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Thinking About Home Improvement?

If a few sunny days have got you thinking about ways to enjoy your new home this spring and summer, join the crowd!

Many of us are emerging from winter and taking a look at our yards and flower beds. Some are also imagining how a new deck, sunroom or patio enclosure might look.

If you're considering a permanent improvement to your home, be sure to get all the facts. Part of the process is getting approval from the Mason's Passage Architectural Control Committee (ACC).

This committee, which is made up of fellow homeowners, reviews all permanent modifications to homes and property. The committee meets during the second full week of each month to consider applications.

Any homeowner considering such changes to their home or property must submit an application through Dale Estrada at Armstrong Management . Dale will bring the application to the attention of the committee, which will review and vote on completed applications at their monthly meeting.

Homeowners must have the approval of both the ACC and Fairfax County. In instances where the county's decision differs with a ruling of the ACC, the county's decision takes precedence.

Also, decisions by the ACC may be appealed to the larger Board of Directors.

Because the committee meets once per month to review applications, homeowners should take this timing into consideration when planning construction projects. Please allow enough time for the ACC to make a decision BEFORE commencing any modification or improvement. The Committee asks that homeowners do not ask for approval by the coming weekend.

Download the application for architectural review online or by contacting Armstrong Management. Guidelines for architecture will be posted online before June.

We're A Development, Now Let's Be A Community

The construction of new homes is finished in Mason's Passage and we're officially a development. But are we actually a community?

Part of being a community is being a good neighbor-getting to know your neighbors and respecting them. Sometimes respecting your neighbors means respecting their right not to view your trash can. Or their right not to step in a surprise left by your pet on its last outing.

Part of being a community is also getting to know the area around you. Explore the parks and historical areas as well as shops and restaurants. Take time to know who your elected officials are and consider volunteering your time to be a good citizen.

A handful of people within Mason's Passage serve on the Board of Directors, the four committees or the Neighborhood Watch. If you think you have 1-2 hours each month to spare (I know we're all so busy!), contact Dale Estrada at Armstrong Management and ask if what opportunities there are to serve the HOA.

If you don't have time to devote to the HOA in an official capacity, try to serve your community by picking up trash when you see it in the common areas or notifying Armstrong if you notice a problem that needs addressing.

Many people come to the Washington, DC area from other places because of the good standard of living and the availability of jobs. Some leave because they miss the small-town atmosphere where people know and care about their neighbors.

We're a small development and have a great chance to build a sense of community. Let's do what we all can to make Mason's Passage a place we're proud to call home.

Community Clean-Up Day

It's officially Spring! The buds are starting to burst and green leaves are sprouting. What better time for a Spring clean-up?

Join us on Saturday, April 13th from 9:00 am until Noon for a Community Clean-Up Day. Meet at the recreation field next to the pond for juice and doughnuts and to get organized. The HOA will supply plastic bags and gloves.

We'll start by clearing the field and surrounding area of any leftover construction debris in order to make it safer for recreation. Then, we'll scour the neighborhood looking for soda cans, plastic shopping bags, and any other kind of trash that litters our community (there's plenty of it!).

Since a lot of trash is in the wooded areas, where there are briars, consider bringing an old pair of gardening or winter gloves. You may also want to wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants.

If you have questions about the clean-up, feel free to contact Kristin Bowl at kristinbowl@yahoo.com.

If you can't make the date, join us in spirit by picking up trash whenever you see it throughout the year.

Note that the April 13th date is weather permitting. In the case of inclement weather, the clean-up will be rescheduled.

Fairfax County Police

Listed below are a few of the incidents that involved the Fairfax County Police, Franconia Station through 2/20/02.

Springfield Mall - A man pushed an employee at J. C. Penney to the ground and took money from the register while she was ringing up a customer's purchase.

Springfield Mall -1991 Jaguar sedan reported stolen. Franconia Road 5500-Gasoline taken from service station without payment being made.

Actions By Board of Directors

Motions approved by the Mason's Passage Board of Directors at its March meeting: