Learn all about the new express lanes at http://www.495expresslanes.com/.

Our meeting on May 15th will close out the year for the current seven-member Board of Directors of the Springfield Civic Association (SCA). You will elect a new Board for the coming session on that Tuesday evening as Alice Merrill (Secretary) and Bonnie Pritchard (At-Large) move to join our large Executive Committee or ExCom comprised of past presidents, Board members and community activists. New candidates will be presented for consideration, but the key, I think, is that Board membership continues to change and re-energize as more of us get engaged. Alice and Bonnie have earned our respect and admiration for their volunteer spirit, ideas and hard work. Their skills and experience provide a glimpse of the breadth and depth of talent, intelligence and esprit de corps that the SCA possesses on every street. The SCA owes them a vote of thanks for jobs well done.

After Board elections on the 15th we will hear directly from our elected representatives, e.g., Congressman Connelly, State Senator Dick Saslaw, State Delegate Vivian Watts, and Supervisor Jeff McKay. Congressman Moran may also attend since we move into his Congressional District in the next election cycle. They each will be accorded time to speak followed by question time from you, their constituents. Make time to meet them and chat with them face-to-face. They will have much to tell you, and they will very much want to learn your concerns. The SCA has a strong reputation for showing up and making itself heard at these forums. It is one of our strongest assets in influencing events and shaping our environment. Let’s show strength in numbers, make our representatives welcome, and have a healthy exchange of views and information.

Looking forward, we have new ideas in store for next season’s programs. We may hold another special session or two, like we did on April 17th. The Real Estate Panel coordinated by Gail Nittle and facilitated by Michele Duell will be remembered as one of our best ever SCA-sponsored events. We are considering further outreach to the business community as business in Springfield continues to flourish and grow now that BRAC is completed and the mall is due to begin its reformation (see more on the mall later in this edition). The SCA has worked hard and will continue to seek opportunities to partner with government and business as we step forward. Our goal is to actively shape the future where and when we can.

There is much work left to do, as there always is in a dynamic world. What work gets done is largely reliant on SCA members showing up and getting engaged in those endeavors that mean the most to them. The SCA needs your ideas and volunteer spirit. I can think of no better way to expand your horizons than to join the SCA or partner with it as the ‘Springfield Renaissance’ accelerates.

My best regards,
Bruce Waggoner
SCA President

Mike McClanahan, Supervisor McKay’s Chief of Staff, reported to the LDACO membership on April 25 about the current progress of the mall project. While Vornado, the developer, has not released drawings or plans, McClanahan reports that we will have a new movie theater, a health club, and three anchors. Plans are also underway for 8 to 10 new restaurants on the Loisdale side of the complex.

Macy’s, Target, and Penney's will remain open during the 18-24 months of renovation. All of the remaining stores will be completely vacated by the end of July. The commuter parking areas in the parking garage will be available as well. Eventually, a commuter bridge will be built from the parking area to the metro station. No more dodging raindrops to dash back to your free parking spot!

Vornado is incentivized to make steady progress on the project since they lose store rental revenue each month that the mall is closed. Expect an opening either shortly before major winter or spring shopping seasons get underway.

Other great development news regarding BRAC at this link: http://www.virginiabusiness.com/index.php/news/article/springboard-for-springfield.

Since the membership offered no nominations to this position either at or since the March meeting and the slate of candidates must be announced prior to the May meeting, the Executive Committee had to act quickly to come up with recommendations for possible successors to Bonnie. Of the fourteen members identified as possible successors, the Nominating Committee found one willing to serve, our current representative to the Lee District Association of Civic Associations, Joe McGowan.

Thanks to Joe, we have a full electoral slate, and the candidates are:

Remember, only members in good standing are eligible to vote (and to receive door prizes!), so if you haven’t paid your 2011-2012 dues since last September, please bring your $15 check or cash to Treasurer Rich Duffy this meeting. Remind your neighbors to do the same, or bring them along to join SCA and vote in your leadership team for the coming year.

Mr. George Towery, a longtime Crestwood resident and a National Night host for the past 7 years, has generously volunteered to Chair the SCA National Night Out event this year. Our celebration will feature Front Yard Gatherings at 25 locations within the SCA boundaries.

SCA supports these events with a front yard sign, a Giant gift card for the host to defray costs, and coordination of visits by our local government officials and Public Safety departments. In addition, SCA board members will visit the events to get input from residents about how SCA can better serve the community and to talk about our plans for the 2012-2013 program year. We also support the hosts with a Success Kit that includes invitations, checklist, and giveaways for attendees.

SCA’s participation in National Night Out dates back to August 2007, when we held 12 Front Yard Barbeques. Join us as we continue this tradition of fun and neighborly activity. Contact springfieldcivic@yahoo.com for more information on hosting.

Jim recently spoke at the budget hearings of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors concerning the winter destaffing of the Park. At the last FLAP meeting, there was discussion about the possibility of the Park Bond being increased from $50 to $75 million and what that could mean to Lake Accotink. FLAP is interested in your suggestions! What would you like to see at Lake Accotink?

Suggestions were also entertained for how to bring more revenue-producing activities to Lake Accotink. A vegetable garden plot rental? Stock trout again? Fishing lessons? What are your ideas?

Periodically, park clean-ups are held. On 14 April, about 50 volunteers were able to accomplish a lot! Prior to the clean-up, Area 4 Ground Maintenance Crew, using heavy equipment, removed a truck full of debris from the dock area. There are two entrances which need a clean-up … Industrial Park and Danbury Forest near Braddock Rd. Would you be willing to help?

Dates for your calendar

Springfield Days weekend is June 2nd and 3rd. Part of the 15 K will include Lake Accotink Park. Course monitors are needed to make sure runners stay on the right course. Please contact SCA President Bruce Waggoner at bruce.waggoner@verizon.net or Mark Russell at MetroRunWalk.Mark@gmail.com if you can help on Saturday, 2 June.

Cardboard Boat Regatta – Sunday June 3rd. Please contact Julie or Jamie at the Park office 703-569-0285 if you would like to volunteer.

Braddock Nights start Friday June 15.

Of special note: December, 2012 is the 150th anniversary of JEB Stuart's raid at Burke Station and the burning of the railroad trestle bridge at Accotink ( there was no lake then). Suggestions on how to commemorate the event are being considered. If you have any ideas, please come and share them at our next meeting on 17 May.

We live in a very historic area. It’s our privilege and responsibility to be good stewards of this heritage. Come join us!

Has there been an incident on your street? Have you had solicitors knock on your door asking for your business? While you’re driving to work or on your way to do errands, have you noticed something unusual? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you can learn what to do by coming to the monthly CAC meeting.

The 3rd Wednesday of every month, you have the opportunity to meet with your police force. At 6:30 pm in the Helen Wilson Community Room (Franconia Government Center, 6121 Franconia Road), Officer Jim Reid has arranged for various members of the Fairfax County Police Department to speak on topics relevant to all of us. On May 16th, the presenter will be Detective Doug Comfort. Detective Comfort is an excellent speaker who will be talking about tactical community policing and homeland security.

At 7:30 the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) continues the interaction with our police officers with a report from the Captain and/or the Lieutenant of Franconia Station, updates on happenings in our area by the investigating detectives, and a question and answer period with the Franconia Station command staff. This is your opportunity to be involved!

The CAC has traditionally held a cookout for its meeting in June, before it recesses for the months of July and August. At this point in time, Officer Reid plans to continue the 6:30pm presentations throughout the summer months. Check the Franconia Police website at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/stations/franconia/ for details and other items of interest.

All are welcome. You don’t have to be representing any particular group of people; you also don’t have to pay anything to participate. Just come! Partnering with our police department is critical! That’s how crime is prevented and cases are solved … community involvement.

Every year, the Fairfax County Public Library runs a Summer Reading Program for children up through rising twelfth grade. The purpose is to encourage children to continue reading during vacation and thus to maintain or improve their skills. Participants may sign up at any library branch or online at the library’s website beginning June 15. Readers can sign up at any time during the summer. However, they must return their completed reading log by Saturday, September 1st in order to receive a booklet with coupons from various local businesses. Although there is a limit of one booklet per child, we do encourage children to keep reading and fill out “I Kept Reading” logs.

The theme of the program for younger children is “Dream Big, Read.” Children in preschool through rising sixth grade must read 15 books or have 15 books read to them. The teen program is for rising seventh grade through rising twelfth grade. Teens must read 8 books as it is assumed that their choices will be longer and more complex.

Many students have been assigned required summer reading by their schools. These books may be counted for the library’s reading program. The libraries will have a copy of the FCPS summer reading lists for students to consult. If a school has a special reading list for their courses alone, libraries in that area usually keep a reference copy. Copies of the lists are distributed by the schools to students or are generally available on their websites. We also try to obtain reading lists from nearby private schools.

The libraries have suggested reading lists for the summer for Preschool-Grade 2, Grades 3-6, and Teens. However, participants may choose their own books, at their own reading level and reflecting their own interests. Younger children may have books read to them.

The Richard Byrd Library also has a Summer Reading Program for adults. For every 10 books read, the reader will be able to pick a free book from our ongoing book sale.

There will a number of programs for children, families and teens during the summer. The listing below for June includes one such event: “Reptiles Alive” on Thursday, June 28 at 7:00 pm.

The Friends of the Richard Byrd Library will hold their first large book sale of 2012 on Thursday, May 31, Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, with a special “bag of books” sale on Sunday, June 3, 12-3 pm. Proceeds from the sale are used to support the library in various ways, especially children’s programming throughout the year.

Summer Used Book Sale

Need beautiful birthday, graduation, and father's day gifts on a budget? How about vacation and summer reading for the whole family? Come to the Friends of Richard Byrd Library Book Sale for everything you need to make your summer fabulous! Mark Thursday, May 31st – Sunday, June 3rd on your calendar because your favorite books – many in pristine condition – plus numerous media offerings are waiting for you! See you at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Your purchases will help fund valuable library programs. Credit cards accepted.

Thursday, May 31, 1pm to 3pm,  Friends Members Only; 3pm to 9pm General Public
Friday, June 1, 10am to 5:30pm General Public
Saturday, June 2, 10am to 4:30pm General Public
Sunday, June 3, 12pm to 3pm – BAG SALE!!!

Calendar Items

Tuesdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 7:00 pm.
Tuesdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26 at 7:00 pm.
English Conversation Group. Practice and improve your English. Adults.* (v)

Wednesday, May 2, 10:30 am.
Time for Twos. Join us for a story time focusing on early literacy skills just for twos. Age 2 with adult.

Wednesday, May 9, 10:30 am
Our Colorful World! Enjoy the excitement of colors all around us in stories, songs and activities. Age 3-5 with adult.

Tuesday, May 15, 2:00 pm.
Genealogy Databases. An introduction to Ancestry Library Edition. Come learn about the wealth of genealogical data available on Ancestry, including census, immigration, military, and vital records. Adults.

Tuesday, May 15, 7:00 pm.
Classics Book Club. Gimpel the Fool and Yentl the Yeshiva Boy by Isaac Baashevis Singer. Adults.*(v)

Wednesday, May 16, 10:30 am.
Fun with Ones. Enjoy books, songs and rhymes in a special storytime just for ones. Age 1 with adult.

Thursday, May 17, 7:00 pm.
Thursday, June 21, 7:00 pm.
Springfield Writers’ Group. Share your work, give and receive feedback in a supportive setting. Adults.* (v)

Monday, May 21, 2:00 pm.
Hidden Pond Monday: Pond Life. Discover what's hiding beneath the surface of a pond. Presented by the staff of Hidden Pond Nature Center. Cosponsored by the Friends of Richard Byrd Library. Age 6-12.

Wednesday, May 23, 1:00 pm.
Wednesday, June 27, 1:00 pm.
Travel Club. Bring lunch and enjoy a lively discussion. Adults.*(v)

Thursday, May 24, 7:00 pm.
Good Vibrations Everywhere! Musician/teacher Sue Trainor presents songs, singing games and chants that you and your preschooler can enjoy together while learning early literacy skills. All ages.

Thursday, May 31, 1:00-9:00 pm.
Friday, June 1, 10:00 am-6:00 pm.
Saturday, June 2, 10:00 am-5:00 pm.
Friends of the Richard Byrd Library Book Sale. Find beautiful graduation or Father's Day gifts on a budget. Great bargains on summer reading for the whole family. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Richard Byrd Library. All ages.*(v)

Sunday, June 3, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm.
Friends of the Richard Byrd Library Bag of Books Sale. Fill a bag with book sale items and pay $5. Bags will be provided. Sale ends at 3:00 p.m. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Richard Byrd Library. (Note: Library is closed; meeting room only will be open for book sale). All ages.*(v)

Tuesday, June 19, 7:00 pm.
Classics Book Club. The Orestia by Aeschylus. Adults.*(v)

Thursday, June 28, 7:00 pm.
Reptiles Alive! See a giant python, an alligator and other awesome reptiles from around the world. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Richard Byrd Library. Age 6-12.

*=no registration. Otherwise, please register online at ww.fairfaxcounty.gov/library or call the library at 703-451-8055. Make arrangements for sign language interpreters, listening systems or real-time captioning at least 2 weeks in advance at the library.

(v)=volunteer-led

Our April 17 meeting featured three local real estate panelists: Janice Buckley from Long and Foster, Mike Anastasia from Keller Williams, and Anthony Carr from Debbie Doğrul Associates. In a round robin discussion, we heard their expert opinions on a variety of topics.

The panelists explained why homes in the Crestwood and Lynbrook areas are in demand. Inventory of available houses overall is in short supply, and inventory of single family homes at our price point is also low. Currently, homes in our zip code are on the market for less than two months, with multiple offers. Prices in our zip code are 19% higher than last year, while prices in Fairfax County overall are up less than 10%. The number of foreclosures and short sales has declined. Attractive mortgage rates make buying a house in our neighborhood less expensive than renting.

Our mid-century homes are on valuable lots! They appeal to homebuyers who are willing to trade 9 foot ceilings and fancy on-suite bathrooms in townhomes for a single family residence where there is room to expand the footprint of the house. Our panel explained that land is in short supply, and it cannot be “made.” If you are thinking of remodeling, kitchens and bathrooms are the two places where homeowners see a return on investment. Modern, energy-efficient windows are expected. Go ahead and build a large addition if you plan to stay in your home for many years, but don’t expect to see those dollars returned to you in a high sales price that puts your home out of the range of average prices in the area.

Location, location, location! For buyers who want a home that is close to major transportation arteries, our area is a very attractive choice. We are close to public transportation, slug lines, and highways.

All three panelists encouraged the audience to continue to work to make our neighborhoods welcoming and friendly places to live and play. Our efforts to volunteer at our local schools, our Neighborhood Watch program, and other opportunities to engage and involve each other will only serve to safeguard our property values.