Emergency Averted on Gunston Road

A hole-in-the-road emergency was averted last month when hidden erosion was discovered before half of Gunston Road collapsed. Marilyn ...

Tree Planting on Meadowood! March 31

A Tree Planting on Meadowood !  March 31, 9:00 am Eagle Scout Candidate Cody Sweet of Troop 118 of Ft. Belvoir will lead the volunteers; Fairfax ReLeaf will provide the tree seedlings and planting supplies; Friends of Meadowood will provide additional support; Mason Neck Lions will donate bottled water, canned soft drinks and DCR Certificates of Appreciation to each volunteer. For more information call Douglas Vinson BLM (703) 673-8727 or Lion Joe Chudzik (703) 541-3123. 

"Hidden Treasures" March 24

The Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra presents "Hidden Treasures" Saturday, March 24, at 3:00 PMmfeaturing small  ensembles playing selections of their choice. Five dollars for adults - kids free. At Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,15695 Blackburn Road,Woodbridge. For more information, see www.obco.org, or 703 927-3999

Bridge Restoration Project

The bridge across Thompson Creek Trail,  which was washed away from the path, was restored Saturday, March 17.  Previously, it was disassembled and carried back to the original location, and now is reassembled.   Mason Neck Lions Club provided refreshments and certificates of appreciation. More info coming.

Review: Last weekends for Mouse Trap at Lazy Susan

Quickly, night closes, the roads are blocked, the phone line is ‘down’ and one guest is found strangled. It will take 24 hours to solve the Three Blind Mice rhyme. Who is to be the third victim and who committed the first two murders? The only thing you know before the show is that you’ll have a pleasant evening at the Lazy Susan in Lorton. Make reservations now. Call 703-494-6311  Read the full review…

Upcoming High School Theatre:

Hayfield presents “Annie” 

Hayfield Middle School presents Annie on March 22, 23, and 24 at 7 p.m. and 24 at 2 p.m.  Email for more information:  sajohnson1@fcps.edu

PWAS Meeting March 21

The Prince William Art Society welcomes Steve Myles, who creates lovely atmospheric oil paintings in a very realistic style. Meetings are free and the public is encouraged to attend. See full story on our web site… http://lortonvalleystar.com/Content3/Entertainment.html

Review: Miracle Worker Review of Woodbridge HS

Cappies review by Katie Miller of Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School. “The cast of Woodbridge Senior High School's production was truly able to convey the message that Helen Keller's tutor…" http://lortonvalleystar.com/Content3/Entertainment.html

March Animal Space Stories Include:

• Rat Terrier Rescue by Lori Craddock
• Preparing Dogs for Warmer Weather by Lori Craddock
• Antibiotic Use in Dogs and Cats by Crosspointe Animal Hospital
• MFR for Equine and Humans by Linda Nedilsky
See the Animal Space section online
or for Equine MFR see…
www.pro-activewc.com

FBI Warns of New Banking Scam

There’s a new wave of e-mail scams which pretend to be National or Federal agencies alleging some legal problem which the user is threatened must respond to by providing personal information and passwords. Do not reply-to or click on any embedded links. They lead to malware sites which take over your computer and steal your banking information. If you have clicked on one of these messages, check all of your accounts.
Learn more…

"Spring into Action" at the LCAC Gala March 10

Enjoy an evening of elegance and good cheer to benefit LCAC, the local food bank and human services nonprofit organization serving Lorton, bidding on items donated by local businesses, individuals and companies.  Relax during the seated dinner provided by R & R Catering and enjoy a short program and presentation of the Founder's Award and savor the fun of dessert, the Live Auction and then dancing to the Johnny Artis Band. Space is limited. Individual reservations are $150; other donor/sponsor levels are available.
Reservations:       Learn more:

Prince William Art Scholarships-Letters of Intent

The Prince William Art Society is now accepting letters of intent to apply for the 2012 Jewell Pratt Burns Scholarships Program. The deadline for letters of intent is March 12, 2012. The final application deadline is April 10, 2012. Two students will be awarded $1,000 scholarships towards a higher education degree in Fine Arts or Art Education. To learn more about the scholarship and application procedures, please visit the web site for the Prince William Art Society and click on the "scholarships" link at the top of the page.

Review of the Shrew

Well, I went to Castaways Repertory Theatre’s production of “Taming of the Shrew” which was great. I wrote a review in the manner of Petruchio and told the reader that Shakespeare is beneath them and they must accept what I say: that they should not be interested to see it even though it's good and they'd miss record Castaways attendance.  The review is on our web site.

Something to Wag About

   USPS unleashes the new Dogs at Work stamps. Each 65-cent stamp features one of four breeds: a Black Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Yellow Labrador Retriever and Springer Spaniel.
   Artist John M. Thompson created original paintings for the stamps, which were designed by art director Howard E. Paine. The new Dogs at Work stamps will be available for sale at the 2-oz stamp rate, 65 cents each, the new rate taking effect January 22, 2012.

Emergency Averted on Gunston Road

A hole-in-the-road emergency was averted last week when hidden erosion was discovered before half of Gunston Road collapsed. 

Marilyn Breedlove, was doing her unheralded roadside litter clean-ups when she turned and noticed the cracked culvert and washed out embankment below the West bound lane near the entrance to Mason Neck Stare Park. She called Hyland’s office and VDOT. Fortunately, her assessment of the situation was given heed and VDOT had an emergency repair crew out the same night. 

The cracked cement culvert has been replaced, the aggrigate packed back and stones laid to prevent another wash out all before the pavement could give way. A few residents had to wait for one way traffic.  It could have been much worse flipping vehicles off the roadway.  

This could be a side benefit of community Adopt-A-Highway clean-ups. 

Beard Makes Dean’s List at Shenandoah

Arianna Beard of Woodbridge, and South County Secondary Class of 2010, was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List in the School of Arts and Sciences at Shenandoah University in Winchester. Beard is a Criminal Justice major. Lorton Valley Star congratulates our neighbor.

Legislation Regarding Illegal Signs

State Delegate Dave Albo has introduced a Bill in the Virginia Assembly regarding illegal advertising signs on roadsides.

Fairfax County officials have been struggling since 1997 to devise a plan for enforcing Article 12 and to remove illegal signs. If given enforcement authority through HB 34, the county need not expend it’s budgetary resources in removing illegal signs.

The applicable penalty and fine for sign violators can be applied three days after the violator is notified and the Sheriff’s Community Labor force can be used to make the notifying calls.

Signs on roadsides in the public right of way or on trees, utility or VDOT poles are illegal. Signs on private property with permission are restricted. Special allowances are for non-profit temporary drives. The county has a brochure to describe proper display. Off-site signs advertising a private business, service, or other concern are not permitted. 

The bill has Passed in the house and been referred to Senate committee. Environmental activists are pleased that this has been introduced  so that the County will finally have incentive to keep roadsides clear of drain clogging litter. NOVA Realtors want to gut it so they can have exception to keep placing their illegal signs.  Write your Virginia Senator to encourage HB34.