GCA Meetings Continue On-Line
31 May 2020

Dear GCA member,

Here is your GCA newsletter. As always, we want to hear your feedback.

Be safe!
GCA Board of Directors
GCA Board Virtual Meetings in June
The GCA Board of Directors is holding two June Board meetings via GoToMeeting on 4 June from 5 PM to 7 PM, and on 18 June from 7 PM to 9 PM. By joining the "virtual" meeting you can listen to the proceedings from start to finish. If the Board schedules an executive session, the general meeting will end and the Board will meet separately to discuss contract and/or legal issues. The agenda and Board packet will be published on the Glenmore website ahead of the meetings and the minutes of the meetings will also be posted.

If you would like to participate in the Board meeting, please contact Tim Durrer at 434-984-0700 or click here to obtain information regarding the GoToMeeting link.
Virginia General Assembly 
Relaxes Board Meeting Rules
The Virginia General Assembly passed emergency legislation that allows directors of common interest community associations (the GCA) to meet virtually without requiring physical assembly. In order to convene virtual meetings, we must satisfy requirements concerning notice, member access and meeting minutes. A complete explanation of the legislation is available here . For the VA State Homepage, click here .
If You See Something, Say Something
Dear friends and neighbors,

This has been a challenging year. Our children have been out of school for months with little to do. We are all yearning to return to our “normal” lives.

Unfortunately there have been incidents of youth in Glenmore pulling pranks on neighbors and at least one incident of vandalism at the equestrian center. The youth were identified and a police report was filed.

There have been repeated instances of kids walking into the paddocks and near the barn at the Equestrian Center. As you know, we leased the farm property, and under the terms of the lease no trespassing is permitted. More importantly, its dangerous to walk through a working farm.

Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
GCA Board Appoints a New Board Member
With one of our GCA Board positions vacated, the GCA Board appointed Gardner Lloyd as the seventh Board Member (as authorized in the GCA By-Laws, Article III, Section 5). Gardner has been a member of the CARB since last year, and is well qualified to join the GCA Board. He will Chair the Security Committee, and is also a member of the ARB. Please welcome Gardner.

If you wish to join the Security Committee, please click here and place "Security Committee" in the Subject line.
World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday May 9th was "World Migratory Bird Day". We are fortunate in Glenmore to have a significant variety of both permanent and migratory birds. As we're all taking care to be more physically distanced and isolated, don't forget to get out on our beautiful nature trails. Bring your binoculars and bird guide book. You can see more information about "World Migratory Bird Day" here: https://partnersinflight.org/imbd/
GCA Budget Item - Replacing Street Signs?
The GCA has a Reserve Line Item to replace both the Glenmore street name signs and road signs. We have a long term reserve budget to replace them all as they fail, and we designate a reserve expenditure each year for signs. Want to know how much money we set aside for signs this year?

For the answer, see the GCA 2020 budget (account #s 3250 and 3252) by clicking here.
Very Expensive Trash Bins
We're still finding pet waste stations filled with newspapers and beer bottles. Please note, the cost to empty the waste stations is significantly higher than the cost to empty standard trash containers.

That means every resident in our community is paying a premium for the extra cost to remove standard trash from the poop stations. Last year the cost for the pet waste stations was $5,056. Help us keep unnecessary costs down. Only use the pet waste stations for their intended use.
Trail Etiquette, Who has the right of way?
Our Glenmore Nature Trails are open and improved for the enjoyment of all of us whether you're a walker, hiker, runner, mountain biker, or now returned to the community horse riders. As more and more people are taking advantage of the trails here are some important tips as you encounter others along the way. 

Hikers vs. Bikers
Since mountain bikes are considered more maneuverable than hikers’ legs, bikers are generally expected to yield to hikers on the trail. However, because those mountain bikes are often moving considerably faster, it’s usually easier for hikers to yield the right of way. A biker should never  expect  a hiker to yield, though. Because bikers move faster, hikers should be aware of their surroundings on shared trails. Conscientious mountain bikers will call out as they come upon others on the trail.
Hikers vs. Horses
As the largest, slowest-to-maneuver and least-predictable creatures on the trail, horses get the right of way from both hikers and mountain bikers. If you’re sharing the trail with equestrians, give them as wide a berth as possible, don't make abrupt movements, talk calmly when approaching . If you’re on a narrow trail and horses are passing, get off the trail on the downhill side if possible. Horses are more likely to run uphill than downhill when spooked, and you definitely don’t want to be in the path.

Hikers vs. Hikers
It seems that many hikers may not know or always remember this, but hikers going uphill have the right of way. This is because hikers heading up an incline have a smaller field of vision and may be in that “hiking rhythm” ... not wanting to break their pace. Uphill hikers may let others come downhill while they take a breather, but that’s the uphill hiker’s call. If you’re about to pass another hiker from behind, a simple “hello” is often the best way to announce your presence. When passing, stay on the trail to reduce erosion. Over time, those off-trail boot prints erode the trails and destroy our drainage diversions. When a group meets a single hiker, it’s generally preferable for the single hiker to yield and step safely to the side.

Please note, Albemarle County regulations require pets to be on a leash at all times. And as always please use only the trails on the maps and keep away from private properties that adjoin the trails.
Landscaping Modifications? Contact the ARC
Considering changes to landscaping such as replacing damaged shrubs or removing diseased trees. The Glenmore Architectural and Landscape Guidelines require the Owner to seek approval for:
 
●    Modifications to an existing home (including exterior colors)
●    Construction of secondary structures
●    Landscaping, landscape changes, tree removals
●    Fences, Pools, Basketball goals, swing sets or play equipment
●    Driveway and parking areas
●    Terraces, Garden walls, Retaining walls
●     Awnings, Exterior lighting, Satellite Dishes
●     Lot drainage changes

The approval request form and an explanation of the process is found  here . The Architectural Review Committee will process your application as quickly as possible. Last year we processed 148 applications and all but 2 were approved. The Committee very much appreciates your cooperation in following the Guidelines designed to maintain the beauty of our community.
Stake Photo
Looking for Stuff to Do Outdoors?
While social distancing prevents us from playing organized sports, there are still some outdoor activities that a family unit can engage in at the Glenmore sports field. Plenty of room to run around, kick a soccer ball, shoot some hoops, play horseshoes and bocce. We have equipment at the Sports Field. If you want to use the equipment, contact Thelma Washington at 434-984-0700.

NOTE: Please limit the activities to family units, and observe all social distancing rules.
Rules for Visiting the Equestrian Center
Please be advised that the Equestrian Center is now a working farm with large horses and farm equipment. Visitors are welcome by contacting Abbie Wright at 516 216 9392 to arrange for a visit.

Equestrian Center Safety Rules
  • Horses are unpredictable; treat them with caution at all times.
  • Do not climb the fences or go into the paddocks.
  • Do not feed or pet the horses.
  • No dogs, joggers, or strollers are allowed near the barn or pastures.
  • No bikes or golf carts are allowed near the barn or pastures.
  • The nature trails around the outside perimeter of the EC are available for residents’ walking (see below). Some trails are also used by riders. If you encounter a horse and rider, stand aside until the horse passes.
The Golf Course is Private Property
Please be aware that the golf course is owned by the Club at Glenmore and is private property. The golf course and cart paths are for golfers only. Please do not walk or ride on the golf course or the cart paths. 
Glenmore Farm Nature Trails
After announcing the re-opening of the Glenmore Farm perimeter trails we are observing residents who have wandered through the fenced horse fields and paddock passages to the horse barn. Trails around the Glenmore Farm are entirely outside of fenced fields and paddocks .

Please refer to the Glenmore Farm trails map on page 6 by clicking here . There are two primary loop trails shown. The only entry point to the farm trails begins on Glenmore Way approx 100 yards from VA 250. Limited parking is available on the shoulder of Glenmore Way.

See the Map ... for the Upper Fields Trail (in red). The trail follows the outside of the fence line. In 0.2 mile the trail swings sharply to the right remaining outside the fence and then swings sharply left and uphill outside the fence. The trail passes the upper riding ring and then to the Manor House access road. The access road is GCA-owned with an access easement for the Manor House owner and guests. Follow the access road back to Glenmore Way. DO NOT enter the Manor House property or the riding ring area.

See the Map ... for the Perimeter Trail (in blue). At the 0.2 mile junction of the Upper Fields Trail, the Perimeter Trail swings sharply right still following the outside of the fences. At approx 0.3 miles the trail enters a wooded area. The trail now follows the outside of the Manor House property. At approx 0.5 mile the trail turns sharply left to follow the Manor House rear boundary. From this location a short spur (in green) leads to Camp Branch (the creek) where Glenmore property ends. DO NOT cross Camp Branch creek onto private properties. The trail continues until it joins the Manor House access road extension again following the Manor House boundary and returning to the access road and Glenmore Way. DO NOT enter the horse field or riding ring. The trails CANNOT be accessed from the horse barn and the barn CANNOT be accessed from the Perimeter Trail.

Trails can be used by hikers, walkers, mountain bikes and horses. No golf carts or motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails. Please note there are some paths that appear to be trails but are primarily sewer easements on private properties. Please stay on the trails shown on the map.

The CARB plans to add trail signage throughout the GCA trail network in 2020. Unfortunately the pandemic has impacted our execution of the plan. Please be patient while we continue to improve the trails and signage. To contact the CARB, click here .
School's Out, Children are Biking
The Glenmore speed limit is 25 MPH. With schools closed, more children are out walking and biking. The Glenmore community is in full control of the safety of our roads, it just requires that we all slow down. 

Please remember only licensed drivers can operate motor vehicles (including golf carts) on Glenmore roads. 
How can I Request a Copy of a GCA Contract?
Our GCA Web Page has vast amounts of information. In fact, to request a copy of a GCA Contract, go to the web page, then click on "Board" on the top line. At the very bottom of the page, you'll see the link for how to request a copy of a GCA Contract.

Just have some general questions? Email Thelma Washington (Associa) by clicking Here.
Watch These Dates
June 4: GCA Working Meeting 5-7 PM (Virtual via GoToMeeting)
June 18: GCA Board Meeting 7-9 PM (Virtual via GoToMeeting)
June 20: Summer Solstice at 5:43 PM (click here )
July 2: GCA Working Meeting 5-7 PM (TBD)
July 4: Independence Day (Click here )
July 16: GCA Board Meeting 7-9 PM (TBD)