"Nature and Community in Harmony" - Burke Centre Conservancy
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
“Nature and Community in Harmony”
VOLUME 49, NO. 7 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVANCY JULY 2022
PERMIT NO. 853
“4th of July Celebration”
BURKE, VA
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Photo by Pili Afanador, Burke Centre Resident
PRSRT STD
AROUND BURKE CENTRE
There’s still time to camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, more
caring places to live.
join the fun! National Night Out enhances the relationship between
neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a
true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great
opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under
positive circumstances.
Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out
across thousands of communities from all fifty states,
U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first
Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on
the first Tuesday in October). Neighborhoods host block
parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other
Burke Centre Resident Guest Pass Rates community events with safety demonstrations, seminars,
Please be sure to set up your Personal Identi- youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits
T
hanks to all of our 2022 pool members! fication Number (PIN) so that only you, and/ and much, much more.
There has been an excellent turnout this year, or members on your pool application, can use
and we are happy to see everyone out enjoy- guest passes at the pools! Many Burke Centre Conservancy clusters hold National
ing the pools this summer. Night Out get-togethers, block parties and/or events in
10-VISIT GUEST PASS: $30.00 (discounted rate) their specific areas.
How do I join the Burke Centre pools? Pool - Offers discounted guest pool entrance fees for 10
applicants sign up online under the POOLS tab at individual pool visits. Visit https://natw.org/ to sign up for your event online
www.burkecentre.org, submit photos of each person now. Registration is required. Registered events and
on the application, and pay for their memberships DAILY POOL GUEST PASS: $5 per guest, per activities may include a special visit from local police
(and guest passes) electronically. Once your mem- day. Good for one pool visit. Single use daily guest and government officials if /and/or when possible. In past
bership has been verified by the staff, your access to passes are available throughout the season. years, this occurred during several cluster events.
the Conservancy pools will be activated. Those who
are familiar with the system can sign in directly at MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
https://burke.mokopass.com.
• Access to all Burke Centre Pools for Memorial Fairfax County developer John
BURKE CENTRE RESIDENT Day weekend through Labor Day Monday.
‘Til’ Hazel Jr. dies at age 91
MEMBERSHIP RATES • Open pools with hours ranging from 10 AM-9
The following pool memberships and guest passes By COURTNEY MABEUS / KATE ANDREWS
PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor
are available for Burke Centre residents only. VIRGINIA BUSINESS
Day Monday.
To qualify for SENIORS (age 65+) rates, proof of • Extended pool weekend(s) beyond Labor Day PHOTO: Courtesy George
age must be provided at the time of registration. may be considered. Mason University
J
REGULAR RESIDENT 2022 SEASON MEMBERSHIPS • Shorter 10-minute break periods; additional lap- ohn T. “Til” Hazel Jr., a
PURCHASE DATES: April 18-July 31: only swimming; no breaks during the closing major force behind the
FAMILY: $160.00 hour at each pool. development of Tysons
SINGLE: $95.00 Corner and several planned
SENIORS (65+): Couple: $70.00 | Single: $35.00* • Please note that schedules, hours and other pool communities in Fairfax
*Senior pp rates offer a 37% savings! information are subject to change based on County in the late 20th cen-
safety, health & wellness, weather, COVID-19 tury, as well as a significant
LATE-IN-SEASON mandates, etc. booster of George Mason
Lower
RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS rates University, died Wednesday at age 91.
PURCHASE DATES: August 1-15: start 8/1!
FAMILY: $90.00 An Arlington native, Hazel was also an attorney and
SINGLE: $55.00 graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Law
SENIORS (65+): Couple: $54.00 | Single: $27.00* School. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army’s
*Senior per person rates offer a 30% savings! Judge Advocate General’s Corps. When Hazel returned
to the region, he worked as a private-sector attorney
END-OF-SEASON RESIDENT
MEMBERSHIPS
Mark your calendar for in Arlington. Fairfax County, where his family owned
a farm, was then a rural outpost of Washington, with
PURCHASE DATES: Aug. 16-Sept. 5: Tuesday, August 2, 2022! 150,000 residents and a “significant number of dairy
FAMILY: $60.00 farms,” he recalled in a 2017 video celebrating his career
N
SINGLE: $40.00 ational Night Out is an annual community- by the Virginia Law Foundation, of which he was a 1988
SENIORS (65+): Couple: $38.00 | Single: $20.00* building campaign that promotes police- fellow.
*Senior per person rates offer a 33% savings! community partnerships and neighborhood TIL HAZEL - continued on page 3...
PAGE 2 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR JULY 2022
BURKE CENTRE CONSERVANCY
BURKE CENTRE BUSINESS admiration of that driving spirit.”
“Nature & Community in Harmony”
6060 Burke Centre Parkway
Burke, VA 22015-3702
TIL HAZEL continued from page 3 Office Phone: (703) 978-2928
Office Fax: (703) 978-5160
On the philanthropic side, Hazel was a strong supporter of George
In the 1950s, Hazel began promoting commercial and resi- Mason beginning in the 1950s, when the Fairfax County univer-
EMAIL: administraƟon@burkecentre.org
dential growth in Fairfax County, and specialized in real WEB SITE: www.burkecentre.com
sity was a branch of the University of Virginia. He was instru- MOBILE APP: Search “Burke Centre
estate and property law. One of his early projects involved mental in purchasing land for its main campus in Fairfax and Conservancy” @Google Play & Apple Stores
acquiring land for the future Capital Beltway in the area, was on GMU’s Board of Visitors from 1972 to 1983, serving as
providing an impetus for growth. rector for different periods during that era. He also served on the Conservancy Office Hours
GMU Foundation’s board for 32 years and was a force behind the Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
“I became one of two lawyers that tried contested cases university’s establishment of a law school in 1979. He was also a Sat. 9 am-Noon (RecepƟon services only)
in the courts,” Hazel says in the video. “So, I began to get co-founder of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council.
very much involved with land use, zoning, land regula- Assessment Mailing Address
tions. That was, of course, the business of Fairfax County Dan Clemente, another developer who has been instrumental in
Payment Processing Center
in those years, because the county was just developing and P.O. BOX 105007
molding Northern Virginia, met Hazel when he was trying to grow Atlanta, GA 30348
I mostly did land use law of various kinds.” George Mason. Hazel, he said, recognized the power of what
bringing affordable, public higher education could mean in the CONSERVANCY VOLUNTEERS
Defeating “no-growth” opponents in Fairfax was one of fledgling region. All Board and commiƩee/organizaƟon mem-
the most meaningful parts of Hazel’s career, he said in the bers are volunteers; not paid employees of
the Conservancy. When you contact these fel-
video, noting how different the county would be today had “He saw it,” Clemente said in an interview with Virginia Busi- low residents, please remember that they are
foes to development prevailed. Fairfax is now the state’s ness. “He was brilliant with it, and everything [that] happened volunteering their own Ɵme to serve the Burke
most populous county, with more than 1.2 million resi- going forward was something from him.” Centre community. Thank you!
dents, as well as a hotbed for corporate headquarters, no
doubt with growth that had an early assist from Hazel. Hazel was married to Marion “Jinx” Engle until her death in 1995, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
and his second wife, Anne Barnett Merrill, died in December COMMONS: MARC FLASTER, President
In 1962, working with developer Gerald T. Halpin, Hazel 2021, according to The Washington Post. Survivors include four commonstrustee@burkecentre.org
got county supervisors to allow rezoning on more than children and two stepsons, as well as grandchildren and great- LANDINGS: DENIS GULAKOWSKI, VP
100 acres in Tysons. He also was instrumental in bring- grandchildren. landingstrustee@burkecentre.org
ing in Tysons Corner Center and the Tysons II mixed-use OAKS: STEVEN SHAPIRO
development. © Virginia Business PublicaƟons LLC. Reprinted with permission. oakstrustee@burkecentre.org
Virginia Business magazine is the commonwealth’s source for business PONDS: LEE SCHMIDT, Secretary
In the 1970s, Hazel pivoted from law to development and news and intelligence. Visit VirginiaBusiness.com for daily business pondstrustee@burkecentre.org
formed the Hazel/Peterson Cos. with Fairfax developer news. WOODS: BRENDA TRASK
Milton V. Peterson, who died last year at age 85. The two woodstrustee@burkecentre.org
Did you Know?
developed several planned communities, including Burke AT-LARGE: JUSTIN DAY
Centre, Franklin Farm, Fairfax Station, Fair Lakes and atlargetrustee1@burkecentre.org
Centre Ridge. Often, Hazel worked closely with his late AT-LARGE: MARCI LAWSON, Treasurer
brother, William A. Hazel, who owned the Chantilly-based atlargetrustee2@burkecentre.org
construction firm William A. Hazel Inc. William Hazel
died in 2012 at the age of 77. APPEALS BOARD
DAVID CHESTERMAN, Chairman
“Fairfax County and Northern Virginia lost a visionary COLEEN CHESTERMAN
today,” Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax JULES RADICE
County Economic Development Authority, said. “Til Ha- GREG SMITH
zel was as important as anyone in seeing Fairfax County’s
potential to become one of the preeminent locations in ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
the nation for corporate headquarters — and in reminding CARMEN ALVARADO (Chairman/Ponds)
JONATHAN POSEY ΈAt-Large)
those who followed about continuing to invest in the as-
MICHAEL SHUMAKER ΈPondsΉ
sets that business needs in order to be successful here.”
KAREN DELANEY (Landings)
ANUP GAUTAM (Woods)
Hazel’s son Richard M. “Dick” Hazel said Wednesday SEAN PEIFFER (Landings)
that his father was a hard worker and spoke openly about
his thoughts and ambitions for Northern Virginia.
ARB Applica on Deadlines:
T
5 PM on 7/5 for JULY mee ngs
“The things he supported were so obvious,” Dick Hazel he Flagpole/Garden/Bench area located in front of the 5 PM on 8/1 for AUG mee ngs
said, noting that higher education and prosperity were Conservancy Office (pictured) was dedicated to Mrs. Jinx arbapplicaƟons@burkecentre.org
among his major priorities for the region. His father’s Hazel, and became known as the “Jinx Hazel Memorial
chief advice, his son said, was always, “Keep doing, keep Garden”, after she passed away in the mid-90’s. Mr Hazel was so Conservancy Management Staff
going.” pleased by the gesture that over the years, he would periodically PATRICK GLOYD, ExecuƟve Director
send funds toward the garden’s maintenance costs. (patrick@burkecentre.org)
In his spare time, Hazel enjoyed raising cattle on his Fau- Jeannie Winslow, Director of AdministraƟon
quier County farm, which was a lifelong occupation. “He You can learn more at the upcoming Burke Centre Festival (jeannie@burkecentre.org)
Darryl Payne, Finance Administrator
characterized himself as a farmer,” Dick Hazel added. “He Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 9/10/2022 where Mr. Hazel’s (darryl@burkecentre.org)
was a really good guy. He was widely, widely read, and passing will be acknowledged. The ceremony starts at 9:30 AM Stephanie Mar n, F&R Administrator
really loved [Winston] Churchill. I think he had a great and will be held at the Flagpole on the Conservany Grounds. (smarƟn@burkecentre.org)
JULY 2022 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 3
activated, everything worked with no issues. Mr.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) Gloyd indicated that he had also spoken with a
swimming pool consultant to develop an RFP for
the renovation of that facility in the fall. More work
T he following summarizes actions made during the June 21, 2022 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, held via
Zoom teleconference. Thanks to all who participated in this meeting. Please note that this summary is in DRAFT
format, subject to change, and will not be officially approved until the next meeting. Please contact Jeannie Win-
slow at the Conservancy office, 703-978-2928 | email: jeannie@burkecentre.org
j @ gg, if you have any questions.
needs to be done with advice from experts, and
possibly even engineers, on the best approach for
making permanent repairs. Once there is an agreed
upon scope of work, it can then be put out to bid and
returned to the Board for a decision.
Trustee Shapiro stated that he is pleased with the final
Board of Trustees Meeting outcome of the draft RFP, and with the minor changes f. Community Events & Festival Update:
6/21/2022, 7:30 PM, via Zoom made by the staff. Trustee Shapiro made a motion, Ms. Winslow reported that the Fairfax Connector
DRAFT SUMMARY seconded by Trustee Gulakowski, to approve the draft was donating all four shuttle busses to the Festival
1. CALL TO ORDER: President Flaster called Request for Proposal for Tennis/Pickleball Professional this year. Additionally, Bunnyman Brewery will be
the meeting to order at 7:30 PM and made Services as presented to include those amendments working with the Festival Team to develop a plan for
a motion to approve the agenda as amended. The by the staff and Trustee Lawson. The motion passed incorporating them into the festival weekend. There
motion was seconded by Trustee Gulakowski and unanimously, 5 yes votes. will also still be the Wine Garden in the evening in
passed unanimously, 5 yes votes. partnership with Cave Ridge Winery. The staff is
Trustee Shapiro stated that he is willing to allow the also working to develop an opening ceremony plan
2. AGENDA APPROVAL: President Flaster Conservancy staff to finalize the questions based on that includes a 9/11 observance, for which Trustee
made a motion to approve the agenda as information that they have received. He believes that Day has offered scout assistance. The ceremony
presented. The motion was seconded by both homeowners and residents should be allowed to will also acknowledge Til Hazel, a founding father
Vice President Gulakowski and approved by participate in the survey. After a very lengthy discussion, of Burke Centre, who passed earlier this year. Ms.
unanimous consent. President Flaster then made Trustee Shapiro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Winslow noted that the memorial garden in front of
a motion, seconded by Trustee Gulakowski, to Lawson, to allow both homeowners and non-owner the Conservancy office had been dedicated to Mr.
excuse Trustee Day which passed unanimously. residents to participate in the survey. The motion passed 4 Hazel’s late wife, Jinx Hazel, at a prior Festival.
(Trustee Schmidt would be arriving later during yes votes, and 1 no vote [Gulakowski].
the meeting.) Ms. Winslow mentioned other upcoming events such
c. Invasive Vine Removal Program: Mr. Gloyd as the Pet Adoption Day, which will be held outdoors
3. BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETING stated that during the June Working Session, the Board at the Conservancy office on July 23, from 10 AM to
MINUTES: President Flaster asked if there were voted to grant approval to William Ade, a community noon, in partnership with Homeward Trails. National
any objections to approving the minutes for the volunteer, to launch an invasive vine removal program Night Out will be observed on Tuesday, August 2,
May 3, 2022 Working Session, and the May 16, as endorsed by the Open Space Committee (OSC). He and festivities can be found at the cluster level. There
2022 Board of Trustees meetings as submitted. added that the approval included parameters that must is a link available online and on the mobile app for
Since there were no objections, the minutes were be adhered to per the recommendations of the OSC. The clusters who wish to participate. Ms. Winslow also
approved by unanimous consent. program is now moving forward. mentioned that for the Board meeting on August 15,
which is known as the Beer & BBQ Board meeting.
President Flaster asked if there were any d. Reserve Withdrawal Requests: Mr. Gloyd The staff is looking into catering for that event.
objections to accepting the minutes of the Open indicated that the first request pertained to a new work
Space Committee’s meeting on May 23, 2022, vehicle needed by the Facilities & Resources (F&R) staff. 7. TREASURER’S REPORT: Mr. Payne gave
as submitted. Since there were no objections, the The current vehicle is approximately 20 years old and has the May 31, 2022 financial report going over the
minutes were accepted by unanimous consent. reached its useful life. The second item pertained to the highlights for the first five months of the year. The
office heat pump that suddenly stopped working at the operating cash, as of May 31st, was $1,785,000. The
4. PRESIDENT’S REPORT & BCC office and needed to be replaced. net assessments receivable was $174,000 and total
ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Flaster assets were $15,766,000. The year-to-date current
reminded the community of the weekly Food Toro Workman Utility Vehicle Replacement: Trustee operating net income was $165,000 through five
Truck Thursdays at the Oaks & Ponds Community Lawson made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gulakowski, months, and operating equity was $793,000.
Centers. President Flaster also wished everyone a to accept the recommendation from Staff as made in the
happy upcoming Fourth of July holiday. June 2, 2022 memorandum for the purchase of a TORO On the revenue line items, total assessment income
Workman HDX vehicle, and to authorize Staff to utilize on an accrual basis was $1,712,000. Under pool
5. RESIDENT INPUT: No input was offered. funds set aside for the purchase in the capital reserve income, the year-to-date actual was $286,515, which
account, with the purchase price of the equipment totaling was $21,000 over budget. The main reason for this
6. NEW BUSINESS: $45,165.00. The motion passed unanimously, 6 yes votes. was that family memberships were up $16,000 and
a. Appointments: Trustee Gulakowski non-resident family memberships were up by $9,000.
made a motion, seconded by Trustee Shapiro, Emergency Replacement of BCC Office Heat Pump: The year-to-date revenue was $2,083,000, which was
to appoint Maureen Foley to the Heritage Trustee Lawson made a motion, seconded Trustee over $33,000. Other expense line items: Personnel
Landing Cluster Committee. The motion passed Gulakowski, to approve the emergency procurement and Administration actual was $767,000, which was
unanimously, 5 yes votes. of heat pump equipment for the Conservancy Office as $51,000 underbudget. The main reason for that is
detailed in the memorandum from Facilities Administrator salary and wages were $71,000 under budget for year-
b. Tennis Court Task Force (TCTF) Stephanie Martin, dated June 2, 2022, and to authorize to-date. Collection expenses for collecting delinquent
Updates: Mr. Gloyd stated that the draft Staff to utilize funds set aside for this purchase in the accounts year-to-date actuals were $39,000 and $5000
RFP pertains to a request from the TCTF for capital reserve account, with the purchase price totaling over budget. Under Community Services the actual
professional services to seek lessons and clinics. $15,000. The motion passed unanimously, 6 yes votes. year-to-date expense was $30,000, almost $20,000
Mr. Gloyd mentioned that there was some input under budget. This was due to instructor fees being
from the trustees that was added into the RFP. e. Oaks Pool Update: Mr. Gloyd stated the Oaks under budget. Swimming pools year-to-date actual
The other item pertains to the survey being Pool opened on Saturday, June 18. The pool was filled
deveoped for the community. and retained water. When the filtration system was BOT BRIEFS - continued on page 5...
PAGE 4 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR JULY 2022
THE COMMONS
MARC FLASTER
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)
ago and ran into Dan Goldfarb, the Vice President in Crossing proposal that was put forth to Supervisor
Board President & the Walden condominium community, who was solicit- Walkinshaw’s office by Dan Goldfarb who is
Commons Trustee ing interest in Burke Centre’s support for a walkable a resident and Vice President of the Walden
bridge across one of the streams that traverse the trail. Condominium Association.
I
At one major point on the trail, instead of a bridge,
’d like to encourage all of our owners and resi-
there are concrete footstones that one has to walk over Mr. Goldfarb was petitioning the county to replace
dents to weigh in once the pickleball survey is
to get to the opposite bank. This is tricky for adults, the Fair-Weather Crossing with a pedestrian bridge.
released later this summer (currently under re-
and if you have children with you, this can be problem- During a previous Board meeting, the Board had
view by the staff) with your opinions on the pickleball
atic to cross even on a good weather day. This is what agreed to support the project and draft a letter
vs. tennis player use of Burke Centre courts. At some
is called a fair-weather crossing. I’ve walked this trail to Supervisor Walkinshaw’s office. Mr. Gloyd
point within the next few months, the Board of Trust-
many times over the last ten years since its inaugura- stated that the county agreed to look into funding
ees (BOT) will vote on the recommendations made by
tion and there have been a good number of times that a potential study on the feasibility to replace the
the Tennis Court Task Force and your input is needed.
I’ve had to reverse course. The water level was too high crossing.
In addition, you may contact your neighborhood
for a safe crossing, or the steps were wet or icy—and
Trustee or some or all the members of the BOT (email
falling into the creek was not something that I wanted Another item discussed was the Swim Club’s request
addresses are provided in a separate place in every
to happen. for additional hours. The swim club had more
month’s Conservator) and share your views.
swimmers this year than in prior years, and therefore
I brought this to the Board’s attention, and we invited needed additional lanes. They put in a request for
Here are the factors that I am considering, and would
Dan to speak to the issue. The BOT agreed to send a additional usage at the last Board meeting, and the
appreciate your input should you decide to write to
letter to James Walkinshaw, the Braddock District Su- Board agreed to provide 2 additional hours, two days
me or any of my colleagues:
pervisor, voicing support for Dan’s proposal. While I a week. These additional hours should not interfere
was away for two weeks, we were invited to a meeting with any membership use of the pool.
1. What measures can the Conservancy best make,
in the Supervisor’s office to discuss the matter. It was
to the extent of its capacity and authority, to encour-
represented to me from others at the meeting that we Mr. Gloyd also reported that Lake Barton, as
age all residents to exercise more? If it is true that
heard: 1) there are many other fair-weather crossings discussed earlier in the year, was nearing completion
pickleball is more versatile and amenable for a greater
in Fairfax County as well; 2) the capacity for flooding of their dredging operations. The Board asked staff
audience, how does that translate operationally in the
has to be factored in; 3) funding is an issue; 4) there’s to pay particular attention to the Conservancy’s
use of the presently configured Burke Centre tennis
another bridge on the trail that is reaching the end of amenities surrounding Lake Barton such as the tot
courts?
its shelf life and will need replacing; and 5) it may be lots, trails, basketball courts, waste receptacles, etc.
difficult to make that replacement operationally using Mr. Gloyd stated that there is a little more work
2. I’ve heard from pickleball enthusiasts about the
mechanical cranes due to the proximity of high utility needed to be done on some of the trails, however,
need for more specifically designated courts. But
towers in the immediate area, so alternatives will need everything else has been looking to be in good shape.
what are the views of tennis players on this matter?
to be configured. All that said, the Supervisor’s staff
Are their interests being considered? Is there a way to
agreed to support a study for the bridge work. I’m as- 9. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned by
compromise between the two groups?
suming the County will do this, but I don’t know how unanimous consent at 8:46 PM.
long the study will take.
3. How do we balance the notion of dedicated courts
for pickleball, to the exclusion or near exclusion of
If you are supportive of this initiative, please let
tennis in a neighborhood versus the concept of having
your trustees know and we can pass this informa-
all amenities available—or at least the potential of the
tion on to Dan Goldfarb. And feel free to let Mr.
amenities? As I mentioned last month, when a propos-
Walkinshaw and his staff at the Braddock District
al to convert tennis courts to pickleball courts came
office know of your support as well.
up several years ago in the Woods neighborhood, the
residents said that they wanted to enjoy playing tennis
in their own immediate area and not have to travel to
another neighborhood. What do the residents and gov-
ernance bodies of the Landings think about this?
4. Is the Landings community center footprint—with
BOARD BRIEFS
continued from page 4
its limitations on parking and its direct intersection
with the Burke Centre Parkway—the right place to expense was $156,715, which was only $527
make the change? over budget. Facility and Resources year-to-date
actual was $246,000, wich was $25,000 over
5. If the intention is to have pickleball tournaments budget. The line item there that contributes the
here in Burke Centre, that may attract non-residents, most was salt, $20,000 over budget.
do we have the capacity to manage this?
Under cluster services, trash removal actual was
I have an open mind, and I am sure that my colleagues $506,000, which was $18,000 over budget due to
have as well and would appreciate any feedback that fuel surcharges and landfill increases. The year-
you can provide to us. Our intention is to make the to-date actual expenses was $1,918,000, which
best decision on behalf of Burke Centre and all of our was $25,000 under budget.
residents.
8. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
I was walking along the VRE trail a couple of months Mr. Gloyd reported on the VRE Fair-Weather
JULY 2022 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 5
functions.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) A macro level map of RPAs in the county
may be found at https://data-fairfaxcountygis.
THE LANDINGS
Also with respect to pickleball, the Board dis- opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/resource-protec-
cussed a proposed survey to determine Con- tion-areas/explore?location=38.830686%2C-
servancy members’ opinions about pickleball 77.287500%2C13.00.
DENIS GULAKOWSKI and tennis courts conversion. The staff will be
Board Vice President & compiling the final version to include trustee The invasive vines include porcelain berry, grape ivy,
Landings Trustee recommendations, which will be distributed to English ivy, winter creeper, Oriental bittersweet, Asian
the community when finalized. Follow standard wisteria and Japanese honeysuckle. The removal will
G
reetings neighbors! Conservancy means of distribution (web site, the take place on Conservancy open space and not indi-
We officially began summer June 21 and with the Buzz and smartphone app) for survey availabil- vidual residence property. Many thanks to William for
exception of the Oaks pool, all others of Burke ity information. his effort.
Centre’s most popular amenity began operating Memorial
Day weekend. The Board also agreed with the Open Space The answer to this month’s trivia question is:
Committee’s recommendation to implement an The Landings
During the preparation of the pools for season-opening, invasive vines project as suggested by NoVA
Atlantic Pools discovered some significant flaws in the Oaks Tree Rescue member and Burke Centre Conser- In closing, let me remind everyone that July 4, Inde-
pool structure and equipment, which required immediate vancy resident William Ade, which would sys- pendence Day, celebrates the official birth of our great
repairs and delayed the opening until June 18. tematically remove invasive vine growth from nation. And repeating the words of Lee Greenwood’s
trees throughout Burke Centre common space. 1984 hit, “God Bless the USA”.
As reported in last month’s Conservator, “Atlantic Pool This project will be closely monitored to ensure
that any activity in a Fairfax County-designated
Service noted that the water level had dropped several NEXT BOARD MEETING: Mon., July 18
inches within a few days of refilling the pool and operating Resource Protected Area (RPA) is carried out 7:30 PM, via Zoom
its filtration system. With minimal evaporation at this time in accordance with County requirements.
of year, and no swimmers splashing around to account for According to the County, an RPA is:
this water loss, it became apparent that the pool itself was
leaking. The location of the leak was not readily apparent A regulated waterbody and associated
because water from under the pool was surfacing in sev- corridor of environmentally sensitive land
eral voids at different locations on the pool deck. In order that lie alongside or near the shorelines
to locate the leak and effect repairs to the broken pipe(s), of streams, rivers and other waterways
the pool had to be drained. A leak detection company was which drain into the Potomac River and
utilized to locate the source of the leak using two cameras eventually into the Chesapeake Bay. In
to visually inspect some of the pipes, and compressed air to their natural condition, RPAs protect wa-
pressure test them. Initially, two areas of concern were iden- ter quality, filter pollutants from stormwa-
tified, both in the floor of the pool. Upon excavation of the ter runoff, reduce the volume of stormwa-
suspected primary leak, the contractor located a break in the ter runoff, prevent erosion, and perform
main line that supplies the returns for the pool. Atlantic staff other important biological and ecological
also observed hairline cracking in the pool floor at several
locations. Following the repair work needed to address the
pipe breaks, the most recent testing unfortunately revealed
yet another leak in a return line, and a small leak in the main
drain line, resulting in a further delay.” Additional repair ac-
tions were employed, which ultimately, resolved the issue.
Kudos to Atlantic Pools, its subcontractors and Conservancy
staff members for attending to this matter quickly.
Again, June was busy for the staff and Board of Trustees,
but before I get into the details, I’ll give you the answer to
last month’s trivia question: the Conservancy manages 30
miles of trails, answer C. This month’s trivia question is:
Which neighborhood has the most residences?
A. The Commons B. The Landings
C. The Oaks D. The Ponds E. The Woods
The answer appears at the end of this column.
During June, the Board approved the finalized request for
proposal (RFP) for Tennis/Pickleball Professional Services,
which will:
Provide tennis and/or pickleball activities for the
benefit of residents of Burke Centre. The services
are to include a junior tennis and/or pickleball pro
gram, classes for adults of all levels, and other ac
tivities as needed.
PAGE 6 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR JULY 2022
THE OAKS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)
STEVEN SHAPIRO replacement of a heat pump for the Conservancy ays” in Burke Centre ** The need for a Glass Recy-
Oaks Trustee office that recently failed. cling Dumpster in or close to Burke Centre.
OAKS NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL (NC)
F
Last, but not least, there was a request that these
or the first time in three years, my wife and I are MEETING NOTES Neighborhood Council Meetings continue to be held
planning a real vacation, getting on an airplane and virtually, but that they be held quarterly.
everything! It was relatively easy in the days when The day after the Board meeting, I held a “Virtu-
we had only one dog. We got in the habit of sending the al” Neighborhood Council Meeting with repre- My Family and I extend our best wishes to you and
dog to “Camp”. It was expensive but he needed a vacation sentatives of the sixteen clusters that comprise yours for a safe and joyful summer.
too. We often used a kennel where the dogs played together The Oaks. Fifteen people attended representing
most of the time, and they even had a swimming pool they seven clusters.
could jump into on hot days. It’s not as easy now that we Slow mail?
have both Tucker and Birdie. We’ll figure it out. It’s just In the first part of this meeting I spoke about the View the Conservator Online:
O
another detail on the To Do list for our vacation. items and issues discussed at the Board meeting, n the Conservancy’s Web Site: https://
and a few local items closer to home. These local burkecentreweb.com/item_list.asp?subcat=
NOTES ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING: items included: the Stormwater-Wastewater proj- 29&subtitle=The+Burke+Centre+Conserva
ect contractor’s success in keeping trucks off of tor+Online. On the mobile app: Download for free
Tennis Court Task Force (TCTF) – Like most recent Freds Oak Road; the status of the work at Lake at the Google Play and Apple Stores – search for
Board meetings there was a discussion of TCTF activities Barton performed by the County and the Burke “Burke Centre Conservancy”. Once downloaded,
at this one. The Board approved the revised RFP that will Centre staff. I also let them know that Stephanie select News Letters from the menu to view current
bring back Professional Tennis and Pickleball instruction Martin is the new Conservancy Facilities & Re- and past editions of the Burke Centre Conservator.
to the Burke Centre courts. The major item that remains sources Administrator, and that maintenance
to be resolved by the Board is the TCTF recommendation requests can be sent directly to her
to convert all or some of the tennis courts at the Landings (smartin@burkecentre.org).
to permanent pickleball courts. The Board has decided
to get the community’s input on this issue before making The second part of the NC meeting focused
a decision. The Conservancy staff will send out a survey on comments, suggestions and issues from
with questions based on past suggestions from the Trustees. the cluster representatives. These issues
This survey will go to both owners and renters. Hopefully, included: ** The grass next to the new
the survey will be available by the time you read this. VRE trail that links Oak Leather Drive to
the VRE parking lot needs to be cut ** The
Invasive Vine Problem - Those of you who walk the paths, problem of late night car racing at the north-
or have homes that back to a common area, are aware of east end of Oak Leather Drive ** Getting
the Invasive Vine problem. The invasive vines include additional trash baskets installed where
Porcelain Berry, Grape Ivy, English Ivy, and several others they are needed ** Having more “Dumpster
types. Mr. William Ade, a member of NoVA Tree Rescue
and BCC resident, has a plan to systematically remove
them from trees throughout Burke Centre. For the most part
this will be accomplished by cutting and removing the vine
from the ground to a point 4 feet up the tree trunk. Special
efforts will be made to minimize damage to the tree bark.
I suggest you contact Mr. Ade at NoVA Tree Rescue if you
are interested in helping.
The Oaks Pool and Community Center – As you know,
the opening of the Oaks Pool was delayed because a series
of leaks were discovered. It turns out that this pool is due
for major reconstruction. The Conservancy staff is in the
process of getting advice from a pool designer they have
worked with before, and is now planning to rebuild the pool
after the season is over. If you have suggestions on essen-
tial changes, you should send them to the Conservancy staff
this summer.
Burke Centre Festival Notes - Planning and permitting for
September’s Burke Centre Festival is underway. A major
change this year is the inclusion of a Beer Garden courtesy
of the Bunnyman Brewery. There will also be a Wine Gar-
den on Saturday.
Your Money – The Conservancy submitted two reserve
withdrawal requests for approval: One for the replace-
ment of a 20-year old Toro utility vehicle, and the other for
JULY 2022 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 7
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)
BURKE CENTRE
courts, basketball courts and tot lots. As stated on
the BCC website, our community is comprised of
AT-LARGE 5,862 homes with 18,000+ residents, 1,700 acres,
over 30 miles of walking paths, 6 ponds and one
July 4: Independence Day; Conservancy Office
closed; yard waste collection in effect; Burke Centre
lake. Pools open on holiday schedule.
MARCI LAWSON
Board Treasurer & Living in BCC makes it easy to enjoy the out- July 23: Pet Adoption Day with Homeward Trails,
At-Large Trustee doors. Not surprisingly, being outside can lead 10 AM-Noon, Conservancy Office Grounds
to better overall health. According to a July 2010
article from Harvard Medical School, there are August 2: National Night Out - register your cluster
G reetings neighbors! I hope each of you and your fami-
lies are well.
potential health benefits to spending time outdoors
such as: (1) your vitamin D levels will go up, (2)
at https://natw.org/registration/ to be eligible for
visits from local police and dignitaries (subject to
you’ll get more exercise, (3) you may be happier availability) during your cluster event.
At the June 2022 Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, the
since sunlight tends to elevate people’s mood,
BOT took two significant actions regarding tennis and
(4) your concentration may improve, and (5) you August 15: BBQ & Beer Board Meeting, 7:30 PM,
pickleball. First, the BOT approved the request for propos-
may heal from injuries or surgeries faster. (See, Woods CC (tentative)
als to be used by Burke Centre Conservancy (BCC) staff
“Prescription for Better Health: Go Alfresco,”
in soliciting proposals for tennis and pickleball instruction.
Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Medical School,
After receiving the proposals, the BCC staff will award one
July 2010).
contract for both tennis and pickleball instruction on BCC
courts. This contract will be similar to previous contracts,
Finally, if you are interested in volunteering to
however, one key difference in this year’s contract will be
support BCC in some way, consider contacting
the addition of pickleball instruction—due to its increasing
your cluster representatives, your neighborhood
popularity in BCC.
trustee (contact info in the Conservator), or the September 10 & 11: Burke Centre Festival -
BCC office at (703) 978-2928. Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 9:30 AM; 10 AM-5
Second, the BOT approved a series of survey questions
PM; Wine Garden 5-10 PM (Saturday only); Sunday,
to be used in an upcoming survey of BCC residents (both
That’s all I have to report for this month. If you 11 AM-5 PM.
owners and renters) requesting feedback regarding the per-
would like to provide comments on the contents
manent conversion of some BCC tennis courts to pickleball
of this article or on any other Burke Centre topic, Food Truck Thursdays
courts. The BOT will use the results of this survey as a
please feel free to email me at atlargetrustee2@ Every Thursday Evening, 5-8 PM
data point in making its final decision regarding whether to
burkecentre.org. Now through September at the Oaks and Ponds
permanently convert some tennis courts to pickleball court
Community Centers
and if so, where the pickleball courts should be located. The
BOT does not take this issue lightly since such a conversion BCC office closed July 4 Farmers Market - Every Saturday, 8 AM-Noon
would alter an existing amenity—tennis. Before making a
final decision, the BOT will also consider the recommenda-
tions of the BCC Tennis Court Task Force which studied
T he Conservancy office will reopen follow-
ing the holiday at 9 AM on Tues., July 5.
Now through December at the Burke VRE Lot
(Roberts Parkway)
this matter for months and then made recommendations.
Additionally, the BOT will consider the numerous resident
emails and resident input at past BOT meetings on this
topic. Be on the lookout in the Conservator, the BC Buzz,
the BCC app, and the BCC website for the tennis court sur-
vey; please vote if you have any interest in this matter.
As you have probably noticed, the BCC pools are all open
and the pool season is in full swing. Thankfully, the Oaks
pool is now open after some delays due to water leaks.
I would like to thank our Executive Director, Patrick
Gloyd, our Director of Administration, Jeannie Winslow,
and BCC’s pool management company, Atlantic, for their
dedication to repairing the Oaks pool so it could open this
season. After the summer pool season, the Oaks pool is
scheduled to be completely replaced—due to its age. Funds
have been budgeted for this replacement and the plan is for
the construction of the new Oaks pool to conclude in time
for the 2023 pool season.
On topics related to the pools, I would like to highlight
something I sometimes take for granted—one of the best
benefits of living in BCC is access to great amenities and
the great outdoors. While BCC is located within an easy
commute to the dense urban areas of DC and NOVA,
residents still enjoy a vast amount of open space, trails, and
wildlife in addition to the pools, community centers, tennis
PAGE 8 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR JULY 2022Board Working Session
for the community survey. Trustee Shapiro re- Goldfarb, of the Walden Commons Condominium
ported that the TCTF is moving forward towards community, to get the Conservancy’s support for a
Draft Summary
closure and that the instruction RFP for profes- pedestrian bridge to be built in place of the existing
sional instruction is being finalized by the Con- Fair-Weather crossing on the VRE trail that connects
6/7/2022, 7:30 PM, via Zoom (*Approval of servancy staff. In terms if the survey, the TCTF Burke Lake Road and the VRE station. The Board
this draft pending next Board meeting.) is looking to solicit comments from the Board voted to support making a request to the County and
on potential questions. These recommendations a letter was drafted. Trustee Gulakowski indicated
1.
CALL TO ORDER: President Flaster called the from the Board can be submitted to the Conser- that he had delivered the letter to Supervisor Walkin-
meeting to order at 7:32 PM. The agenda was ap- vancy staff for Board review at the next meeting. shaw’s Braddock district office. Since then, Trustee
proved with unanimous Board consent. Trustee Shapiro made a motion, seconded by Gulakowski, Mr. Gloyd, and Woodwalk President,
Trustee Gulakowski, to approve the appointment Kevin Morse, were invited to a meeting with Supervi-
2. RESIDENT INPUT: No input was offered. of John Vaught of Windward Drive to the TCTF. sor Walkinshaw to discuss the proposal. In the meet-
The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
3. INVASIVE VINE PROPOSAL: Mr. Gloyd stated that WORK SESSION - continued on page 9...
this item was presented by William Ade at the May Work- Resident Wayne Chiles
ing Session as a proposal to address invasive vines in the spoke on this item shar-
Burke Centre. Mr. Ade is a Burke Centre resident and a ing his support for court
member of NOVA Tree Rescue who looking to lead a vol- conversion. Resident
unteer effort to systematically remove invasive vines from Isaiah Kitaeff asked for
trees in common areas and cluster open spaces. During the clarification on which
May Working Session, the Board advised him to attend courts were being
the next Open Space Committee (OSC) meeting to pitch discussed for potential
the proposal, and since then, the OSC has weighed in and conversion. Trustee
made a few recommendations to move this forward. After a Shapiro clarified that
brief discussion, Trustee Schmidt made a motion, seconded there has only been dis-
by Trustee Gulakowski, to approve the invasive vine pro- cussion on converting
gram proposed by Mr. Ade and NOVA Tree Rescue, to be the Landing courts, not
performed in coordination with the BCC staff. The motion all of the courts.
passed unanimously, 7 yes votes.
5. VRE TRAIL FAIR-
4. TENNIS COURT TASK FORCE (TCTF) UPDATE: WEATHER CROSS-
Mr. Gloyd stated that the purpose of this item was for ING IMPROVE-
Trustee Shapiro or TCTF members to provide an update, an MENT: Mr. Gloyd
appointment request, and to discuss the proposed questions stated this item started
as a proposal from Dan
JULY 2022 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 9dors. As a reminder, the Festival will be held
WORK SESSION September 10th & 11th this year, and since this
cont’d from page 8
ing there was discussion regarding concerns expressed at
year falls on 9/11, there will likely be a feature Onlly 2 montths unttil....
Burke Centre Festivall
on this at the opening ceremony. There will also
the supervisor’s office, however, they have pledged to seek be an acknowledgement of Til Hazel, a found-
funding for a study that would look at various questions, ing father of Burke Centre, who unfortunately
options, and costs to potentially build a pedestrian walk-
way there. Trustee Gulakowski mentioned that Supervisor
passed away earlier this year.
September 10 & 11, 2022
Walkinshaw’s office reminded them of the cost of the proj- 9. NEW BUSINESS/FUTURE/PENDING
W
ect recently funded by the County and there are also many ITEMS: Mr. Gloyd mentioned that the members elcome back to Burke Centre’s signature
other projects that are requesting this funding. of the Open Space Committee were all due for event; a celebration of this beautiful,
re-appointment. He indicated that if the Board award-winning community. Featuring
6. OAKS POOL UPDATE: Mr. Gloyd stated that Atlantic felt comfortable making those appointments a huge Arts & Crafts Show, Karaoke, Fairfax
Pools needs another week to get all of the repairs finalized, this evening, a motion could be made. Trustee County Police, Fire & Rescue displays, emergency
pushing the opening deadline to Saturday, June 18. Trustee Schmidt made a motion, seconded by Trustee preparedness area, live bands, dance and other
Shapiro inquired about putting out an update for the com- Gulakowski, to re-appoint the current members entertainment, roving characters, a wide variety of
munity. Mr. Gloyd confirmed that the staff would be putting for the Open Space committee to another 2-year festival food vendors, interactive wildlife shows, high
out information through social media outlets, the mobile term. The motion passed unanimously, yes votes. quality face painting, amusement rides, pony rides, a
app, and website by early tomorrow morning.
nursing mom’s private tent, basketball toss, Midway-
Trustee Shapiro inquired about Neighborhood style games, tons of community booths, giveaways
7. BCSC REQUEST: Mr. Gloyd stated that the Burke Council meetings, whether they were being held and drawings, an after-hours wine garden with live
Centre Swim Club (BCSC) submitted additional requests in person or virtually. President Flaster stated music and much more. Free admission!
for pool usage. The BCSC requested additional usage to that after approving quarterly neighborhood
occur at both community centers and pools. However, Ms. council meetings a date was never established. • Annual attendance is estimated by police to be
Winslow confirmed the community center request had been
approximately 8,000-10,000 visitors each year.
withdrawn. 10. NEXT MEETING AGENDA: Mr. Gloyd
provided a draft agenda for the June 21 meeting. • Wine Garden service will offer extended service
The BCSC liaison, Alexi Cuca, indicated that the purpose
hours; plus the evening wine garden will be held with
for this late request was due to the large number of new 11. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Trustee Schmidt live music, 5-10 PM!
swimmers added this year. The BCSC had a very success- made a motion, seconded by Vice President Gu-
ful registration season and now need more lanes to fit all of lakowski, to adjourn into Executive Session at • Daily wrist bands will be available for a flat rate
the swimmers. Trustee Lawson made a motion, seconded 8:31 PM to discuss enforcement and/or legal is- – includes unlimited rides – one per person/per day
by Trustee Shapiro, to approve the BCSC’s request for an sues. The motion passed by unanimous consent. -- excludes Midway games. Tickets for sale for both
additional 4 hours of pool usage per week at the Ponds The regular meeting reconvened at 8:45 PM by rides and Midway games. ATM machine on site.
Pool, as stated in the staff memorandum. The motion passed unanimous consent.
unanimously, 7 yes votes.
• Flag-Raising Ceremony Opens the Festival Each
12. ADJOURNMENT: Vice President Gula- Year, 9:30 AM, with the Burke VFW & BS Troop
8. FESTIVAL & COMMUNITY EVENTS: Ms. Winslow kowski made a motion, seconded by Trustee 1345. (Note: Ticket Sales, Rides, Shows, etc. do not
provided a reminder about Food Truck Thursdays being Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 PM. The start operating until the Opening Ceremony ends at
held every week at the Ponds and Oaks Community Centers motion passed unanimously, 7 yes votes. approx. 10 AM)
from 5-8 PM. Information on the schedule can be found on
the Conservancy’s website. The next event upcoming event
will be the Father’s Day Community-Wide Yard Sale. To be Common
Comm
mon BCC Initialisms • Free Shuttle Bus Service along Burke Centre Pkwy;
Parking at all 5 BCC Community Centers.
listed on the website as a participating location please send AB Appeals Board
ARB Architectural Review Board
email to the Conservancy’s Administration staff.
BCC Burke Centre Conservancy • Popular Arts & Crafts Show featuring hand-crafted
BCSC Burke Centre Swim Club items only.
Ms. Winslow gave a status update on festival planning BFC Budget & Finance Committee
indicating that the staff has been working on updating the BOT Board of Trustees
• New this year - Bunnyman Brewing (Brewery)!
emergency plan and moving forward with various permits. CC Community Center
The staff has been receiving a lot of applications for ven- HOA Home Owners’ Association
OSC Open Space Committee *Features and details are subject to change. Watch for updates.
PAGE 10 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR JULY 2022You can also read
