MARCH 2010
Volume 13 Issue 3
Celebratory Air Pervades 2010 Annual Meeting
The atmosphere was celebratory
as 100-plus owners, residents, and
guests gathered in the Potomac
Room for Marina Towers’ 29th An-
nual Meeting on March 10.
“This past year has been a good
year for Marina Towers, albeit a
challenging one,” outgoing Presi-
dent Terri Hauser reported. “Even
while our nation is weathering the
worst recession in modern times,
Marina Towers approaches this
year’s Annual Meeting in sound
financial health. While our region
has weathered historic blizzards, our
dedicated staff has kept our building
operating smoothly. And while our
community weathers changes in our
leadership team, we continue to
make important progress on issues
important to our property values and
quality of life.”
The primary purpose of the meet-
ing – election of two members to the
Board of Directors – was quickly
dispatched as Mary Harris and
Marie “Bitsy” Bullock were elected
to two-year terms by acclamation.
Despite the absence of a contest,
40.3 percent of owners were repre-
sented in person or by proxy (the
quorum requirement is 25 percent).
Judy Cooper, Diane Kapanowski,
Janet Marx, William Mattison, John
Inside... Breaking News:
Board Appoints John Blackburn
General Manager
Seitz, Jean Wilson, and Bill Woolam
served as tellers.
In addition to President Hauser’s
report on the Association’s overall
status, Treasurer Mary Harris pro-
vided a financial update. She noted
that Marina Towers finished the year
with an unaudited surplus of
$38,623, with over $1 million in
Capital Reserves, and with delin-
quencies in the low range at about 1
percent of assessments, adding that
anything less than 3 percent is con-
sidered excellent by auditors.
Vice President Chuck Adams up- From L to R: Tony Rouhani, Mike Mallot,
Heather Graham (all from CMC/Associa) and
dated the community on the status of Jeremy Moss from Mercer Trigiani. The Manage-
(Continued on page 6) ment Company gave three $100 door prizes.
Four Million Homeowners United in Savings
Through the national purchasing ily” members that exceeded even our
power of Associa and the opening of expectations.
our website, AssociaAdvantage.com, Although we are just getting
our 7,000 client communities, 4 mil- started, Lowes, Shaw Carpet, Dal
lion homeowners and 4,500 employ- Tile, Dunns Flooring and yes, even
ees, will realize savings of up to 30% Doody Calls, have gotten on board
on a wide range of household goods with us. AssociaAdvantage.com is
and services. We have negotiated dis- available now in the Washington Met-
counts on carpet, flooring, counter- ropolitan area and will be active na-
tops, roofing, gutter cleaning, pet tionwide by the end of the year.
waste services and much more with According to representatives of
national, regional and local service Associa Advantage, “The program is
providers, who were willing to offer (Continued on page 6)
significant savings to “Associa fam-
The Prez Says . . Page 3
Marina Towers Musings . . Page 4
From the Desk of the General Manager . . Page 5
Astrology Column: Apologies Unnecessary . . Page 7
National Survey Affirms Community Association’s Success . . Page 8
Resident Profile: Kem and Phil McCombie . . Page 9
 MARINA TOWERS
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEES
Editor/Publisher: Gail Miller
240-667-2050 ACTIVITIES & SOCIAL COMMITTEE
gail.miller@comcast.net Provides programs of social, recreational, educational and cultural activities for
all age and interest groups within the community.
Marina Towers
Administration Office
703-549-0660 Administrative/LEGAL COMMITTEE
FAX: 703- 549-8958 Advises and assists the Board in administering and enforcing the
Association’s covenants (Bylaws, Rules and Regulations) and
Published Monthly by:
makes recommendations for revisions thereof. Also recommends
MARINA TOWERS: administrative policies and examines personnel policies and training.
A CONDOMINIUM UNIT
OWNERS' ASSOCIATION
501 SLATERS LANE BUILDING/TECHNICAL & ENERGY COMMITTEE
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 Advises/assists the Board in energy management matters and in
BOARD OF DIRECTORS developing programs for the operational, structural, mechanical &
electrical maintenance of the building.
President: Chuck Adams
Vice President: Don Devries
Treasurer: Mary Harris
Secretary: Ann Kaupp COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Sgt-at-Arms: Marie “Bitsy” Bullock
Responsible for the monthly newsletter, and for communication
between the Board and members of the Association as well as
THE MARINA TOWERS STAFF
between Marina Towers and the broader Alexandria community.
General Manager: John Blackburn
Assistant Manager: Chris Nahlik
Director of Facilities: Paul Sherman FACILITIES/GROUNDS COMMITTEE
A rate card indicating the cost and Advises and assists the Board in developing programs pertaining to
size specifications for ads is available building appearance both interior and exterior including landscaping.
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
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.

River Views Page 2

The Prez says . . .
Spring: A Time of New Beginnings!
Spring is here again and I am looking forward to being outdoors more often than the snow
and cold of winter allowed. Spring is also a time for green to emerge, not the least of which
are the various Saint Patrick’s celebrations – most notably the annual parade down King Street
and our own get-together on the 17th. Thank you Veri and Viddy for coordinating another
community event that we all enjoy so much! As I write, I am especially looking forward to the
Marina Towers St. Patrick’s Day party, because my daughter, Julie, from Seattle will be here
and attending it!
This is my first “Prez Says” column for River Views. I find I am energized by the thought
of communicating with all of you – friends and community – in many ways that we as a
community interact together.
The first way I will be communicating is by leading the Board in responsible management
of our property and the funds we all contribute. I will be signing the new Management
Contract with CMC this coming week, which begins the new era of letting the “full service”
management company truly manage the building. This is a significant change from the prior
practice of having the Board hiring the building manager. It may take some time getting used
to this arrangement.
How we interact as a community is one of the things most of us enjoy when we think of
living here. The various parties (e.g. Christmas, Super Bowl, and Blizzard parties), dog walk
socials, movie nights, Outdoor Gourmet Guild (coming soon), yard sale, and the pool and
gazebo offer quality interaction time with our neighbors, their children and pets in this
beautiful setting. We all contribute to make Marina Towers very special in this way. I look
forward to facilitating these good times we all enjoy.
We also live in a beautiful historic town across from a major city with all the realities of our
culture and times. Times are hard economically for many, including members of our own
community. We cannot be sure how and when we might be affected by economic, natural or
manmade disruptions to our society and way of life. I think that it is important to consider
what the building can do to prepare for a disruption of any sort as well as what we as
individuals can do personally to prepare. In this regard, I plan to lead the building in
considering and developing written contingency plans. I also will lead community discussions
about what we as individuals and families can do to become more “resilient”.
Being good citizens of our Old Town Alexandria community, Marina Towers will actively
take a part in appropriate community initiatives. North Old Town Independent Citizens
[Association] (NOTICe) and At Home Alexandria (AHA) are two such community initiatives
that come to mind. There may be others we will want to support as we can.
Enjoy Spring! And when you have a moment, consider how you can contribute to our very
special community. We will be organizing the volunteer committees and letting you know
how you can join them in the near future.
Thank you,

Chuck Adams, President

River Views Page

Page 3
 Committee & Board Meetings
Facilities Committee—April 5, 7:30 p.m.
Building Technical Committee - April 15, 7:30 p.m
Finance Committee—April 19, 7:30 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting - April 26, 7:30 p.m.
Meetings are held in the Potomac Room unless otherwise noted.
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
before the meeting. All residents are welcome to attend Board meetings.

Marina Towers Musings — MARCH

By Jan Macidull unless otherwise noted
Anyone for a Nap? By Don Mela sailing marina) and, south, to Alex-
Until recently, I always felt a
slight twinge of guilt about my naps.
After all we Americans don't take sies-
tas — we work through the day. But
now there is a report on the beneficial
effects of napping in the February 17th
issue of The Economist. Dr. Matthew
Walker of the University of California
at Berkeley has headed a team study-
ing the effect of sleep in consolidating
memory. An experiment showed that
a group that napped retained previ-
ously learned material better than
those who did not nap. Indeed, Dr.
Walker says that the benefits of a nap
to memory are so great that they can
equal an entire night’s sleep.
Farewell, guilt! But, if perchance I
fail to remember your name the next
time I meet you, maybe I missed my
nap that day.
andria – either along the Parkway or
the river. Both gates are opened us-
ing your blue Marina Towers build-
ing key. (Please remember to shut
the gate behind you.) A special thank
you to our “I’d like to be anony-
mous” Marina Towers woodsman
who spent an entire morning clearing
brush and pruning trees in the woods
so we can all enjoy a comfortable
walk through this cozy woodland.
GPS: “Global Positioning Sys- thing on display that could tempt a
tem” (“Gosh, Please don’t Steal!”) thief – or that would let them know
While crime statistics as a whole you’ve got something valuable in your
are declining in our area, one may be car. Suction cup marks on your wind-
increasing: larceny, i.e., theft. A shield or portable GPS cradles on your
favorite these days, according to Sgt. dash are a dead giveaway that you’re
Harold Duquette, Jr., of the Alexan- using a GPS or other electronic equip-
dria Police Department, is the theft ment that may be stored in your glove
of resalable GPS equipment from compartment. Take equipment with
cars. His advice: do not leave any- (Continued on page 10)

To the Woods!
Did you know that there are several
shortcuts to the bike path from our
property? The one most known and
widely used is at the end of the side-
walk and steps to the right side of our
building. This entrance puts you onto
the boardwalk part of the bike path
right behind Marina Towers. The
other shortcut is located at the far right
end of Casper’s Friendly Dog Park.
This entrance takes you on a short
jaunt through newly cleared out woods
to the intersection of bike paths lead-
ing north to Daingerfield Island (the

River Views Page 4

From the GM’s Desk … March, 2010
John Blackburn, General Manager
The transition from winter to
spring always amazes me. One week
ago, temperatures were consistently
in the mid to high 20’s at night and
we still had big piles of snow left
over from the storms that greeted me
on my first day of work; now, the
daffodils I see along the road on
sunny south facing slopes on my
morning commute are up and bloom-
ing, the trees at the north end of the
property are showing their first
flushes of color ranging from pale
reds to soft greens and I have this
urge to plant something! In the East-
port area of Annapolis, they are get-
ting ready for their annual spring
sock burning festival, although I am
not quite ready to go that far just yet.
My old tootsies like to be warm.
Speaking of seasonal transitions,
everyone received the flyer on the
need to clear a part of the parking lot
on March 16th and 17th to make way
for the crane needed to lift the new
cooling towers up to the roof and take
the old ones down. However, the
shipment from the manufacturer
has been delayed and installation
will not take place until the follow-
ing week at the earliest. It’s a big
project and should provide at least
four to five hours of fascinating side-
walk superintendent time for Marina
Tower’s residents when it happens.
I’m disappointed, but delays in con-
struction projects are part of the busi-
ness. Keep your fingers crossed that
we get the new towers installed be-
fore we need them!
We had a flood this month and
four units were damaged. The build-
ing’s insurance adjuster has been here
and restoration efforts are underway.
This is a reminder that it is a good
time for everyone to check their
homeowner policies. The building’s
master insurance policy does not
cover the contents of your unit nor
River Views
does it cover improvements you or a Mike Mallott from
previous owner made to the unit. An CMC and Executive Vice President -
upgraded kitchen or bath, wall to Associa Advantage, Inc. discussed a
wall carpets or area rugs, new floors, new program that CMC’s parent
furniture, TV’s, etc. are not covered company, Associa, is rolling out that
by the building’s policy. Be smart will provide discounts from retail
and make sure your homeowner’s merchants to community associa-
policy limits are adequate to cover tions nationwide that are managed
all your stuff! Remember, the build- by Associa member companies and
ing will only restore damage in a unit the residents of those communities.
to the fit and finish existing at the Log on to associaadvantage.com for
time of conversion to a condomin- more details. One of the questions
ium. Mike took from the floor dealt with
The Annual Meeting went off getting a kitchen remodeled for un-
without a hitch and I would like to der $15,000. Mike contacted Tim
thank everyone who attended. Terri Thompson at REICO, the local
Hauser can sure run a meeting! She kitchen and bath partner in the pro-
set an example for all condominium gram, and his response was
Board Presidents. One of the funni- “ABSOLUTELY! We could put
est lines I heard that evening was together several packages and offer a
“Terri’s meetings always end on the volume discount if there are enough
day they start.” In the property man- homeowners to make this work.”
agement business, this ain’t always The community, working with Man-
the case! The Board presented Terri agement just has to figure out how to
with tickets to a wine tasting in ap- determine the level of interest there
preciation of her work on behalf of is within the community for a
the community. Three individuals kitchen/bath remodel. Tim has al-
won $100.00 door prizes, compli- ready contacted me and is ready to
ments of Community Management talk. Anybody out there interested
Corporation. You had to be there to in spearheading this effort? Please
win. At least three others had their contact me to sign-up. There just
tickets drawn, but had left early. might be an extra discount in it for
Next year you might want to stick your efforts. Everything is open to
around. The odds of winning are negotiations.
sure a lot better than the lottery.
22nd Annual Potomac River Cleanup
April 10 —10:00 am-Noon
Come one, come all. Whether you fancy fishing old tires out of the Poto-
mac or running coffee to others who like to do that, your help is needed!
Marina Towers’ residents have been enthusiastic participants in this event
since its inception. Come out for a good cause and a good time!
There’s a photo contest, so bring your camera! The winning picture
will be posted on the front page of the Potomac Watershed Website.
Join your neighbors in support of this good cause!
Page
Page 5
Mary Harris, Marie Bullock Elected by Acclamation
Owners Hear Update on Busy Past Year; Preview of What’s Ahead
the Fan Coil project, noting the asbes-
tos abatement would begin shortly, to
be followed by engineering specs. He
elaborated on what would be involved
as fan coils were replaced in the walls
of each unit on a tier-by-tier basis.
The community also heard from
Acting General Manager John Black-
burn on the upcoming replacement of
the cooling towers on the roof. Spe-
cial guests included Jeremy Moss,
representing the Association’s law
firm, Mercer-Trigiani, and Heather
Outgoing Board President Terri Hauser New Board President Chuck Adams’ engi-
Graham, Executive Vice President of neering expertise has made him an invalu-
who has led the Association for the past
Community Management Corporation four years. able resource for Facilities Management.
(CMC), who introduced Mike Mal-
lott, Vice President of National Pro-
certificates of commendation to Bingler, and Matt Hennessey.
curement for Associa, CMC’s parent
committee chairs Chuck Adams, Hauser exercised her prerogative
company. Mallott provided an over-
Bitsy Bullock, Veri Crain and Viddy as President to present special
view of Associa Advantage, an excit-
ing new program that leverages Asso- Comsa, Jan Macidull, Katherine (Continued on page 11)

cia’s buying power to offer discounts

on household goods and services to
both associations like Marina Towers
and the individual homeowners who
live there.
Noting that the past year saw a
marked increase in committee activity
and in the active social life of the
building, President Hauser presented

Associa Advantage
(Continued from page 1)
wildly popular with homeowners and
suppliers as well. We are adding new
vendors every day!”
In addition to being a vehicle for
discounts, AssociaAdvantage.com is
also an online magazine with articles
about gardening, maintaining your
home, caring for pets, being green
and everything else that affects com-
munity association living.
Visit the Website to see the articles
and learn how Marina Towers’ resi-
dents may take advantage of the pur-
chasing power of this unique pro-
gram. :
www.associaaadvantage.com
River Views Page 6
 Apologies Unnecessary
—Dianne Eppler Adams
“It is a good rule in life never to
apologize. The right sort of people
do not want apologies, and the
wrong sort take a mean advantage of
them.” —P.G. Wodehouse, The
Man Upstairs
Have you ever noticed how
many times you apologize in the
course of a day? Lately, I have ob-
served how frequently I apologize
for anything and to anyone. One
day, I apologized almost a dozen
times . It started me wondering.
According to the dictionary, the
word apologize means “to express
regret for an offense or fault.” Was
I really at fault or to blame every
time I apologized? No. Sometimes,
however, my insensitive words may
have caused hurt feelings. Or what if
I tripped and jabbed someone in the
side with my elbow? In each case,
expressing regret is the right thing
to do if I caused hurt or injury.
Other times I was not the cause. My
apology was simply offered in re-
sponse to feeling empathy with an-
other person’s situation. My heart
responded to their pain, but it was
not my fault.
Why do I apologize when I am
not at fault? Here is my point: we
do not need to make another feel
better by apologizing for the suffer-
ing we never caused. It is not our
responsibility to make them happy.
Doing that is a pretty tall order! In-
stead, you can empathize with oth-
ers’ troubles without taking them
upon yourself. You can convey
your awareness of their struggle
without either making yourself re-
sponsible or trying to make it go
There’s still time to away. Doing so, I believe, is an act
of solidarity with them. It also dem-
take advantage of the
onstrates confidence that they are
Government’s first
capable of finding their own way
time home buyer
out of their dilemma – an act of em-
credit. Buy Now! powerment.
River Views
For example,
when my daughter calls
with a concern, rather than apologiz-
ing that she has to deal with this
problem and suggesting solutions, I
could listen to her story first. After
an initial emotional release, a more
empowering approach would be for
me to ask questions. Asking her what
she plans to do encourages her prob-
lem-solving capability and places me
in the position of an advisor - rather
than a rescuer - as she manages her
own life. I think I will try it next
time.
One last thought about apologies:
we also never need to apologize for
who we are. It is unnecessary to ex-
press an apology for our human na-
ture, our bodies, our mental capa-
bilities (or lack of), or anything else
about ourselves.
We are all so wonderfully differ-
ent. As for me, I will always have a
changeable nature. That is who I
am. You are surely different. I do not
need to apologize for my change-
ability, nor do you need to apologize
for your unique nature.
Perhaps like me, you have apolo-
gized when your apology was unnec-
essary? Notice next time and con-
sider a different approach.
_____
Dianne Adams is a Marina
Towers resident and author of the
forthcoming book, “Conscious
Footsteps: Finding Spirit in Every-
day Matters.” She 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 news-
letter, Astrology in Matters, by
signing up at her website -
www.SpiritinMatters.com.
Page
Page 7
National Survey Affirms Community Association Success
For the fourth time over a span of
10 years, community association resi-
dents have told pollsters they are satis-
fied with their homeowners associa-
tions, condominium communities and
cooperatives.
Independent, national research con-
ducted by Zogby International in De-
cember 2009 showed that seven in ten
community association residents are
satisfied in their communities, with
only 12 percent expressing some level
of discontent and 17 percent neither
satisfied nor unsatisfied.
More than 60 million Americans
reside in an estimated 305,000 asso-
ciation-governed communities, from
town home communities and coopera-
tives to high-rise condominiums and
city-size master-planned associations.
The 2009 findings are strikingly
similar to the results of surveys con-
ducted by Zogby in 2005 and 2007.
The news is positive for the home-
owner volunteer leaders who serve on
association boards, with almost 90
percent of residents saying board
members "absolutely" or "for the most
part" strive to serve the best interests
of their communities. Only 7 percent
NMNH Celebrates Centennial with New Human Origins Exhibition
On March 17, istics that define human beings to- fossil Neanderthal skeleton in the
day evolved over the past six mil- U.S. (housed at the Smithsonian)
2010-the 100th
anniversary of the
National Museum
of Natural History
on the National
Neanderthal Skull Mall- the David H.
Koch Hall of Hu-
man Origins opened. This long-
awaited exhibition addresses one of
the most profound questions humans
have asked for thousands of years:
What Does It Mean to Be Human?
The exhibition takes the visitor on
the epic journey of the human spe-
cies and explains how the character-
River Views
expressed displeasure with their
boards. An estimated two million
homeowner volunteers serve on the
boards that govern associations.
Other key findings
Ninety one percent of residents
say they are on friendly terms with
their association board members;
just 3 percent indicate a negative
relationship.
82 percent say they get a “good”
or “great” return on their association
assessments; 16 percent say they
don’t.
76 percent say their professional
community managers provide value
and support to residents and the as-
sociation at large; 18 percent say
they don’t.
While some homeowners chafe
when confronted by rules they don't
like, 70 percent say their association
rules "protect and enhance" property
values, while only 2 percent say the
opposite. Almost 90 percent oppose
more government involvement.
The best and worst
Asked to name the best aspects of
living in an association, residents
most often cite neighborhood attrac-
lion years. It explores how our
unique physical traits, behaviors,
and ways of interacting with our
surroundings emerged as our ances-
tors struggled to survive in a dra-
matically changing world. The exhi-
bition is the result of a collaboration
of more than 60 national and inter-
national institutions-including the
National Academy of Sciences and
the American Association for the
Advancement of Science.
The exhibition features several
original archaeological artifacts.
Among them is the only original
tiveness (23 percent), less mainte-
nance for individual homeowners
(22 percent), community safety (13
percent) and property values (11
percent).
Asked to name the worst aspects
of their associations, 37 percent say
there is nothing bad. That is fol-
lowed by restrictions on exterior
improvements (14 percent), dealing
with neighbors (12 percent) and pay-
ing assessments (10 percent).
Conflict among neighbors
Of those who cite neighbor-to-
neighbor issues, 24 percent say con-
flict relates to the appearance of
homes. Other leading reasons for
strife include parking (12 percent),
personal habits and noise (11 per-
cent, respectively).
“Conflict and dissention make
headlines, and that’s what many
Americans read in newspapers and
see on television about community
associations,” says Thomas M.
Skiba, CAE, chief executive officer
of Community Associations Institute
(CAI). “But when you ask residents
themselves, the news is largely posi-
tive.”
and the original fossil skulls of Cro-
Magnon and the La Ferrassie Nean-
derthal (the most complete skull of
this species in the world). Also on
exhibit are bronze reconstructions of
early human species created by the
renowned paleo-artist John Gurche.
The museum will offer a variety
of public programs and educational
materials, including a Teacher's
Guide. Visit the Human Origins
Program's new website at http://
humanorigins.si.edu/ that includes
videos and interactive displays and
content from the exhibition.
Page 8
 In Focus: :
Kem and Phil McCombie, Entrepreneurs
E
“ ast is East and West is West,
and never the twain shall meet,”
wrote Rudyard Kipling over 100
years ago. How wrong he was!
Thousands of miles from their home-
lands, this twain met—in Herndon,
Virginia. And not too long after that,
these natives of London and Bangkok
came to be Marina Towers residents
and owner-managers of two popular
North Old Town restaurants.
Phil grew up in London and after
finishing school began as a sur-
veyor’s apprentice. This was a seven
year program, but he soon began to
look for greener fields. At that time
the computer industry was in an early
stage and offered great opportunities
for persons without formal training
who had an aptitude for the work.
So, after eighteen months, Phil struck
out in a new direction as a computer
programmer and continued for the Their leisure time is limited, but when they have the chance, the McCom-
next 35 years. He was sent to New bie’s like to travel. And, since they grew up in other countries, they often
travel abroad. Here, they enjoy an afternoon in the Hong Kong harbor.
York in 1987 and then to Washington
where he was in charge of an office.
And one day in January 1999, Phil they bought the PERKS Coffee Shop Thaviphoke, works in the restaurant
was eating in an Italian restaurant in from the wife of the man on Sundays.
Herndon ..... who had had the packing and The McCombie’s have been River
Kem grew up in Bangkok and shipping business. Kem managed Views’ advertisers for some time.
studied pharmacy at her university. the coffee shop and Phil, the packing They started with the Thailand
She worked in that field until at age and shipping business. After two Royal Restaurant and now advertise
32 she married an American military years, the latter business was sold Perks as well (see page 10).
officer. She came to America, be- and they concentrated on the PERKS When the couple came to Alexan-
came a housewife, and had a son. shop. The shop prospered and in dria, they lived in Carlyle Towers in
Kem could not work in the pharma- 2009 doubled in size. The British the Eisenhower Valley. They be-
ceutical field as the couple moved to and American menu includes such came drawn to Marina Towers by
various posts where licensing proce- items as pancakes, a traditional Eng- the easy access to their businesses.
dures differed. Eventually they di- lish breakfast, or fish and chips. See What little leisure time they have
vorced. And one day in January 1999, the website for more information: they enjoy traveling abroad. Phil
Kem was eating in an Italian restau- http://perkscoffeeshopandcafe.com also is a fan of British football
rant in Herndon ..... In 2005 the space that is now oc- (soccer) and watches the matches
Ten months later in November cupied by the Thailand Royal restau- when he’s not at PERKS.
1999 Phil and Kem married. They rant became available. Kem returned Samuel Johnson said: “A second
wanted be their own bosses so they to Thailand to relearn Thai cooking marriage is the triumph of hope over
acquired an independent packing and and opened a restaurant three and a experience.” This one triumphs.
shipping business. Not long after that, half years ago. Their son, Yord —Don Mela

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Page 9
 Meandering Around and Musing …
you and, of course, be sure to lock to stay while here on a visit from put up friends or family for a week-
your doors and close your windows, England. This could happen to any end or week when they’re visiting.
even if you’re leaving your car for one of us, right? From time to time, These individual arrangements can
just a few minutes. If you want to we’re on travel and would be glad to be initiated among residents using the
know what happens when someone have someone stay in our place – just Marina Towers website, bulletin
breaks into your car and steals every- so long as have confidence in the boards, or an ad in River Views.
thing (including your Christmas pre- person staying there. Or, we’d like to
sents), ask resident Billie Mattison
whose car was broken into on a re- Terri Hauser’s
cent trip home to Texas. If you want niece, Lexi, en-
to know more about crime in specific joying “Yappy
Hour” with
areas of the city, just click the
Munchkin and
“Crime Information” link on the po- some of her
lice department’s website and select friends on March
“Crime mapping” or go to 18. “Yappy
www.crimereports.com and search Hours” for dogs
for Alexandria. and their humans
Putting up Friends and Family are held Thurs-
days at 6-ish p.m.
at Marina Towers (weather permit-
Recently one of our neighbors ting) in the Dog
was looking for a place for her friend Walk area.

River Views Page 10

Annual Meeting
(Continued from page 6)
awards to owner Larry Harms,
“whose vision and sweat equity as a
landscaper transformed the dog-walk
area into an inviting park,” and to en-
gineering staff member Willie Parks,
who “went the extra mile – more like
100 miles – during repeated record
snow storms this winter.”
Secretary Ann Kaupp presented
Hauser with a certificate of apprecia-
tion for her leadership and contribu-
tions to Marina Towers over the past
four years as President of the Board of
Directors. “You might not know that
Terri is something of an oenophile,”
Kaupp added as she presented two
tickets to a special California barrel
tasting in April as a thank-you gift
from the Board and the community.
Before the formal meeting ad-
journed for refreshments provided by
the Mihns (who run the Marina
Valet), a drawing was held for the
three $100-dollar door prizes donated
courtesy of CMC. Jan Marx, Matt
Hennessey, and Jean Wilson were the
lucky winners.
Following the meeting, the new
Board met and elected Chuck Adams
to serve as President of the Associa-
tion for the coming year.
The other officers are: Don Devries,
Vice President: Mary Harris, Treasurer:
Ann Kaupp, Secretary:and Marie
“Bitsy” Bullock, Sgt-at-Arms:
River Views
SEASON MOODS
The seasons have their moods.
The spring greets with flowered smiles.
Summer exudes a laid back comfort.
Autumn celebrates in colored robes.
Winter’s mood is cold, stark grey and white,
spawns a longing for the rest.
—Roger Waud
HAIL AND FAREWELL
Welcome newcomers! We hope you will enjoy living in what we call our
“Paradise on the Potomac.” Please come to the social functions and help us
get to know you! For those moving away, our very best wishes for happi-
ness in your new homes.
MOVE INS
MOVE OUTS
413 – Stephen Hedrick 1121 – Stephen Rosasco
506 – Mary Pinckney
709 – Jan & Don Philpot
113 – Jesse Suskin 120 – Sarah Pires
923 – Frederick & Barbara Humphrey
13 – Rachael Seda
709 – Jack & Carol Hughes
Reporters, writers & photographers needed ...
River Views welcomes those who have an interest in providing regular
or occasional articles for the newsletter. We especially need news of
historical interest, upcoming events, film, book and restaurant reviews.
ALSO, we urgently need photographers. This is a fine opportunity to
showcase your work and help your community. Interested? Please
contact Gail Miller at 240-667-2050 or gail.miller@comcast.net.
USE THIS COUPON TO
SAVE 10%
when you spend $20 or more
in one trip to the MT Valet!
NOT VALID ON DRY CLEANING
Page
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River Views Page 12