Category: Talk of the Colony

“Talk of Colony” updates Ford’s Colony housing numbers

The September “Talk of the Colony” magazine is out and includes the updated housing figures as provided by the Ford’s Colony Architectural Review Committee.

As of the end of July, Ford’s Colony now includes 2,621 single-family homes. Add in 80 townhomes and the 24 Eaglescliffe condos, it puts total housing units in the community at 2,725.

Additionally, 46 homes were under construction as of July 31, with 20 applications for construction year-to-date.

Check out the entire September edition of “TOC” by clicking here.

The latest updates in August Talk of the Colony

The August edition of Talk of the Colony, the HOA publication, is out and among other things includes an interesting column detailing the evolution of information technology in Ford’s Colony.

Upgrading outdated IT platforms across the board is a priority of the HOA, from financial management to field operations and communications and resident engagement. The HOA recognizes the broadening demographics within the community and is adopting new ways and processes to serve a diverse resident base.

It’s worth a few minutes to read and get up to speed on the changes that are underway. An update on the “long-awaited turn lane” off of Longhill Road onto Ford’s Colony Drive is included in the edition as well.

Latest info from Talk of the Colony

February 2022


The latest Talk of the Colony from the Ford’s Colony HOA is out. Here’s what to check out in February:
 
* State of the colony: 2021 goals and achievements.
* Proposed changes to the Talk of the Colony.
* The Architectural Review Committee at work.
* Committee openings mean volunteer opportunities.
* Keeping an eye on new property developments.
* Traveling safely in the snow.
* James City County programs for young and old.
* Making an impact by donating blood.
* Exploring the fchoa.org website.
* Residents rekindling romance on Valentine’s Day.
* What the book clubs are reading.
* Participating in the Citizen’s Police Academy.
* Fishing in our many ponds.
* Friends and Neighbors starts the new year.
* Caring Neighbors are there when you need them.
* Contact information and descriptions of the Ford’s Colony clubs, activities, and service groups.
* Shop the classifieds 

Happy New Year to my FC neighbors

Happy 2021! I have so much hope for a fresh, healthy start from the most complicated and intense – and yes, scary — times most of us will ever know. I wish you all warmth and peace.

On to news highlights from the first Talk of the Colony (the Ford’s Colony HOA magazine) of the new year:

  • The HOA plans to spend roughly $2 million this year on a project to repair old pipes throughout Ford’s Colony.
  • A right turn lane onto Ford’s Colony Drive off of Longhill Rd. will be constructed.
  • Four of the seven seats on the HOA board of directors will be filled durig the election period that runs Jan. 4 through Feb. 5. Online ballots – one per household or lot owner – should arrive via email by Jan. 5. (Contact communityservices@fchoa.net if you don’t get one.) Voting instructions were mailed with the January assessment billing. Only electronic ballots will be used.
  • An impressive roster of candidates, with deep and diverse backgrounds, is running for the open slots – Ray Van Cott, Roy Madsen, Rick Beers, Daphne Kinkel and Robert J. Boggio. Their bios and introductory videos can be found on the “Election” page on the HOA website. Additionally, look for a virtual “Meet the Candidates” webcast to be recorded and posted at fchoa.org soon.
  • Entry gate arms continue to receive damage by motorists unaware of how to enter Ford’s Colony, including non-pass holders who try to gun their way through to beat the gate cycle. Don’t try it, advises security chief Crystal Bowers. It won’t work, and you’ll have to pay for the gate damage.

As always, remember that I post links to a year’s worth of Talk of the Colony editions here on their own page.

Best wishes!

Deelyn

Ford’s Colony Wine and Cheese Event – Sign up before February 22!

Colony Wine and Cheese is a series of  social gatherings held in the homes of  Ford’s Colony residents on designated  Sunday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. No
membership is required to attend these parties.

The first event of the 2014 season is scheduled for March 2 (think Mardi Gras), with a deadline for sign-up of February 22.

These events are open to all Ford’s Colony residents. Guests are randomly assigned to host homes, and are asked to contribute $5 per person to cover the
cost of beverages and paper products. Each couple is asked to bring a heavy hors d’oeuvre that serves eight to ten people, and to provide serving plate/
utensils that will be taken home at the end of the evening.

If you are interested in participating in the March event, contact Sally Frazier at sfrazer219@aol.com, or Bob Brennan at Rbrennan6@cox.net.

Are you new to Ford’s Colony? Here’s the club for you!

The Newcomers Club is an active and exciting part of Ford’s Colony. It has informative and fun programs and activities to help members make new friends and get to know Ford’s Colony and the Williamsburg area.  Join the club Friday, February 21, when the guest speaker will be Dr. Anna Holloway from the Mariners’ Museum. She will be speaking about the Battle of Hampton Roads (1862), between the Merrimack and the Monitor.

Newcomers Club meets at 6:45 p.m. at the S&T Club. Refreshments will be served and you can sign up for club activities such as book groups, BYOB,
lunch groups, Wine and Cheese, and Wine and Dine. Mark your calendar for the February 21 meeting.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Linda Jones, president, at ljonesgl@gmail.com. To join Newcomers, please contact
Libby Hardwick, Membership, at lrhardwick@cox.net.

Ford’s Colony Spring Yard Sale

FORD’S COLONY SPRING YARD SALE

The annual Ford’s Colony Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, March 15th, 8 a.m. to noon at Historic Triangle Community Center, 312 Waller Mill Road.

Residents can drop a check for $20 per table made out to Phyllis Eastman at the John Pott Guardhouse to reserve a spot by February 20th. Please include your name, phone number and email address. Tables and chairs are provided for participants. Tell your neighbors and friends to reserve their tables today.

If you have questions, please contact Phyllis Eastman at 757-258-1198 or reastman2003@verizon.net.

Ford’s Colony’s Got Talent!

Take note, Simon Cowell!!  No absconding with Ford’s Colony’s best!  “Ford’s Colony Has Talent” will be presented for one night only on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at the Swim & Tennis Club, 7:30 pm.
Auditions for this stupendous talent show featuring all types of entertainment, will be held on Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. at the Swim & Tennis Club.   We’re calling all talented adults and children twelve and over to showcase your talent.  If you can’t come the morning of the 23rd, call Ann King (229-0260) to arrange another time.

Are you a ventriloquist. . . play “Swanee River’ on a washboard. . . do card tricks with the audience?     Entertainers of all description, are encouraged to audition, and have fun.

An accompanist will be on hand to play for singers, dancers, and anyone else who might need her expertise.  Please bring your own sheet music.  If you do not have the sheet music, please contact the director, Ann King, 229-0260, and we will try to find it.

Two rehearsals will be held Sat. January 4th and Sat. January 11, 2014 at the S&T Club.

And, don’t forget the November 12th Theatre Club show:  “William the Conjuror”,  exciting magic show performed by William Penn Russell, performer of mystery, sleight of hand, card tricks and other unexplainable illusions.  Curtain at 7:30, admission $8 members, $10 non members and $3 children 12 and under.  Open to all, refreshments.

Got Tickets?

Get your tickets for the Ford’s Colony Eight Home Garden Tour!  Advance purchase tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, April 13th at the Garden Club Meeting.  Can’t make it to the meeting?  Simply leave a check at the John Pott Gate made out to “Garden Club Tour” and pick them up the morning of the tour at the Swim & Tennis Club!  Tickets purchased in advance will go for $8 each.  

Tickets will still be available for purchase on the day of the tour (May 14th) at the Swim and Tennis Club between the hours of 9am-noon, but you will pay a slightly higher price of $10.

Life and Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, April 12th!

Do you love a good Broadway Musical?  Are you interested in learning more about one of the best songwriting duos in American music? 

Venture up to the Swim and Tennis Club on Tuesday, April 12th at 7:30 pm to be entertained by the Theatre Club, and to enjoy a night of some of your old favorites from The Sound of Music, The Carousel, South Pacific, and Oklahoma! 

Admission is free, and refreshments will be served!

Save the Date! Colony Kids Spring Fling & Egg Hunt!

It is that time of year! Spring is in the air, the flowers are in bloom, and Peter Cottontail will be hopping down the bunny trail before you know it!

This year, there is a new Spring event planned for children and grandchildren (preschool age – age 12) of residents in Ford’s Colony!   

The 1st Annual Colony Kids Spring Fling and Easter Egg Hunt! 

  • When? Saturday, April 23rd, from 1-4pm. 
  • Where? Westbury Park (near the pool)

This event is full of fun activities, including: clay pot decorating, spring herb garden plantings, cookie decorating, egg hunt, refreshments, raffle, and more!  

This is an RSVP event, and early responses are welcome.  To send you response, simply send an email to: Lisas222@cox.net with the number of children who will be attending the event, and their ages.

October 2010 Talk of The Colony

The October 2010 Talk of the Colony is here! Included in the latest issue is an update on the newly renovated Swim and Tennis Club. It was beautifully re-done. The Interior Designer that was chosen to assist in the remodel was Tidewater Interiors– one of my favorite and one of the very best in the ‘Burg.

Don’t miss the article “Still Living in Interesting Times” on page 3 written by Norman Beal, vice president of the Board of Directors of the Ford’s Colony Home Owner’s Association. He provides a positive take on what is certainly ‘interesting’ times for everyone in the country – including Ford’s Colony. We have terrific leadership in the neighborhood which will help us as we emerge from hard times into the easier days that have got be ahead. (Just not sure when!)

Ford’s Colony HOA Newsletter: “The Talk of the Colony”

The September issue of the Talk of the Colony was delivered in my newspaper box on the first of the month as it is every month. There are some great articles included as well as  notices of meetings of various clubs  throughout the Colony. Of note, the FCHOA Board of Directors will be meeting Sept 20 at 1:00pm and Sept 23 at 2:00 pm. The Agenda and prior meeting minutes can be found on the neighborhood website at FCHOA2.org.

From the Board editorial page Ron Smith, resident and Director-at-Large has again contributed information on the governance of the Fords Colony Home Owner’s Association. Mr. Smith advises of the ‘checks and balances’ that are instrumental in all forms of our National and State levels of government but also in the Home Owner’s Association governance. The bottom line? Our membership (the homeowners) can elect and can remove Board members. The Board acts as one body with a majority rule. Mr. Smith correctly asserts that the ULTIMATE check and balance within the HOA is the continued participation of the home owners (the members) in the ‘affairs of the Association’. 

Ford’s Colony really is fortunate in that so many folks DO participate and Do take advantage of the number of opportunities to stay involved in the management of  the HOA. Certainly these folks ensure proper and fair management and future success of the neighborhood.  Well done Mr. Smith!

For more information on the Talk of the Colony click here:  September issue of the Talk of the Colony .

The Ford’s Colony Newsletter- The Talk of the Colony

Thinking of moving to Ford’s Colony or just want to stay on top of what is going on in the neighborhood? The Talk of the Colony is a monthly newsletter that is distributed to all homeowners at the first of each month. The Newsletter is extraordinarily well done. In it you can find the latest information and news that you need to know.

The latest Talk of the Colony contains information about a ‘trial’ run of Wi-Fi at the pools. If you like the idea of the Wi-Fi at the pools you are encouraged to send your comments to the Board of Directors as well as the Technology committee. The network name is “FCHOA”. This is a great idea. I do hope that the ‘trial’ takes off and the wi-fi at the pools (both of them) continues.

There is also great information about the Swim and Tennis Club refurbishment:

The S&T Club refurbishment – It is underway and much dust has risen as the workers rip out the old ceiling, wallpaper, and lighting fixtures. Not to mention the work being done in the kitchen – new ovens, sink, faucet, counter tops, cabinet doors, and ice storage bin. It was certainly time for the renewal and we are incorporating more frequent funding into the capital reserve budget so that face-lifting may be done every ten years and an overhaul every 20. Seems the current heavy usage dictates a more programmed schedule that anticipates the needed renewals and we will plan that way in the future.

There is much more useful information on all clubs and their activities and meeting dates. Please check out the link below that will send you to a PDF of the August issue of The Talk of The Colony.

August2010ToC