Pimmit Hills Citizens Association (PHCA) News Blog

McLean Community: A Village for All Ages

Sarah Rock — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:36:49 GMT

After many months of planning, the all-volunteer leadership team of McLean, Virginia’s “Aging in Place” initiative is pleased to announce our new name, accomplishments to date, and development plans.

New Name
Those attending the October 2011 Forum held at Capital One Headquarters and subsequent Phase I/Phase II meetings will recall that the initiative was originally known as “McLean: Creating a Supportive Community for All” or “McLean--A Community for All.” The new name “McLean Community: A Village for All Ages (MCVA)” retains the inclusive, multi-generational, supportive, neighbor-helping-neighbor aspect of our organization, while linking it to the nationwide, indeed international, “Village” movement aimed at helping older adults and adults with disabilities “stay in place” in their own homes and communities.

MCVA aims to to introduce programs that address unmet needs in the local community, such as McLean Senior Source that help make our community livable, friendly, and connected. Rather than create programs and offerings like the ones that already exist, MCVA promotes the activities of local organizations. MSS is staffed by trained volunteers and is located at the McLean Community Center. You can reach MSS by phone at 703-300-1751, e-mail, McLeanSeniorSource AT gmail.com, and in person by visiting the MSS desk in the lobby of the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101. Hours of operation are Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 am to 2 pm.

New Website For more information about MCVA, our history, mission, and programs, check out the new MCVA website at http://www.mcva.weebly.com Feedback and suggestions are welcome.

Leadership Team and Planning Groups During this third phase of planning and implementation, MCVA’s current leadership team consists of six volunteers: Renuka Chander, Chair; Courtney Nuzzo, Vice Chair; Judy Seiff, recent Past Chair; Betty Yurkewitch, Leader McLean Senior Source; McLean Village Exchange Leader (TBD); and MCVA Public Relations and Outreach Leader (TBD).

What’s Next? The leadership team invites greater community and volunteer involvement in MCVA. We welcome suggestions for programs that address unmet needs and leverage the unique value of MCVA to the McLean community. MCVA invites more volunteers to join our Committees. Email the leadership team at McLeanCommunityVillage AT gmail.com.

For more information visit http://www.mcva.weebly.com

Pimmit Hills Listed as Hot Neighborhood

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:00:25 GMT

DCist featured our neighborhood as the hottest neighborhood to buy property in the DC Metro area for 2013: http://dcist.com/2013/01/pimmit_hills_petworth_listed_as_hot.php.

from the article:

"Pimmit Hills is right between the commercial haven and employment hub of Tyson's Corner and Charming main street-esque Falls Church City. With an abundance of flat large lots, enhancement of the Tyson's Corner area and additional transportation options Pimmit Hills looks to be a popular place for years to come," said Redfin agent Rob Wittman.

Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Open Houses

Sarah Rock — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:16:40 GMT

This year the General Assembly passed a bill that will provide up to $300 million annually in new transportation funding to Northern Virginia starting July 1, 2013.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority will hold an Open House and Public Hearing on June 20, 2013.

Date: June 20
Location: City Hall in the City of Fairfax, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, VA
Schedule
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Open House
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Presentation
7:00 p.m.-end Public Hearing

At the open house the public will have the opportunity to review the proposed the proposed FY 2014 project list, ask questions, and make comments. Information on the proposed project lists and the media release announcing the Open House and public hearing can be found at www.thenovaauthority.org

In an effort to seek as much public input as possible, Fairfax County is holding a local Open House with an opportunity to comment on the proposed project lists designed to kick start congestion relief.

The Fairfax County Open House details are as follows:

Date: June 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Rooms 4/5, Fairfax, Virginia.

Comments on the projects can be e-mailed to: fy14projects@thenovaauthority.org.

Creating a More Older Adult-Friendly Community: A Call to Action!

Sarah Rock — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:08:53 GMT

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, together with the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging, is working to continue progress toward creating a more livable community for its older residents.

This summer, they are hosting community forums throughout the county to hear what residents have to say. Focus areas include housing & transportation; easy access to services; and healthy lifestyles & community engagement.

This is your chance to share your ideas on what we need to do together to ensure the county continues to be a livable, lifelong community for its growing older population.

Once the community forums are completed, a new Fairfax 50+ Action Plan will be developed.

Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults to link to the registration page and find additional forums as they are scheduled. You can also register by calling 703-324-5411, TTY 711. If you cannot attend a forum and would like comment, call us or email us at DFSCommunity@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Forums close to Pimmit Hills include:

Monday, June 24
10 a.m.-12:00 noon
Luther Jackson Middle School
3020 Gallows Road
Falls Church, VA 22042

Wednesday, June 26
4-6 p.m.
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Ave.
McLean, VA 22101

New PHCA Board Elected

Sarah Rock — Fri, 31 May 2013 00:08:14 GMT

At the May 7 Pimmit Hills Citizens Association community meeting, a new board was elected for the 2013-2014 year:
President - Jeremy Sewall
Vice President - Vijay Sharma
Treasurer - Shashi Patel
Secretary - Connie Cordovilla

Sarah Rock is continuing as Three-Year Director as she begins her final year in this position.

Congratulations to all!

2013-2014 PHCA Board Elections

Sarah Rock — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:36:59 GMT

On behalf of the nominating committee here are the current candidates for the 2013-2014 PHCA Board.

President: none
Vice President: Vijay Sharma
Treasurer: none
Secretary: Connie Cordovilla

The nominations will remain open until a motion is made, seconded and approved at the annual May membership meeting to close the nominations for officers.

We will print ballots 2 days before the election. In the event of multiple candidates for an office, candidates will be listed in the order in which they were nominated.

Don't delay submit a nomination today.

The annual May membership meeting will be held May 7, 2013 at 7:30pm at the Pimmit Hills Senior Center at 7510 Lisle Avenue.

Nominations for the 2013-2014 PHCA Board

Sarah Rock — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:11:41 GMT

The Nominations Committee recommends the following candidate for the 2013-2014 PHCA Board:
Connie Cordovilla for PHCA Secretary.

Nominations will remain open until elections at the May 7, 2013 annual meeting.
If you are interested or know someone who might be interested, let us know.

Public Meetings Scheduled for Fairfax Connector Bus Changes

Sarah Rock — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:44:22 GMT

Fairfax County Department of Transportation has scheduled six public meeting to discuss proposed changes to Fairfax Connector bus service to coincide with the start of Silver Line Metro service in December 2013.

The plan includes the creation of 12 new routes, restructuring 24 existing routes and elimination of 6 routes.

The meeting closest to Pimmit Hills will be held:

Wednesday, April 24: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library
7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
Transit: Metrobus 28A and 28T

An online discussion will also be held Thursday, April 18 at 2 p.m.

For additional details about the proposed changes and other meeting dates, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/routes/dullesrail/

Pimmit Hills needs YOU!

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 03:10:13 GMT

Elections for 2012-2013 PHCA Board will take place at the annual May PHCA meeting. The meeting will be held Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 at the Pimmit Hills Senior Center on Lisle Avenue.

If you would like to help serve on the board for just one year (June 2013-May 2014), pleaseuse the nomination form to nominate yourself or someone else. The nominating committee will contact all nominees to ensure that they accept the nomination. Nominations will be open until they are closed at the May meeting.

Positions available are: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Read about board member duties or feel free to contact any current board member with questions.

It's fun, you get to meet a lot of neighbors and help make our neighborhood a better place to live.

Dranesville Community Budget Meetings - March 12, April 2 and 3

Sarah Rock — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:12:05 GMT

Dranesville Supervisor John Foust has scheduled three town hall meetings in March and April to give Dranesville residents an opportunity to learn about and discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2014 (FY2014) Budget for Fairfax County. County Management and Budget staff will be present to make a summary presentation of the budget and answer questions. The three sessions are:

Tuesday, March 12 at 7:00 pm

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00 pm

Great Falls Library

9830 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

Wednesday, April 3 at 7:00 pm

Herndon Town Council Chambers

765 Lynn Street

Herndon

For details about the FY2014 Budget visit the County website at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb. For more information on these public meetings contact Jane Edmondson in Supervisor Foust’s Dranesville District office at (703) 356-0551, TTY 711 or email Dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov.

February Dranesville Dispatch Now Available

Sarah Rock — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:36:04 GMT

From Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust:
Dear Dranesville Resident,

Welcome to the February 2013 issue of the Dranesville Dispatch. I hope your year is off to a great start.

On February 26, the Board of Supervisors will receive the County Executive's Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Advertised Budget Plan. I will include a review of the Advertised Budget in the next issue of the Dranesville Dispatch. Once again, we expect big challenges. I seek your input as we work to set budget priorities and strive to balance the burden on taxpayers while funding the many essential programs and services provided by the County. My citizen budget task force, headed this year by Dranesville resident John Ulfelder, has been meeting since October. They will examine the proposed budget in great detail and submit a report that I will share with the Board. I will be hosting community budget meetings in McLean (March 12 at 7 p.m. at the McLean Community Center), Great Falls (April 2 at 7 p.m. at the Great Falls Library), and Herndon (April 3 at 7 p.m. at the Herndon Town Council Chambers). Public Hearings before the full Board are set for April 9, 10 and 11. I am also available to attend homeowner and community meetings to discuss your budget concerns and priorities. On April 30, after extensive community input, the Board will revise the Advertised Budget and adopt the FY2014 budget.

In other news, we are working on an agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation that will allow Fairfax County to take over responsibility for removal of advertising and political signs in the public right-of-way. Signs will be removed by the Sheriff’s Community Labor Force and fines for illegal posting of signs will be collected by and paid to Fairfax County. The Board is also considering changes to regulations for home childcare facilities. Details on these issues and their associated public hearing dates can be found in this issue.

Last month, we opened a new scenic pull-off and parking area on Georgetown Pike, across from Clemyjontri Park. This pull-off makes 22 spaces of additional parking available for that very popular park. Residents may also notice that through trucks have been banned on Balls Hill Road and eastern Georgetown Pike. The ban was approved by the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board in December. Through trucks are now banned for the entirety of Georgetown Pike.

Fairfax County is also working on its Dulles Rail Bus Service Plan. That plan proposes Connector Bus routes and schedule changes to access the Phase I Silver Line Metro Stations. County staff has just concluded several public meetings to present proposals and collect public comments. If you have not already done so, please review the plans and let the County know what you think. Details on the proposed Dulles Rail Bus Service Plan are in this issue.

It is an honor to serve you. As always, I welcome your thoughts on how to best serve the Dranesville community. Please feel free to contact us with your suggestions and concerns.

Best Wishes,
John W. Foust

Dranesville District Supervisor
6649-A Old Dominion Drive
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-356-0551
Fax: 703-821-4275

PHCA Meeting In February

Sarah Rock — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 21:34:32 GMT

There will be a special PHCA meeting on Tuesday February 5 at 7:30 in the Pimmit Hills Senior Center.

[Update]
Here is a link to the draft agenda.

December Meeting Update

Sarah Rock — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:36:46 GMT

The next PHCA meeting is scheduled for December 4, 2012 at the Pimmit Hills School.

Our guest speaker is Michelle Thompson from Fairfax County Consumer Affairs. Ms. Thompson will present on health insurance fraud.

The December meeting is also the annual holiday social meeting. Bring a sweet treat to share with your neighbors and PHCA will bring the punch.

Hurricane Sandy - Get Prepared and Stay Connected

Sarah Rock — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:42:59 GMT

From Dranesville District Supervisor, John Foust:

The National Weather Service is now reporting that Hurricane Sandy is likely to have a significant impact on the Washington DC Metropolitan area beginning on Sunday. The hurricane is expected to be a slow moving/long lasting system with gusty tropical storm force winds, heavy rain and flooding. We all should be prepared for wide-spread power outages, road closures and traffic signal outages and other damage from strong winds, flooding and downed trees and branches.

As the storm approaches and during the storm, Fairfax County will be posting regularly about Hurricane Sandy on the Fairfax County Emergency Blog. This is the very best place for County residents to find Fairfax County-specific information, messages and guidance. To sign up, go to the Fairfax County Emergency Blog, to the right hand side where you will see “Email Subscription.”

We will continue to disseminate emergency information as we receive it, along with other helpful information.

My staff and I will be monitoring the storm situation closely. If you have concerns you may send an email to my office at Dranesville@FairfaxCounty.gov or call (703) 356-0551. Please call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

I encourage you stay safe during this weather emergency and to check in on any elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may not have access to information or emergency supplies.

Sincerely,
John Foust

Preparedness Activities

We urge all of our Fairfax County residents to stay up to date on this storm as it has potential for heavy rains, winds and flooding.
Ensure that you have adequate food and water on hand in the event power is lost or roads are closed due to downed trees.
Don’t forget your pets, medications and others who may need special assistance.
Ensure that you have a communications plan and that all family members understand who to call if you get separated.
In these types of weather events, excessive rain will loosen tree root systems so a greater potential for downed trees can be expected.
Sign up for the Fairfax County Emergency Alert program. (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cean/)
In the event you live in an area that is prone to flooding, be prepared to relocate your family and vehicle before flood waters have an impact. In past events, there has been little warning once the water begins to rise.
If you are driving and see a street that is flooded, Turn Around.

Get Emergency Supplies

Buy extra water. One gallon of water per person (and pet) per day is recommended for drinking and sanitation.
Buy an extra bag (or cans) of food for your pet.
Withdraw some extra cash from your bank or ask for cash back at a grocery store so you can make purchases in case there are power outages.
Review your infant and young children supplies essential to you as a parent or someone who may be taking care of a young child.
Pickup an extra package or two of the most commonly used batteries in your home.
Purchase extra over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or children’s medications you frequently use.
Clear Leaves From Storm Drains. It’s fall and our trees are showing off their reds and oranges, but many leaves have hit the ground. Keep storm drains clear in case we receive inches of rain. If you live within a homeowner’s association or apartment complex check in to see if they plan to clear common areas.

Stay Informed

Share this information with your family/friends/coworkers and ask them to subscribe to the Fairfax County Emergency Blog (http://fairfaxcountyemergency.wordpress.com/) posts by email. The blog will provide updates throughout the storm.
Sign up for our Community Emergency Alert Network text/email updates that will provide weather alerts and other critical information. (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cean/)
If you use social media sites, then follow Fairfax County on Facebook or Twitter. Be an information ambassador and share/retweet updates. If using Twitter, help the County see local tweets by using the hashtag #ffxstorm.
Keep up to date with local conditions – follow TV and radio reports from your area, or visit www.weather.gov (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone) for the latest forecast.
Download the County mobile apps with emergency information and get the American Red Cross “Hurricane” app – Android, Apple.
For more tips, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency.
Important phone numbers

Community Meeting on Prescription Medicine Abuse

Sarah Rock — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 00:22:16 GMT

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription drug abuse is the Nation's fastest growing drug problem. The 2011 Fairfax County Youth Survey reports that 14% of 12th graders in Fairfax County have used painkillers for non-medical reasons.

The Safe Community Coalition and the McLean District Police Station will host a community discussion with local health and law enforcement experts on prescription medicine abuse at a community meeting on October 17, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the McLean Community Center.

In addition, there will be a free Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicine Drop Off Activity from 5pm until 7pm. Bring your unused or expired medications to the MCC for free and safe disposal.

For additional information please contact:
Nyka J Feldman, Executive Director
Safe Community Coalition
www.safecommunitycoalition.net

Read the Latest Dranesville Dispatch Newsletter

Sarah Rock — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:08:47 GMT

Dranesville Supervisor Foust has released the October Dranesville Dispatch (pdf) with news, highlights and important announcements for residents. You can also read past issues on the Dranesville website at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville/.

Learn about 495 Express Lanes and Flex Pass

Sarah Rock — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 22:47:45 GMT

Supervisor Foust along with VDOT and Transurban/Fluor (builders and operators of the 495 Express Lanes) will host a community information meeting to discuss the new service and answer citizens’ questions on Wednesday, October 10 at the McLean Community Center.

Residents will also have the opportunity to purchase either an EZ Pass, the new Flex transponder, or to exchange their current EZ Pass for the Flex Pass. While current EZ passes will work in the new Express Lanes, carpool drivers will need the new Flex Pass which allows them to change a setting to indicate they are HOV-3, enabling them to drive for free.

When: Wednesday, October 10, 7:00 p.m.
Where: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean

More about the Express Lanes: https://www.495expresslanes.com/

Save the Pimmit Hills Barn Response by Cindy Kwitchoff

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:09:03 GMT

The following message is a response to the The Save the Pimmit Hills Barn group prepared by Cindy Kwitchoff and does not represent the views of the PHCA.

The Save the Pimmit Hills Barn group has been active promoting saving the old barn on Cherri Drive instead of letting Fairfax County provide the property to a County organization that would build a home for six elderly mentally and physically disabled County residents who have no family members living to care for them anymore. The organization would provide them 24-hour care.

The Save the Barn group instead proposes to turn it into a 1) Community Center, 2) Community Club House, 3) Garden Plots, 4) Museum for Dairy Farming, 5) Children's Park, or 6) Sports Equipment Storage.

The Pimmit Hills Center/School on Lisle Avenue is actually already a fully-functional Community Center. And the barn has been used for years to store sports equipment for McLean sports teams until now. Pimmit Hills has many playgrounds in our parks already.

What has yet to be addressed is the actual funding plans for implementing any of these venues. How will the land be paid for since the land around here is worth more than our homes? How much are the renovation costs and who will pay for the renovation to make it a useable space with utilities? Who will pay for the regular maintenance/upkeep of the structure and property? Who will pay for the staff that would be required to run a dairy museum. How much does a cow cost? What about re-zoning and Fairfax County regulations?

At the September meeting, one of the suggestions from the Barn group was to tax Pimmit Hills residents to pay for the costs. What is your opinion on this?

The Barn Group has set up a survey asking for your input. You can take their short survey here.

- - - - - - - -

FYI Addendum

A few months ago, a resident sent PHCA a message saying we should have a pool in Pimmit Hills. PHCA asked if she would be interested in leading a team to research the issue with Fairfax County, find out the re-zoning regulations, how much the land would cost, how would it be paid for, what would be the cost of the installation of a pool and pool house, how many employees would need to be hired to run the pool, who would pay for their salary, what were the costs of the regular maintenance of the pool and property, what were the legal and insurance costs, etc. She never responded. Several board member did find out an initial cost to build a community pool was well over $300,000.

PHCA is a volunteer citizens organization that has no legal authority to enforce dues payment or regulations. We have 1,642 homes but only 286 citizens have become paid members, thus the Association doesn't have a lot of money.

PHCA recently had to spend money to buy liability insurance to protect Board Members from being sued like the legal threat against the Board in March over voting on the Pimmit Hills Barn. Unfortunately, it took 37 paid memberships ($20) to cover the cost of this insurance, something PHCA has never needed to have before.

Pimmit Hills Day a Success!

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:05:47 GMT

If you weren't able to make it to our annual Pimmit Hills Day, you missed a great time. The weather was perfect, there were booths, food and games, and McGruff the Crime Dog along with our local McLean police stopped by to visit. Click here to see photos from the event.

Thank you to organizers Sarah Rock (PHCA) and Marie Davis (Tysons Lions Club) for all their work on the day and also a huge thanks to those who volunteered to help out.

Pimmit Hills Day, September 22, 2012

Register Now for Fall Clean-Up Day

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:03:48 GMT

Pimmit Hills Fall Clean-Up Day is Saturday, October 13 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am in Olney Park.

Register Now to participate in the Fall Pimmit Hills Clean-Up of our parks, streams and streets. We need to know how much supplies to bring. We meet at Olney Park and divide into groups to go to different community parks and areas. Discover parks and creeks you never know existed! It's also a great community service venue for school kids.

For more information, contact the head of the Pimmit Hills Environment & Parks Committee Elizabeth Hall at Environment@PimmitHills.org. See photos from our Spring Clean-Up to see the fun we had.

Be sure to Register soon!