Newsletter of the Rose Hill Civic Association
October 2009
President
Carl Sell
703.971.4716
Vice President
Linda Nichols
703.971.0755
Secretary
Beth Kohm
703.338.4876
Treasurer
Carolyn Slenska
703.922.4135
Editor, The Rambler
Marty Williams
703.910.6316
Neighborhood Watch
Woody Betts
703.971.0520
Webmaster
Jim Sapp
303.816.0944
RHCA, P.O. Box 10891, Alexandria, VA 22310
President’s Message
Update on Gang Activity Highlights 10-27 RHCA Meeting at School, 7pm
The Tuesday, October 27 meeting of the Rose Hill Civic Association will focus on gang activity and how to identify the presence of gangs. The meeting will be held at 7pm at Rose Hill Elementary School. Because the library closes early, we are holding this meeting at the school in an effort to get a full briefing with a question and answer period.
Detective Carlos Lama of the Fairfax County Police gang investigative unit will brief us on gang activity, focusing on the Franconia area. He also will tell us how we can help the police to identify the presence of gang activity and recruitment before it becomes a major problem.
Local gang activity has been reported in the media lately, citing police information. Although not an epidemic in our area, knowledge of how to deal with gangs will help us prevent their growth. Our schools already are doing a good job of working with the police to identify potential gang activity and we need to do the same on our streets and in our homes.
If you have a pre-teen or teen in your household, bring them along to this meeting. They may learn something that will help them avoid a dangerous situation in the future. You may learn how to recognize the signals that gang activity has permeated your child’s circle of friends.
October is Crime Prevention Month and all of our Neighborhood Watch captains are urged to attend. They are the eyes and ears of the community and need to make sure they can recognize gang activity and what to do if they come across or hear about it.
To make the evening more enjoyable, Linda Nichols is baking pumpkin bread from an old Southern recipe that dates back to the origins of Rose Hill. We’ll have country butter for the bread and RHCA will provide cider.
Don’t forget the meeting will be held at the school, not the Library. Our new RHCA meeting sign is interchangeable, depending on the site. If you forget and go to the Library and see we aren’t there, just come next door to the school.
Trick or Treat
Halloween is on Saturday, October 31, this year so we no doubt will have more ghosts, ghouls, goblins, witches, and other scary creatures knocking on doors demanding treats in lieu of tricks. If you are welcoming them at your door, please make sure your front area is well lighted for everyone’s safety. Drivers are reminded to keep a sharp eye out for two-legged, costumed creatures crossing the street, sometimes in the middle of the block. Parents should chaperone their kids as they make their rounds and a flashlight and cell phone would be a good safety choices. Those who are passing out treats should make sure they are securely wrapped and parents are reminded to check their kids’ bags when they return with the swag. As always, don’t hesitate to report any unusual or suspicious activity. Let’s make sure Halloween is safe for all.
Community Parking District
On Monday, October 19, the Board of Supervisors took up a proposal to limit parking in Lee District. The new community parking district (CDP), would prohibit the parking of watercraft, motor homes, campers, trailers, vehicles greater than or equal to three axels, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight greater than or equal to 12,000 pounds, and vehicles transporting greater than or equal to 16 passengers (except school buses) on public streets in residentially zoned areas. Simply put, none of the above vehicles would be allowed to park on streets in Rose Hill. If enacted by the Board, and after a warning period, police will issue notices to move a vehicle within 48 hours. If the vehicle is not removed, a ticket will be issued. If the vehicle is not moved within 48 hours of the issuance of a ticket, the vehicle is subject to towing. Older neighborhoods such as Rose Hill have experienced problems with large vehicles parked on narrow streets. Most new subdivisions with homeowners associations already prohibit such vehicles on private streets. The same restrictions already apply to any in-operable or improperly licensed or inspected vehicles parked both on the street and on private property.
Crime Prevention
As many of you are painfully aware, there has been a rash of larcenies from vehicles in Rose Hill lately. The police urge you to be part of their ‘Write to Fight’ campaign by recording the make, model, and serial numbers of electronic equipment and other valuables that might get left in the car. If the items are stolen, police say they will be more likely to track the items, arrest the culprits, and return the property to owners. If you have a GPS device and take it in at night, use an alcohol wipe to clear the area where the suction cup is attached to the windshield. Leave an outside light on at night as thieves shy away from well-lit areas. As always, be sure to report any suspicious persons or vehicles in our neighborhood by calling 703.691.3121. If you spot a crime in progress, call 911. Although it is not a serious problem yet in our area, police report that there is a significant increase in the number of burglaries involving jewelry in other sections of the County. The spiraling increase in the value of precious metals and gems makes precious metal and gems a target for thieves. Make sure your valuables are protected.
Help Our Schools
I recently signed up to help Rose Hill Elementary School financially every time I shop at the Rose Hill Safeway (or any other Safeway for that matter). Each time I present my Safeway card, not only do I receive discounts but a portion of the purchase is donated to Rose Hill Elementary. Don’t know why I didn’t do this earlier, but now that I have, I urge you to do the same. Log on to www.escript.com, click on Safeway, and follow the directions to find Rose Hill Elementary. I used our zip code. You’ll have to provide some information, including your Safeway card number. I suggest you do NOT use the same password as the one on your e-mail account. I did not sign up any of my credit, bank, or debit cards for obvious reasons. You also can designate Twain and Edison or any private school registered with the program. And, you can sign up with Giant, using the same steps as Safeway.
Recreation Center Reopens
The recreation center at Lee District park has been refurbished is back open for business. The center had been closed since August. The pool reopened September 14 and the entire building was back in use October 12, three weeks ahead of schedule. The building was closed in order to replace the HVAC system, improve the controls for heating of the pool and humidity control, and paint the pool and the inside of the entire facility. In addition, new lighting was installed in the pool area, providing brighter light at less cost. New lights will be installed throughout the building in upcoming weeks. The center is open from 5am to 9:30pm Monday through Thursday, 5am to 9pm on Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturday, and 8am to 8pm on Sunday. The pool opens one hour later than the building Monday through Saturday and the same time on Sunday.
A Great Party…
If you missed the Soupfest at the September RHCA meeting, you missed some good food and a great time. We had all kinds of homemade soup, some store bought bread, and lots of homemade cookies and deserts. I certainly was glad the crowd didn’t eat all of Marie Sherfy’s peanut butter cookies and my wife’s chocolate chip cookies. I munched for days! Thanks to Linda Nichols for a great idea. She’s already busy thinking of menus for future meetings. To all of you who attended….sorry you had to listen to all my stories. Blame Dave Nichols as he’s the one who got me started. Thanks for all your support. We have a great community here in Rose Hill and all of you are the reason. If you haven’t joined in on our fun times, you don’t know what you are missing. Plan to attend our October meeting. You will learn about gang activity in our area and sample some homemade pumpkin bread and cider. Don’t forget the meeting is at Rose Hill Elementary.
Gettysburg Trip
There still are a few seats left on the Franconia Museum’s bus tour to Gettysburg on Saturday, November 14. If you haven’t seen the new visitor’s center at Gettysburg with the refurbished Cyclorama, here’s your chance. You’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Pickett’s Charge in the Cyclorama theatre. Included on the tour is a stop for a buffet breakfast at the world famous Cozy Restaurant in Thurmont, MD. The cost of $100 per person includes coffee and doughnuts at the Franconia Museum, a comfortable seat on the motor coach, the breakfast buffet, admission to the visitor’s center and Cyclorama, and a fast food stop on the way home. Also at Gettysburg, there will be stops on the Union and Confederate sides to highlight Pickett’s Charge as reported through the activities of those who were there on July 3, 1963. The bus leaves the Franconia Government Center at 8:15am. For additional information, log on to FranconiaMuseum.org or myRoseHill.com, or call Don Hakenson at 703.922.4984.
—Carl Sell
Fairfax County Public Schools Budget Meetings
Citizens are invited to provide their input to help meet a significant projected budget deficit for FY 2011 by attending an upcoming community dialogue meeting, sponsored by Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools. The County is in the midst of a multiyear cyclical downturn requiring that County and school decision-makers continue to make expenditure and revenue adjustments. The school system's ongoing challenge is to develop a budget with an appropriate level of services that is both sustainable and acceptable to the community. Community dialogue meetings will consist of facilitated small group discussions. Registration is required; visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget or call 703.324.2391, TTY 711.
Community dialogue meetings will be held as follows:
Saturday, October 24, 10am–noon, at the Centreville Regional Library, the Reston Regional Library, and the John Marshall Library.
Thursday, October 29, 7–9pm, in the South Lakes High School cafeteria and the Woodson High School cafeteria.
Saturday, November 14, 10am–noon, at the Kings Park Library, the Sherwood Regional Library, and the George Mason Regional Library.
Citizens who are unable to attend the community dialogues can pass along their comments and suggestions by calling 703.324.9400 or completing a budget feedback form at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget.
—FCPS
Only in Rose Hill ......... would these items be found or sought out:
Black bathtub built-in soap dish
Black shower built-in towel bar
Black over-the-sink built-in toothbrush holder
Black over-the-sink soap dish
Grayish wall hung sink, and
The 50’s style gray toilet and tank (only good for parts...need a tank lid?)
All items are free! Contact Susan Kirby at 703.971.5969 or skirby@cox.net.
Update from Fairfax County Health Department – 10/19/09
Due to delays in the production of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) is adjusting its mass vaccination plans to match the limited supply of vaccine currently available, which is significantly less than anticipated. The FCHD currently does not have enough vaccine available to hold the vaccination clinics that were scheduled to be held in 10 schools on October 24 and 25.
Instead, the amount of vaccine currently available will be distributed to children (age range to be defined later this week) and pregnant women on Saturday, October 24, at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.
The 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be voluntary and available on a walk-in basis, free of charge.
The delay in distribution of 2009 H1N1 vaccine has impacted the entire nation and has resulted in uneven availability. In the coming weeks, more vaccine is expected to be delivered to health care providers, hospitals, and local health departments. Residents may check with their heath care providers about the availability of 2009 H1N1 vaccine.
The FCHD is committed to vaccinating target populations as quickly as vaccine becomes available. Depending on the quantities of vaccine available each week, vaccine will be distributed through the Department's district offices or mass vaccination clinics.
Updated information about the availability and distribution of 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be posted on the FCHD H1N1 Vaccine web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/flu/h1n1-vaccine-distribution.htm and questions are fielded by the Health Department at 703.267.3511.
Deer Season
The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is launching its seasonal public awareness effort to remind motorists to be on the lookout for deer as they travel the roadways this fall. Studies show that nearly one in every 136 Virginia drivers will be involved in a deer-related crash over the next 12 months. In Fairfax County, 45 percent of all deer collisions are recorded in October and November. During deer breeding season, October through December, adult deer are highly mobile. Deer are especially active pre-dawn to mid-morning and dusk to early evening. These periods of deer activity correspond with traveling commuters, as well as students en route to and from school. FCPD Wildlife Biologist Victoria Monroe, urges motorists, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists, to use caution and to be vigilant in their search for deer. “Where you see one deer, there are bound to be many more, as they typically travel in herds,” Monroe said. “Watch for eye shine along the roadsides; immediately slow if you spot a deer. If a deer is frozen in place on the road, reduce speed and flash your headlights.” For further information on how to handle deer encounters, smart driving and deer behavior, check www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police.
—FCPD
Advertising in the Rambler
We have recently received several inquiries concerning advertising in the Rambler. While a listing in the Business Directory is free to Rose Hill residents who own their business, placing an actual advertisement is open to all with rates as follows per month:
Business Card size
3 1/2" x 2"
$10
Quarter page size
3 1/2" x 4 3/4"
$25
Half page size
7 1/2" x 4 3/4"
$50
Full page size
7 1/2" x 9 3/4"
$100
Ads may be bought for either one month only, month-to-month, or as many months in advance as desired. Our newsletter is published nine times a year, excluding July, August and December.
Advertising in the Rambler is an excellent way to reach the 700+ homes in our community. In addition, the ads each month are placed on our website www.MyRoseHill.com for the world to see.
Anyone interested in placing an ad may call the editor (me) at 703.910.6316. I will need the artwork sent to me either electronically in a .tiff or .jpg format or as a hard copy through the mail. Checks made out to RHCA may be included with ads mailed to me, or sent to our PO Box 10891 for quick access to the treasurer.
Marty Williams
