What a beautiful day we had for Oktoberfest! Sunny, warm and gorgeous blue skies all day long, children enjoying the rides and games, and best of all, the live reptile show! Wasn't "Sunshine," the big yellow python so humble and patient? Did you all ride the train and look inside that awesome fire truck? Did you get a magic trick pulled on you and pick your pumpkins for Halloween? The performance by the New Dominion Choraliers on the dock was really nice; we hope to have them back on July 4^th.  ‘Ill Angelic' put on a great show and the Continentals made the crowd polka around the dance floor. Let's not forget about the chicken dance show, the loudest, most energetic and happiest performance of all, by the kids of Montclair. 

Big thanks to all the volunteers who helped run the various stations, even during the cold evening hours. Next year we'll have Glühwein (German spicy boiled wine) to keep you warm. A special thanks to the funnel cake team who made such nice funnel cakes that the line was endless.  The bratwurst tasted really good, our chefs did an outstanding job.

by Doug Taggart

"Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better."

by King Whitney Jr.

One of the challenges of dealing with change is to ensure that people are informed.  At the October 2006 Board of Director's meeting, the Board voted to initiate a number of changes on how services are provided in Montclair.  I will summarize the changes that will be implemented over the next few months. 

by Brandi Langeneck

The CHILL is on... burr! Here are a few things to keep in mind for the colder months that are approaching us.

If there are items on your list of to-do's-repairs that need to be made to the exterior of your property-keep in mind that many repairs are weather permitting.

• If there are cracks in your driveway, you may want to consider filling and sealing those now.
• Check your gutters and down spouts; make sure that they are clear and free from leaves and debris.
• Protect your plantings and prepare them for their seasonal return.
• Insure that all leaves have been raked and removed from the ground as to prevent dead grass after the snow.
• Prune any tree branches that may impose danger to your or your neighbor's property; be sure to prune branches away from your fireplace chimney.
• You may want to look into a chimney sweep prior to lighting up those fire places this winter as it could impose a hazard to your home and family.
• Store any seasonal items out of sight if they do not pertain to the particular season that we are in or approaching.
• Remember that branches that endure heavy snow could fall and impose a safety concern.

These are just a few items I wanted to mention for consideration of your homes during the winter season. If you should have any questions regarding any further winter maintenance, I would be happy to assist you.

from the Board of Directors Meeting on October 11, 2006

• Approved minutes from the Aug 9, Sept 13, and Oct 4 BOD Meeting
• Acted on one Property Improvement Request
• Approved modification to MPOA contract with Armstrong Management Services
• Approved Administrative Schedule for 2007 Annual Meeting
• Approved contract for additional lighting at Dolphin Beach
• Approved charities to benefit 2007 triathlon
• Approved two payment plans
• Approved amendments to community guidelines 5.4.12 and 5.4.13
• Approved landscape maintenance contract

COVENANTS ENFORCEMENT

by Ted Wessel

The month of November means a lot of things; fall will soon be coming to an end and the cold winter months are closer than we think.  Fall is the perfect time for planting trees.  Recently, the Board of Directors approved the replacement planting of the Bradford Pear Trees along Waterway Drive.  Election time, Veteran's Day, and Thanksgiving are approaching quickly.  I hope you are able to spend time with friends and family. 

Oktoberfest was a great success and Montclair couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.  Roughly 1300 residents and guests enjoyed great food and entertainment.  Thank you to the MPOA staff, Community Events Committee, and countless Montclair volunteers who donated their time and energy.  Your help was appreciated immensely.  I look forward to Montclair's next events-the Senior's Christmas Party, Santa's Ride, House Decorating Contest, and Holiday Caroling.   

December is right around the corner which can only mean one thing... a special visit from the big guy in red! Below is the Montclair 2006 Holiday Festivities Schedule. Please note there is a correction for the start time of Santa's Ride. The time printed in the November Montclairion is incorrect. Santa's Ride will begin at 9:30am at Dolphin Beach and end at 1:00pm at Kids Dominion. Santa's detailed route

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16^TH
Santa's Visit; 9:30am - 1:00pm

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16^TH
Caroling at Dolphin Beach @ 6:00pm