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Community Picnic
Homeowners and their families came out to enjoy a day of sharing food and conversation at the annual community picnic held on July 13th.

Kids participated in a water balloon toss (much appreciated on a July afternoon) and egg toss. Afterwards, both kids and adults joined in for a game of volleyball. Winners of gift certificates included:

• Ben Fofana of Plaskett Forest- $30 to Home Depot
• Brian and Mimi Goodwin of Dogue Indian-$25 to AMC Hoffman Theatre
• Janice Aikman of Dogue Indian -$30 to Target

Board Actions Taken in July
At its July meeting, the HOA Board of Directors noted that it received a petition signed by a number of homeowners to move the gazebo which is currently located at the Village Green. The Board noted that the gazebo location is in the community proffers and cannot be changed without a 2/3rds vote of the homeowners. The Board also stated that it feels many of the concerns regarding the gazebo will be addressed once the developer has been released from his bond and the HOA is free to make improvements in landscaping and lighting.

The Board President has scheduled a vote of the full community on the newly developed handbook by the Architectural Control Committee which affects all members of the community. Requests for comment on the proposed handbook was requested in the last newsletter. Homeowners are urged to review the draft which can be downloaded here in PDF format.

ACC Chairperson, Petronella Maxwell can be contacted through Armstrong Management for clarification of any item in the handbook.

The Board approved a motion to recognize that AAA Trash Removal has notified them regarding a 2.8% increase in rates which was effective July 1st, 2002. The Board will take this increase into consideration when planning the 2003 budget.

The Board noted that the Recreation Field is temporarily closed due to poor conditions found by the engineer studying the community. Anyone playing at the field is doing so at their own risk.

In response to a homeowner inquiry regarding the use of the village green or recreation field for a private gathering such as a family picnic, the Board discussed rules for such use of community property. Homeowners are encouraged to notify Armstrong Management if they wish to reserve the space. Such reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners must be responsible for their guests and must leave the area in the same condition in which it was found prior to use. In addition, there should be no loud noise after dark.

The next Board Meeting is August 20th at 7:30 pm.

Plan on it! General Meeting October 7th
The Mason's Passage Homeowners Association will hold it's Annual community meeting on Mon, Oct 7th from 7:00-9:00pm at the Lorton Library in the large meeting room. The library is located across Route 1 from Mason's Passage at 9520 Richmond Hwy.

All homeowners are asked to attend as the meeting requires a quorum of homeowners be present before any HOA business may be considered.

One of the positions on the HOA Board of Directors will be up for election this year and will be voted on at the meeting.

Updates will be given regarding development of the village green area as well as the ongoing transition study and other important work of the HOA through its volunteer Board of Directors and committees. A vote will also be taken on the newly-developed architectural control handbook for homeowners.

Homeowners are encouraged to come and ask questions.

Please note that Mason's Passage has a new property manager at Armstrong Management. Wendy Tomlin is now the contact for any homeowner inquiries. Wendy may be contacted at wtomlin@armstrong.net or 703-31309359 x3013.

Fairfax County Police Department Crime Report
The following incidents were reported by the Fairfax County Police Department recently:

9700 Plaskett Forest -Vehicle Tampering

9800 Richmond Hwy-On July 23 at 6:10 pm, a man entered the Texaco service station at the corner of Route 1 and Gunston Road, brandished a handgun and demanded money from the clerk. The victim complied, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

September 18th - The Community Action Committee meeting will take place at the Franconia District Station at 7:30; Refreshments at 7:00 PM.

Give Blood, Give Life
With the anniversary of 9/11 approaching, many people may be thinking of how they can give back to their community. One of the best ways to make a real difference in others' lives with minimal time commitment is to donate blood. In Fairfax County blood is collected from volunteer donors throughout the week at 2810 Old Lee Highway, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22031. Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment.

Remember that only trash cans supplied by AAA should be used to dispose of garbage. Garbage should not be put out for pick-up in bags without being placed in a can. In addition, trash cans themselves should be stored out of sight on non pick-up days.

Home Improvements? Apply Here
Remember that any permanent modifications or improvements to the exterior of your home or to your property must first be approved by the Architectural Review Committee.

The ACC, comprised of fellow homeowners, meets the 2nd week of each month to consider applications.

If any home improvements are planned, please keep the committee's schedule in mind when requesting approval. The application form may be downloaded here in PDF format.

Missing Children: Know the Facts
In light of the recent media coverage about missing children around the country, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is urging parents, teachers and members of the community to be calm and armed with information.

Parental abductions and runaway cases make up the majority of missing children in the US. In 2001, there were about 725,000 children reported missing. The vast majority of these cases were recovered quickly. But, each year about 3,000 to 5,000 non-family abductions are reported to police. About 200 to 300 of these cases make up the most serious cases where the child was murdered, ransomed or taken with the intent to keep.

Safety Tips for Parents:

1. Be sure to go over the rules with your children about whose homes they can visit and discuss where they can and can't go in the neighborhood.
2. Always listen to your children and keep the lines of communication open.
3. Teach your children in whose car they may ride. Children should be cautioned never to approach any vehicle.
4. Make sure children know their names, address, telephone numbers and how to use the telephone.
5. Choose babysitters with care. Obtain references from family, friends and neighbors.

Safety Tips for Children:

1. Always check first with your parents or the person in charge before you go anywhere or do anything.
2. Always take a friend when you play or go somewhere.
3. Don't be tricked by adults who offer you special treats or gifts or ask you for help.
4. Don't be afraid to say no and get away from any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable.
5. Don't go near a car or take a ride from someone without checking first with your parents.
6. Never go into a public restroom by yourself.
7. Never go alone to the mall, movies, video arcades or parks.
8. Stay safe when you're home alone by keeping the door locked. Do not open the door for or talk to anyone who stops by unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative.

For more safety tips and additional child prevention education materials visit www.missingkids.com.

Information courtesy National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

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