Our local highways and byways just got prettier, thanks to new “Welcome to Centreville” signs built by the Beautification of Centreville committee. The dedication ceremony for the signs was held last Saturday morning at Lee Highway near Bull Run Post Office Road.
After three years of planning and $5,000, organizers Mary-Rose Woodward and Judy Kelsen, both of the Virginia Run community, designed the signs with the help of VDOT, which regulated the strict placement and dimensions.
“It’s nice to have a sign welcoming people to our community,” said Woodward. Added Kelsen: “These signs are the first step in giving Centreville a sense of community.”
Community activist Pat Lawless, formerly of Long & Foster, Realtors, came up with the original idea and Spencer Marker, also of Long & Foster, Realtors, helped with the historical references.
One sign is at Route 29 near Bull Run Post Office Road, and the other is near CVS Pharmacy at Route 29. Two yet-to-be built signs will be erected at E.C. Lawrence Park and Route 28, and near Centreville Elementary on Route 28.
The signs were built by Sign-a-Rama in Centreville Square. Financing for them came from the Virginia Run Holiday Home Tour fund-raiser, Bryan Hunt, CPA; Carteret Mortgage; Engle Homes; Ron White Superior Paving and Walker Title. J&M Landscaping, owned by Jim and Meg Crossett, and Engle Homes are landscaping the area around the signs, which will have ornamental grasses, crimson barberry, Russian sage and perennial mums.