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Snow on the ground and temperatures dipping below freezing set the stage for this year’s LRCA holiday hayride. The cold weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the more than 200 people who showed up for the annual event. Everyone bundled up against the cold and settled into the hay as the horse-drawn wagons left Ilda Pool and made their way throughout the neighborhood. The horses’ bells jingled as the riders waved at passers by and neighbors admired the holiday lights and decorations. The red arrow pointing to one neighbor’s chimney gave everyone a big chuckle! Upon returning to the pool, everyone relaxed by the bonfire under the starry sky and warmed themselves with hot cocoa and cider. It was a memorable way to start the holiday season.
A special thanks to the Fairfax County Police Auxiliary and everyone who made the event possible.
Burbon Street may be 1,100 miles away but this February the Mardi Gras madness is as close as the Truro Clubhouse when LRCA hosts the adults-only Mardi Gras Pot Luck Party.
Break up the winter blahs and let the good times roll as a DJ spins the tunes and we enjoy some Louisiana fun. We’ll supply the music, the drinks, decorations, paper goods, and, of course, beads, lots of beads.
So, if you’ve got a hankering for red beans and rice, jambalaya and gumbo come on out and join the fun. Your neighbors will bring fabulous food and the music will be swinging. Space is limited so reserve your space now.
Here are the details…
- LRCA Mardi Gras Pot Luck Party – Adults Only
- DATE: Saturday, February 20, 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- LOCATION: Truro Clubhouse, 4146 Elizabeth Lane, Annandale
- FOOD: You bring a dish to share, and we’ll supply the party.
If your last name begins with
A-L: Main dish
M-Z: Appetizer or side dish
If you prefer, mail the information to:
8929 Maurice Lane
Annandale, VA 22003
As we begin the New Year and are spending more time indoors, how can you stay connected to your neighborhood? By volunteering. Volunteering helps build and maintain friendships within the community all while helping improve the quality of life in our area. It’s a great way to keep abreast of local issues and make a difference in the lives of those around you.
There are several ways to step forward and make a difference in your community.
First, and closest to home, is by helping the Little Run Citizens Association. The LRCA is looking for a Membership Coordinator, an Events Coordinator, and someone to manage the production of the directory. To volunteer for or to find out more information about what’s involved in one of these opportunities, please call me, Derrick Chamlee, at 703-426-0185, or contact me by email at dchamlee@verizon.net.
Second, Volunteer Fairfax mobilizes people and resources to meet regional and community needs. If you want to help for only a few hours on a weekend or evening or make an ongoing commitment, Volunteer Fairfax maintains a searchable database of opportunities throughout the area. You can visit its website at www.volunteerfairfax.org.
Another opportunity is through the Braddock Neighborhood College. The college has two sessions: February/March and April/May. It is ideal for those who want to make a difference but aren’t sure where to start. Graduates use this program to help their neighbors, become involved in local issues, take on leadership roles in their communities, and volunteer. According to the organization, students are exposed to the following:
- Learn about local government; meet elected officials and leaders
- Learn what makes Braddock unique and meet community-based organizations
- See how to build partnerships and consensus
- Learn effective participation and leadership skills, including engaging diverse communities
Students must be able to attend and participate in scheduled classes (held once a week, evenings, for six weeks) and activities.
If you would like to sign up for this educational opportunity or are just looking for more information, please contact Braddock District Supervisor John Cook’s office at 703-425-9300 or braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov.
This winter is predicted to be a colder and potentially snowier than the last few. During the coming months, let’s keep in mind neighbors who might be adversely affected by the extreme cold or snowy conditions. Offering a ride to the store or a doctor’s appointment, bringing the paper up to the doorstep, or shoveling the sidewalk could make their day a little easier. By watching out for each other, we’ll build a stronger community. Some day we’ll all appreciate the help.
Fairfax County Public Schools is now on Twitter, where news, emergency messages, and information about current issues are posted for those who choose to become followers of the school system. To follow FCPS on Twitter, visit http://www.twitter.com/fcpsnews and click on Follow.
FCPS also has a Facebook page. To follow FCPS on Facebook, visit http://www.facebook.com/fcpsva and select “Become a Fan” at the top of the page.
Our neighbors Jim Albertson, Todd Skipper, Bob Walla, Rob Dodt, and Kevin Grottle were recognized at the Best of Braddock Awards dinner on July 14. The award for Commercial Beautification or Improvement was presented by Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook. The award recognizes their community leadership and work to bring new life and community enthusiasm to our neighborhood swimming pool. “Community” is people reaching out to others in neighborhood.
The name given to the pool—“ILDA”—originated from “Woods of Ilda,” the earlier modest size housing development on Burbank and Starr Jordan Drive. ...read more
As construction begins on Lake Accotink Park's dam, a portion of the 3.8-mile loop trail will be temporarily closed at the fair-weather crossing at trail marker three (right in front of the dam) to thru traffic for several days up to three times between late-August and December. To lessen the impact on visitors to the park, the trail will remain open on Fridays and weekends. The exact dates of the trail closures will be posted on signs along the trail.
The dam, built in 1943, features a concrete spillway measuring approximately 360 feet long and 22 feet tall. ...read more
On behalf of all those served by KEYS for the Homeless Foundation, Inc., it is a joy to be able to share a few thoughts about our mission and to express my sincere thanks to the Board and members of the LRCA and Ilda Recreational Association for their wonderful support ...read more
The Thing About Protecting Our Streams
by Luke Reilly and Emily Richardson
sixth-grade students at Canterbury Woods Elementary School
Our streams are getting sick and wildlife is dying. Would you believe me if I said that it was all our fault? “What could be the consequences?” you ask, “How can I help?” You will learn this and a lot more if you read on, and learn how to save our streams before it is too late
For our school’s community service project, we did something called stream monitoring ...read more
I am the new Neighborhood Watch Coordinator for LRCA. With the help of the remaining Team Lead, Phil Shutler (thank you, Phil), we have put together a Watch schedule for the summer. Prior to this, the Watch had not been operating. As can be seen by some of the recent posts regarding crime and vandalism on the LRCA message board, we need an active and healthy Neighborhood Watch, but ...Read More