OCTOBER 2009

Volume 11 Issue 7

Please Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Min

New Valet Owners Bring New Ideas, New Items
Mrs. Kyung Sook Min and Mr.
Hyun Ki Min are the new proprie-
tors of the Marina Towers Valet,
and thus the newest members in the
“Marina Towers Family.” The Mins
have vast experience in running a
Valet, as they spent seven years run-
ning the Valet at Park Place Condo-
minium on North Van Dorn Street.
The Mins haven’t always been in
the United States though. Up until
1987, they resided in Seoul, South
Korea. Seoul is the capital city of
South Korea, and with a population
of over 10 million people, it’s one
of the largest cities in the world.
However, Seoul is perhaps best
known for hosting the 1988 Summer
Olympics.
Mrs. Kyung Sook Min and Mr. Hyun Ki Min are the new proprietors of
As native Koreans, the Mins have
the Marina Towers Valet. The Mins are from Seoul, S. Korea. Before
picked up English in the 22 years
coming to America, Mrs. Min was a nurse and Mr. Min was an artist.
that they have lived in America. —Photo by Chris Nahlik
Upon leaving Korea, the Mins
headed to Northern Virginia and and paintings, and Mrs. Min was a Mr. and Mrs. Min hope that in
currently live in Falls Church. They nurse (which she calls the favorite your free time, you will stop into the
have been married for 25 years. job she’s had). They list Korean Valet to do some shopping, drop off
The Mins have one son, Michiel, food as their favorite food, singling some laundry or dry cleaning or rent
who is 20 years old and currently out bulgogi and kimchi as their fa- a movie—and spend a little time
attending George Mason University. vorite dishes. In their free time they getting to know the new proprietors.
While in Korea, Mr. Kim was an like to watch Korean TV shows and —Christopher Nahlik
artist who specialized in drawings Korean movies.

The Prez Says . . Page 3

Inside... Management & Facilities Reports . . Page 5
Interview With New Valet Owners . . Page 6
Astrology Column: The Worth of Community . . Page 7
See Page 11 for weekend events. Smithsonian’s Forensic Science Exhibit & New Access to Monroe Ave . . Page 9
Building Our Caring Community: Neighbors Helping Neighbors . . Page 10
“Casper’s Friendly Dog Park” Naming Ceremony & Dedication . . Page 11
 MARINA TOWERS
NEWSLETTER
Editor/Publisher: Gail Miller
240-667-2050
gail.miller@comcast.net
Marina Towers
Administration Office
703-549-0660
FAX: 703- 549-8958
Published Monthly by:
MARINA TOWERS:
A CONDOMINIUM UNIT
OWNERS' ASSOCIATION
501 SLATERS LANE
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Terri Hauser
Vice President: Chuck Adams
Treasurer: Mary Harris
Secretary: Ann Kaupp
Sgt-at-Arms: Don Devries
THE MARINA TOWERS STAFF
General Manager: Mary Johnson
Assistant Manager: Chris Nahlik
Director of Facilities: Ken Dishner
A rate card indicating the cost and
size specifications for ads is available
from the Administration Office.
Ads and copy are due the
FIRST Monday of each month.
Please use email to send information
to the editor whenever possible:
gail.miller@comcast.net. Thanks!
DISCLAIMER: The appearance of
any advertisement in the MARINA
TOWERS NEWSLETTER does not
imply, recommend, or constitute any
endorsement by the Association,
Member of the Board, or Administra-
tion Office.
The cover sketch is used each month
by permission of its owner, Patricia
Farrell Thank you!
Website:
www.atmarinatowers.com
River Views
COMMITTEES
ACTIVITIES & SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Provides programs of social, recreational, educational and cultural activities for
all age and interest groups within the community.
Administrative/LEGAL COMMITTEE
Advises and assists the Board in administering and enforcing the
Association’s covenants (Bylaws, Rules and Regulations) and
makes recommendations for revisions thereof. Also recommends
administrative policies and examines personnel policies and training.
BUILDING/TECHNICAL & ENERGY COMMITTEE
Advises/assists the Board in energy management matters and in
developing programs for the operational, structural, mechanical &
electrical maintenance of the building.
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Responsible for the communications, including the monthly
newsletter, between the Board and members of the Association as
well and between Marina Towers and the broader Alexandria community.
FACILITIES/GROUNDS COMMITTEE
Advises and assists the Board in developing programs pertaining to
building appearance both interior and exterior including landscaping.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Responsible for making budgetary recommendations to the Board,
monitoring income and expenses, reviewing financial information,
assisting with insurance program review, and preparing recommendations and
reviewing the auditor’s work.
PET COMMITTEE
Advises and assists the Board in administering and enforcing the
Pet rules. Reviews all complaints and violations, offers pet owner an
opportunity to respond informally and makes recommendations for
disposition.
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE
This committee will formulate a long range plan for the
community, articulating a vision, a mission and a subset of
objectives for establishing future organizational priorities.
Page 2
The Prez says . . .
What Happened to Those Special Assessments?
At our September meeting, the Board of Directors approved the independent audit of our balance sheets and
statements of income for the past year. The auditors found our balance sheets and related statements of
income, members’ equity, and income to be in order, with no material weaknesses.
The auditor did raise a point that has brought about a change in our balance sheets. The balance sheet now
includes line item 3160 to track Special Assessment expenditures, separating them from Regular Reserves in
the accounting of Owners’ Equity. This change will create greater transparency in accounting for Special
Assessment funds. The total Owners’ Equity in the two accounts (Reserves and Special Assessments) remains
at just over $1 million.
Longer-term owners will recall special assessments in both 2004 and 2005, in the amounts of $808,500 and
$600,000, respectively, for a series of specified capital projects. Such funds can only be spent for the purpose
for which they are assessed, and the Board has been very deliberate in specifying the source of funds in
motions authorizing expenditures (whether special assessment, regular reserves, or operating funds).
Our Balance Sheet Report shows a total of $169,440.68 remaining in the Special Assessment accounts as of
the end of July. These funds are for the Fan Coil project, for which $160,000 was assessed in 2004 and
$95,000 in 2005. The Board has spent funds under these accounts for engineering evaluations, studies and
design work related to the Fan Coil project and to replace failed fan coils, demonstrating that replacement is a
viable option.
What happened to the other Special Assessments Funds? The remaining 9 projects from the 2004
assessment and 3 projects from the 2005 assessment have been completed as follows:
· Elevator renovation (2004-$465,000 assessed, $494,324 spent – balance paid through capital
reserves)
· Terrace bathrooms (2004-$50,000 assessed, $68,206.28 spent – balance paid through capital
reserves)
· Pool fence and lighting (2004-$38,500 assessed, $26,586.93 spent – balance transferred to capital
reserves)
· Pool (2004-$18,000 assessed for seal repair; 2005-$80,000 assessed for comprehensive pool
refurbishment; $45,0035.81 spent and balance transferred to capital reserves)
· Asphalt (2004-$15,000 assessed, 2005-$25,000 assessed; spent as part of $487,000 comprehensive
asphalt project completed in 2008)
· Garage deck (2004-$12,000 assessed for evaluation, $8,843.75 spent and balance transferred to
capital reserves; 2005-$400,000 assessed; balance paid from reserves with ongoing warranty claim
against both contractor and engineer)
· Building monitoring equipment (2004-$40,000 assessed), Electrical service equipment (2004-
$5,000 assessed); and the Emergency Generator for the Chiller (2004-$5,000 assessed) were
included in the insurance settlement following the 2004 boiler room flood, and the balances
transferred to capital reserves.
The Board is in the process of reviewing a new Repair and Replacement Reserve Study, which
reflects the significant work completed in recent years, including these special assessment projects
and our new roof. While revisions are still being made, the preliminary report indicates that our
financial discipline is paying off. We have indeed reduced the maintenance backlog and may even
be able to reduce our $500,000 annual reserve contribution after the next three years while keeping
the association in a good financial condition to take care of the anticipated future requirements of
our property. I know that is welcome news for us all.

Terri Hauser, President

River Views Page
Page 3
 Committee & Board Meetings Visit the
Facilities Committee: Usually Second Tuesday of month Marina Towers Website
Finance Committee: Usually the Third Tuesday of month
Board of Directors: The Fourth Tuesday of month www.atmarinatowers.com
The Board Meeting agenda is available at the front desk and online on
Friday before the meeting. The Board Book is available for review a day Sign up for
before the meeting. All residents are welcome to attend Board meetings. Automatic Email
Notification of news
Marina Towers Musings—October bulletins, announcements,
And More!
Flying objects abound at Marina in the slave trade that ran from
Towers! Several raptors have been Rhode Island to Ghana to Cuba,
Here you can read
spotted recently, wafting on updrafts known as the “Triangle Trade.”
over our parking lot and the garden out Don’t miss “Traces of the Trade: A Board Minutes, River Views,
back. Venturing forth from their Story From the Deep North” a fasci- and Association Bylaws,
homes in the national bird sanctuary nating look at Black History. Admis- Rules & Resolutions.
along the bike path to our north, they sion is free. For more see
swoop gently toward our backdoor www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703- Need a username and
entrance and around to the garden. 838-4356. password?
Could this be how Simon’s tomatoes $Green Savings for Us and for
were purloined from the garden? In You??? From the October 2009 Contact Chris Nahik
any case, don’t leave small critters on Consumer Reports: Low-flow show- 703-549-0660
your balcony unattended. erheads can save as much as $265 Email: mt.assistantgm@comcast.net
Other flying objects: Marlboro per year on your individual water
Lights and other cigarette filters are bills. A low-flow toilet, which uses
flying like confetti from balconies, 1.28 gallons per flush compared with year? Think about it….
around the front and back doors, and the 3.5 to 5 gallons of a 15 year old Package Pick-up Reminder: When
in the parking lot. If you wish to or older model can save $90 a year. you pick-up a package at the front
smoke, please dispose of your butts, The EcoSmart 423-599 250EDXO desk, double-check to be sure it’s ad-
save them to throw away, or chew bulb (Home Depot) was the top per- dressed to you. With so many pack-
them up. former in Consumer Reports testing. ages coming in and out of the build-
Hidden Jewel of a Museum just Equivalent to a 60-watt standard in- ing, there can be mix-ups. If it’s not
around the corner: The Alexandria candescent bulb, it costs only $1.50. for you, please return it to the front
Black History Museum, is located at So…if we implemented these desk, sooner than later.
902 Wythe Street. This wonderful mu- changes in Marina Towers’ 200+ More ideas to share? Please email
seum presents excellent lectures, mu- units, how much could we save a me at jamaidull@gmail.com,—Jan
seum tours, and traveling exhibits. On
the night we attended, Wayne Young,
publisher of Port of Harlem, a maga-
zine that gathers stories about the Afri-
can World, previewed a film about a
young woman with parents from
Ghana who straddles several cultures:
from Ghana to the Bronx. The movie
and lively discussion afterwards were
stimulating and left us hungry for
more.
Another film will be screened on
Oct. 10 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. fea-
turing Katrina Browne’s spellbinding
account of her ancestors’ participation

River Views Page 4

Management & Facilities Reports: August, 2009
MANAGEMENT REPORT
Personnel
We have hired a new part-time
member for our Patrol Services, Mr.
Eric Brimo. Eric will work primar-
ily on the weekends. We are also
conducting interviews for part-time
Front Desk Clerks. We have several
strong candidates and hope to bring
one or two new people on board.
Investor Ratio
The investor ratio is 72% owners
and 28% renters.
Landscaping
Dog Park — I think most every-
one has noticed the improvement in
the dog walk and we can thank the
hard work and dedication to Larry
Harms. He has donated his time in
making the dog walk not only appro-
priate for our pets but also for pet
owners, providing them with a shady
place to sit and converse with
neighbors. Thank you Larry.
In addition, HLS our landscape
company has been busy as we now
have the new crepe myrtle tree re-
placements that are thriving due to
the hard work of watering regularly
by C.J. with Jani-King. The area
next to the pool is free of ivy and
weeds so that the flowers and other
plants under the shade trees can
thrive. We also found some nice
rocks in the area and we may be able
to add some more bulbs or other
flowering plants this fall or next
spring. HRS also planted some ca-
mellias in the back near the gazebo,
a flowering plant that will beautify
the area next spring.
The HLS contract has one more
year so we plan on improving the
South side of the building facing the
Mirant building next year by replac-
ing the bushes with shade loving
azaleas or rhododendrons. Also the
bushes running parallel with the
drive to the garage are not doing
River Views
by Mary Johnson, General Man-
well so an improvement is recom- offered.
mended in that location as well. The Green Roof Maintenance
facilities committee has a lot of work Holly Woods & Vines performed
ahead. a one-time clean up of the Green
Valet Roof on August 14, 2009. The
Mr. and Mrs. Min were assigned the Green Roof has not been properly
lease to the Valet and took over on and regularly weeded and watered,
September 1, 2009. They have done a which had caused some concern. We
good amount of cleaning in the time expect to engage Holly Woods &
since they have taken over. Upon in- Vines in a regular maintenance con-
spection by the City of Alexandria De- tract in 2010.
partment of Health, they were in- Security Measures
formed that they would need to install In Concert with the Alexandria
a hand washing sink, and if they would Police Department, Management had
like to serve food or coffee they would previously met with a representative
need to install a three-compartment from the Alexandria Police Depart-
sink. Under the terms of the lease, the ment in order to identify measures in
onus to provide these improvements is which safety/security at Marina Tow-
on the assignees, being the Mins. ers could be enhanced. In light of
However, if the Board deems coffee or that meeting and the ensuing report,
prepared foods an amenity that the latch guards have been installed on
building requires, the Board could as- (Continued on page 9)
sist the Mins in complying with the
guidelines.
FACILITIES REPORT
Fan Coils
The replacement Fan Coil Unit for
Unit #405 is in. Installation will pro-
ceed as soon as the contractor is avail-
able. Orders have been placed for the
replacement Fan Coil Units for units
#222 and #322. No other Fan Coil
Units at this time have been deemed
beyond repair. So far this year, 11
units have required floor repairs due to
fan coil issues.
In Unit Service Income
The monthly budgeted amount for
In Unit Service Income is $1,917.00.
In July, we recorded $2,160.34 worth
of income and in August we recorded
$2,109.
Rear Balcony
Kip Young, with Extreme Painting,
pressure washed and painted the tear
balcony façade. We have received
many compliments on the work done,
as it is a vast improvement over the
deteriorated look that was previously
Page
Page 5
Absentee Voting: An Option to Consider
The Virginia Gubernatorial elec-
tion will be held Tueday, Nov.3. In
addition to the Governor, Alexandri-
ans will be voting for Lieutenant
Governor, Attorney General, Mem-
ber, House of Delegates (45th Dis-
trict), Commonwealth's Attorney and
Sheriff. The polling place for Marina
Towers’ Residents is the Landrey
Senior Center, 112 N. Royal Street.
Absentee voting offers a conven-
ient option for eligible voters. Report-
edly, many Alexandrians are eligible
but few take advantage of the option.
There are several qualifying circum-
stances. For example:
You commute and work for 11 of
the 13 hours the polls are open.
(Take into account days when
traffic or weather might lengthen
your trip.)
You are a caregiver for a confined
family member; you are unable to
go to the polls in person on Elec-
tion Day because of an illness or
disability; or you will be absent
from Alexandria on Election Day
because of work, school, or vaca-
Getting to Know the Mins: An Interview with New Valet Owners
Marina Towers’ Assistant General
Manager Chris Nahlik conducted
this interview with Mr. and Mrs. Min
to introduce them to the Marina
Towers’ community.
________________
River Views (RV): Do you have any
experience running a store with
similar services as the Marina
Towers Valet?
MIN: Yes. For seven years we ran a
very similar valet at Park Place
Condominium, 2500 N. Van Dorn
Street, Alexandria, VA. The op-
eration was very similar, where we
sold a little bit of everything and
did dry cleaning and alterations.
RV: Why did you want to take this
opportunity to come to Marina
River Views
tion.
You may cast your absentee vote
in person at the Alexandria Voter
Registration Office, 132 North Royal
St., or by mail. In-person absentee
voting hours are Monday through Fri-
day, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voting
hours will be extended to 7:30 p.m.
on certain weekdays and on Satur-
days. Contact the Registrar for details.
The deadline for voting absentee in
person is 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
To vote absentee by mail,
Connect With the City of Alexandria From Your Desktop!
As members of the Marina Towers
community you are invited to connect
with the City of Alexandria through
its multi-platform communications
tools and resources, including:
The City Web site
(www.alexandriava.gov)
eNews alerts
(enews.alexandriava.gov);
Our newly-launched social media
tools, Twitter and Facebook
(www.alexandriava.gov/Twitter and
Towers?
MIN: We really liked the building
and thought it was a very nice
place. We heard that the people
here are really nice and kind, and it
sounded like a great place for our
business.
RV: What services do you plan to
offer that might be new to the Ma-
rina Towers Valet?
MIN: We have DVD’s available –
an upgrade over the VHS tapes
that were here. We also have bal-
loons and a helium tank, for all of
your special occasions. We are
looking into getting an ATM, if
possible.
RV: What will stay the same?
MIN: Most things will stay the
download an application from
www.alexandriavoter.org, or contact
the Voter Registration Office to have
one mailed to you. The last day to
apply for an absentee ballot by mail
or fax is Tuesday, Oct. 27. The appli-
cation must be received by the Regis-
tration Office by 5:00 p.m. on that
day. Mailed absentee ballots must be
received by the Registration Office
on or before Nov. 3, at 7:00 p.m.
For more information contact the
Registrar at 703.746.4050 or visit :
www.alexandriava.gov/Facebook).
Please help spread the word about
these tools to your friends and
neighbors, and others who would
benefit from receiving regular up-
dates from the City government.
The City’s communication tools
can help you stay connected and re-
ceive up-to-the-minute and emer-
gency information about City news,
events, programs, initiatives, commu-
nity issues and more!
same. We will still have similar
snacks, frozen goods, and alco-
holic beverages. We will still do
the dry cleaning as well. And, the
same friendly service that you
were used to will remain. If you
have any items that you would like
us to carry, please let us know and
we will be glad to make arrange-
ments!
RV: What is your favorite aspect of
your store’s operations?
MIN: I really enjoy doing the dry
cleaning and alterations. I have
lots of experience in this field.
RV: Are there any special promo-
tions or sales that we can expect?
MIN: We don’t have any planned at
(Continued on page 8)
Page 6
 The Worth of Community: Sharing Needs,
Helping Others —Dianne Eppler Adams
“Community arises when we dis-
cover the interesting, if radical, al-
ternative: finding guidance for our
own lives by giving attention to the
desires and intentions of others. This
is not an obligation; it’s a way of
being that invites soul in place of
ego.” ~ Thomas Moore, Soul Mates
Living in this lovely spot on the
Potomac River has been a healing
experience for me ever since I
brought my broken heart to this
building in 1999. A beloved fiancé
had just passed and my dreams were
in shreds. Walking along the river
and making new friends helped me
heal so that I could welcome Chuck
Adams into my life a year later. I
tell people that I feel blessed to live
here because I have the river to enjoy.
To do that, I need all of you to share
the costs of this valuable piece of real
estate.
Truthfully, condominium living is
not always easy. If the sound of
someone drilling above me drowns
out my thoughts, or I find the washers
are all full or no carts are available, I
get frustrated just like everyone else.
Yet, on Friday nights in the summer,
I feel welcomed into conversations
with neighbors as we recap the joys
and challenges of our week. I can
meet newcomers or share favorite
recipes. Sure, I am drawn to be
friendly with some people more than
others, that’s natural; but I know that
my ability to enjoy my home - so
close in to DC and yet so far from
the hustle and bustle – is dependent
on residents’ goodwill and sharing .
This brings me to my main theme.
Living in this lovely place, we are not
immune to the current economic
situation and the coming stresses that
will likely bring upheavals and social
Lowest interest rates in change in the future. You would have
years! Treat yourself to be numb (or dumb) not to realize
to a Marina Towers that the problems in the greater world
Investment! have and will affect us all – ah, the
River Views
challenges of the macrocosm. De-
spite that, there are benefits to living
in the microcosm that is Marina
Towers. We have an opportunity to
find ways to not only survive, but
thrive together as a community.
When times are tough, it has always
been those who came together to
support one another who have suc-
ceeded in weathering the storm.
The Community Bulletin Board
in the mailroom and the new Marina
Towers Friends yahoo group listserv
are attempts to bring us together to
support each other. (Sign up for
Marina Towers Friends group
listserv by sending an email re-
quest to dieppler@aol.com) There
may be other ways to support one
another. If you have an idea, present
it to the Board of take steps to initi-
ate it yourself.
And if you have a need, don’t
suffer silently. There may be some-
one right next door or a floor below
who can help. There is no shame if
you have a challenge or are in need.
There are others who are happy to
help. As the quote above suggests,
we can “find guidance for our lives
by giving attention to the desires
and intentions of others.” I take that
to mean we are all in this existence
together. When you have a need, I
can fulfill, I am reminded of my
bounty. And when you help me
when I am in need, I am reminded to
be thankful that I am not in this
world alone.
______________
The author is a Marina Towers resi-
dent and a certified astrological
consultant providing life-affirming
relationship, career, and spiritual
guidance with a keen intuition and a
loving spirit. You can receive her
free monthly newsletter, Astrology in
Matters, by signing up at her website
- www.SpiritinMatters.com.
Page
Page 7
 Welcome New Valet Owners
(Continued from page 6)
this time. Right now, we’re just try- A PATH QUITE FOLLOWED
ing to evaluate what the residents at
Marina Towers want.
RV: Who will be working here?
Fresh born the youthful visions, those
MIN: Both of us will likely be the only
ones working here. Mrs. Kyung
Sook Min and Mr. Hyun Ki Min. bright billboards along that early road.
RV: How much does it cost for dry
cleaning? Up the hills and through the valleys
MIN: We have a full rate chart avail-
able to see. For some of the basics…. to try their dreams in the middling meadows,
It’s $1.50 for a shirt, but only $1.20 if
you have 5 or more shirts. It’s $8.20 the young soothsayers so bold pay little heed
for a 2-piece suit, $4.20 for dress
pants, $4.20 for a sweater. We offer the elder nay sayers.
bulk discounts as well – if you have 5
or more items, you will get 10% off.
If you have 10 or more items, you
will get 20% off. As the road grows long exuberance finds
RV: What are your hours of opera-
tions? experience not always cordial --
MIN: The hours will remain the same.
During the week we will be open some elders may have had a point.
from 7 AM – 12 Noon, and then from
4 PM – 9 PM. On Saturdays we will But nothing ventured, nothing gained, so it’s said.
be open from 9 AM – 9 PM, and on
Sundays we will be open from 5 PM Guess that’s why old age follows youth
– 8 PM.
RV: Why should residents shop at the
and the one ends up where the other led.
Marina Towers Valet?
MIN: Simple—convenience! This
way, if you’re tired and you don’t
want to go out, it’s easy. You can — Roger Waud
still get many of the things that you
want and need, but you don’t have to
get dressed, get in the car, and head
out. We’re very close! And if you
don’t have cash, don’t worry, we ac-
cept credit and debit cards.

RECYCLE

Use It Up, Wear It Out

Make it Do — Or Do Without!
—Old Vermont saying

River Views Page 8

 A Must-See Exhibit New Access Roads to Monroe Ave. & Del Ray
for Forensic Science
Finally, new access roads to
Lovers and Just in Monroe Avenue from Slaters Lane
Time for Halloween opened on September 8. Although
the new route is circuitous, it is an
Find out improvement over the access
what real we’ve endured during construction.
bones can . To get to Monroe from here, go
reveal about up the ramp to the bridge to Route
a person’s 1 North and take the first right turn
age, ances- after crossing the bridge. Two
try, sex, and more right turns and you will be on
cause of Monroe Avenue headed west to-
death by ward the block where the Giant
visiting the market, CVS pharmacy and YMCA
National Museum of Natural History are located. To return to Slaters
temporary exhibition Written in Bone: Lane head east on Monroe Avenue
Forensic Files of the 17th Century and make a series of left turns. See
Chesapeake. This exploration of the the map (right) for a visual repre-
human skeleton includes special fo- sentation.
rensic investigations of the skeletal It’s not exactly convenient, just
less inconvenient.—Don Mela
Ultimate Circuitous Route!
remains of colonists of Jamestown,
VA, and St. Mary’s City, MD.
At the end of the exhibit, visit the
Forensic Anthropology Lab, where
real bones are used to help identify
the gender and status of people from
the past. Go online at http://
anthropology.si.edu/writteninbone/
index.html to view a web comic, “The
Secret in the Cellar,” that unravels a
case of historical and scientific impor-
tance. The exhibit is on view until
February 6, 2011.

Management and
Facilities Report
(Continued from page 5)
all building exterior doors, and we
have begun the process of cleaning
all of the light fixtures to ensure
brighter illumination.
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners have been installed
around the building for the comfort of
all of the residents. Trash Rooms/
Chutes, Terrace Level Restrooms,
and the Rear Lobby Entrance/Exit are
all equipped with air fresheners.

River Views Page

Page 9
Building Our Caring Community: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
From time to time we all need
some extra help. I had this experi-
ence recently when my hip was re-
placed and I was unable to do basic
things for several weeks. Before the
surgery, I was reluctant to ask folks
for help I knew I would need when I
came home; I didn’t want to burden
anyone. Thankfully, several friends
showed me that asking for occasional
help is welcome and opens a positive
way for people to give back. The
result was several weeks of amazing
support, often from people I hadn’t
known that well – laundry washed,
trash emptied, groceries and supplies
purchased, fresh fruit and vegetables
River Views
supplied, meals prepared, trips to We see it as a way to increase Ma-
medical services provided, equipment rina Towers already great “caring
loaned, heavy objects moved, light community culture.”
bulbs replaced. This amazing support If you think this is a good idea,
made all the difference in my healing, have suggestions on how to offer this
both physically and emotionally. caring support when it’s needed,
A number of us in Marina Towers and/or would be willing to offer oc-
are discussing how important it is to casional help to a neighbor, please
have this kind of occasional, informal contact Jan Macidull #411, jama-
support, whether you’re young or old, cidull@gmail.com, 703-519-6262.
a long-standing resident or brand new. —Jan Macidull
Reporters, writers & especially photographers needed ...
River Views welcomes those who have an interest in providing occasional arti-
cles on such topics as City development activities, service changes, local res-
taurant & movie reviews, historical tidbits, upcoming unusual events. Inter-
ested? Please contact Gail Miller at gail.miller@comcast.net or 240-667-2050.
Page 10
 Ghostly Times!
There have been tales of strange hap-
penings at the Lee-Fendall House at
the corner of Washington and Oro-
noco Streets, prompting the Ghost
Hunters to come to Alexandria to
check it out (rumor has it that a cer-
tain Marina Towers Prez was featured
on the SciFi Channel show). Want to
find out for yourself if the 224-year-
old house is haunted? There will be
Candlelight Ghost Tours on October
24 and 30, featuring the ghost stories.
Tickets are $7 for adults; $5 for kids
5-12. It's Halloween fun for all ages!
Old Town Wine Festival
On October 10 and 11, Alexan-
dria will be transformed into a re-
gional wine and culinary Mecca. fea-
turing some of the very best of Vir-
ginia’s fine wines. Times both days
are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In addition there will be cooking
demonstrations (and tastings) by ac-
claimed chefs and cooking show
hosts, and celebrated authors will
discuss their books about wines, wine
regions, and specific vineyards. The
tastings will be held at the Holiday
Inn, 625 First Street, and the Crowne
Plaza Hotel, 901 North Fairfax. Tick-
ets are $30 online, $35 at the gate and
include all the tastings and admission
to the culinary events. For more see:
www.oldtownwinefestival.com.
River Views
At a special “Yappy Hour” on Sept. 17, a group of dogs and their humans met in the new Dog
Park to officially christen it "Casper's Friendly Dog Park" and present Larry with a plaque embla-
zoned with the new name. Casper was a regular at the park with his owner Larry Harms. Cas-
per passed away this year and, to honor his memory, Larry—with some help from other regu-
lars—has given the park a major facelift. (See story below.) —Photo by Simon Castellucio
Neighbors Hail Larry Harms’ Efforts:
New Dog Park Named To Honor Casper’s Memory
Marina Towers is unique in having a Marina Towers residents to enjoy.
dedicated dog park, designed, devel- The plaque and naming effort were
oped by those using it and enjoyed by the inspiration and joint effort of Simon
pet and non-pet owners alike. The latest Castellucio, Nancy and Bill Cody,
historical highlight in the Park’s history Verie Crain, and Sally Nilan. The pres-
is its official naming. entation was made by Simon who
At a special September “Yappy hand-designed the plaque that now
Hour” event, Larry Harms was pre- hangs prominently in the Park’s bench
sented a cedar plaque by his fellow pet and garden area.
owners, naming the Park “Casper’s The Park’s naming builds on a long
Friendly Dog Park,” to honor of Larry’s and rich history of resident initiative
recently deceased pal, Casper. Casper and hard work. Did you know that the
low wall that runs the entire length of
was a regular in the Park for years and
could be seen with Larry as he worked the back of the parking lot was de-
on a multitude of landscaping improve- signed and installed with the help of
ments throughout the property for all other pet owners? The park gates also
were installed by residents as was the
first doggie cleanup bag dispenser!
One of our residents continually checks
fences to ensure our smallest residents
won’t be tempted to scoot under to pur-
sue a teasing squirrel.
If you haven’t visited the Park re-
cently, come join us during the crisp
Fall days. The benches are relaxing.
Picnic tables and a gas grill are avail-
able for that impromptu get-together,
and the regular Thursday evening
“Yappy Hour” beginning at 6 PM is
always a great weekend preview!
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