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Aquia Harbour Living
Free Online Magazine for Aquia Harbour Residents
Independent Magazine Written by a Harbour Resident
January 2016
Special Election Edition
Policies of Aquia Harbour Living
Aquia Harbour Living is not affiliated
with the BOD (Board of Directors) for
Aquia Harbour or Aquia Harbour
Property Owners Association. Articles
with a byline were written by that
individual. All other articles are written
by Phyllis Filoso, owner and long time
resident of Aquia Harbour.
Committees and clubs are encouraged
to provide jpegs of photos to accompany
their article. Use will be determined
based on their article size. We will make
every effort to allow ½ page for
committees and ¼ page for clubs each
month. Harbour Committees and Clubs
are not charged for their space. We
have a read more button available for
articles needing additional space.
Click here for advertising information.
Deadlines
Articles and ads must be submitted no
later than the 15th of the month for
publication in the next issue.
A subscriber may print 1 copy of an
article for their personal use only. Any
other reproduction of articles, photos, or
advertising is strictly prohibited without
written permission of the publisher. You
may contact No Ink Publishing here.
Copyright ©All rights reserved 2015
No Ink Publishing LLC.
Aquia Harbour Living January 2016 2
TM
Important Aquia Harbour Numbers
Front Gate (540) 659-5224
AHPOA Business Office Hours: M-F 8 -7pm (540) 659-3050)
Emergency 911
AHPOA Police (540) 659-4600
Rescue Squad (non-emergency) (540) 659-8911
Country Club Restaurant (540) 288-0091
Golf Course Pro Shop (540) 659-4478
Marina (540) 659-4232
Stables (540) 659-5024
Pool Country Club (540) 659-1258
Pool Harbour Inn (540) 659-4003
Preschool (540) 659-5771
Aquia Harbour Board of Directors
President, Chip Collins (540) 659-3691 email: [email protected]
VP Director, Christopher Greene
(540) 437-4590 email: [email protected]
VP Director, Don Winter
(540) 659-6886 email: [email protected]
Treasurer, Debe Caldwell
TM
Aquia Harbour Living January 2016 3
Goals Of Aquia Harbour Living:
To help raise awareness in residents about the
changing needs of our community.
Facilitate communication to residents regarding
Harbour events, committees, schools, and clubs.
To keep residents informed about “Hot Topics”
of the AHPOA and BOD actions.
Provide articles/tips on home maintenance and
DIY landscaping/gardening ideas.
To showcase amenities.
Have “the talk” about “curb appeal” in the
Harbour.
Provide discussion on the best ways to maintain
our property values; our homes and our
community.
Provide quality business information to residents.
In This Issue
page
Articles
AH Golf 14
BOD Candidates 9-11
General Manager Report 4-5
In This Issue/Policy 3-4
Make Your Opinion Count 7
Meet the Candidates 15
Treasurer’s Report 12
Why We Love the Harbour 6
Women’s Club 13
This is an abbreviated issue.
I’m still supposed to be on
holiday. The election of
BOD members was too
important not to get a special
edition out. I hope you’ll
find useful information and
VOTE!
TM
We appreciate those committees, clubs, and
residents who took the time to send articles
for inclusion this month.
We wish to thank all for the positive
feedback and encouragement!
Thank You Neighbors in the Harbour!
Be sure to sign up for your
free subscription before you leave today.
It’s a monthly reminder sent to your email
when our next issue is available. (1
st of each month)
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And we never share email addresses!
TM Our Style: Aquia Harbour Living (AHL) is owned &
published by No Ink Publishing LLC. The owner is a current
resident, Phyllis Filoso. It is written in an informal,
conversational style. All articles and photos are written/taken
by the owner unless there is a byline for an article or photo
credit. AHL encourages comments and articles written by
other Harbour residents. Use our contact form found here.
Articles selected will be in keeping with the goals stated
above.
PROPERTY APPEARANCE: I would like to encourage all residents to a survey of their property and take
care of the items that do not meet the requirements of the Harbour’s. controlling documents. Typical
items include grass cutting, tree trimming, mold on houses, untidy ditches, and inoperable vehicles. The
Code Violation Officer will be continue to make inspection and will issue citations as necessary. It protects
our property values if we keep the Harbour in good repair..
From the desk of the General Manager, Ken Laenger
Dredging: We did attend the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Public Hearing
and our dredging plan was approved without any changes. We have now received our
approved permit from VMRC. We have now received all of the required permits. Due
to the restrictions on dredging during spawning season, we will not be able to start the
dredging until July 1, 2016. I intend to solicit bidders and award the contract as soon as
possible.
Maintenance Building: The maintenance building has been built. The electrical and
plumbing have been installed and approved by the county. The heating system is being
installed and yet to be inspected by the County. The permit to fabricate the
bathroom/storage loft has been rejected. We will be required to add additional floor
joist to meet the load requirements for the loft.
Aquia Harbour Living January 2016 4
Turn Lane into the Town Center: The developer, Mosaic, of the Town Center has hired
and engineering firm to develop engineering plan for the proposed entrance. The
Board has not agreed to anything at this time other than telling them that we will
entertain the proposal of the entrance provide that the entire cost will be paid for by
the developer and will have no effect on the traffic into or out of the Harbour. As soon
as the developer develops a proposal, I will submit it to the Board for their
consideration. Coming out of the Town Center will be right hand turn only. The
developer still has not disclosed the name of the grocery store.
Conversion of the Emergency Gate: A traffic study was submitted to the Virginia
Department of Transportation. The plan to make this an entrance/exit can be
approved if a right hand turn lane is added to the existing road. When the Engineering
Company develops the plan and provides an estimated cost, I will submit it to the
Board for their consideration.
2017 Budget: A special BOD work session is planned for Jan 18th for the BOD to discuss
the proposed FY17 budget.
Christmas has come and gone and we are back in business as usual. I hope all of you
had a wonderful holiday. There are lots of things going on and I will try to give you the
highlights of the things that I consider to be the most significant.
PROPERTY APPEARANCE: I would like to encourage all residents to a survey of their property and take
care of the items that do not meet the requirements of the Harbour’s. controlling documents. Typical
items include grass cutting, tree trimming, mold on houses, untidy ditches, and inoperable vehicles. The
Code Violation Officer will be continue to make inspection and will issue citations as necessary. It protects
our property values if we keep the Harbour in good repair..
From the desk of the General Manager, Ken Laenger cont
Collections: We have turned over a significant number of delinquent accounts to our
Attorney for collection. They have been successful on several occasions with
garnishments of bank accounts and/or salaries. We will continue to do liens, filing of
Warrants-in-Debts and foreclosing on properties that have delinquent accounts.
Again, I encourage anyone that has delinquent accounts to come into the office and
negotiate a payment plan.
Election of Directors: As you probably know by now, the election that was held in
October was declared invalid due the lack of a quorum. Based on our Attorney’s
recommendation, the Board decided to hold a new election which will take place on
January 30. Hopefully, everyone will vote.
Aquia Harbour Living January 2016 5
Voting In Harbour Elections
You should be receiving ballots shortly. The repeat election is necessary
due to a quorum not being met in October. There are 3 additional
candidates making a total of 8 individuals running for the 5 positions this
time. Please take the time to attend the Meet the Candidates on Sat. Jan
23rd and Tues. Jan 26th. Your ballot needs to be received by 12 noon on
Jan 30th. Please VOTE. It costs ~ $2000 to hold these elections.
Trash Removal: In order for the trash trucks to pick up your trash, there needs to be a
minimum of 3 feet of clearance between the cans and/or the mail box. Remember that
recyclables and yard waste are picked up on Mondays. Household trash is picked up on
Tuesdays. Please remove the trash receptacles from the street after they have been
picked up. There should not be any cans on the street and Wednesday thru Sunday. If
the trash company misses your trash pick-up, call the office.
Unauthorized Parking on Common Property: Our present regulations specify that
automobiles may park up to three days without association approval. Individuals must
get approval from the association to park on common property that exceeds three
days. Parking of boats, trailers, etc. must get written approval from the Association to
park on any common property. Warning: Vehicles or other items that are illegally
parked on common property will be towed at the owners’ expense.
Aquia Harbour Living February 2016 6
Why Not Make This the
Year Your
Opinion Counts?
Take the time to educate yourself on the issues
and the people running for the BOD. Help
choose the Harbour’s direction by VOTING.
Aquia
Harbour
Living
Why not join a club or
organization,
volunteer to
help out with
a Harbour
event,
become a
committee
volunteer!
or
Come Join Us editorial
The Harbour needs you to volunteer! Volunteers really do make a difference. Whether
you’re new to volunteering or a seasoned pro, we need you.
Volunteering can be:
Hard work,
Time consuming,
Frustrating,
and immensely rewarding. Just knowing that you were a part of making something
happen, improved the quality of life, or enhanced our property values are all good
reasons to volunteer. Every little bit helps.
So come on, sign up today to make your community a better place. There’s sure to be
something for everyone’s interest.
Committees Needing Volunteers:
Architectural Control
Beautification
Bylaws
Communications
Community Events
Electronic Gate- ad hoc
Golf
Information Technology
Marina Resources
Public Safety
Recreation, Parks and Waterways
Revitalization
Stables
Joining is easy. Just send an email to [email protected] letting them know you’re
interested or to request more information. Your name can be presented to the BOD for
appointment at their next regular meeting.
Aquia Harbour Living January 2016 7
Aquia Harbour Living January 2016 8
N
Why We Love
The Harbour:
Convenience to 95 & Rt1
Surrounded by Nature
Large lots
HOA
Parks and Pools
Security Gate
Snow Removal
Friends & Volunteers
January 2016 Page 1 of 3
JANUARY 2016 ELECTION
Chip Collins My name is Chip Collins. My wife and I have lived in Aquia Harbour since 1990 and raised three wonderful children here, all three of whom have graduated college. We love the Harbour and cannot think of a better community to live in.
I have been a member of the finance committee for the last thirteen years and the treasurer of the association for six years and the president for three. Over the years, my family has used all the amenities and feels that the association needs to maintain all of them. The Association has major construction projects and upgrades to complete in the near future and I like to be of assistance if possible
Being a self-employed CPA, I have the time to serve and would appreciate the opportunity to continue to do so. Shawn Desmond
As a former BOD member and active community advocate I am seeking to lead the community again. During my previous tenure I worked hard to foster local, state and federal partnerships. Through these partnerships and grant submissions, I was able to bring in approximately $300,000 for Harbour maintenance and improvements. My last grant submission was last July for the Aquia Harbour Police Department. I believe obtaining these funds strengthens our community and saves residents' HOA fees. I worked closely with the Dog Park Committee and helped create the first dog park in Stafford County right here in Aquia Harbour. I recently developed a strategic partnership between the Harbour and the county to develop a storm water management program in compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Act. I am able to satisfy the time commitment associated with an AHPOA position. My goal is to keep Aquia Harbour the premier gated community. Please cast your vote for me and I will continue to work hard to represent the residents of our beautiful community. Phyllis Filoso I'm Phyllis Filoso, resident of AH for almost 30 years. For the past year and a half I have written and published the Aquia Harbour LivingTM magazine to help raise awareness for the need to maintain all our amenities, to address the appearance of AH property including homes in the Harbour, and to help facilitate communication with Harbour residents.
I have served on the LCC, ACC and Beautification Committees. I also attended all the meetings of the last two Finance Committee cycles. These experiences have provided me with valuable insight to the needs of the community.
My goals are to improve the management of the Harbour by making better fiscal choices, having more accountability for financial decisions, and improving communication in order to make the Harbour more competitive with surrounding communities.
I am willing to put in the time and effort to serve on the BOD because I believe Aquia Harbour has the potential to again be “the” place to live in Stafford County.
January 2016 Page 2 of 3
Alexis Harvey I have worked as an engineer for Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) since leaving the Marine Corps in July of 2014. At GTRI I manage several DOD research and development projects, and am responsible for millions of taxpayer dollars. I was a Marine Officer on active duty for eleven years, my primary job was as a helicopter pilot, and I deployed in support multiple phases of OIF. I continue to serve as a Marine Corps Reserve Officer. I am an engaging public speaker, a military trained financial manager, and an excellent communicator. I graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2003, and earned my Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School in 2012. I have the desire and time to commit to working on our community BOD. My vision for our community includes increasing walkable paths, maintaining and upgrading our parks, and hosting community events that increase the sense of community we share for our neighborhood. It would be a privileged to serve my community. James (Jim) Hodges
Qualifications/Abilities: Resident since March 1982, undergraduate and graduate degrees (Accounting, Business and Financial Management), 33 years management experience (retired Naval Officer and Civil Service) in comptroller functions including planning, budgeting, accounting, contracting, auditing/internal review, payroll and management/efficiency studies.
Community activities experience: - AHPOA Golf/Finance/Public Safety/Nominating and Legal Compliance Committees, Chairing "Meet the Candidates" meetings - 6 years service on AHPOA Board of Directors/2 years as President and 2 years as Treasurer
Goals: My goals are to ensure sound business practices (administratively and financially), strict adherence to our by-laws as written, keeping executive sessions to the absolute minimum necessary and for only matters justified by our by-laws and good common sense solutions to issues with far less reliance upon attorneys.
I have the qualifications, integrity, time, intellect and desire to serve as a Director. Michael Mishoe
I retired from the Marine Corps in 2012 after 21 years and 4 months of active service in which I spent the majority of that time leading Marines and Civilians. My wife and I have lived in the Harbour since 2008, and I have been an active member of the Golf Committee and Golf Association, serving in the various elected positions. I am a new member of the Aquia Harbour Host Lions Club. I also support most functions held in the Harbour. I am a life member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, and the Moose Lodge (all service oriented organizations in which I have volunteered a lot of my time over the years). My goals for the community are as follows: 1) Serve the property owners and their interests and 2) Ensure every member is heard, treated fairly, and with the utmost respect. I have the availability to satisfy the time commitment associated with the position of a director on the AHPOA Board.
January 2016 Page 3 of 3
Paula Philyaw Education: • Radford University, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, English and Sociology
Applicable Experience: • Current Chairman for AH Parks & Waterways sub-committee Playground Revitalization • Vice President, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity (versed in Robert's Rules of Order and
managing committees) • Project Management • SharePoint Developer (IT development to disseminate information, facilitate
collaboration, and improve transparency)
Availability: Able to satisfy the time commitment associated with serving as a Director.
Community Goals: • Improve communication between the BOD and residents • Convert the "Emergency Gate" to a 2nd entrance or get a 2nd entrance • Improve the maintenance of our grounds and amenities • Allow community to vote on proposed decreases in services • Implement on-line dues payment system and violations tracking/response system • Add additional structures for teens funded through already approved reserve funds • Add a playground to Lions Park to improve usability during community events, increase home
values, etc. funded through already approved reserve funds.
Anthony Worthey Goals To oblige holistically to the duties in an appropriate effort within the AHPOA BOD which follows the Virginia Property Owners' Association Act 2015; work diligently connecting the adjacent new Town Centre to benefit Aquia Harbour residents while introducing technology services to and forging effective communications for the community’s best interests.
Experience Office of Personnel Management Project Manager who plans manages and coordinates Public Trust federal investigative security projects. Forensic Computer Scientist with six classes from completing my MBA and MPMP.
Background I am a decorated retired and an honorably discharged and severely disabled U.S. Navy veteran; Chief Election Board Judge for the State of Virginia; former Christmas in April volunteer and a former Big Brother volunteer for Regional Institute for Children & Adolescence. After two Achilles Heel surgeries I volunteered to clear my elderly neighbor’s driveway by cutting, loading, transporting and dumping their overgrown shrubs and branches at the public landfill.
Aquia Harbour Living January 2016 13
Aquia Harbour Women’s Club
Submitted by Mitzi R. Champion, Women’s Club Secretary Email: [email protected]
If you happened to notice a group of women, some in their pajamas, walking down Portugal Drive on the evening of January 12 it was just the Women’s Club members heading to the first meeting of 2016. If you had been there you would have known why this is one of our most popular and fun meetings of the year. Every January, after our regular business meeting, the ladies have a Pajama Party/White Elephant Auction. Admit it, we all receive gifts that we simply don’t need or are not suited for us and this is a way to re-home these gifts by auctioning them off to other club members. It’s always great fun and the club uses the proceeds for our community service projects. Our February meeting, “Take Ourselves Out to Dinner” is on the 9th at 7:00 at the Roadhaus Eatery located at 3925 Jefferson Davis Highway. Our Community Service Project will be in support of the SPCA and donations will be collected to benefit our local SPCA. If you’re thinking about joining the Women’s Club please contact our Membership Chair Yvonne Garcia at [email protected] or Dolena Sinclair at [email protected] The Women’s Club annual coat drive is complete for this year. Thanks to the Harbour Residents who donated coats to benefit the Stafford County Head Start.
Mark your calendars for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt
to be held 20 March beginning at 1:30. Children 10 and under are invited to hunt for Easter Eggs, search for the Golden Egg, visit with the Easter Bunny and enjoy refreshments. The hunt will take place in the Business Office/Preschool/Playground area in Section One. More details to follow in the March Harbour View. The Women’s Club will be accepting donations of bagged
candy at the Business Office between now and then. If you need to post a community message on the signboard in February please contact Rona Donahue [email protected]
Aquia Harbour Golf Club January 2016 by: Scott Marshall, Manager
Winter Golf
As I put my pen to next month’s newsletter, Old Man Winter has stayed away so far,
but I suspect that snow is around the corner. As a reminder, the Aquia Harbour Golf
Course does remain open year round, weather permitting. Our die hard golfers from
the Aquia Harbour Golf Association are still meeting every Saturday and Sunday
mornings at 8:00am for their weekend scrambles, and our senior golfers are meeting
every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00am for their captain’s choice best ball
scrambles. Please come out and join them. This is a wonderful opportunity to socialize
with your fellow golfers and have a great time. Golfers of all skill levels are welcomed,
so don’t worry hackers and three-putters.
Before heading to the course on those cold mornings, please contact the Pro Shop to
find out when the course will be open for play.
Sledding Reminder
The Farmers Almanac says that we should be getting some snow this winter.
When it snows, families come out to the golf course for some exciting
sledding action. The golf driving range is an excellent place to do some
sledding. However, please remember not to use golf hole number 9
behind the Country Club to sled. The snow sleds will damage the golf
green, and the trees and pond at the bottom of the hill poses a safety risk.
Aquia Harbour Living January 2016 14
Frost Delays
During the cold weather
months, we experience frost
on our golf greens early in
the morning from time to
time. Playing on a golf
green with frost kills the
grass. During mornings of
frost we have to delay play
on the course until the frost
melts.
Meet the Candidates Schedule:
Saturday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Harbour Inn
Tuesday, January 26 at 7 p.m. at the Country Club
Ballots must be received by noon on January 30th!
Please take the time to read the information about the candidates you will receive shortly with your ballot and join us at the
Meet the Candidates.
It really does matter who is elected to the BOD. How and what a BOD does or doesn’t do affects property values, dues, appearance and
maintenance of our amenities , common areas, and how attractive the Harbour is to those wishing to purchase homes here in Stafford.
We have over a $4,300,000 dollar budget and how it is spent affects all of us in here.
Please take the time to educate yourselves about the candidates. AHL has included their resumes in this edition. You’ll also receive a copy
with your ballot shortly.
Please VOTE
Aquia Harbour Living January 2016 15
Aquia Harbour Living January 2016 16
AHL Winter Weather Prediction
That About Covers It!