Spring 2026
Spring 2026 Quarterly Newsletter
Reminders
Board Meeting
📅 Wednesday, April 15, 2026 — 7:00 pm
📍 Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 219 087 101 834 74
Passcode: zd2KU2Tc
Dial in by phone:
+1 321-558-6407
Code: 504809100#
From the Board
Happy New Fiscal Year, Soapstone Cluster! As we welcome spring and the start of Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), we are excited to begin a new season of maintenance projects, community volunteer efforts, and continued improvements across the cluster. With warmer weather returning and new projects underway, we look forward to an active and productive season for the community.
Fiscal Year 2026 officially closed on March 31, and we are now in the process of closing the books and preparing for the annual audit. Once completed, the audit will be shared with members in accordance with our governing documents. The FY27 budget was approved at the Annual Meeting, and we look forward to continuing important work throughout the community.
This spring, key priorities include:
- Tree maintenance and removal of deadwood to preserve safety and tree health
- Continued invasive vine removal to protect mature trees
- Volunteer workdays and community improvement projects
- Evaluating replacement of aging wood retaining walls
We are also pleased to share that the Board recently signed a new landscaping contract with Blake Landscaping, which began service on April 1. The new contract is expected to result in approximately $10,000 in annual savings for the Association while also improving service and communication. We look forward to working with Blake Landscaping as we move into the spring and summer months and continue enhancing the appearance of the cluster.
Photo credit: Charles Raubacher
We are excited that the Groundskeeping Committee will soon resume volunteer work days. These efforts are incredibly valuable and help stretch Association funds while improving the neighborhood and addressing smaller maintenance items throughout the cluster. These events are also a great opportunity to meet neighbors and spend time outdoors while improving our community. We are also planning a community cookout in May and look forward to sharing more details soon.
Invasive vine removal efforts will also continue this spring. These efforts remain important for protecting mature trees and improving the long-term health of our wooded areas. Thank you again to everyone who has already participated — your work is truly appreciated.
The Board is also beginning to obtain quotes for replacing several aging wood retaining walls throughout the cluster that are showing signs of deterioration. This work is being evaluated as part of our long-term maintenance planning, and we will continue to share updates as we gather information and determine next steps.
Upcoming Board Meeting
We encourage residents to attend the April 15 Board Meeting, where we will present two important draft documents for community review and discussion:
- Draft Investment Policy
- Draft Revised Fence Design Standards
These drafts are being shared in advance to allow residents time to review and provide feedback prior to the meeting. Resident input is helpful as we work to strengthen governance, improve long-term financial planning, and update community standards. If you need a hard copy, please email the Board and we will be happy to provide one.
As part of our ongoing effort to provide meaningful updates while keeping communications manageable, the Board will be transitioning to quarterly newsletters beginning this year with this Spring newsletter. Additional updates will continue to be shared by email as needed, particularly when there are important announcements, meetings, or community events. We hope this approach strikes the right balance between keeping residents informed and focusing on the most meaningful updates each season.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and involvement in the Soapstone Cluster community. We are looking forward to a productive and active spring.
Warm regards,
Soapstone Cluster Board of Directors
Soapstone Cluster Events
Invasive Vine Removal
📍 Hearthstone Playground
📅 April 25th | 10 am
Groundskeeping Workday
📍 Soapstone Cluster
📅 Late April / Early May
Community Cookout
📍 Cluster Common Area (TBD)
📅 May 31st | 1 pm
Around Reston
Reston Spring Festival & Easter Egg Hunt
📍 Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods
📅 April 12, 2026 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Reston Association Community Yard Sale
📍 12010 Sunrise Valley Drive
📅 April 26, 2026 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Reston Spring Festival
📍 Lake Anne Plaza
📅 May 2, 2026 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Reston Aquapalooza
📍 Lake Newport Pool
📅 June 19, 2026 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Contact Us
📧 board@soapstonecluster.org
🌐 soapstonecluster.org