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YEAR 2015 VOL. 29, NO. 8 PUBLISHED BY MUTUAL 20B
Thoughts On Sending Water And Your Money Down the Drain
Hamil Tavernier
It’s budget time!!! The first draft of the Mutual’ s 2016 budget has been reviewed and modified by the Board
of Directors and mailed to the residents. The public hearing before the Board takes place on November 4 (2:00
p.m. in Party Room #4). Condo fees, our shared concern, will soon become the topic of choice.
At an estimated $127,220 for 2016, the water bill in Mutual 20B is one of the
larger Direct Mutual Expenses in the budget. This includes charges for both
water and sewer, since almost all the water that we use also goes down the drain.
(Think about that.) It is not that water and sewer, at $8.55 per 1,000 gallons, is so
expensive. Rather, the cost resides in the fact that we, the residents of Greens II, use
so much of it (over 14 million gallons in 2014, the latest year with complete figures).
Through our condo fees, each of us pays for that collective total no matter how
much water each of us actually uses on a daily basis. Hence, we, and we alone, can
help to lower that figure, thus reducing expenses and conserving a precious resource.
For example, leaving the faucet running for three minutes while brushing your teeth
in the morning wastes twelve gallons of water! Brush them 2 times a day and you waste 24 gallons of water a
day, or 8,760 gallons a year, at cost of almost $75 a year. Multiply that by the 460 Units in Greens II, and over
4 million gallons of water at a cost of $34,500, has gone down the drain. (This is a conservative figure
based on but one person living in each unit.) Think how much of your money could be saved, and how much
less water would be wasted, by the simple act of turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth except for
those moments when you need it to be running. Sounds too simple; perhaps even silly? Repeat to yourself,
“over 4 million gallons at a cost of $34,500.”
Each of us uses the water in our units in many ways well beyond brushing your teeth. We wash clothes in the
washing machine (make certain you have a full load; they use 25 to 40 gallons per load depending on the
model), and dishes in the sink (turn the water off while soaping; 3 minutes uses 12 gallons), and in the dish
washer (full load again; older models use up to 16 gallons per cycle), take showers (make them shorter; a 10
minute shower uses 40 gallons of water), run water to get a cold drink (put a pitcher of water in the refrigera-
tor).
Please consider this article an urgent invitation to save both money (your money), and, forgive the hyperbole,
the planet (your planet), by taking small and simple actions on a daily basis. It is so much better than sending
water and your money down the drain.
Note: Information for this ar ticle was der ived from two extremely useful websites, and from the detailed
notes about water usage in the Greens II, 2016 draft budget. The websites are postings by Go Green in Your
Home (gogreeninyourhome.com then click on “water”), and The United States Geological Survey (http://
water.usgs.gov/edu/qa-home-percapita.html). I urge you to refer to them for further information.
PAGE 2 THE SCENES FROM THE GREENS II
The Mutual 20B Board of Directors met on September 30, 2015.
Committee appointments approved were: Joan Ripley (Activities), Hamil Tavernier (Building & Grounds),
James Conenello (Building & Grounds). The appointment of John Feldmann to Budget & Finance was
approved in August. The Board accepted a resignation from Communications and one from Landscaping.
The Board announced that the Open Hearing on the Proposed 2016 Budget will be held on Wednesday
November 4, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in Party Room # 4, and that the Board will meet Thursday November 5 at 9:00
a.m. in Party Room # 4 to discuss and vote on the 2016 Budget.
Community Manager Lynn House reported on the status of many projects, most are (nearly) complete, several
will be done during the next two weeks. The Bldg. # 4 Façade project closeout is expected by the end of
October. Lynn has requested Engineering and Technical Consultants (ETC) to submit a proposal to obtain bids
from qualified mold remediation contractors to carry out a remediation plan for the storage areas. She is
meeting in the afternoon with an ETC engineer and a contractor to discuss remediation plan logistics.
The Board approved the donation of $250 toward the Leisure World of Maryland 50th Anniversary
Celebration, from the 2015 Board Expense Budget.
Stan Hertzbach presented a report from the ad hoc Replacement Reserve Committee. The report proposes
several policies for the Reserve, and a plan to prioritize major projects to be completed in the next five years.
The Board approved the proposal from ETC to develop plans and specifications to limit water infiltration
through the foundation walls and to repair garage floors, and also obtain and review bids from qualified
contractors, at a cost not to exceed $5,000, from the Replacement Reserve.
It takes a Village
Across the country a grass roots movement is taking place making it possible for seniors to stay in their homes
and “age-in place.” The Village Concept began in 2001 in Boston when a group of citizens organized to offer
support services to their neighbors. Since then it has spread throughout the country
with over 140+ in the country and 11 active villages in Montgomery County with 9
more in development.
Each Village is unique, depending on the needs of the neighbors and the skills of the
volunteers. The volunteers do not provide health and home maker services but can
provide a range of services such as: telephone check-ins, transportation to the
grocery store and medical appointments, socialization activities, coordination of
health care services & appointments, reading, and computer assistance.
There is interest in offering such a program here in Mutual 20B. It will take a committed group of volunteers
to develop and put this program in place. Montgomery County Government has a “Village Coordinator” and
some excellent support materials. For more information go to: www.montgomerycountymd./gov/HHS-
Program/ADS/Villages/Villages.html
If you would like to join the conversation and think you would like to help establish the Village Concept in
Mutual 20B, then come to an informational meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 3 p.m. in Party Room # 3
or call Jane Hughes at 301-438-1504 for further information.
BOARD BRIEFS
FROM THE MANAGEMENT OFFICE…..
YEAR 2015 VOL. 29, NO. 8 PUBLISHED BY MUTUAL 20B PAGE 3
Smoking
The association office has received several complaints and concerns expressed about the
smell of tobacco smoke in several of the residential hallways
in both buildings. The rules and regulations require residents to
contain the smoke or smoke odors within their unit. Some of the containment
measures described in the rules include purchasing air filters, air purifiers or
other smoke or smoke odors suppressing devices as may be needed. One of the
items we've found to be effective in containing these odors is a Honeywell air
purifier model # 50250-S which can be purchased at Home Depot. We will be
addressing the individual complaints received in our office beginning November
and units found without any smoke odor containment measure in place will be subjected to sanctions as
provided in the rules and regulations.
Trash Rooms
The condition of the trash rooms is a constant complaint received by the association office.
Please take all packing and shipping boxes to the loading dock for recycling. (Loading
dock is in the basement level of the building) Newspapers and magazines should be left
neatly on the shelves for collection. Containers for recycling must be clean– do not place
cans, containers or pizza boxes with food in them in the recycling bins. Extra clean-up of
these rooms cost more money each year. Please do your part to keep the rooms clean and
usable for all residents on your floor.
Mail Tables
There is a conveniently located trash can next to the mail table. We would like to ask all residents to not leave
their unwanted junk mail on the tables. Please do not leave political or other notices on the table or under the
glass. This will keep our lobbies looking neat and clean.
Halloween Humor: The maker doesn’t want it. The buyer doesn’t use it. The user doesn’t see it. What is
it? (answer in page 5)
Why did a headless horseman go into business? He wanted to get ahead in life.
Why do demons and ghouls hang out together? Because demons are a ghoul’s best friend.
Why don’t mummies take vacations? They are afraid they’ll relax and unwind.
Why do skeletons say before eating? Bone appetite.
Why didn’t the skeleton dance at the party? It had no body to dance with.
PAGE 4 THE SCENES FROM THE GREENS II
Olney Farmers and Artists Market
Farmers, artisan food vendors, artists,
music, chef demos and a children’s tent.
Weekly 9 a.m.—1 p.m. through Nov. 8.
Grounds of Medstar Montgomery Thrift Shop, 2801
Olney Sandy Spring Rd. (at Prince Philip Drive).
202-257-5326. www.olneyfarmersmarket.org
The Fire Safety Forum
This annual Forum will be held Tuesday, Oct. 20th
from 9:30 a.m.—12 p.m. in the Clubhouse II audi-
torium.
The battalion chief at Bel Pre and Connecticut Ave-
nues will be featured. Expected speakers include
the State fire Marshall and the Montgomery County
Fire & Rescue Chief. Reservations are being taken
at the E&R office in Clubhouse II or by calling 301
-598-1320.
There will be a question and answer period follow-
ing the speakers. Many handouts will be available
regarding fire safety. And— there will be door priz-
es!
More details are available in the Oct. 2nd edition of
the Leisure World News.
Flu Season
Medstar Visiting Nurse Association will be giving
flu shots in Clubhouse I. The dates are:
Friday, October 23
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Tuesday, Nov. 3
If you choose, you can have your flu shot at the
Medstar Pharmacy at the Medical Center. You must
make an appointment by calling 301-598-1005.
By Jane Hause
New Residents
Bernie & Diane Blum: This
couple moved to The Greens re-
cently from Boca Raton Florida,
which is their main residence.
They also have property in Mas-
sachusetts and now can move
between these 3 locations when-
ever the mood or the weather
takes them.
Bernie is a self employed CPA and Diane is a retired
math teacher who at one time taught here in Silver
Spring. Bernie’s hobbies are swimming, volley ball
and golf. Diane is a painter whose preferred medium is
acrylics. She specializes in birds, flowers and land-
scape.
The Blums have twin daughters, one of whom now has
identical twin sons. Both enjoy traveling and prefer to
go “on their own” while discovering the sights and at-
tractions that various countries offer. They have trav-
eled much of Europe, driving a good part of it in their
rental car.
Suzanne Ellis, Bldg. # 4:
Suzanne came to us the first of May. Prior to arriving
at “The Greens” she lived in McLean Va. For 37 years,
where she raised her 3 children. She is a self taught
entrepreneur who bought houses that needed work. For
3 years she repaired, painted, and landscaped every
house before marketing and selling them. She was also
employed by Mobile
Oil where she worked
in the corporate office
and did computer work
in the legal department.
Suzanne is a walker and likes to stroll our numerous
paths with their lovely views and wildlife. She is an
avid baker of muffins and a reader of Science Fiction.
Her three sons enjoyed reading them, so before long
she too was hooked. So far “The Martians” is her fa-
vorite.
Rummikub is a game that Suzanne loves to play and
she hopes someone who might be looking for a partner
will contact her. She is a member of Hadassah and is
now their greeting card chairman.
By Joyce Chido
Notice– Bldg. # 3 Library Must Have Help Now
Our acting Librarian, Lola Farber, must give up her position due to an illness in the family. Several volunteers
need to step up to the plate if our library is to continue to operate. Surely, with over 200 units, a group of ded-
icated volunteers can be found to keep things running. Seven workers, one for each day of the week to replace
returned books, would solve the problem and would take less than one hour a week.
Returned books that are copyrighted before the year 2005 must be placed in a bin in the Party Room to be
taken to the basement trash dumpster. A volunteer is now doing this job and will continue to do so.
Please call Lola at 301-598-7540 so she can set up a meeting for all new volunteers. Surely you can spare this
much time to see that we can keep a functioning library.
Unfortunately, due to limited shelf space, the library will no longer accept donations of puzzles, cookbooks,
text books, DVD’s, magazines, religious, art books, biographies, classics, and returned books that are copy-
righted prior to the year 2005. We do welcome recent novels and mystery books.
By Joyce Chido
Roving Reporters Wanted
The Scenes from the Greens II is looking for someone who would like to contribute articles to our newsletter.
If you’re an idea person, like to know what’s happening in our buildings and enjoy sharing your thoughts in
writing, let’s talk. Call me, Jane Hughes, at 301-438-1504– or send me an email at [email protected].
Halloween Humor (Cont.): It’s a coffin!
What happened when two vampires met? It was love at first bite.
Why did the vampire read the Wall Street Journal? He heard it had great circulation.
Which building does Dracula visit in New York? The Vampire State Building.
What is a vampire’s favorite mode of transportation? A blood vessel.
What do you call a witch who lives at the beach? A sand-witch.
Why did the witch think she was funny? Whenever she looked it the mirror, it cracked up.
What do you call two witches living together? Broom-mates.
YEAR 2015 VOL. 29, NO. 8 PUBLISHED BY MUTUAL 20B PAGE 5
PAGE 6 THE SCENES FROM THE GREENS II
DATES TO REMEMBER:
MEETINGS
Activities: 11/09/15- 10:30 am, PR # 3
Board Mtg.: 10/28/15-9 am, PR # 4
Building & Grounds: 11/3/15- 10 am, PR # 3
Communications: 11/3/15- 1:30 pm, PR # 3
Coordination: 11/10/15– 10 am, PR # 3
Meetings on 2016 Budget:
Open Hearing: 11/04/15– 2 pm, PR # 4
Board Meeting: 11/05/15– 9 am, PR # 4
PEST CONTROL:
November 6, 2015 & November 20, 2015
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Call office for appointment
(Pest control comes every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month)
FIRE ALARM TEST:
Thursday, November 19, 2015
BLDG. # 3 -10 A.M. & BLDG. # 4 -11 A.M.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Joyce Chido & Jane Hause
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jane Hughes - President
Stephen Ostrow - Vice President
Stanley Hertzbach- Treasurer
Paul Spiegel– Secretary
Barbara Kaze
Al Lukas
Philip Marks
ASSOCIATION OFFICE: 4-116
Lynn House– Community Manager
Perla Alvarez - Assistant Community Manager
HOURS OF OPERATION:
8:30 A.M. - 5 P.M. (MONDAY—FRIDAY)
CONTACT US:
Office: 301-598-1530, Fax: 301-598-1579
e-mail: [email protected]
www.lw20b.com
LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING IN 20B
MOVIE NIGHTS AT 7:30 P.M.:
PR # 4: 10/21/15: “Mud”
PR # 3: 10/28/15: “The Judge”
PR # 4: 11/4/15: “Enough Said”
PR # 3: 11/11/15: TBD & PR # 4: 11/17/15: TBD
EVENTS
10/20/15: Social Happy Hour, 5pm, Both Party Rooms
11/10/15: Italian Dinner, 6 p.m., Both Party Rooms
12/12/15: Holiday Dinner, 6:45 p.m., Clubhouse I
Brown Bag Lunch, 9/25/15, # 4
Halloween Humor (Cont.): Why do ghosts
go to baseball games? They like to boo the
umpire.
What kind of ghost haunts a hen house? A poultry-geist.
What do you call a ghost in a torn sheet? A holy terror.
Why do ghosts like to ride elevators? It raises their
spirits.
What happens to a fast witch on a slow broom? She flies
off the handle.
Submitted by Jane Hause from the Montgomery
County Stroke Assoc. Communication Oct. Edition
