Plan to attend the Civic League Meeting at the Pembroke Elementary School cafeteria on Thursday, May 19, at 7 p.m. to get the latest scoop on the Town Center.  Mr. Lou Haddad, the President and CEO of Armada Hofler Construction Company, will tell us about Town Center and answer our questions.

Don Sanders has accepted nomination for the position of President of our Civic League to replace our temporary president, Jim Willenbrink.  The election for this position will take place at the September meeting.  (Remember, we will not have meetings for June, July and August).  Don will be sworn in and preside over this meeting following the election.

Many thanks to Jim Willenbrink for a job well done and for being our interim president.  Thanks to you, Don, for your willingness to serve our community and Civic League again.  Don very capably filled this office for the years 1998 to 2000. 

• Clean the Bay Day June 11, 9AM-Noon
• September Civic League Meeting the 15th

 

The Pembroke Meadows “arm” of the Welcome Committee has sent out letters of Welcome to new (and newish) residents on these streets (number indicates block, NOT THE HOUSE NUMBER):  Cardiff (600), Cambria (4400X2), Chelsea (4400X2), Liverpool (600), Whitechapel (600X2), Abbey (700), Drury (4400X2), Hudgins (4400) and Bishop (600).

Call us if you see a new neighbor move in, even if you do not know the name.  New places can be pretty lonely.  We can, at the very least let them know what a nice neighborhood they have chosen to live in, and what it has to offer them.  (See following article). 

In our February newsletter, we noted the importance of having a civic association in preventing physical deterioration of a neighborhood and in maintaining or improving its quality-of-life amenities.  Relative to our own community of Pembroke Meadows and Shores, let us review what our neighborhood might be like if we had NOT had a viable and effective Civic League since our subdivision was first developed.
 

WITHOUT A CIVIC LEAGUE.  Without a functioning and effective Civic League, generally managed by unselfish concerned volunteers since 1969, our neighborhood of Pembroke Meadows and Shores (and Hudgins Shores) would: 

1.  NOT HAVE.  We would NOT have a lovely and enjoyable park and playground at Lake Meadows.  (That area would probably still be an ugly jungle of overgrown weeds, a trash-filled dumping ground, and a gathering place or hideout for vandals, delinquents and druggies.)

2.  NOT HAVE.  An attractive signature entranceway and median.  The gazebo has been replaced or rebuilt twice after having been struck by vehicles and has been repaired/painted numerous times.  Our stately lighted brick sign-wall would likely be in shambles, having been damaged by an 18-wheel truck and frequent vandalisms.  The colonial lamp posts were specifically requested by our Civic League.  There would likely be no lovely trees or shrubs landscaping the median, maintained primarily by our hard-working Garden Club.  And, of course, the entire median along Pembroke Boulevard would undoubtedly be continuously littered with trash and debris were it not cleaned regularly by our Median Watch volunteers and occasional working parties.

3.  NOT HAVE.  A stately and inspiring American flag and flagpole, recently installed, in the second median, which so eloquently expresses our national pride.  It was and still is being financed by Civic League fund-raising efforts, donations and membership dues.

4. NOT HAVE.  A scenic, nature-oriented pathway over the Lake Meadows dam and through the park.  Our Civic League diligently resisted, first a City plan for a four-lane boulevard over that dam and later two efforts (in 1987 and 1990) by a greedy developer to build a widened vehicular roadway as the entranceway to the planned Old Donation Farms.  Both roadway plans, had our Civic League not resisted with teamwork diligence and persistence described as “a model for community action,”  would have essentially ruined our park and recreation center.

5. NOT HAVE.  A community Recreation Center/Pool.  The pool was constructed in 1970 on Civic League property, donated by developer Terry Corporation.  The pool itself and facilities were and continue to be, funded and maintained by separate membership fees/dues, but operate within our Civic League Corporation.  A notable Civic League effort in 1992-3 convinced the State’s General Assembly to eliminate costly property taxes on the pool and Lake Meadows properties and for nine other Civic Leagues who jointed our initiative.

6. NOT HAVE.  Two scenic community lakes.  Lake Pembroke was rapidly shallowing from unabated sedimentation and pollution.  It would now be a “muddy swamp” if the persistent efforts of our Lake Pembroke Committee had not prevailed to achieve a huge dredging effort (in 1973-74) funded by a unique cooperative agreement between the City, Terry Corporation and our lakefront residents.  Also, our Park’s Lake Meadows may well have catastrophically broken through that fragile pathway dam if the Civic League had not convinced the City to shore up that weakened dam.

7. NOT HAVE.  A sidewalk/bike path, landscaped with trees and benches along Pembroke Boulevard between Cathedral Drive and the Park.

8. NOT HAVE.  Additional turn lanes and signals onto Independence Boulevard from Pembroke Boulevard and Witchduck Drive.

9. NOT HAVE.  The Ferry Plantation House.  Our nearby venerable Ferry Plantation House, now on the National Historic Register, would probably have been destroyed.  Our Civic League initiated the efforts to preserve and restore the historic house during our 1987 and later presentations before City Council.  We also initiated the Historical and Cultural District designations.  We helped to facilitate a very significant archeological dig on the Ferry Plantation land in 1988 by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, which uncovered a “most awe-inspiring collection” of more than 50,000 historical artifacts.

10. NOT HAVE.  Our excellent and commendable newsletter, our neighborhood directory and numerous social/civic events (e.g.  Halloween Walk, Christmas Parties, Pot Luck Dinners, guest speakers, Easter Egg Hunts, occasional flea markets/auctions, pool parties, etc.)

11. NOT HAVE.  A neighborhood Pet Lost and Found service.  A free phone call service which helps and reunites lost/stray pets with their owners; over 100 reunions since 1990.

12. NOT HAVE.  Numerous other efforts of the Civic League such as continuing median landscaping and maintenance, organizing street/parks cleanups and lakes and waterways cleanups and monitoring water quality, paving of streets and repairing pot-holes, mosquito abatement, sidewalk handicap ramps, litter control efforts, neighborhood watch and security measures and donating to worthy organizations, e.g. scouts, schools, rescue service, etc.

13. NOT HAVE.  An organization and neighborhood with an excellent and respected reputation throughout the City and among City officials—an organization modeled by other civic associations.  This reputation and civic activism has enabled us to influence many planning, zoning, development and legal issues relative not only to our neighborhood, but to the entire City.  Examples:  moderating new development nearby such as Old Donation Farm, Professional Circle, Independence Boulevard, etc; opposing some proposals, such as an abortion clinic and evangelical church on White chapel Drive; and in the formulation of new City policies such as erosion and sedimentation laws, parking and businesses in residential areas, storm water maintenance, voting rights and development of the Central Business District.  We have also been able to help some residents and businesses with City-related legal matters, e.g. Cinema Café’s tax issue.

In general, our neighborhood’s good reputation and civic activism led to our selection in 1990 by Port Folio Magazine as one of a few “Neat Neighborhoods, Special Places to live in Hampton Roads.”  Two other Virginia neighborhoods, Bay Colony and Chesapeake Beach, were also selected.  And, as most realtors now acknowledge, our neighborhood is still “one of the most sought-after” areas in which to locate

On behalf of the Pembroke Meadows Marlins Swim Team, I would like to acknowledge and thank the PM/PS civic league.  On April 23, many of our neighbors and friends came out in force to spruce up the areas we all share and enjoy.  During the upcoming swim season, the Marlins will host one practice meet and two meets against other Virginia Beach Swim League pools.  I always view this meets as an opportunity for our community to shine.  Many of the visiting teams comment on the beauty and serenity of our park and waterways.  They appreciate how our pool is set back in a treed and secluded area.  I am often grateful to our neighborhood pioneers who donated so much of their time, money and effort in building our (now) 35-year old pool and maintaining it all these years.

As I made my way down to the neighborhood pool, I saw many folks out picking up trash, pulling weeds, planting flowers, trimming trees and shrubbery as well as adding TLC to our median strip areas, local park, and recreation center.  Throughout the 15 years that Jim, Carl, Dale and I have lived in this neighborhood, we have participated in every Spring Fling event. 

We’ve met and made so many friends at neighborhood sponsored functions from Spring Flings, to Halloween walks, Pack 475 Cub Scouts, Clean the Bay Days, canoe float nights (a tradition of old on Lake Pembroke) and now there are Easter Egg hunts, the Ferry Plantation House events, etc.  Somehow our yearly $10 investment in civic league dues doesn’t seem like quite enough to cover the fun and fellowship that we’ve had here.

Each time I drive into our community, I am heartened to see our American Flag flying, our custom light poles, both sponsored by our civic league and to note the Garden Club’s hard work at maintaining flowers and shrubbery hearty enough to withstand the trash and other items thrown into them (surely by visitors to our homes as we would certainly not diminish our entryway in such a fashion). 

I encourage each of you to take time to thank our civic league leaders, pay the annual $10.00 dues, participate in a neighborhood-sponsored event or two (bring the kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews or some special young person in your life), join our pool and/or swim team, or just take a stroll through our community.

Despite skies that looked threatening, the rain held off on the morning of April 23rd for the neighborhood’s annual Spring Fling.  Some began at the gazebo and headed east to the park; others worked on the pool grounds.  By lunch break, the median and green areas along Pembroke Boulevard were spotless, the pool cover removed and put away, and a healthy start readying the pool for the summer was achieved.  Some dedicated folks worked well past lunch pruning the overgrowth near the park.

Many enjoyed a well-deserved cookout lunch in the park of burgers, dogs, grilled chicken, beans, pasta salad, vegetables and chips.  The temperatures were perfect for an enjoyable meal and comfortable laboring.

Many thanks to all who helped.  Stan Ballard, Bob Barry, Emily Barry, Peggy Caverly, Garfield Christie, Garfield Christie (Jr.), Karen and Wes Denton, Leslie Fenter, Jimmy Eddings, Paul Green, Stephen Green, Jeremy Hamilton, Jim Hall, Linda Hilley, Tom Hronek, Megan Hussey, Earl and Susan Lee, Mariah Lee, Brian Little, Travis Little, Carol and Mike Moore, David Moore, Steven Moore, Leslie and Hubert Pancho, Andrew Pancho, Katie Pancho, Lindsay Piccillo, Donna and Jim Price, Brian Rogerson, Amiee Savage, Nancy Shafer, Jim and Jeannette Willenbrink, Barbara Willenbrink, Jim Willenbrink (Jr.), Travis Bryan Wilson.

The pool is taking shape nicely for Opening Day, Saturday, May 28th.  Don’t be left out in the heat; join the pool.  You can contact Hubert Pancho (321-0658 or hpancho@USA.net) or Jim Price (499-5115 or jdprice@COX.net) or go to the pool web page for information.

Swim team practice begins Tuesday, May 31st.  Swim team signups will be held Opening Day.  Swim team participation is great recreation for 5 to 18 year olds.  Swimmers compete in events divided into age groups.  All swim team members, regardless of speed, compete in five regular season swim meets.  Kids enjoy the thrill of competition and the camaraderie of team spirit.  All swim team members develop better stroke techniques and increase speed.

Swim lessons will be available at the pool beginning June 21st.  This will be an eight day session, Tuesday through Friday, concluding July 1st.  Sign up at the pool.

As has been mentioned multiple times, the cost of pool membership for the family is less than the cost of a family weekend out of town.  So find your place in the sun in the cool of the pool.

Take at look at "Shop & Swap", a special section of the Pembroke Meadows Civic League web site. 

Classified Ads listed in the Newsletter, such as items For Sale, Garage & Yard Sale notices, Bazaar schedules and any ad for non-commercial  products or events will be posted on the web site for 30 days.  Inclusion is subject to space limitations and suitability. 

We're inviting the ladies of Pembroke Meadows, Pembroke Shores and the Townhomes of our community to come out for lunch (Dutch treat) at C & M Cafeteria on Wednesday, May 25th at 12 Noon.  Since we will need to advise C & M of the number attending, please RSVP and if you should need a ride, we will arrange for that as well.  R.S.V.P. by May 22.  We are looking forward to seeing many turn out for this first time event. 

The crime rate for Virginia Beach has fallen for the fourth consecutive year and is the lowest it has been since 1968.  The 2004 crime rate, a comparison of reported crime to population, for 2004 was 33.8 crimes per 1,000 residents, down from 36.7 last year.  Virginia Beach also maintained a low violent crime rate of 2.3 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.  Virginia Beach remains one of the safest cities of its size in the United States. (Source: VB Crime Prevention Chronicle)

Help make a difference, Neighborhood Watch works.  Look out for one another and be aware of what goes on in your neighborhood.  Call 427-5000 for non-emergency situations or 911 for emergencies.

Thanks again to those that participated in the Spring Fling, it was a great time!  Wes Denton has volunteered to fill the position of Building and Grounds Committee Chairman!  He is prepared to do a fantastic job, please give him the same support you gave me during my tenure.  Listed below are a couple of items that fall under Virginia Beach Code Enforcement, information on bus stop safety and the city Resource management plan. If any questions contact anyone on the Building and Grounds Committee or visit www.VBgov.com. 

On several occasions we have mentioned the importance of keeping our sidewalks clear of all encroachments. That includes, but not limited to, tree branches lower than 6 ft 6 inches, bushes, shrubs, grass, and vines. Anything that overgrows or overhangs the sidewalk presents a hazard and potential injury to both eyes and body. Residents walking in our community should be able to stroll freely throughout our development. Those maneuvering our walks using walkers, canes, wheelchairs, children and infants in strollers are being subjected to serious injury. For the safety of those in the community we will begin by asking you in this newsletter article to please check all sidewalks in front and/or on the side of your home if you live on a corner lot. Remove any growth mentioned above back to the property line. 

Several street areas were cleaned of debris and overgrown grass and weeds in front of private homes during this years Spring Fling. Volunteers worked several hours providing service to home owners/renters that are responsible for this task. It is imperative that we clean the drainage areas in and around our homes to deter mosquito breeding, maintain continuous drainage flow and to promote the esthetic appeal of our neighborhood. Additionally, there is a sprayer bottle available to spray weeds growing the gutter/street or median area if you would like to volunteer to spray. Weed killer will be provided. Contact Robert Westmont or Wes Denton to schedule pick-up.

Beginning the middle of May, we will send out reminders to homes not in compliance. 
Beginning June 1 and continuing, we will notify city zoning for enforcement.

Believe me, this is not a task we want to undertake. However, for the benefit and safety of our residents, your neighbors, it is necessary. 

If you have a neighbor who is physically unable to clear their walk please lend a hand and together with other neighbors undertake the task. 

1. Students must not stand on the traveled portion of the roadway or on private property (unless designated by owner) while waiting for a bus.

2. While waiting at a bus stop, students must respect the property of the homeowners in the area

3. Parents or their designee of young children should accompany them to and from the bus stop.

1. Personnel added to the FY 05-06 budget:

 7 new Police Officers
 5 new e-911 Communications Officers
 8 Paramedics
 14 new Fire Department positions

2. Environmental/Aesthetics

Expansion of Dams
Increased funding for Lynnhaven River/Lynnhaven watershed restoration
Increased funding for Community color project for landscaping public areas.

3. Clean Water Runoff

Three projects have been designed to address the critical water quality issues.

Have a great and safe summer!

To sign up for median strip duty, call Jim Price at 499-5115 or e-mail at jdprice@Cox.net. Thanks for your support!

Saturday, June 11, from 9 to noon is the annual Clean the Bay Day.  Our Civic League (coordinated with Old Donation Farms) concentrates our clean-up efforts on our local lakes and waterways, from the Lynnhaven River to Lake Pembroke.  Volunteer to help this important effort. 

The following businesses and organizations have expressed their support of our community by joining our civic league as business associate members: 
 

Apple Design – John Wolfred
Big Ocean Plumbing 
Cinema Café 
C & M Cafeteria 
Edward Jones Investments 
Honey-Do’s – John Filipiak 
Independence Veterinary Hospital
Long & Foster Realtors – Karen Chapman Joseph Montagna’s Shoes
NMA Federal Credit Union
Old Donation Episcopal Day School
Poston Electrical Contracting
Rose & Womble Realtors– Anna & Gary Henderson
Shaklee – Cheryl Wolfred 
V - Nails
Val’s Restaurant
William E. Wood Realtors – Jake Froehlich 

When you visit these establishments, let them know that we appreciate their support.

Thursday, April 26, 2007 is the Reenactment of the 
First Landing at First Landing State Park. 

With support from the Jamestown 2007 Committee, a tentative agreement has been reached to provide the fleet of three replica ships for a re-enactment of the First Landing at Cape Henry.  One ship would stop at Cape Henry, with the two others sailing by.  This re-enactment would replicate historical events to the extent these are known.  A party of costumed re-enactors would row a shallop (small boat) ashore at First Landing State Park where they would replicate the colonists’ arrival. 

At the request of the Nansemond Indian tribe, planning is currently underway to construct within First Landing State Park a replica of the Chesapeake Indian village found at Cape Henry during the first landing.  In addition to the village, it is envisioned that expanded exhibits about both English and Native American cultures will be available.  Other items under consideration include a pageant and boat tours.

(This is the first item on the planned agenda.  We will list more dates and events in the next issues of the newsletter.)