Our Mission
To grow and foster a self-reliant community of adults 55 and older, with the vision of transforming Alonda Villa MHP into a resident-owned community grounded in the values of community, friendship, and compassion.
Update
Attorney Retained
We have selected an attorney. Our new legal counsel is James Randall of Bean, Gentry, Wheeler & Peternell PLLC, a firm specializing in business law. There is no conflict of interest. Impressed by our level of organization, he has agreed to represent us going forward for a modest retainer of $1,500. He will be advising us on our legal rights as mobile home park residents and representing us in negotiations. An appointment is scheduled this week.
Bank Financing Research
In addition to retaining legal counsel, the committee will be visiting multiple banks to gather information on potential roadblocks and barriers to financing the purchase of Alonda Villa Park from Alonda LLC.
Comparable Park Visits
We have visited several of the parks used in the appraisal to better understand what factors contributed to their higher valuations. There is still much to learn.
Commercial Real Estate Consultation
We spoke with commercial real estate agent Mike Fisk of Van Dorm Realty Inc. last week. He offered valuable insight on strategies for generating a down payment, shared his perspective on the park’s value, and recommended specific banks for us to approach. Thank you to Beck Elan (Unit 2003) for arranging that meeting.
Warning — New Resident Lot Fee Clause
In our last newsletter, we flagged the “new resident” clause in the state’s rent cap law, which makes it harder to find a buyer when selling your home. After further review of the law, consultation with authorities, and additional research, we can confirm: it is legal and it is a genuine concern.
To protect yourself, we recommend disclosing this clause to potential buyers before they pay for an inspection, and consider withholding funds for any repair requests until closing — or until the lease has been approved and signed by both the buyer and Alonda LLC.
Driveways
Letters have been sent. Maintenance staff and Alonda LLC are now conducting their own inspections.
Permits — Correction from Last Newsletter
A correction is needed from our previous report. Obtaining permits is not the responsibility of Alonda LLC or Jeff, the maintenance manager — it is the responsibility of the hired contractor. Contractors have up to two weeks to submit all required documentation to the county, as the specific permit type often cannot be determined until the work is underway and the full scope of damage is visible.
Additionally, according to the Thurston County Health Department, all current septic systems at Alonda Villa Park — including the bubblers — are operating legally under county regulations.
Treasurer’s Report
Since the last report, we have received 1 new donation. Current bank balance: $9,642.19 (includes cookbook and wreath sale proceeds)
Over 76 individual units have contributed financially, and 8 additional residents who are unable to contribute financially have given their time. Together, more than two-thirds of the park is actively supporting the AVAA mission. Thank you all.
Cookbook — Recipes and Remembrances
Sales are going strong. Over 100 of the 200 copies have already been sold. It makes a wonderful gift for the hard-to-buy-for people in your life — with over 300 recipes inside. To order, call or text Carrie Enge at 907-723-9898 or email carrieenge@gmail.com. She will even deliver.
Thank you to everyone who contributed recipes and to all who have purchased a copy.
Wreath-Building Class — Recap
What an amazing event. A heartfelt thank-you to Kathy Quantrell and her daughter Heather — the lunch was wonderful and the materials were abundant. Over 20 people attended, and more than 35 extra wreaths were created for public sale.
Wreaths are still available in the clubhouse — price reduced to $40. Contact Kathleen Craig at 360-348-8759. She will be in the clubhouse every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 AM to noon. Thank you for supporting AVAA.
Scam Alert
Please read this carefully and share it with your neighbors.
Last week I received a call from a young man claiming to be from the sheriff’s office, telling me I had a warrant out for my arrest for missing jury duty. This was particularly ironic, as I had just received a jury summons in October and checked the box indicating I was 70 or older and did not wish to serve — which, under the law, exempts me from serving.
I was at Fred Meyer at the time and had difficulty hearing him clearly. When I tried to explain that I had returned the summons, he brushed it off. I became so frustrated that I hung up and drove to the sheriff’s office, telling him he could either arrest me or apologize. When I arrived, I was told it was a scam — and that many older residents have been paying fake “fines” out of fear that they missed or lost their summons.
Do not be taken advantage of. If you receive a call like this, hang up and verify directly with the sheriff’s office before taking any action.
Upcoming Meetings — all held in the clubhouse
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| January 11th | 6:30 PM |
| February 18th | 1:00 PM |
| March 18th | 6:30 PM |
Please mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you all.
“The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” — Confucius
“The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph.” — Alexander Hamilton
Happy Holidays,
Kathleen Poague, Unit 1302 Chairperson