Leewood Homeowners Association - Archived Articles 2007-2008

Archived Articles 2009

- Click Here For 2008 Articles -

Leewood Community Yard Sale - Saturday, May 23rd 8:00am

Stimulus Bill Could Kick-Start Road Projects

How To Protect You and Your Family From Staph Infections

King Street Trolley Up and Running – Be Sure to Catch It!

Consumer Confidence for the Washington-DC Region beats the Nation’s

Leewood Times Tax Information

Your Input on Locking Mailboxes Needed

Leewood Annual Meeting - Tuesday, March 10th, 8:00pm

Meet The Candidates

Absentee Voting for the Annual Meeting

Sharon Bulova Wins Special Election - Becomes Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Getting to Know Your New County Board Chairman

January Edition of The Leewood Times is Now Online

Holiday Trash Schedule 2008/2009 - No Change

Maggie Pitotti Elected to LHOA Board

Telephone Directory in 2009

Special Election: Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Leewood Times Inaugural Weekend Guide

Special Christmas Tree Pick-up

LHOA Board Meeting - Tuesday, January 13th 2009

Leewood Community Yard Sale - Saturday, May 23rd 8:00am

A community yard sale will be held on Saturday, May 23rd in the common area between Bradwood Court and Bradwood Street starting at 8:00a.m. If you would like to participate please email Rose Weber at weberr@verizon.net.You must provide your own table. The location was chosen to make loading and unloading convenient for sellers and customers and we ask all residents not to park on Bradwood Street the night before and the morning of the yard sale. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Stimulus Bill Could Kick-Start Road Projects

A maximum of about $750 million in transportation funding is expected to flow to Virginia from the 789 billion dollar stimulus package recently signed into law. Many of Virginia's transportation projects are stalled due to funding. For example, the Fairfax County Parkway project is about $60 million short, the long-planned revamping of the intersection of Lee Highway and Gallows Road awaits $40 million for construction, and state transportation leaders recently put on hold portions of the widening of Interstate 66's westbound lanes inside the Capital Beltway.

Dozens of others like it across the state are also awaiting money, and state and local officials say they don't know how the federal money will be distributed or with what strings attached. "If the stimulus comes with instructions, we'll have to follow the instructions," said state Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax). "But if I have any authority over any of the money, I'd like to have a say in it."

The Commonwealth has developed a website for citizens, groups, localities, and others to use to share project proposals for funding from the federal stimulus package. The website is located at http://stimulus.virginia.gov/

To learn more about the federal stimulus package, please visit: www.Recovery.gov.

The deadline for submission of the proposals is Friday, March 6, 2009.

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How To Protect You and Your Family From Staph Infections

Staphylococcus aureus, or simply staph, are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the noses of healthy people. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics including methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin. Staph infections, including the serious MRSA strain, have spread through schools nationwide in recent weeks. The infection can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or sharing an item used by an infected person, particularly one with an open wound.

Educate and protect yourself and your family today with these tips:

- Treat and cover wounds with StaphAseptic® – A first aid antiseptic/pain relieving gel known to prevent the spread of staph.

- Don't share personal items – Germs can live on clothing and towels for over 24 hours.

- Properly clean gear and equipment – Disinfect all objects before and after use, especially if it's shared

- Shower after physical activity – Close skin to skin contact is one of the main ways MRSA is being spread among athletes.

- Keep hands clean – One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to wash your hands.

- Wear loose clothing around wounds – This can help prevent chafing which can cause a break in the skin and provide entry for staph bacteria.

- Consult your physician for all active wounds – In order to determine if an infection is MRSA, it must be cultured by a physician.

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King Street Trolley Up and Running – Be Sure to Catch It!

Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, members of the Alexandria City Council, and civic organizations marked the first official run of the King Street Trolley with a brief ribbon cutting ceremony. The King

Street Trolley service will transport residents, visitors, and those who work in Old Town between the Potomac River waterfront and the King Street Metrorail Station. The free trolley will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Approximately every 15 minutes, riders can board at the unit block of King Street near the Potomac River waterfront, the King Street Metrorail station, or at any of the signed stops along King Street, which are approximately 2 blocks apart. Typically, four trolley vehicles will circulate on King Street in order to maintain the 15-minute intervals. The trolley service replaces the weekend DASH About bus service, which was discontinued Sunday, March 30.

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Consumer Confidence for the Washington-DC Region beats the Nation’s

Local consumers are nearly five times more upbeat about the regional economy than they are about the national economy, according to a new survey for the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Northern Virginia is at the top. The region’s residents are looking to the future with a significant level of optimism.

Regarding housing, here is how the respondents ranked:

In terms of living situations:

• 3 percent of the area’s homeowners expect to try to sell their homes during the next six months
• 13 percent of renters in the region want to buy a home in the next six months
• 18 percent say they would like to, depending on real estate market conditions

Perhaps the best part of the survey findings is the confidence level for our region. Northern Virginia areas had the highest index, at 53. The lowest, at 46, was found in the Maryland suburbs. D.C. was in the middle, at 51, according to the article. You can read the full story at:

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/12/15/daily76.html

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Tax Information

The 2009 tax filing season is in full swing and the IRS has announced a number of new steps to file your taxes, help financially distressed taxpayers maximize their refunds, and steps to speed refund payments.

The editors of the Leewood Times have created an information page to help our members. Included is steps for preparing your return, a final review checklist to use before you mail your tax forms, links to electronically file your return, frequently asked questions about taxes from the IRS, and helpful links to organizations that can help you prepare and file your return for FREE. More >

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Your Input on Locking Mailboxes Needed

The LHOA Board is in the process of finalizing the transition to locking mailboxes. We would like to hear any homeowners' opinions on the project. Please e-mail the board at board@leewood.us or send a note to P.O. Box 1421, Springfield, VA 22151 or you can also leave a note at either 7013 Leestone Street or 7040 Bradwood Court. The deadline to submit your ideas is MONDAY, MAY 4th.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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Leewood Annual Meeting - Tuesday, March 10th, 8:00pm

The Leewood Homeowners Association annual meeting will be held on March 10th, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at the Philips School Located at the Northwest corner of Braddock and Backlick Roads at 7010 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA.

*=PLEASE NOTE: THIS LOCATION IS DIFFERENT THAN LAST YEAR.

Annual meeting packages have been prepared and mailed to each homeowner. We hope that every homeowner will participate by attending the meeting.

If you cannot attend, information is provided from the board below on how you can vote absentee. Three LHOA seats on the board are up for election this year and here is some information on the candidates.

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Three Seats up for Election in 2009

In an effort to keep our members informed, we have asked all of the candidates running for a seat on your LHOA board some information about them and thier vision for the Leewood in the future.

The Leewood Board is composed of 5 members and no member can unilaterally take an action that affects the entire community. This year each member of the community, who chooses to vote or submit a proxy for someone to vote on their behalf, will be selecting three people to serve on the Board.

Following are short bios submitted by those who are running. The candidates were asked to list their name, street/address, current occupation, how long each has lived in Leewood, reasons they are running for the Board and past work with the Association. The bios are posted as submitted and no changes have been made in the information provided.

The candidates are listed as they appear on the ballot.

Name: Rosemarie (Rose) Weber
Address: 7013 Leestone Street

I am a retired military member who spent 26 years in service to our country as a United States Marine. I have been a resident in Leewood since June of 2003. However, I have only been in permanent residence since December 2005. Prior to that, although Leewood was my home, I was often deployed or stationed out of the state/country. I am an administrator by trade and currently work for the Secretary of Defense as a civilian employee. Much of my experience in the service lends itself well to my being on the Board. Not only am I an administrator by trade, but over the years I have sat in various positions on various communities’ boards as the Marine Corps representative and have held positions on Department of Defense Boards as well. I believe that change can only be brought about through positive action, and so, taking part in the Association is something I view as my duty as a resident. I have two daughters and two grandsons who live in Beaufort, SC.

I was elected to the Board in 2006 and have served as the Board Secretary since that time. While serving on the Board I have played a key role in Board accomplishments, to include: the installation of common area lighting, the renegotiation of a new trash contract and a new landscaping contract, the repair of numerous drainage problems throughout Leewood, the repair of our sidewalks, and streets, and the installation of a trash can at the bus stop at Backlick/Leestone. I have also personally participated in much of the work required to maintain Leewood such as fence repair, tree pruning and tree removal, which have saved Leewood money in reduced repair costs. I have also been successful in forming positive working relationships with outside organizations that impact Leewood such as Fairfax County, the US Post Office, our contracted service providers and our bordering neighbors outside Leewood. I have streamlined many of the Board administrative processes and have performed many administrative duties, such as photocopying, at my own expense, saving the Association money in admin fees. I have also played an active role in organizing community events such as National Night Out gatherings.

My goals as a board member, should I be re-elected, are to be as active as my schedule allows and to positively impact the conduct of the Board and Board-community relations. I would like to see more resident participation in our community and hope to continue to create enthusiasm amongst residents to realize that goal. It is my opinion that the board exists to ensure property values remain stable (or rise) by: 1) governing maintenance and upkeep of personal properties and 2) making improvements to the community as a whole. With the present state of our economy, it is more important than ever that we protect our home investments by continuing to improve our community and make it a pleasant and safe place to live.

I hope to continue working with the Board, but more importantly, I hope to remain in service to my neighbors as a member of the Homeowners Association Board.

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Name: Mohammed Umar
Address: 7029 Bradwood Court

Current employment: Credit Union as an Accountant
Education: Dual undergraduate degrees in business administration. Married with four daughters

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Name: Tom Harvat, Jr.

Address: 7033 Leestone Street

Current Occupation: Program Manager for Raytheon Missile Systems. 4+ years living in Leewood

Reasons for Running: I feel I can be an asset to the current Leewood community and board

Prior Leewood Volunteer Service: Treasurer, 2005-2006; Website Committee January 2007 to present

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Name: Ramanuj Chilakamarri (Bob)

Profession: An Information Technology Project Manager in the US Federal Government

General Experience: I was a Professor in the University of Maryland during early 70s, followed by Computer Industry experience in managing large projects and lately with the Federal Government. Published many research papers and two books: The earlier one is a translation from French into English “Programming, Games and Transportation Networks” in late 1960s and the more recent one in 2007 “India Nail Art”

Specific Experience: My successful completion of the three year term responsibilities as a volunteer Board member in coordinating and working for LHOA.

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Name: Anthony (Tony) McSorley

Address: 7042 Bradwood Court

Occupation: Retired

Lived in Leewood: 30-year resident since 1978

Reasons to run for Board:

Increase house values (down 200K to 270K)
Insure all homeowners get vote on new capital expenses
Preserve reserves from excessive spending and excessive unnecessary increase assessments (up 37% in 2 years)
Eliminate trailer-park look of commercial non-resident trailers and trucks on perimeter streets

Previous Leewood volunteer service:
1. Served on Leewood board during early 90's
2. Served on two parking committees - 1 year each
3. Served on Tot Lot Committee - 1 year (was against it)
4. Painted all Leewood mailboxes personally 3 times in 90's
5. Re-roofed and repaired all 13 mail locations
6. Attended all monthly board meetings for 10 years
7. Wrote numerous community affairs articles for Newsletter

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Absentee Voting for the Annual Meeting

By now all Leewood homeowners have received their annual meeting packages. We hope that every homeowner will participate by attending the meeting. However, if you are unable to attend, it would be appreciated if you would mail your proxy to:

Leewood Homeowners Association
P.O. Box 1421
Springfield, Va. 22151

The proxy can also be dropped off at 7013 Leestone Street, the home of our secretary, Rose Weber. If you mail or drop off your proxy, please designate someone you know will be in attendance or a board member to vote for you. If you do not wish to designate someone to vote for you, please return the proxy checking for quorum purposes only. Only original documents can be used to cast your vote, copies will not be allowed.

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Sharon Bulova Wins Special Election - Becomes Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Sharon Bulova, Braddock District, was elected chairman in a special election held Tuesday, Feb. 3. She won by 1,200 votes with 16% of the county's registered population voting in this special election. She was sworn in at a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6, at the Government Center.

Bulova was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1987 and began her sixth term on Jan. 1, 2008. She has served as the board's vice chairman and chairs the board’s Budget Committee. Bulova is a founder of the Virginia Railway Express and helped establish a statewide Rail Advisory Board, which recommends funding for rail projects that have significant public benefit.

For official election results, visit the Office of Elections Web page...

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb/webreports/RESU0209.pdf

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Getting to Know Your New County Board Chairman

Sharon Bulova, 61 narrowly defeated her Republican opponent, Supervisor Pat S. Herrity, in a special election February 3rd (see above). She replaced Democrat Gerald E. Connolly, who is now in Congress and will bring a different leadership style to the board. Her soft-spoken style makes her different from her predecessors, and she prefers to leave the talking to others.

A former homemaker and civic association president, she became the Braddock supervisor 21 years ago, but never thought she would be chairman. She has been well-liked and quite content in her district and is known as much for her willingness to listen as her ability to act on such local concerns as neighborhood decline and the condition of storm-water spillways.

For more information about her, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/chairman/

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January Edition of The Leewood Times is Now Online

The newest edition of your community newsletter is now online, along with every past edition. Viewers can access the newsletter by clicking here, and if interested, you can view the archive of articles by clicking here. In a effort to help our environment, all future editions will only be printed and delivered to those who request it. If you would like a printed edition delivered to your door, please fill out the subscription form located in the March 2008 Edition, (Volume III, Issue 2)

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Holiday Trash Schedule 2008/2009 - No Change

This year Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day all fall on a Thursday. Seeing that our bi-weekly trash pick ups are scheduled for friday mornings, there is no change to our Trash schedule for those holidays. Feel free to put out all your holiday trash as normal, and make sure that you put all trash out after dark the night before to keep our community looking clean for all of our residents and thier guests during the holidays.

Special Christmas Tree Pick Ups

ADS, our trash contractor has scheduled (2) special Christmas Tree Pick-ups for Leewood. Trucks will be coming through Leewood WEDNESDAY Morning January 7th & 14th. Please put out your trees the night before free of all ornaments, lights, and tinsel.

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Maggie Pitotti Elected to LHOA Board

Your LHOA is pleased to announce that Maggie Pitotti has joined our board. She was elected at the annual meeting and comes to the board with a wealth of experience, and many years of volunteering in Leewood. We’re proud to welcome her and look forward to working alongside her. Maggie will be taking over as treasurer and releaving Mohammed Umar of his duties.

We want to give special thanks to Mohammed for his many years volunteering his time for our community and look forward to working with him in many other capacities.

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Leewood Telephone Directory in 2009

We plan to issue a new Leewood Telephone Directory in 2009. A hard copy of the form will be included in the annual notification of assessments which homeowners will receive no later than 12/1/08. In the meantime, we are posting a blank copy of the form for those homeowners who want to get a head start on completing it. Please follow the instructions on the form and send them to the address provided.

Thank you. We look forward to having great participation!

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Special Election: Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

February 3, 2009

Because Gerald Connolly was elected to the House of Representatives 11th District, Fairfax County is left without a Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, a Special Election for Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will be held. All qualified voters in Fairfax County are eligible to vote in this election.

Connolly won Virginia’s 11th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives Nov. 4. He has served as county chairman since 2004 and resigned from his current position Jan. 3. Two current county elected officials, Supervisors Sharon Bulova (D-Braddock) and Patrick Herrity (R-Springfield), have kicked off their campaigns to replace Connolly. Independent candidate Carey Campbell is also running for county chairman. For More information on this special election, check out your voting page created by the editors of the Leewood Times. More >

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Inaugural Weekend Guide

The District of Columbia plays host every four years to the inauguration of the country’s president and the related activities such as the inaugural parade, balls and galas and other festive events. Hundreds of thousands of American citizens from across the country will visit the District to take part in this historic event.

The 56th Presidential Inauguration will be a historic one, and the district is expecting tremendous turnout for the events. They are urging spectators to use public transportation and arrive early. The editors of the Leewood Times have created a guide to everything you need to know about the 2009 Inauguration. More >

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Special Christmas Tree Pick-up - Wednesday January 14th.

Help give your Christmas tree a second life by recycling it. American Disposal Services our recycling company will provide two special pick-ups for your christmas trees. The next and final special pick-up is Wednesday morning, January 14th. Please put your christmas trees out the night before free of all ornaments, lights, and tinsle.

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LHOA Board Meeting - Tuesday, January 13th 2009 7:30 p.m.

Your LHOA board meeting is a great opportunity for our members to voice concerns and learn something new about our community. All members are invited to attend and speak in an open forum. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Philip’s School across Braddock Road. The agenda is posted online for you to view. More >

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Archived Articles 2008

- Click Here For 2007 articles -

Reagan & BWI Make Top 3 In List of On-Time Departures – Dulles at the Bottom

Loudoun County Foreclosure Rate 2nd Highest in Virginia

Leewood Times Automotive Tips

Homeowner Association Questionnaires

Fairfax County Changes Recycling Program Requirements

Left Turn Lane At Backlick? - Your Opinion Needed

Leewood Times Guide to Volunteering

Identity Theft - America's Fastest Growing Problem

Expansion Brings 15 New Gates to Dulles

Local Farmers Markets Open for 2008 Season

Virginia Aquarium Team to Release 3 Sea Turtles

Virginia is Cracking Down on Drunken Driving

Virginia Institutes Stricter DUI Penalties for Underage Drivers

New Speed System Helping to Slow Drivers

A Sampling of New Virginia Laws

Fairfax County Leads the Region in Job Growth

Everything You need to Know About Pumpkins - But was afraid to ask!

Leewood's 2nd Annual Night Out - A Huge Success!

Leewood Times Guide to Fall Festivals

Leewood Times Guide to Seasonal Allergies and Pollen

NOTICE: Concrete Sidewalk Replacement July 24th, 25th, & 28th

New Report highlights Virginia's strengths in technology

Internet Mapping and Information Application Unveiled

Global Rice Shortage – Cause for Concern?

Leewood Times Guide to Spring Cleaning

Leewood Clean-Up Day - A Huge Success

Energy Saving Tips that Lower Your Energy Costs - Winter Version

Metro to Dulles Derailed

Proceeds From the Sale of "A Taste of Leewood" Cookbooks Provides a Nutritious Lunch for 450 Men, Women and Children.

Leewood Annual Meeting 2008 - Tuesday, March 11th, 8:00 p.m.

Special Board Meeting - Monday April 21st at 7 pm at 7040 Bradwood Court

Kaine Asks Lawmakers to Consider Raising Car Sales Tax

Leewood Times Guide to Winter 2008

Leewood Times Guide to New Year Resolutions

Trash Pick-up Holiday Schedule & Christmas Tree Recycling

Change a Light, Change the World – and Save Money

Be Alert For Deer This Season

Mixed Messages About The Region's Environmental Credentials

Leewood Times Guide to Holiday Entertaining

Reagan & BWI Make Top 3 In List of On-Time Departures – Dulles at the Bottom

With the summer travel season in high gear, lots of people are heading to the local airports. If you want to get off the ground and in the air quickly, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has the third best record in the country for on-time departures, according to Department of Transportation statistics. Flights leave on time 81 percent of the time.

Salt Lake City, Utah, and Portland, Ore., hold the No. 1 and No. 2 spots for on-time departures for the period from Jan. 1 to June 30.

If you are trying get on the ground fast, Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport ranks third in the nation with 79 percent of flights landing on time.

Coming in in the No. 1 and No. 2 on-time arrival spots are Salt Lake City, Utah, and Phoenix, Ariz., respectively. Dulles is near the bottom of the pack in both categories. It ranked 25th out of 32 airports in both categories.

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Loudoun County Foreclosure Rate 2nd Highest in Virginia

Loudoun homeowners are still struggling to keep their homes off the auction block.

Despite reports of an upturn in homes sales this summer, Loudoun in July saw a 54 percent increase in foreclosure filings from the same month in 2007.The county had the second highest rate of foreclosure filings in Virginia last month. Foreclosure paperwork was filed against one out of every 169 homes in Loudoun in July, a rate second in the state only to Prince William County, which saw a rate of one out of every 103 homes. A filing does not necessarily mean a home was lost to foreclosure. It can be a default notice, auction sale notice or bank repossession.

In July, 581 homes in Loudoun were in some stage of foreclosure, compared to 378 a year earlier. Meanwhile, Virginia was 10th in the country in July with 5,745 foreclosure filings. The number of homes sold in Loudoun rose 7 percent during the second quarter of 2008 from the same period last year. The average sale price, however, was down 20 percent.

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AUTOMOTIVE TIPS - Save gas, save money

With gasoline at such a premium, locking gas caps have become very popular these days. With gas prices higher than ever, fuel economy has become a very hot topic, and everyone is looking for a way to squeeze the most miles out of every fill-up.

For every common-sense solution you hear, there seems to be two wonder products that claim to produce miraculous mileage figures. To date there is nothing to help your seven-passenger SUV achieve economy car like mileage numbers. The editors of the Leewood Times have put together a list of a few tips to help you squeeze more miles out of every gallon. Give them a try and we bet you'll see a difference. More >

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Homeowner Association Questionnaires

The Board member responsible for filling out Homeowner Association Questionnaires in reference to either refinancing a home or purchasing a home is Melinda Ford. Ms. Ford can be reached at poaa@leewood.us. Your mortgage or loan company should be advised that we will make an effort to respond within 48 hours so they should plan accordingly. We may not be able to satisfy last minute or rush requests.

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Fairfax County Changes Recycling Program Requirements

Owners of all existing multi-family dwelling units (apartments and condominiums) must provide a system for their residents to recycle cardboard and mixed paper. In addition, all businesses must recycle paper. The changes that were made to the recycling program requirements did not affect Leewood and residents should continue to recycle as usual with pick ups every Tuesday morning.

For more information about trash and recycling in Leewood click here.

Click here for the official Fairfax County recycling program requirements.

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Left Turn Lane At Backlick? - Your Opinion Needed

Your LHOA Board wants your opinion about a left turn lane on Backlick Road turning into Backlick & Leestone Streets. Please send an email to Rose Weber, secretary to voice your concerns. She can be reached at secretary@leewood.us. More >

In the body of your email please indicate:

1. "RIGHT TURN" - You think the existing right turn lane from Backlick Road onto Leestone Street is necessary and more important to smooth traffic flow and safety than a left turn lane would be. You vote to leave things as they are; keep the right turn lane, and not proceed to try and have a left turn lane installed.

2. "LEFT TURN" - You want a left turn lane from Backlick Road onto Leestone Street and feel a left turn lane is necessary and more important to smooth traffic flow and safety than the right turn lane and would have no problem with losing the right turn lane. You vote to change the way things are; get rid of the right turn lane and proceed to try and have a left turn lane installed.

Click here for more information, and the results of the poll.

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Guide To Volunteering

Throughout the history of the United States, Americans have valued an ethic of service. As Alexis de Tocqueville wrote over a century and a half ago, this ethic of service “prompts [Americans] to assist one another and inclines them willingly to sacrifice a portion of their time and property to the welfare of the state.”

Today, the ethic remains strong. Across our country, Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are donating their time and talents to schools, churches, hospitals, and local nonprofits in an effort to improve their communities and serve a purpose greater than themselves.

The editors of The Leewood Times have created a guide to volunteering in our area with helpful information and links to organizations to get your started or to continue in your volunteering efforts. More >

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Identity Theft - America's Fastest Growing Problem

Last year alone, more than 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft, a crime that cost them roughly $5 billion dollars. The number of ID theft victims and their total losses are probably much higher. ID Theft can involve credit card fraud, Internet fraud, or mail theft, among other crimes. It is important for our members to be educated on this problem and steps that can be taken to prevent this from happening to anyone in Leewood. More >

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Expansion Brings 15 New Gates to Dulles

Dulles International Airport will become a bit larger Tuesday, January 15th, with the scheduled opening of the extension to Concourse B. The addition of 15 gates cost $137 million. The gates will be used by domestic carriers, including AirTran, JetBlue and Virgin America. Delta and American Airlines are expected to take up residence later this year.

The number of flights at Dulles won't immediately change, but officials expect the number of flights will increase as the airport continues to expand.

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Local Farmers Markets Open for 2008 Season

The 2008 season of the Fairfax County Farmers' Market kicks off May 1st and continues until November 19th. There are 11 markets located across the county, open different days throughout the week. The markets are well-known for top quality local foods. All farmers and producers come no further than 125 miles from Fairfax County. The editors of the Lewood Times have put together a guide to over 16 markets in our area. Your guide has information on hours of opertation, directions ect. More>

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Virginia Aquarium Team to Release 3 Sea Turtles

A Virginia aquarium team will release three Kemp's ridley sea turtles on the Eastern Shore. Aquarium officials say Snap, Crackle and Pop were rescued last month from the cooling water intake canal of a nuclear generator station by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, New Jersey. They came to Virginia Beach in mid-July. We wish good luck to Snap, Crackle and Pop.

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Virginia is Cracking Down on Drunken Driving

Governor Tim Kaine, Virginia State Police and local law enforcement have launched the 2008 Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign. The campaign will focus on drunken drivers on rural roads.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Office says more than one-third of traffic fatalities in Virginia last year were alcohol-related.

The campaign this year will use DUI checkpoints and an advertising blitz directed at young drivers. It is the seventh year for the initiative.

According to the latest figures available, Virginia saw an increase in the number of alcohol-related fatalities in 2006 from 2005, from 322 in 2005 to 374 in 2006. That followed declines for the previous three years.

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Virginia Institutes Stricter DUI Penalties for Underage Drivers

Under a new Virginia law, underage drivers under the influence of alcohol now will lose their licenses for a year, instead of six months, and a $500 fine is now the minimum rather than the maximum. They also may be sentenced to 50 hours of community service instead of the fine, and a judge could also opt to send offenders to jail for up to a year.

While the legal driving limit for adults is a blood alcohol concentration of .08, anyone younger than 21 with a BAC of .02 and above can be charged with drunk driving because it is illegal for them to be drinking in the first place.

Teens with a learner's permit must drive 45 hours instead of 40 before getting their licenses, and 15 of those hours must be after sunset. All hours must be certified on a form provided by the DMV.

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New Speed System Helping to Slow Drivers

A brand new speed limit system near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is doing what it's supposed to do: lower speeds. The system, known as Variable Speed Limit (VSL), is reducing drivers speeds by as much as 10 miles per hour when it's turned on.
VSL is being used on the Beltway near Telegraph Road as drivers approach the Wilson Bridge. The Virginia Department of Transportation has only been using the system during overnight construction projects, but increased success could lead to VSL being turned on full-time around the bridge.

The system relies on a number of sensors and cameras to monitor traffic speeds, which then alert an operator to raise or lower the posted speed limit. The idea isn't to slow drivers down, but to maintain a constant speed so every driver can get through a tight squeeze -- like a construction zone -- in an orderly fashion.

The posted speed limit with VSL can fluctuate from 55 mph to 35 mph when the system is activated. Virginia State Police have also beefed up their presence in the area and are currently handing out warnings to drivers who do not slow down for the posted speed. Eventually, the grace period will end and warnings will be replaced by fines when VSL is running.

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A Sampling of New Virginia Laws

Virginians are now free to drink sangria and dessert wine in restaurants, but they can no longer use the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test as a substitute for behind-the-wheel driving classes.
Here is a small sampling of the dozens of new state laws that went into effect Tuesday, from alcohol to zoning.

Alcohol

- Restaurants with mixed beverage licenses may now sell sangria and other beverages that mix liquor with wine or beer.

- Restaurants with limited mixed beverage licenses may sell dessert wine.

Animal fighting

- The fighting of any animals, except dogs, is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Dog fighting is a felony. Officers investigating animal fighting allegations may now conduct searches at night.

Driving

- Anyone who fails the DMV drivers test three times must attend driving school before attempting to take the test again.

- The penalty for second and subsequent violations of the child restraint law is now up to $500.

Mental health

- The standard for involuntarily committing someone to mental health treatment is lower. The person must have a significant risk of harming himself or others.

- Anyone who has been declared to be mentally incompetent or who has been involuntarily committed to psychiatric treatment is prohibited from purchasing a gun.

Miscellaneous

- Anyone who knowingly buys or receives stolen goods is also culpable for the theft.

- Anyone who is fired from a job for failing a drug test is ineligible for unemployment compensation.

- The term “mentally retarded” has been replaced with “intellectually disabled” in state code.

Sex offenses

- Legislators removed a loophole in state law that allowed men to escape prosecution by marrying girls 14 and older whom they were accused of attacking.

- Sex offenders who are prohibited from having contact with children may not go within 100 feet of a playground, athletic field/facility or gymnasium. Violation is a Class 6 felony.

- It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for someone 18 or older to tongue kiss a child 13 or younger. Anyone found guilty must register as a sex offender.

Zoning

- Localities may carry over zoning violations when a property is sold, an effort to prevent illegal boardinghouses from re-emerging.

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Fairfax County Leads the Region in Job Growth

During the second quarter of 2008, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) provided services and resources to 23 businesses that will create 826 jobs in Fairfax County. Combined with totals from the first quarter, the FCEDA has worked this year with nearly 40 companies that will add almost 1,100 jobs to what is one of the country’s most vibrant economies.

According to the latest five-year review of the region's economy by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Fairfax County led the region in labor force growth with a gain of 51,959 jobs and led the region in 2007 in new commercial development, with nearly 6.6 million square feet of projects. Time magazine called Fairfax County, “one of the great economic success stories of our time.” Business growth helps our county fund public services such as a top-ranked public school system and other public services that improve the quality of life. More >

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Pumpkins

But Was Afraid To Ask!

- Pumpkins are fruits. A pumpkin is a type of squash and is a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitacae), which also includes squash, cucumbers, gherkins, and melons.
- The largest pumpkin pie ever baked was in 2005 and weighed 2,020 pounds.
- Pumpkins have been grown in North America for five thousand years. They are indigenous to the western hemisphere.
- In 1584, after French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America, he reported finding "gros melons." The name was translated into English as "pompions," which has since evolved into the modern "pumpkin."
- Pumpkins are low in calories, fat, and sodium and high in fiber. They are good sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, potassium, protein, and iron.
- The largest pumpkin ever grown was 1,689 pounds. It was grown by Joe Jutras of North Scituate, Rhode Island.
- Pumpkin seeds should be planted between the last week of May and the middle of June. They take between 90 and 120 days to grow and are picked in October when they are bright orange in color. Their seeds can be saved to grow new pumpkins the next year.

History Of The Jack-O'Lantern

Pumpkin carving is a popular part of modern America's Halloween celebration. Come October, pumpkins can be found everywhere in the country from doorsteps to dinner tables. Despite the widespread carving that goes on in this country every autumn, few Americans really know why or when the jack o'lantern tradition began. Read on to find out!

People have been making jack o'lanterns at Halloween for centuries. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack." According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree's bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years.
Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."

In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack's lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o'lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o'lanterns.

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Leewood’s 2nd Annual National Night Out - A Great Time!

Leewood again participated in The National Night Out on August 5, 2008. Festivities started at 7:30 p.m. in the common area between 7026 and 7018 Leebrad Street. Over 50 residents attended along with four Fairfax County police officers who handed out helpful information and fun items for the children in attendance. 25 burgers and 50 hot dogs were prepared and served along with chips and soft drinks. Many "door prizes" were given away highlighted by a pair of tickets to a Washington Redskins game. Many thanks go out to all of our residents who made this year's National Night Out a huge success. Plans were made and your LHOA looks forward to many Leewood gatherings to come. More >

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Guide To Fall Festivals 2008

Fall is such a wonderful time of year in our area. The cooler weather, the foliage, and the outdoor festivals make our region a great place to live. The editors of the Leewood Times have created a guide to all the festivals within a short drive from our home. Click here for the complete list with helpful links to the event pages. More >

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Guide to Seasonal Allergies and Pollen

If you or someone you know are among the more than 26 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies, you know that annual bouts with pollen aren’t just uncomfortable, they also take a toll on mental well-being. The bad news is that your allergies are probably going to get worse before they get better and you can blame the tree pollen now blanketing our area. Unfortunately, the pollen isn't going anywhere. In fact, allergy sufferers won't see much relief in the weeks ahead. The good news is that there are a few minor lifestyle changes that can go a long way toward keeping symptoms under control. The editors of the Leewood Times have created a complete guide about seasonal allergies with tips and natural remedies for you to use. It is a must read for those of you who endure seasonal allergies. More>

Click Here for the Local Pollen Count from Pollen.com

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NOTICE: Concrete Sidewalk Replacement July 24th, 25th, & 28th

Brothers Paving and Concrete will be performing concrete sidewalk replacement for our association. These specified locations are clearly marked in orange paint.

TO PREVENT YOUR CAR FROM BEING TOWED, IT IS NECESSARY THAT VEHICLES PARKED AT MINIMUM 75-100 FEET FROM THE MARKED AREAS BE REMOVED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM OF THE DATES NOTED BELOW.

Vehicles must be cleared for full and safe access to each location that is to be repaired.

If there is an orange mark on the sidewalk within 75 feet of your parking space, please move your car to a spot that is not near one. Please remember not to park in your neighbor's reserved spot.

Here is the schedule of the streets that the sidewalks will be repaired.

Thursday & Friday July 24th and 25th:

LEEBRAD STREET
BRADGEN COURT
BRADWOOD COURT

Friday July 24th & Monday July 28th:

LEESTONE STREET
LEESTONE COURT

ALL VEHICLES THAT ARE IN THE WAY OF THIS WORK WILL BE TOWED.

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New Report highlights Virginia's strengths in technology

Fairfax County leads the state in concentration of high-tech employers, jobs and capital investment. The American Electronics Association (AeA), the nation’s largest technology trade association, released its 11th annual Cyberstates report detailing national and state trends in high-tech employment, wages and other key economic factors. According to the report, Virginia's tech industry grew by four percent, adding 9,800 jobs for a total of 270,800 in 2006, the most recent year available. Fairfax County is home to more than 5,400 technology companies and can lay claim to 135,000 technology jobs, according to the Virginia Employment Commission. This is the third consecutive year Virginia ranks among the top five states for tech job growth. That growth helps solidify Virginia's placement as the state with the highest concentration of technology workers, with 9.1 percent of its private sector workforce in the tech industry. These jobs pay nearly twice as much as the average private sector job in Virginia.

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Internet Mapping and Information Application Unveiled

The public can now research and access current information about incidents reported to Fairfax County Police with a new tool called the “Police Incident Viewer.” The tool is an add-on to Fairfax County's online mapping application called “My Neighborhood.” The information provided on this site reflects actual calls for police service received by the Department of Public Safety Communications (911 call center) and entered into the computer-aided dispatch system.

The Police Incident information displayed on these pages is originally entered into the County's computer aided dispatch system and then processed into a format that allows the information to be shown on a map. Generally incident information is available for viewing within 48 hours of the time an incident is reported.

A particular address or police district can be entered into the application and statistical data reveals the number of events for queried categories. A user can search for incidents against persons, property crimes and quality of life incidents. Once calculated, a map appears with a legend indicating what event occurred and the location to the nearest hundred block.

To access the “My Neighborhood” application, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police Click on incident mapping under "Quick Links."

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Global Rice Shortage – Cause for Concern?

While it is true that there is a rice shortage and inflation has doubled and even tripled rice prices in some places, “There is no rice shortage in the US," said David Coia, a spokesman for the USA Rice Federation. Brazil has announced that it would temporarily halt rice exports to ensure domestic supply as global prices rise, and other nations such as such as India and Vietnam, have banned foreign sales to control prices at home. Adding to the increase in rice prices, six long years of drought in Australia have taken a toll, reducing its rice crop by 98 percent. All these factors and investors seeing it as a lucrative investment have made countries that buy rice on the global market vulnerable to extreme price swings.

This has spurred panicked hoarding in Hong Kong and the Philippines, and set off protests in countries including Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Italy, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, the Philippines, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Yemen. Companies such as Sam’s Club and Costco have limited the sale of rice in its stores. Both companies insist that they have plenty of rice but say the steps were necessary to ensure there was enough for all of their clients. "This temporary cap is intended to ensure there is plenty of rice for all our members," said a spokesman for Sam's Club, which has 600 stores across the United States, adding that the measure did not apply to smaller bags of rice.

In the United States, the rice crop is actually expected to be 5% larger this year over 2007, said the National Farmers Union, and our rice production provides 88 percent of our domestic consumption, while imports from countries such as Thailand and Vietnam make up the rest.

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Guide to Spring Cleaning

The flowers are blooming, the birds are serenading, and our house still feels like it's stuck with winter blues. Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. The editors of the Leewood Times have put together a helpful guide with everything you need to help you with your spring cleaning and organization. More >

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Leewood Clean-Up Day - A Huge Success

Leewood held a successful clean-up day on Saturday, April 5. The bad weather held off long enough for us to complete the project. 16 homeowners participated.

Two pick-up truckloads of trash and debris were taken to the dump. Eight azaleas were planted in the common area, one Rose of Sharon and lots of hostas, daylilies and liriope. Hopefully in future years, these plantings will grow and add to the beauty of Leewood in the spring. The shrubs and flowers were donated through the kind generosity of several homeowners.

Thanks to all those who participated. We look forward to an even larger turnout on our next clean-up day

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Energy Saving Tips that Lower Your Energy Costs - Winter Version

As we head toward winter, there are some simple steps that you can take around your home that can save you money while you keep yourself and your family warm and toasty. As you adjust your thermostat, remember that increased power consumption results in higher electric bills. Using energy efficiently makes good sense year-round, but it can really pay off this time of year.

Rising fuel costs have made energy conservation even more important. Heating your home can account for half of your winter power use, so cutting back here is a good way to save. Remember, you can reduce your energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. More >

Click here for some energy saving tips

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Metro to Dulles Derailed

The Federal Transit Administration rejected funding for the Metro to Dulles project. The news sent shock waves through the region's political and business establishments, which have been promoting the need for a rail connection between the nation's capital and its major international airport since the 1960s. The line was expected to ease congestion through Virginia's biggest jobs corridor and also help it grow by stimulating a transformation of suburban Tysons Corner into a thriving downtown. In a letter sent to Governor Kaine, FTA head James S. Simpson formally rejected funding citing many reasons. More >

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Proceeds From the Sale of "A Taste of Leewood" Cookbooks
Provides a Nutritious Lunch for 450 Men, Women and Children.

A special thank you to the many volunteers and contributors who have made “A Taste of Leewood” cookbook a wonderful expression of community. Thanks to all of the residents that contributed and purchased cookbooks, we have raised enough money to provide a nutritious lunch for 450 men, women and children, and we can't stop there!

The first ever “A Taste of Leewood” Cookbook is on sale now. The cookbook is a collection over 70 recipes that include appetizers, beverages, soups, sandwiches, salads, entrées and desserts, along with holiday specialties, and pet friendly homemade treats. Also included are helpful entertaining tips and cooking guides with common measurements and meat temperatures.

“A Taste of Leewood” offers easy-to-prepare dishes that will delight regular family meals or add a special culinary joy to any festive occasion. For this cookbook, recipes were collected from residents, their families, and the editors' favorites.

The cookbook costs $18 with all proceeds benefiting SOME – So Others Might Eat. “A Taste of Leewood” is a dignified way to raise money for an interfaith, community-based organization that exists to help the poor and homeless of our nation's capital. They meet the immediate daily needs of the people they serve with food, clothing, and health care. They also help break the cycle of homelessness by offering services, such as affordable housing, job training, addiction treatment, and counseling, to the poor, the elderly and individuals with mental illness. Each day, S.O.M.E. is restoring hope and dignity one person at a time.

For more information about S.O.M.E. check out www.some.org.

Click here for more information on how to order and the payment options.

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Leewood Annual Meeting 2008 - Tuesday, March 11th, 8:00 p.m.

The Leewood Homeowners Association annual meeting will be held on March 11, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in Room 412 (Student Union) of the Immanuel Bible Church located on the southeast corner of Backlick and Braddock Roads. Each homeowner will be receiving the meeting package in the mail. All homeowners are encouraged to attend.

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Special Board Meeting - Monday April 21st at 7 pm at 7040 Bradwood Court

The Board will meet in executive session to discuss a legal case. No other business will be conducted.

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Kaine Asks Lawmakers to Consider Raising Car Sales Tax

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said he would like legislators to consider increasing the tax on automobile sales to generate more money for highway maintenance and end the controversial fees on bad drivers. Kaine has been pushing for the increase since taking office, stressed that such a tax increase would need a bipartisan consensus before it could take place. People who buy new cars pay a 3 percent sales tax even though Virginia's sales tax is 5 percent.

Last week, all 21 Democrats in the Senate held a news conference to say they are considering a range of options for raising money to address transportation. Some proposals call for an increase in the state's 17.5 cent-a-gallon gas tax, which hasn't been raised since 1986. Kaine said he's open to an increase in the gas tax, but called the sales tax on cars "straightforward and rational."

"There are a lot of different people talking about a lot of different proposals, let's see if they reach consensus on them," Kaine said.

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Winter Guide 2008

The mention of winter evokes images of sparkling snowflakes and skaters gracefully gliding across the ice, though heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

The editors of the Leewood Times have put together a guide to help you have a healthy and happy winter. Helpful household tips can help you save on energy costs this season, and the section on driving in the snow can help you and your family be safe. More >

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Guide to New Year Resolutions

"If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford

A New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until the set goal has been achieved. The editors of the Leewood Times have created a helpful guide on New Year Resolutions with tips and tricks on how to achieve your goals. More >

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Trash Pick-up Holiday Schedule & Christmas Tree Recycling

There will be NO trash pickup on 12/25/07 and 1/1/08. Trash will be picked up on the next regularly scheduled day which will be 12/28/07 and 1/4/08.

Since recycling is also picked up on 12/25/07 and 1/1/08, ADS will do a special pickup on Saturday 12/29/07. This is a one-time Saturday pickup only for recycling, not for regular trash.

Recycling should be placed out no later than 6 a.m. on 12/29/07, since the trucks will come early. Christmas trees will be picked up on yard debris collection days (Fridays) through 1/11/08. Trees put out after 1/11/08 can be placed with regular household trash on Fridays. Trees must be placed out without tinsel or decorations on them and should NOT be placed in plastic bags.

In inclement weather, ADS will cancel collection when ADS deems roads to be unsafe. Trash will again be picked up on next regularly scheduled trash day.

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Change a Light, Change the World – and Save Money

Leewood residents can save $3.00 toward the the purchase of an energy-efficient light bulb at Office Depot simply by pledging to change out an incandescent light bulb with an energy-efficient compact florescent light. We encourage everyone to join the ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World campaign, a national call-to-action that promotes the small step of changing a light bulb as a means of protecting the environment and preserving energy resources. From Oct. 3 to Nov. 30

After pledging, residents will receive a $3 discount coupon toward an energy-efficient light bulb purchase at Office Depot. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a 100-watt incandescent light bulb with a 32-watt compact fluorescent lamp will save at least $30 in energy costs over the life of just that one bulb and give the same brightness.

If every American home replaced one light with an energy efficient one, every year we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars! More >

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Be Alert For Deer This Season

Be extra vigilant for deer while driving. To avoid a dangerous and often costly collision with deer this please take the following driving tips:

- Always wear your seat belt to reduce the possibility of injury in case of a collision.

- Be alert for deer; drive cautiously —especially if you see a deer crossing sign. Be especially attentive at dusk and dawn during deer breeding season from mid-October to January. (Peak deer movement in the fall coincides with the time change back to standard time. This shifts rush hour into darkness hindering a driver's ability to see deer.)

- When you spot a deer near the roadway, slow down and be ready for the animal to dart into the road. Honk your horn to try to scare the deer away. Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one deer near the roadway, be cautious for others.

- When you see a deer on a roadway, flash your headlights from bright to dim and honk the horn to encourage it to move away from the road. Drive with lights on during overcast days and use high beams at night whenever possible. (Though headlights can confuse deer, the reflecting light from their eyes will help you to see them.) Warn drivers following you of the presence of deer by tapping on your brakes.

- If a deer runs into the roadway, try to slow down or brake without swerving. Losing control of your car and crashing into another car or a stationary object can be more dangerous than hitting the deer.

If you cannot avoid hitting a deer, slow down and grasp the steering wheel firmly with both hands. Take your foot off the brake at the time of impact so the front end of your vehicle will lift up and enable the deer to go under the car, rather than over it (reducing the danger of it crashing through the windshield or windows). If the animal is injured or killed, report the collision through the non-emergency line at (703) 691-2131.

In 2006 there were 129 reportable crashes between vehicles and deer in Fairfax County with 14 resulting in injuries to people. However, the actual number of collisions is likely between 3,000 and 5,000. If motorists remain alert and slow down to allow more reaction time, it is possible that some of these crashes could be avoided or result in less damage.

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Mixed Messages About The Region's Environmental Credentials

There were mixed messages at a 2007 conference on the region's environmental credentials, portraying Washington as a place with sterling intentions for the Earth but having significant trouble keeping the air and water clean.

On the plus side, Washington area residents bought 223 hybrid cars for every 100,000 residents last year, which ranks them ahead of such famously Earth-friendly cities as Boston and Chicago. Our area also has one of the highest numbers of buildings registered or certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program, a leading arbiter of green construction.

However, It was also reported that our area has 23 days of elevated air pollution a year, which was more than seven times Boston's total. Residents spent an average of 33 minutes commuting -- even longer than Los Angeles commuters -- and many of them spend it in pollution-spewing cars. And the Potomac River, the Anacostia River and the Chesapeake Bay are all plagued by pollution.

For these reasons and others, many outside experts have ranked the Washington area behind such places as Chicago, New York, Seattle and San Francisco on lists of green regions. These lists often look at such factors as the number of parks, use of public transit, air pollution and plans for tackling climate change.

Both Virginia Govenor Timothy M. Kaine and District Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Kaine spoke at the conference about their plans for closing the gap. Kaine said Virginia was paying millions more to clean up the Chesapeake, looking for cleaner energy sources and researching plans to store carbon dioxide -- a major greenhouse gas -- in old coal mines. Fenty talked about a push for greener buildings in the District, including environmental design elements at the new Washington Nationals baseball park in Southeast.

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Guide To Holiday Entertaining

If your home will be the central gathering place this year, it's time to make your lists and check them over twice. There are several things you can do to make the visit pleasurable for you and your guests. The editors of the Leewood Times have created a special Holiday Entertaining Guide for you to use. Whether you're planning to throw your first dinner party, or you've been hosting gatherings for years, this primer will remind you of all the little details that add up to a spectacular occasion. More >

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Archived Articles 2007

Leewood Website Has New Webmaster
Leewood.us – The Official Website of your LHOA
The History of Leewood
The History of General Braddock and His Road
Some information about Your County
Leewood Times is Now Online
LHOA Board Meeting Minutes Online
AARP offers FREE Tax-Aide
Fairfax County Park Authority to Host Gardening Symposium
Major Step taken in Springfield Mall Revamp
Pamela Stover to take over Assessment Collection Duties
Fairfax County Does Away With the Decals - Get Out Your Scrapers
Winter Preparedness - Residents Encouraged to Plan for Cold Weather Season
Charles Town Casino to offer Table Games - Contingent on Local Vote
Transportation Package Approved in Northern Virginia
Dominion Seeks Electric Rate Hike
Website Committee Adopts New Guidelines
Many Farmers Markets in Fairfax County open in May
Spring Blooms in Leewood - Spring Gardening Tips for Homeowners
Take a Hike! - Northern Virginia Offers a Wide Variety of Hiking Trails
Dumping in Leewood Costs YOU Money!
UPDATE: Hand Written Numbers In Parking Lot Removed
Leewood’s National Night Out 2007 A Success!
Fairfax Co. Restricts Big-Box Development
Horses Safe After Clifton Barn Fire
LHOA Special Board Meeting Tuesday July 3rd, 7:30pm
Daylight Saving Time Ends - Saturday November 4th
Absentee Voting Continues Through Saturday, November 3rd
The Electoral Board and General Registrar General Election
Capital Home & Garden Show 2/22-2/25
Mommy & Me Program Love Drive
LHOA Annual Meeting March 13th 8:00pm
LEEWOOD Annual Meeting – The Results are In…
The Fairfax County Police Need Your Help
Leewood Spring Clean-up Day (4/14)
Neighborhood Concerns and County Services
Computer chips now lead Virginia exports
Kettler Capitals Iceplex Opens in Arlington
Norovirus Sickens 150 at Crystal City Hyatt
Pruning for the Homeowner Workshop at Green Spring 3/10
Enjoy a Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise
Leewood Times Summer Fun Guide 2007
Fight The Bite! - A message from supervisor Penny Gross
Yappy Hour! K-9’s-n-Wine, A Huge Success!!
Fairfax Co. Restricts Big-Box Development
Transportation Package Nears Approval in Northern Virginia
Do Your Share for Clean Air
VDOT Holds Meetings about HOT lanes on Interstate 95 & 395
Fairfax County to Crackdown on Illegal Boarding Houses
Fairfax Votes For Overhead Metro Link To Dulles
Higher Fines for VA Drivers
UPDATE: Fees for Driving Infractions to Be Reassessed
Virginia Cracks Down on Gang Activity
Graduation Rates In Fairfax County Near Top
Ann Bailey Takes Over The Homeowner Account Duties
Update of Leewood Community Projects
Homeowner Association Questionnaires
Leewood Times Guide to Virginia Fall Festivals 2007
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Have Your Personal and Sensitive Documents Shredded for FREE!
Judge Affirms Transportation Plan
Virginia DMV Expands Online Services - Website Gets New Look
Volunteer Fairfax Seeks Recruits
Virginia Facing Teacher Shortages
Did You Know? - the dry pond

Leewood Website Has New Webmaster

The webmaster duties have been taken over by John Atsatt. If you have any articles you would like included, or have suggestions or comments please send an email to: webmaster@leewood.us.

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Leewood.us – The Official Website of your LHOA

The website you are viewing is the official website of the Leewood Homeowners Association. It is important to understand that all information on this website, minus the message board, can be trusted as fact and not the opinion of the writer.

Our goal is to provide our members with information about Leewood and the community, not to express views. Recently, a flyer was distributed to our doors from a neighbor promoting a different website that portrays itself as the website of Leewood. It is important to note that this website is privately funded and maintained totally separate of your LHOA.

While we value the interest in our community and our association, we in no way endorse any other website that uses our name and the opinions of their authors. Be cautious of the validity of the content that is provided elsewhere and accept no imitations.

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The History of Leewood

Leewood was at one time a forest of very old white and red oak trees and sweet gum trees. Many of them still stand today. Gosnell, the builder of Leewood, had been building fine homes in Maryland and Virginia for some time; They began contruction here in 1974 and completed construction in 1979.

The open area across Backlick Road from us was the Boyer property. He had a vegetable patch in his front lawn and for many years the people of Leewood would buy fresh tomatoes from the stand he set up on this property. It had once been a chicken farm and truck farm. The whole field on the right leading down to what is now Deerlick Park was once a field of prize chrysanthemums.

Braddock Road (named for the British General Braddock, see below), Backlick Road and the whole Springfield area have a long history. What is now known as the Braddock District is traced back to the pre-revolutionary year of 1695 when Colonel William Fitzhugh purchased more than 24,000 acres of land, originally named "Ravensworth."

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The History of General Braddock and His Road

To trace the history of Braddock Road, project yourself back before Captain John Smith sailed up the Potomac River in 1608 with a small party of English explorers. Indian villages lay along the waterways within what were later to become the boundaries of Fairfax County. Reminders of these native inhabitants linger today in names like Pohick, Accotink and Occoquan. Watercourses served as highways in those times.

While "roads" were very few in those early days, precursors to Braddock Road can be identified on most of the earliest maps. A map drew between 1745 and 1748 shows an old Indian trail following the general path of the present-day Braddock Road. On old maps throughout the 1700's, the road is identified as "Alexandria Road" and "Mountain Road". This road, later to be called Braddock's Road, was incorporated in the year 1752, according to the minutes of the 1752 Fairfax courthouse.

The road received its name during the French and Indian War when English General Edward Braddock led British and colonial troops departing from the city of Alexandria to Winchester, Virginia and then on to Fort Duquesne. On July 9, 1755 General Braddock's army was met near Fort Duquesne by a party of Canadians and Indians under Captain Beaujeau.

General Braddock died in that battle, a legend tells of the general's remains being buried (and later discovered by road crews) in the middle of "his" road. Another legend tells of a cannon full of gold being buried along Braddock Road when General Braddock's troops became mired in mud as they traveled through Fairfax County on their way to Ft. Duquesne.

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Some information about Your County

Fairfax County, Virginia is a diverse and thriving urban county. As the most populous jurisdiction in both Virginia and the Washington metropolitan area, the county's population exceeds that of seven states. The median household income of Fairfax County is one of the highest in the nation and over half of its adult residents have four-year college degrees or more educational attainment. For more information and statistics about the county click here.

For a large gallery of maps showing a wide range of geographies (i.e. school attendance areas, voting districts, etc.) and points of interest (i.e. parks, police stations, etc.)
visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/aboutfairfax/. Dynamic maps also are available allowing users to view aerial photography or search for a location based on address, parcel search or area of interest. Visitors can also view the time machine to see aerial photography of different areas of the county back to 1937.

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Leewood Times is Now Online

The Leewood Association Newsletter, dubbed The "Leewood Times" is now available to our members on our website. In addition to the printed copy that is delivered to our doors, our association members can view it online in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF) with Adobe Reader.

To view an index of all the Leewood Times Issues and articles from past years, use the "News" Tab on the top left side of your screen or click here. To receive a copy of any archived newletters (2000-2005), please send an email request to Rose Weber, our secretary at secretary@leewood.us.

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LHOA Board Meeting Minutes Online

In an effort to keep the membership informed, The LHOA Board has posted every meeting minutes online from the start of 2005. In addition to the minutes, association members have access to the agenda and topics discussed each and every month. Once the previous minutes are voted on and approved for the record, you can find them by using the "Administration" Tab on the top left side of your screen and following the "minutes" link or by clicking here. All minutes are available for our members, if you would like to have a copy of any archived minutes (prior to 2005), please send an email request to Rose Weber, our secretary at secretary@leewood.us.

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AARP offers FREE Tax-Aide

For years now, AARP has offered FREE tax help to residents at the Mason District Governmental Center. In 2007 the same great service will be available. It is fast, easy, and FREE! If you need assistance with filing your federal and state tax forms, AARP will provide walk-in service at the Mason District Governmental Center from February 1 to April 16, 2007. Hours of operation will be Mondays and Thursdays: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 12 noon. All returns are filed electronically. Remember to bring with you: last year's tax return, a photo ID, and your Social Security Card. For more information about AARP Tax-Aide, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide, or call 1-888-227-7669. The Mason District Governmental Center is located at 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, Virginia.

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Fairfax County Park Authority to Host Gardening Symposium

The Green Spring Master Gardeners will host the third annual EcoSavvy Gardening Symposium at Green Spring Gardens Park on Saturday, February 24, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register by February 17 to learn, from the perspective of a conservationist, an academic, and two landscape designers, simple ways to improve the environment. The symposium topics include:

- Backyard Habitats
- Opportunities to Connect, Learn, and Conserve
- Rain Gardens
- Fix Your Backyard and Save the Bay
- Changing the Paradigm: an Ecological Approach to Landscape Design
- Fighting Extinction with Native Plants

For more information, or to register click here.

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Major Step taken in Springfield Mall Revamp

A long-awaited overhaul of the Springfield Mall has taken a major step forward, with a developer filing plans for a new blueprint for the Fairfax County shopping hub. The mall, owned by Vornado Realty Trust, is widely seen as one of the county’s prime targets for redevelopment. The exact details of the Springfield Mall Town Center rezoning proposal filed Jan. 11 are still unclear because the county has not yet reviewed them.

Hopes run high, however, that the now-lackluster mall on Frontier Drive can be converted to a more vibrant locale. Another major mall revamp of the Tysons Corner Center saw approval from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors this week.“What we want to see, clearly, is increased retail and a couple new big-box retailers to help anchor them all,” said Jeff McKay, chief of staff for Fairfax County Supervisor Dana Kauffman. “We obviously want to see some new office space and a hotel to bolster it as a real mixed-use project.”

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Pamela Stover to take over Assessment Collection Duties

Effective January 1, 2007, Pamela Stover will be responsible for all assessment collection and tracking duties. The Assessment is now $150.00 per quarter and should be mailed to:

Leewood Homeowner's Association
P.O. Box 1421
N Springfield, VA 22151-0421

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Fairfax County Does Away With the Decals - Get Out Your Scrapers

Effective July 1, 2006, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors eliminated the requirement to display a local vehicle decal. The Board also voted to eliminate the decal fee of $25. As a result, they have not attached any decals to this year’s car tax bills. Decals are no longer sold online or at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Vehicles properly registered with the Fairfax County DTA are not subject to ticketing for failure to display a County decal on the windshield (you can remove the old, green decal from last year)!

For more information visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dta/pdf_files/NoMoreDecals.pdf

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Winter Preparedness - Residents Encouraged to Plan for Cold Weather Season

With the onset of winter and colder weather, Fairfax County encourages residents to take precautions to stay safe. Many tips and reminders of how to stay safe during the winter weather season can be found online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2006/304.htm.

One important suggestion is to prepare and maintain an Emergency Supply Kit. Because ice storms and blizzards can knock down power lines, freeze water pipes and prevent you from traveling, Leewood residents should be sure to have a home emergency supply kit, including:

- At least a three-day supply of food that won’t spoil.
- One gallon of water per person, per day.
- A battery-powered radio or a cell phone with text messaging capacity.
- A flashlight with extra batteries.
- A First-aid kit.
- An extra supply of prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
- A plan for those with special needs who may need to stay in your home because they lost utilities.

Those with special needs could include the elderly, people with disabilities and the medically frail.
Additional information on assembling an emergency supply kit is available online at the Fairfax County Citizens Corps Web site, www.fairfaxcountycitizencorps.org, as well as the county’s emergency information Web page, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency.

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Charles Town Casino to offer Table Games - Contingent on Local Vote

On June 9th, Residents of Jefferson County, West Virginia, will go to the polls to decide whether blackjack, poker, roulette and other forms of table gambling should also be allowed at the Charles Town casino. Similar votes are scheduled the same day for three other racetrack casinos in West Virginia.

The West Virginia legislature approved a bill this spring legalizing table gambling at the four racetrack casinos, contingent on local approval. It was the third straight year the legislature took up the issue, which never had enough support until this year. The other tracks are in Hancock, Ohio and Kanawha counties.

If the June 9 ballot measure is approved, The Charles Town casino plans to open 75 to 80 gambling tables in the first phase of operations, creating hundreds of jobs. The casino has about 5,000 slot machines, and the horse track runs about 220 days a year.

Residents in Jefferson County would benefit from the table gambling because about $1.5 million in revenue from poker and blackjack would go to the fast-growing Jefferson County school system for construction and teachers' salaries. About $170 million would go to the state.

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Transportation Package Approved in Northern Virginia

Local elected officials in Northern Virginia approved a groundbreaking, multimillion dollar regional transportation package that includes higher taxes and fees. The package would raise $324 million a year, and area governments could generate an additional $100 million for themselves by approving three other fees.

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Dominion Seeks Electric Rate Hike

Dominion Virginia Power has asked state regulators for permission to raise electricity rates this year to cover rising fuel costs, translating into a monthly bill increase of about 4 percent, or $3.41, for the typical residential customer.

Dominion, one of the country's 10 largest public utilities, is likely to ask for similar increases next year and the year after that, company spokesman David Botkins said.

This year's proposed rate increase would be used entirely to cover projected increases in the cost of the natural gas, coal and oil that Dominion uses to generate electricity, Botkins said. If approved by the State Corporation Commission, it would be the first increase since 2004. It would go into effect July 1 for Dominion's 2.1 million customers in Virginia, including 780,000 in the Washington region. Dominion serves all of Northern Virginia except for a small corner of Prince William County.

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Website Committee Adopts New Guidelines

Your Private LHOA Message Boards reflect diverse topics of discussion. We encourage all members to participate and to share from their experiences in Leewood. We ask that you do so in a manner that is both kind and respectful to the person you are responding to.

The website committee has adopted a new set of guidelines for your LHOA message boards. We hope that you enjoy lively discussions while adhering to the guidelines we have set forth. Click here to view the new message board guidelines.

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Many Farmers Markets in Fairfax County open in May

Each May to November, eleven sites throughout Fairfax County spring to life with the activity of an open-air market. These bustling marketplaces draw thousands of Fairfax County residents with a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors of freshly picked fruits and vegetables contrast with the fragrant perfume of cut flowers. The markets provide a way to connect with the producers of our food-a way of life once commonplace for many of our parents and grandparents.

All products sold at the Farmers Market are produced by the vendors within 125 miles of Fairfax County. Buy local and support sustainable agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. You will find the freshest and most desirable fruit, vegetables, plants, baked goods, eggs, dairy and meats available. Click Here for a complete list of Markets in our area.

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Spring Blooms in Leewood - Spring Gardening Tips for Homeowners

Residents of Leewood are responsible for maintaining their private properties – keeping back yards mowed, raking leaves and trimming shrubs and trees. Toys, lawn mowers, landscaping equipment, tools, bicycles and other items should not be stored or left overnight on front or side lots, including front stoops. Click here for Spring Gardening Tips.

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Take a Hike! - Northern Virginia Offers a Wide Variety of Hiking Trails

Our area has many types of nature trails and interpretive trails, lake hikes and river hikes, hikes to viewpoints and mountain summits, urban hiking trails and backcountry treks. There is something for hikers of all abilities and experience levels, from the occasional day-hiker or nature walker to the seasoned hiker and long trail backpacker.

To enjoy the hike, it is essential that you are well prepared. Preparation includes, among other things, that you are medically fit; that you have done other similar hikes in the past; that you have enough food and water; that you have proper footwear; and that you are dressed for possible adverse weather.

Use the links below to find to the perfect hiking trail for you, everything from easy day hikes to moderately strenuous hikes and extended overnight backpacking trips.

Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority

Fairfax County Virginia – (private information page)

Northern Virginia Hiking Club ($5 a year membership; $2 a hike)

Slackpacker.com – (links to VA trail sites)

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Dumping in Leewood Costs YOU Money!

Did you know that every time a homeowner dumps debris (yard or shrub clippings, pieces of concrete, old fence or any other object) into the common area, that it costs YOU money? Did you know that when your contractor dumps material (patio concrete, dead shrubs, old fence or other objects) into the common area, it also costs YOU money?

Your Homeowners Association pays our Grounds and Maintenance contractor to clean up our common areas, including the wooded areas, twice a year. When an excessive amount of debris or materials are found in these areas, it becomes necessary to authorize additional pickups. This costs the Association money and diverts it from other uses including our reserve funds.

PLEASE do not dump items into the common areas including the woods and ask your contractors to haul any debris away from Leewood.

Your help is appreciated.

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UPDATE: Hand Written Numbers In Parking Lot Removed

On Thursday, June 14th, graffiti from the sidewalk on Leebrad Street and parking space numbers marked for the painters were removed by pressure washing. No chemicals were used on the curbs and a solvent called DWR was used on the graffiti.

DWR is a water based, zero V.O.C. formula designed to be used in conjunction with anti graffiti barriers and general graffiti removal from a variety of surfaces. It does not contain any caustic, NMP or methylene chloride.

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Leewood’s National Night Out 2007 A Success!

Neighbors throughout Leewood joined thousands of communities nationwide on Tuesday, August 7th, from 7-9pm, participating in the 24th Annual 'National Night Out'. Leewood’s National Night Out was held in the common area next to 7026 Leebrad Street. Representatives from the Fairfax County Police Department answered questions and provided helpful information to our residents. Thanks to all that attended.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the next community gathering.

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Fairfax Co. Restricts Big-Box Development

Developers of big box retail stores will have to seek permission on where and how they can build after a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors vote. The board voted 5-3, with two abstentions, to require developers to get approval for their locations before then build stores larger than 80,000 square feet.

The goal is to lessen the negative effects of large stores. Those effects include noise, traffic and the aesthetic blight that comes with big box stores. Under the ordinance the supervisors could demand multistory buildings, parking garages and pedestrian and transit access from the stores as conditions for approval.

The board did agree to revisit the size guidelines in 18 months to see if any development slowdown actually happens.

Montgomery and Prince William counties already have similar legislation in place.

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Horses Safe After Clifton Barn Fire

A dozen horses are fine after a fire destroys their Clifton, Va., barn. It was feared that some of the horses had died in the Thursday night fire. The owners of the barn opened the barn doors but weren't sure how many horses got out because it was dark.

"The barn did collapse after the fire," says Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Capt. Mike Schaff. Only one horse did suffer a minor injury.

Fire officials say they believe the fire was accidental, probably lightning.

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LHOA Special Board Meeting Tuesday July 3rd, 7:30pm

Your LHOA Board will be conducting a special board meeting to discuss the reserve study in order to save time for the scheduled agenda at the monthly meeting. The meeting will be held at 7013 Leestone Street and is open for all to attend.

LHOA Board Meeting Tuesday July 10th, 7:30pm

Along with the special meeting outlined above, the LHOA will convene for the scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 10th at 7:30pm. Your LHOA board meeting is a great opportunity for our members to voice concerns and learn something new about our community. The agenda is posted online, and all members are invited to attend and speak in an open forum. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Philip’s School across Braddock Road.

Click here for the remaining 2007 LHOA board meeting schedule

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Daylight Saving Time Ends - Saturday November 4th

Spring forward, Fall back

Clocks fall back from 1:59 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. This time was originally chosen as the changeover time because it was practical and minimized disruption. Most people were at home and this was the time when the fewest trains were running. It is late enough to minimally affect bars and restaurants, and it prevents the day from switching to yesterday, which would be confusing. It is early enough that the entire continental U.S. switches by daybreak, and the changeover occurs before most early shift workers and early churchgoers are affected. So remember to change your clocks back when you go to bed Saturday night.

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Absentee Voting Continues Through Saturday, November 3rd

In-Person Absentee Voting at satellite locations throughout Fairfax County is available through Saturday, November 3. If you will not be able to go to your regular polling place on Election Day, November 6, you can vote absentee in-person at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, Monday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

In Person Absentee Voting is also available at our Seven Satellite Locations from October 17th thru November 3rd, Monday thru Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Satellite Locations:

Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria
Mason Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale
McLean Governmental Center, 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean
Mount Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria
North County Governmental Center, 12000 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston
Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly
West Springfield Governmental Center, 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield

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The Electoral Board and General Registrar General Election

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

This Tuesday November 6, 2007, Fairfax County will hold its General and Special Elections for 2007. Residents of Leewood are part of the Mason District - Precinct 531 LEEWOOD.

Our Polling Place is St. John's United Methodist Church located at 5312 Backlick Road, Springfield. We share this polling place with precinct 527 EDSALL.

The Polling Place will be open from 6:00am - 7:00pm.

Click Here for more information on The General and Special Elections.

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Capital Home & Garden Show 2/22-2/25

The Capital Home & Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center is the place for you to experience what's new in building, gardening, remodeling, home decor and more! Find inspiration, get great advice, discover today’s top trends and styles, and shop over 600 exhibits for everything for your home and garden.

It's never too early to start planning for spring. Discover the latest outdoor trends, styles and products by touring Dazzling Gardens created by some of the area's top landscape companies. Whether you're looking for an entire backyard makeover or simply looking to update your patio, deck or increase your curb appeal, visit both halls to explore a wide selection of outdoor inspiration.

Capital Home & Garden Show

When: February 22-25

Where: Dulles Expo Center

URL: http://www.capitalhomeshow.com

Cost:
Adults: $10.00 ($9.00 if purchased online)
Children ages 6-12 years: $3.00
Children 5 and under: FREE

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Mommy & Me Program Love Drive

Everyone has a time where they could use a little help. The Fairfax County David R. Pinn Community Center, 12125 Zion Drive, Fairfax, is sponsoring a Love Drive to collect new and gently used furniture, toys, and clothing items for infants and toddlers of teens now through February 28, 2007. The items will benefit the participants in the Mommy & Me program for teem mothers held at the Net Teen Center. The following locations are donations sites:

• David R. Pinn Community Center, 12125 Zion Drive, Fairfax
• Mott Community Center, 12111 Braddock Road, Fairfax
• Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax
• Franconia-Springfield Senior Center in the Firehouse, 7137 Beulah Street, Alexandria
• The Net Teen Center in the Irving Middle School, 8100 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield.

Community Centers will be accepting donations Monday through Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.; senior centers, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and the teen center, Tuesday through Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. The Fairfax County Dept. of Community and Recreation Services operate these centers. Click here for more information.

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LHOA Annual Meeting March 13th 8:00pm

Our 2007 annual meeting will be held at 8:00pm on Tuesday March 13th in Room 412 (the student union) of the Immanuel Bible Church. In addition to voting on members for the Board, we will vote on the tax resolution and by-law changes. Updates on several projects including lighting, drainage, and locking mailboxes will be provided. There will also be door prizes. For more information please refer to the information packet that was mailed to each homeowner.

See you on the 13th!

LEEWOOD Annual Meeting – The Results are In…

Your LHOA would like to thank all of the many homeowners who attended and participated in the Leewood annual meeting. It was a great turnout and it was pleasant seeing new and familiar faces and getting together with new neighbors.

The meeting began with a report from Janet Rourke, the sitting president and was followed by a report on our annual budget by Leona Taylor. Leona’s report was very well received and we thank her very much for her presentation, especially under the circumstances. She is a great asset to this community and we wish her and her family all the best.

After the presentations, the meeting moved to discussions about the tax resolution and by-law change regarding parking and portable storage device restrictions.

With no nominations from the floor, voting began; here are the results (16 absentee ballots included):

	For	Against	Abstain
Tax Resolution	52	3	1
Parking By-law Change	37	16	3
Janet Rourke for a Board Position	50	3	3
Melinda Ford for a Board Position	47	3	5

After the voting, updates on special projects such as common area lighting, drainage improvements and locking mailboxes were given along with a healthy debate on each. Many people participated in the discussions in an open forum. Door Prizes were then drawn from the pool of attendees and four gift certificates to Silverado Restaurant were won by: Al Sanford, Maggie Pitotti, Rose Westberg, & John Andersen. Overall, the meeting was a success and well received by homeowners. After the meeting adjourned many homeowners stayed to enjoy refreshments and lively conversation with their neighbors. We especially enjoyed meeting new homeowners in Leewood.

LHOA thanks all of the participants and volunteers that contributed their time for their community.

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The Fairfax County Police Need Your Help

Police Seek Public’s Assistance in Finding Shooting Suspect

On Saturday March 3rd around 10:00pm Fairfax County Police Officers were seen in our neighborhood searching for a suspect in a shooting at the 7500 block of Dunston Street in North Springfield. Along with the officers there was a police helicopter circling over Leewood. Many of our residents expressed concern on our message board and have many questions. The Fairfax County Police Department has issued a News Release on this subject along with pictures of the suspect.

Click here to view the The Fairfac County Police Department News Release

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Leewood Spring Clean-up Day (4/14)

Please join us for the spring clean-up day on Saturday, April 14th. We will gather at 7040 Bradwood Court at 9:00am. Each volunteer will be assigned an area in leewood to beautify. Refreshments and tools will be provided. If you have tools and equipment you wish to supply for the day, or need more information, please contact Al Sanford, the head of the grounds and maintenance committee. He can be reached via email at: grounds@leewood.us.

Thank You in advance for your participation. See you on the 14th.

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Neighborhood Concerns and County Services

Fairfax County has adopted regulations to promote public health, safety and general welfare. These regulations are enforced by different agencies within the county. A brochure was created and lists the most common neighborhood issues and the agencies responsible for addressing them. The brochure is available online to download and can be translated in many different languages.

If you are directly affected by any of the issues noted in the brochure and wish to register a complaint, call the listed phone number. When calling, be prepared to describe the situation, give your name, address, phone number and the best time to contact you. Upon receipt of your complaint, staff may:

• Contact you if additional information is needed prior to conducting the inspection.

• Take action if violations are found to gain compliance in a reasonable amount of time.

Fairfax County looks forward to working with you to keep our neighborhoods vibrant, clean and wonderful places in which to live.

Other Information:

In addition, the Police Department provides an online form for non-emergency information purposes only: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/crs

Fairfax County also protects consumers. Visit this page to file complaints and to find other information:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer/

* Complaints regarding Zoning or Noise Ordinance issues may be registered by calling the Zoning Enforcement Branch at 703-324-1300 (TTY 711) or you may the Fairfax County online complaint form. Please call if you are unsure of where to register your complaint.

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Computer chips now lead Virginia exports

Coal and cigarettes, the state's traditional top exports, are taking a backseat to computer chips. Virginia chipmakers shipped $1.5 billion of the tiny, high-tech devices overseas last year, more than twice that of coal and three times those of cigarettes, according to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

"We're rewriting Virginia history, byte by byte," said Pat Otte, director of Micron Technology Inc.'s Manassas chip fabrication plant, one of two in Virginia producing memory chips for products including iPods, cell phones and computers.

The rise of the computer chip is not unlike other economic transformations that have taken place in the state, said Hugh Keogh, president and chief executive of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He cited the shift from an agricultural to an industrial economy in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the rise of the information technology economy in the late 1980s.

"Times change and clearly the Virginia economy is now technology driven," Keogh said.

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Kettler Capitals Iceplex Opens in Arlington

New Facility Houses Capitals Training Center and Two Rinks for Community Use

The 137,000-square-foot facility was built on a new eighth level atop an existing seven-story public parking garage at the corner of North Glebe Road and North Randolph Street. Kettler Capitals Iceplex is the only rink in the United States built eight stories or more above street level and is owned by Arlington County and leased to the Washington Capitals.

The Iceplex has two NHL-sized rinks, office space and locker rooms, as well as a Capitals training center with a weight room and medical facilities. It also houses the front offices of the Capitals and the WNBA's Washington Mystics and has regular ice time for skating programs and youth, high school and college hockey.

“We are very pleased to welcome the Washington Capitals to their new home in Arlington,” said Christopher Zimmerman, chairman of the Arlington County Board. “Hockey teams, figure skating, free Caps practices – this is an incredible asset for our community … and right on Metro’s Orange Line!”

Kettler Capitals Iceplex
627 N Glebe Rd
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203
571-224-0555

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Norovirus Sickens 150 at Crystal City Hyatt

The Hyatt Regency Crystal City hotel, just outside Washington, closed Thursday night for a thorough cleaning after as many as 150 guests were sickened by the highly contagious norovirus, hotel and county health officials said.

"The hotel, top to bottom, will be disinfected and cleaned wall to wall," said Jean-Marc Dizard, the hotel's general manager. "All the guest rooms, the kitchens and the banquet facilities."

Norovirus is common on cruise ships and in places like hotels, prisons and nursing homes, and has cropped up several times in the Washington area this winter, health officials have said. The outbreak came almost six weeks after the Hilton hotel near Dulles International Airport closed after more than 100 guests were sickened by the virus. In December, dozens of students at Catholic University were sickened by the virus during exam week. Previous cases had been reported in day-care centers and nursing homes.

Symptoms of the virus subside after one or two days, but the virus can remain on surfaces three to four weeks at room temperature, said Dr. Reuben Varghese, Arlington's public health director. The best way to stop it from spreading is through frequent hand-washing and other sanitation measures, even after symptoms subside, he said.

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Pruning for the Homeowner Workshop at Green Spring 3/10

Learn how you can skillfully prune shrubs and small trees to achieve a pleasing natural shape and abundant flowering. Saturday March 10th from 9 am - 12 noon, Mary Olien, Green Spring director, will demonstrate pruning concepts including formative pruning for young trees, proper pruning for older trees, how to create attractive hedges and methods for reducing overgrown shrubbery. After learning about pruning basics in the lecture, you will gain confidence by joining the instructor outdoors for hands-on training. Cost is $30. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp or call 703.642.5173

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Enjoy a Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise

Starting March 12th and continuing daily (excluding Monday) thru October 16th, you can enjoy a forty-minute sightseeing excursion and waterside view of Mount Vernon aboard the Spirit of Washington II (pictured above). Several excursions are offered daily at 10:30am, 11:30am and 12:30 pm. Tickets may be purchased at Mount Vernon’s main gate.

For more information click here or call 703.780.2000.

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Leewood Times Summer Fun Guide 2007

School is out and the summer has officially begun. Sunny days are here and it’s time for you and your family to explore, bike, hike, run around and enjoy the great outdoors! The editors of the Leewood Times have created a guide for you that highlights activities close to home. Whether it's a road trip to an amusement park, playing games and sports, or camping, summer is the best season to relax and have fun. We have searched the world wide web and done the research for you. The Leewood Times Summer Fun guide is contains over 50 pages of information with 180 links to everything summer.

Click here for your Leewood Times Summer Fun Guide 2007.

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Fight The Bite! - A message from supervisor Penny Gross

Protect Yourself from West Nile Virus - The Fairfax County Health Department reminds residents to protect themselves from the West Nile Virus by doing three basic things:

1) Use any mosquito repellent containing deet and wear long sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors;
2) eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around your home by tipping and tossing containers with standing water; and
3) Help clean-up your neighborhood and report dead birds using the on-line form at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/westnile/wnvdeadbird.htm.

For additional information about mosquitoes, the West Nile Virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases, logon to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/westnile/wnvmosq.htm.

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Yappy Hour! K-9’s-n-Wine, A Huge Success!!

Leewood’s first Doggy Happy Hour, Tuesday, May 15th in the common area outside of 7026 Leebrad Street was a wonderful time to get to know new and old nieghbors and thier pets. Snacks were served for both. Click here to view the pictures.

Thanks to all that participated.

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Fairfax Co. Restricts Big-Box Development

Developers of big box retail stores will have to seek permission on where and how they can build after a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors vote. The board voted 5-3, with two abstentions, to require developers to get approval for their locations before then build stores larger than 80,000 square feet.

The goal is to lessen the negative effects of large stores. Those effects include noise, traffic and the aesthetic blight that comes with big box stores. Under the ordinance the supervisors could demand multistory buildings, parking garages and pedestrian and transit access from the stores as conditions for approval.

The board did agree to revisit the size guidelines in 18 months to see if any development slowdown actually happens.

Montgomery and Prince William counties already have similar legislation in place.

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Transportation Package Nears Approval in Northern Virginia

Local elected officials in Northern Virginia say they are likely to approve a groundbreaking, multimillion dollar regional transportation package -- including higher taxes and fees -- that was a key part of the comprehensive bill passed by the General Assembly this week.

Although lawmakers in Richmond overwhelmingly approved the package, collecting the money for regional road and transit projects cannot begin until officials representing nine Northern Virginia counties and cities vote in favor of seven new taxes and fees. The package would raise $324 million a year, and area governments could generate an additional $100 million for themselves by approving three other fees.

In interviews, seven of the panel's nine representatives of area governments said they would probably vote to approve the regional taxes and fees, which include raising hotel, rental car and auto repair taxes as well as vehicle registration and inspection fees. Two members were undecided. A two-thirds majority is needed.

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Do Your Share for Clean Air

Fairfax County has created a webpage where you can learn about the latest air quality forecast, Code Orange and Code Red days, free bus service on those days, and steps you can take to help keep the air clean in Fairfax County. More >

- On Code Orange or Code Red days -

Children, the elderly and people with heart or respiratory ailments, emphysema, asthma or chronic bronchitis should reduce outdoor activities.
Healthy individuals should limit strenuous outdoor work or exercise and outdoor activities

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VDOT Holds Meetings about HOT lanes on Interstate 95 & 395

The Virginia Department of Transportation is holding a series of informational meetings to let you know its plans for toll lanes in the area. There could be 56 miles of High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes on Interstate 95/395 within a few years.

"Construction would begin on the northern section of the highway in 2008 and on the southern section in 2009," says VDOT spokesman Jeff Caldwell. Caldwell says the project would be in two stages and will go from the Pentagon to Massaponax.

High Occupancy Vehicles lanes that go from Washington to Prince William County would be converted into HOT lanes. You would still be able to use them as HOV lanes if you have three or more people in your vehicle, but vehicles with only one or two occupants would also be able to use them if they paid a toll. The price would vary based on the degree of congestion. VDOT will not be presenting toll costs at its informational meetings.

VDOT has been negotiating with several private companies to set up the lanes. The meetings will detail the plans, including carpooling, van-pooling and mass transit options.

The first meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 23rd at Edison High School in Fairfax County. More meetings are scheduled later in the week in Arlington, Woodbridge, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania. Click Here For the Full Schedule.

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Fairfax County to Crackdown on Illegal Boarding Houses

Fairfax County is undertaking a countywide effort to crack down on illegal boarding houses, and today, the code enforcement teams are operating in the northern and southern parts of the county.

The Enhanced Code Enforcement Strike Teams focus on:

- Shutting down illegal boarding houses.
- Maintaining the health, safety and welfare of neighborhoods.
- Protecting people from unsafe living conditions.

Residents can report overcrowding by making a complaint online. If you know about an overcrowded, illegal boarding house the teams will investigate and take action as appropriate.

Click Here to file a complaint. (Be sure to pick “Too Many Families/Too Many People”)

Complaints not related to boarding houses will be dealt with by other county inspectors.

How Many People May Live In a House?

The county’s zoning ordinance says: No more than four unrelated people may live in a house
It is illegal to operate a boarding house without the proper permits. However, other zoning rules govern how many people can live in a house.

Click Here For More Information.

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Fairfax Votes For Overhead Metro Link To Dulles

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to help pay for a 23-mile extension of Metro to Dulles International Airport with an overhead track through busy Tysons Corner.

It will cost $5.1 billion dollars to extend the Orange Line from Falls Church through Tysons and Reston to the airport. The project has been in detailed planning stages for more than a decade and calls for 11 new stations between the East Falls Church Station and Loudoun County -- eight in Fairfax and three, including at the airport, in Loudoun. All stations are planned to be above ground, and four stations in the heart of Tysons are expected to reach roughly 40 feet in the air.

Work on the first phase, from Falls Church to Wiehle Avenue in Reston, is scheduled to begin this fall with utility relocation along Route 7 in Tysons. Phase one will end in 2013, phase two is expected to be finished by 2016.

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Higher Fines for VA Drivers

The massive transportation funding package recently approved raises some of its revenue by adding "civil remedial fees" as penalties for misdemeanor and felony driving violations. The new fees began on the first of July and will be in effect for at least three years. The first year, all fees will be paid to the court and the next two will be paid to the DMV. Because in the future the new penalties will be paid to the DMV, they cannot be levied on out-of-state drivers or illegal immigrants who do not register their vechicles or have a driver's license. The new law also will impose annual penalties on drivers with at least eight demerit points on their records. Now, the offending motorist will pay an additional $100 fine plus $75 for every point over eight.

Here is a sample of new fees that will be imposed on Virginia Drivers.

- DWI -	- Failure to Signal -
Felony = $1000	Felony = $1000
Misdemeanor = $750	Misdemeanor = $350

- Speeding -	- Other -
Above 80 mph = $1000	Attempting to elude police = $300
20 mph above limit = $350	Driving without insurance = $300
	Driving with suspended license = $250

UPDATE: Fees for Driving Infractions to Be Reassessed

Faced with growing opposition to the "abusive driver" fees that went into effect July 1, Virginia lawmakers said that they will consider scrapping some of them when the General Assembly convenes in January. The fees were designed to raise millions of dollars each year for road and transit projects by imposing surcharges onto the fines for Virginia motorists convicted of serious traffic offenses, such as driving under the influence.

Many residents have contacted their legislators, expressing outrage that the fees do not apply to out-of-state motorists. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine had been advocating for the abuser fees since taking office. Kevin Hall the governer's spokesman said that he "remains open to the possibility" of revising the charges and that the governor still thinks the fees will make Virginia roads safer. The fees, which could raise as much as $65 million annually, were intended to be a partial substitute for a statewide tax increase, which Kaine supported but the House opposed.

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Virginia Cracks Down on Gang Activity

Congressman Frank Wolf has helped pass legislation which would give $1.5 million to several Northern Virginia jurisdictions to help crack down on gang activity. Congressman Wolf said when it comes to fighting gangs, Virginia is leading the way with strong partnerships between local jurisdictions and federal agencies like the FBI.

Montgomery County Recreation Director Gabriel Albornoz says recreation centers are boosting their efforts to keep kids away from gangs and offer healthier, safer alternatives. As a result of the funding, the center can create more advanced programs involving computers and audio visual technology.

"{Virginia is} the focal point nationwide. All gang intelligence goes into the gang intelligence task force. I think this region is out in front," Congressman Wolf said.

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Graduation Rates In Fairfax County Near Top

A new study ranks Fairfax County fifth among the nation's large school districts for percentage of students earning diplomas in four years. Graduation rates in smaller local systems ranged from 58.2 percent in the District to 92.5 percent in Loudoun County. About 80 percent of students graduated in Fairfax County. Many educators consider the graduation rate to be as important as any test score because of the well-documented link between high school completion and future earning potential.

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Ann Bailey Takes Over The Homeowner Account Duties

Effective July 7, 2007, Ann Bailey will be in charge of Homeowner Accounts. She currently is a member of the website committee. Her new duties consist of collecting and processing the assessment checks. Thanks Ann for volunteering!

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Update of Leewood Community Projects

Drainage

Three of the four drainage projects are complete and the fourth one is currently in progress! Drainage issues were corrected on upper Bradwood Court, and Leestone Court and Street. One situation behind Leebrad St. is partially completed. Thanks to everyone who watered the seed and sod after the repairs were made.

Power Washing

Graffiti from the sidewalk on Leebrad Street and parking space numbers marked for the painters were recently removed by pressure washing. No chemicals were used on the curbs and a solvent called DWR was used on the graffiti.

DWR is a water based, zero V.O.C. formula designed to be used in conjunction with anti graffiti barriers and general graffiti removal from a variety of surfaces. It does not contain any caustic, NMP or methylene chloride.

Cox Communications

Cox communications and L & B Solutions replaced three spans of cable throughout the neighborhood. Their work is complete and no other projects for Cox are slated in our community.

NO U-Turn Sign on Braddock Road

After a request was made to Supervisor Penny Gross, a no u-turn sign has been installed on Braddock Road at the Bradwood Street entrance. In addition, a left turn lane on Backlick into Leestone street was requested. The left turn lane is being looked at as part of a larger traffic study being done between the intersection at Backlick/Braddock Road and Edsall Road.

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Homeowner Association Questionnaires

The Board member responsible for filling out Homeowner Association Questionnaires in reference to either refinancing a home or purchasing a home is Melinda Ford. Ms. Ford can be reached at poaa@leewood.us. Your mortgage or loan company should be advised that we will make an effort to respond within 48 hours so they should plan accordingly. We may not be able to satisfy last minute or rush requests.

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Leewood Times Guide to Virginia Fall Festivals 2007

Fall is a colorful time in Virginia. Many of the towns in our area welcome guests with festivals large and small celebrating the past year, the past century or the current harvest. Click here for a guide to some of the fairs, festivals, and good times here in our region.

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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

The Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Saturday, September 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mason District Governmental Center Parking Lot, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale. Only household hazardous waste from Fairfax County residents will be accepted.

Examples of what to bring: acids, gasoline, fluorescent bulbs, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, mercury products, oil-based paint, paint thinner, pesticides, poisons, pool chemicals, and rechargeable batteries (no automobile batteries - take these to the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex). Proof of residency is required (ex: utility bill, driver's license).

No business or commercial waste will be accepted!

Top of Page

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Have Your Personal and Sensitive Documents Shredded for FREE!

In addition to household waste collection (see above), you can have your personal documents shredded! In partnership with Safeguard Shredding, Fairfax County will offer an ideal opportunity to securely destroy personal and sensitive documents such as: old tax documents, credit information, expired contracts, etc. Up to five boxes of paper per resident will be accepted at NO CHARGE!

For more information about this and other upcoming events in 2007, call 703-324-5230, TTY 711, or visit the Web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/recycling.

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Judge Affirms Transportation Plan

An Arlington County judge today affirmed the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority's power to raise money for road projects in the region. The ruling by Circuit Court Judge Benjamin N.A. Kendrick upheld the constitutionality of a state transportation plan approved by the General Assembly this year.

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Virginia DMV Expands Online Services - Website Gets New Look

Renewing your identification card just got easier. Customers no longer have to visit a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service center; they can go to www.dmvNOW.com to renew their ID cards. An ID card is available for Virginia residents who do not hold a learner's permit or driver's license. The cost to renew an ID card is $10.

Other than adding a new online transaction, DMV's website recently got a new look. One of the most significant changes to the site is improved navigation, which enhances access to important information and services, such as DMV Select locations, the online vehicle registration renewal service and the list of documents needed when applying for a driver's license. Content boxes detailing those topics are displayed on the center of the home page.

Click here for the links to Customer Service Centers and DMV Select locations in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and the cities of Fairfax, and Falls Church.

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Volunteer Fairfax Seeks Recruits

Volunteer Fairfax is seeking recruits for its Volunteers for Change program, a service program designed for those with busy schedules. Those interested in participating must take part in a one-time orientation session.

Upcoming orientation sessions will be held on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Sept. 9 from 2 – 3 p.m.

Contact Annie Duffield to register at 703-246-3460 or e-mail aduffield@volunteerfairfax.org. For more information, visit www.volunteerfairfax.org.

Volunteer Fairfax is also seeking Disaster Volunteer Leaders to help coordinate any potential volunteers that show up at the scene and wish to help in the wake of a disaster in Fairfax County. Those interested should attend the next Volunteer Mobilization Leadership Team information session on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Volunteer Fairfax office (10530 Page Ave. - lower level, Fairfax).

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Virginia Facing Teacher Shortages

School districts in Virginia and other states are preparing to deal with teacher shortages as baby boomers are retiring, new teachers are leaving the profession and the number of students in classrooms is growing. The hardest-to-fill positions continue to be in math, science, special education and elementary education.

To Find a Teaching Job in Virginia

For a sophisticated online tool that allows job seekers and school division recruiters to communicate with one another, check out TeachVirginia.org, it's free to teachers, administrators, speech pathologists and other personnel looking for a job in education.

If you are seeking an entry level teacher job or you are an experienced administrator worker, you can be sure you will find a broad array of education jobs on Washingtonpost.com. They offer thousands of education jobs for teachers at both the primary and secondary education levels, and have many administrator, assistant, special education, and teaching jobs.

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Did You Know? - the dry pond

The dry pond at the entrance of Leewood on Bradwood Street is part of the ecosystem which runs into Cameron Run and eventually to the Chesapeake Bay. It is not meant for dumping of trash, lawn debris, Christmas trees, etc. Dumping damages the environment and also costs Leewood money since we maintain the dry pond.

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