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Committee Corner Spring 2024

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Six homeowner association (HOA) committees collaborate with the Cameron Station Board of Directors to oversee and manage the community. These committees serve as avenues for homeowners to actively engage in Cameron Station’s affairs, playing a crucial role in shaping the neighborhood and making it such a wonderful place to live. Every quarter, these committees share updates on their activities and future plans through the Committee Corner article, fostering transparency and community engagement. 

Activities and Events Committee
By Andy Yang, ChairpersonResidents at the 2023 Holiday Party.

Although we are well into 2024, here is a brief recap of last year's Holiday Party. The annual Cameron Station Holiday Party was held on Sunday, December 17, 2023. It featured an Artisan's Holiday Market, photo booth, arts and crafts, food from Maggiano's, sweet treats, hot chocolate, and even a visit from Santa. About an hour into the event, we were surprised by a performance from a group of flash mob dancers. It was a fun event enjoyed by everyone; thanks to the volunteers who helped make this event a success.

For the first event of the year, we hosted the third annual St. Patrick's Day Trivia Night on Friday,
March 15, 2024, in the Great Room with prizes for first, second, and third place finishes.

Looking ahead, the annual Egg Hunt comes early this year, on Saturday, March 30, 2024, 10 - 11 AM, followed by the Spring Yard Sale on Saturday, April 20, 8 AM - 1 PM. Please follow Cameron Station on social media or via weekly emails to stay in the know for these events, and more.Residents at the 2024 St. Patrick's Day Trivia Night.

Andy Yang has been a Cameron Station resident since 2007 and chairperson of the Activities and Events Committee since 2018. During his spare time, he enjoys playing recreational sports and watching football (Raaaiders!), tv shows, and movies. You may occasionally catch him running to the Cameron Club on his way to one of the various fitness classes.

The Activities and Events Committee organizes regular social events in Cameron Station, including a twice-a-year community yard sale. These events foster a sense of community and help make Cameron Station a great place to live. If you have an idea for an event or are interested in volunteering with the Activities and Events Committee, reach out to the committee Chairperson Andy Yang by emailing events@cameronstation.org. 

Architectural Review Committee 
By Trena Raines, Committee Member

Please welcome Cameron Station’s new on-site Covenants Administrator Avante Thomas! Avante (or Tae for short) is from North Carolina and has been living in the DMV area for about four years. Prior to joining the CAMP Team, Avante worked for the Supreme Court as a system administrator. He is hardworking, considerate, and tends to put others’ needs before his own. One of Avante’s strongest skills is problem solving; he enjoys using his own experience to help others resolve issues. 

Join us in welcoming Avante Thomas, Cameron Station's new on-site covenants administrator.

As the new on-site Covenants Administrator, Avante is becoming familiar with the Cameron Station Design and Maintenance Standards (DMS). He will be an invaluable resource for both homeowners and the ARC as a DMS expert. He will assist homeowners in a variety of ways, including preparing their Exterior Modification Applications for submission to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and performing resale inspections prior to homes being listed for sale. During the warmer months, he will conduct comprehensive home inspections (these inspections are critical to ensure that the aesthetic of Cameron Station is maintained). In addition to these responsibilities, Avante will support the rest of the CAMP staff however he can.

When Avante is away from his Cameron Station office, you may find him engrossed in a book or in front of his own computer screen, as he is an avid gamer. 

One of Avante’s favorite quotes is from Roman emperor and philosopher, Marcus Aurelius: “You don’t control what happens, you control how you respond.”  

Trena Raines is an architect for the Federal Government. She has lived in the West End of Alexandria for over 20 years and moved to Cameron Station in 2021. Trena was recently appointed to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts and currently studies photography at Northern Virginia Community College.

The Architectural Review Committee reviews applications for exterior modifications or improvements to any residential lot in an effort to ensure that the aesthetic of Cameron Station is maintained. The ARC also has oversight over comprehensive and resale inspections as well as parking guidelines. The chairperson of the ARC is Steve Pearson. If you have any questions about the application process or would like to submit an exterior modification application, please reach out to CAMP management at arc@cameronstation.org. Alternatively, you may also contact the Onsite Covenants Administrator directly at athomas@gocampmgmt.com.

The Cameron Club Facilities Committee
By Ray Celeste, Chairperson

Two residents recently gave the Facilities Committee (CCFC) feedback on ways to improve our fitness experience. As a result, we have implemented a pilot program offering a Pilates complimentary class every Wednesday for two months. We have also purchased an additional Peloton. The residents’ positive input is very much appreciated. 

I also want to thank our committee members for their ongoing commitment to the Cameron Club and its facilities: Vice-Chair Dan Ogg, Secretary Dan McPhillips, and committee member Tim Regan. They continue to offer exceptional advice to our Board of Directors on issues affecting the maintenance, use, and enjoyment of the Cameron Club and facilities, including the swimming pool, fitness center, multi-purpose court, and meeting rooms. In a community as busy and big as Cameron Station, the many hours the Board of Directors puts in are appreciated. The community management team of CAMP, and ProFIT, our fitness management team are also noted for their exceptional support. Our Fitness Director Psy Scott  continues to offer topnotch instruction to our esteemed residents.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” — Jim Rohn

Ray Celeste, Jr. is a retired Marine Colonel and chairs the Facilities Committee. Ray has lived in Cameron Station since the summer of 2004. He also has tutored for decades at the Patrick Henry K-8 School. Ray works diligently at giving back as much as possible to our beloved community to help make living at Cameron Station an enjoyable experience.

The Cameron Club Facilities Committee’s primary responsibility is to advise the Board of Directors on issues affecting the Cameron Club. You can reach the CCFC and its Chairperson Ray Celeste by emailing facilities@cameronstation.org.

Common Area Committee
By Don Williams, Vice Chair

Join the CAC sponsored Potomac Watershed Clean-up Day with neighbors on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

As spring approaches, the Common Area Committee (CAC) has been busy preparing for the year ahead. At our February meeting, Adrienne Zaleski from Lancaster Landscapes briefed the CAC on current trends in sustainable landscaping for communities like ours, including conserving water and managing runoff, planting native plants, and the pros and cons of electric landscaping equipment.

The CAC voted in January to approve a redesign of the Donovan Drive pocket park (by the intersection of Donovan and Murtha). This will involve replacing the declining linden trees with cherry trees and installing new flower beds, while retaining the grassy area in the center that has become a favorite spot for neighborhood kids to play. The park fountain, another favorite gathering place, will also remain.

The redesign was initially proposed in 2019 after the roses which encircled the park became diseased and had to be removed. For a variety of reasons, the work was delayed, but will finally move forward this year.

The CAC is co-sponsoring the upcoming Potomac Watershed Clean-up day on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Our Cameron Station cleanup will focus on Brenman Park, the Linear Park, Armistead Boothe Park, and the Holmes Run watershed. More than 50 members of our community participated in last year’s inaugural event, and we’re hoping for 100 participants this year. If you would like to participate, please email managers@cameronstation.org with your name and contact information. We hope to see you there!

The Common Area Committee is responsible for advising the Board of Directors on landscape maintenance and services such as snow removal. You can reach the CAC and Chairperson Martha Romans by emailing commonarea@cameronstation.org. 

Communications Committee
By Tricia Hemel, Chairperson

Hello, 2024! What an incredible journey it has been so far for the Communications Committee (ComCom). From launching The Compass blog and the revamped website to being recognized as the 2023 “Extra-Large Community of the Year” and “Communicator of the Year” by the Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute, our community has set a strong tone for the year ahead.Cameron Station was recently recognized with several awards, including Communicator of the Year.

At the heart of these achievements is the hardworking team of volunteers within ComCom and its subcommittees, who have made significant strides in a variety of projects. This includes the redesign of The Compass newsletter into a blog, which continues to serve as a source of inspiring community news, event highlights, and stories about the remarkable neighbors who contribute to our community.

Our updated website is another major win in our communication endeavors, offering a more user-friendly experience designed with our residents in mind. 

In just the first few months of 2024, the Welcome Subcommittee has warmly welcomed 28 new residents to our community and provided them with a friendly point of contact.

A big shout-out to everyone sharing their Cameron Station photos; your submissions continue to be featured on our social media and weekly Eblast. Keep sharing your photos HERE.Share your photos of Cameron Station!

Stay connected and stay informed! 

Your input matters! If you want to contribute or have ideas for improving community communication, please reach out to us at communications@cameronstation.org. Your support keeps our community connected and informed.

Here's to a practical and purposeful 2024!

Tricia Hemel, with husband Vince, chose Cameron Station as their home in 2018, settling in Carlton Place Condominiums. An LSU graduate, Tricia spent 15 years in NYC in the wholesale apparel industry, specializing in marketing and sales. She currently serves as the chairperson of the Communications Committee and is dedicated to enhancing community communication. You can often find Tricia walking the neighborhood or enjoying engaging conversations at Cameron Cafe. Born in New Orleans, she proudly supports LSU (Geaux Tigers!) and cheers for Real Madrid (Hala Madrid!).

The Communications Committee’s primary goal is to keep residents of Cameron Station well-informed, engaged, and connected by employing a range of effective communication channels including the website, social media channels, email outreach, and the community publication The Compass. Additionally, we spearhead welcome initiatives, marketing endeavors, and photography efforts to further enhance the community experience. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster a cohesive and informed community in Cameron Station. You can reach ComCom and its Chairperson Tricia Hemel by emailing communications@cameronstation.org. 

Financial Advisory Committee
By Takis Taousakis, Chairperson

Members of Cameron Station Community Association have several methods available for making the required quarterly assessment payments in addition to using the coupon provided and sending a check: 

  • ACH Payment. Register to allow the association to debit the account of your choice, on or around the second business day of each quarter, for the assessment payment due.  Participating in this program reduces/eliminates the probability of any late fees being assessed to an account. There is no charge for this service.
  • E Check. Self-directed through the portal provided by CAMP, an owner may process an E Check on the date of their choice for the payment of their respective assessment fees. If made in a timely manner, there will be no late fees assessed to the account. There is no charge for this service.
  • Credit Card Payment. Self-directed through the portal provided by CAMP, an owner may process a payment using a credit card, on the date of their choice, for the payment of their respective assessment fees. If made timely, there will be no late fees assessed to the account. However, there is a charge for this service directly from the bank processing this transaction.

Enrolling and using one of these services allows peace of mind in knowing your payment is being made on time and eliminates any possibility of postal service delays. 

The Financial Advisory Committee’s primary responsibility is to advise the Board of Directors on issues affecting the financial position of the HOA.You can reach the FAC and Chairperson Takis Taousakis by emailing fac@cameronstation.org. 

Get Involved

Please consider joining one of our HOA committees. Choose the one that most interests you by completing the Committee Member Registration Form. Click HERE to download the form, and submit it to the HOA office at managers@cameronstation.org. Your participation will not only help ensure the continued success of our community, but you’ll get to make some new neighborhood friends as well!