What crosses your mind when you see your neighbor has put their home up for sale?  Beyond the regret of losing some good friends and the anticipation of what the new neighbors will be like, do you see a role for you to play in the sale of that home?  Maybe you should.  The aggregate value of our community is directly affected by the desirability of living in Montclair.  The most pronounced indicator of the desirability of Montclair homes is the price that was paid for the last home sold.  If there is little or no competition for Montclair homes, a demonstration of LOW desirability, prices fall.   This directly affects every property, even if we have no sell plans.   Let me offer you an idea.   Take a picture of your home, (currently NOT for sale) and lay it next to the picture of your neighbor's home that IS for sale.   Which home, if given the opportunity, would you buy?  If it is not clearly your home that makes the sale, ask yourself what things you could do to add curb appeal and then go make some changes.  Why?  Two good reasons, the first of which is improved curb appeal of surrounding homes help home sales.  Secondly, many buyers and agents who routinely sell Montclair homes take note of attractive homes they see and return to the community looking to see if these properties have become available.  This is only the first step; we still have to market our Montclair community.   To help stimulate interest in Montclair I have reached back into time when the MPOA last sponsored a community-wide open house.  We were successful in putting Montclair in a very positive light generating an increase in competition for the properties on the market.   I have encouraged the numerous realtors who routinely appear in The Montclairion to plan together with the Montclair Country Club for a community-wide open house.  Working with our staff, Board and committees, I believe we can once again showcase the amenities and lifestyle associated with living in Montclair.  This should generate buyer traffic and give our property an advantage over surrounding communities.  More next month.

Here is a thought that Liz inspired from a recent conversation at her second grade class.  Your pre-teen daughter comes home from school with a note from Mrs. Eagle, 6th grade English teacher, informing you that your daughter is facing detention for writing and passing notes during class.  Your daughter is mortally offended by the note and for being "singled out for punishment."  She first complains how minor the infraction is and that Mrs. Eagle had to have eyes in the back of her head to see your daughter writing the note.  Seeing no support on your face, your daughter, as mine have all done, shifts tact and regales you with the extensive list of sins committed and unpunished by everyone around her.  I have no doubt the ensuring lecture runs along the lines of you know the rules, you do not need Mrs. Eagle to tell you not to pass notes and the sins of your classmates has no bearing.  Right?  Now, fast forward to where your daughter, still "smarting" from her ordeal, is sitting at the kitchen table as you open a letter from the MPOA.  She quickly senses your mood shift as you read the note from Mrs. Sancarranco, the MPOA Covenants Director,  detailing the covenants violation of a large crack in your sidewalk, hidden from most people's view by your over grown bushes.  Does your daughter hear you complaining to staff, neighbors and Board members about the $#@*# MPOA?   Or does she observe you picking up the phone to arrange the repair of the crack; the one you really knew was there all along?  What you say and do will determine which lesson leaves the lasting impression.

What a beautiful spring we have enjoyed.  I want to bring special attention to the major improvements that the Prince William County school system has made at Henderson elementary.  A major safety hazard for the children has been addressed with the construction of the playground fencing.  The installation of trees and sod has completely transformed one of our major blight areas.  Our hope is to see the promised movement of the electronic flashers, to significantly expand the school safety zone before the start of the new school year.  If you have property adjacent to Waterway Drive, is there something you can do to contribute to continued community wide upgrade efforts?

News Flash from Tina and Riker!  The Prince William County ordinances concerning pets on leashes and the absolute necessity to clean up after your pets are still in effect.  If you or your children are coming home ‘empty handed' after walking your dog(s), you are breaking the law.  The medians and common areas are becoming mine fields and this must STOP.  Not only is the left behind waste unsightly, it is also an attraction for vermin.  For all our sakes PLEASE, clean up after Spot!  Animal control can issue tickets.
Lots of great summer events are kicking off in just a few weeks.  Plan on coming down for a summer movie, enjoy the fun of Montclair Day and celebrate the 4th of July.  Beach tags are required!  

The Revised MPOA collections policies are now in effect. Please read them and understand you are responsible for making sure payments are received on time.  Use ArmstrongConnect to check your balances.  Failure to pay your assessments on time can result in the loss of recreation privileges AND the option to make monthly payments in the future.

Each month I try to close with a reference to our men and woman serving and keeping the watch.  This month I would like to challenge you to take just thirty minutes out from the fun and "this weekend only" sale events, which too many defines the Memorial weekend.  Whether it is in personal reflection or a sit down with the family, please take the time to give thanks, and a prayer, for those who served and especially the families who suffered the ultimate sacrifice.

God bless America
James. V Cech
President, MPOA