July/August 2008

Fredericksburg, VA

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Falls Run Celebrates 25th Anniversary of National Night Out

July/August 2008

Greater Falls Run Lions Aid Local Tornado Victims

by Jim Purton

On May 27, Stafford County officials briefed the Greater Falls Run Lions Club (GFRLC) regarding the ongoing relief efforts in the wake of the tornado that struck England Run North on May 8. Lt. Mark Stone, public information officer, Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department, reported that the victims are doing well and that their respective insurance companies are handling the claims satisfactorily. Cathy Riddle, public information officer for Stafford County, concurred and added that displaced residents have suitable temporary shelter in rental units or hotels. Her office maintains ongoing communication with the victims.

Currently, the greatest need is for gift cards from retail stores. And because many victims are staying in hotel rooms that lack kitchen facilities, gift cards from area restaurants are especially appreciated. The GFRLC presented Ms. Riddle with $250 worth of gift cards for CVS. The decision to purchase additional cards will be considered at future meetings. Contributions of gift cards from other area Lions Clubs will be added to the distribution system being administered by the county.

by Bill Arnst

The 25th anniversary of National Night Out, the annual celebration of the collaboration between police and community, will take place on Tuesday, August 5. As our community’s organization in partnership with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, the Falls Run Neighborhood Watch (NW) will again sponsor a program of information, food and fun for all residents on that evening from 6 to 8pm at the Center. Sheriff Charles Jett and McGruff the Crime Prevention Dog will be our special guests.

For this milestone anniversary, Sheriff Jett is urging NW organizations throughout Stafford County to go all out in planning and publicizing their celebrations. In 2007, the county ranked 24th in the nation for NW activity for areas of its size and popu- lation. This year, Sheriff Jett would like to see Stafford place in the top five.

In line with the county’s theme, “Communities Committed to Safety,” representatives of the Berea Fire and Rescue Station and deputies from the sheriff’s office will brief us on their after-action reports regarding the tornado that went through England Run North in May, and they will answer residents’ questions. The sheriff’s office also will report on the criminal activity observed in our immediate area and discuss the positive connection between Falls Run’s very active NW and the absence here of serious crime.

Following these presentations, NW Director Bill Arnst will explain the organization and role of the Falls Run NW. Deputy Director Earl Henry will demonstrate the value of a National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio in warning of impending emergencies, such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

Because no celebration is complete without food, there will be hot dogs, soda, potato chips and a 25th anniversary cake. There is no charge for the evening’s events. However, the Falls Run NW leadership welcomes and appreciates donations for equipment and activities.

Making a Difference: Nancy Arnn

See Making a Difference: Nancy Arnn on page 16, column 2

Other Residents Also Mentor Youngsters

by Sally Anderson

In addition to Nancy Arnn, several other Falls Run residents serve as Big Brothers and Big Sisters. This is Bobby Anderson’s second time as a “Big.” The first was when he lived in Maryland, and his son was a youngster. More than 25 years after Bobby, his son and his “Little” spent many weekends together, the two families still keep in touch.

As Bobby’s wife, I decided to volunteer when he signed up again last year. We both work with fifth-grade boys and try to do things as a group as well as in pairs. When I was asked to mentor a boy, I was a little hesitant, worrying that we would have nothing in common. But I quickly discovered that was not true. My “Little” loves to cook — we have made a couple of meals together — and we spend lots of time talking about the care and well being of our dogs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is always in need of volunteers. To find out more, go to www.rbbbs.org or call 540-368-0900.

“Big Sister” Nancy Arnn and “Little Sister” Brionna

Photo courtesy of Nancy Arnn

by Nancy Arnn

(Editor’s note: This article was written in May, during the regular school year.)

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” — Anonymous

This quote “grabbed” me and encouraged me to apply to become a school mentor through the Bigs in Schools program sponsored by Rappahannock Big Brothers Big Sisters [RBBBS], a fully affiliated member agency of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which has promoted positive youth development for more than a century. The focus of the Bigs in Schools program is to give one-on-one attention to a child through a combination of homework and fun time. And should I need it, staff members would be only a phone call or email away.

I was especially interested in the effort to bring more mentors to Hartwood Elementary School because RBBBS was on a list of volunteer opportunities distributed by Hartwood Presbyterian Church to its congregation last winter. The proximity of the school to my church and to our Falls Run community contributed to my selecting it as the preferred site for my volunteer work.

In March, a month after completing the application and pre-interview forms, I received my acceptance. Soon, after much eager anticipation, I was interviewed by Cynthia Osband, a mentoring coordinator for the Bigs in Schools program. Next, I attended a 3-hour volunteer training session. Then came the most difficult aspect of the process — waiting for my potential match.

In April, the call finally came for me to meet my Little Sister, her school counselor and a program coordinator. Brionna, a 10-year-old fourth-grader with a wonderful smile, bounded into the counselor’s office, and our meeting went so well that Brionna and I were left alone to get better acquainted. Before saying good-bye, I gave her a short questionnaire to fill out as “homework” for our next meeting. Brionna then walked me to her classroom and introduced me to her teachers. When she escorted me to the front door (I was lost) she said, “Mrs. Arnn, I love you already.”

Every Tuesday, Brionna and I meet for approximately 75 minutes during her lunch and recess period. We enjoy eating together while catching up on the previous week’s activities. Then we do a school-related project that focuses on strengthening her academics, followed by a fun activity, such as making a Mother’s Day gift, completing a word puzzle or sharing a story. Next, it’s outside to the sprawling playground where Brionna demonstrates her cheerleading skills and her latest balance beam moves. What fun! Often, her classmates eagerly join in our activities and conversations.

Currently, contact with my Little Sister is restricted to my time at the school, phone calls, mail and email. Soon, I will apply for permission for off-campus visits and activities. Meanwhile, I look forward to celebrating Brionna’s 11th birthday this summer with an outing, lunch and special gift to make her day memorable.

Thus far, being a Big Sister has been a positive, rewarding opportunity that lets me draw upon my 31 years of teaching, coaching and mentoring experience. I just know I will benefit as much from being a “Big” as Brionna will from being a “Little.” The rapport we’ve already established will be merely a stepping stone to years of positive experiences as I continue mentoring Brionna through her senior high school years.

Second Chapters: Barbara and Gene Chenault

by Marjorie Schutt

Barbara and Gene Chenault were raised in antique-filled homes. Their Falls Run house is filled with antiques inherited from their families as well as pieces they have purchased together. It is not surprising, then, that their love for and knowledge of antiques inspired them to become dealers.

Years ago, while shopping at Antique Village for furniture for their new Chancellorsville home, the shop’s owner, Judy, recognized Barbara’s knowledge of antiques and suggested that she get into the business. The perfect opportunity to do just that arrived when Gene retired from his job with the Hartford Insurance Group and did not want to sit idly around. In October 1995, the Chenaults rented 15 square feet of space in Antique Village where Judy served as their mentor. After only three months, they moved their inventory to a 12 x 12-foot space in the same shop and purchased an attractive showcase from a Lord and Taylor branch that was closing.

At the time, Barbara was still employed as a social worker with the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, so the Chenaults did most of their buying on weekends. They purchased individual pieces at auction, estate and yard sales, and whole or partial estates, which they had to move, store, clean and, sometimes, repair.

Each of the Chenaults has a specialty: For Barbara, it is porcelain and glass. For Gene, it’s furniture. Because it was important to understand what would sell, they devoted a lot of time to learning their customers’ needs and selecting items in a price range that both they and their customers could afford. To increase their knowledge, to help choose salable merchandise and to assist with pricing, the Chenaults took courses in identifying and valuing 18th- and 19th-century period furniture, porcelain, glass and prints. This knowledge has allowed them to pick up bargains because they can recognize value where many others can’t.

When Antique Village closed in 1998, the Chenaults moved their inventory a 12 x 12-foot space in Antique Gallery on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg. Within a year, they moved up to a space twice as large. Then in 2002, when they moved to Falls Run, they retired from the business. Or so they thought! Three years later, they opened a shop in River Run Antique Mall on William Street in Fredericksburg. Their garage has become Gene’s furniture workshop, and their kitchen is where Barbara cleans jewelry and silver.

The Chenaults believe their responsibility as dealers is to educate their customers: People need to be encouraged to understand that they are looking at something nice! The Internet has changed the way people purchase everything, and the antiques business has suffered. Auction catalogues, once the bible for antique purchasers, are being replaced by Internet information. In addition, the younger generation isn’t interested in owning antiques since they can purchase new “disposable” furniture inexpensively in big box stores.

For the Chenaults, the antiques business is in their blood. Barbara says, “There’s not a lot of money in the business. We do it for the love of it and the friendships we have made with other dealers and associates.”

Gene and Barbara Chenault

Photo courtesy of the Chenaults

Looking Ahead

From time to time, the Gazette will shine the spotlight on residents who are enjoying a new career in a field that is unrelated to their former employment. A second chapter, so to speak.

If you qualify, or know someone who does, please contact Susanne Lazanov (suelaz@aol.com or 310-4082).

Falls Run Community Association Board of Directors Election

by Margie Kramer

Once again, it is time to prepare to elect directors to the seven-member Falls Run Community Association (FRCA) Board. This year, owners of record will have the opportunity to elect three directors to two-year terms. Because the Board’s decisions directly affect owners of single-family homes and villas, as well as the future of our community, the annual election is one of the most important events to take place in Falls Run. What can each of us do to ensure that the decision- making is in capable hands? The answer is really quite simple: Take part in the election process.

On August 4, an election packet containing a cover letter, the FRCA nomination policy, a description of the responsibilities and desired qualifications for a Board member and a nomination form will be mailed to each owner of record. Then our community’s participation can begin. You may nominate another resident or commit to be a candidate yourself. In the unlikely event that we have only three candidates, there would be no election. Instead, the current Board would name the declared candidates as directors. Should there be fewer than three candidates, the current Board would be responsible for appointing directors.

As in prior years, the EC will make every effort to afford the community multiple opportunities to get to know the candidates. On October 6, candidates will begin campaigning and displaying campaign literature at the Center. On November 5, the ballot package, including a detailed profile of each candidate, will be mailed to each owner of record. Also on November 5, the EC will host a Meet the Candidates forum at the Center from 1-3pm and 7-9pm. Those unable to attend may view the forum on Falls Run Information Channel 96. Additional details concerning the election process will be disseminated via the Falls Run website (www.fallsrun.org), the Falls Run Yahoo group and Falls Run Information Channel 96.

By participating in the election, you play a vital role in shaping the future of our community.

Getting to Know You: The Election Committee

by Margie Kramer

In June of each year, the Falls Run Community Association (FRCA) Election Committee (EC) awakens from a six-month hibernation to begin planning the next FRCA Board of Directors (BOD) election. Originally known as the Communications and Election Committee, that entity was split in 2005 into separate committees, both of which are overseen by the BOD.

The EC members are Margie Kramer (chair), Susanne Lazanov (vice-chair), Bill Arnst, Barbara Chadwick, Norm Kolb, Mary Beth Spring and Denzil Willis. Each has served since the committee’s inception and brings unique talents and expertise to the comprehensive process.

In 2005, when the EC assumed responsibility for planning the first election, it had only a rudimentary outline of suggested procedures that had been provided by the former Communications and Election Committee. Therefore, the EC was charged with creating all essential election documents, establishing formal nominating and voting procedures, generating campaign rules, producing a plan for communicating election- related information to the community, and organizing and conducting Meet the Candidates forums, complying, where necessary, with the FRCA Covenants and Bylaws as well as Virginia law. In each of the ensuing years, the committee has worked diligently to refine the documents as well as the procedures for nominating candidates, campaigning and conducting the election. These efforts have consistently been rewarded with overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community and the BOD.

While the EC administers the “business” aspects of the election process, resident participation is welcomed and encouraged. Please consider joining the committee, attending meetings, nominating a candidate or expressing a desire to be a candidate yourself. Above all, take advantage of the democratic process and vote. By making your voice heard, you can make a difference!

The Falls Run Community Association Election Committee meets on an as-needed basis. All meetings are announced on Falls Run Information Channel 96 and via the Falls Run Yahoo group.

Seated, left to right: Bill Arnst, Mary Beth Spring, Susanne Lazanov, Norm Kolb Standing, left to right: Jack Mounts (liaison to FRCA BOD), Denzil Willis, Margie Kramer (Not pictured: Barbara Chadwick)

Photo by Mary Ann Stagner

See Falls Run Community Association Board of Directors Elections on page 16, column 2

Falls Run Tennis Players Shine

by Joan Bitely

Falls Run hosted its first invitational tennis tournament on Saturday, May 31. Ten players from the Four Seasons community in Prince William County joined eight home players, Hank Behrmann, Joan Bitely, Geoff Lawrence, Casey Naatjes, Shirley Sommer, Bill Trzyna, Victor Urrutia and Reiko Wright, on a windy, hot morning to play women’s, men’s and mixed doubles. All Falls Run players won points, resulting in a 29–24 overall win for our club.

After the tournament, everyone enjoyed an attractively presented and delicious luncheon on the veranda, thanks to the efforts of Barbara Adam and Eddie Boos. Members of both groups welcomed the opportunity to become better acquainted and discuss their respective communities. Our players look forward to accepting the invitation issued by Jim McLeary, head of the Four Seasons group, for a rematch on their courts in September.

The Fall Run Tennis Club welcomes additional residents who want to play. For more details, contact Shirley Sommer, chair, (368-3185).

Tennis players from Four Seasons join members of the Falls Run Tennis Club in its first invitational tournament.

Photo by Ron Ripper

Falls Run Raises Funds to Fight Multiple Sclerosis

Forty-two Falls Run residents participated in the annual MS Walk through the Old Town Fredericksburg Historic District on April 26. Their contributions, along with those from other residents, raised $4,126.97, this year’s second highest team total. In all, the 350 walkers participating in the event raised more than $35,000. “My personal thanks, as well as that of the Richmond chapter of the National MS Society (organizer of the event), to all of you who contributed to our total donation,” says Bill Arnst, captain, Falls Run Team.

Members of the Falls Run Team prepare to participate in the MS Walk.

Photo courtesy of the Richmond chapter of the National MS Society

To Your Health

Germ Fighting Cleaners: Help or Harm?

by Susanne Lazanov

Store shelves abound in antimicrobial cleaners. But should we be using these products? Tried-and-true household cleaners, such as alcohol, bleach and hydrogen peroxide, sterilize surfaces effectively, but they do not linger. Antimicrobial products, however, leave a residue that continues killing germs, including harmless bacteria, for hours, or even days. Over time, the few bacteria that do survive can mutate (change) into new strains that become increasingly resistant to antibacterial agents. MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus) are two examples of potentially lethal “superbugs” that do not respond to the powerful antibiotics that at one time were very effective.

Hand sanitizers that are 60-95% alcohol help reduce the spread of germs without encouraging the bacterial mutation that can occur with products containing triclosan, an antimicrobial agent. Yet, frequent use of alcohol-based cleaners can irritate the skin and damage its ability to protect. According to researchers, the best method of sanitizing hands is to wash frequently and vigorously for at least 30 seconds with regular soap and warm water, and to pay attention to the backs of hands and wrists, and the skin under jewelry.

Some scientists believe that exposure to a wide variety of microbes helps build a healthy immune system. Studies already show a higher incidence of allergies and asthma among children raised in overly clean homes.

Osteoporosis Isn’t Just a Woman’s Health Issue

by Susanne Lazanov

It wasn’t that long ago when physicians paid little attention to the state of older men’s bones. After all, fractures resulting from osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones, occur only about half as often in men as they do in women. Women are par- ticularly prone to osteoporosis because they tend to have lower bone mass to begin with, they usually live longer and the decrease in estrogen at menopause accelerates the loss of bone.

However, just like for women, men with a small body frame, decreased hormone production — in this case, testosterone — and advanced age are at increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Here are some other risk factors that cause bones to thin in men and women:

being Caucasian or of southeast Asian descent■■

family history of osteoporosis■■

sedentary lifestyle■■

long-term use of steroids, heparin, certain diuretics or ■■aluminum-containing antacids

excessive thyroid hormone■■

low calcium and vitamin D intake ■■

conditions that decrease calcium absorption■■

alcoholism and tobacco use■■

eating disorders and serious depression■■

A simple, painless bone density test uses low-dose X-rays to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals that are contained in a segment of bone. This information, along with your medical history, allows your health care provider to prescribe lifestyle changes, including doing weight-bearing exercise and increasing your daily intake of calcium and vitamin D, and medication to lessen further bone loss and even help strengthen your bones.

Changes in Falls Run Don’t Go Unnoticed

by Cliff Noyes

Each passing day leaves us a little older, and each major life event, a little wiser. And, yes, the landscaping around our houses is maturing, leaving our lawns, flowers and trees with less of that stark, brand-new look. But the Falls Run, the stream that flows through our community and for which it is named, is also changing.

With each heavy rain event, the “S” curves of the stream become even more pronounced. The rushing water eats away at the banks on the outside of the curves, and on the inside, small stones and sand build up into sand bars. This process forms what are called “meanders.” (The miles-long meanders of the Shenandoah River curve almost completely back on themselves as they cut through the soft soil of the valley floor.)

Because homes and streets, and sidewalks and parking areas do not absorb as much water as did the fields and