janurary 2015 newsletter2 · braddock district supervisor and vdot to initiate traffic studies and...

Middleridge Civic

Association

Happy New Year! Although the holidays are mostly over and the decorations have started to be put away, the time with family and friends is not for-gotten. Hopefully we will keep the spirit of the holidays through-out the new year. There are a number of volunteers to thank for the success of our holiday events and activities. First, the decorating contest was judged by a team of past winners. Al Obuchowski was assisted by past win-

ners, Greg and Janne Hicks, Russell and Vivien Klosk, and Karen Williams. They traveled around the neighborhood and chose the winners for the five differ-ent categories. The names of the winners are listed on the MCA web-site and else-where in this newsletter. Thanks to the judges and all of the MCA members who participated. Next, we always ap-preciate the help of the

Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Depart-ment to drive Santa Clause around our neighborhood. It is fun to watch Santa travel-ing on a fire truck

decorated for the holiday. Thanks again to Al and Sandy Obuchowski for coordinating this event. Thanks also to Rick Jones for

coordinating with David from Yard Enhancement Services LLC to pro-vide sand for luminary

(Continued on page 2)

Special points of Special points of Special points of

interest:interest:interest:

∗ Thank you Company 14

from Burke Volunteer

Fire and Rescue

Toastmasters 4

Middleridge New

Year’s Resolutions

6

Upcoming Events 9

Santa’s Visit 13

Fairfax RR Station 13

Holiday Lighting Re-

sults

14

Welcome New

Residents

7

Inside this issue:

Tim’s Tidings

January 2015 Reaching 578 Homes and Families

Middleridge News

Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it. --Charles Dudley Warner

Middleridge News

working with John Cook, our Braddock District Supervisor and VDOT to initiate traffic studies and programs to de-crease dangerous driving on our streets. There are still many instances of speeding and dis-regarding stop signs. While a percentage of the problem is attributed to cut-through traffic from outside of Middleridge, a portion of the careless driving is from our own residents. What can be done? First, we must all watch our speed and make sure to stop at all stop signs. This includes setting a good example for our children. Talk to the younger drivers in your family about the impor-tance of driving safely. A good portion of the driving issues occur in the morning and during school dismissal times. This is also the time when there are many more walkers in the area. Second, we need more support for the safety projects the Traf-fic and Pedestrian Safety Com-mittee is proposing. Currently, the committee is seeking enough signatures to request a cut-through study for Mid-

dleridge. This can help us limit the number of cars that travel through Middleridge to avoid traffic on some of the larger roads. We are looking at ways to canvass the neighborhood for these signatures, but it takes volunteer hours to com-plete. This is just one of the projects that the committee is working on that requires volun-teer support. If you feel strongly about these safety issues, please join the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee. We need your help to help us make our streets safe for everyone. Watch for more opportunities to help with our safety initiatives. Have a wonderful new year in Middleridge!

displays. Although the weather around Christmas was wet, luminary candles could still be seen around Middleridge. We appreciate the families that continued this traditional activity. Because Yard En-hancement Services LLC pro-vided a smaller amount of sand, there was no need to survey members about this activity. Since the new year has just begun, many of us have started to think about personal resolu-tions for improving our lives. I have a resolution that we all need to implement for the im-provement of our lives and the lives of our neighbors—driving safely through our neighbor-hood. There has been much discus-sion about traffic safety over the past year. Unlike the weather (in my quote), safety is something we can do some-thing about. Rob Paine and the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee (formerly the SSI Committee) have been

(Continued from page 1)

SHOVELING SNOW CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH!!

While shoveling snow can be good exercise, it can also be dangerous for

optimistic shovelers who take on more than they can handle. The

National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a han-

dle on safe shoveling:

• Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive,

should be especially careful.

• If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's

permission.

• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.

• Take it slow! Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure

dramatically; so pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task.

• Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet,

packed-down variety.

• Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.

∗ Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a

large one.

• Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and

"sitting" into the movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your

shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.

• Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel

tightness in your chest, stop immediately.

• Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need extra

attention during winter's cold. Wear a turtleneck sweater, cap, scarf, face protection, mittens,

wool socks and waterproof boots.

From the National Safety Council

Middleridge News

Reaching 578 Homes and Families

January 2015 Burke Toastmasters Column

Like, You Know?

Let’s imagine there is a nearby cof-

fee shop that specializes in baked

goods that happens to be popular

with college students who wear a

lot of green and gold.

The shop runs a special promotion.

For a week, any student who dis-

plays their student ID is allowed to

have anything they want from the

menu free of charge. There is only

one restriction: the students must

consume the food or drink while

seated in certain booths of the cof-

fee shop.

Little do the students know that the

seats in those booths have been spe-

cially modified to give all of the

occupants a mild electric shock if

anyone utters the word “like” or the

phrase “you know?”

It is safe to assume on Day One the

coffee shop will be packed, but by

Day Two, not so much. By the end

of the week those booths will be

empty.

Is your communication style shock-

ing? Would you like to become a

more effective communicator sans

the “likes,” “ums,” “ahs,” and

“you knows?”

Then come join us at Burke Toast-

masters where you will discover a

friendly and supportive atmosphere

in which you can hone your speak-

ing skills and receive constructive

and helpful feedback.

The Burke Toastmasters Club is

scheduled to meet from 7:30-9:00

PM, Thursday, Jan. 15th, and

Thursday Jan. 29th, at the Oaks

Community Center, 5708 Oak

Leather Drive in Burke Centre.

Visitors are always welcome. In

case of inclement weather, please

check the club’s web site at

www.burketoastmasters.org for any

schedule changes.

Burke Toastmasters would like to

welcome our two newest mem-

bers, David Crooks and Tom

May.

We look forward to seeing you at

our next meeting. For more infor-

mation, please contact member-

ship VP Rob Paine at

[email protected]. You

can also find more info about the

club @

www.burketoastmasters.org .

Burke Toastmasters is also on

Facebook and on Meetup.

The Burke Toastmasters club

would like to wish everyone in

the Burke Centre community a

happy and prosperous 2015.


Fairfax Station, VA 703.830.7037

JuliaRossPT.com

SAT, College Coaching,

Tutoring: Elementary to College

St. George’s Preschool

Come Grow with Us!

Located at 4910 Ox Rd (1 mile from Middleridge)

Mom’s Day Out

Friday 9-11:45 am

2 teachers and up to 10 children

Are you the parent of a child between the ages of

2.5 and 5 and looking for a little bit of free time?

In January 2014 our preschool is starting a Mom’s

Day Out program on Friday’s from 9-11:45. If you

would like to introduce your son or daughter to

preschool please consider St. George’s.

Contact Jessica Summer at 703-385-4422.

We’d love for you to come see us!

Middleridge News

Middleridge New Year’s Resolutions

Volunteering to do a Neighborhood

Watch Weekend at least one weekend

this year.

Marking your calendar so as to be

sure to attend the General Member-

ship meetings in May and October.

2. Know your neighbor. The eld-

erly or disabled may need your help

or just a kind hello. The young

mother may need a cup of coffee and a

friendly smile.

3. Slow down while driving

through our streets—this makes the

streets safer for everyone: our chil-

dren, the animals, and all Middleridge

residents.

4. Clean up after your dog.

5. Trim bushes back from the side-

walk so the walking path isn’t ob-

structed.

6. Clear snow from your side-

walks.

7. Contribute an article to the

newsletter—share your thoughts,

ideas, and adventures with your

neighbors. We all enjoy reading a

good story.

Because its residents are such good

citizens, Middleridge is a community

that people want to live in, and

houses don’t stay empty long if they’re

up for sale or lease.

That’s good for all of us!

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The resolutions that have been

given to us before by Jessica Summer

are still pertinent this year. We have

such a wonderful community because

so many residents give time to the

community to ensure that entrances

are maintained, property values are

high, streets are safe and crime, in

general, isn’t given an opportunity to

take over.

FOR 2015, RESOLVE TO:

1. Practice good citizenship by:

Joining the Middleridge Civic Asso-

ciation.

Volunteering to participate on one

of the many committees that organize

and plan various events during the

year.

Middleridge Civic Association

Are you a current member of the Middleridge Civic Association (MCA)? If not, why not?

Perhaps you can make it a New Year Resolution to join. The MCA charges a nominal amount

($25) for annual membership and, in some way or another, everyone benefits from the organiza-

tion. At the very least, the MCA strives to keep the neighborhood in “tip top” shape and offers

much to the upkeep of the neighborhood, including maintenance of the community entrances.

Your membership helps allow the MCA to continue its work for you. Please, please join the

MCA!!

Thank you!

Al and Sandy Obuchowski

Membership Co-Chairs

MCA NEEDS YOU!


When the winter snow arrives be

sure to clear your sidewalks to help

the children make it to their bus

stops and help our dog walkers

navigate the streets safely.

Thank you!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW NEIGHBORS

Dinah Walter ~ Shooters Hill Lane

Relocated from Fairfax

Family: Son - Shane

Grandson – Jack (age 16)

Shirley Plunkett and Carole Rodero coordinate the Middleridge Welcoming Committee.

If you are a Block Captain - or a neighbor - who sees a new family moving into a house in your area or if you are a new or returning resident who has not been

welcomed, please contact the Middleridge Welcoming Committee.

Many thanks.

Shirley’s email: [email protected]

Carole’s email: [email protected]

Middleridge News


ATTENTION DOG OWNERS!

PLEASE BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER

KEEP YOUR DOG AND YOUR NEIGHBORS HAPPY!!

Leaving a dog in the backyard to bark at anything that moves in the early morning and late

evening hours is unwelcomed and unappreciated noise pollution disturbing the peace.

Leaving an unattended dog alone in the backyard also presents a danger to any child who

could be bitten while attempting to pet the animal.

Dog owners are reminded of the “Pooper Scooper” Law—Section 41.1-2-6, which requires dog

owners to pick up after their dogs.

Your neighbors thank you in advance.

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 8 — Executive Board Meeting

January 19 — Martin Luther King Day

January 30 — February 2 — FCPS Student Holiday

February 16 — President’s Day

March 8 — Daylight Savings Time Begins

March 20 — First Day of Spring

Middleridge News

Mr. Snow

Quality Snow Removal at Affordable Prices

"there’s a man named Mr. Mow

in the winter he is Mr. Snow

when the blizzards come

he’ll get the job done

so you can get up and go”

snow removal any house

$50 or less

driveway, sidewalk, walkway, & porch

storm damage? we make it vanish.

American Owned and Operated since 1987

(703) 503-3130

Middleridge News

FAIRFAX STATION RAILROAD MUSEUM

Sunday, January 18, 1:00-4:00 PM — Garden Gauge Model Train Show

The Washington, Virginia and Maryland Garden Railway Society will hold their

annual G Gauge Model Train Show at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. Admis-

sion, Museum members and children 4 and under, free; children 5-15, $2; adults 16

and older, $4. For more information contact Joyce Hill, [email protected]

Volunteer Opportunities at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum:

Fairfax Station Railroad Museum needs volunteer docents on Sunday afternoons

from 1-4 p.m. and during special Museum events. Greet Museum visitors and tell

them about the exhibits and the Museum's railroad and Civil War history. Ideal for

people who live in the Fairfax, Burke, Clifton or Fairfax Station area and want to

contribute to the local community through volunteerism. Training and orientation is

provided. Many other Museum volunteer opportunities are available such as garden-

ing, publicity, exhibit planning, special event planning and outreach to other commu-

nity organizations. Call Michael at 703-945-7483 for more information.

The Museum is located at 11200 Fairfax Station Road in Fairfax Station, VA.

www.fairfax-station.org, 703-425-9225.

Like us at www.facebook.com/FFXSRR.


On behalf of the Middleridge

community I would like to

thank all of Company 14 for

their efforts in making the

holidays very special for our

children who waited with great

happiness to see Santa and

Mrs. Claus. Our sincere thanks

to all the men and women of

Company 14.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.fairfax-station.org

http://www.facebook.com/FFXSRR

Middleridge News

MCA Holiday Lighting Results

MCA Holiday Lighting Contest

The Middleridge Civic Association Holiday Lighting Contest judging took place on

Saturday, December 20, 2014. As usual, the judges had a difficult time selecting the winners

from all of the beautiful displays that are seen in our neighborhood. In addition, there were

some homes that would have been selected as winners if only they had been members of the

Association.

The selected winners were as follows:

Williamsburg Award – Huggins Family @ 5535 Shooters Hill Lane

Traditional Award – Koszycki Family @ 10826 Mt. Vinyard Court

Wattage Award – Conques Family @ 5559 Ann Peake Drive

Judges’ Special Award – Makara Family @ 10986 Ryers Place

Group Award – Costantini, Stallman, Mitros, Landry, Valenti, and Rudy Families @ 10710,

10800, 10802, 10803, 10804, 10806 Stanhope Place.

Congratulations to all of these deserving winners!!

Thanks to this year’s judges who were Greg and Janne Hicks, Russell and Vivien Klosk, and

Karen Williams! The MCA thanks you for a job well done and for your service to the

community.

WILLIAMSBURG AWARD


SPECIAL JUDGES AWARD WATTAGE AWARD

GROUP AWARD

TRADITIONAL AWARD


HEALTH: NUTRITION AND EXERCISE

CHECK IT OUT!

Myfitnesspal.com is an interesting on-line program that can help you and your family

learn about nutrition. You enter information about yourself . . . like how old you are

and how tall . . . how much you weigh . . . that kind of stuff. Then you can put in each

day exactly what you eat and drink and how much exercise you do and the program

will tell you how you’re doing with getting a good combination of nutrients. When

you start, the program gives you a certain amount of calories just based on your size.

After you put in your exercise, the program gives you more calories, depending on

how much you walk or run or jump or ride your bicycle. Based on what you tell it,

the program then tells you if you’ve been eating the right amount of protein or milk

or vegetables. It even tells you whether or not you’ve been eating too much or too lit-

tle food! I hope you will like this program as you learn more about nutrition!

Middleridge News

BONNIE BRAE

ROBINSON

Sports Teams & Events

Performing Arts

Music & Band

Sign-up/Registration Deadlines

FAIRFAX CLUB ESTATES

SIDEBURN RUN

Let’s Hear From You!

Here are some great ideas for things to do to get through the winter: Experience a true "Washington" Christmas: Christmas at Mount Vernon has a plethora of activities for the whole family ranging from fireworks at the Christmas Illumination to Aladdin, the adorable Christ-mas Camel! Go Ice Skating: Through March you can skate on the new Tysons Corner Center Plaza or bust a move on the Reston Town Center Pavilion Ice Rink through the winter season. Also, art and figure 8's match per-fectly along the National Mall on the National Gallery of Art Skating Ice Rink. Attend a Holiday Light Show: The mesmerizing Meadowlark Walk of Lights takes you on a lighted trail through a holiday fantasy land through January 4th. Timed tickets are required so get yours today! Or, in Centreville, drive through the Bull Run Festival of Lights and then be sure to stop at the Holiday Vil-lage at the end of the route for some s'mores, children's activities and holiday merchandise. Say Hello to Frosty: The theme for this year's ICE! at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center features Frosty the Snowman. Attend Holidays at the George Mason University Center for the Arts with a variety of performances in November and December or make plans to spend holidays at the Kennedy Center at one of their enliven-ing performances.

Middleridge News



Middleridge Civic

Association

Middleridge

Website Executive Board

President—Tim Harazin

Vice President—Mike Torrey

Secretary— John Tedrick

Treasurer—Paul Armstrong

Other MCA Contacts

Webmaster—Paul Armstrong

Newsletter Editor—Mark Magliocchetti &

Linda Hutchins

Distribution—Sandy Obuchowski

Directory Editor—Al & Sandy Obuchowski

Membership—Al & Sandy Obuchowski

Neighborhood Watch— Greg Summer

Community Service—Paige Franklin

Welcoming Chair— Shirley Plunkett &

Carole Rodero

Middleridge Book Club— Shirley Plunkett

www.middleridgecivicassociation.org

Look for:

• List of MCA Officers

• Committee Contacts

• Photos of Events Past &

Present

• Past Newsletter Issues

• Neighborhood Police

Reports

• Middleridge Map/Street

Name History

And much more!!!

Sign up to be notified every

time the Website is updated!

Newsletter Administration

Business Advertising Rates:

Regular Member*

Full Page $75 $50

1/2 Page $50 $30

1/4 Page $30 $20

1/8 Page $20 $10

Classified Ads $ 5

* 2014/2015 Paid MCA Member

Monthly Deadline for ads and articles:

25th of the Month

Checks Payable to:

Middleridge Civic Association

P.O. Box 208

Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Mail ads to the address above or Email Ads

to [email protected]

Middleridge Mailing Address

P.O. Box 208

Fairfax Station, VA 22039-0208

2015 MIDDLERIDGE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL

Executive Board Meeting,

January 8, 7:00

MLK, January 19


February 5, 7:00

Happy Valentine’s Day

President’s Day, February

16


March 5, 7:00


April 2, 7:00

Every Month:

MCA Board Meeting: 1st Thursday of the month Neighborhood Watch

Newsletter Delivery: 5th of the month Welcoming: as needed. Please notify Shirley Plunkett and Carole Rodero

http://www.middleridgecivicassociation.org

janurary 2015 newsletter2 · braddock district supervisor and vdot to initiate traffic studies and...

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