on August 24 and is going very well, its progress helped by a stretch of fine weather.
During the coming weeks, the park certainly won't be looking its best. But the promise of a lovely new bridge, and the planned plantings of some 33 new trees (plus 150 smaller seedlings and live stakes) to partially make up for trees that unfortunately needed to be removed, will reward our patience.
The project’s Forest Conservation Plan, along with other documents, is available to residents by
clicking here.
Weather permitting, we hope to complete the project - which includes major stream restoration work - by the end of November.
The Fallsmead neighborhood Facebook group will continue to offer updates on progress. (
Click here to see some of the photos from the Facebok group.)
Finally, three safety reminders:
- The paths around the pond are closed off for safety. We've had reports of walkers sidling along the few inches between the fencing and the pond and using the fence as a handhold to avoid slipping off the bank, pulling the fence down in the process. Please stay clear of the area.
- Construction equipment is the property of our contractor, Triangle Construction, and should not be tampered with or climbed upon.
- The Pipestem Place entrance to the park is closed 24/7, seven days a week, until the project is finished. Please find an alternate route into the park.
If you have any questions about this project, please contact Pat Donohue or Bill Scharf, the Fallsmead Project Representatives at
grounds@fallsmead.org.
Lights, Camera...Fallsmead!
April 27, 2022
Did you see the new article featuring Fallsmead in the
Washington Post?
Click here to give it a read!
It has been a long time since we got a write-up like that in the
Post.
Click here for the last one that we know of from way back in 2002 (copied from an actual hard-copy paper, no less!).
Trucks in Fallsmead
January 21, 2021
The Board of Directors adopted in December 2020 a new "Overnight Garaging of Trucks & Commercial Vehicles Rule & Regulation" regarding the interpretation of Article VII, Section 4 of the Covenants that address overnight parking of commercial vehicles and trucks to define the terms “commercial vehicles” and “trucks” as used in the Covenants.
Under the new Rule and Regulation, the following vehicles are required to be garaged overnight:
- Commercial vehicles;
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 8,500 pounds or greater; and
- Any vehicle with a GVW rating under 8,500 pounds with an exposed flat/cargo bed, and/or physical divider between the passenger cab area and the other portion of the vehicle, unless the flat/cargo bed is covered with a fitted and intact covering, such as a tonneau cover or cap no higher than the cab, provided the covering is used to cover the flat/cargo bed overnight, or the flat/cargo bed is kept empty overnight.
Trucks as defined in the new Rule and Regulation with a GVW under 8,500 do NOT have to be garaged overnight if they have a cover over their cargo bed or their truck bed is empty.
