JANUARY 2003 NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

As we enjoy the holidays with our friends and family it's time to reflect back on a very successful year in the Harbour. Many things have moved forward to improve the quality of life for our residents. From the successful dredging of Austin Run to the Memorial Park. The new playground equipment and shelter house at Friendship Park to the countless beautiful beds at our entryway and amenities are being enjoyed by many. Unseen to most are the advances at the Business office to include free DSL lines (courtesy of Adelphia and some hard negotiating) and new software to speed and enhance our operation. The police have not been left behind with their recent certification, the first of several grants and new programs to reach out to the community.

Several points of interest include the reimbursement from Stafford County for half the cost of the Austin Run dredging effort. This meant an $80,000 reimbursement. Without this reimbursement money would have had to come from our budget or reserves. George and Robin at the Club House have been discussing an extended contract for the operation of the Country Club Restaurant. This is good news as successful operation of the restaurant at the Country Club is essential.

The first meaningful snow of the season that occurred earlier in the month saw our road crews living up to their well-earned reputation. They went steady with all the equipment operational for 19 hours. They caught a little sleep and were back on the road again. We did have several instances of children throwing snowballs at the drivers. Please caution your children that throwing anything at a vehicle is dangerous and a felony in the State of Virginia. A point of information for newcomers- When the road crew deems Richmond Drive too dangerous to plow they close the road. Please do not attempt to test your 4-wheel drive when the road signs are up. You could endanger children sledding and subject yourself to an unpleasant meeting with a police officer. Excellent sledding is available at the golf course driving range.

The collection of dues and assessments continues to improve. There are still a handful of people that don't seem to get the word. Please help us continue to reduce the number. If you have a problem do not wait to contact us until we send your account to the attorney. Unless you make arrangements any account going to the attorney results in a lien, reporting to the credit bureaus and possibly a judgment and ultimately a foreclosure. No one wants any of these things to happen but dues must be paid so the association can meet its obligations.