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October 2006 Annual Meeting
The Mason's Passage Homeowners Association held its annual meeting on Wednesday, October 11 at Gunston Elementary School. With a quorum of homeowners present, three new Board members were elected for 2006-2008: Carla Lucchino, Justin Karlinchak, and Horace Cooper. Many thanks to out-going Board members Mirza Baig and Jeff Eskridge for their valuable service to our community.

The current Board is comprised of the following homeowners: Tammy Grunkemeyer (President: 2005-2007), Carla Lucchino (Vice-President: 2006-2008), Justin Karlinchak (Secretary: 2006-2007), Horace Cooper (Treasurer: 2006-2008) and Pam Ramberg (Member-at-Large: 2005-2007). We extend our congratulations and appreciation for their willingness to serve.

Board members reported good news for all homeowners: no dues increase in 2006. The new budget approved at the annual meeting is enclosed with this newsletter for homeowner reference. The Board's planning process for 2007 is underway. Major initiatives include installation of a fountain at the pond, outdoor lighting for the community, general repairs, a welcome packet for new homeowners, and a review of ways to improve the parking situation.

A number of homeowner issues (towing, trash collection, gutter safety, etc.) came up during the annual meeting. Please don't wait an entire year to voice your concerns. Board members can be reached at any time by email (masonspassagehoa@yahoo.com) or via Rebecca Pumphrey (RPrumphrey@tri-statemgmt.com) at Tri-State Management/Koger. (phone # 571-432-5408).

Residents at the annual meeting expressed concern over lack of parking for special events. There was also discontent with current towing practices. Based on reports by homeowners at the annual meeting, our towing company may be overstepping their authority. If you suspect that you are the victim of illegal towing please contact Rebecca Pumphrey at Tri-State Management/Koger, or any of the Board members by email (masonspassagehoa@yahoo.com).

As mentioned in earlier newsletters there is NO street parking in Masons Passage. We need to use a towing company to keep fire lanes clear and the parking policy enforced. However, you should be aware of your rights with regard to towing ---these apply not just in Mason's Passage but anywhere you may be towed in Fairfax County. If you are present and remove your vehicle from the site, the tow operator is not allowed to hook up to your vehicle; if the tow operator has already hooked up they may charge you a small fee ($25) to disconnect the vehicle so that you can move it. This is County law and the tow operator should know it; if they refuse to release your vehicle to you while you are present, please get as much information on the driver and provide this information to the Board as soon as possible. You may also, report the tow company on your own to the Consumer Protection Division at 703-222-8435 or file on-line at :

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer/IQext/CSW_acs.asp

The towing company is authorized to patrol tow the fire lanes, but they must be called in for guest parking. The Board has delegated Rebecca Pumphrey as our agent for call-in tows (all tows other than fire lanes). Nicole is the only person authorized to call out the tow company for the HOA; this is policy so that there will be a central point of contact and record keeping, and to discourage neighbor-to-neighbor animosity. If a homeowner sees a car in violation of policy, they may report it to Nicole for her follow-up.

If you feel that Tri-State Management/Koger has not responded or followed-up on your complaint, please report this to the Board by email (masonspassagehoa@yahoo.com). This comes directly to the Board, not to Koger. Finally, remember that the HOA and the Parking Committee welcome all your suggestions regarding ways to improve the parking situation in our community. Please email your suggestions to masonspassagehoa@yahoo.com.

2007 Schedule of HOA Meetings:
HOA meetings are usually held on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Gunston Elementary School (location to be confirmed on a meeting by meeting basis - please check our website at www. masonspassage.org for updates).

January 8
February 12
March 12
April 9
May 14
June 11
July 9
August 13
September 10
October 10 --Wednesday (note: the 2nd Monday is Columbus day -- the Annual meeting cannot be held on a holiday)
November 12
December 10

Crime Report Update- Convicted Trespasser:
Amad Goodwin, who was arrested in Mason's Passage for trespassing, was convicted and sentenced to 180 days in jail, 180 days probation and fines. A homeowner called this in when he was seen hanging out at the gazebo and around neighborhood homes, and the HOA's property manager appeared in court on the HOA's behalf. The judge also ordered him barred from the Mason's Passage Community and is to be arrested immediately if found here. Amad Goodwin has a record in other states. If you see him, or any other suspicious person, please call the police immediately. He is described as a black male, early 20's, unshaven with a goatee.

There have also been reports of people checking car doors to see if they are locked. Be sure to lock your cars at all times so as to protect any valuables that might be stolen. Lock your car doors even if your car is parked in your own driveway.

Parking Policy
All cars parked in guest parking spaces must display a valid Guest pass at all times. Cars not displaying the hangtag on their rear view mirror may be towed. During the holidays more visitors are expected in our community. Residents are encouraged to use their garages, plan ahead, and check with their friends and neighbors re: borrowing a guest pass or using their driveway for a short period. Helping each other out is really what it means to be part of a community. Other parking violations (commercial vehicles, cars parked on grass, across sidewalks, driveways or street) are also subject to towing and /or fines. Please carefully review the parking policy available on our Web site at www.masonspassage.org.

Volunteers Needed
The Board is looking for volunteers to adopt areas of the community to ensure that trash pickup occurs (at the gazebo and tot lots). If you are willing to make sure that trash gets bagged and picked up to keep trashcans from overflowing in the gazebo and tot lots, please contact Justin (www.masonspassagehoa@yahoo.com.) or Rebecca Pumphrey (RPrumphrey@tri-statemgmt.com) at Tri-State Management/Koger (tel. 571-432-5408). We are also looking for volunteers to help out with the Lighting Committee- if you are interested please contact Carla at www.masonspassagehoa@yahoo.com.

Home Repairs - Shutters
Some residents are having problems with shutters. Evelyn Watson is the contact at Ryan 540-735-2320 to talk with if your shutters are down. Ryan may be willing to replace shutters that are down due to faulty hardware. If Ryan will not make this repair, it is still the homeowner's responsibility to do so. Pets in Mason's Passage

Please remember to observe proper "pooper scooper" etiquette throughout our community. Common grounds are not an appropriate place for pets to leave deposits. We have received reports of pet waste near one of the drainage areas. This is both unsanitary and illegal. Fairfax County requires that homeowners clean up after their pets. Please notify Tri-State Management/Koger or Animal Control if you see anyone improperly depositing pet waste.

Holiday Trash Collection Schedule
Trash pickup will occur on the regular Tuesday and Friday schedule throughout the holidays. AAA will also be providing Christmas Tree Removal Service on the first two Wednesdays in January 2007. Any trees to be removed thereafter will be removed with the trash. Please place trees at the curb with all the trimmings removed. Trees in excess of 8 feet in length need to be cut in half in order to be removed.

Holiday Decoration Reminder
Per the governing documents of the association, Holiday decorations must be down within 30 days of the holiday. All holiday decorations (lights, etc.) should be down when Tri-State Management/Koger conducts the next property walkthrough.

Local Events
Sully Historic Site, 703-437-1794 Eighteenth century home gracefully decorated for the holidays. December 6 through 31 closed on Tuesdays. 11am-4pm. On Dec. 27: IONA Holiday Concert (Celtic Music) at Sully Historic Site, 703-437-1794. Refreshments served in original 18th century kitchen. Prepaid reservations: $10/seat

The Holidays at Mount Vernon: Dec 1 - Jan 6, 2006: See Washington's Mansion with its Seasonal Decorations. Regular admission fees.

Festival of Lights at Bull Run: open now through Jan. 7th:, Open 7 nights a week 5:00 p.m.-9:30 PM. ($15 per car/van). Also at Bull Run: Winter Wonderland Holiday Village.

Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours (703-838-4994) relive holiday celebrations in 18th century Alexandria.

First Night Alexandria: family-oriented, New Years' Even celebration, with music and fireworks

National Christmas Tree and the surrounding Pathway of Peace: at the Ellipse in Washington DC.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Happy Holidays!

Contact Us
Tri-State Management/Koger : Rebecca Pumphrey Tel: # 571-432-5408 RPrumphrey@tri-statemgmt.com
HOA Board of Directors: masonspassagehoa@yahoo.com , or via Tri-State Management/Koger above