Broyhill Park blog

REMINDER - COMMUNITY MEETING ON GRAHAM PARK PLAZA

Date/Time/Location: Thursday, October 10, at 7:00pm at the Leis Center, 7423 Camp Alger Avenue

The Broyhill Park Civic Association, in conjunction with the Raymondale Civic Association, will be hosting a community meeting on Graham Park Plaza this Thursday, October 10, beginning at 7:00pm at the Leis Center. The owners of the Plaza will be presenting revised plans for the vacant half of the Plaza and would like feedback from our neighborhoods.  It will be a completely different proposal from what was originally planned.  Come and find out what's in store for our nearest local shopping center. 

SPECIAL NOTICE

COMMUNITY MEETING ON GRAHAM PARK PLAZA

Date & Time: Thursday, October 10, 7-9pm

Location: Leis Center, 7423 Camp Alger Avenue

The Broyhill Park Civic Association, in conjunction with the Raymondale Civic Association, will be hosting a community meeting on Graham Park Plaza on Thursday, October 10, beginning at 7:00pm at the Leis Center. The owners of the Plaza have requested this meeting in order to present revised plans for the vacant half of the Plaza that are more suitable for that location in today's retail market. They will be sharing their new proposal at the meeting and would like feedback from our neighborhoods. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend on October 10.

Don't miss the first-ever Broyhill Park Community "Trash & Treasure" Trunk Sale!

Date: Saturday, September 21, from 9am-1pm

Location: Woodley Pool parking lot, 7421 Camp Alger Avenue

Mark your calendar and plan to shop at the Broyhill Park Trunk Sale this Saturday, Sept. 21, in the Woodley Pool parking lot.  Eight families will be selling a variety of household goods. Come and browse through the goodies! Is it trash or is it treasure? Go on the hunt this Saturday!  Sale starts at 9:00am.

(Rain date Sunday, Sept. 22, 9am)

Broyhill Park "Trash & Treasure" Trunk Sale

Saturday, September 21

With the Trunk Sale less than 3 weeks away, so far only 6 families have signed up as sellers.  If you're thinking of participating in the sale, please sign up on the Broyhill Park website as soon as possible.  This will help with planning and advertising purposes.  The more families that participate, the more attractive the sale will be to shoppers, so please consider joining with Broyhill Park neighbors and sell your unused, unwanted, outgrown, and excess household goods all in one central location.  Your trash could be another person's treasure!  Here are the details again:

Broyhill Park Community Trash & Treasure Trunk Sale

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2019 *

Location:  Woodley Pool Parking Lot, 7421 Camp Alger Avenue

Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm

The Broyhill Park Civic Association is sponsoring a Community “Trash & Treasure” Trunk Sale in the Woodley Pool parking lot on Saturday, September 21st.  Any Broyhill Park resident wishing to sell household items is welcome to participate.  Please register in advance here: www.broyhillpark.org.  Advance registration will guarantee you a double parking space in the pool parking lot on the date of the sale. You can sell from your trunk or bring tables to setup in your extra parking space.  Setup begins at 7:30.  The sale will be advertised on Nextdoor and Craig's List and we'll have signs on the street and at the triangle. Sellers are also encouraged to post the sale separately.

* Rain Date: Sunday, Sept. 22, 9am-1pm

September 2019

A few items of information for you or your association newsletter:

The Board Corner: Perspectives from Penny – Hard to believe, but school is back in session, so extra care needs to be exercised by drivers in school zones and near bus stops in neighborhoods. It is not unusual for my office to receive calls from horrified parents who report drivers routinely passing stopped school buses.  That infraction can cost you significant fines, and probably some embarrassment, if you are stopped by police.  The delay is momentary; aren't our children's lives worth it?

A new school year also marks a return to civic and community activities after a hot and wet summer. Some county and district-wide events are included in this newsletter, but I encourage you to participate in your civic association, HOA, and school events this fall.  It's a great way to get to know your neighbors!

Many Mason District residents enjoyed the free Spotlight by Starlight concerts at Mason District Park this summer.  Only three of the 30 evening concerts got rained out during this wet summer, and more than 5000 people attended overall.  The most popular show was Last Train Home, a local roots/rock band that welcomed more than 400 people.  The Capitol Steps, traditionally the biggest attraction of the summer series, presented a complete show on a threatening weather night, which kept the attendance down to about 300.  Nearly 1200 people attended the Saturday morning children's shows, and another 1250 enjoyed the Saturday night international cultural series at Ossian Hal Park.  Plans already are underway for next summer's shows, and that schedule will be released in the spring.

There is information elsewhere in this newsletter about the November 5 election, voter registration deadlines, and absentee in-person voting.  Although considered an "off off-year" election, this year's ballot will have more races and referenda than most. All of the General Assembly seats (Delegate and State Senate), Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and all magisterial Supervisor seats, School Board at-large and district seats, the Sheriff, Commonwealth's Attorney, Soil and Water Conservation District, and a school bond referendum question, will be on the ballot.  All are four-year terms except Delegate, a two-year term.  By my count, a Mason District voter can mark the ballot for 13 candidates!  It's an important election, so please make sure you know your polling location, and if you've moved recently, update your registration. 

Land Use News – Land use items of interest this month include:

• The Bailey's Crossroads Community Shelter and Supportive Housing, located at 5914 Seminary Road in Bailey's Crossroads, is nearing completion.  When completed and operational, this modern facility will feature:

• Fifty-two emergency shelter beds to serve single adults including four medical respite beds;

• Approximately 18 personal living quarters;

• Outdoor picnic and activity area;

• Surface parking, as required; 

• 24-hour staffing, including guidance and counselling; and 

• Hypothermia prevention program.

Information about the project is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/capital-projects/baileys-crossroads-community-shelter-and-supportive-housing.  For information about the programs of the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/, or call 703-324-9492; TTY 711.

• With the concrete composite bridge deck and beams replaced, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) continues structural work on the Wilson Boulevard over Arlington Boulevard Bridge.  From August to late November, single lane closures on Route 50/Arlington Boulevard and on Wilson Boulevard will be in effect to complete construction of sidewalks and bridge railings.  Additional improvements include:

• Reconstructing the existing sidewalk leading to the bridge;

• New sidewalk along the opposite sides of the bridge;

-    Upgrading the bridge railings and pedestrian fence (anti-scale);

-    Improving curb and gutter on the southeastern approach to the bridge; and

-    New concrete approach walls on all corners of the bridge.

Visit the VDOT website www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/wilson_over_50.asp for more

information.  Questions? Contact  Demelew Teshome at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or Chan Basnayake, P.E., PMP, CCM, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   

Applications for 2020 Conference Room Reservations Accepted September 1, 2019 – The Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, has conference rooms available for use by community groups based in Fairfax County.  Applications for the 2020 calendar year will be accepted beginning Sunday, September 1, 2019.  Reservation rules and forms are available online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason/mason-district-room-use-application-form.  Completed forms may be submitted by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by fax at 703-354-8419.  Reservations will be confirmed by e-mail when the application is processed.

Projects Proposed for Transportation Alternatives Funding – The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) urges Fairfax County residents to participate in a public meeting about several projects to be submitted for the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Project (TAP) application process.  The meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 7 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Room 2, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax.  FCDOT staff will present information about the program, followed by a question-and-answer session.  Fairfax County projects included in the Transportation Alternatives Grant application include:

• Shrevewood Elementary (Safe Routes to School Program);

• Orange Hunt Elementary (School Safe Routes to School Program);

• Capital Bikeshare Expansion;

• Mason Neck Park Trail; and

• Columbia Pike Complete Streets.

Public comment is welcome at the meeting, or by completing an online form at the FCDOT website www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/contact/transportation_alternatives_prog.  Comments must be received by October 4, 2019.

Shaping the Future of Fairfax County Together: Community Conversations Set – The Fairfax County Strategic Plan is at Phase 4: Community Engagement, and six community conversations are scheduled in September.  In Mason District, a community conversation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Justice High School, 3301 Peace Valley Lane in Falls Church.  Learn about the progress of the county's first-ever strategic plan, and the nine areas of focus identified by our community.  Need assistance to attend?  Arrangements for reasonable ADA accommodations, child care, transportation assistance, and interpretation services can be made by calling Angela Jones at 703-324-5302, TTY 711, or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  For more information about the strategic plan, subscribe to e-mail updates, and to register for one of the six community conversations in September, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/strategicplan/.

Jury Duty Questionnaires are in the Mail – This is not a scam.  Approximately 58,000 Fairfax County or City of Fairfax residents will receive a jury questionnaire in the mail.  Potential jurors are randomly selected from voter registration lists to represent a cross section of the community.  The questionnaire is the beginning of a screening process to determine who is qualified to serve.  Visit the Fairfax County NewsCenter at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/13119-2/ for information about the process.  Information about the Fairfax Circuit Court is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/, or calling 703-691-7320; TTY 711.

Federal Assistance Available for Storm Damages Sustained July 6-8 – Residents and business owners affected by severe weather and flooding from July 6-8, 2019, may apply for federal disaster assistance through low-interest loans.  Rates are as low as 1.938 percent for homeowners and renters, 4 percent for businesses of all sizes, and 2.75 percent for non-profit organizations, with terms up to 30 years.  These loans cover replacement and repair of physical damages to your home or business, including fencing, decks, driveways, landscaping, insurance deductibles, and damaged personal items, including cars.  If repairs are in progress, applications for loans will be accepted to cover out-of-pocket expenses by using receipts and photos to document claims.  Businesses of all sizes, non-profits, homeowners, and renters must submit applications for physical damage loans by October 7, 2019.  Small businesses and non-profit organizations also may apply for economic injury disaster loans for working capital through May 7, 2020.  For more information, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/, call 800-659-2955 (800-877-8399 for the deaf and hard of hearing), or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Hurricane Season is Still in Effect this Fall – The Atlantic hurricane season is in effect, with its peak from now until late October, and ending on November 30, 2019.  If you have not done so already, update emergency plans, refresh supplies for your family and pets, and be ready if a tropical storm affects our region.  The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for coordinating preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for significant emergency events that may occur in our community.  For information, and to be Ready Fairfax, visit the OEM website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement/, or call 571-350-1000.

Final 2019 Document Shredding Event Set – The Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program will host the final 2019 Document Shredding event on Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 7 - 11 a.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax.  Vehicles must be in line no later than 11 a.m.  Event concludes at 11 a.m.  For additional information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/document-shredding, or call 703-324-5230; TTY 711.

George Mason Regional Library Fall 2019 Semi-Annual Book Sale – Don't miss out on the George Mason Friends semi-annual book sale, featuring thousands of books, movies, music, e-games, and more, on Thursday, September 26, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, September 27, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; and Sunday, September 29 noon - 5 p.m.  The book sale will be held at the George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike in Annandale.  For more information, call 703-813-6616, or visit http://georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com/. 

Thinking about Volunteering or Are Already a Volunteer? – Fairfax County invites you to the Venture into Volunteering Fair at the Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center in Chantilly on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  Representatives from more than 90 organizations will be there to share information about a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in Northern Virginia.  Attendees can help onsite that day by bringing shelf-stable food to donate to Food for Others, dental hygiene supplies for the Children's Project Mobile Dental Van, gently used hearing aids/eyeglasses for the Lions Club, or by donating blood to the American Red Cross.  (Call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule blood donations.)  It's all free and no registration is necessary.  Door prizes throughout the event!  Go to http://bit.ly/venturefair2019 for more information.  

Save the Date: Taste of Annandale Celebrates Community – The fifth annual "Taste of Annandale" will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., along Tom Davis Drive, between Columbia Pike and John Marr Drive.  This community event opens with a 5K Race at 9:30 a.m., departing from 4251 John Marr Drive in Annandale.  Registration for "early bird" runners is available at https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Annandale/AnnandaleTasteofAnnandale5k.  Taste of Annandale features local international cuisines, live multicultural music and dance, and much more.  Admission is free.  For more information, visit the Taste of Annandale website at https://tasteofannandale.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tasteofannandale, or call Bob Kahane at 703-856-8773.

Annandale Pop-Up Park to Host Community Day in October – Save the date for the Community Day at the pop-up park at 7200 Columbia Pike on Saturday, October 5, 2019, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., to coincide with the Taste of Annandale.  Stop by during the final event of the 2019 programming series and enjoy family friendly activities and games hosted by a variety of county agencies and community partners!  Advance registration is encouraged at www.fcrevite.org/annandale/parkcivicspace.html.  Need more information?  Contact Laura Baker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-324-9300.  The 2019 Programming Series is presented by the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development Community Revitalization Section, and the Fairfax County Park Authority. 

Is Your Voter Registration Current? – If you have had a change in name or address, or are unsure of your status, you may update your voter registration online at the Virginia Department of Elections website: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.  You are eligible to register to vote if you are: a citizen of the United States; at least 18 years of age by the next general election; and a resident of Virginia.  To vote in the November 5, 2019 General Election, you must be registered by the October 15 deadline.  You can register online at the Virginia Department of Elections website or in-person at the Fairfax County Office of Elections.  Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Thursday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.  Please note that office hours are extended for statutory deadlines.  Additional information about voter registration is available at the Fairfax County Office of Elections website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/voter-registration.   

Note Absentee Voting Deadlines for the November 5, 2019 General Election – Mark your calendars with the deadlines for the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. 

• October 15: Voter Registration Deadline (In-Person/By Mail) 5 p.m.; Online: 11:59 p.m.

• October 29: Deadline to apply to receive an Absentee Ballot by mail, 5 p.m. 

• November 2: Deadline for In-Person Absentee Voting, 5 p.m.

• November 5: Absentee Ballot return deadline, 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the Office of Elections website www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/, send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 703-222-0776; TTY 711.

Farmer's Market Continues this Fall at Mason District Park – The Farmer's Market, hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority countywide, continues this fall in Annandale every Thursday morning until November 7, 2019, from 8 a.m. until 12 noon at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike.  For a complete county-wide schedule, and other information about the Farmer's Markets visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets, or call 703-642-0128; TTY 711. 

Election Officers Needed! – Fairfax County needs Election Officers for upcoming 2019 elections. Election Officers are needed at each of the 243 precincts to run the polls and assist voters.  Interested individuals must be registered voters in Virginia and complete required training and forms.  Individuals may choose to accept the $175 stipend for a full day or volunteer their time.  Language Election Officers, who speak Korean or Vietnamese, are needed in certain areas of Fairfax County.  Training (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/election-officers/election-officer-training) begins in September.  Residency in Fairfax County is not required.  To apply, complete and submit the online form at: www.vote4fairfax.com/apply.  For more information, visit the Office of Elections website (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/election-officers/working) or call 703-324-4735; TTY 711.

Save the Date: All-You-Can-Eat Crab Legs and Spiced Shrimp Feast! – Join the Annandale and Bailey's Crossroads Volunteer Firefighters for a seafood feast on Sunday, October 27, 2019, 2 - 5 p.m. at the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, 7128 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  For more information, send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  The Annandale and Bailey's Crossroads Volunteer Fire Departments are non-profit 501c (3) organizations, all donations are tax deductible, and may be mailed to: AVFD, P.O. Box 806, Annandale, VA 22003; and to the Bailey's Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1159, Falls Church, VA 22041-3609.

Abstract Painting Featured at Mason District Governmental Center – The works of artist Georges Hayek will be on display at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  An American-French-Lebanese artist born in Beirut, Lebanon, Hayek's abstract style of painting gives form to sounds of melancholia and qualm that create roiling vortexes of colors and lines. When the paintings are finished, they become a focal point of different dimensions.  The artwork will be on display in the lobby from September 5, through October 31, 2019.

Mason Matters! The Television Show – Opioids can provide helpful pain relief, but if misused, they can cause serious health problems, even death.  Sadly, use and addiction to heroin and other opioids is on the rise, and deaths from their use are skyrocketing.  Opioid overdose is a national epidemic, and Fairfax County is not immune, as we, too, are facing this growing public health emergency.  Our April 2019 Mason Matters program focused on the causes of opioid addiction, their effects on individuals and communities, and what is being done to address this epidemic.  Help is available, but what all does that entail? – and what is the process for a successful recovery?  The September edition of Mason Matters!, the television show that brings you news and information about our Mason District community, hosted by Supervisor Penny Gross, features Detective Jeremy Hoffman with the Overdose Investigations Unit, Fairfax County Police Department, and Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, director of the Epidemiology and Population Health Division, Fairfax County Health Department.  Mason Matters! airs on Cable Channel 16 every Thursday at 7 p.m., and every Friday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and daily on-line at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason.

The Quick 411 – Is there a place where I can learn about how to properly dispose batteries and other household hazardous waste?  Yes.  From electronics to aerosols, what you put in the trash matters.  Electronics often contain rechargeable batteries, specifically lithium-ion, and should never be thrown away.  When damaged or exposed, such as breaking apart at a trash plant, these batteries pose a major fire hazard.  In 2018, county residents dropped off more than 1,000 pounds of lithium batteries at two household hazardous waste collection sites (I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax, and the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton).  Please join the crowd and drop off these batteries.  Residents also may recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones at Supervisor Gross' office in the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  Batteries labeled Alkaline can be disposed of in the regular trash, but follow these tips from our fire marshal: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/dont-spark-trash-fire-properly-dispose-batteries-household-hazardous-waste/. 

Broyhill Park Civic Association

General Membership Meeting

Thursday, September 12 at 7:30pm at the Leis Center

On the agenda:

1.Guest Speaker - We’ve invited a local realtor to discuss home pricing and valuation. Why are some neighborhoods pricier than others with homes of the same size? Why do nearby neighborhoods have higher market value? GaryFitzGibbon of Re/Max Realtors will provide the answers. Come and get your questions answered and find out what's happening in the housing market.

2. Update on Graham Park Plaza. The developers are proposing a complete change of scenario for the vacant half of the Plaza. Come to the meeting to find out what's now planned.

3. Report on recent past event (National Night Out) and upcoming events (Community Trunk Sale, Halloween Parade, Christmas Party).

Send a reply to this message if you have anything you would like added to the agenda.

All Broyhill Park residents are welcome to attend the meeting.  Don't forget your Civic Association dues!  If you have not yet paid for 2019, you can pay at the meeting. Dues are $10 per household.

REMINDER -  Broyhill Park's 1st Community Trash & Treasure Trunk Sale

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2019 *

Location:  Woodley Pool Parking Lot, 7421 Camp Alger Avenue

Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm (setup begins at 7:30)

The Broyhill Park Civic Association is sponsoring a Community “Trash & Treasure” Trunk Sale to be held in the parking lot of Woodley Pool on Saturday, September 21, 2019.  Any Broyhill Park resident wishing to sell household items is welcome to participate.  Please register in advance on the Broyhill Park website (www.broyhillpark.org).  Advance registration will guarantee you a double parking space in the pool parking lot on the date of the sale.  You can sell from your trunk or bring your own tables to setup in your extra parking space. Sellers are limited to Broyhill Park residents, and no commercial sales or outside sellers are allowed.  All leftover items and trash must be picked up and taken with you at the end of the sale.

We need at least 6 sellers to make this a worthwhile event, so please consider joining with Broyhill Park neighbors to sell your unwanted, unused, outgrown, and excess household items all in one central location.  Your trash could be another person’s treasure!

* Rain date Sunday, Sept. 22, 9am-1pm

August 2019

A few items of information for you or your association newsletter:

The Board Corner: Perspectives from Penny – The Purple Can is here!  A large purple (or magenta, orchid, bright lilac – it's definitely bright!) dumpster was installed in the parking lot of the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, last week, solely for collection of glass for recycling.  The Purple Can is designed to take only glass bottles and jars, and items should be empty and rinsed.  The glass from the purple containers will be crushed and used for a variety of purposes, including construction projects.  

Homeowners still may dispose of glass in their weekly recycling bins, but when glass breaks in the bin, the shards can contaminate other recycled items, especially paper, which may result in the entire batch being treated as trash. Purple Can recycling ensures that the glass, even if it breaks, is handled correctly and recycled into unable material.  The Purple Can is easy to find: enter the parking lot from Columbia Pike, go straight back to the last drive aisle, turn right, and proceed to the western end of the main parking lot.  The Purple Can is on the left.  Signs on the Purple can will identify types of acceptable glass, and also what not to discard – no lamps or bulbs, and no miscellaneous glass.  Bottles and jars only, please.

August is Immunization Awareness Month in Fairfax County.  Modern vaccines have rendered many childhood diseases gone, but measles, the flu, pneumonia, and other preventable diseases still circulate, making vaccinations necessary to protect all people, but especially infants and young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems.  As students return to classes, and travelers make their plans, now is a good time to check the immunizations of family members, to be sure everyone is protected from preventable diseases with up-to-date immunizations.

Free summer concerts at Mason District Park and Ossian Hall Park continue through August 23.  Check out www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/spotlight-by-starlight for a complete schedule of remaining concerts. 

The Board of Supervisors does not have scheduled board or committee meetings in August, but my office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., to answer your questions, assist with concerns and complaints, provide notary services, and address local and county issues.  E-mail is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; phone number is 703-256-7717.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Land Use News – Land use items of interest this month include:

• Glen Forest Drive Walkway Project Breaks Ground – Construction is underway for a sidewalk along the south side of Glen Forest Drive, from Leesburg Pike to Moray Lane.  The approximately 1,150 linear feet, five-foot wide concrete sidewalk will connect to existing pedestrian facilities to Glen Forest Elementary School.  The sidewalk will include curb ramps and other infrastructures for ADA compliance.  A four-foot grass buffer between the sidewalk and the road, and a new drainage system, will be installed within the project limits.

• Interim Park at Bailey's Crossroads Opens in August – Construction is nearing completion at 5831 Columbia Pike (formerly the Landmark Building), and the interim park at Bailey's Crossroads will be open for use this month.  Park amenities include a plaza with shaded seating areas and landscaping, a grass open play area, and flexible space for event programming.  The park is made possible through a partnership between the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, and the Revitalization Section of the Department of Planning and Development.  More information is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/planning-development/crossroads-interim-park, or by contacting Suzie Battista, Program Manager, at 703-324-9317, or e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

New Cell Phone Law in Effect –   The Fairfax County Police Department reminds all residents that, effective July 1, 2019, handheld use of a cell phone is prohibited while driving through highway work zones in Virginia.  A mandatory fine of $250 applies for violations of this new law, § 46.2-1078.1 of the Code of Virginia (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter10/section46.2-1078.1/).  Avoid distracted driving and help keep everyone safe by staying focused on the road.

Virginia Sales Tax Holiday Coming Soon! – The three-day sales tax holiday begins on Friday, August 2 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, August 4, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.  Virginia residents can save money on essential supplies during hurricane season and year-round emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products.  Also save on qualifying school supplies, clothing, and footwear.  For a complete list of sales tax exempt items during the holiday weekend, and detailed qualifying items and retailer information, visit https://tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday.  

Wilson Boulevard over Arlington Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation Project Scheduled – Barring any unforeseen delays, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will replace the Wilson Boulevard over Arlington Boulevard Bridge the weekend of August 2-5, 2019.  To safely demolish and remove the existing Wilson Boulevard bridge deck over Route 50 and install the new composite bridge deck, traffic will be detoured from 10 p.m. on Friday, August 2 until 5 a.m. on Monday, August 5.  Eastbound and westbound traffic on //www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'19.5%22N+77%C2%B009'18.7%22W/@38.8720833,-77.1573831,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d38.87209!4d-77.155197">Route 50/Arlington Boulevard at the Route 7/Leesburg Pike interchange will be detoured via the adjacent eastbound and westbound service roads back to Route 50, past Seven Corners.  Eastbound Wilson Boulevard traffic will be detoured via Route 7, Patrick Henry Drive, Route 50 and the westbound Route 50 service road back to Wilson Boulevard.  Drivers can expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.  Project information is available at www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/wilson_over_50.asp.  Questions? Contact  Demelew Teshome at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or Chan Basnayake, P.E., PMP, CCM, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

National Night Out Set for August 6, 2019 – Neighborhoods in Mason District, and throughout Fairfax County, will be participating in National Night Out (NNO) on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, from 6 - 9 p.m.  NNO is an annual event observed by locking doors, turning on porch lights, and enjoying a block party, cookout, or other planned community event.  Mason District has more than 30 active Neighborhood Watch groups - the oldest is Camelot, established in 1979, in the Court of Camelot.  Fairfax County Police officers will visit as many neighborhood activities as possible to support your commitment to fight crime.  Contact the district police station in your area for more information about NNO events in your neighborhood: Mason Station, 703-256-8035; Franconia District Station, 703-922-0889; and West Springfield District Station, 703-644-7377.  Register for NNO 2019 at https://form.jotform.com/81555236797166. 

Report Storm Damage to the Disaster Database – The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) continues to collect storm damage information from impacted residents from the July 8, 2019 rain event.  By filing a damage report at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/disasterreport/, you will be assisting the county in documenting where residents and businesses experienced damage.  While owners are responsible for repairs on their own property, the county is working with regional and state partners to seek Federal Disaster Assistance, to the extent Federal Assistance becomes available.  Your filing is completely voluntary and does not guarantee any kind of assistance.  For more information about OEM, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement/, call 571-350-1000; TTY 711, or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  For Fairfax County Emergency Information, visit https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wordpress.com/.

Fifth Annual Justice Pyramid Back-to-School Fair – Join representatives from non-profit organizations, Fairfax County agencies, and the Fairfax County Public Schools on Thursday, August 8, 2019, 1 - 4 p.m., for Justice High School's Fifth Annual Back to School Fair, 3301 Peace Valley Lane in Falls Church.  The fair will prepare students and families for the upcoming school year, and it is open to the entire Justice Pyramid, which includes Justice High School, Glasgow Middle School, Bailey's and Bailey's Upper, Beech Tree, Belvedere, Glen Forest, Parklawn, and Sleepy Hollow Elementary Schools.  For more information, contact Ceola Grant, Service Area Manager-Region 2, Neighborhood and Community Services, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 571-363-0869.

Election Officers Needed! – Fairfax County needs Election Officers for upcoming 2019 elections. Election Officers are needed at each of the 243 precincts to run the polls and assist voters.  Interested individuals must be registered voters in Virginia and complete required training and forms.  Individuals may choose to accept the $175 stipend for a full day, or volunteer their time.  Language Election Officers are needed in certain areas of Fairfax County who speak Korean or Vietnamese.   Training (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/election-officers/election-officer-training) begins in September.  Residency in Fairfax County is not required.  To apply, complete and submit the online form at: www.vote4fairfax.com/apply.  For more information, visit the Office of Elections website (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/election-officers/working) or call 703-324-4735; TTY 711.

Spotlight by Starlight Summer Concerts Continue through August at Mason District Park and Ossian Hall Park – Enjoy a variety of free entertainment at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., until August 23, 2019.  Children's concerts are on Saturdays at 10 a.m.  Cultural performances can be enjoyed on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. through August 17, 2019 at Ossian Hall Park, located at 7900 Heritage Drive in Annandale.  For a complete 2019 Spotlight by Starlight concert schedule, visit the Park Authority website www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/spotlight-by-starlight.  Note: Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather.  Call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the performance for weather-related updates.

Annandale Pop-Up Park to Host Fitness and Fun Day in August – Stop by the pop-up park at 7200 Columbia Pike on Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., and enjoy the August event: Fitness and Fun Day.  Join Park Authority staff for a morning of family fitness and fun.  Enjoy a variety of interactive games, activities, and demonstrations to get everyone up and moving.  Try your hand at disc golf, cool off on a water slide, practice your favorite dance moves with a live DJ, and more!  Come out and play your way to fitness with friends and family.  The Fairfax County Department of Transportation and Bike Ambassadors will be on hand to educate the public about biking in Fairfax and to host bike parking for any participants who bike to the pop-up park.  The Annandale Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) also will stage one of their emergency vehicles and provide fire safety education.  Want to attend?  Advance registration is encouraged at www.fcrevite.org/annandale/parkcivicspace.html.  Learn more about the 2019 series, and the future vision for a permanent park/civic space by visiting the website, or by stopping by one of the pop-up events.  Need more information? Contact Laura Baker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-324-9300.  The 2019 Programming Series is presented by the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development Community Revitalization Section, and the Fairfax County Park Authority. 

"Tea and Tattle" at Historic Green Spring Gardens – Rumor, hearsay, scuttlebutt and scandal.  Can gossip have a positive impact on society?  Explore the topic on Sunday, August 18, 2019, from 

1 - 3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria.  Learn about the origins and changing definitions of gossip, how people have "dished" hilariously through the ages, and why gossiping was once synonymous with tea-drinking.  Reservations are required.  For more information about programs and to register for teas at Historic Green Spring, call 703-941-7987. Visit online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring. 

Get Ready for the 2020 Census – The United States Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census.  A variety of temporary jobs, including census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff, and supervisory staff need to be filled.  Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and be a U.S. citizen.  For more information, and to apply, logon to 2020census.gov/jobs, (https://2020census.gov/en/jobs) or call 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020); Federal Relay Service: (800) 877-8339; TTY/ASCII www.gsa.gov/fedrelay.  The U.S. Census Bureau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Oriental Brush Painting Featured at Mason District Governmental Center – The works of artist Chong Soon Kim are on display at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  A native of Seoul, Kim majored in Fine Arts at Beakseok University in Korea.  Her style of painting expresses beauty of nature especially in plants, trees, flowers, and fruit.  Kim has taught Oriental painting at many locations, including the Messiah Presbyterian Church, and leads the Ye-In Oriental painting group.  The artwork is on display in the lobby until August 27, 2019.

Mason Matters! The Television Show – Fall signals more than just a change in weather and the start of another school term.  New clothes, school supplies, and possibly new commuting routes are on lists to be completed.  Health and wellness also are on the list too, but not just for the student population.  News reports about Measles outbreaks in the United States have prompted medical professionals to expand their focus to include adults.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults born after 1957 may need at least one dose of measles vaccine, unless a laboratory test confirms a past measles infection or immunity to measles.  So why is Measles back?  What caused its resurgence, and where can we turn for help?  The August edition of Mason Matters!, the television show that brings you news and information about our Mason District community, hosted by Supervisor Penny Gross, features Caroline J. Sutter, RN DNP-BC, co-founder of Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics, and Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, director of the Epidemiology and Population Health Division at the Fairfax County Health Department.  Mason Matters! airs on Cable Channel 16 every Thursday at 7 p.m., and every Friday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and daily on-line at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason.

The Quick 411 – I would like to learn more about the upcoming 2020 Census.  Can Fairfax County help?  Yes. The U.S. Constitution requires that each decade we take a count - or a census - of America's population. The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place.  For more information, census jobs, frequently asked questions, timeline, and related resources, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/census.

REMINDER

Broyhill Park Civic Association National Night Out Cookout

Date: Tuesday, August 6th 

Time: 7:00 to 8:30pm

Location: Woodley Pool parking lot, 7421 Camp Alger Avenue

All Broyhill Park residents are invited to National Night Out on Tuesday evening, August 6th, beginning at 7:00pm.  Come and enjoy a cookout with Broyhill Park and Raymondale neighbors.  We will provide grilled hot dogs, drinks, and chips. Please bring a side dish, dessert or snack to share. 

Extra paking is available at the Leis Center next door

The Broyhill Park Civic Association is planning a community 'Trunk Sale' for September 21st. It will take place in the Woodley Pool parking lot. 
Anyone interested in participating needs to register in advance, by filling out this form.

Hope to see you there!

July 2019

A few items of information for you or your association newsletter:

The Board Corner: Perspectives from Penny – July is Park and Recreation Month, and the right time to get your "Game On" in the Fairfax County Park Authority system.  Dozens of public parks are right here in Mason District, and there are hundreds more across the county.  Golf courses, nature centers, ball fields, playgrounds, pools, and many other recreational opportunities – for all ages and expertise -- abound in Fairfax County.  In Mason District alone, you can walk or ride on park trails, savoring the natural landscape away from traffic and noise.  You can tour the greenhouse at Green Spring Gardens, or visit the historic manor house on the grounds, and enjoy a spot of tea on Sunday afternoons.  Watch Mason District Little League baseball at the Pudge Rodriguez field at Mason District Park, or enjoy the free summer concerts at the Newton Edwards Amphitheatre on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays all summer long.  Buy fresh produce at the Farmers Market on Thursday mornings.  Take your children and grandchildren to Nature Playce at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, where they can explore bugs and dirt, and see butterflies in the woods.  Play a round of golf at Pinecrest Golf Center.  And, this summer, children can follow the "Beadin' Path," answer some simple questions at five of nine parks, and redeem your game card to receive a special decorative bead.  Collect five or more beads and get a special prize bag.  You can pick up a Beadin' Path form at my office, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Pinecrest Golf Course, Green Spring Gardens, and Providence RECenter.  More information is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/beadinpath.  Get your "Game On!"  Visit a park this month!

Land Use News – Land use items of interest this month features construction nearing completion for interim park and new homeless shelter:

• Interim Park at Bailey's Crossroads to Open in August – Construction is nearing completion at 5831 Columbia Pike (formerly the Landmark Building) for an interim park at Bailey's Crossroads.  Park amenities include a plaza with shaded seating areas and landscaping, a grassed open play area, and flexible space for event programming.  The park is made possible through a partnership between the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, and the Office of Community Revitalization.  More information can be found on the project's website www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/planning-development/crossroads-interim-park or by contacting Suzie Battista, OCR Program Manager, at 703-324-9317, or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

• Bailey's Crossroads Community Shelter and Supportive Housing – Construction of the new shelter, located at 5914 Seminary Road in Bailey's Crossroads, is more than 70 percent finished.  The exterior steel structures, floors, and stairs are built.  Interior framing is in progress for the upper floors, as are mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins.  Construction completion is anticipated for fall 2019.

Farmer's Market Opens at Mason District Park – The Farmer's Market at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale, is open every Thursday morning from 8 a.m. until Noon, and will be open on Thursday, July 4!  Be sure to pick up vine-ripe produce, fresh baked goods, and much more for your holiday weekend enjoyment.  For a complete county-wide schedule, and other information about the Farmer's Markets visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets, or call 703-642-0128; TTY 711.

Document Shredding Comes to Mason District – The Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program will host a Document Shredding event on Saturday, July 13, 2019, from 7 - 11 a.m. at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  Vehicles must be in line no later than 11 a.m.  Event concludes at 11 a.m.  For additional information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/document-shredding, or call 703-324-5230; TTY 711.

The Capitol Steps Return by Popular Demand at Mason District Park – The Spotlight by Starlight concert series at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale, welcomes the return of the Capitol Steps on Sunday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.  Arrive early to enjoy this popular satirical group!  Also enjoy performances on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, through August 23, 2019.  At Ossian Hall Park, 7900 Heritage Drive in Annandale, enjoy cultural performances on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., through August 17, 2019.  The 2019 Spotlight by Starlight concert schedule is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/spotlight-by-starlight.  Note: Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather.  Call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the performance for weather-related updates.

FCPS Welcomes USDA's 2019 Summer Food Service Program – Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) 2019 Summer Food Service Program for Children, a program established to ensure that students, who qualify for free and reduced-price meals during the school year, continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.  Free meals (breakfast and lunch) that meet federal nutrition guidelines will be provided to children at approved sites throughout Fairfax County.  For a complete list of locations, visit www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-announces-2019-usda-summer-food-program-locations.

Enjoy Seafood, While Helping a Worthy Cause – The Annandale (Station 8) and Bailey's Crossroads (Station 10) Volunteer Fire Departments will host their "All You Can Eat Crab Leg and Shrimp Feast" on Saturday, July 27, 2019, 2 - 5 p.m. at the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department Station, 7128 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  Tickets are available at www.avfd.org or www.bxrvfd.org.  For more information, call 703-941-1328, or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  The Annandale and Bailey's Crossroads Volunteer Fire Departments are non-profit 501c (3) organizations, and all donations are tax deductible.  Donations may be mailed to: AVFD, P.O. Box 806, Annandale, VA 22003; or to the Bailey's Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1159, Falls Church, VA 22041-3609.

Save the Dates: Virginia Sales Tax Holiday – The three-day sales tax holiday begins on Friday, August 2 at 12:01 a.m. and ends August 4, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.  Virginia residents can save money on essential supplies during hurricane season and year-round emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products.  For a list of sales tax exempt items during the holiday weekend, visit https://tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday.  

Wilson Boulevard over Arlington Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation Project – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) plans to replace the Wilson Boulevard over Arlington Boulevard Bridge the weekend of //www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'19.5%22N+77%C2%B009'18.7%22W/@38.8720833,-77.1573831,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d38.87209!4d-77.155197">August 2-5, 2019 weather permitting.  The alternative weekends to complete this work are August 9-12, or August 16-19.  //www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'19.5%22N+77%C2%B009'18.7%22W/@38.8720833,-77.1573831,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d38.87209!4d-77.155197">Route 50/Arlington Boulevard will be detoured from 10 p.m. on Friday, August 2 until 5 a.m. on Monday, August 5 to demolish and remove the existing bridge, and install the new composite bridge segments.  Additional improvements include:

• Reconstructing the existing sidewalk leading to the bridge;

• New sidewalk along the opposite sides of the bridge;

• Upgrading the bridge railings and pedestrian fence (anti-scale);

• Improving curb and gutter on the southeastern approach to the bridge; and

• New concrete approach walls on all corners of the bridge.

From August to late November, single lane closures on Route 50/Arlington Boulevard and on Wilson Boulevard will be used to complete construction of the sidewalks and bridge railings.  Another short-duration detour (one night) will be utilized in late November/early December to apply a waterproofing membrane and asphalt overlay on the bridge deck.  Built in 1958, the one-way bridge links the eastbound Route 50/Arlington Boulevard service road (crossing Route 7) to eastbound Wilson Boulevard in the Seven Corners area of Mason District.  Project information is available at www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/wilson_over_50.asp.  Questions? Contact  Demelew Teshome at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or Chan Basnayake, P.E., PMP, CCM, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Register Early for National Night Out on August 6 – Neighborhoods in Mason District, and throughout Fairfax County, can register early to participate in National Night Out (NNO) on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, from 6 - 9 p.m.  NNO is an annual event observed by locking doors, turning on porch lights, and enjoying a block party, cookout, or other planned community event.  Mason District has more than 30 active Neighborhood Watch groups - the oldest is Camelot, established in 1979, in the Court of Camelot.  Fairfax County Police officers will visit as many neighborhood activities as possible to support your commitment to fight crime.  Contact the district police station in your area for more information about NNO events in your neighborhood: Mason Station, 703-256-8035; Franconia District Station, 703-922-0889; and West Springfield District Station, 703-644-7377.  Be at the top of the event list - register for NNO 2019 at https://form.jotform.com/81555236797166. 

Save the Date: Fifth Annual Justice Pyramid Back-to-School Fair – Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 8, 1 - 4 p.m. for Justice High School's Fifth Annual Back to School Fair, 3301 Peace Valley Lane in Falls Church.  For more information, contact Ceola Grant, Service Area Manager-Region 2, Neighborhood and Community Services, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 571-363-0869.

Welcome Home Kit Donation Drive – New Hope Housing, operator of the Bailey's Crossroads Community Shelter at 3525 Moncure Avenue in Falls Church, welcomes donations of new cleaning products, toiletries, linens, and gently used housewares for "Welcome Home Kits" for residents transitioning from the shelter to their new home.  For more information or to host a "Welcome Home Kit Drive," contact Sami Smyth, volunteer coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 703-799-2293, ext. 11.

Oriental Brush Painting Featured at Mason District Governmental Center – The works of artist Chong Soon Kim will be on display at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  A native of Seoul, Kim majored in Fine Arts at Beakseok University in Korea.  Her style of painting expresses beauty of nature especially in plants, trees, flowers, and fruit.  Kim is a member of The National Capital Area Chapter of the Sumi-e Society of America, a national nonprofit educational organization established to foster appreciation of East Asian brush painting and calligraphy.  Since moving to the United States 12 years ago, Kim has taught Oriental painting at many locations, including the Messiah Presbyterian Church, and leads the Ye-In Oriental painting group.  The artwork will be on display in the lobby from July 2 through August 27, 2019.

Mason Matters! The Television Show – Though Northern Virginia is a wealthy area, food insecurity, hunger and poverty still impact substantial segments of our population.  Fortunately, many citizens are heeding the call to help by donating time, money, food, or new or still useful items.  Community support is a vital component to the well-being of those in need, along with food pantries in our region that work diligently to address hunger.  Through various programs and initiatives, progress is being made by distributing food, educating, and bringing awareness to the community, but food insecurity remains a hurdle for many.  How can we help?  The July edition of Mason Matters!, the television show that brings you news and information about our Mason District community, hosted by Supervisor Penny Gross, features Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, director of the Division of Epidemiology and Population Health at the Fairfax County Health Department, and Annie Turner, executive director, Food for Others.  Mason Matters! airs on Cable Channel 16 every Thursday at 7 p.m., and every Friday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and daily on-line at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason.

The Quick 411 – I would like to get a locking device for my medication (or firearm).  Is there a place in Fairfax County that I can get one?  Yes.  To help families safety proof their homes, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is offering locking medication boxes and free trigger locks (that fit a wide variety of firearms) as part of the new "Lock and Talk Northern Virginia" program.  Lockboxes and gun locks include information about safe handling and messaging, and tips to secure medications and firearms.  For additional information and related services, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/free-locking-devices-now-available-for-medications-and-firearms/. 

June 2019

A few items of information for you or your association newsletter:

The Board Corner: Perspectives from Penny – Welcome to summer!  Graduations, weddings, vacations, and many other family and fun activities are happening this month.  Also on the schedule are many county-related activities that can be fun -- Celebrate Fairfax, for example, -- or civic and educational, such as the police department's Citizen Advisory Committee and Community Sensory Day.  More information follows in this newsletter.

June also signals the return of the very popular free summer concert series, Spotlight by Starlight, here in Mason District.  I am particularly proud of the series which, perhaps, is the oldest continuous free concert programming in Fairfax County.  Spotlight began in the late 1980s with an occasional concert, but the series has run continuously since 1991.  On summer Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., you can attend free, live entertainment at the Newton Edwards Amphitheatre at Mason District Park, and enjoy jazz, big band, folk, rock, ethnic, and a variety of other musical performances.  And yes, the Capitol Steps are scheduled to perform on Sunday, July 21.  Bench seating is available, but many patrons bring lawn chairs to sit in the "loge" area.  A platform for handicapped patrons in wheelchairs also is available.  Dogs on leash also are permitted at the concerts.  Spotlight by Starlight concerts begin on Sunday, June 16 (Father's Day), and run through August 24.  The Saturday morning children's concerts, at 10 a.m., will begin on June 22 and conclude on August 17.

The international concert series at Ossian Hall Park, across from Annandale High School, will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, and continue each Saturday through August 17.  All seating is on the lawn, so bringing blankets or folding chairs is advised.  Concerts at both parks last about an hour and are geared for the entire family.  A complete performance schedule is available online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.  I look forward to seeing you there! 

The Board of Supervisors adopted the FY 2020 county budget in early May.  The tax rate of $1.15 per $100 of assessed valuation remains unchanged, as does the stormwater fee.  The adopted budget fully funds the School Board's operating request, and provides a small salary increase for county employees.  The new budget takes effect on July 1. 

The Board of Supervisors recently adopted a new policy for the use, by public safety agencies, of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones.  The policy complies with the FAA restrictions for drone use near airports, and will be available for a variety of mission types, such as search and rescue, flooding assessment, crash reconstruction, fire incident/scene management, and hazardous materials responses.  Any other drone usage by county agencies would require approval by the Board of Supervisors.  No new staff positions will be required, and data retention is anticipated to be minimal.  

Land Use News – Land use items of interest this month feature park amenities in the Bailey's Crossroads and Annandale Central Business Districts:

• Interim Park at Bailey's Crossroads Breaks Ground – Construction is underway at 5827 Columbia Pike (formerly the Landmark Building) for an interim park that will include a plaza with shaded seating areas and landscaping, an open grassed play area, and flexible space for event programming.  Construction is anticipated to be completed in August.  The park is made possible through a partnership between the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, and the Office of Community Revitalization.  More information can be found on the project's website www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/planning-development/crossroads-interim-park or by contacting Suzie Battista, OCR Program Manager, at 703-324-9317, or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Transformation Begins for Annandale Pop-Up Park – The Fairfax County Office of Community Revitalization, Fairfax County Park Authority, and community partners, will transform a part of county-owned property, located at 7200 Columbia Pike, into a community amenity space this summer.  A community Clean Up is scheduled for Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. to help get the space ready for use this summer and fall seasons.  Volunteers are needed to remove vines, leaves, and trash from the grounds and help prepare planting beds for a planting project.  Want to help?  Volunteers can sign up at: https://volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov/custom/1380/#/opp_details/183646. 

Fairfax County Communities of Trust Committee (COTC) Featured at CAC Meeting – On Tuesday, June 4 at 7 p.m., the Fairfax County Police Department, Mason District Station, welcomes Shirley Ginwright, who will discuss how the COTC works with our community and public safety personnel at its Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting.  The Mason District Station is located at 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  For more information, contact the Mason District CAC by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  For information about Neighborhood Watch and other programs, contact Crime Prevention Officer Eddy Azcarate at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 703-354-5889.

Is Your Child's Car Seat Installed Correctly? – The Fairfax County Police Department will host a Child Car Seat Inspection at the Mason District Station, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, on Saturday, June 8, beginning at 9 a.m., and the last seat will be inspected at 11:30 a.m.  The seats are checked on a first come, first served basis.  Everyone who wishes to have a car seat inspected will need to come into the building to receive a number, and inspections may be limited, based on the number of inspectors available that day.  For more information, contact Detective Gary Moore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 703-256-8035. 

It's Here: 38^th Annual Celebrate Fairfax! – Northern Virginia's largest community-wide celebration returns June 7 - 9, 2019 to the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax.  Bring your family and friends, and enjoy Fairfax County's largest community event with a vast array of food vendors, exhibitors, interactive activities, live concerts, carnival rides, fireworks, and more!  For festival hours, tickets, and schedules, visit the Celebrate Fairfax website at http://celebratefairfax.com, or call 703-324-FAIR (3247).  Want to be part of the festivities?  Celebrate Fairfax welcomes enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to help out at the festival.  Volunteers are the backbone of this event, and it's a great way to meet new people.  Sign up at http://celebratefairfax.com/get-involved/volunteers/.

Primary Elections – Tuesday, June 11, is Democratic Primary Day.  Registered voters in districts with primary elections may vote at their regular polling places from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.  There are 11 Democratic Party primary elections: Virginia Senate, 31^st, 33^rd, and 35^th Districts; House of Delegates, 38th and 49^th Delegate Districts; Commonwealth's Attorney; Board of Supervisors Chairman, and Braddock, Hunter Mill, Lee, and Providence Supervisor Districts.  For more information about the election process, including absentee voting, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb.  To access your Virginia Voter Record to update registration, apply to vote absentee, and view your voter-related information, visit https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.

Community Sensory Day – The Fairfax County Police Department, in partnership with Neighborhood and Community Services, is hosting Community Sensory Day for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families on Saturday, June 22, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mason District Station, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  Enjoy refreshments, a bounce house for children, and other activities, while learning about best practices to keep your child safe.  Questions from parents about police practices and response are welcome.  For more information, contact MPO Azcarate at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or PFC Thomas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request by calling 703-324-4600; TTY 711.  

You've Got the Cure for the Summertime Hunger Blues – On Saturdays, June 1, 15, 22, and 29, help "Stuff the Bus" so that individuals and families, who continue to go hungry in our community, especially in the summer when children no longer get school meals, may have food to eat.  Local food pantries staff work tirelessly to provide for our neighbors, but they need your help to restock when shelves run low.  Stuff the Bus is a food collection partnership that provides needed support during these crucial times so that we, as a community, can continue to fight hunger in our neighborhoods.  For a list of Stuff the Bus locations, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/stuff-the-bus, and look for the Fastran bus.  Questions?  Call 703-222-9674; TTY 711, or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Spotlight by Starlight Summer Concerts Return to Mason District Park and Ossian Hall Park – Usher in the summer season with the Spotlight by Starlight concert series at Mason District Park, and cultural performances at Ossian Hall Park.  Enjoy a variety of free entertainment at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale, on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, beginning June 16 through August 23, 2019.  Ossian Hall Park, located at 7900 Heritage Drive in Annandale, features cultural performances on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., beginning June 15 through August 17, 2019.  The 2019 Spotlight by Starlight concert schedule is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/spotlight-by-starlight.  Note: Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather.  Call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the performance for weather-related updates.

Annandale Pop-Up Park to Host 2019 Programming Series – Stop by the pop-up park at 7200 Columbia Pike on Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and enjoy the summer season opening event: Nature Day.  This family friendly event will feature live native animals from Hidden Oaks Nature Center, gardening insights from Green Spring Gardens, golf tips and tricks by Pinecrest Golf Course, a fun scavenger hunt, and a unique bead for the day when you start your Mason District Beadin' Path at the pop-up park.  The Annandale Volunteer Fire Department also will stage one of its emergency vehicles, and provide fire safety education.  Want to attend?  Advance registration is  encouraged at www.fcrevite.org/annandale/parkcivicspace.html.  Learn more about the 2019 series, and the future vision for a permanent park/civic space by visiting the website, or by stopping by one of the pop-up events.  Need more information? Contact Laura Baker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-324-9300.  The 2019 Programming Series is presented by the Fairfax County Office of Community Revitalization and the Fairfax County Park Authority.

The 2019 Hurricane Season Is Here! – Saturday, June 1, 2019 marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, with the peak season from mid-August to late October, and ending on November 30.  Update emergency plans, refresh supplies, and be ready when tropical storms affect our region.  The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for significant emergency events that may occur in our community.  Sign up for Fairfax Alerts at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts to stay informed about emergency-related activities affecting our county and region.  Questions may be answered by OEM staff by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by calling 571-350-1000.  The National Hurricane Center (NHC) provides information during active storms, including their potential paths, online at www.nhc.noaa.gov.  The National Weather Service offers hurricane safety tips and resources, and can be accessed online at www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane.

Save the Date: All You Can Eat Crab Leg and Shrimp Feast! – The Annandale (Station 8) and Bailey's Crossroads (Station 10) Volunteer Fire Departments are hosting an "All You Can Eat Crab Leg and Shrimp Feast" on Saturday, July 27, 2 - 5 p.m. at the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department Station, 7128 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  For more information, call 703-941-1328, or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Mixed Medium Artwork Featured at Mason District Governmental Center – A mix of mediums ranging from watercolor, oil, and acrylic paintings to collage, pastel, and encaustic works will be on display at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  Artists exhibiting their work are: Cynthia Schoeppel, Lydia Jechorek, Elaine Sevy, Erika Ridgeway, Relene Schuster, Karen Flann, Traci Oberle, Jan Ponder, and Margaret Reynolds, who are members of the Springfield Art Guild (SAG).  SAG is a non-profit group founded in 1969 and serves the community's interest in fine arts, fine crafts, and photography.  SAG sponsors educational programs, art exhibits, juried shows, classes for adults and children, art scholarships for high school or college students and local art events.  For more information, logon to: www.springfieldartguild.org.  The artwork is on display in the lobby through June 30, 2019.

Mason Matters! The Television Show – We usually hear about invasive animals that have made their way into our regions, but plants also can be introduced and cause substantial havoc.  One example of a common invasive plant in Fairfax County is bamboo.  Bamboo is versatile; one popular use is in landscaping, as a privacy hedge.  However, bamboo can take over yards quickly, causing destruction to the natural environment, plant species, and adjacent properties.  The June edition of Mason Matters!, the television show that brings you news and information about our Mason District community, hosted by Supervisor Penny Gross, features Jack Weyant, Director of Fairfax County's Department of Code Compliance, and Erin Stockschlaeder, Invasive Management Area (IMA) Program Coordinator for Fairfax County's Park Authority.  Mason Matters! airs on Cable Channel 16 every Thursday at 7 p.m., and every Friday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and daily on-line at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason.

The Quick 411 – My family is planning outdoor activities this summer, and I saw a snake the other day, which made me wonder, does Fairfax County have information available about snakes in our region?  Yes.  With summer quickly approaching, many residents will be spending more time outdoors.  As temperatures continue to rise, the warm weather also will encourage snakes to become more active and increase opportunities for people and their pets to encounter these secretive reptiles. Fairfax County is home to an array of snake species, most of which are non-venomous and pose no threat to people.  Snakes are beneficial and provide a valuable service in our communities in the way of pest control.  For more information, visit Fairfax County's Guide to Snakes at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/guide-to-snakes. 

* * * R E M I N D E R * * *

Broyhill Park Civic Association 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - Friday, May 17, 2019, at 7:00pm
Location: Leis Center, 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Main Meeting Room

This will be a joint meeting with Raymondale.  There will be a presentation on urban coyotes and deer management.  The guest speaker will begin promptly at 7:00, so please arrive on time.

Afterward we will move to Room 109 for a short business meeting.

The Meeting is Open to all Broyhill Park residents

If you have anything you'd like added to the agenda, send a reply to this message.

Don't forget to pay your Civic Association dues at the meeting.  Dues are $10 per household. Thank you to all who have paid dues so far this year.

CORRECTION: Start time 7:00pm

Broyhill Park Civic Association 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - Friday, May 17, 2019, at 7:00pm
Location: Leis Center, 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Main Meeting Room

This is a joint meeting with the Raymondale Civic Association.  The subject will be urban coyotes and deer management.  The guest speaker will begin promptly at 7:00, so please arrive on time.

Afterward we will move to Room 109 for a short business meeting.

The Meeting is Open to all Broyhill Park residents

If you have anything you'd like added to the agenda, send a reply to this message.

You can pay your 2019 Civic Association dues at the meeting:  Dues are $10 per household per year and are used to cover all Civic Association expenses.

Broyhill Park Civic Association 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - Friday, May 17, 2019, at 7:15pm
Location: Leis Center, 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Main Meeting Room

Agenda: This is a joint meeting along with the Raymondale Civic Association.  Raymondale has invited us to join them to hear a speaker from the DC Coyote Project, who will address the subject of urban coyotes and other urban wildlife, so please be on time.  Afterward each civic association will have their own business meeting.  

The Meeting is Open to all Broyhill Park residents

If you have anything you'd like added to the agenda, send a reply to this message.

You can pay your 2019 Civic Association dues at the meeting:  Dues are $10 per household per year and are used to fund Civic Association events and expenses.

May 2019

A few items of information for you or your association newsletter:

The Board Corner: Perspectives from Penny – The "Merry Month of May" has been celebrated in Renaissance poetry, Shakespearean plays, and Lerner and Loewe's "Camelot."  In Mason District, May truly celebrates spring, and signals the rebirth of popular community activities.  The Farmer's Market at Mason District Park opens on May 2; Justice High School's 5K "Run with the Wolves" is May 11; Mother's Day is May 12; Green Spring Gardens plant sale is May 18; and Memorial Day is May 27.  Other free activities are listed elsewhere in this newsletter, too.

This month also marks the end of county budget deliberations, as the Board of Supervisors is set to adopt the FY 2020 budget on May 7.  Most years, we are done with the budget by the end of April, but the calendar this year was skewed a bit by a later spring break. Nonetheless, the adopted budget takes effect on July 1.  The FY 2020 budget fully funds the request from Fairfax County Public Schools, and provides for a 2.1 percent Market Rate Adjustment for county employee wages.  The tax rate of $1.15 per $100 assessed valuation remains steady.  Ninety percent of county revenue sources are capped or controlled by the Virginia General Assembly, and the majority of county revenues is dependent on the real estate tax.  Fairfax is a wealthy jurisdiction by median household income, but income taxes are paid to the state and federal governments, not localities.  Thus, the reliance on the same real property tax structure that has existed since Thomas Jefferson was governor of Virginia.

We are fortunate to live in a great county with excellent services, and a wonderfully diverse district of old and new neighborhoods, schools, parks, and libraries.  Mason District residents care about their community, and I always am encouraged and impressed by the volunteers who step up to assist their neighbors in making "Home, Sweet Home" a reality for all.  Keep up the good work!

Land Use News – Land use items of interest this month feature road paving and bus stop improvement projects:

• Road Paving in Progress in Fairfax County – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the state agency that controls and maintains roads in Fairfax County, has started its 2019 Road Paving Program.  Information about pavement treatment types, frequently asked questions, and an interactive map showing which roads will be paved is available on VDOT's website at www.virginiadot.org/projects/northern_virginia/northern_virginia_paving.asp.

• Northbound John Marr Drive at Tom Davis Drive – A bus stop improvement project begins this month with a replacement of the existing bus shelter, and construction of a new concrete pad, and installation of a bench and trash can.  The upgraded bus stop will connect to the existing sidewalk.  The new bus shelter arrives from the manufacturer this month and, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen delays, the work will be completed in June.

Farmer's Market Opens at Mason District Park – The Farmer's Market, hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority, will be open in Annandale every Thursday morning, beginning May 2, 2019, from 8 a.m. until Noon at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike.  The Farmer's Market offers vine-ripe produce, fresh baked goods, herb plants, and much more for your spring and summer time enjoyment.  Please note this Farmer's Market will be Open on Thursday, July 4!  For a complete county-wide schedule, and other information about the Farmer's Markets visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets, or call 703-642-0128; TTY 711.

Election Officers Needed; Training Available! – The Fairfax County Office of Elections needs Election Officers for the upcoming 2019 elections.  There is a particular need for Language Election Officers, who speak Korean or Vietnamese in the Annandale and Falls Church areas.   Election Officers must be registered voters in Virginia and complete required training and forms.  You may choose to accept the $175 stipend for a full day, or volunteer your time.  To apply, complete and submit the online form at: www.vote4fairfax.com/apply.  After applying, please call the office about scheduling a new officer training class.  Training continues in May countywide for the June 11^th Democratic Primary Election, and two dates are available in Mason District: 

• Wednesday, May 8, 2019 - Mason District Governmental Center, Large Conference Room - 2 p.m. or 6 p.m.; and

• Thursday, May 9, 2019 - Mason District Governmental Center, Large Conference Room - 10 a.m.

The Mason District Governmental Center is located at 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  For more information, visit the Office of Elections website (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/election-officers/working), or call 703-324-4735, TTY 711.

Free LED Lightbulb Exchanges in May at Select Fairfax County Libraries – Residents can receive one LED lightbulb per household, and up to four replacement LED lightbulbs in exchange for four incandescent or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, while supplies last!  Save money, protect the planet, and reduce your utility bill by up to $75 per year by replacing your five most frequently used bulbs with LED bulbs!  The giveaway is a partnership between Energy Action Fairfax, a county program to help residents become energy efficient, and the Fairfax County Library.  The LED bulbs will be given away in May at three regional libraries:

• Thursday, May 2, 12-2 p.m. Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088;

• Monday, May 13, 4-6 p.m., Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville, 703-830-2223; and

• Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.,  George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, 703-256-3800.

For additional information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/energy/energyactionfairfax, or call 703-324-5955; TTY 711.  You also may send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Go Green: Bike To Work or Transit on May 17! – May is National Bike Month and Friday, May 17, 2019, is "Bike to Work Day."  Join thousands of commuters who will use pedal power, instead of horse power, to bike to work or transit!  Register free online at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org, or call 800-745-RIDE (7433).  In Fairfax County there are 26 pit stops, where the first 20,000 registrants can pick up a free T-shirts, enjoy refreshments, giveaways, and more.  NEW this year is a pit stop at the WOODROW WILSON LIBRARY AND AT ALL PARK AUTHORITY RECENTERS.  Information about pit stop locations, an interactive map, and contact information for pit stop managers is available at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/first-time-rider-info/bike-to-work-day-2019-pit-stops#1457036398484-f7f569f6-cfeb.  Can't participate on May 17?  Bike to work, or to a transit center, any day in May by registering with Fairfax County at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/bike-walk/bike-events/biketoworkday2019, and pick up a free T-shirt and giveaways (while supplies last) at the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT), 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400 in Fairfax.  Questions?  Contact the FCDOTs Bicycle Program staff at 703-877-5600; TTY 711, by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call the FCDOT Bike Information Line at 703-324-BIKE (2453).  Information and resources during Bike to Work month, and year-round, also is available at the Fairfax County Bicycle Program Web site at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/bike/map. 

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Hosts Free Chorale Concert – The NoVA Lights Chorale invites everyone to a free choral concert, "Hooray for Hollywood!," on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 4 p.m.  Under the direction of Stanley Livengood, the NoVA Lights Chorale, a group of men and women who love singing in four-part harmony, will perform the first of three concerts this year at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 3439 Payne Street in Falls Church/Bailey's Crossroads.  Refreshments after the concert.  NoVA Lights Chorale is a community-based vocal group, who welcomes all interested performers.  NoVA Lights is an independent corporation, not affiliated with any religious or cultural organization.  For more information about the chorale, and to sing with them, visit http://novalightschorale.jigsy.com/.  Rehearsals are on Monday nights; no auditions.

38^th Annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival – Northern Virginia's largest community-wide celebration will return to the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax, June 7-9, 2019.  Bring your family and friends to to the 25-acre site and enjoy a fun filled experience with more than 300 food vendors, exhibitors, and interactive activities, plus live concerts, carnival rides, a petting zoo, a Karaoke Championship, nightly fireworks, and much more!  Additional information, tickets and schedules are available at http://celebratefairfax.com/. 

Virginia Primary Elections – Virginia will hold its Primary Elections on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.  Sample ballots, candidate information, voter registration, and information about absentee voting are available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections.  Voter registration deadline for the primary is Monday, May 20, 2019 at 5 p.m.; online at 11:59 p.m.  For more information, call the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776; TTY 711, or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Medicine Cabinet Cleanout Continues in Fairfax County – Did you miss the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in April?  Here's some good news!  Year-round collection of unused or expired prescription medicines is available at all eight Fairfax County Police Stations' Prescription Medication Drug Take Back Boxes throughout Fairfax County.  Information about Fairfax County's response to the opioid crisis is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids.  Guidance for the safe disposal of medicines is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/drug-disposal.  Questions?  Contact the Police Department's Property and Evidence Section, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 703-246-2786.

Mixed Medium Artwork Featured at Mason District Governmental Center – A mix of mediums ranging from watercolor, oil, and acrylic paintings to collage, pastel, and encaustic works will be on display at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  Artists exhibiting their work are: Cynthia Schoeppel, Lydia Jechorek, Elaine Sevy, Erika Ridgeway, Relene Schuster, Karen Flann, Traci Oberle, Jan Ponder, and Margaret Reynolds, who are members of the Springfield Art Guild (SAG).  SAG is a non-profit group founded in 1969 and serves the community's interest in fine arts, fine crafts, and photography.  SAG sponsors educational programs, art exhibits, juried shows, classes for adults and children, art scholarships for high school or college students and local art events.  For more information, logon to: www.springfieldartguild.org.  The artwork will be on display in the lobby beginning in May through June 30, 2019.

Mason Matters! The Television Show – Most people have a plan for emergencies associated with seasonal storms, but do they have a plan when they are driving?  Regardless of the season, the number of drivers on the road has increased, and it is vitally important to exercise caution on the roads year-round, and especially throughout the school year.  Rudimentary rules and practices, such as never passing a stopped school bus, sometimes seem to have been forgotten.  Did you know that passing a stopped vehicle on the right is a traffic infraction?  Do you know what to do if you hear a first responder's siren?  Reminders about parking vehicles correctly also seems to be needed.  Did you know that if a vehicle's right wheels are not parked by the curb, it can get a ticket?  Parking less than 15 feet from a fire hydrant also is an infraction.  The May edition of Mason Matters!, the television show that brings you news and information about our Mason District community, hosted by Supervisor Penny Gross, features Captain Chris Edmunds, commander of the Traffic Division, and Bob Otten, Parking Enforcement Supervisor, in the Traffic Division of the Fairfax County Police Department.  Mason Matters! airs on Cable Channel 16 every Thursday at 7 p.m., and every Friday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and daily on-line at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason.

The Quick 411 – I learned that there will be some Metrorail shutdowns during the next few months.  Is there a place where I can find further information and travel alternatives in relation to Fairfax County?  Yes.  Anyone traveling within the service area of the Metrorail Blue and Yellow Lines this summer will be impacted by Metrorail station shutdowns south of the Ronald Reagan National Airport, beginning Saturday, May 25, 2019 through Sunday, September 8, 2019.  To avoid gridlock on Fairfax County roadways, those traveling in and out of Fairfax County are urged to know their travel options, plan their travel now, and avoid driving alone.  For more information, visit www.wmata.com/service/rail/PlatformProject/.

Falls Church High School’s Jaguar 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run will take place this Saturday, April 27.  Registration will remain open up until Saturday morning before 8:00am.  The race goes through Broyhill Park, so come out and cheer on the runners Saturday morning!  Follow this link for details and a map of the race course.

Broyhill Park Earth Day Stream Clean-up and Plant Exchange THIS SATURDAY, April 27, 10:00am 

What: All Broyhill Park residents are invited to come and help clean-up litter from the Broyhill Stream Park that runs between Dye & Nealon Drives 

When: Saturday, April 27, from 10:00am to 1:00pm 

Where: Meet at the park entrance on Camp Alger Avenue between Dye and Nealon.  Parking is available in the Woodley Pool lot across the street.  

Also: DON'T FORGET the PLANT EXCHANGE!  Bring some of your garden plants, houseplants, seeds, or seedlings and exchange each one for another from someone else.  It's a lot of fun and a great way to get new plants for your garden at no cost! 

Plus: Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. 

This event is sponsored by the Broyhill Park Civic Association 

Civic Association Dues  - Dues are only $10 per household per year.  To pay your dues, mail a check payable to Broyhill Park Civic Association to:  Dues Coordinator, 3227 Alice Court, Broyhill Park 22042, or bring your dues to the stream cleanup.  THANK YOU to all residents who have paid their dues so far this year. 

Broyhill Park Butterfly Garden Clean-up & Planting

Saturday, April 13 - 1:00pm

We will be working on the butterfly garden at the triangle at Graham Road & Strathmore Street on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 1:00pm. Plans are to enlarge the garden and plant some more perennials.

Everyone is welcome to come and help! Bring a shovel or other gardening tools and meet at the triangle at 1:00. If you have any butterfly-friendly plants you'd like to divide and share, bring those for planting, too.

REMINDER

Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 13 - 10:00am
Location: St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 3241 Brush Drive, Broyhill Park

The Broyhill Park Civic Association's annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 13. The hunt will begin promptly at 10:00. Be sure to bring a basket or other container for each child to collect eggs in, and come on time, because this event goes fast once it starts. All Broyhill Park residents are invited! Bring the family, or just come and watch the fun!