fredericksburg, va. february 2016fallsrun.org/archive/2016/2016-02.pdf · february 2016 falls run...

Volunteerism Outside the Gates on page 2, column 2

related mental dysfunction disor-ders (Project Lifesaver). Deborah Thrash assists in the Senior Visitor’s Program through Mental Health America, Fredericksburg. Stan Tetlow is a volunteer fire inspector with the Stafford County Fire Marshall’s Office and some-times rides with Medic One Units as a certified Emergency Medical Technician. Michelle Purton volunteers at the Stafford County Courthouse on the information desk, as well as at the Common-wealth Attorney’s Victim and Witness Assistance Office.

A number of individuals help at food pantries: Carol Stevens, Roberta Bush and Gwen Felder at the Bread of Life Food Pantry of Emmanuel AME Church; Deborah Thrash at the Real Life Community Church pantry and Trinity International Fellowship on Kings Highway. Zelia and Bruce Bates deliver Meals on Wheels. Roberta Schreiber is very active

Volunteerism Outside the Gatesby Connie Block, Staff Writer

Perhaps a study could determine the hours of volunteer time Falls Run residents devote each month to making life better for others. Certainly residents are aware that many things happen due to a lot of effort by our friends. The FRCA website lists committee chairs and members (all volunteers) and the Gazette frequently identifies orga-nizers behind events directly connected to the Falls Run community. But what goes on beyond the gates?

A request for information on how residents volunteer showed folks serve in various ways at over forty different organizations and activities outside Falls Run. Undoubtedly there are more, so consider the ones that follow “the tip of the iceberg.” Also note there was no way to identify all volunteers.

University of Mary Washington’s Elder Study Program hums along entirely due to volunteers. Among them are Patricia Parkinson, Joan Bitely and Susanne Lazanov. The UMW Rowing Club benefits from Gordy Neumann’s coaching. The Stafford County Sheriff ’s Office is aided by the decoy cars, speed trailers and radar signs which Harry Charity and Bill Smith set out; Bill also changes batteries in wrist bracelets that monitor persons with Alzheimer’s and other

Handy with a camera?If you are handy with a camera, like to see smiling faces, want to meet lots of interesting people and see your photos published, email Susan Smart, Gazette Committee Chair, at [email protected], about becoming the Gazette Photographer!

The Wall of Honor The Wall of Honor plaques are completely filled, so the Committee has decided to remove names of residents who have moved away. New veteran residents will be added alphabetically as close as possible. There will be temporary blank plates until each plaque fills and then the plaques will be re-alphabetized.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

www.fallsrun.org Fredericksburg,Va. FEBRUARY 2016

CorrectionIn the January 2016 Gazette, the article “A Gentle Way to Exercise” was authored by Elizabeth Clements, Staff Writer.

2 FallsRunGAZETTE February 2016

Falls Run GazetteThe Falls Run Gazette is the official publication of the Falls Run Community. The magazine, distributed to all Falls Run resi-dences, is published 11 times per year, monthly with a combined July-August issue. Story ideas or articles can be submitted to the Gazette Committee Chair ([email protected]).Committee Chair: Susan Smart

Committee Secretary: Donna Kappler

Editor: Elizabeth Kelley

Staff writers: Connie Block Barbara Chadwick Elizabeth Clements Jeanette Doolittle Art Gabler Donna Kappler Susanne Lazanov Judy Rao Sue Silvers Susan Smart

Contributing writers: Chuck Heath Mary Mork

Staff photographer: Vacant

Advertising manager: Keith Marine

[email protected]

Falls Run Community AssociationPresident: Bob Lawrence

General manager: Anthony Lugo (540) 899-9958 [email protected]

Activities director: Keith Marine (540) 371-4563 [email protected]

© 2016 Falls Run Community Association

in S.E.R.V.E. and the North Staf-ford Rotary. Others help at thrift shops: Art Gabler and Stephanie Spellman at Mary Washington Hospital; Eileen Delewski, Bill Arnst, Jill Reeves and Rita Pinion at St. Vincent DePaul. Other St. Vincent volunteers are Nancie Ames, Paulette Bugno, Elizabeth Clements, Jeanne Sampson, Odette Anderson, Henry Fink and Teresa Hopkins. Mary Mork and Renee Herge assist at Micah Ecumenical Ministries and Ron Henderson is one of its trained mentors helping a formerly homeless person become self sufficient.

Closer to the Falls Run gates, Linda and Bill Brown recruit others to help keep Plantation Drive free of debris. Nancy Bevilacqua quickly found willing judges for the Gayle Middle School science fair. The Friends of the Library at England Run, co-chaired by Joan Leavitt and Joan Bitely, raised over $8,000 in 2015. Leavitt runs the monthly book sales, assisted by Dolores Renninger, Paul Dick, Pam Center and another twenty plus Falls Run residents who are cashiers. Bitely runs meetings and special events such as the plant sale. Peggy Verdine is the publicity person. Judy Rao creates five hundred bookmarks each month out of card stock, stickers, designs and beaded ribbons for children to take with their books.

The Greater Falls Run Lions Club members, according to Judy Haynes, donate their time for Special Olympics, vision and hearing screenings, holiday food baskets and gifts. The club raises about $50,000 per year to support various charities. Jim Purton serves

on the board of directors and is the Virginia Area Director of the Canine Companions for Indepen-dence, a national Lions project. Michele Purton currently serves as secretary of the Virginia Lions Youth Camp. Michele and Jim raise puppies who will become canine companions.

Jodi Bly, Teddy Woods and others volunteer at Belmont. Jim Purton is a docent at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport. Wendy and Taylor Cullar volunteer at the Fredericks-burg Refugee Center. Cathy Burgh tutors a refugee family through Catholic Charities. Dan Augustine designed, built and maintains web sites for the Rappahannock Valley Civil War Roundtable and the Brandy Station Foundation.

Sally Cooney Anderson volun-teers with The Holiday Project, the disAbility Resource Center, Rappa-hannock Big Brothers Big Sisters, and AARP. Bobby Anderson works with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and with Sunrise for All. Astrid Dick helps each year with the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots program. Pete Wilkinson is a tutor of English at Goodwill. Ron Henderson works with the Mankind Project and feeding the hungry at a homeless respite center. Jean Himmel helps organize School Dressing Days to furnish needy children with clothes and supplies before the first day of school.

The Falls Run Singers give concerts and the Reader’s Theater members do presentations at

Volunteerism Outside the Gates Continued from front page

Volunteerism Outside the Gates on page 3, column 1

February 2016 FallsRunGAZETTE 3

Falls Run Residents Work the Polls!by Beth Kelley

What do Art Gabler, Daphney Waggoner, Elizabeth Corcoran, Astrid Dick, Janis Domesle, Richard Warren, and several others have in common? They work the voter polls at the Gayle Middle School or in other precincts throughout the county during national and local elections. These Falls Run residents start election day early – 4:45 a.m. – to make sure the polling place is set up to accommodate voters. During the day, poll workers can sit or stand as needed and many precincts organize food deliveries or set up pot luck meals (and yes, there are restrooms available!). It’s a long day, ending anywhere from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., but “it’s fun and well worth the effort,” says poll worker Art Gabler.

Did you know…....that in the first Presidential election in 1788, only 6% of the population was allowed to vote? President George Washington won unanimously (he ran unopposed!).

multiple nursing homes throughout the year. Choral societies in the area include numerous Falls Run residents. Pat Malani had the excel-lent idea of collecting unused toiletry items at the FRCA Center and Roberta Schreiber regularly empties the overflowing collection box. Toys for Tots items filled the big container multiple times. Forty-seven gifts were donated for Home Instead’s “Santa for a Senior”

Volunteerism Outside the Gates Continued from page 2

In 2016, the presidential prefer-ence primaries will be on March 1, the U.S. Congressional primary on June 14 and Election Day is November 8. Interested in joining this group of patriotic, civic-minded people? The Stafford County Registrar’s Office, headed

for the past five years by Registrar Greg Riddlemoser, is in need of additional poll workers. It’s a chance to serve Stafford County in a unique way. You need to have an email account and access to a computer and you’ll receive a stipend for your service. Ten days prior to the election, you’ll attend a two-hour training session to become familiar with the job. For more information and to apply online, visit https://voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov/OnlineForms/Officer of Election.

Hats off to…...Sue Silvers, Gazette Staff Writer, who provides samples of her recipes to the Gazette Committee members each month. Yum!

program. Doreen Barnes said they were the best wrapped packages of all those she collected.

This article would have been three times as long if we could mention every single Falls Run resident who continually and generously helps others. We thank every one of them for their tireless efforts in making our community a better place to live.


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In memoriamFrankKasmer

John(Jack)Lynch(former resident)

The Falls Run Community extends sincere sympathy to the families on the loss of their loved ones.

Groundhog Day: The Furry Prognosticator

by Donna Kappler, Staff Writer

Groundhog Day may not be the most important holiday in February but in parts of the United States, it is a very popular observance. On February 2, crowds of people attend early morning festivals to watch the groundhog emerge from its burrow. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when the groundhog surfaces, spring will come early. If it is sunny and the groundhog sees its shadow, it will be fright-ened and return to its burrow. Six more weeks of winter will ensue.

Groundhog Day began as a Penn-sylvania German custom in southeastern and central Penn-sylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries. The settlers brought with them a tradition known as Candlemas Day, which has its origin in the pagan celebra-tion of Imbolc (a Gaelic festival

marking the beginning of spring). For centuries, clergy would bless candles and distribute them to the people. Candlemas Day marked a milestone in the winter and the weather that day was impor-tant. The lyrics of an old English song sum up the tradition:

If Candlemas be fair and brightCome, Winter, have another flight;If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,Go, Winter, and come not again.

The largest celebration of Groundhog Day is held in Punx-sutawney, Pennsylvania, 90 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The tradition began in 1886 and continues today, including a web link of the telecast on the Penn-sylvania Tourism website. The groundhog, named “Punxsutawney Phil,” received widespread atten-tion as a result of the 1993 film “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray. Punxsutawney Phil has also met with President Ronald Reagan and Oprah Winfrey.

FRCA resident Barbara Balint lived in Punxsutawney for part of her childhood. She advises that Groundhog Day did not have all the hoopla that is associ-ated with it now. She remembers

that Groundhog Day festivi-ties took place at Gobbler’s Knob but that the groundhog actually lived at the library with its mate.

Other Groundhog Day obser-vances occur across North America. Furry prognosticators in other locations include “Sir Walter Wally” (Raleigh, North Carolina), “Malverne Mel” (Malverne, New York), and “Buckeye Chuck” (Marion, Ohio).

Groundhog Day is not without incident. On February 2, 2015, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, “Jimmy the Groundhog” bit Mayor Jona-than Freund’s ear while being held by his caretaker. The next day Mayor Freund issued a proc-lamation absolving the groundhog of any wrong doing; however, the mayor was not reelected.

Which leads to the question “How accurate are the groundhogs’ seasonal forecasts?” Records show that groundhogs were on target only 39% of the time. As Bill Vaughn, American columnist and author, said, “The groundhog is like most other prophets – it delivers its prediction and then disappears.”

From the Old Farmer’s Almanac…The Summer passed, the Autumn came;The World swung over toward the night;The Forests robed themselves in flame,Then faded slowly into white

by Josiah Gilbert Holland, American Poet (1819-1881)


Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) by Susanne Lazanov, Staff Writer

Imagine not being able to attend evening theater. Or having to leave a dinner even before dessert is served. Or being awakened count-less times during the night. These scenarios are all too familiar for people who suffer from RLS (also known as Willis-Ekbom disease), which manifests itself as a gnawing feeling in the legs that won’t quiet until you get up and walk.

After her RLS had been in remis-sion for many years, Betty Whiteaker knew it was back. Soon after going to bed, the all-too-familiar, horrible feeling started on the outside of her ankles and moved to the back of her calves. And just as before, the only way to stop the pain was to get up, shake her legs and walk. But each time she got back into bed, the pain returned within 10 minutes, resulting in a long, sleepless night.

So Betty reached out to our resi-dents for help. The large response told her that RLS is fairly common in our community. Of course, any new symptoms or an exacer-bation of a previously-diagnosed condition warrants a consultation with your health care provider.

According to the National Institutes of Health, RLS is a neurological disorder character-ized by throbbing, pulling, creeping or other unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them. Symptoms occur primarily at night when a person is at rest and can increase in severity during sleep. Moving the legs relieves the sensations, which range from uncomfort-able to irritating to painful.

The most distinctive aspect of RLS is that lying down and trying to relax activates the symptoms. The majority of sufferers have difficulty falling and staying asleep. Without treatment, the condition may cause exhaustion and daytime fatigue, which can affect work, personal relations and performing basic activities of daily life. People with RLS are often unable to concen-trate, may have impaired memory or suffer from depression.

Although the exact cause is unknown, evidence suggests that RLS is related to a dysfunction in the brain’s basal ganglia circuits, where the neurotransmitter dopa-mine helps produce smooth, purposeful muscle activity. Disrup-tion of these pathways frequently results in involuntary movements. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease, another disorder of the basal ganglia’s dopamine pathways, often have RLS as well. While apparently related to the following factors or conditions, researchers do not yet know if these cause RLS:

■ chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy

■ certain anti-nausea drugs, anti-psychotic drugs, antidepressants, and cold and allergy medications

■ alcohol ■ sleep deprivation

Unfortunately, there is no cure for RLS. However, relief can come from several types of medi-cations, including those to treat anxiety, convulsions, pain and Parkinson’s. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Relaxis, a vibrating pad that delivers counter-stimulation to the legs as an individual lies in bed to improve sleep quality in people with RLS that doesn’t result from another condition.

There are also lots of home reme-dies that RLS sufferers swear by, although it’s advisable to check these out with your health care provider. One of the most popular is placing a bar of Irish Spring or lavender soap under the bed sheet near your feet.

Another is Ben-Gay, the over-the-counter remedy for minor muscle aches. For at least 10 years, Judie Ploger had often been awakened by a “creepy, crawling feeling” in the back of her calves. And for even longer than that, she would expe-rience the same sensation at night, when she was tired and bored, but not yet ready for bed. Seeking relief, she reached for the over-the-counter remedy for tight muscles. To her delight, the Ben-Gay helped. Judie’s physician also increased the dosage of a medi-cation she was already taking for an unrelated condition. Together, these treatments are keeping her symptoms under control.

For more information, contact the Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation (www.rls.org or 512-366-9109).


Get to know the FRCA Committees: The Social Committeeby Susan Smart, Staff Writer

Kit and Peter Wilkinson moved to Falls Run about a year and a half ago from New Haven, Connect-icut, to be closer to their children. They jumped into the community with both feet almost as soon as they got here. Peter was recently appointed to the FRCA Board, and Kit is the new chair of the Social Committee.

Kit looked at other areas of community involvement, but gravitated toward the Social Committee because she has been a caterer (informally, not as a business) and was a personal chef in Georgetown. It seemed a natural fit to be engaged in activi-ties that involved food and fun!

The Committee meets at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. There are 19 members, seven of them new in the last year. Along with Kit as the Chair, Mary Mork

Social Committee Members (L to R) Maria Dockstader, Jo Ann Boyette, Wendy Donovan, Kit Wilkinson, Mary Mork, Joyce Cain, Diane Rimer, Lynn O’Connor, Jill Reeves, Denise Evans, Mary Berry, Jeanne Samp-son, Priscilla Mahon, Gayle Castro (Not pictured: Lois Wair, Donna Kappler, Rita Pinion, Rita Hagans, and Mary Corapi)Photo by Beth Kelley

serves as the Secretary and Ron Henderson is the Board Liaison. Like the Travel and Gazette Committees, Activities Director Keith Marine has supervisory responsibility for the Social Committee, attending every meeting. Each of the members take turns managing an event for our community. Some of last year’s events included dinners and dances, the international potluck dinner, the end-of-season and family pool parties, and the Gala, among many other entertaining activities.

Some new things are planned for the coming year. In January, the Committee held a “Read-the-book-and-see-the-movie” event, in which participants read “To Kill a Mockingbird”, watched the movie and were served desserts associated with the book. They’re also working on having the University of Mary Washington orchestra

provide a concert, and hope to have a “Tea for the Cure” in October, which is Breast Cancer Month.

Kit enjoys her work on the Social Committee saying, “Everything we do makes people happy.” And a bonus is that it’s not always the same people participating in each event, so that a large number of our community takes part in the varied offerings. If you have new ideas for social activities, let Kit know ([email protected])!


Wall of Honor Committee The Wall of Honor Committee gathered on December 3, 2015, for the installation of the sign that displays the four founders of the Wall (Scott Hysler, George Malhoit, Bob Gilbert and Bill Nosal).

Wall of Honor Committee (L to R) Back row: Tom Donohue, Ray Davis, Wayne Ploger, Joan Frank, George Malhiot, Rick Frank, Bill Nosal, Beth Kelley, Dan Augustine2nd row: Reinhard Ortmann, Karl Kabza, Loretta Selgelid, Don Shiffert, Bob Gilbert, Haward BoyetteFront (kneeling): Bob Brown, Chuck BohrPhoto by Barbara Chadwick

Best Ever Giftby Jeanette Doolittle, Staff Writer

On a sunny April morning in the 1940s, Aunt Mary arrived carrying a pair of metal ball bearing roller skates, accom-panied by a key that tightened the metal clamps to the soles of my leather shoes. Shoes were rationed in war time; sneakers and flip flops were ages away from being invented. This was a time of very few surprises or unexpected gifts. Aunt Mary would never ever give me another present. The skates came without a box or decorative ribbons – just placed in my hands. I had never seen such a marvel and did not know it even existed. I flew up and down the hilly court at the back of our house, ignoring hunger and my moth-er’s calls to come home. With joy that evening, I tucked the skates away under my bed, kissing them good night. My bandaged knees gave evidence in the morning that it wasn’t a night-time dream – I really had roller skates! I would receive many gifts in the future, but the roller skates remain the best memory of Aunt Mary, those carefree days and her perfect present.

Photo by Beth Kelley


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Get Moving!

Zumba ClassPhoto by Keith Marine

Circuit Training ClassPhoto by Beth Kelley

by Elizabeth Clements, Staff Writer

During this past year, the Gazette has featured many articles about the various activities available at our Center. Most of these are organized or taught by residents. We also have three “pay as you go” activ-ities taught by certified instructors from outside the community. These are open to all residents at a cost of $5.00 per session. Participants can come to as many or as few of these classes as they wish.

Zumba meets on Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. in conference rooms 2 and 3 and is taught by ZaKia Wichowski, a licensed Zumba instructor. Classes last about 50 minutes and your first class is free! It is very active, but everyone participates at their own pace. Zumba roots go back to the 1990s when Beto Perez, a Columbian dancer and choreographer, forgot his tape of the aerobic music for a class he was teaching. He went to his car and came back with salsa and merengue music, and a new trend was born. If you like Latin style music, this class might be for you. It is great exercise and a lot of fun.

Steve Beasley, a trainer who is certified every two years by the ISCA (International Sports Conditioning Association), offers two classes. Strength Training meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (8:45 to 9:45 a.m.) in conference rooms 2 and 3. Participants use dumbbells, elastic resistance cords, stability balls and chairs. They work on increasing their strength, flexibility and balance. Everyday Health says that strength training can benefit your heart, improve you balance, and strengthen your bones. Once again, everyone is encouraged to work at their own level.

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon, Steve also offers a Circuit Training Class in the Fitness Center. Participants use the machines and other equipment to move through various exercise stations, working different muscle groups. Each class involves different exercises that strengthen your core, arms, legs, glutes and back, so it’s never boring. The instructor also offers many adaptations to fit your needs.

So if you made a New Year’s resolution in January to be more physically fit and haven’t acted on it, consider taking a class that will get you moving, make you stronger and add to your well being!

Strength Training ClassPhoto by Beth Kelley


2015 Pickleball Winners

June Grundy and Carol SmithPhoto by Noel Lowery with her permission

Charles Embrey and Bob WilliamsPhoto by Noel Lowery with her permission

by Jean Williams

On December 2, 2015, Falls Run residents participated in the Staf-ford Parks and Recreation’s 2015 Seniors Pickleball Tournament at the Stafford County Courthouse Community Center. Bob Williams and Charles Embrey took first place and June Grundy and Carol Smith took second place. Congrat-ulations to Falls Run residents Bob and June – you represented this community well!

Helpful Hints: Laundry dayby Judy Rao, Staff Writer

1: Do not launder fuzzy fabrics with black items2: Wash jeans inside out and use detergent that preserves colors3: Add a splash of vinegar, it zaps smells but doesn’t leave its own scent4: Soft water washes and rinses better5: When you hand wash, rinse delicate items in a colander so they

do not get stretched6: Create a clear “clothes sorting” station – put each person’s clothes

in their own basket.7: Nest bras inside each other –

don’t fold them8: Do not hang a sweatshirt like

a shirt – the neck may get stretched

Welcome New Neighbors by Sue Silvers, Staff Writer

GaryandNadineLupton(11 Goose Creek Circle) moved to Falls Run from Heathsville, Virginia, to be closer to their business, Aquia Counselling and Therapy, where they both work. Gary is originally from Merrill, Wisconsin, and Nadine from Sycamore, Illinois. Between them, they have five children and ten grandchildren. The ruler of their household, though, is Lucy, their miniature poodle.

Ernest(Ernie)andTobyWallach(79 Smithfield Way) moved from Old Orchard Beach, South Portland, Maine. Ernie came to the U.S. from Germany when he was a child and his family settled in New York. Toby also grew up in New York (Spring Valley). They moved to Virginia to be closer to one of their three sons who lives in Stafford. They also have one daughter. Ernie retired from Boys Scouts of America. Together they have oper-ated various franchises during their 54 years of marriage.


From the heartby Susanne Lazanov, Staff Writer

When my daughter Stefanie was in kindergarten, she and my mother began to “keep each other’s heart” under their respective pillows.

At age 12, and very much into arts and crafts, Stefanie made a secret purchase during one of our shopping trips. A few days later, she presented me with a 3-inch wood cut-out of a heart that she had painted red.

The accompanying card, really just a folded piece of a paper, explained its purpose:

Dear Mom,

Here’s a lift-me-up. When you’re feeling down, lift up this heart and your spirits will fly!!

Love, Stefanie

I have carried the heart in my purse every day for 30 years. The fading paint bears witness to the countless times I’ve stroked the heart to bring on the intended effect. The print and artwork on the card are barely legible. It’s fortunate that I made a copy early on.

Recently, I asked Stefanie what she recalls about giving me the heart. “I don’t remember the exact words in the note, but I know that it conveyed the love and admiration a little girl felt for her mom. I was very touched then, as I still am now, that you carry it with you”.

Although my mother passed away when her only granddaughter was 17, it’s comforting that Mom and I have shared Stefanie’s heart.

The 2016 Villas Board of Directors The January Gazette provided the results of the Board of Directors elections for both the FRCA and the Villas. As promised in that article, this month’s issue is providing a picture of the full Villas Board of Directors for the 2016 calendar year term. John Deegan, Tom Catalano and Ed Kappler were all re-elected to the offices of President, Vice Presi-dent and Treasurer, respectively. Carol Stevens was elected to the office of Secretary and Barbara Barrett is the new Director at Large. Congratula-tions to John, Tom, Ed, Carol and Barbara – the community is fortunate to have members of their caliber serve in these very important positions.

Back row (L to R) Tom Catalano, John Deegan, Ed Kappler Front row (L to R) Barbara Barrett, Carol Stevens

Photo by Beth Kelley


by Chuck Heath, Advanced Master Gardener and Tree Steward

February kicks off the gardening season in Falls Run. This month, we need to do some planning, think about using a lawn service, do some pruning, and plan for changes we want to make on our property. Please remember that if you plan to renovate trees, shrubs or hardscapes, or other major garden undertakings, you need to submit an application to the Modi-fications Committee before you begin work. Applications are avail-able from the concierge at the Center and at www.fallsrun.org. Lawnservices – Now that the warm weather is on our doorstep, many homeowners will be signing up for lawn services to keep their turf grass, trees and shrubs healthy and attractive. Competing compa-nies will solicit your business with promises of better products, more attentive service or a lower price, so here are some tips on finding a good service:

■ Every lawn service is different, so ask questions and determine exactly what each provides. A full-service firm will offer lawn analysis, fertilizing and seeding, weed and pest control, and care for your trees and shrubs. Their products will be applied four or five times, from spring through fall. Some services also offer mowing and even watering, if you wish.

■ Tell your prospective or current lawn service to precisely follow the Falls Run Lawn Management Program. Give them a copy. Don’t take no for an answer!

■ Before selecting a service, do your homework. Talk with your neighbors to see which companies have done a good job. Ask for references here in Falls Run, and call them.

■ Most services use pesticides to provide weed and pest control. Do they post signs to alert you and your neighbors? How long must you stay off the treated area? IntheCommonwealthofVirginia,allpesticideapplicatorsmustbelicensedbythestate.Asktoseetheirlicense.

Pruning – This is the right time to prune your oaks, maples and crape myrtles. Pruning needs to be done while these plants are dormant (sap is not running). Virginia Tech has pruning calen-dars available for shrubs, deciduous trees and evergreen trees at http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-460/430-460.html.

TreeTopping– this is a short-term solution with serious long-term consequences. Topping is a very damaging practice that is severely detrimental to a tree’s health and natural beauty. There

In the garden: Spring Planning, Lawn Services, Pruning and Tree Topping

are many reasons not to top trees and many alternatives to topping. Topping is not normal, it’s not beautiful, and it’s not cheap. TreetoppingisalsonotpermittedinFallsRun.

Many homeowners have their trees

topped when the trees reach heights they consider unsafe. They are afraid a strong wind will blow the trees down. What they fail to realize is that they are actually creating the very problems they are trying to avoid – if the tree survives, many weakly-attached branches will just sprout back next year, usually higher and bushier than the original limbs. Thus, topping creates a more, not less, hazardous tree. PleasecontactalicensedArboristandhavethemexplainwhyyoushouldnottopatree.Thisisano-costphonecall.

Monday morning plant clinics will resume on February 22 at 8 a.m. in the Center. If you have any questions before then, contact me at [email protected].

OnFridayMarch4at1p.m.intheCenter,therewillbeaspringlawnandgardentalk.Lotsofprizeswillbeawardedatthetalkandit’sFREE!!Pleasesignupwiththeconcierge.


For more information please contact

Keith Marine (540) 371-4563 or [email protected]

A House Becomes a Homeby Jeanette Doolittle, Staff Writer

We moved into a Pulte house on Covington Court in 2003 and it was my task to make the house a home. The trouble started before we arrived in Virginia, as I had lost a 10-year battle against relocating from New York. I was a reluctant arrival. The first thing we had to do was make the selection of a front door color, followed by a multitude of choices inside and outside the dwelling. Decisions had to be made instantly after an 8-hour drive from New York in a January snow-storm. First, I choose a Pulte-approved red for the door (that seemed to match my anger best). Today we live with the other rapid selections.

Later on, the red door color led me to paint the crown molding in the living room scarlet red. This was followed by the kitchen, sun room, and hall ceilings all wearing thin red border ribbons. We had enjoyed a traditional New York house and the furniture had not a smidgen of red. A talented Virginia seamstress covered the couch, easy chair and ottoman in a scarlet red flower pattern. Slowing down and almost out of

red paint, I rested. My husband Nat ceased speaking to me, claiming to hate the red color. Every Pulte home in Falls Run needed workers to visit to correct, patch, or complete the dwelling. One day, a Pulte expert fell through the living room ceiling. I must admit, I was never bored in Fredericksburg. I was very lucky to have my husband on the premises when every worker that arrived exclaimed how great the red color was! A cross section of specialists included plumbers, painters, tilers and others who all delighted in my red touches. This praise led me to realize the master bedroom and bathroom were overlooked. I quickly corrected that problem, but showed my conservative side in those rooms. The bathroom received a wallpaper trim with red flowers. I showed restraint (or grew tired) and left the guest room and bath alone.

It is 2016 and I love Falls Run, my red house, and my husband has adjusted and no longer sees the red. My design days are over. My house has long become a home. Mission accomplished!

The Doolittle’s beautiful red-bordered living roomPhoto by Beth Kelley


In the Junk Drawerby Barbara Chadwick, Staff Writer

Love, cards, and candy are part of the celebration of Valentine’s Day. However, the origins of cupids and love are dark, bloody and a bit muddled.

In AD 496, Valentine of Rome was martyred and his burial site became an important pilgrim site in the Middle Ages. Valentine of Terni was said to be martyred about AD 197. Yet a third saint named Valentine was martyred in Africa on February 14, but nothing further is known about him. According to legend, Valentine of Rome was interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and attempted to get him to convert to Roman paganism to save his life. Valentine tried to convert Claudius and this ended up getting him executed. Before he was killed, though, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter (Julia) of his jailer Asterius. Valentine supposedly wrote a card to Julia, signing it “from your Valentine.”

In ancient Rome, the feast of Lupercalia was celebrated February 13 to 15. Luperci (brothers of the wolf) began the festival by sacrificing two male goats and a dog. The Luperci would cut thongs from the skins of the sacrificed animals, dress themselves in the skins and run round the walls of the city. Girls and young women would line up on their route to receive lashes from these whips. The purpose? They believed it would ensure fertility, prevent sterility in women and ease the pain of childbirth.

The origin of Valentine’s Day is also thought to be connected with the beginning of mating season for birds. Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticized this day in their work and it gained popularity. Handmade paper cards started in the Middle Ages and the tradition was brought to the New World. The industrial revolution began producing factory-made cards in the 19th century. In 1913, Hallmark Cards began mass producing valentine cards. This year, 150 million cards will be exchanged, resulting in an $18 billion business.

On Valentine’s Day, enjoy your cards, candy, and the loves of your life. A note to the men: don’t follow the feast of Lupercalia traditions…the ladies of Falls Run don’t want to be fertile!

Fun Facts for February!by Beth Kelley

February6:Happy birthday, Boy Scouts! On February 8, 1910, Chicago publisher William Dickson Boyce filed incorporation papers in the District of Columbia to create the Boy Scouts of America.

February7:Superbowl Sunday – the 50th celebra-tion of the NFC and AFC championship playoff.

February9: Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is a celebra-tion and opportunity to enjoy foods and drinks that you will give up for the long fasting period of lent starting the next day.

February20:Hoodie-Hoo Day, when people go out at noon, wave their hands over their heads and chant “Hoodie-Hoo” to chase away the winter blahs.

February22:in 1732, the father of our country, George Washington, was born.

February29:Leap Day! 2016 is a Leap Year, when an extra day is added to the annual calendar to keep it consistent with the earth’s annual trip around the sun. Only one in every 1,461 people is born on Leap Day.

Hats off to…...Barbara Chadwick, Gazette staff writer and artist extraordinaire, who has taught free watercolor classes to FRCA residents for the past 12 years!


Chef’s Corner by Sue Silvers, Staff Writer

RaspberryChocolateScones(a healthy recipe from the Mayo Clinic)

Ingredients:1 cup whole-wheat flour1 cup all-purpose flour1 tablespoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon baking soda1/3 cup trans-fat-free buttery spread1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips (they only come in unsweetened)1 cup plus 2 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt2 tablespoons honey1/2 teaspoon sugar1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

DirectionsMix flours, baking powder and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Cut in buttery spread until crumbly. Add berries and chocolate chips. Mix gently. Mix yogurt and honey together in a small bowl, then add to the flour mixture, mixing until just blended and in a ball. Place ball of dough on countertop. Knead one or two times. Roll dough into a circle, 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 12 wedges. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Sprinkle over top of scones. Bake at 400° for 10 to 12 minutes and enjoy! FYI: nutritional analysis per serving: 1 scone=149 calories, total fat 5g, saturated fat 1.5g, monosaturated fat 2g, sodium 143mg, total carbohydrates 22g, dietary fiber 2g, sugars 3g, and protein 4g.

February is Here Againby Judy Rao, Staff Writer

The longest, shortest month of the year! We see hearts and flowers and candy and cards which say “I love you, my dear”.

We sometimes see piles of snow which we shovel or blow. We make stews and soups (some are in cans), We make hot biscuits and jams.

We honor our Presidents, some from long ago. We shiver through activities, but some days are way too slow.

Bring out your hobbies, keep busy all day then you will sleep better when you hit the hay!

fredericksburg, va. february 2016fallsrun.org/archive/2016/2016-02.pdf · february 2016 falls run...

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