The Sounds of Music

www.fallsrun.org Fredericksburg, Va. JUNE 2020

ANNOUNCEMENTS The Sounds of Music

Board Meetings: By Pat Donohue VCA: Monday 6/1 @ The novel coronavirus has left 10AM, via Zoom us devoid of the sounds of FRCA: Wednesday 6/27 @ certain familiar music: “Take 7PM, via Zoom Me Out to the Ballgame;” “The See email from Board re: Wedding March;” and May and How to join the meeting June’s enduring “Pomp and Circumstance.” When this time of isolation comes to Hats off… an end, I hope all those proud … to Lara Lewis, our innovative graduates can gather with their Activities Director, who keeps classmates clad in cap and gown coming up with new and fun and march down the aisle of their things for us to enjoy together beloved alma mater. separately! Considering how often “Pomp speare’s Othello. Kimberly Sena and Circumstance” is played at wrote in Psychology Today: “There Coronavirus Info graduations in this country, curi- are reasons for the cultural foot- Can be found at cdc.gov/coronavirus ously it was not composed by hold of Pomp and Circumstance.’ at https://www.who.int and at an American. It was written in Its regal melody, warm tone https://www.staffordcountyva.gov/ 1901 by Sir Edward Elgar, an colors and stately ... tempo set coronavirus Englishman, and was the corona- an emotional tone.” • Maintain social distancing tion ode for King Edward VII. • Wash hands frequently At this time in an upside-down • Avoid touching face Four years after its London world, when we crave the familiar • Avoid touching others premiere, Edward Elgar received routines of our lives, we long • If you’re going somewhere that an honorary degree from Yale for the customary music as well. others touch things around you, University. “Pomp and Circum- Hopefully it will not be long wear disposable gloves. It’s at least a stance” was used as the recessional before we hear the comforting reminder not to touch your face! at this event. Two years later strains of “The Wedding March” Princeton used it as its proces- as we stand to honor the bride sional at their commencement and groom; “Pomp and Circum- ceremonies, closely followed stance” as we rise to honor the by the University of Chicago, graduates; and “Take Me Out to Columbia, Vassar and Rutgers. the Ballgame” as we cheer for our The rest is history. The phrase favorite team. We may not return “Pomp and Circumstance” is to life as we knew it, but some attributed to a line from Shake- things will remain the same. 2 Falls Run GAZETTE June 2020

Falls Run Gazette The Falls Run Gazette is the official publication of the Falls TO DAD Run Community. The magazine, distributed to all Falls Run resi- By Bob Chapin dences, is published monthly 11 times per year, with a combined I am a child of the fifties July-August issue. Story ideas With a dad so groovy and smart, or articles can be submitted to With wisdom, courage and persistence the Gazette Committee Chair ([email protected]). And with a loving and graceful heart. Committee Chair/Editor: Susan Smart As the years advance his hairline – Committee Secretary: A mirror once his best friend. Nancy Bevilacqua A dad who is always ready, Staff writers: Nothing he can’t improvise or mend. Nancy Bevilacqua Bob Chapin He is in the prime of years past Murray Corliss Astrid Dick Now weathered with a slight belly. Pat Donohue He never asked to “pass the preserves” Joan Frank Carolyn Harmon Instead, ”Please pass the jelly.” Susan Smart Dad is my hero for so many reasons This month’s contributers: Denny Dunklee Too numerous to recite or recall. Sparky, Bubba & Earl I am blessed with a loving father, Leona Fox Judy and Richard McCloud The one person who makes me walk tall. Carolyn Crosen Doris Roppo Staff photographer: Carolyn Harmon Advertising manager: Lara Lewis [email protected]

Falls Run Haircuts for Sale: Community Association Beverley and Tom Eddy President: Rick Chevrette in the garage hair salon [email protected] Lookin’ good, Tom! General manager: Dominic Klepic, (540) 899-9958 [email protected] Activities director:

Lara Lewis, (540) 371-4563 Photo: Doris Roppo [email protected]

Comfort Foods During the Pandemic By Murray Corliss you guessed it, mac and cheese. Chris will eat pasta in any form At one point in my career I shared not just elbow macaroni. an office with Sandy, a dietician, and the weight loss diet at that Elaine can be seen walking time was to severely limit carbs nightly and she was specific in (carbohydrates). Sandy expressed her love for carbs whether it’s concern about this diet because rice, potatoes, pasta and any she felt carbs were good for mental recipe be it Chinese, Italian, health. Actually, a case can be Thai, Indian, Spanish, Mexican, made for increased or decreased French or German. I did not hood and, if I could, I would eat carbs but because carbs and take offense that she did not all six servings at one sitting. mention the lowly boiled potato chocolate were my two favorite Nancy has combined her long- favored by the Irish. Joan and food groups I did not argue. time love of bread making with Shirley are not alone in baking an upper body work out. She It seems that during this time of more cookies, muffins, peach needs to use a manual grinder social isolation and concerns for our cobbler, and pies. We will need to turn the wheat kernels into health, Falls Run residents are in a Falls Run dessert night when flour. Last, but not least, Bryn is support of carbs. No one responded we are able to have events. to this survey with a craving for braver than I as she admitted to kale chips. Mac and cheese topped We associate comfort foods having Cheetos! I did buy one the list for comfort food craving. with our past and our families. small bag, but I told no one. Joan is making a yeast pastry Elaine, Susan and Becki voted for When this is over we all will from a recipe that her grand- mac and cheese while Pat – being see each other at the gym, in mother brought over from mindful of not wasting food when the pool, or at Zumba working Czechoslovakia. I will make the milk and cheeses were about to off our comfort foods. expire –made individual servings of, tapioca fluff from my child-

Happy Birthday! Bill Kipps waves to residents from all over Falls Run who surprised him on April 23 with a vehicle parade of about 20 cars in celebration of his 90th birthday.

Photo: Carolyn Crosen 4 Falls Run GAZETTE June 2020

Real Estate for Generations SENIOR SERVICES AVAILABLE TO YOU: • Confidential meeting for home pricing, marketing and sale • Decluttering, cleaning, and organizing • Estate sale services or online auction of collectibles • Moving coordination and/or set-up in new home • Home repairs, maintenance and lawn care Let us make your move stress-free and as simple as possible!

The Overington Team (540) 207-0526 [email protected] THEOVERINGTONTEAM.COM We are a mother-daughter team! Proudly serving Fredericksburg area seniors since 2002 in real estate and senior sales & marketing. June 2020 Falls Run GAZETTE 5

In Praise of the Phrase By Joan Frank “Think of what would happen to “When I wear high heels us if there were no humorists. Life I have a great vocabulary “Jogging is very beneficial. It’s would be one long Congressional and I speak in paragraphs. good for your legs, feet, and Record.” — Tom Masson I’m more eloquent. I plan to wear circulation. It’s also very them more often.” — Meg Ryan good for the ground. “Youth is when It makes it feel you’re allowed to “I’m not leaving the house today, needed.” stay up late on but I am watching a football game — Charles Schulz New Year’s Eve. that takes place outdoors. Baby Middle age is when steps.” — Bob Siedell “I don’t think jogging is healthy. you are forced to If morning joggers knew how stay up on New Year’s Eve.” “Scientists have found the gene for tempting they look to morning — Bill Vaughan shyness. They would have found it motorists, they would stay home years ago, but it was hiding behind and do sit-ups.” — Rita Rudner “No one knows his true character a couple of other genes.” until he runs out of gas, purchased — Jonathan Katz “I personally think we devel- something on the installment plan, oped language communication and raised an adolescent.” “Ninety-eight percent of Amer- because of our deep inner need to — Marceline Cox ican homes have TV sets. The complain.” — Jane Wagner people in the other two percent “It is unfortunate that we cannot have to generate their own sex and “The best measure of a buy many business executives violence.” — Franklin Jones man’s honesty isn’t his for what they are worth and sell income tax return. It’s them for what they think they are “Life was a lot simpler when what the zero adjustment on worth.” — Malcolm Forbes we honored was father and mother his bathroom scale.” rather than all major credit cards.” — Arthur Clarke “I am thankful that the — Robert Orben most important key in “They say laughter is the best history was invented. “Do not argue with an idiot. He medicine. Unless you’re diabetic. It is the key to order, will drag you down to his level Then insulin becomes pretty high sanity, and peace of mind. The key and beat you with experience.” on the list.” is DELETE.” — Elayne Boosler — Mark Twain — Jasper Carrott

“It is one of the paradoxes of Amer- ican literature that our writers are forever looking back with love and nostalgia at lives they couldn’t wait to leave.” — Anatole Broyard “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.” — Ronald Reagan 6 Falls Run GAZETTE June 2020

Notable Notes: “Stuff Overheard (mostly fictional)” at the Falls Run Community Center’s “eternally dynamic table”

Reported by Denny Dunklee “Rats,” said our neighbor. “Now I know where I miss the daily chatter around the Falls Run my hearing aid went.” Community Center’s “eternally dynamic table,” I Someone, I can’t recall just who, told this tale at truly do! I’ve been obliged during recent weeks to the table one day. Seems that Sherlock Holmes conjure up issues I remember some of our fellow and Dr. Watson go on a camping trip. After a good residents confessing in the recent past. For example, dinner and a bottle of wine, they retire for the I remember when the table erupted with laughter night and go to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes when one of our neighbors told the story of when wakes up and nudges his faithful friend. he and his wife went shopping in one of our “Watson, look up at the sky and local supermarkets. Seems he picked up a case of tell me what you see.” Budweiser beer and put it in their shopping cart. “I see millions and millions of stars, “What do you think you’re doing?” his wife asked. Holmes” replies Watson. “They’re on sale, only $20 for 24 cans,” he replied. “And what do you deduce from that?” “Put them back, we can’t afford them,” his wife Watson ponders for a minute. “Well, astronomi- demanded, and so they moved on. A few aisles cally, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and further along his wife picked up a $40 jar of face potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe cream and put it in the basket. that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the “What do you think you’re doing?” he asks. time is approximately a quarter past three. Meteoro- “It’s my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,” logically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day replied his wife. tomorrow. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful, and that we are a small and insignificant He quickly and decisively retorted: “So part of the universe. What does it tell you, Holmes?” does 24 cans of Bud and it’s half the price.” Holmes is silent for a moment. “Watson, you “I never knew what hit me,” he said. “The next idiot!” he says. “Someone has stolen our tent!” thing I heard on the supermarket PA system was: “‘Clean-up on aisle 7, we have a husband down.’” One of our neighbors told us a couple of months ago that he recently lost his hearing aid. He went to his doctor’s office to have his hearing checked and, while he was sitting on the examining table, his doctor poked his light scope in our neighbor’s ear and exclaimed, “Hey, you have a suppository in your ear!” June 2020 Falls Run GAZETTE 7

Life in the Epidemic Lane By Leona Fox

After playing the gazillionth computer game with crossed eyes, I had a talk with myself and decided that I needed to do something worthwhile each and every day. This self-talk prom- ised that for each day I completed some nasty hated task, I would be allowed to play for the entire next day. I further prom- ised myself that if I completed two nasty tasks, I would be allowed two days of guilt free card making or sewing. Seemed a fair deal to me. So – there are a lot (and I do mean a LOT) of “put off because I hate to do them tasks” from which to choose. There are the north side of the kitchen was Discovering various extra debris bathrooms that always need discovered to be long forgotten in the bottom, it was time to attention. Since I have multiple green pepper. Multiple jars of the haul the drawer to the sink to be baths, it would mean multiple same jam were a nice surprise. rinsed. As water filled my shoes days of playing. However, the Sadly, I discovered that my bag of (who knew there were holes next day was trash day. Cleaning “emergency chocolate” was half in that thing?) I leaned over to the refrigerator became the task empty. Everybody knows that mop the floor. Behold there was of choice. Wait a minute – I “emergency chocolate” is that spaghetti sauce down low on the really should go put in a pair of which is to be eaten in all emer- cabinet. Washing cabinets just earrings to be sure the holes in gencies. Definitions of emergency got added to the list of nasties. my earlobes had not closed up. include, but are not limited to, It was decided that bathrooms My head could hear my mom depression, sadness, celebration were the next task to be completed. saying that “the sooner I did it, and just “feeling like Naturally, they would earn me the sooner I would be done.” having some” days. extra days. Even though I would With earrings firmly in the Next came washing out that huge be grumbling while I scrubbed, I holes in my head I began to cavern. My arms are barely long would also be giving thanks that explore the mystery that is enough to reach the back, so I I had bathrooms and a safe place the inside of the ole fridge. As enlisted the help of a very sturdy in which to live. It would not be expected, the out of date items step ladder. After much scrub- necessary to wear earrings, that were the first to go. Moldy bing and loud grunting, I was already had been done this week! cheese was quick to follow. The ready to tackle the meat drawer. plastic bag resembling moss on 8 Falls Run GAZETTE June 2020

Maintenance Tech Brian Skinner, our new Maintenance Technician, was born and raised in Spotsylvania, Virginia. He comes to Falls Run after owning his own home improvement company for the past three years. Brian is happily married to wife Jennifer and has two adorable little boys, Jackson who is 8 and Austin who is 17 months. Over the years, Brian has worked for a funeral home and volunteered for the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad. Brian enjoys hunting and fishing on his downtime.

Executive Assistant Terry Rooney, our new Executive Assistant, was born in Concord California and raised in Kensington, MD. Terry is the mother of one son, John, and grandmother to four grandchildren, three little boys and one granddaughter. Terry is an avid reader, cat lover and enjoys walking. Terry comes to Falls Run from Virginia Heritage where she worked for the past ten years. Terry worked for the Department of Health and Human Services for 38 years before retiring and joining the staff at Virginia Heritage.

Celebrating 30 Years of Service! Ashly & D Services 703-765-0645 Email: [email protected] As a member of the Falls Run Community www.ashlydservices.com and life long resident of Stafford County, my knowledge and experience will work for you. Specializing in: -Power washing -House power washing Experience, $ 160. -window cleaning Integrity, -Gutter cleaning -Driveway power Excellence -Roof repair washing $ 70 -Painting Window cleaning -Rotten wood $ 5. Per win Andy Shannon & Associates replace. Realtors® -Concrete work Gutter cleaning $60 Office: 540-659-6136 Toll Free: 800-342-7703 Licensed /Insured

Call today for a free estimate. June 2020 Falls Run GAZETTE 9

Dear Sparky, Bubba, and Earl: I recently moved to Falls Run and everyone waves at me. I am wondering if there is some sort of etiquette involved about when and how to return the greeting? Sincerely, Abigail Jane

Sparky: Presidents, 4.5 vice presidents (along with some unpleasant- Dear Cousin Abby-Jane: ness along the way (but who hasn’t?). So, when someone is RUDE and does not wave, you may think about the word Well, Falls Run sounds like a right fine place. Where I for canine mamas or the use of your third finger, but do what come from, people express their respect and admiration- I do and just think – and maybe say out loud – “Well, ality for you by throwin’ half cups of coffee at you as they bless their heart.” It will bring you piece and tranquil-like pass by in their motorized buggies. Sometimes they pelt thoughts. P.s. I had to use the dictionary to look up ettiquite. me with fruit or veggies, which makes me proud since no one else gits that much free stuff sent thier way. Once I Earl: was offered half a can a beer which somewhat concussion- Dear Abby, (hmm, sounds familiar) ized me since I wasn’t expectin’ it. To reciprocationize, I Down here people go out of their way to be kindly and found me a recipe for a nice pecan pie in the book “The polite, so just be nice back. Say hidy, smile and wave, you Help” and fixed it up real nice and sent it over. None of won’t go wrong. If you get asked a question, just think on my friends and nabors have gotten around to sendin’ me a how you would like to be treated and answer in kind. thank you, but I know they liked it cause they keep offering coffee and veggies, beer and wine, as I walk down the street. Just the other day I was having a beer at the Yak-a-doo So just keep waving Abby and maybe someday you will git and this stranger came in. He was all dressed up in a three- some groceries tossed to you by your right fine neighbors. piece suit, fancy tie, gold cufflinks, gator shoes, the works. He asks the bartender for a Martini and looks around Bubba: while he is waiting for his drink. So being polite, Dear AJ, I said “How do Mister, ya’ll dressed real nice, whare you from?” He says, “Where I am I don’t know if y’all is from the Olde Dominion, but us from, we do not end a sentence with a prep- Virginians like to live by the mottow that is on our flag. osition.” So I say “Well excuuuuse the hell Even though it’s in Latin or maybe Greek, it means out of me! Whare you from, A--Hole? “Always be Polite.” Y’all should always wave, even to speeders. Us Virgins have a grate history, having 148 Us.

What ARE Pillbugs? By Susan Smart

Do you know that “pill bugs” are not really bugs? They’re actually small crustaceans that live only on land. Pill bugs are more closely related to shrimp and lobsters than crickets or butterflies. Their ancestors lived in the sea, but ancient pill bugs crawled out millions of years ago to carve a life for themselves on dry land.

What ARE Pillbugs? Continued on page 10, column 1 10 Falls Run GAZETTE June 2020

Between the covers Little Fires Everywhere, by Celeste Ng Death at La Fenice, by Donna Leon Reviewed by Richard McCloud Reviewed by Judy McCloud Celeste Ng’s recent best-selling The first murder mystery in the novel, Little Fires Every- NY Times best-selling and award- where, casts a critical eye on winning Guido Brunetti detective the Shaker Heights community series by Donna Leon, Death at just outside of Cleveland that La Fenice, opens in the spectac- celebrates the utopian spirit of ular Opera House in Venice, Italy. harmony of the original Shaker World-renowned German Maestro settlers. No one adheres to the Wellauer is found poisoned in his standards and principles of dressing room during the intermis- harmony and privileged happi- sion of La Traviata. “Because this ness more than Mrs. Richardson, who was born was Venice, the police came by boat, blue light flashing in Shaker Heights and lives with her lawyer on the forward cabin.” husband and their four privileged teenage chil- We are introduced to Guido Brunetti, the commissario dren. Their youngest child, Izzy, however, bickers of police, a very likable detective who adores his wife with her mom constantly and feels rejected because and reports to a clueless supervisor. Dressed in the she refuses to live by what she believes are the style of the Italians, a Venetian in speech and manners, shallow constraints of her middle class family. but a policeman at heart, he is suave but focused on his So when Mrs. Richardson rents out rooms in her goal of justice. duplex on the fringe of the community to Mia and Suspects are plentiful in this high-profile murder of an her daughter Pearl, she feels proud of helping a unliked conductor: the controlling theatre director, t single mom and her daughter. Mia is an artist and he temperamental opera singers, the new young wife photographer and she leads a nomadic life with - all have motives that quickly surface. But Brunetti her daughter. On some level, Mrs. Richardson persists in his investigation to uncover Wellauer’s is taken with Mia’s free spirit and creativity and decades old pre-war involvements. As the Commis- invites her to work as housekeeper and cook for sioner pursues the case, Leon presents the beauty of her family. Just as Pearl befriends the family teen- Venice- the art, the food, the culture- as well as the agers and is attracted to family life, Izzy finds Mia grit of the underside. to be a sympathetic and affirming surrogate mom. The Guido Brunetti murder mysteries are easy to find The novel exposes the underside of a seem- online at Amazon or the library in paperback, e-books ingly harmonious Shaker Heights family intruded and audio books. upon by an Asian artist and her daughter. The book is now a TV series through HULU.

What ARE Pillbugs? Continued from page 9

Pill bugs don’t bite, sting, or carry harmful diseases. They rarely live long indoors as the indoor environment is too dry for them and they die no long after coming inside. This is because they have gills that don’t work in a dry environment. The roll into a ball for protection and thus have been called rollie-pollies. June 2020 Falls Run GAZETTE 11

The Effects of Music By Joan Frank performance, helping people work out longer and train more efficiently. In one study, people who cycled in Sad to say, but musicians have shorter lifespans time to music required seven percent less oxygen. than the general population. The University of Sydney did a study between 1950 and 2014. The A 2011 study conducted at the University of Groningen study looked at longevity by age, sex, and decade showed that music has a significant effect on percep- of death. The averages were compared with the tion. The participants were asked to listen to music and U.S. population, and the musicians’ life span was identify corresponding smiley faces. They were 25 years shorter. identified very accurately. When no smiley face was shown they thought they recognized a smiley face Now I know this will shock most of you, but with happy music. Mozart sold more music in 2016 than the best- selling pop artists! The Universal Music Group Students who have experience with music performance released a box set commemorating the 225th or are taking music appreciation courses score higher anniversary of Mozart’s death. As of the last count on the SAT tests. On average they score 63 points there were only four remaining on Amazon. higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math. The cost: $686.00. Plants grow faster when music is played around them, In 1893 the Hill Sisters wrote “Happy Birthday.” says a study conducted by the Institute of Agricultural The song’s ownership changed hands a few times Biotechnology. The study used 14 different classical over the past 100 years. In 1990 Warner Chappell, pieces including Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” a music holding company, bought the rights for which when played in rice fields seemed to cause the $15 million and still have them. The song brings in crops to grow at a faster pace. This pointed to evidence $2 million a year in royalties, which comes to about that plants have genes which enable them to hear. $5,000 per day. The song costs $25,000 to use in a movie or TV show. Did you know that none of the Beatles could read music, and they never understood music theory? Paul McCartney said that the music just came to him and his bandmates. It was never written down. Clearly, knowledge needn’t deter success. And singing as part of a group provides physical and emotional benefits. Researchers have discovered that when you sing with others, the body releases feel-good hormones, like oxytocin, and reduces stress hormones like cortisol. Also, music with repetitive exercise provides enhanced physical

Even cows who listened to slow soothing songs produced three percent more milk than a control group, according to two psychol- ogists at the University of Leicester. So when your dog, cat, bird, iguana or what- ever gets restless, just play a little slow classical music and see if they don’t calm down! 12 Falls Run GAZETTE June 2020

++ + == = SaveSaveSave upup up to to 25%to 25% 25%

CHRISCHRISCHRIS PAYNE PAYNE PAYNE 540-659-2221540-659-2221540-659-2221 [email protected]@[email protected] SpringSpringSpring Knoll Knoll Knoll Plaza Plaza Plaza

Subject to terms, conditions & availability. Savings vary. Allstate Vehicle and Property SubjectInsuranceSubject to terms, Co.,to Allstateterms, conditions conditionsProperty & availability. and & Casualty availability. Savings Insurance Savings vary. Co. © Allstate2019vary. Allstate Allstate Vehicle Insurance Vehicle and Co.Property and Property InsuranceInsurance Co., Allstate Co., Allstate Property Property and Casualty and Casualty Insurance Insurance Co. © 2019Co. © Allstate2019 Allstate Insurance Insurance12103936 Co. Co. 12103936 12103936

is the . 45 NEW 50 Get your colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is the third most common cancer in men and women. Reduce your risk by keeping a healthy weight, staying physically active, and eating a natural diet. For people age 45 and over, regular screening can catch colorectal cancer before symptoms begin. For more information or to find a doctor, call540.741.1404 . Cancer.mwhc.com June 2020 Falls Run GAZETTE 13

Pollinators to Host Annual Garden Party

By Nancy Bevilacqua souls ventured out to take a tour of the garden, but most stayed indoors. In 2018, the community garden struggled through a very wet summer and the annual garden party was This year, social distancing means there will be no held inside. Those who braved the heavy rain had a party. The event would have coincided with National great time enjoying the art and the food. (Thank- Pollinator Week. Unfortunately, only the pollinators fully, a drain has solved the flooding problem}. will be on hand to greet you. By June 27th, there should be lots of butterflies and bees putting on their In 2019, many weeks of unrelenting heat hijacked our annual show. party; it was 100 on the day of the event. A few brave Isn’t it great to have a little oasis? Please come and visit as you are able. Nature’s Oasis has a vine-covered trellis that provides shade. Beneath it, two benches offer seating that are far enough apart to allow for social distancing. There’s a good view of the winged activity in the garden. Flowers began blooming early, thanks to perennials. In addition, annuals provided another source of nectar for insects. This year gardeners are keeping their distance as they weed and plant. They are grateful to be able to meet together, if cautiously. If you’ve never visited, Nature’s Oasis is located below the Center, to the right of the outdoor pool, and down a short path. The true perennials are the gardeners who maintain Nature’s Oasis for our community to enjoy.

Little Black Spot By Susan Smart

There’s a little black spot on my floor today. It’s the same old thing as yesterday. If I look long enough will it go away? There’s a little black spot and it seems to wane. I have stood here before beside the sucking drain With the world running circles ’round my brain. I guess I will mash it til it’s just a stain. For more information please contact But I’m sorry if I cause the poor thing pain… Lara Lewis | (540) 371-4563 [email protected] Oh. It’s just a bit of fuzz, but I couldn’t wait. 14 Falls Run GAZETTE June 2020

In the Garden: It’s Tick Time Again in Falls Run!!! by Chuck Heath, Certified Master is focused in the Northeast, mid- Gardener and Tree Steward Atlantic, and upper Midwest, with pockets of lower risk along the This year again, tick-borne diseases west coast. However, the range are on the rise and prevention of the tick that transmits Lyme should be on everyone’s mind, disease also is expanding. Nearly particularly during the spring, 95 percent of Lyme disease cases summer, and early-fall when ticks occur in 14 states and Virginia is are most active. From May through one of them. Other less known, July, people will get more tick bites but serious tick-borne diseases and tick-borne diseases than at any include Rocky Mountain spotted other time of year in the United fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, States. It’s especially important to Powassan virus, and babesiosis. or 2-undecanone. EPA’s helpful take steps to protect yourself and Dozens of cases of Lyme disease and search tool can help you find your loved ones (including pets) ehrlichiosis have been reported in the product that best suits your from ticks during this season, as Falls Run. needs. Always follow product well as any time during warmer instructions. months when you’re outside. Take steps to protect against ticks: Taking steps to protect your- ■ Use products that contain Many people do not know they self and your family from getting permethrin to treat clothing and are at risk. Each year, more than a tick bite is the best defense 30,000 cases of Lyme disease gear, such as boots, pants, socks against Lyme disease and other are reported nationwide, while and tents or look for clothing tick-borne infections. Whether studies suggest the actual number pre-treated with permethrin. you’re working, enjoying your of people diagnosed with Lyme ■ Treat dogs for ticks. Dogs are yard, camping, hiking, hunting or disease is more likely about very susceptible to tick bites and otherwise in the outdoors, CDC 300,000. Despite these numbers, a to some tick-borne diseases. recommends that people: national survey reported that nearly They may also bring ticks into 20 percent of people surveyed ■ Avoid areas with high grass and your home. Talk to your veter- in areas where Lyme disease is leaf litter and walk in the center inarian about the best tick common were unaware that it was of trails when hiking. prevention products for your a risk. Additionally, half of people ■ Use Environmental Protection dog. interviewed in another study Agency (EPA)-registered insect reported that they did not routinely repellents containing DEET, It’s Tick Time Again in Falls Run!!! take steps to protect themselves picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon Continued on page 15, column 3 against tick bites during warm weather. Know the risk: What is known is that regardless of the number of ticks this year, people should be aware that ticks could be in the areas where they live, work and play. Everyone should take steps to help protect themselves and their loved ones, including pets. While not all ticks carry the same diseases, ticks can be found in every state. Lyme disease risk Tick Twister-Tick Removal Tool (ticktwister.com) June 2020 Falls Run GAZETTE 15

It’s Tick Time Again in Falls Run!!! Dust Mites and Paper Mites Continued from page 14

By Astrid Dick drops cannot take care of, but ■ Bathe or shower as soon as the more severe cases may possible after coming indoors to Yes, they are real, require medical attention. wash off and more easily find the dust mites that crawling ticks before they bite is. Ugly cousin If you find that these you. of spiders and little invisible crea- nuisance in their tures like your ■ Conduct a full-body tick check own right. They are hospitality a bit too using a hand-held or full-length so tiny, only visible much, a thorough mirror to view all parts of your through a microscope. vacuuming and an application body upon returning from tick- News flash! Mites like living with of a commercial spray used on infested areas. Parents should all of us. The Dust Mite feels bedding and furniture will do help children check thoroughly right at home in mattresses and the trick. Dense fabric mattresses for ticks. Remove any ticks bedding, as well as upholstered and pillow covers will further right away. (See Tick Twister-Tick furniture and rugs. Now don’t aid in keeping the mites at bay. Removal Tool at right and at ticktwister.com) run screaming from your house Now the so-called paper mite – mites are not trained attack is nothing more than the dust ■ Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on insects and do not bite. However, mite getting down and dirty in high heat for 10 minutes to kill they live off the dead skin cells we the dust around stored paper, ticks on dry clothing after you shed. How is that for recycling? provided we throw in a few come indoors. If the clothes are Soooo, what goes in, must come humans working around these damp, additional time may be out; and this is the culprit causing papers and shedding skin cells needed. a problem for some folks among to support this new colony. ■ If you are bitten by a tick, try us, those prone to allergies. You And thus “the circle of life.” to save the tick and take it to may notice some reddish, slightly You can research dust mites online your doctor. A simple blood itchy spots on your body, or eye and find an abundance of infor- test will determine if you have irritation, caused by these unin- mation, even videos. Warning! a tick-borne disease and what vited roommates, ranging from Not to be viewed by the faint of it is, especially if you have flu- mild to severe. Generally, it’s heart. These critters are UGLY. like symptoms or develop a nothing a bit of ointment and eye red rash near the bite.

Idioms for When You Have Nothing Else to Think About By Joan Frank ones tend to be memorable and inspecting a gift is considered bad thus get repeated. So, let’s look at etiquette. No one knows – or takes credit some of the most popular idioms. Let the cat out of the bag means for – the start and use of idioms. Straight from the horse’s mouth to mistakenly reveal a secret. Up Words or phrases for which the means getting information directly to and including the 1700s, a symbolic meaning is different from from the most reliable source. This common street fraud was replacing the precise meaning is known as one comes from the 1900s, when valuable pigs with less valuable cats an idiom. We need idioms because buyers could determine a and selling them in bags. they were coined to communicate horse’s age by examining a specific and usually quite precise Butter someone up is to praise its teeth. It’s also why or flatter them, usually to gain a meaning for which there is no you shouldn’t “look a gift exact word. The clever or creative horse in the mouth,” as Idioms... Continued on page 16, column 1 16 Falls Run GAZETTE June 2020

Taking Care two meanings: “Restrain your dog. “Thou Shalt Not Poop.” It also means, get him off the side- Many Falls Run homeowners have of Business walk and into the gutter… posted small signs in their lawns (where, presumably, business asking for courtesy. Pet owners by Nancy Bevilacqua could more acceptably occur).” do what they can, but when a dog During the 70s the Children decides, the nearest turf is targeted. It wasn’t until the Before Dogs campaign raised 20th century that pet waste became Thankfully, most of our residents concerns over roundworm para- a concern. Before then, horse- accept the civic duty of scooping sites found in feces. That same borne transportation was already up after their pets. It is actually the decade saw city dwellers getting fed presenting perils for those on foot. law: Stafford Code of Ordinances, up with the stench from too many Once motorized vehicles took over, Chapter 5, Article III, Section 5.36 dogs and not enough pet owners streets were cleaner and Fido’s states the following: cleaning up after them. Future feces were on display. It is not against the law for your San Francisco mayor Harvey Milk dog to defecate on public property In 1935, London bylaws made stepped in it (literally) and raised a or the property of another provided the offense even more offensive. stink of his own (politically). Pet owners allowing dogs to leave that the owner of the dog removes Perhaps the cleverest solution is deposits on a public footway could the dog’s excrement immediately and found in a Madrid city park. It incur a fine of up to forty shillings. disposes of it in a proper waste recept- features four dog poop receptacles. New York City’s Sanitation able on their own property, in a lawful Each is labeled for one of the polit- Department encouraged pet manner. ical parties, where pet owners cast owners to “curb your dog.” Har- To all those law-abiding citi- their votes. vard students thought the phrase zens, thank you. It is good exercise vague. In 1956, some wrote to New York clerics posted the bending down to remove the the department asking what the following on a fence outside the traces. Think of it as a hamstring phrase meant. Turns out it has Cathedral of St John the Divine: stretch!

Idioms... Continued from page 15 favor. A customary religious act in the moment when a jockey could wanted to punish. ancient India included throwing remove his hands from the reins Yes, the elephants butter balls at the statues of gods to and still win the race because he were valuable and seek good fortune and their favor was so far ahead. respected, but that also Pulling someone’s leg is to tease Chew the fat was a sailor’s term, meant they were expensive them, usually by lying in a joking referring to the days before to take care of, so the kings hoped manner. It originally described the refrigeration when ships carried the present would drive the recip- way in which thieves tripped their food that would spoil. One that ient into financial ruin. Now, of victims to rob them. wouldn’t was salted pork skin, course, a white elephant exchange which consisted largely of fat. is meant for useless (though prob- Wolf in sheep’s clothing ably cheaper) gifts. describes someone Sailors would only eat it if all other who is pretending to be food was gone – and they often Kids think they’re funny. Adults something they are not, complained as they did. This idle might find them interesting, but usually to the detriment chatter became known as “chewing I find them hard. Anyone who of others. This one is the fat.” has taught English as a second attributed to the Bible White elephant comes from Siam language has a hard time defining (Matthew 7:15). (now Thailand). Legend has it these idioms, and an even harder that its kings used to give actual time explaining why we have them Hands Down means without a at all! lot of effort. The term refers to white elephants to people they

Falls Run Community Association (FRCA) Board of Directors (BOD) June 2020 Gazette Insert frca.simdif.com

This edition contains highlights from the two May meetings of the FRCA Board of Directors. Please visit the website (link above) regularly for more in depth information as well as timely notices and updates.

Note: all meetings are held virtually via Zoom during the pandemic. Residents are encouraged to attend (link sent out by management with agendas and information packets ahead of each meeting).

May 14, 2020 Special BOD Meeting

BOD members were able to direct questions about specifics regarding the replacement for the entire heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the Center to the proposal contractor’s engineer. Following discussion, the BOD voted unanimously to follow the Finance Committee’s recommendation and accepted the Combination VRF/Split System Proposal by Commercial Express HVAC, Inc. not to exceed $425,000; to be charged to Reserve Funds, Line Items 8.002 to 8.019. An independent Mitsubishi Variable Refrigerant Flow unit will serve the kitchen; nine Carrier split-system (heat and air conditioning) units will serve the rest of the Center. The installation is estimated to take six to eight weeks, following completion of final plans.

May 27, 2020 Regular BOD Meeting

• COVID 19 – Center and Common Ground Restriction and Gazette distribution Upon advice of the FRCA’s legal counsel, the tennis court and outdoor pool should not be opened during Phase I. Possible protocols for if/when government restrictions on activities ease are for discussion at a future BOD meeting. A motion to disseminate the combined July/August Gazette electronically was passed.

• Shenandoah Landscape Maintenance Contract The General Manager was told this week Shenandoah’s proposal erred and the cost increased significantly. The Property & Grounds Committee will advise if the landscape contract for 2021 -2025 should go out for bid. There is time for a full bidding process.

• Outdoor Pool White Coat Application The motion to approve the Millennium Pools change order to remove one layer of plaster from the bottom of the outdoor pool, in the amount not to exceed $8,500 and charged to Reserve Funds 6.025 (replace/repair pool well structure) was approved unanimously. The bottom of the pool will be chipped, the white coat applied and the pool refilled in early June.

• Reston Court – Keystone Wall Erosion

The motion to approve the Ruppert Landscaping proposal dated May 7, 2020 to install river jack/erosion control to the ridge of the Reston Ct. keystone wall in the amount not to exceed $3,500 and charged to General Ledger 54200 – Landscaping Repairs passed unanimously.

NOTES FROM THE VILLAS BOARD – JUNE 2020

…but, can we afford it?

One of the most important tasks of the VCA Board is the responsible management of Association funds. You should care about this because these are, in large part, your funds that you pay to receive condominium services. Each year, Board members, committee members, and Landmarc staff work together to assess ongoing and anticipated expenses, review income levels expected for the next year, and make sure that these two figures balance. There are two primary parts to our VCA budget – operating expenses and reserve expenses. The operating budget is created every year. Virginia law requires that a reserve study be completed, and a reserve budget be created, no less than every 5 years.

The Operating Budget: The VCA works from a detailed budget that defines how much money is available for each task that must be completed. Some operating expenses are regular and repeating such as ongoing landscape maintenance, association insurance, and our management contract. Once contracts are signed for these types of services, we know how much we will have to spend each month to pay those bills and those bills must be paid regardless of other circumstances. Other operating expenses are less stable and require more creative planning. These include such things as storm damage repair to trees or siding, sewer line clean outs, snow removal, and the other day-to-day maintenance of our buildings. To minimize the fluctuation in these variable expenses, the Board has, whenever possible, developed a schedule for regular maintenance (power washing, painting of doors and shutters, painting of railings and cast concrete walls). Once the regular and scheduled expenses are accounted for, the budget still must include dollars for the remaining variable expenses. Like contracted expenses, these variable expenses (e.g. snow removal) must be included in the budget even though it may not snow in any given year.

The Reserve Budget: The Reserve budget is like your special savings account at home. Perhaps you are driving an old car with over 100,000 miles. You know that in the next year or two, you are likely going to have to buy a new car, so you think about which make and model you want, check out current prices, add an inflation factor, and figure out how much you are going to have to save each month in order to have enough money to be able to buy that car in two years. The Reserve study evaluates projects in much the same way. In 2021, the analyst will inspect our property and buildings and, based on substantial historical data, project how soon some repairs (like replacement of lead concrete sidewalks) will have to be completed, and approximately how much it will cost. Having that information allows us to estimate how much we will have to save every year to have sufficient funds to pay for that work when it becomes necessary. Reserve budgets may be referred to as replacement reserves because they address the replacement of tangible components. Generally, these include things like roofs, siding, trees, concrete driveways, wall safety railings, and other such material items. Over the years, the VCA has maintained a 90%-100% funded reserve fund balance.

What Happens Next? Over the next few months, Landmarc will prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) from companies that conduct Reserve studies, and we will select a contractor. That study will be completed by late 2020 and a new 2021 Reserve budget will be developed. At the same time, we will be working to also develop an operating budget for 2021. If you are

June 2020 interested in seeing how your dollars are spent, join us as we work together to be sure that the VCA has funds to continue supporting this beautiful neighborhood we love.

JOIN US NOW. You don’t have to be an accountant to serve on the Finance Committee!

June 2020