April 2008

p    Call for BBHCA Board Nominations

The Brookland-Bush Hill Civic Association is accepting nominations for the following Board positions:

§     President

§     Vice President—Newsletter

§     Vice President—Membership

§     Treasurer

§     Secretary

Election of officers for the 2008-2009 membership year will be held during the May 13 meeting, 7:30 pm at Bush Hill Elementary School. For more information, please contact Jeannie Henry at president@bbhca.org.

p    Fairfax Water Addresses Issue of Pharmaceuticals in Our Water
http://www.fairfaxwater.org/current/special_statement_030808.htm

 Fairfax Water wants you to know the following information:

§     Fairfax Water’s primary objective is the protection of public health through the delivery of high-quality drinking water. Fairfax Water, along with water professionals across the nation, is researching the occurrence of personal care products and pharmaceutical compounds in drinking water supplies and is paying close attention to health effects research in this area. We have found there is no evidence of human health concern.

§     Fairfax Water provides highly advanced treatment for the water we serve our customers. Research has shown that using the combination of ozone and granular activated carbon is very effective in removing broad categories of personal care products and pharmaceuticals. Fairfax Water uses both ozone and granular activated carbon as part of its multi-barrier water treatment approach that also includes coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection.

§     To date, there are no approved methods for detecting personal care products and pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Fairfax Water has been actively working with leading researchers to develop an appropriate testing protocol for detection of very low levels for a variety of these compounds.  We are currently developing a testing plan for our source and treated waters. 

§     As we continue to develop better methods for detection, we will be able to identify more compounds at lower levels. While these compounds may be detected at very low levels in water, people regularly consume or expose themselves to products containing these compounds in much higher concentrations through medicines, food and beverage and other sources. The level in which they are found in water is very small in comparison and does not mean the substance is harmful to humans.

§     Fairfax Water, along with other water utilities regionally and nationally, is working to advance the science in the area of understanding and treating personal care product and pharmaceuticals.

§     Fairfax Water, along with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and the Washington Aqueduct, founded the Potomac Partnership to study water quality issues in the Potomac watershed.

§     Fairfax Water, along with many water utilities across the nation, has contributed to and participated with the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF) to study endocrine disruptors, personal care product and pharmaceuticals. To date, AWWARF has conducted 21 projects totaling approximately $4.9 million.

§     Fairfax Water will continue to work with regional and national partners to advance the science regarding these issues.

>>  Fairfax Water Home Page

p    Huntley Meadows Eco-Savvy Expo

Sunday, April 13, 2008
12 pm – 4 pm

3701 Lockheed Blvd

Native Plant Sale, Bee Boxes, Rain Barrels, Seed Mixes, How-to Presentations, and much more!

In cooperation with Green Springs Gardens’ Eco-Savvy Gardening Symposiums and the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, Huntley Meadows is starting a new annual tradition.  

Events: ($3 per adult for presentations)

1:00 pm   Butterfly Gardening Tips

1:45 pm   Nature Walk with Park Manager

3:15 pm   How to Build and Use Your Rain Barrel

Exhibitors:

Nature by Design Native Plant Nursery; Pollinator Partnership; Fairfax Releaf; Trout Unlimited; Audubon Society of Northern VA, and more!

For more information, call 703-768-2525

p    Alexandria Earth Day
Saturday, April 26, 10 am – 2 pm at Ben Brenman Park
http://www.alexearthday.org/

This year’s theme is Alexandria: What’s YOUR Footprint? and will focus on everyday activities citizens can do to reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, the Alexandria Earth Day Committee has committed to making this year’s event a zero-waste and carbon neutral event. Hundreds of Alexandrians will celebrate Earth Day with activities that include:

§     Reuse Round-Up Event

§     Live Music

§     Youth Educational Activities

§     Arbor Day Tree Planting

§     A performance by Blue Sky Puppets

§     A Green Home Fair and much, much more!

p    Neighborhood Watch

Robert D. L'Heureux, Chair, 703-609-2966
neighborhoodwatch@bbhca.org

Police Investigate Gang Activity; Nine Arrested

Fairfax Police Press Release, 3/25/08—After a closely coordinated effort amongst school resource officers, the gang unit, and several astute patrol officers assigned to the Franconia District station, police have charged nine young men with various gang-related activities that took place over the past three months.

Following a December 1, 2007, homicide at a Springfield Mall restaurant, graffiti was sprayed across the campus buildings of Lee High School between December 2 and 5. The writings were immediately identified as gang-related and an investigation began. The following men were charged with felony destruction of property and gang participation: Tarim Najmi, 28, of Springfield, Harold Guanilo, 21, of Alexandria, Carlos Perea, 22, of Arlington, and a 17-year-old from Arlington. They were charged between February 21 and March 14, 2008.

In January 2008, two students used markers to scribble gang-related graffiti in a boys’ bathroom of Mark Twain Middle School. These writings were identified as affiliated with criminal gang activity taking place across the region. Police arrested two boys, ages 12 and 13, and charged them with destruction of a public building.

As a result of this investigation, police were able to develop information surrounding additional gang activity in the community. Police charged three boys, two 13-year-olds and a 14-year-old, with gang participation and recruiting gang members during the week of March 10. The alleged recruitment took place at the middle school.

The Fairfax County Police Department trains school staff and faculty on gang recognition. Once gang activity is recognized, officials move quickly to eradicate it. There is a zero tolerance policy in Fairfax County for these activities. Residents are urged to take quick action and contact police officials when they see graffiti appear.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

>> Franconia Crime Prevention Officers Alice Bennett and Jim Nida, (703) 922-8263

p    Second Annual Edison TAG Day 

April 5 - 6, 2008

Members of the Edison sports teams will be going door-to-door in the neighborhoods that feed into Edison requesting contributions for the Edison Sports Boosters. If you have any questions, please call the Athletic Director at Edison, Martin Grimm by e-mail at Martin.grimm@fcps.edu or call 703-924-8090.

p    State of the County Address
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/chairman/state-of-the-county-2008.htm

On March 28, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerry Connolly presented the state of the County. The County will

§     Explore using its Penny for Affordable Housing program to purchase homes in foreclosure for resale at affordable rates as workforce housing.

§     Support additional staffing and resources for the county's successful Enhanced Code Enforcement Strike Teams.

§     Addressed critical investments in transportation, the environment. and education.

>> For more information on Chairman Connolly, go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/chairman/

p    Gardening 101: Stop Topping Trees!

Proper pruning can remove excessive growth without the problems topping creates. In addition, many arborists say that topping is the worst thing you can do for the health of a tree. It starves the tree by drastically reducing its food-making ability and makes the tree more susceptible to insects and disease. (Source: http://www.arborday.org/trees/NineNum1.cfm)

The misguided practice of tree topping (also referred to as stubbing, dehorning, pollarding, heading, and by several other euphemisms) has risen to crisis proportions nationally over the last decade.  Topping has become the urban forest's major threat, dramatically shortening the lifespan of trees and creating hazardous trees in high-traffic areas. (Source: http://www.plantamnesty.org/stoptopping/5reasonstostoptopping.htm)

"Topping" trees is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known. By removing a large portion of the tree's upper leaves, new problems can be created. Topped trees are more likely to suffer from stress and become vulnerable to sun damage, insects, disease and storms. If you have a tree that has grown too large, there are ways to correctly prune to reduce the tree crown without damaging the health of the tree. The rapid re-growth of shoots on a topped tree is an indication of stress and a weakened state of health. For appropriate methods to reduce the height or spread of a tree, an arborist can determine the best approach to pruning to preserve the tree's natural beauty, health and safety for the surrounding environment. For more information, contact the Fairfax County Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770, TTY 711 or e-mail. Also go online to get answers to common tree care questions at  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/navbar/faqs/urbanforestry.htm#why)

>> Find a Certified Arborist at http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx

p    Links To Keep

50 Ways To Save Water

http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=50ways&pcat=homegarden

Great ideas on how to conserve our most precious resource from Consumer Reports’ “Greener Choices” web site.

Fairfax County Parks Calendar of Events
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/calframe.htm

Check out the events for the month of April.

Digital TV Transition Coalition
http://www.dtvtransition.org

If you have questions about the transition from analog to digital TV, this is the site to visit. Note that “TV sets that currently receive programming through cable or satellite are not likely to be affected by the transition to digital.”  

March 2008

p    BBHCA  Financial Review and Budget Analysis
http://www.bbhca.org/whats_new.htm

The BBHCA 2006-07 Budget, Finance, and Audit Committee warned that if budget concerns are not addressed, the BBHCA will be bankrupt in approximately six years. Read the full report by clicking on the link above or going to the BBHCA Web site and selecting the  "What's New" tab at the top of any page.

A new committee has just been formed to review the 2007-08 finances and the BBHCA treasurer, Kevin Henry, will present its report and recommendations at the May meeting according to the bylaws.

Under consideration as means for balancing the budget are (1) further reducing or eliminating the printed newsletter and (2) raising dues. An unofficial show of hands by members at the March meeting indicated support for raising dues for the 2008-09 membership year.

A preliminary 2008-09 budget will also be presented to the membership for a vote at the May meeting. The 2008-09 budget will be presented at the September 2008 meeting for a vote by the membership.

p    LEE DISTRICT TOWN MEETING
Fairfax County FY 2009 Budget
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/budget

p    Home Improvement Scams

On Monday, March 10 at 1:30 pm, officers responded for a report of a suspicious event in the 5300 block of William and Mary Drive in Alexandria. They learned that several laborers had entered into a contract with the homeowner, a 74-year-old Alexandria-area man, to perform work on the house. The employees were allegedly soliciting without a license and never completed the work.

Matthew W. Fincham, 22, of no fixed address has been charged with no solicitor’s license and larceny by false pretense. He is currently being held at Fauquier County Jail on unrelated charges. The investigation continues and additional charges are expected.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637) or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

p    Planning the Future of Our Parks

If you missed the Lee District Park Planning Workshop , you can still provide your input at the following Web site: parktakes.fairfaxcounty.gov/Survey/TakeSurvey.asp?SurveyID=m41573K0974MM

>> For a map (PDF) of the Rose Hill planning district (includes Lee District), go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/plandev/Downloads/XCR_RoseHill.pdf

p    Zoning 101: Code Enforcement Strike Team

An E-mail to Jeff McKay, Lee District Supervisor:

“I am very pleased to note your continued efforts, Jeff, following Dana’s lead, to make the county’s Code Enforcement Strike Team program a vital issue with your administration as Lee District Supervisor.

I am the next door neighbor to the former “boarding house” at 5910 Jane Way with approximately 10 unrelated borders renting to owner Marco Rocabado. Since his second court hearing several months ago and subsequent Strike Team follow-up enforcement, the number of vehicles parked in the driveway and on the street have been reduced to approximately three, including Marco’s sedan. The neighbors and I are very pleased. About a month ago, a five-car Strike Team (including three police cruisers and two civilian cars) was present at Rocabado’s home at 9:30 pm and spent over an hour investigating inside the residence.

Today I spoke to Marcus Wadsworth, who formerly was your point man on these code violation issues, and he referred me to your assistant, Christina Manning, who, he said, was covering them now. He also stated that since there is probably an on-going investigation of that residence, current information regarding the former boarding house may be privileged and not releasable, which is understandable. I have left a call for Christina to hear from her should she know any information that may be shared.

Jeff, I believe Dana had the idea of Strike Teams being assigned to specific Districts for continuity of ongoing investigations and maintenance of a knowledge base. This appears to be an excellent idea, budget dollars permitting, and hopefully it will be realized in forthcoming allocations. In any case, you are right on target to make county Strike Teams a priority issue, and I will inform the Brookland-Bush Hill Civic Association (BBHCA) Board and members of that fact at tonight’s meeting at Bush Hill Elementary School. Your comments noted at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/lee/budget09.htm were excellent.

Please continue to maintain investigation and enforcement of code violations a priority. It is vital to the  fundamentals of maintaining our neighborhoods throughout the county as excellent places to live and  raise our children. Thank you.”

Dick Frederick
BBHCA Vice President—Membership

>> To contact our elected representatives on this and other issues that affect our neighborhood and surrounding community, go to  www.fairfaxcounty.gov/lee/elected_officials.htm.

p    Annual Civil War Bus Tour Taking Reservations

28^th Annual Spring Civil War Bus Tour
June 21, 2008
Sponsored by the Stuart-Mosby Historical Society

Tour leaders will be Don Hakenson and Gregg Dudding. We will be leaving the Truro Rectory at 8:30 am and will be visiting Fairfax Station, the Rose Hill Site, the Broders Cemetery, Mount Air, and more. The tour will also be featuring Thomas Evans.

To sign up for the tour call Don Hakenson at 703-971-4984, e-mail him at dhakenson@cox.net, or contact Gregg Dudding at wdudding@cox.net. The cost of the tour is $40 if you are a member of the Stuart-Mosby Historical Society and $50 if a non-member. Send a check and write to Don Hakenson (make the check payable to Don Hakenson) 4708 Lillian Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22310. Sign up early because the bus sells out fast! There will be no refunds after June 14.

p    Reinventing Your Neighborhood: Creating Supportive Communities for All Ages
www.bbhca.org/PDFs/Reinventing_PressRelease_2008.pdf

Saturday. April 12
8 am – 1 pm
Fairfax Governmental Center

This free event will explore seven different neighborhood-based service organizations developed by and for people 50+, including the pioneering Beacon Hill Village in Boston. Speakers will describe their organizations’ development, operation, and services.

The program aligns with the Board of Supervisors’ Fairfax 50+ Action Plan, adopted in October 2007. The plan is dedicated to building “a more aging friendly community.” It can be viewed at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults.

The forum is free, but reservations are required. Register one of three ways: Call 703-324-7746 (TTY 703-449-1186), E-mail April12@fairfaxcounty.gov  (with your name, address, phone and e-mail) or Online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/aaa/onlreg/reinvent.htm.

>> The Washington Post article (Ms Word), “Seniors Reach Beyond Family Ties”

>> Event flyer (PDF), go to www.bbhca.org/PDFs/Reinventing_Your_Neighborhood_2008.pdf

p    Free Seminars for Caregivers of Older Adults
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/aaa/caregiver/cgsemspring.htm

The Organized Caregiver
Kingstowne Center for Active Adults
Wednesday, April 2 , 2008      
7-9 pm

Mom Needs to Move—But Where?
Herndon Senior Center
Tuesday, April 8, 2008        
7-9 pm

Navigating the Legal and Medicaid Maze of Long-Term Care
Centreville Regional Library
Wednesday, April 16, 2008     
7-9 pm

Home Safety/Fall Prevention/Brain Injury
Little River Glen Senior Center
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
7-9 pm

Navigating the Legal and Medicaid Maze of Long-Term Care
12011 Government Center
Thursday, April, 24, 2008         
1-3 pm

Stages of Alzheimer's Disease: What to Expect
Alzheimer's Family Day Center
Wednesday, April 30, 2008  
7-9 pm

>> For details and additional seminars, click on the link above, call 703-324-7948, or click on the following link for a flyer (PDF) http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/aaa/pdf/cgsemspring2008.pdf

p    Fairfax County Opens Kingstowne Center for Active Adults In Lee District
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec/Senior_Ctr/Kingstowne.htm

6488 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria, VA 22315
703-550-0134

The Kingstowne Center serves Fairfax County residents ages 55 years or older. The center is a place for people to have fun, meet new friends, and expand their horizons by discovering new ways to work, new things to do, and new goals to pursue.

Participants will have the opportunity to choose from health and wellness and fitness programs, financial planning, and wellness discussion, healthy cooking classes, arts and crafts classes, Tai Chi, yoga, dancing to computer internet access, trips and tours, and opportunities to socialize and stay connected to your community.

Admission is free. Lunch is available with a suggested donation between $1 and $5 based on age and income. Reservations must be made in advance. Transportation may be available by Fastran bus at a nominal charge.

Kingstowne Center for Active Adults is one of 16 programs for senior adults operated by the Dept. of Community and Recreation. Membership is free. For a list of all programs and monthly activity schedules, visit the County website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec and click on Senior Services or call 703-324-5544, TTY 711.

p    Links To Keep

Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay’s Office Staff
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/lee/staff.htm

8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday
Phone: 703-971-6262    
Fax: 703-971-3032    
E-mail: leedist@fairfaxcounty.gov

Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/aaa/

The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging (AAA) serves older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities in Fairfax County and cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. The goal of the AAA is to improve quality of life and promote independent the living for older adults. The AAA serves as a focal point for aging advocacy and leadership. It plans, coordinates, and funds many services provided for older adults.

Fairfax County Parks
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks

Fairfax County Web Site with the Calendar of Events and other park information.

Energy Conservation Tips for Transportation
http://www.nwf.org/energy/transportation.cfm

Find out how your driving style and car maintenance affects global warming—and get tips for winter or summer.

BBHCA  eNews

 

February 2008

p    Presidential Primary
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
6:00 am – 7:00 pm

Polling place for Lee District, Precinct 401, Bush Hill:
Bush Hill Elementary School
5927 Westchester St., Alexandria 22310>> For information and a sample ballot, go online to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb/upcoming.htm or call 703-324-4700 for 24-hour recorded information.

p    Add Your 2¢ to the Future of Our Parks
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/plandev/greatparks.htm

Lee District Workshop
www.bbhca.org/park_planning_workshop.htm
Tuesday, February 26

7:00 pm
Garfield Elementary School

“The Fairfax County Park Authority seeks your input! Great Parks, Great Communities is an exciting new planning process initiated to get your ideas for balancing Fairfax County's future park needs and resources, within each district of the County….

“The first phase of the project involves assessing the current park system, within 14 geographic planning districts. This is accomplished through "Existing Condition Reports" that describe current park resources within each area. These will be posted online in early 2008.

“In the second phase, the Park Authority will seek input from park users and community residents to gain an improved understanding of the park system from varying perspectives throughout the County. During this phase, we will be asking the public and County staff for their input on how the current park system serves their needs, and what changes are appropriate to balance the park system and accommodate future needs and growth. Public participation in this process will occur through 10 workshops planned between January and April, 2008, an interactive website and other outreach activities.

“The end result will be the development of a long-range guide for future planning and development of the Fairfax County park system. The final document will be approved by the Park Authority Board and serve as the basis for the County's Comprehensive Plan Amendment to update the park recommendations. This comprehensive approach to park planning will ensure the parks system will continue to successfully serve changing community needs and protect precious park resources.”

p    Seventh Annual Trail Caucus
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/7thtrailcaucus.htm

Monday, February 11
Green Springs Gardens
7:30 pm

“The Seventh Annual Trail Caucus…will once again bring together trail enthusiasts from Fairfax County and the region to discuss recent accomplishments, specific projects and challenges ahead. The Fairfax County Park Authority offers residents unique trail experiences, along hundreds of miles of trails and is pleased to sponsor this caucus…

“The program will feature an introduction to natural surface trail construction presented by an experienced professional trail builder. Also on the program are a presentation on the Park Authority's Great Parks, Great Communities planning initiative, volunteer recognition, a discussion of recent accomplishments by local trail groups, information about the recently completed Park Authority trail mapping project, and an update on Park Authority trail projects.”

>> For more information on trails in Fairfax County, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trailsframe.htm

p    Virginia Overhauls Its Mental Health System
www.ncsl.org/programs/health/shn/2008/sn507b.htm

 “When a Virginia Tech student killed 33 students and professors last April 16, he drew national attention to a recurring, controversial subject: how to ensure that persons with mental illnesses get the help they need, when they need it.

`Mental health will be a significant issue in the Commonwealth of Virginia during its 2008 session,’ said Delegate Phil Hamilton. By January 9 (the deadline for introduction of legislation) lawmakers had proposed more than 100 bills pertaining to the issue.”

>> For the full article, click on the link above.

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures, Volume 29, Issue 507, January 22, 2008

p    2008 Native Seedling Sale
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/seedlingsale.htm

The Fairfax County annual seedling sale is in full swing! This year they are offering 12 bare-root seedlings and two (2) seed packets to help you provide a butterfly buffet in your yard. The selections provide nectar for butterflies or are butterfly hosts, the special plants that butterflies select to nourish their caterpillars.

The cost for this year's package is $17.95. Supplies are limited, so don't wait to order. Orders will be taken while supplies last or until April 14, 2008.

p    Fireplace Safety—Can Your Ashes
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fr/news/psaarchive/psa08_001.htm

We learned from the great presentation by our Franconia Fire Department at the January BBHCA community meeting that improperly disposed fireplace ashes are the number one cause of fires in the winter. “As outdoor temperatures drop, and people take measures to keep themselves warm this winter, fire incidents involving fireplaces may increase.”

SAFETY TIPS:

§       Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned as necessary.

§       When cleaning the fireplace, store ashes in a non-combustible metal container with a tight fitting lid and place the container away from the house.

§       Never leave a fireplace fire unattended.

§       Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.

§       Allow ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container (it takes sometimes four days for ashes to cool down).

§       Dispose of ashes in a metal container.

§       Call 911 immediately when a fire occurs. Residents should not attempt to extinguish the fire themselves.

Special thanks to the Franconia Fire Department for one of the best presentations ever!

>> For more seasonal fire and life safety information, please visit our website at: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fr/educate/educate.htm

p    Visit the Franconia Museum
www.franconiamuseum.org/

Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
10 am - 2 pm
Franconia Governmental Center
Helen Wilson Community Room
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310

Led and run entirely by local volunteers, the Franconia Museum preserves the past, present, and future of the Franconia area in pictures, artifacts, and stories. The Franconia Museum reaches out by educating, enriching, and bringing together the greater community. The Museum now has a permanent exhibit at the Franconia Governmental Center. In addition, the museum hosts Story-Swaps two to three times a year and the Franconia History Day in the fall.

p    A Gift of the Past: “Fairfax Stories 1607–2007”
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2007/267a.htm

“This historical anthology is available for $10 in paperback or $25 in hardback. It can be bought in-person or by phone through the county’s Maps and Publications Center, Suite 156, Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, 703-324-2974, TTY 711. Shipping and handling will be charged for books delivered by mail.

“The book covers 400 years of the county’s fascinating characters, stories, pictures and history—including everything from spies to ghosts to politics. …Inside its 260 pages, readers can learn about a suspected confederate spy; a ghost at Keene Mill School; the migration of Filipino Americans; homeland security Cold War style; and more.”

p    Free Tax Preparation Starts January 19
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/partnerships/press/cash_01-15-2008.htm

CASH is an all-volunteer coalition that provides free income tax preparation services, focusing on the EITC, to Fairfax County residents with annual household incomes less than $40,000, at 12 sites in northern Virginia.

Sites open January 19, 2008. See below for days and hours in Alexandria. Clients should bring photo identification and Social Security cards for all taxpayers, spouses, and dependents.

Kingstowne Library 6500 Landsdowne Centre Alexandria, VA 22315-5011	Tuesdays: 6 pm - 8 pm Saturdays: 11 am - 1 pm Closed February 9 and 12
South County Access Fairfax Center 8350 Richmond Highway, 1st Floor Alexandria, VA 22309	Wednesdays: 6 pm - 9 pm

>> For more information, call (703) 324-5171, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/partnerships/cash.htm

p    Fairfax County Sells AAA-Rated Bonds
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2008/011.htm

“On January 15, Fairfax County sold $234.5 million in Aaa/AAA/AAA-rated tax-free general obligation 1-to-20-year bonds for public improvements. The bonds were sold at the fourth lowest interest rate achieved by the county in the 30 years since the AAA rating was awarded.

“The bonds were sold to Bank of America at a true interest rate of 3.7699 percent. This interest rate represents a differential of 44 basis points under the Bond Buyer Index, which stood at 4.21 percent on Jan. 11. The lowest rate the county has ever received for 20-year bonds was 3.54 percent in March 2004.”

>> For the complete news release, click on the link above.

p    Zoning 101: Community Improvement Program
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rha/CIP2.htm

“The Community Improvement Program is a cost-sharing program that preserves and improves older, yet stable residential neighborhoods. The Board of Supervisors established the program in 1978 to prevent those areas from becoming blighted and deteriorated by providing needed public improvements, such as roads, curbs and gutters, and storm drainage systems, that were absent in the original development. Incidental improvements include sidewalks, trails, streetlights, streetscape, and utility upgrading. The property owners and the County share the costs of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and driveway entrances.”

Editor’s note: For additional information on the process (long and tedious) and the future of the program (none due to lack of funds for the foreseeable future), click on the link above. BBHCA has its own experience with the CIP—some sections of the neighborhood chose to pay and upgrade when the County still had funds to offset the costs to residents and others did not. The last section to be upgraded was along Piedmont in the 1990s.

At this time, a written history (or blog) does not exist, but maybe we can convince someone to who has a long history with BBHCA and the neighborhood to write that chapter for the benefit of those who wonder why they have ditches instead of sidewalks and/or storm drains. Remember, we used to be a rural community not so long ago.

p    Neighborhood Watch

Robert D. L'Heureux, Chair, 703-609-2966
neighborhoodwatch@bbhca.org

Eternal vigilance is not only the price of freedom—it is the price of keeping your stuff. Keep doors locked and garage doors closed. Lock your car doors, too. Pay attention to cars you do not recognize and that are acting suspiciously on your street. Petty theft and car vandalism keep happening in the BBHCA neighborhood. If you don't care about your stuff, at least look out for your neighbor's stuff. Call Officer Bennett, the Crime Prevention Officer, with any information you think might help the police, 703-691-2131. 

p    Links To Keep

Fairfax County Police
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/

Get the latest news on local crimes (News Releases), submit an incident report (File Police Report), and find information on Victim Services, Volunteer Opportunities, Youth Gangs, and more…

Green Home Makeover
www.thegreenguide.com/green_home/

Pick a room and find out what you can do to make it greener. Take a quiz and calculate your CO₂ quotient. No, holding your breath won’t help. Sponsored by National Geographic which, ironically, also uses the site to promote its print magazine.

Starting a Business Seminars
www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/08releases/jan04-08-b.htm

The popular “Entrepreneurship 101: Starting a Business in Fairfax County” seminars will continue in 2008 with nine sessions scheduled for the year. As of publication, the next available seminar is in March.

The State of Green Business 2008 (PDF, 1.76 MB)
http://stateofgreenbusiness.com/files/StateOfGreenBusiness2008-final.pdf

Joel Makower and the editors of GreenBiz.com answer the question: How are U.S. businesses doing in their quest to be greener and more environmentally responsible? It introduces the GreenBiz Index, a set of 20 indicators of progress, tracking the resource use, emissions, and business practices of U.S. companies: carbon, materials, energy, and toxics intensity, clean-tech investments, e-waste recovery, paper use, employee commuting, and more. © 2008 Greener World Media, Inc. (www.greenbiz.com)

Fairfax County Nature Centers
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/nature.htm

The County has five interactive nature centers open to families. Each center is unique, but all offer trails and programs for adults, children, and families. Many events are free or require just advance registration.

BBHCA  2006–07 Financial Review and Budget Analysis 

Article Prepared by Robert Michie
Last Reviewed 12/28/2007 by Charney Weber

The following Report is presented in accordance with Article 3 Section 4 and Article 6 Section 3 of the Brookland-Bush Hill Civic Association (BBHCA) Bylaws.

BUDGET, FINANCE, AND AUDIT COMMITTEE

Chairman:   Kevin Henry, BBHCA Treasurer
Member:   Charney Weber, Jane Way
Member:   Robert Michie, Piedmont Drive

SCOPE

This review covers the 2006–2007 membership year, which ended in May, 2007. This review is overdue by  seven months. It does not cover the present membership year, 2007–2008. The review for this year is tentatively scheduled for late April, 2008. This review is compiled and based upon data and documents provided to the Committee by the BBHCA Treasurer, Kevin Henry.

RESULTS

Income and expenses for 2006 and 2007 were presented in a Worksheet Summary that was previously distributed to members in May 2007. The summary was produced by the Treasurer. The summary was compared to BBHCA Bank Statements from Burke and Herbert, and from Money Market statements from Morgan Stanley. The committee members agree that the revenue in the summary matches bank statements, and the summary of expenses are reflected in the statements, as well.

The committee did not go to the next level and examine membership revenue deposits, but we did examine invoices from vendors. We are satisfied that Association money was collected, reported, and spent according to the 2006–2007 budget plan.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Convert the Burke and Herbert Checking Account to a Non-Interest Bearing (Free) Account. The interest collected by the account is only a quarter of the fees that Burke and Herbert charges to administer the account.
2. Investigate a New Money-Market Account. The Morgan Stanley Account is paying a fair amount of interest, and provides reasonable low-cost service. However, Morgan Stanley administers the account from Utah, which sometimes causes delays, especially when the BBHCA changes officers. Look for a local institution that can offer comparable service with easy-to-reach customer service.
3. End the Budget Shortfall by Reevaluating the Free Distribution of the Newsletter. The BBHCA has a steady income (excluding voluntary donations) of approximately $3,500 a year. Our expenses run at about $5,000 a year, and that shortfall is directly attributed to the printing and mailing of the newsletter. The Committee feels that there are two possible actions:

a)     Determine that the principal community action of the BBHCA is to publish a newsletter. If this is a case, the dues for 2007–2008 should have been set at $25 per Household. The membership would be agreeing that everyone in the BBHCA Service Area should get a printed newsletter.

b)     Only members of the BBHCA should receive a printed newsletter. At our present membership level, postage would be reduced from about $400 per mailout to $90. Printing costs would remain even, or reduce slightly (the smaller quantity will cost more). Non-members can read the newsletter for free on our website.

The Committee recognizes that tampering with the newsletter and our policy of distributing it to every household has ramifications for every aspect of BBHCA operations. However, if the budget problem of distributing the newsletter is not addressed, BBHCA will be bankrupt in approximately six years.

January 2008

p    Community Meeting
January 8, 2008 (Tuesday)
7:30 pm
Bush Hill Elementary School (Cafeteria)

Topic: Winter Fire Safety
Guest: Franconia Fire Dept.

Postcard mailed to all residents to announce meeting in lieu of January printed newsletter.

p    Presidential Primary Election:
Registration Deadline January 14, 2008
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb/upcoming.htm

 “On Tuesday, February 12, 2008, the Democratic and Republican Parties will conduct Presidential Primary elections. The deadline to register or to update your address is Monday, January 14, 2008. If you are already registered at your present address, you will not need to re-register.

To remain a qualified registered voter, the law requires you to notify your local voter registration office of any change in your name or address. This must be done before the registration books close for the next election (January 14, 2008). You can submit your notice of change of name or address either by mail or by fax (703-324-2205). In either case, the notice must include your signature to be valid. Notice cannot be made by telephone or by e-mail. After your change is processed, you will be mailed a new Voter Information Card. If a new card does not arrive within a few weeks, please call us at 703-222-0776 to confirm that your notice was received.

Voters in Virginia do not register by political party. Therefore, any registered voter may choose to vote in any party primary. However, when both parties hold a primary at the same time, voters must select whether they wish to vote the Democratic or the Republican ballot.

Any eligible county resident who will be 18 by or on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, may register and vote in the February primary.

Polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.”

>> Election Home Page      http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb/homepage.htm

>> Serve as an Election Officer      http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb/working.htm

p    Recycle your Christmas Tree

During the first two weeks of January, natural Christmas trees less than eight feet (8') in length will be picked up for recycling. Residents with should place their trees at the curb by 6 am on the regular collection day. Please make sure that trees are free of lights, stands, ornaments, tinsel, and plastic bags. Place your natural tree next to but separate from regular trash. Artificial trees should not be included for recycling.

p    Neighborhood Watch

Robert D. L'Heureux, Chair, 703-609-2966
neighborhoodwatch@bbhca.org

You can now subscribe online to “Focus on Franconia,” the electronic newsletter published by the Franconia District Police Station Crime Prevention Unit. To subscribe and to access current and past editions, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/newsletter/.

After selecting the "start" subscription option and entering your e-mail address, you will be prompted to answer one question and you are done. You will receive a confirmation e-mail to which you need to simply select reply. Future e-mails concerning the "Focus on Franconia" will be coming from "FRANewsletter."

>> Franconia Crime Prevention Officers Alice Bennett and Jim Nida can be reached at (703) 922-8263.

p    Zoning 101: Planning and Zoning E-services
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/eservices/

Want to keep up with the latest zoning amendments that might otherwise miss the headlines but may affect whether you or your neighbor can build that three story deck? Sign up for the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning e-mail notices of zoning ordinance amendments.

>> Additional Electronic E-mails from the County      http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/email/lists/#update

p    Links To Keep

§        OnGuard Online   
http://onguardonline.gov

Provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.

§        Eartheasy—Ideas for environmentally sustainable living
www.eartheasy.com

The site offers information, activities and ideas which help us live more simply, efficiently and with less impact on the environment.

§        Catalog Choice
www.catalogchoice.org

Too many catalogs? Use this free service to eliminate the catalogs you don’t want to receive by mail.

§        Living With Wildlife
www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/wildlife/index.php

An online manual developed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society designed to deliver helpful, consistent, and correct information about living with wildlife. The solutions listed have been tested by government agencies, humane societies, and homeowners—and found to be the most successful.

§        Free Online Newsletters by Consumer Reports
www.consumerreports.org/cro/customer-service/email-service/e-mail-newsletters/index.htm

4     What's New on Consumerreports.org

4     Cars Newsletter  

4     Safety Alert 

4     Health Alert 

4     Best Buy Drugs

4     Greenerchoices.org