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About:

Lorton Valley Star Newspaper
monthly and on the web
www.LortonValleyStar.com

Covering the greater Lorton, VA area from Fairfax /Franconia Parkway to Prince William Parkway.

Contact Information:

Floyd Harrison,
Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
Lorton Valley Star Communications, LLC

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Publisher@
LortonValleyStar.com
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Print deadline is 20th

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Mail to:
Lorton Valley Star
P.O. Box 1436
Lorton Valley, VA 22199

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571-274-7389

© 2005 Floyd Harrison T/A
Lorton Valley Star Comm.
All international rights reserved; No copying in whole or any element is permitted.

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Mother's Grieving Heart

On November 10, 2000 Maria's daughter Crystal was killed in a terrible accident. Maria went through what no mother in the world wants or expects to go through.

Go To Site…

To moms who have suffered the loss of a child:

When Maria was faced with the death of her child, all the books she read provided the same answer. This answer was not good enough. She began to write poetry. Her poetry was a way for her to find the answers to the terrible crisis that she could not find in any book. Through writing her poetry, Maria became closer to God and she found during her journey, that God's mercy is a sufficient answer to any crisis or devastating situation.

Those poems are now available in the book, "Crystal, A Mother's Grieving Heart" published by Lorton Valley Star. It is available in Occoquan at the Coffee House of Occoquan and at Attic Treasures. It is also available online from Maria's web site.

Buy the book now…

Copyright © 2003 Maria Carneiro, of Montclair, Prince William County, Virginia, USA

All international rights reserved.

94 Pages
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1994 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.



Catalog Data:

Carneiro, Maria A.
Crystal, A Mother’s Grieving Heart
Original Publication:
A.D. 2005
ISBN 0-9764770-0-9

Grief, Poetry

Library of Congress Number TXu1-189-869

Cover Art:
Michelle Carneiro
Graphics and Layout:
Floyd Harrison




Publisher:
Lorton Valley Star Communications
P.O. Box 1436
Lorton, VA 22199
USA

See Coffee House

See Attic Treasures

Special Harbor: Summer Fun For Local Handicapped, Families

By: Sam Horchler

Our Special Harbor is a zero-depth water park, known as a “sprayground” , located at the Lee District family Recreation Center. It is designed with children with special needs in mind, providing interactive games and mazes that children and their families can both enjoy. Special cutouts and wide entrances to the boats and pool areas keep in mind those in wheelchairs. Quieter areas, such as the beach, were included so those averse to noise and/or wetness can still enjoy the facility. The goal is summer fun for everyone in Fairfax County this summer!
Some of the areas featured at Our Special Harbor include a beach area with interactive water tables and soft bubblers. Another area features a computerized water maze and a crab-basket that periodically dumps water encourages more boisterous play. Skipjack and crab boats are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, thus making transfers unnecessary. Our Special Harbor is designed so children with special needs can have fun safely and while staying in their comfort zone while in public.
Reflecting the heritage of the area, Our Special Harbor has a Chesapeake Bay theme. It will be run by the Fairfax County Park Authority, and will be free of charge to all. The park was funded by the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund, and is the first of its kind on the East Coast. The organization hopes to expand this model of park to the East coast, and eventually the rest of the country. The park opened to the public May 21st . For more information about Our Special Harbor, visit: http://jpmf.org/osh/index.html

Monopoly Tournament Raised $5000

The annual Monopoly Tournament at Glory Days in Lorton for Habitat was a success. 110 players participated raising $5000 for Habitat for Humanity.
Bernard Sloan, from Centreville, emerged the winner of $500 in the three round tournament.
Tate Love of Staunton, VA won second place and received $250, and Ryan Pittman placed third earning $100. Many local business also participated by sponsoring tables at the event and providing food & drink. The Tournament is an effort of Ron & Susan Associates / Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

Powers of Lorton to Assist Presidential Committee

Francis Gary Powers, Jr. of Lorton known as the Founder of The Cold War Museum in Vint Hill, Virginia has been appointed to the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Cold War Theme Study.
The purpose of the committee is to assist the Secretary of the Interior to identify important Cold War sites worthy of preservation. The work will highlight these places for the National Register of Historic Places.
The appointment is for a term of three years.

Evans Earns Play Therapy Credential

Marsha Evans, LPC of Lorton, VA, earned the prestigious Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential conferred by the Association for Play Therapy (APT), according to its executive director Bill Burns.
Evans is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Play therapy continues to gain popularity as an effective modality by which licensed mental health professionals use developmentally appropriate play therapy theories and techniques to better communicate with and help clients, especially children.
To become a Registered Play Therapist, applicants must have earned a traditional masters or doctoral mental health degree from an institution of higher education, 150 clock hours of play therapy training, two years and 2,000 hours of clinical experience, 500 hours of supervised play therapy experience, and be licensed or certified by their state boards of practice.

The State Park Youth Ambassador Program

Hey Kids! Looking for a way to promote America’s State Parks and healthy active outdoor lifestyles?
A collaboration between America’s State Parks and Outdoor Nation, the State Park Youth Ambassador program offers an exciting way for young people to explore the state parks in their state as well as help us achieve our goal to promote our country’s state park system. State Park Youth Ambassadors will collaborate on a nationwide media and marketing program promoting outdoor recreation in our state parks. Visit: http://www.outdoornation.org
The Ambassadors will begin work with park staff and their own social networks this summer to document the outdoor experiences across our 50 states with articles, blogs, and photo essays. Olympus, an official media partner of America’s State Parks, has contributed 100 STYLUS TOUGH-3000 digital cameras to allow the ambassadors to easily capture HD video and hundreds of stunning images.
“A youth-led movement for the outdoors is not only a first-of-its kind effort, but it is exactly what is needed to raise awareness and attract the attention and support of the young Americans who may not currently benefit from a deep connection with nature” - NASPD President Joe Elton
Apply for America’s State Parks and Outdoor Nation’s Youth Ambassador Program If you are between the ages of 16 - 28 and are interested in joining the State Parks Youth team please apply here. Once the program is ready to be launched your will be contacted with information on how you can participate.
GO TO: http://www.americasstateparks.com/youth_ambassador_application.html
CALL Mason Neck State Park Jess Lowry, Park Manager for More Info: (703) 339-2385.

Fairfax County’s Independent Living Project

Fairfax’s County’s Independent Living Project helps you stay in the home you love for as long as you like. This free program combines yoga, health education and a home safety inspection. It takes place at the beautiful new Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke on Fridays, through March 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. To pre-register, please call 703-324-7210, TTY 711, or e-mail Jennifer.Edge@fairfaxcounty.gov. Go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/DFS/OlderAdultServices for information on county services for older adults and caregivers.

Legion Post 162 to Construct Memorial to Honor Our Veterans.

By Sam Ramseur and Marv Rodney

Lorton American Legion Post 162 members are known throughout the Lorton Community for their support for our Fort Belvoir Wounded Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) members and numerous Community Service events. Post 162 Commander Sam Ramseur and his Executive Board and members have recently voted to construct a Memorial to honor our Veterans directly outside the Post Home at 8210 Legion Road.
Commander Ramseur stated, “Throughout history when warriors were lost in the battle, it was the custom of their comrades to pay tribute to their fallen friends’ courage, sacrifice, bravery, and honor. In that tradition the Post wanted to erect a Memorial that honored that tradition and would also cause one to pause and think about the human cost and sacrifice of living in a free nation.”
This Memorial will consist of a Bronze Sculpture that measures 45” tall with an 18” base measuring 22” from front to back and 6-3/4” high. It will sit on a 12-inch brick pedestal. This arrangement is also known as a Battlefield Cross or a Battle Cross. A 17” x 5” memorial plaque will be attached to the base displaying the seal of each military service engraved with the words “ALL GAVE SOME, BUT SOME GAVE ALL.” The Post plans to break ground in early April for an anticipated completion date and formal dedication ceremony planned for Memorial Day 2011.
A rough estimate, the cost to build this Memorial is expected to be approximately $15,000.00. over $4,450.00 has been collected to start this project. The money to build the Memorial will come through donations and fundraisers. The key element is receiving donations for the engraved bricks. The engraved bricks included in and around the base of the stature will be etched with individual quotes and be available for a donation of $100.00 each and those in the circle of the floor panel for $50.00 each. Future fund-raising events will be announced with sufficient advance notice. If you would like to become involved and/or make a donation through the purchase of a brick or direct monetary donation which is tax deductible, please make checks payable to American Legion Post 162, or contact the Commander, Adjutant, or General Manager at 703-690-1107.

Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver is a program that assists clients and families of individuals with Autism, Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s and related diseases and disabilities. This program has a successful track record of locating and returning wandering adults and children to families and caregivers.
Project Lifesaver clients wear a wristband that emits a silent tracking signal. When caregivers notify the Sheriff’s Office that a loved one is missing, a search and rescue team comprised of specifically trained sheriff’s deputies responds 24-7 to the area with state-of-the-art tracking equipment. The program has a 100 percent track record of locating wandering adults and children and bringing them home.
Sheriff Stan Barry states, “The true value of this program is in the reassurance it gives families. The peace of mind and sense of security provided for these families cannot be measured in dollars, and is just another example of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office making a positive impact in the lives of the residents of Fairfax County.”
In 2010, the program took a technological leap forward by using an online client management system. Without having to rely on site visits or paper files, deputies can electronically update client information, such as height and weight, a photograph, medical issues and favorite hiding places. Project Lifesaver currently has 101 trained deputies matched with 40 clients.
There are legal requirements and a $25 monthly donation is requested. Interested? Download a Project Livesaver Application on behalf of the potential client and caregiver and the Caregiver Contract. Complete both documents and mail them to: Project Livesaver, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, 10520-B Judicial Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Lorton Workhouse Officially Launches Phase II Renovations

The Lorton Arts Foundation officially launched its Phase II expansion on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell appeared alongside Sharon Bulova, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman, at the indoor ribbon-cutting ceremony, where they and other dignitaries took sledgehammers to bricks instead of shovels to dirt. Why bricks? The Workhouse sits on 55 acres of the former prison grounds of the Lorton Workhouse, where prisoners made the bricks used to build the structures that today make up the Center. Two of the Workhouse’s educational partners, South County Secondary School and Belmont Elementary School attended, performed and discussed the impact of the Workhouse in each of their schools.
Governor McDonnell said of the Phase II development plans for the Workhouse, “It’s going to create new opportunities for young people to learn and great economic development opportunities that will come not only from the reconstruction, but for the artists that come here to work.”
Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Foundation, spoke in detail about the scope and economic importance of the Workhouse. In 2010, we have revenue from retail and art sales of more than $500,000, an increase of 34%.”
Richard Hausler, Lorton Arts Foundation Chairman of the Board, later mentioned, “These three big draws -- for performances, classes, and events- will take the Workhouse Arts Center to a new level. We already bring over 200,000 people per year to the Workhouse, and after Phase II is done we hope to double that.”
As Platinum Sponsor, Vulcan Materials Company continues as one of the Lorton Arts Foundation’s most significant business partners, having pledged at least 10,000 tons of construction aggregates and other services for the Phase II project. This additional commitment, along with the continued satellite parking and other financial support provided to the Center, is valued at more than $200,000.
Other major sponsors included: Foulger-Pratt Contracting, LLC; McGuire Woods, LLP; Springfield Financial and Venable, LLP.
Foulger- Pratt Contracting has been awarded the Phase II contract for renovations at the Workhouse. In partnership with Foulger-Pratt Contracting, Vulcan Materials Company, Complete Construction Management, OTJ Architects and Walter L. Philips, Inc., LAF will open the following facilities with Phase II:
Conference & Event Center (Building W-1) – Envisioned to accommodate not only performances, but festive events such as weddings, reunions, holiday parties, galas, fundraisers, corporate events and conferences. This is a readily accessible, unique, attractive setting flavored with the arts, paired with a rich history and scenic open space. The 23,000 square foot former dining hall and kitchen facility, built in 1930, will be converted into a facility with 600 seats for dining and a multi-use conference center.
Theatre (Building W-12) – A live performance venue featuring theatre, dance and music. The 12,000 square foot former assembly hall, built in 1930 and later used as a gymnasium and meeting building, will include new mezzanine seating, dressing areas and a green room in the newly excavated lower level.
Children’s Art & Education Center (Building W-3) – Planned as a single building with three programs and revenue streams: Visual Arts Classes, Theatre for Young Audiences, and Visual Arts Camp. This adaptive reuse project will offer multi-generational appeal, with programs for all youth, regardless of age or creative ability, and options for parents to remain on site to enjoy their own education and recreation. The 7,500 square foot former dormitory, built in 1925, will be converted into several classrooms for young people.

Workhouse Arts Center Honored With 2010 Business Award

The Workhouse Arts Center was designated as the 2010 Cultural Arts Organization of the Year by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s annual Business Awards dinner on October 27th. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce established the Business Awards program in an effort to highlight and honor the best and brightest of the regions business community. To be eligible, businesses must be nominated and all of the nominees are reviewed by a panel of business leaders who look closely at each organization’s business innovations, community involvement, past achievements, and future goals.
“The Workhouse Arts Center is thrilled to be recognized as the 2010 Cultural Arts Organization of the Year by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. As a new and growing arts center, to be recognized for excellence provides support and encouragement for us to continue our mission to enrich the lives of all within our reach” says Lorton Arts Foundation President/CEO Sharon Mason. “The Workhouse truly appreciates our partnership with the Chamber, its members, and its constituents as we continue our education and community outreach efforts into the new year.”
Having opened its doors to the public in September 2008, the Workhouse Arts Center continues to be a model for unique cultural arts engagement in the region. The Workhouse enriches the region through a creative community that features visual and performing arts offerings, arts outreach opportunities, volunteer opportunities, business and community organization partnership connections, and arts education opportunities. The Workhouse Arts Center, an adaptive re-use project, not only brings cultural arts opportunities to the community and to the region, but it also brings to the area a viable economic entity. Phase II renovations will allow the center to expand its performing arts offerings, its theatre and visual arts productions and professional instruction for young audiences, and its event, conference, and meeting space for the region.
Heading into year three of operation, the staff and artists at the Workhouse continue to work toward the mission of creating a vibrant cultural community that fosters a diverse offering of arts, education, social, and entertainment experiences for all. To learn more about the Workhouse Arts Center visit WorkhouseArts.org.

MCCP Providing Support for Children’s Medical Care

The Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP), a program serving uninsured children of Fairfax County for over twenty years, proudly announces the formation of the MCCP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Formed in 1986, MCCP was the brainchild of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Office of Public Private Partnerships. Now, as an independent non-profit foundation, MCCP hopes to expand the types of health care services offered  and the number of children served by increasing opportunities for support.

The Medical Care for Children Partnership provides free and reduced-cost medical and dental care to uninsured children in Fairfax County who are not eligible for Medicaid or Virginia’s Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS). MCCP’s ultimate goal is to ensure that uninsured children in Fairfax County have medical homes.
The MCCP Foundation Board of Directors will include the following 14 individuals who will provide policy oversight to the program and garner health care resources for uninsured children: Steve Balistreri, Partner, Argy, Wiltse & Robinson, P.C.; Former VA State Rep. Jeannemarie Davis, Partner, ICG Government; Former U.S. Rep. Thomas M. Davis III, Director, Deloitte Consulting; Harry Klaff, Managing Director, Jones Lang LaSalle; Terry O’Hara Lavoie, Principal, Tohl House, LLC; Mike Lincoln, Partner, Cooley Godward Kronish LLC.; Mark C. Lowham, Senior Vice President, West*Group; Philip Clay Marcum, Vice President of Operations (Global Analysis), BAE Systems Inc; Sean McDermott, Chairman and Founder, Windward IT Solutions; Sally L. Merten, GMU; Marion Myers, President, Myers Public Relations, LLC; Pearl Royal, MCCP Advocate; Rev. Dr. Kenny Smith, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church; and Dr. Brent Thibodeaux, Northern Virginia Pediatrics Service Chief, Kaiser Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group and Pediatrics Physician Team Lead, Reston Kaiser Medical Center.
Fairfax County’s OP3 will continue to serve as the County liaison to the new MCCP Foundation as the agency expands its focus to catalyze new partnership opportunities to address community needs and improve quality of life in Fairfax County. Learn about OP3 at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/partnerships. Find out more by visiting the new Foundation website at www.mccpfoundation.org.

New Director of Homelessness

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors today appointed Dean H. Klein as director of the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. He will begin his new position March 3.
Klein comes from the Freddie Mac Foundation, the largest corporate funder in the Washington, D.C., region, where he worked in community relations. He worked with 100 homelessness prevention and housing nonprofits and managed the Freddie Mac Foundation’s largest investment portfolio. He secured an $800,000 Housing First grant for the National Alliance to End Homelessness focusing on Fairfax County, Montgomery County, Md., and the District of Columbia. He also collaborated with enterprise community partners to develop a national resident services model and two national symposiums.
Klein was involved in hosting and securing funding for the Fairfax County Ending Homelessness Summit in 2006 and developing the Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in the Fairfax-Falls Church Community.
Klein has previously held the positions of executive director of Shelter House Inc.; executive director of Doorways for Women and Families; and vice president and chief operating officer of Greater D.C. Cares.
Klein holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Advertising from the Ohio State University.

The Office to Prevent and End Homelessness was established within Fairfax County Government to manage, coordinate and monitor day-to-day implementation of the Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in the Fairfax-Falls Church Community.
Klein will receive an annual salary of $125,000.

County Web Site for Adults with Disabilities

Fairfax County has launched first-of-a-kind web site for Adults with Disabilities.
The site’s database features a number of local programs and services, as well as hundreds of educational articles geared towards people with disabilities. Topics of interest include health and wellness, housing, community resources, benefits and money management, legal and civil rights, and transportation. You can click on “listen” and have the menus read to you by a computer voice.

Find it at: http://www.disabilitynavigator.org/vaprovider

/consumer/indexDisabilityNavigator.do

Citizens Plant Tree
Margin on Furnace Road

By Joe Chudzik
 
    The planting site, a narrow strip of land alongside the railroad, is owned by Fairfax County. The many underground utilities buried under this property posed a challenge for the tree planting project. MissUtility was called in to mark the location of the buried utilities in order to avoid inadvertent damage during the tree planting. The following utilities were located under the site: Comcast Cable; Cox Communications; Dominion Virginia Power; Fairfax Water; MCI; Plantation Gas Pipeline; Quest Communications; Verizon fiberoptic (2 lines) and Washington Gas.

Needless to say, the planting work was problematical due to the need to avoid contact with buried utilities and because of the gravel, stones and other debris that had been backfilled into the soil. 

Fairfax ReLeaf provided the tree seedlings, tree protectors, wooden stakes and loaned the planting tools. The County delivered a truckload of mulch. The Mason Neck Lions Club organized the project and donated soft drinks. The Lorton Nestlé’s Water Co. (Deer Park) donated bottled water and five of their employees volunteered in the tree planting project.

    The purpose of the tree planting is to beatify this essentially barren site and establish a tree line for screening the road and trail from the railroad right-of-way.  Native hardwood tree species were planted, including; White Oak, Black Oak, Chestnut Oak, Red Maple, and Shagbark Hickory.

  Participating volunteers: Nestle’s Co. employees: Rich McConnell, Ondra Marshall Connelly, Javier Mondragon, Kimberly Mondragon and Damien Ellis; Harbor View resident Devon Strunk and his son Ken who volunteered for school community service credits; Mason Neck Citizens Association, Director Richard Ryan; Mason Neck resident Chris Schreiner and Mason Neck Lions Club members Dick Kennedy and Joe Chudzik.

Storm Drain Education

By Joe Chudzik 

   Eleven young volunteers from the Lorton Community Resource Center (LCRC) Youth Activities Group on Monday, completed a Storm Drain Marking and Education project in the Williamsburg Square community in Lorton.
  The volunteers delivered educational flyers to each of the 150 residences in the Williamsburg Square HOA. They also fixed permanent markers onto all 29 storm drains along the streets of this community.

  The bilingual flyer (English and Spanish) is designed to educate the residents about the danger of dumping anything into a storm drain. Many people are unaware that the water entering a storm drain does not go to a wastewater treatment plan but flows directly into the nearest river or lake. Pollutants such as used motor oil, pet waste, trash and debris eventually flow into the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay.

  Leadership for the young volunteers was provided by LCRC Coordinator Ms  Katrina Hamlett assisted by Mr. Leroy Washington.

  This project is funded by the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. Additional support is provided by the Lorton Resource Center Youth Activities Group, Mason Neck Lions Club, Williamsburg Square HOA, Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District and the Virginia Department of Transportation.

South County Colts Win Perfect Season

By Coach Steve Lisi,
special to Lorton Valley Star

The South County Colts won their first Fairfax County Youth Football Championship on 8 Nov. The South County Athletic Association’s (SCAA) football program fielded 15 teams this year totaling over 300 players, ages 7-16, in seven weight classes.  Of those 15 teams, five teams made it to the Fairfax County Youth Football Leauge playoffs and two teams made it to the championship game.  Coach Lisi’s 110 National-2 Conference team won their championship game, a first for SCAA in its second year serving South County.

  The 110lb National-2 Conference Team was undefeated in seven regular season games and two playoff games. The season was spectacluar, according to Head Coach Steve Lisi. “We had 22 boys on our team and seven of the boys had never played football. We had some super kids who wanted to learn and improve their football skills” said Lisi. 

In the championship game, the Colts were challenged by a determined Centerville Wildcats team and the Colts were down 6-13 at half-time.  However, the Colts rallied in the second half scoring three times to defeat Centerville, 26-19. Rushing touchdowns by Qwamell Strand and a TD pass from Zach Miller to Devonte Bizzell were offensive highlights.  The Colts kicker, Austin Zicht, sent booming kicks deep, allowing great special teams coverage and poor field position for Centerville.   Az Nurlan returned a punt 40 yards to the Centerville 7 yard line to set up the scoring in the second half.   Impressive tackling by Peirson Gallant at safety, Anthony Maddox on the defensive line, Jay Harris at linebacker, and Cristian Barahona at defensive back held Centerville to only 40 yards rushing in the second half.  The stingy defense forced Centerville to turn the ball over on downs late in the fourth quarter and allowed South County to run the clock out at the end of the game.  “It was a perfect end to a perfect season,” said Lisi.

SCAA is one of 24 athletic associations offering football to young boys as part of the Fairfax County Youth Football League (FCYFL).  FCYFL member associations, like SCAA, emphasize player participation.  Two of the three skill conferences in FCYFL require every player to play either every down of offense or every down of defense in each game.  Coaches must complete required training and sign code of conduct commitments.  SCAA will begin sign ups for the 2009 season in March.  Visit  SCAAsports.net to find out how to join and play next year.  SCAA also offers lacrosse in the spring.”

Solutions Needed For Pedestrians

Current Scheme Not Working

Pedestrians have a difficult time crossing Rt. 1. While the law is in their favor, traffic practically speaking, is not.
Crosswalks are far apart and not conveniently co-located with bus stops. The legal approach to a bus stop may be a mile. Conducting business by walking may save gas but it is not efficient or safe. Those who must walk have a tough life.
Motorists may turn right on red only where it is not prohibited and only after a complete stop per Virginia code section 46.2-835. Motorists must give right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks but many do not give pedestrians safe clearance but act rudely racing their engines.
In Franconia district, police have emphasized the stop law where crashes are more common but not with expressed emphasis on pedestrian laws. In Mt. Vernon district the enforcement emphasis appears to be more on jay-walking.
Fairfax County is participating in the current regional StreetSmart Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Awareness Campaign by emphasizing the “three Es” approach to safety: enforcement, education and engineering. It’s no better than the Prince William Woodbridge area. VDOT plans seem to be short on pedestrian convenience.
This is not a new problem except that the traffic back-ups have moved to Lorton. More attention needs to be demonstrated to solutions for the competing needs of hundreds of thousands of energy burning cars and the rights to safety of residents. Plans are on the table for widening more of RT. 1 which makes this the time for some real solutions.
VDOT sign trusses could be raised walkways serving two purposes for one structure and reducing the need for some high maintenance sign posts.

Feds Allocate Funds to Stabilize Fairfax Neighborhoods Hit by Foreclosures

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that a total of $3.92 billion will be allocated nationally and particularly to those areas experiencing the effects of high foreclosures. HUD’s new Neighborhood Stabilization Program will provide targeted emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities.
The funding for Fairfax County is $2,807,300. This funding will flow to the county through the Community Development Block Grant Program under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and will be used to purchase, or finance the purchase of foreclosed homes, as well as provide counseling services. The county has been anticipating this funding and expects to use the funds to enhance its existing “Silver Lining” Program.
Staff from the Department of Housing and Community Development will be developing a proposal for the use of the funds for consideration by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Housing Committee and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority in October and for approval by the Board of Supervisors in November. Applications are due to HUD by December 1.
A total of 791 units of affordable housing were preserved in FY 2008 bringing the total number of units preserved since the Initiative’s launch in 2004 to 2,224 units (as of June 30, 2008). In addition to the $22.7 million in One Penny Funds committed in FY 2008, a total of $1,021,974 in federal HOME Investment Partnership funds and $1,076,450 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds were committed to affordable housing preservation transactions in FY 2008.

Legion Post 162 Selects Legionnaire of the Year

Commander Samuel S. Ramseur, Jr

This year’s Legionnaire Of The Year is Charles (Chuck) Voccio.  Chuck was born in Providence, Rhode Island on July 31 (year not necessary).  Chuck has been an active member of Lorton American Post 162 for 34 years, is a member of Voiture 1569, La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, has served the past two years as the Chairman of the House Committee, is currently the Chairman of the Wounded Warriors Program, and is a member of the Board of Directors and the Post Executive Committee.
Working with the Walter Reed Wounded Warriors Program for the past three years, he was recently appointed Chairman of the Wounded Warrior Program here at Post 162.  His commitment and dedication to supporting our wounded soldiers is unquestioned.  Long before we had a recognized program he and his lovely wife Helen were visiting soldiers at Walter Reed delivering phone cards, toiletries, etc. at their own expense.  He has invited these men and women and their families into his home, sponsored them at Post functions, taken soldiers to dinner, invited them to participated in the Lorton July 4th Celebration, and invited them to join us at our Armed forces Retirement Home Luncheon.  Chuck’s vision, commitment, and enthusiasm are infectious, he has met with several local merchants in our community and they too have formed a partnership with us in support of this program.
Chuck entered service with the US Army in 1951 and retired on July 31, 1972 with the Corps of Engineers.  He served in the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, and his overseas assignments include Japan and two tours of Germany.  His stateside assignments were in Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, and three times at Fort Belvoir, where he was an instructor with the U.S. Army Engineer School
Among his medals are the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal, UN Korean Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Always active in the community he refereed High School and College Football and Basketball for 22 years, before slowing down.  Chuck enjoys playing golf and gardening, and we here at the post love the gardening part also.  You know, homegrown tomatoes, peppers, and boy can he bake pies.

Special Needs Residence Registry

The Fairfax County Special Needs Registry allows residents with medical needs, and organizations assisting those with social needs, an opportunity to provide information to the county government so that agencies can communicate emergency preparedness, response and recovery resources to these vulnerable, at risk and hard-to-reach residents.
The registry may be used for any emergency requiring evacuation, such as flooding, hurricanes, hazardous material spills and gas leaks. This information will be available to emergency planners and will facilitate the county’s preparedness, response and recovery efforts. However, those who are on the registry should still call 9-1-1 in the event of a life-threatening situation.
The Model Practice Database provides an online, searchable collection of practices across public health areas, allowing public health officials to benefit from their colleagues’ experiences, to learn what works, and to ensure that resources are used wisely on effective programs that have been implemented with good results. The database features practices in the following areas:

• Community health.
• Environmental health.
• Public health infrastructure.
• Emergency preparedness.

To register online, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/specialneeds. Residents may also request registration materials by phone or mail. Call 703-324-9000, TTY 703-324-9001, or write to the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 565, Fairfax, VA 22035 for more information.

Weatherization Program Reaches More in Lorton

The Virginia Weatherization Program is a State-funded service, which helps residents with limited incomes lower their fuel and electric expenses. Qualified residents receive a thorough energy assessment to determine areas of the house which might allow cold air infiltration. This includes low-income residents young or old, renters or owners.
Income levels were raised last year so more people are eligible now than at any time during the 20+ years the program has been available.
In greater Lorton, Dominion Power has partnered with The Virginia Weatherization Program in an effort to reach, and serve, more residents. This is a great opportunity for Senior homeowners to receive valuable services - at no charge! The program is for seniors age 60 and older living in single-family homes, town homes, and mobile homes.

How Does It Work?

It starts with a phone call to Connie England, weatherization coordinator for Community Housing Partners (CHP). She’ll come to your home, help you fill out a brief application and arrange for a certified, specially trained crew to:

• Perform diagnostic tests to evaluate areas of heat loss.
• Inspect, replace or repair, and install as needed attic and wall insulation, caulking around windows and door weather stripping.
• Perform indoor air quality checks and install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• Inspect heating equipment and insulate hot water heaters and pipes.

The program is administered by the Energy Services Division of Community Housing Partners (CHP) and operates in partnership with Dominion Virginia Power. Funding comes courtesy of the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Virginia Dept. of Housing and Community Development and Dominion Virginia Power.

Connie England, Outreach Coordinator
Virginia Weatherization Program
1620 Bennys Beach Rd
Front Royal, VA 22630
(540) 636-8079
cje@lynxconnect.com

Occoqun Lightens Regulations on Home Businesses

The Town of Occoquan recently modified its ordinances to create more flexibility for home occupations. “We’ve been looking for ways to lighten the regulatory burden on business where we can,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta, “and this seemed like an area in which we could do so relatively quickly.”
Prior to the change in the ordinance, all home businesses not only had to have a town business license, but also needed to apply for a $500 special use permit. “That seemed unreasonable,” said Porta, “particularly given what’s done in other jurisdictions.” Consequently, the Town Council approved elimination of the special use permit requirement provided home businesses meet certain conditions and obtain a free Home Occupation Certificate.
To be eligible home businesses are limited to a reduced floor area of the primary dwelling, may not have employees on the premises other than family members, may not have clients or customers come to the home business location, may not post business signs on the premises, may not store on-site materials beyond what might be customarily found in the home, and are limited in the commercial vehicles they may have on-site. “The point of the restrictions is to ensure that home businesses do not change the residential character of the area in which they are located,” said Porta.
Settled in the middle of the 18th century, the historic riverfront town of Occoquan is home to a variety of historic buildings and an eclectic mix of more than one hundred shops and restaurants. It is particularly well known for its annual spring and fall craft shows held in the streets of the town. Contact: mayorporta@comcast.net

Town of Occoquan Adopts “Dark Skies” Ordinance

The Town of Occoquan recently approved an outdoor lighting ordinance it hopes will contribute in some small way to a reduction in light pollution not only in the town, but throughout the Occoquan River area. According to the International Dark-Sky Association’s website, “dark skies” ordinances have become increasingly popular among municipalities in the United States. Occoquan’s ordinance aims to tackle light pollution by controlling light spillover, preventing glare, and reducing light intensity where appropriate and consistent with public safety. “Dark skies ordinances were originally of special interest to amateur and professional astronomers,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta, himself an amateur astronomer, “but over the years the number of people interested in the concept has grown as scientific studies increasingly link light pollution to a variety of health and environmental concerns, and rising energy costs encourage more efficient practices.” Under Occoquan’s new ordinance, which is modeled on ordinances adopted in other Virginia jurisdictions, most outdoor lighting fixtures must now be shielded or constructed so that all light is emitted below a horizontal plane and spillover on to adjacent properties is limited. “Since the ordinance does not require existing structures to be retrofitted absent a change in use or replacement, it will take some time to achieve the ultimate goals of the ordinance,” according to Mayor Porta, “but it’s a start.”
Settled in the middle of the eighteenth century, the historic riverfront town of Occoquan is home to a variety of historic buildings and an eclectic mix of more than one hundred shops and restaurants. It is particularly well known for its annual spring and fall craft shows held in the streets of the town.

Police Educate Moped & Scooter Owners

In the wake of soaring fuel prices and balmy weather, an increasing number of drivers are
turning to mopeds and motorized scooters as alternatives to cars and trucks. The Fairfax County Police Department has released a new educational brochure and wants owners to know the rules of the
road, as they pertain to these fuel-efficient vehicles. According to Traffic Safety Specialist Master Police Officer Bob Barton, “We are seeing a surge in people, some more experienced than others, commuting by moped, scooters and motorcycles, which can create safety concerns when mixing with other vehicles.”
There is a new law, effective July 1, which those contemplating a new mode of commuting need to be aware of. If a moped is driven over 35 mph, it is now considered a motorcycle, which means that the operator needs to have additional driver’s certifications and a motorcycle license. Additionally, the moped needs license plates, proper registration and insurance. If a moped is driven under 35 mph, the driver does not need a license (but must carry identification) and the vehicle does not need license plates or insurance.
Additional safety tips for moped and scooter operators include:
• Drivers should wear bright or reflective clothing and a helmet.
• Drivers must be at least 16 years old to operate a moped.
• Mopeds and bicycles must stay to the right side of the roadway.
• Mopeds and motorized scooters may not be operated on sidewalks.
To learn more about moped and scooter safety, checkout:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/brochure/guide-scooter-moped-cycle-operation.pdf
or call the Fairfax County Police Traffic Division at 703.280.0563.

Office for Children Introduces New School-Age Child Care Options

More than 50 Fairfax County child care providers have completed the School Age Child Care Academy training offered by the Fairfax County Department of Family Services Office for Children. Academy graduates represent additional child care options for working families.
The training included 30 hours of classroom instruction in child development, health, safety, and programming related to the care and education of 5-12 year-olds.
“The graduates of our program can provide quality care in their homes not only for infants and toddlers, but also for school age children,” explains Maria-Elena Martinez, program administrator of the Office for Children’s Provider Services division.
Each child care provider who participated in the academy has already received a child care permit from the Office for Children. Earning a permit requires background checks, home health and safety visits, and certification in CPR and First Aid. The permit must be renewed each year, and requires ongoing training.
According to Fairfax County’s most recent community assessment, almost 66 percent of Fairfax County’s 5-12 year-olds live in households where all the adults in the home are in the labor force. The Office for Children’s academy helps meet these working parents’ demand for school-age child care.
Parents can find academy graduates and other child care providers with permits or licenses by performing a child care search at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc. To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-8042, TTY 711.