Category: Newsletter

Summer 2025 Newsletter From Your Board

Fall 2001 (year 1)
See https://themillattarbranch.com/historical-information for much older pictures

Hello, residential and commercial owners as well as renters at The Mill! We hope everyone is having a good summer. Below please find news, updates, and reminders about our community.

1. New neighbors!

Please welcome our newest neighbors:

  • Rob Baldwin and Remona Teague
  • Edson Bridges and Tracy Bridges
  • Dia St-Pierre Young  and Garret Young
  • Nanne Holmes

2. Updated COA Directory and Website

Thank you to Patrick Turner for keeping our COA directory up to date. Please let him know if it needs an update. Board members are identified there too.

Patick also maintains our COA website, https://themillattarbranch.com/ . It provides contact information, “who to call” information, a “Mill Vocabulary”, our governing documents, and more. 

3. Shannen Varin, our single point of contact for COA needs

Owners should contact our property manager Shannen Varin (shannen@capstonetriad.com) of Capstone Realty Consultants for any COA needs, including property issues and payment questions. Shannen’s services are part of our contract with Capstone. 

However, owners can keep the board in the loop by emailing coa@themillattarbranch.com, which reaches the current COA officers.

4. Budget Update

The COA remains on target with our financials so far this year. Most outstanding dues have now been received.

Within a few years, we will probably begin talking about financing the replacement of the B1 and B3 roofs. Eventually we will need to replace the elevator in B3. These expensive projects would be discussed with the community well ahead of time, of course.

5. Recent & Upcoming Projects

  • Trees have been trimmed and a few removed around B2, in order to reduce the tree debris that ends up on the roof. Some new flora will probably get planted this fall.
  • We are exploring regular gutter maintenance for B2 and perhaps also the garages. The B2 gutter routinely gets clogged with tree debris, which results in water penetration into the units on the west end of the building. Thank you to Joe Burkett for helping clear some downspouts last month.
  • Thank you to Holly Willis for working on the big pots in the B1/B2 breezeway. After consulting with the board, she planted ivy in the empty pots to match the other pots. (In the 25-year history of those pots, only ivy has proven sustainable.)
  • We are investigating a new entry system for the shared doors in B2 and B3. The current system is past its expected lifespan and is too old to get replacement parts. Any new system will provide enhanced functionality, including wireless access. We will communicate the plan as this project develops.
  • By this fall, we hope signage will be replaced and upgraded throughout the property.
  • We also hope that the metal railings get sanded and repainted.

6. Recycling Reminders

The city has a guide to what can be recycled: https://www.cityofws.org/637/What-Can-I-Recycle 

Note that plastic bags are not accepted – they clog the sorting machines. But bags can be dropped off at many grocery stores. 

Occasionally our recycling is not picked up, for no fault of our own. When that happens, we can tell Shannen, and she will complain to the city.

7. Owner Responsibilities for Overseeing Contractors and Agents

From 

https://themillattarbranch.com/owner-responsibilities-for-overseeing-contractors-and-agents:

It is the responsibility of the Unit Owner to ensure their contractors and agents comply with all applicable rules and regulations during the project’s duration.

  • All work must comply with applicable building codes.
  • Hours of work are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, holidays excluded. Noise-generating activities are permitted only between the hours of 9:00am to 4:00pm.
  • To the extent reasonably practical, the Unit Owner will direct contractors to minimize any noise, vibrations, odors, particulates and dust infiltration or other intrusion which would disturb building occupants.
  • Building security must be maintained at all times. No open door will be left unattended. The Unit Owner must direct workers not to admit anyone to the building unless that person is attached to the Unit Owner’s project. If, in the judgment of the Board, building security is not being maintained, the Board may order the work stopped until security is assured.
  • Contracts must ensure that no water penetration occurs due to their work. Owners should confirm that the roof openings, windows, etc. are shut properly.
  • All contractors and workers must comply with the provisions for parking, storage and use of Common Areas contained in the Declaration and Bylaws.
  • All contractors must safeguard Common Elements from damage caused by alterations. This may include, but not be limited to, using drop cloths to protect hallway and foyer carpeting and/or vinyl tile as well as parking lot asphalt and sidewalks. The Unit Owner is liable for all costs associated with reversing damage caused by her/his contractors and agents during the course of the alterations. This may include, but not be limited to, replacing dented access doors; painting marred walls, trim, access doors, stairs; cleaning or replacing stained carpet or vinyl tile.
  • Contractors must responsibly dispose of their debris off-site. Debris may not be disposed of in the community dumpster or recycling bins. No construction liquids are to be discharged on plantings in the community. Should workers not follow these rules, the COA will undertake the cleanup at the expense of the Unit Owner.

If you need the Mill’s water shut-off for non-emergency plumbing repair, we need to notify Shannen Varin 1-2 business days prior to the shut off so that she can notify residents, if at all possible.

Thank you for reading all the way to the bottom!

Updates for the Mill at Tar Branch COA

Hello, owners and neighbors! Here are some updates from your board. (See below for the list of officers for 2025.)

A reminder that Shannen Varin of Capstone Realty Consultants is our property manager. All homeowner correspondence should come to her via email (shannen@capstonetriad.com) or a phone call (336-494-6080). The board has been impressed by Shannen and we look forward to working with her this year.

Capstone maintains a portal for the Mill. There you can add work orders, pay dues, and view meeting minutes and other documents (“Community Information: → “Documents.”) Let Shannen know if you have any access issues.

Loss in our neighborhood:

As many of you know, we lost a friend and neighbor this month, Kimberly Hege Long in unit 312. Del, your neighbors have you and your family in our thoughts. Kimberly’s obituary.

Some current and upcoming projects:

Shannen is trying to get Duke Power to fix the security light in the lower Wachovia Street parking lot. Duke is really struggling with this, sigh.

We are working on replacing the entry panels/systems for Buildings 2 and 3. Those panels are so old that they could no longer be repaired, according to several vendors. Any new system will provide more options and flexibility. Thank you to Patrick Turner for researching some options and getting price quotes for the board to consider.

Landscaping improvements will happen this year. Limbs will be trimmed and some overgrown or dying trees will be removed, in order to protect the structural integrity of the roof, help reduce gutter clogging, and improve the look of our property. Some new trees will be planted. Details to come of course. Steve Cramer emailed B2 neighbors about this project last fall (the south side of B2 has the highest concentration of trees, and trees with branches now rubbing against the rubber roof seal).

And worn-out signage will be replaced through the Mill property.

Your 2025 board & roles:

Mitch Taylor (318): President
Christine Storch (115): Vice-President
Eric Stone (210): At Large

Rick Miller (223): Treasurer
Steve Cramer (211): Secretary

Our COA directory, kindly maintained by Patrick (thank you!)

Thank you, neighbors. –Steve

Summer 2024 Newsletter

Meet Your Board

  • Alison Turner, President, Unit 328
  • Jessie Fontenot, Vice President, Unit 313
  • Christine Storch, Secretary, Unit 115
  • Nina Poe, At Large, Unit 213
  • Mitch Taylor, At Large, Unit 318

Our community is so fortunate to be guided by this diverse, engaged, and multi-talented group of volunteers. Should you have questions, concerns, or praise on any COA-related topic, please contact the full Board at their shared email: coa@themillattarbranch.com.

New Neighbors

We welcome new Unit 217 owners Rob & Susan Arnold who are renting to Gregory Koester while they’re in Portugal. Interesting sidebar: Greg is the architect who first designed the interior of that unit for original owners Bucky & Nancy Dennis, as well as the interiors of Rick & Nola Miller’s Unit 223, and Unit 328 now owned by Patrick & Alison Turner. 

Also, welcome new Unit 214 owners Garret Young & Dia St-Pierre Young who will enjoy their space when in town.

More Bins, Please

You asked and we put the wheels in motion! The city waste management folks delivered THREE additional recycling bins. Remember to break down all boxes and use all the bins to better distribute.

Additional Parking No More

Intermittently, our residents have sought overflow parking in the Tar Branch Towers surface lot across Marshall Street. Their COA Board recently discussed liability concerns and have ruled against neighbors using their spaces. Please note that violators will be towed at their own expense.

And a reminder that parking spaces in our three lots [Marshall Street, Upper Wachovia, and Lower Wachovia] are neither reserved nor assigned to any specific unit. These spaces are equally available to all residents and their guests, as well as office staff and their clients.

Vendor Directory

Thanks to Patrick Turner who has shared a Vendor Directory. You will find a link on the main menu of our website at themillattarbranch.com. Feel free to make recommendations for the list.

Tomato, Tomahto

There is a legion of volunteer tomato plants in the area next to the east brick stairs at the backside of Building 1. Once they ripen, please avail yourself of their summer goodness.

Signs of the Times

Some weeks ago, several owners in Building 3 had interactions with a trio of uninvited visitors on site. Law enforcement was called and recommended that our COA post NO TRESPASSING signs at entry points to our community so the police could take action should there be a repeat. Thank you to Barbara Fehribach [Unit 326] for taking the lead creating and strategically placing the signage.

Turn Down the Volume a Smidge

Our shared walls are not as noise proof as one might think [or hope]. Be mindful of the decibels of your various entertainment sources and adjust accordingly to avoid audio intrusion next door.

Summer 2023

Let the Sun Shine In!

Starting about 9 am Wednesday, June 14, and continuing Thursday, June 15, Wolf & Sons Window Washing will be on site for our biennial, budgeted exterior window cleaning.

All windows will be sprayed, hand washed, and squeegeed. Windowsills will be wiped out.  Any screens will be removed, sprayed, and replaced. Workers will use ladders to access Building 3 balconies and Unit 155’s below-grade terrace. Those of you with fenced patios, kindly unlock your gate for access.

Bulky Item Pick Up

The city has scheduled our neighborhood pick-up for June 26 – 30.  The Board agreed that the central location for owners to place their items would be curbside in the area just north of the Marshall Street Parking Lot ramp.

Landscaping Committee

As the Board welcomes and encourages resident participation in administrating our COA, invested residents are called upon to volunteer to serve on a soon-to-be-formed Landscaping Committee, which Nina Poe will chair. Those interested should email coa@themillattarbranch.com.

Neighbors

Past Board President Robert Bowman has sold his commercial unit [318], and Lisa Menefee’s unit [155] is under contract.  Watch for details of our newest neighbors later this summer.

Spring 2023 Edition

ANNUAL MEETING

The Mill at Tar Branch Condominium Association held its Annual Meeting via Zoom on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 10:30 am.  After verifying the presence of a quorum in person and by proxy, the Association conducted business.

President’s Report 2022

Alison Turner wished all participating a happy new year and thanked all who joined the meeting.

She welcomed new residential neighbors Whitney Ray [Unit 212], Jamon Dark [Unit 214], Del and Kim Long [Unit 312], and new businesses Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods and Forsyth Futures [Unit 313], and Fontenot and Oyler, PLLC [Unit 314].

Alison highlighted three notable improvements last year:

  • Painting all exterior + interior common doors, including the People Doors on the garage structures.
  • Removal of nuisance trees whose roots were encroaching on the paved sidewalks. Thanks to the Building 1 Owners who researched viable replacements and financed new trees to offset COA costs for this Common Area improvement.
  • Replacement of the overhead doors on the Marshall Street garage structure. The original doors had significantly degraded over the years and were upgraded to doors of lighter, more durable materials. Thanks to the Garage Owners who researched and funded 50% of this Common Area improvement.

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Members serve three one-year terms and guide the well-being of our community. They meet in person regularly throughout the year and are available ad hoc to residents for clarity on governing, protocol, and assistance on all issues related to life at The Mill. Residents should not hesitate to contact any member with questions, concerns, and positive feedback.

Alison Turner, President
Unit 328
alison@alisonturner.com
336.972.3868

Alison Turner
President
Unit 328
alison@alisonturner.com
336.972.3868

Rebecca Bender, Vice President
Unit 212
rebecca.j.bender@icloud.com
336.978.4134

Rebecca Bender
Vice President
Unit 212
rebecca.j.bender@icloud.com
336.978.4134

Barbara Fehribach, Secretary
Unit 326
fehribach@aol.com
336.339.6575

Barbara Fehribach
Secretary
Unit 326
fehribach@aol.com
336.339.6575

Jessie Fontenot, At Large
Unit 314
jfontenot@fandofirm.com
404.218.5801

Jessie Fontenot
At Large
Unit 314
jfontenot@fandofirm.com
404.218.5801

Nina Poe, At Large
Unit 213
ninapoe@gmail.com
650.704.6446

Nina Poe
At Large
Unit 213
ninapoe@gmail.com
650.704.6446

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

As was brought forward at the Annual Meeting and then discussed at the Board level earlier this month, there are resident concerns about the lack of lighting on our two brick stairways.

Bobby Fehribach has identified appropriate solar illumination. These very well-constructed lights will have a long life in this application. The COA purchased the fixtures and once they are delivered, Bobby will do the installation gratis. In the meantime, carry a torch for safety.

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

Back in 1999, The Mill at Tar Branch joined other historically significant structures on the National Register of Historic Places.  Patrick Turner [Unit 328] and Board Secretary Barbara Fehribach [Unit 326] collaborated on sourcing elegant brass plaques spotlighting this US Department of the Interior designation. Earlier this month, Bobby Fehribach mounted the six plaques of various dimensions on our masonry walls. Thanks to the neighbors who answered Barbara’s fundraising call and generously contributed towards our crowd-funded project. So very exciting to have these permanent reminders of what a special place it is where we together live and work!

PARTY!

Rick Miller [Unit 223], during the Open Forum portion of our Annual Meeting, pointed out that it’s high time we meet in person rather than virtually.  The Board agrees! How about a late spring/early summer Sunday afternoon get-together in our Common Area? Looking for several neighbors to team up and plan this potluck social event. Those interested should reach out to Alison Turner at alison@alisonturner.com.

SEE A WEED, PLUCK IT UP! ALL DAY LONG, YOU’LL HAVE GOOD LUCK!

by Sherry Moss [Unit 114]

To paraphrase the “See Something, Say Something” campaign enacted by the Department of Homeland Security to bring potential terrorist activities to the attention of authorities, I’d like to wage a war on weeds by asking those who are able to “See It, Pluck It”. We are indeed in weed season, my friends! As I walk my dog up and down the sidewalk behind Building 1, I find myself constantly pulling up weeds from their roots and properly disposing of the offenders. But I know there are weeds everywhere on our beautiful campus. I ask all who are able to pull up a weed if you see one to do so. This will spread the responsibility of removing unsightly “volunteers” to willing residents and reduce the need to spray harmful chemicals on our grounds to control unwanted sprouts.

Next time you walk to your car, the mailbox, or to the recycle bins, look down and see if you can contribute to the “Pluck It Up” movement!

Winter 2022 Edition

Annual Meeting

The Mill at Tar Branch Condominium Association held its Annual Meeting via Zoom on Saturday, January 23, 2022 at 10am.  After verifying the presence of a quorum in person and by proxy, the Association conducted business.

President’s Report for 2021

Due to the age and historic nature of our community, frequently there are unexpected repair and maintenance expenses. Outgoing Board President Robert Bowman provided an overview of 2021’s unbudgeted capital projects:

  • Foundation repair at two units in Building 1
  • Door/lintel repair at one unit in Building  1
  • Window replacement for one unit in Building  1
  • Radon testing system for one unit in Building 2 
  • New flooring and ceiling repair in the common hallway of the commercial space in Building 3

Our largest budgeted expense, by far, is the replacement of all the roofs in our community. In 2020, we replaced one-third of the B1 roof and the full roof on B2, with plans to assess the remaining roofs in approximately 2025. If that future assessment determines the remaining roofs (two-thirds of B1, all of B3, each garage structure, and Unit 155) all need immediate replacement, then it is unlikely we will have sufficient funds for the entire roof replacement. If, however, the future assessment shows that only some roofs need immediate replacement, while other roofs can wait for another assessment in five (5) years, then it is likely we will have sufficient funds for the roofing expense.

The timing issue for when the balance of our roofs require replacing could significantly impact our ability to pay for those new roofs. Our Board will continue to be aware of this possible budgetary issue and plan towards that. 

We are also addressing several minor roof leaks in buildings 1 and 2.  According to Colin de Jong, our roofing contractor, flat roofs are notorious for such small leaks, especially with very wet weather conditions. A number of these leaks have been stanched, and Colin will inspect and repair the others once the weather allows.

2022 Board of Directors

Board Members serve three one-year terms, and guide the well-being of our community. They meet in person regularly throughout the year, and are available ad hoc to residents for clarity on governing, protocol, and assistance on all issues related to life at The Mill. Residents should not hesitate to contact any member with questions, concerns, and positive feedback.

Alison Turner, President
Unit 328
alison@alisonturner.com
336.972.3868

Sherry Moss, Vice President
Unit 114
mosss@wfu.edu
336.406.4844

Rebecca Bender, Treasurer
Unit 212
rebecca.j.bender@icloud.com
336.978.4134

Barbara Fehribach, Secretary
Unit 326
fehribach@aol.com
336.339.6575

Lloyd Dillon, At Large
Unit 325
lloyd.dillon@bhhscarolinas.com
336.575.4751

Pine Needles

Owners have expressed concerns that landscaping pine needles blown by weather beyond the planting beds are a slip hazard after rains. Not to mention messy. With this in mind, the Landscaping Committee continues the transition from the needles to living ground cover such as liriope and pachysandra throughout the community. Point of information:  As of this coming November, North Carolina will follow the example of our neighbors to the south by outlawing pine needles for landscaping due to their flammability. 

Crepe Myrtles Be Gone

After much handwringing and arborist consultations, the Board approved Building 1 owners’ request to remove four towering crepe myrtles located along the north side that structure. The trees had become a nuisance by dropping copious amounts of tree debris on the patios — exacerbated by a summer aphid infestation — and breaching the concrete of the walkway with their shallow, lateral-growing roots. B1 owners are working together to research appropriate replacements, and will share the cost for the new plantings.

Thieves

Cars in the Lower Wachovia Lot have had gasoline syphoned from their tanks, and catalytic converters stolen. These recent thefts have happened during daylight. If you see something, say something. Further, remember to keep your vehicles locked when parked in surface spaces or on the street. Leave nothing inside your car to provoke a crime of opportunity. The Board is investigating what action to take. In the meantime, the Winston-Salem Police Department is aware of the thefts, and have been invited to park in our lots for officer breaks and writing up reports to show an onsite presence. 

Coming and Goings

Welcome to new owners Kenneth Gack and Holly Rickett (Unit 214) and Wilson Pace (Unit 218). Lisa Menefee and Andy Comer (Unit 155) have decamped to the country to provide temporary housing to Lisa’s brother and sister-in-law from Charlottesville VA — Charlie Menefee and Lois Perry — and their Labrador Macchi.

Best wishes to longtime owners Josh and Nadja Moe, their daughter Riley, and dog Kona who have listed their Unit 312 for sale.

Come On, Friends!

Mind your pets. We know inclement weather makes walking our furry friends more challenging. Per city ordinance, dogs must be under control and leashed when not on their owner’s property. Keep an eye on your pets and where they do their business. Clean up and dispose of their mess immediately. Respect the tidiness of our community, and your neighbors.