<sh>Fun Fair at Chesterbrook Elementary
<bt>The Chesterbrook Elementary School Parent Teacher Association will conduct its annual Fun Fair and Silent Auction on Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year's theme is "Rain Forest Rendezvous." It will have moon bounces, cake walks, games of skill, and games of chance for the children, while adults can enjoy the Silent Auction, bake sale and good conversation. In addition, there will be basket raffles, teacher raffles and many other activities. Chesterbrook Elementary School is located at 1753 Kirby Road in McLean. Note that the west bound side of Kirby Road in front of Chesterbrook Elementary School is not available for parking for school events. Vehicles parked in that lot will be ticketed.
<sh>Supervisor DuBois to Host Community Tree Forum
<bt>Dranesville District Supervisor Joan DuBois, in conjunction with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, will be hosting a Tree Forum on Tuesday, March 13th, at 7 p.m. at Colvin Run Elementary School. The program is designed to address homeowners' concerns for trees on their property and in their community. Many people do not know where to turn for help and accurate advice. A panel of experts including the Cooperative Extension Service, Fairfax County Urban Foresters and others, will provide the most up-to-date information on keeping your trees healthy. Topics will include pest control, pruning, care and feeding, and advice on selecting sites and trees for planting. This program is free, but registration is suggested. Call the Supervisor's office at 703-356-0551 for your reservation. Colvin Run Elementary School is located at 1400 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.
<sh>MCC to Hold Public Hearing On Programs
<bt>On Wednesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m., the Governing Board of the McLean Community Center (MCC) will hold a public hearing on its programs. The hearing will be held at the Center, located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue. The Board invites residents to come to the meeting and share their thoughts on the Center’s programs and services. The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Governing Board will follow the public hearing. All meetings of the Governing Board are open to the public. Residents of Small District 1A–Dranesville, the Center’s tax district, are encouraged to attend the meeting to voice their opinions on current offerings at the Center and to make suggestions on how programs can be improved in the future. The hearing is the first step in planning for the FY 2009 budget cycle, which begins July 1, 2008. Residents who would like to speak at the hearing may call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 703-827-8255, to have their names placed on the speakers’ list. They may also submit written comments via mail, fax 703-556-0547, e-mail mail@mcleancenter.org, or in person at the Center. Residents who want to find out if they live within the Center’s tax district or who want more information, may call the Center at 703-790-0123 TTY: 703-827-8255.
<sh>Gypsy Moth Spraying
<bt>The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently approved funding for the 2007 Forest Pest Management Suppression Program. One aspect includes aerial treatment for Gypsy Moth infestations. Affected areas in Dranesville include Great Falls, McLean, Falls Church and Langley. The spray will be conducted in early May based on weather conditions. In February, citizens within a 3,000-foot radius of designated spray areas received an information letter. Note that helicopters will be seen early in the morning the day of the treatment. The spray material, Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), is a bacteria that affects caterpillars. People and pets should remain inside during the spray. If residents are accidentally caught outside, a shower is sufficient to remove BT from skin and hair, as it is water soluble. In April, citizens within a 300-foot radius will receive a first class mailing to remind them of the spray. Due to confusion during treatments last year, the county has expanded buffer zones and will also place signs around treatment areas. Ground treatment will be conducted in locations with infestations greater than 500 egg masses per acre. Public information meetings will be held at the following locations: Feb. 28, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax; March 1, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce Street, Springfield; and March 5, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. For more information on Gypsy Moths, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/pests.html.
<sh>Riverbend Park Activities
<bt>Riverside Campfire — Night Hike On Friday, March 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., residents are invited to participate in a Riverside Campfire and Night Hike in Riverbend Park. Explore the sights and sounds of the forest at night. S’mores will be provided. Come early to have a picnic or toast hot-dogs. Bring a toasting stick, blanket and flashlight. Reservations and advanced payment required. $3/person. Build a Bluebird Box On Saturday, March 17, children and adults of all ages (under 16 requires adult guardian) can build a bluebird box at the Riverbend Park Visitor Center, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is spring and bluebirds are looking for a place to build their nests. Make a bluebird nest box to take home, learn about the Riverbend Park Bluebird Monitoring program and find out how to help bluebirds at Riverbend. Reservations and advance payment required. $10/box. Invasive Attack — Rose and Honeysuckle On Saturday, March 24, there will be an invasive plant removal project at Riverbend Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Invasive plants affect forest communities in the local area. Help Riverbend Park’s invasive plant removal project by volunteering your time and effort. This free project is ideal for student service hours, scouts and groups. Refreshments, guided instruction and tools will be provided. Reservations required. Webelos — Forester Badge On Monday, March 26, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., scouts can discover native trees and their uses while earning their forester badge. A short exploration through Riverbend's forest will get participants more familiar with eastern forests. Reservations and advance payment required. $5/scout. For more information on any of these programs, call the Riverbend Visitor Center at 703-759-9018.