Welcome to summertime in Montclair.  If you were not at Dolphin Beach for Montclair Day 2007, you missed one of the most organized and fun filled community days in many years.  The beach facility looked fresh and professional; the rides and games were new and exciting; the food and beer were plentiful and the excellent band played to an enthusiastic crowd. Events Director, Maryanne Toal; Events Committee chair, Kati Mangrio; and Maintenance Director, Jack Gilbert, deserve the lion's share of credit for this outstanding event.  Supported by the entire Armstrong staff and Events Committee members, they really showed just how much fun could be had when good planning is executed and nearly 130 volunteers pitch in to help.  Special recognition goes to Board Members Tracy Hansen and Geoffrey Winkworth who put in an exceptional amount of effort that day.  The Events Committee needs new members (adults and teens) to help plan the upcoming Teen Beach party and our fall Oktoberfest celebration.  Please, consider joining this very special committee.  Please sign up and volunteer for the 4^th of July, Teen Beach Party or Oktoberfest events.

Last month I reported that the Board had accepted a verbal offer from PWC Supervisor Maureen Caddigan to plant trees along Route 234 to help decrease noise along Hopkins Drive.  Unfortunately, Mrs. Caddigan did not wait for a Board vote. The purchased trees were planted at another site more suitable for the Leland Cypress.  Since the Route 234 widening is a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) project, I have contacted Delegate Jeff Frederick for assistance.  It is my expectation that in his future columns he will be reporting opportunities for the community and state to share in some self-help effort.

Since my last letter, I have met with the dedicated Lake Management Committee about the upcoming dredging project.  I look upon this massive project as both an obligation and an opportunity.  We, as a community, have an absolute obligation to protect this valuable resource and make sure it is available for generations to come.  How we maintain Lake Montclair directly affects our own property values, and the quality of life in Montclair.  It also affects significantly the water quality of all of our downstream neighbors who share the Chesapeake Bay.  Our opportunity is for all of MPOA common ground to benefit through the recycling of upwards to 18,000 cubic yards of fertile and valuable soil soon to be reclaimed from the Lake bottom.  It is my intention to request assistance from our State and Federal representatives to help us with this burden.  I have already approached Delegate Jeff Frederick.  He is expecting our documentation and testimony that much of the current silt came from runoff originating from construction projects upstream, and carried into the Lake from Powell's Creek.  Please take some time to write or e-mail our elected officials and encourage them to consider our request for assistance.

I might call this next section: "I heard it straight from the President."

-         Have you heard the Country Club has been put up for sale?  YES, the MPOA has an ad-hoc committee looking into the advantages and disadvantages of a purchase by the Association. YES, it will be discussed at the public Bored meeting on July 11^th.  YES, the entire Membership gets to Vote on any proposed purchase. 

-         Have you heard the MPOA has responsibility for the control of pets running free, especially aggressive breeds?  NO, Animal Control is the sole responsibility of PWC.  NO, the security patrol has no animal control function or authority.  YES, pet owners can be ticketed for violating numerous pet laws including trespassing, not cleaning up after a pet, and for not having a pet on a leash.  YES, these ordnances apply equally to cats, pet snakes and pet pigs! 

-         Have you heard parents are liable for acts of vandalism by their children?  YES, the MPOA is moving forward to aggressively combat vandalism.  YES, the MPOA can offer rewards up to $500 for information leading to the identification of vandals.  YES, the MPOA intends to recover all costs from the parents.

-         Have you heard the MPOA gave Verizon the green light to dig up the community, common areas and private homes alike?  NO, Verizon did not notify the Board of their intentions, their plans or their schedule.  NO, the MPOA has no authority over the lawful exercise of a public utility right-of-way.  YES, the President of the MPOA found out, too late, the same day everyone else did and boy was he MAD!  If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Verizon installations, please contact Celes Foster at Customer Service 1-888-250-9710. 

Finally, Tina and I want to extend a personal invitation to come celebrate our Nation's birthday with your friends and neighbors on the 4^th of July.  No other community puts on a 4^th of July party like Montclair.  Take a comfy lawn chair out onto Waterway Drive and watch the children's bike parade from the MPOA office to Henderson Elementary.  Then bring your family, friends and neighbors to Dolphin Beach and spread out your blankets.  RELAX, take advantage of the Montclair Lions cookout and enjoy the music of Lionel Ward and his award winning Salute to Elvis.  As night falls, stretch back and enjoy the best fireworks show to be found in Northern Virginia.  At the conclusion, give a cheer; no traffic and no massive crowds to deal with.

Please say a prayer and give thanks for those who risk it all, everyday, so we might live FREE!

James V. Cech, President