About 2 years ago a parent from Henderson Elementary School started a campaign to move the flashing 25 mph blinking lights (Wink-O-Matics) on Waterway Drive to cover all side streets that our children walk in the mornings and afternoons to slow down drivers. With the help of our MPOA President Jim Cech, V-DOT finally came out and agreed that they should be moved! They are not as far back as we would like; however, their visibility is much better for drivers when they are approaching the school zone. We should all say a huge thank you to Blake Nicolai and Jim Cech! Thank you both so much for looking out for our students’ welfare!

Take care,
Shawne Southard
PTCO President

The Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross will be a charity partner for the 33rd Annual Marine Corps Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2008.  The “Peoples Marathon” filled up it roster of 30,000 runners in just five short days. The only way for runners to register for the marathon now is through a charity partner. Running in the Marine Corps Marathon for a charity partner is not just running a race, it’s supporting a charity.

The registration fee of $140 includes registration for the marathon, and participation in the Marathon Charity Partners training program. The training program includes optional training runs throughout the summer to help runners prepare for the big race. The program also offers several seminars on a wide variety of running related topics. Runners will also have access to a professional coaching staff and support and advice to help participants with fundraising is provided.   

For more information, or to register with the Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross as a marathon charity runner visit www.pwarc.org  or contact Brian Shaw at 703/784-3113, or Brian.A.Shaw@USMC.MIL. Registration and payment are due no later than July 15, 2008, but slots are limited and awarded on a first come first served basis.  In addition to the registration fee, Prince William American Red Cross marathon charity runners must agree to raise a minimum of $1000 for the Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross by September 20, 2008. These funds help support the ongoing work of the Chapter in disaster relief, emergency preparedness, Service to Armed Forces and health and safety training.

National Active & Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 1270 will hold its July luncheon meeting at noon on Thursday July 17 at the Montclair Country Club.  The speaker is Judy Crooks who will discuss Senior Navigator, an online resource for seniors.  Cost for the luncheon is $14.00 per person.  Reservations required not later than July 11; call Christina at 703/878-0797.

Troop 35's Canoe and Kayak trip in May on the Rappahannock River was exhilarating and fun. A lot of Scouts and Scoutmasters went for a swim with the canoe or kayak upside down. The second weekend in June, Troop 35 enjoyed their annual Field and Stream campout at the Fairfax Isaac Walton League.  This was an exciting weekend full of archery, shotgun, and rifle range.  The troop also held a Court of Honor, recognizing Scouts for their merit badges and rank they earned.  Congratulations to Stuart Shotwell and Alex Williams for completing all the Eagle requirements and becoming Eagle Scouts. They did a great job and they deserved it. Troop 35 is heading to summer camp this month at Blue Ridge Mountain Council Reservation in Virginia.

For more information about BSA Troop 35, contact Scoutmaster Dale Stoutenburgh at 703/680-3898 or by e-mail at dale.f.stoutenburgh@usace.army.mil.  Check out Troop 35's website at www.troop35dumfries.com.

Welcome to summer!  School is out and it’s time for vacations.  Whether you’re planning a long trip to visit family or a quiet, stay-at-home retreat, it’s time to wind down, enjoy time with your family and also take some time for yourself.

As you all have noticed, we are experiencing the same conditions that are happening all over the country – vacant houses.  Many of you have taken it upon yourselves to help mow lawns and pick up trash in an effort to keep our area looking its best and you are to be commended.  These actions will reduce the risk of rodent infestation which is dangerous and unhealthy to us all.   Please be observant of the homes around you and report any problems that you consider to be a problem.  We don’t want to ignore any situations which could result in vandalism damage and unsafe conditions.  Also, please remember parking spaces assigned to a home – whether vacant or occupied – are not to be used without the owner’s permission.  Realtors will need these to show homes and we want to assist in this endeavor as best we can!

Have a wonderful summer and enjoy all the amenities available in WETA as well as other activities in Montclair.  Don’t forget the suntan lotion!

Come to the Heart of Dumfries at the Dumfries United Methodist Church Farmers’ Market, Saturdays July 12, August 9, September 13 and October 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  This event is rain or shine and the admission is free.  Enjoy pony rides, crafters, baked goods, reading center, fire engines, food, games and more!  The Farmers’ Market will be located at the corner of Cameron Street and Washington Street, near Route 1 in Dumfries.