Middleridge Civic
Association
Happy New Year! Although the holidays are mostly over and the decorations have started to be put away, the time with family and friends is not for-gotten. Hopefully we will keep the spirit of the holidays through-out the new year. There are a number of volunteers to thank for the success of our holiday events and activities. First, the decorating contest was judged by a team of past winners. Al Obuchowski was assisted by past win-
ners, Greg and Janne Hicks, Russell and Vivien Klosk, and Karen Williams. They traveled around the neighborhood and chose the winners for the five differ-ent categories. The names of the winners are listed on the MCA web-site and else-where in this newsletter. Thanks to the judges and all of the MCA members who participated. Next, we always ap-preciate the help of the
Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Depart-ment to drive Santa Clause around our neighborhood. It is fun to watch Santa travel-ing on a fire truck
decorated for the holiday. Thanks again to Al and Sandy Obuchowski for coordinating this event. Thanks also to Rick Jones for
coordinating with David from Yard Enhancement Services LLC to pro-vide sand for luminary
(Continued on page 2)
Special points of Special points of Special points of
interest:interest:interest:
∗ Thank you Company 14
from Burke Volunteer
Fire and Rescue
Toastmasters 4
Middleridge New
Year’s Resolutions
6
Upcoming Events 9
Santa’s Visit 13
Fairfax RR Station 13
Holiday Lighting Re-
sults
14
Welcome New
Residents
7
Inside this issue:
Tim’s Tidings
January 2015 Reaching 578 Homes and Families
Middleridge News
Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it. --Charles Dudley Warner
Middleridge News Page 2
working with John Cook, our Braddock District Supervisor and VDOT to initiate traffic studies and programs to de-crease dangerous driving on our streets. There are still many instances of speeding and dis-regarding stop signs. While a percentage of the problem is attributed to cut-through traffic from outside of Middleridge, a portion of the careless driving is from our own residents. What can be done? First, we must all watch our speed and make sure to stop at all stop signs. This includes setting a good example for our children. Talk to the younger drivers in your family about the impor-tance of driving safely. A good portion of the driving issues occur in the morning and during school dismissal times. This is also the time when there are many more walkers in the area. Second, we need more support for the safety projects the Traf-fic and Pedestrian Safety Com-mittee is proposing. Currently, the committee is seeking enough signatures to request a cut-through study for Mid-
dleridge. This can help us limit the number of cars that travel through Middleridge to avoid traffic on some of the larger roads. We are looking at ways to canvass the neighborhood for these signatures, but it takes volunteer hours to com-plete. This is just one of the projects that the committee is working on that requires volun-teer support. If you feel strongly about these safety issues, please join the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee. We need your help to help us make our streets safe for everyone. Watch for more opportunities to help with our safety initiatives. Have a wonderful new year in Middleridge!
displays. Although the weather around Christmas was wet, luminary candles could still be seen around Middleridge. We appreciate the families that continued this traditional activity. Because Yard En-hancement Services LLC pro-vided a smaller amount of sand, there was no need to survey members about this activity. Since the new year has just begun, many of us have started to think about personal resolu-tions for improving our lives. I have a resolution that we all need to implement for the im-provement of our lives and the lives of our neighbors—driving safely through our neighbor-hood. There has been much discus-sion about traffic safety over the past year. Unlike the weather (in my quote), safety is something we can do some-thing about. Rob Paine and the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee (formerly the SSI Committee) have been
(Continued from page 1)
SHOVELING SNOW CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH!!
While shoveling snow can be good exercise, it can also be dangerous for
optimistic shovelers who take on more than they can handle. The
National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a han-
dle on safe shoveling:
• Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive,
should be especially careful.
• If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's
permission.
• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Take it slow! Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure
dramatically; so pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task.
• Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet,
packed-down variety.
• Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.
∗ Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a
large one.
• Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and
"sitting" into the movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your
shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel
tightness in your chest, stop immediately.
• Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need extra
attention during winter's cold. Wear a turtleneck sweater, cap, scarf, face protection, mittens,
wool socks and waterproof boots.
From the National Safety Council
Page 3 Middleridge News
Reaching 578 Homes and Families Page 4
January 2015 Burke Toastmasters Column
Like, You Know?
Let’s imagine there is a nearby cof-
fee shop that specializes in baked
goods that happens to be popular
with college students who wear a
lot of green and gold.
The shop runs a special promotion.
For a week, any student who dis-
plays their student ID is allowed to
have anything they want from the
menu free of charge. There is only
one restriction: the students must
consume the food or drink while
seated in certain booths of the cof-
fee shop.
Little do the students know that the
seats in those booths have been spe-
cially modified to give all of the
occupants a mild electric shock if
anyone utters the word “like” or the
phrase “you know?”
It is safe to assume on Day One the
coffee shop will be packed, but by
Day Two, not so much. By the end
of the week those booths will be
empty.
Is your communication style shock-
ing? Would you like to become a
more effective communicator sans
the “likes,” “ums,” “ahs,” and
“you knows?”
Then come join us at Burke Toast-
masters where you will discover a
friendly and supportive atmosphere
in which you can hone your speak-
ing skills and receive constructive
and helpful feedback.
The Burke Toastmasters Club is
scheduled to meet from 7:30-9:00
PM, Thursday, Jan. 15th, and
Thursday Jan. 29th, at the Oaks
Community Center, 5708 Oak
Leather Drive in Burke Centre.
Visitors are always welcome. In
case of inclement weather, please
check the club’s web site at
www.burketoastmasters.org for any
schedule changes.
Burke Toastmasters would like to
welcome our two newest mem-
bers, David Crooks and Tom
May.
We look forward to seeing you at
our next meeting. For more infor-
mation, please contact member-
ship VP Rob Paine at
[email protected]. You
can also find more info about the
club @
www.burketoastmasters.org .
Burke Toastmasters is also on
Facebook and on Meetup.
The Burke Toastmasters club
would like to wish everyone in
the Burke Centre community a
happy and prosperous 2015.
Page 5 Reaching 578 Homes and Families
Fairfax Station, VA 703.830.7037
JuliaRossPT.com
SAT, College Coaching,
Tutoring: Elementary to College
St. George’s Preschool
Come Grow with Us!
Located at 4910 Ox Rd (1 mile from Middleridge)
Mom’s Day Out
Friday 9-11:45 am
2 teachers and up to 10 children
Are you the parent of a child between the ages of
2.5 and 5 and looking for a little bit of free time?
In January 2014 our preschool is starting a Mom’s
Day Out program on Friday’s from 9-11:45. If you
would like to introduce your son or daughter to
preschool please consider St. George’s.
Contact Jessica Summer at 703-385-4422.
We’d love for you to come see us!
Page 6 Middleridge News
Middleridge New Year’s Resolutions
Volunteering to do a Neighborhood
Watch Weekend at least one weekend
this year.
Marking your calendar so as to be
sure to attend the General Member-
ship meetings in May and October.
2. Know your neighbor. The eld-
erly or disabled may need your help
or just a kind hello. The young
mother may need a cup of coffee and a
friendly smile.
3. Slow down while driving
through our streets—this makes the
streets safer for everyone: our chil-
dren, the animals, and all Middleridge
residents.
4. Clean up after your dog.
5. Trim bushes back from the side-
walk so the walking path isn’t ob-
structed.
6. Clear snow from your side-
walks.
7. Contribute an article to the
newsletter—share your thoughts,
ideas, and adventures with your
neighbors. We all enjoy reading a
good story.
Because its residents are such good
citizens, Middleridge is a community
that people want to live in, and
houses don’t stay empty long if they’re
up for sale or lease.
That’s good for all of us!
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
The resolutions that have been
given to us before by Jessica Summer
are still pertinent this year. We have
such a wonderful community because
so many residents give time to the
community to ensure that entrances
are maintained, property values are
high, streets are safe and crime, in
general, isn’t given an opportunity to
take over.
FOR 2015, RESOLVE TO:
1. Practice good citizenship by:
Joining the Middleridge Civic Asso-
ciation.
Volunteering to participate on one
of the many committees that organize
and plan various events during the
year.
Middleridge Civic Association
Are you a current member of the Middleridge Civic Association (MCA)? If not, why not?
Perhaps you can make it a New Year Resolution to join. The MCA charges a nominal amount
($25) for annual membership and, in some way or another, everyone benefits from the organiza-
tion. At the very least, the MCA strives to keep the neighborhood in “tip top” shape and offers
much to the upkeep of the neighborhood, including maintenance of the community entrances.
Your membership helps allow the MCA to continue its work for you. Please, please join the
MCA!!
Thank you!
Al and Sandy Obuchowski
Membership Co-Chairs
MCA NEEDS YOU!
Page 7 Reaching 578 Homes and Families
When the winter snow arrives be
sure to clear your sidewalks to help
the children make it to their bus
stops and help our dog walkers
navigate the streets safely.
Thank you!
WELCOME TO OUR NEW NEIGHBORS
Dinah Walter ~ Shooters Hill Lane
Relocated from Fairfax
Family: Son - Shane
Grandson – Jack (age 16)
Shirley Plunkett and Carole Rodero coordinate the Middleridge Welcoming Committee.
If you are a Block Captain - or a neighbor - who sees a new family moving into a house in your area or if you are a new or returning resident who has not been
welcomed, please contact the Middleridge Welcoming Committee.
Many thanks.
Shirley’s email: [email protected]
Carole’s email: [email protected]
Page 8 Middleridge News
Reaching 578 Homes and Families Page 9
ATTENTION DOG OWNERS!
PLEASE BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER
KEEP YOUR DOG AND YOUR NEIGHBORS HAPPY!!
Leaving a dog in the backyard to bark at anything that moves in the early morning and late
evening hours is unwelcomed and unappreciated noise pollution disturbing the peace.
Leaving an unattended dog alone in the backyard also presents a danger to any child who
could be bitten while attempting to pet the animal.
Dog owners are reminded of the “Pooper Scooper” Law—Section 41.1-2-6, which requires dog
owners to pick up after their dogs.
Your neighbors thank you in advance.
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 8 — Executive Board Meeting
January 19 — Martin Luther King Day
January 30 — February 2 — FCPS Student Holiday
February 16 — President’s Day
March 8 — Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 20 — First Day of Spring
Page 10 Middleridge News
Mr. Snow
Quality Snow Removal at Affordable Prices
"there’s a man named Mr. Mow
in the winter he is Mr. Snow
when the blizzards come
he’ll get the job done
so you can get up and go”
snow removal any house
$50 or less
driveway, sidewalk, walkway, & porch
storm damage? we make it vanish.
American Owned and Operated since 1987
(703) 503-3130
Reaching 578 Homes and Families Page 11
Page 12 Middleridge News
FAIRFAX STATION RAILROAD MUSEUM
Sunday, January 18, 1:00-4:00 PM — Garden Gauge Model Train Show
The Washington, Virginia and Maryland Garden Railway Society will hold their
annual G Gauge Model Train Show at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. Admis-
sion, Museum members and children 4 and under, free; children 5-15, $2; adults 16
and older, $4. For more information contact Joyce Hill, [email protected]
Volunteer Opportunities at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum:
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum needs volunteer docents on Sunday afternoons
from 1-4 p.m. and during special Museum events. Greet Museum visitors and tell
them about the exhibits and the Museum's railroad and Civil War history. Ideal for
people who live in the Fairfax, Burke, Clifton or Fairfax Station area and want to
contribute to the local community through volunteerism. Training and orientation is
provided. Many other Museum volunteer opportunities are available such as garden-
ing, publicity, exhibit planning, special event planning and outreach to other commu-
nity organizations. Call Michael at 703-945-7483 for more information.
The Museum is located at 11200 Fairfax Station Road in Fairfax Station, VA.
www.fairfax-station.org, 703-425-9225.
Like us at www.facebook.com/FFXSRR.
Reaching 578 Homes and Families Page 13
On behalf of the Middleridge
community I would like to
thank all of Company 14 for
their efforts in making the
holidays very special for our
children who waited with great
happiness to see Santa and
Mrs. Claus. Our sincere thanks
to all the men and women of
Company 14.
Page 14 Middleridge News
MCA Holiday Lighting Results
MCA Holiday Lighting Contest
The Middleridge Civic Association Holiday Lighting Contest judging took place on
Saturday, December 20, 2014. As usual, the judges had a difficult time selecting the winners
from all of the beautiful displays that are seen in our neighborhood. In addition, there were
some homes that would have been selected as winners if only they had been members of the
Association.
The selected winners were as follows:
Williamsburg Award – Huggins Family @ 5535 Shooters Hill Lane
Traditional Award – Koszycki Family @ 10826 Mt. Vinyard Court
Wattage Award – Conques Family @ 5559 Ann Peake Drive
Judges’ Special Award – Makara Family @ 10986 Ryers Place
Group Award – Costantini, Stallman, Mitros, Landry, Valenti, and Rudy Families @ 10710,
10800, 10802, 10803, 10804, 10806 Stanhope Place.
Congratulations to all of these deserving winners!!
Thanks to this year’s judges who were Greg and Janne Hicks, Russell and Vivien Klosk, and
Karen Williams! The MCA thanks you for a job well done and for your service to the
community.
WILLIAMSBURG AWARD
Reaching 578 Homes and Families Page 15
SPECIAL JUDGES AWARD WATTAGE AWARD
GROUP AWARD
TRADITIONAL AWARD
Reaching 578 Homes and Families Page 16
HEALTH: NUTRITION AND EXERCISE
CHECK IT OUT!
Myfitnesspal.com is an interesting on-line program that can help you and your family
learn about nutrition. You enter information about yourself . . . like how old you are
and how tall . . . how much you weigh . . . that kind of stuff. Then you can put in each
day exactly what you eat and drink and how much exercise you do and the program
will tell you how you’re doing with getting a good combination of nutrients. When
you start, the program gives you a certain amount of calories just based on your size.
After you put in your exercise, the program gives you more calories, depending on
how much you walk or run or jump or ride your bicycle. Based on what you tell it,
the program then tells you if you’ve been eating the right amount of protein or milk
or vegetables. It even tells you whether or not you’ve been eating too much or too lit-
tle food! I hope you will like this program as you learn more about nutrition!
Page 17 Middleridge News
BONNIE BRAE
ROBINSON
Sports Teams & Events
Performing Arts
Music & Band
Sign-up/Registration Deadlines
FAIRFAX CLUB ESTATES
SIDEBURN RUN
Let’s Hear From You!
Here are some great ideas for things to do to get through the winter: Experience a true "Washington" Christmas: Christmas at Mount Vernon has a plethora of activities for the whole family ranging from fireworks at the Christmas Illumination to Aladdin, the adorable Christ-mas Camel! Go Ice Skating: Through March you can skate on the new Tysons Corner Center Plaza or bust a move on the Reston Town Center Pavilion Ice Rink through the winter season. Also, art and figure 8's match per-fectly along the National Mall on the National Gallery of Art Skating Ice Rink. Attend a Holiday Light Show: The mesmerizing Meadowlark Walk of Lights takes you on a lighted trail through a holiday fantasy land through January 4th. Timed tickets are required so get yours today! Or, in Centreville, drive through the Bull Run Festival of Lights and then be sure to stop at the Holiday Vil-lage at the end of the route for some s'mores, children's activities and holiday merchandise. Say Hello to Frosty: The theme for this year's ICE! at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center features Frosty the Snowman. Attend Holidays at the George Mason University Center for the Arts with a variety of performances in November and December or make plans to spend holidays at the Kennedy Center at one of their enliven-ing performances.
Reaching 578 Homes and Families Page 18
Page 19 Middleridge News
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Reaching 578 Homes and Families
Middleridge Civic
Association
Middleridge
Website Executive Board
President—Tim Harazin
Vice President—Mike Torrey
Secretary— John Tedrick
Treasurer—Paul Armstrong
Other MCA Contacts
Webmaster—Paul Armstrong
Newsletter Editor—Mark Magliocchetti &
Linda Hutchins
Distribution—Sandy Obuchowski
Directory Editor—Al & Sandy Obuchowski
Membership—Al & Sandy Obuchowski
Neighborhood Watch— Greg Summer
Community Service—Paige Franklin
Welcoming Chair— Shirley Plunkett &
Carole Rodero
Middleridge Book Club— Shirley Plunkett
www.middleridgecivicassociation.org
Look for:
• List of MCA Officers
• Committee Contacts
• Photos of Events Past &
Present
• Past Newsletter Issues
• Neighborhood Police
Reports
• Middleridge Map/Street
Name History
And much more!!!
Sign up to be notified every
time the Website is updated!
Newsletter Administration
Business Advertising Rates:
Regular Member*
Full Page $75 $50
1/2 Page $50 $30
1/4 Page $30 $20
1/8 Page $20 $10
Classified Ads $ 5
* 2014/2015 Paid MCA Member
Monthly Deadline for ads and articles:
25th of the Month
Checks Payable to:
Middleridge Civic Association
P.O. Box 208
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Mail ads to the address above or Email Ads
Middleridge Mailing Address
P.O. Box 208
Fairfax Station, VA 22039-0208
2015 MIDDLERIDGE CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
Executive Board Meeting,
January 8, 7:00
MLK, January 19
Executive Board Meeting,
February 5, 7:00
Happy Valentine’s Day
President’s Day, February
16
Executive Board Meeting,
March 5, 7:00
Executive Board Meeting,
April 2, 7:00
Every Month:
MCA Board Meeting: 1st Thursday of the month Neighborhood Watch
Newsletter Delivery: 5th of the month Welcoming: as needed. Please notify Shirley Plunkett and Carole Rodero