Residents Embrace Volunteerism

www.fallsrun.org Fredericksburg, Va. SEPTEMBER 2015

Residents embrace volunteerism Looking ahead to by Donna Natemeier FRCA election Many residents generously by Norm Kolb, chair, FRCA Election Committee volunteer their time and energy This fall’s election for the Falls Run for the betterment of Falls Run Community Association Board of and the surrounding communi- Directors will fill four positions ties. Here are some examples: created by the term expirations of Don Horan, Don McCreary, The Greater Falls Run Stephanie Mounts and Wilma Lions Club, which counts Murphy. The nomination period 82 residents among its 84 (L-R): Kurt Martz, Kate Martz, Bill York, Beth Kelley and Joanne is Oct.1-15. However, the election members, participated in York help “stuff the truck” with donated groceries for S.E.R.V.E. committee urges residents to think S.E.R.V.E.’s “Stuff the Photo by Jim Purton about suitable nominees early in Truck” food drive on July 25 at the Bill and Joanne York helped collect the process. Giant on Warrenton Road. Lions 1,409 pounds of food and $263 An insert in the October Gazette Jackie Carter, Art Gabler, Garry in cash. “The groceries mean two will include the official nomination and Jessie Haun, Beth Kelley, Kurt weeks of food for 42 families,” says form. We are again making the and Kate Martz, Carol Murcek, Roberta Schreiber, first vice presi- nomination forms available begin- Wilma Murphy, Donna Natemeier, dent, S.E.R.V.E. “And the money ning Sept.1. You may request a form by contacting Norm Kolb, Karen Pierce, Jim and Michele will help up to three families avoid committee chair (540-373-5005 Purton, Harry and Louise Ravert, eviction or having their utilities or [email protected]). Norma Sain, Paul Watson, and turned off.” Because the board’s decisions directly affect owners of single- Jim Purton was honored with the so many wonderful people through family and villa homes, as well as Lions of Virginia Distinguished this program, and we are happy to the future of our community, the Humanitarian Award for his share the joy of volunteering.” annual election is one of the most outstanding work as president important Falls Run events. What can you do to ensure that the deci- of the Lions Project for Canine sion making remains in capable Companions for Independence hands? Take part in the election and as a puppy raiser, along with process. Nominate a qualified his wife, Michele. The couple has candidate, or become one yourself. raised eight puppies and works to This is a unique opportunity to be spread the word to Lions Clubs heard and to make a difference. in support of the service dog program. “The true reward as volunteer puppy raisers for Lions Please take a Project for Canine Companions for moment to Independence is seeing the signifi- NOMINATE cant change these dogs make in the (L-R): Immediate Past Pres. Bill York, Past District Gov. Woody Woodard, Jim Purton and Michele SOMEONE lives of those who receive them,” TODAY! Purton with puppy-in- training, Kappa. says Jim. “Michele and I have met Photo by Brenda Dudley 2 Falls Run GAZETTE September 2015

Falls Run Gazette Updated resident The Falls Run Gazette is the directory coming official publication of the Falls Run Community. The magazine, in 2016 distributed to all Falls Run resi- by Susanne Lazanov, staff writer dences, is published 11 times per year, monthly with a combined An updated version of the resident Check the activities page on directory will be delivered to each July-August issue. the rear of the calendar insert home early next year. To ensure the in this issue for information Editor: position vacant highest degree of accuracy, please about signing up for dine Acting editor: Keith Marine check your current listing by doing around, the international pot one of the following: luck dinner and the crafter/ Staff writers: ■■ Log onto the online directory vendor fair. Connie Block in the “Members” area of Barbara Chadwick fallsrun.org from your home Elizabeth Clements Jeanette Doolittle computer or the resident access Joan Frank computer at the Center. (If you Art Gabler do not have a password, follow Congratulations Donna Kappler the directions on the website’s Reinhard and Elke Susanne Lazanov home page.) Ortmann on their 50th Judy Rao ■■ View the printout of the direc- wedding anniversary Sue Silvers tory at the Center. Susan Smart If you need to make additions Contributing writers: or corrections, please see Holly Chuck Heath Crawford, administrative assis- Mary Washington Mary Mork tant, at the Center for the required ElderStudy: Staff photographer: update form, and return it to the Rachael Nieves concierge no later than Sept. 30. opportunities for Advertising manager: Residents will have the opportunity lifelong learners to advertise their home-based busi- Keith Marine Mary Washington ElderStudy [email protected] ness in the directory. For more is a membership organization information, please contact our of retirement-age people who activities director, Keith Marine, share a love of learning. Each Falls Run at 540-371-4563. semester offers approximately 40 two-hour sessions on Community Association diverse subjects, led mostly President: by college faculty and other Don McCreary In memoriam professionals, at the University of Mary Washington Stafford General manager: Thomas (Tom) Bevell, husband of Sylvia Bevell campus in a zero-step access Anthony Lugo building with ample parking. (540) 899-9958 Rita Brizzi, mother of Dona Members may attend as [email protected] Ruthanne Len many sessions as they choose. Activities director: The new-member fee for The Falls Run community 2015-2016 is $72. For Keith Marine extends sincere sympathy (540) 371-4563 more information and an to the families on the loss [email protected] application, please visit of their loved one. www.ElderStudy.com. © 2015 Falls Run Community Association September 2015 Falls Run GAZETTE 3

Who knew? Ann Holt The idea of collaborative art appealed to Ann, as she explored creating a new project for the group. An original photo by photographer/artist, Taylor Cullar, was selected as a resource and divided into five canvas panels. A more difficult task was how to pair the ten participating artists with unique personalities and enable the sharing of talents and energies toward a successful collaboration. The end result is the five-piece painting currently on the wall in our Center’s resident services area. The first panel was done by Taylor Ann Holt Cullar and Betty Martley; the Photo by Rachael Nieves second, by Lina Wright and Mi-Ja earned a fine arts degree from Han; the third panel was done by by Susan Smart, staff writer Mary Washington College, where See Who knew? Ann Holt Ann Holt was in the third grade she says a professor had her painting on page 11, column 2 when her teacher introduced her large scale to help her loosen up. to art museums, great painters and Ann believes the more exposure famous art works. And she’s been you have to art, the more you will painting ever since! appreciate and embrace its different forms. Ann and her husband, Donn, moved to Falls Run in 2003 Soon after coming to Falls Run, after both retired from federal Ann joined the painting workshop, government agencies. As a commu- which she states is not a class but nications officer, Ann designed rather a group of independent artists publications and prepared briefings who enjoy getting together to share and presentations that often went ideas, paint, collaborate and critique to the White House and Congress. one another’s work. Like others Call for artists But painting has been her life’s in the group, Ann is also active in passion, one that has helped her the Fredericksburg art community. Residents who wish to learn about herself and about art Following a workshop on collab- participate and show their in general. orative art, Odette Anderson and artworks (watercolors, oils, Henry Fink offered an idea for a acrylics, pencil, pastels, Ann is originally from Texas, project of “found art” created by collage and mixed media) where she met her husband while several of our own artists. Meg in the Oct. 17 Falls Run in college. After graduation, they Martin’s knowledge of collage tech- Community Art Show traveled while Donn served in the niques helped support the idea, should contact Ann Holt U.S. Air Force. Wherever they resulting in the large piece that was ([email protected] or landed, Ann studied art. After displayed in the Center and in the 540-361-1966) no later than moving to Virginia, she attended England Run Library. Sept. 30. George Mason University and 4 Falls Run GAZETTE September 2015

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A GARDEN PARTY [t\ ou are invited to be the guest of the Falls Run Garden Grunts

Y at a garden party on Sept.19, between 10am and noon.

\ t [ by Mary Henderson, chair, Garden Grunts The second annual garden party on the Center veranda will feature refreshing drinks and all kinds of homemade goodies provided by the Falls Run Gardeners (“The Garden Grunts”) for you to enjoy in the company of your neighbors. We hope you will also take advantage of that time to tour the garden, now named Nature’s Oasis, to learn about the butterflies, birds and bees that live there and the plants that attract them.

New this year is a tent with an Nature’s Oasis during the spring 2015 season exhibit of garden-related art by Photo by Sally Cooney Anderson Falls Run artists. To participate, please call Mary Henderson The Garden Grunts took respon- about and the humming of the (540-693-5618). Special notecards sibility for the community garden busy bees. Feel free to bring the featuring wonderful photographs space two years ago and decided to grandchildren; a camera, sketch of plants and the creatures we find repurpose it by selecting plants that pad or simple picnic; or just sit. in the garden will be offered for foster butterflies, birds and bees. If you are interested in joining the sale. In a world that is steadily reducing Grunts, contact Mary Henderson their habitat, we wanted to create a RSVPs will be accepted at the (540-693-5618). We welcome special greenspace where they are anyone who has something to concierge desk Sept.1-14. There welcome. We hope you will also is no charge to attend, but we contribute to our mission. And visit the garden, sit on its benches, occasionally, for fun, we take need an approximate head count. and savor the colors and fragrances Dress is casual, and butterfly trips together to places of interest of the flowers while relishing in to flower and plant lovers. and floral motifs are encouraged. the birdsongs, butterflies flitting And if you have a garden hat you are dying to wear, please do! If it rains, the festivities will go on; but please do bring an umbrella so ... you can go to the garden. A dona- A special thanks to tion box (for checks made out to Dennis Colvin of Colvin Landscapes for donating labor and FRCA) will be available should you supplies to create a new bed intended for bushes attractive to our wish to make a donation towards target creatures—the three Bs! special plants for the garden. 6 Falls Run GAZETTE September 2015

Home is where the Heart is!

My Listings For Sale in Falls Run: 54 Aspen Hill: Crestwood, 2,294 SF: $243K 92 Aspen Hill: Mansfield, 2,628 SF: $250K 7 Castlewood: Rapidan, 2,814 SF: $349,900. 28 Dayton: Chesapeake, 3,066 SF: $374,900. 11 Goose Creek: James, 1,404 SF: $235K 74 Legend: Crestwood, 2,294 SF: $244,900. 79 Smithfield: Potomac, 1,552 SF: 249,950.

Listings Under Contract:  31 Harborton: Janssen: $249,900.

9 Listings Sold in Falls Run in 2015

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Your Resident Falls Run Realtor 1910 William Street Certified Sr. Housing Specialist Fredericksburg, VA 22401

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You Should Attend if: Don’t Qualify or Can’t Afford LTCi? If You’re Concerned You’ll use up Assets and Leave Your Spouse Broke? Tuesday, Sept 15, 2015 11:00 AM at the Center (Lunch Included) See Flyer for more Details Reserve Seats at Center or Call: (540) 659-0300 Guest Speaker: Ann Jones of Comfort Keepers September 2015 Falls Run GAZETTE 7

Here’s to your health Hats off to… Take your best shots at …Mary Mork and Jill Reeves of the Social preventing pneumonia Committee for cleaning out the kitchen cabinets by Susanne Lazanov, staff writer Treatment depends and drawers, and on the responsible If you think the immunization attempting to bacteria, the severity you may have received at 65 made reunite “found” of symptoms, and age and you immune to pneumococcal items with overall health. Although most pneumonia, you are partially otherwise healthy people recover their rightful correct. That’s because the pneu- from pneumococcal pneumonia in owners. mococcal polysaccharide vaccine one to three weeks, the illness can (PPSV) protects against only 23 be life-threatening. Fortunately, of the more than 90 strains of the many cases can be prevented by potentially deadly bacteria. taking these steps: Every year, as many as 620,000 ■■ getting an annual flu shot (flu older Americans are hospitalized often leads to pneumonia) with pneumococcal pneumonia. Symptoms of the illness include ■■ washing hands frequently the following: ■■ getting an additional vaccine ■■ fever, sweating and shaking against pneumococcal pneu- chills monia

■■ a cough that may produce The pneumococcal conjugate phlegm vaccine, which is routinely given to youngsters, covers 13 additional ■■ chest pain upon breathing or coughing strains of the bacteria. In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration ■■ shortness of breath expanded its approval of the ■■ fatigue PCV-13 vaccine to include adults 49 and over. In 2014, the Centers ■■ diarrhea, nausea or vomiting for Disease Control and Preven- Not everyone with the illness will tion’s Advisory Committee on have every symptom. And because Immunization Practices recom- older people who contract pneu- mended routine immunization mococcal pneumonia may have a with PCV-13 for adults 65 and lower than normal body tempera- older. ture as well as sudden changes in Before getting either the PPSV or mental awareness, they run the risk PCV-13, it is imperative to discuss your of a delayed or mistaken diagnosis. immunization history with your health Older adults who develop pneu- care provider. That way you are sure to mococcal pneumonia have lower follow the recommended schedule and survival rates than younger people, get the full benefit of the vaccines. and they have higher-than-normal death rates over the next few years following recovery. 8 Falls Run GAZETTE September 2015

The birds of Falls Run and the plants that may attract them by Alton and Astrid Dick photos courtesy of Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Of the more than 800 species of birds native to which has others raise its young by laying one egg North America, more than 425 have been recorded in several nests of other birds. in Virginia. Of these, approximately 140 are regularly There have to be some predatory birds too. We have seen. In and around Falls Run, you are likely to see the crow; and high in the trees, you see the Cooper the robin, mockingbird, goldfinch, blue jay, catbird, hawk and the one screeching when flying, the red junco, red belly and downy woodpecker, ruby throat shoulder hawk. This just scratches the surface. hummingbird, and, let’s not forget our state bird, the Northern cardinal. Also, the ones most likely to Over the 12 years we have lived in Falls Run, we nest in bird houses: the Eastern bluebird, chickadee, have recorded 67 different species visiting our yard tree swallow and wren, and the unwelcome house and feeders. sparrow. Of course, there are the pesky grackles and Nothing brightens a dull winter day more than starlings, and the lazy brown-headed cowbird, looking out of the window to see birds around your feeders, darting into your plantings or taking sips from your bird bath. Not only are birds active and colorful, but it is a good feeling knowing that you made your yard a welcoming and safe gathering place. All that is needed are water, natural cover, concealed nesting places and a bountiful food supply. Carefully selected plants can supply most of these needs as well as make your garden beautiful year round. Birds need trees and bushes to escape predators, sight prey, build nests and find shelter from the weather. Trees and bushes may also provide seeds, fruits or berries, and host insects that can attract hungry birds. So plant a tree (oaks, dogwoods, crabapples, maples, hollies, pines and spruce are good choices) if you have Carolina chickadee

Carolina wren Eastern bluebird September 2015 Falls Run GAZETTE 9

Northern cardinal Tree swallow room. If not, don’t worry. There are many nearby Garden Notebook in the Center; the library staff forested areas. And did you know that the aphids on and our plant clinic master gardeners can also help. crape myrtles attract several species? You can also Make your yard beautiful year round by planting select shrubs that are wildlife-friendly. Evergreens trees, bushes and flowers you know birds prefer. and bushes with berries are popular with birds that stay around as well as those that migrate through our See The birds of Falls Run and the plants that may attract them on page 11, column 1 area. Examples of bird favorites include wax myrtle, red osier dogwood, firethorn, cranberry bush, arrowwood and blackhaw viburnums, cotoneaster, hollies, junipers and yews. To the rescue Flowers–both perennials and annuals–provide seeds by Barbara Chadwick, staff writer and nectar. Plan to have something in bloom over Bluebirds were making a racket outside the entire growing season. Select as well for size. Maureen Bunn’s kitchen window. She Some birds, like doves, are ground feeders, which checked to see what was happening by the eat the seeds that fall to the ground or grow close bluebird nesting house…a big black-and- to it. Others like the protection that greater height white cat getting ready to have a bluebird offers and may favor taller growers or vines. Certain dinner. Maureen yelled, and off went flowers produce seed heads that birds love: purple coneflowers (gold finches) and zinnias (finches and the cat. A few days later, the same thing sparrows). So leave these in your garden even after happened. Again, Maureen “went to work,” they are finished blooming. Good annuals include and off went the cat. A couple of days cosmos, impatiens, marigolds, scarlet sage, sunflowers later…pecking on the window…mama and zinnias. Perennials include bee balm, cardinal and papa bird seemed to be trying to get flower and wild columbine for the hummingbirds. Maureen’s attention. Again, our heroine flew into action and saved the day. Now To learn how to attract a specific type of bird, search the babies are grown and have flown away. the Internet under “attracting (name of species) to Job well done, Maureen! your yard.” There is information in the Community 10 Falls Run GAZETTE September 2015

The Roving Reporter by Joan Frank, staff writer Photos by Rachael Nieves

My most embarrassing moment We’ve all heard the term “dying of embarrassment.” It’s just not true! We don’t die, but we sure can be humiliated and surprised by our own behavior. Here are some embarrassing moments from our Falls Run residents who weren’t too ashamed to share them!

Doing the hula at the luau When we first came to America from Germany, – Jo Ann Boyette, Smithfield Way we went to the vegetable stand. While there, Juli- anne shouted to Jo in German, “Bring back mais (corn).” Unfortunately, this is pronounced, “mice.” While on a Red Hat outing, my – Julianne and Jo Schmidt, Shadwell Court red knee-high stockings fell down around my ankles, and I While going on a Girl Scout biking trip, which spent the day constantly pulling involved bike racks on the front, back and top of them up. my vehicle, we stopped at a fast food restaurant. – Brenda Dudley, Aspen Hill Drive Since there was a height restriction, I carefully went around. Unfortunately, there were height restrictions on the other side of the building also. As a result, there were bikes hanging down on I dropped a can of beans at the both sides of my vehicle. luau, and I was banished from the – Carolyn Shiflett, Goose Creek Circle kitchen. – Mary Mork, Calloway Drive During the time I was engaged to a girl, I got engaged to someone else. There was a knock on my door, and when I opened it, there stood the At age 7, after I exited from the outhouse, there father of the first girl. As if that wasn’t enough, was my grandma. She said, “Your fly is unzipped.” he was my minister! We talked and eventually Sometimes it still is. became friends. – Guy Peno, Herndon Court – Jim Smith, Legend Drive

I went into a men’s bathroom, which was bad I walked into a 7-11 for a cup of coffee and enough; however I didn’t realize it until after I discovered a pair of my panties hanging out of had used the restroom. the bottom of my slacks. – Corinne Petross, Bridgewater Circle – Lois Wair, Smithfield Way

I was 18 years old and working in Washington, As a young man, and a first line supervisor, my D.C., for the federal government. Because they boss invited me to a get-together. While sitting were all that I could afford, I wore nylons with around the table, I spilled my drink all over him. elastic at the top. I was walking with a very nice – Bill York, Aspen Hill Drive man when my stockings started to fall, and I had to duck into an alley to fix them. Coming out of church, I caught my heel in a – Marie Rankin, Bridgewater Circle sidewalk crack and fell flat on my face. – Joanne York, Aspen Hill Drive September 2015 Falls Run GAZETTE 11

The birds of Falls Run and the plants that may attract them Who knew? Ann Holt Continued from page 9 Continued from page 3

In winter, add a water source (heated, if possible), and two bird feeders Ann Holt and Bob Bowen; the (the limit as per the Falls Run Design Guidelines) to supplement what fourth, by Odette Anderson and nature provides. Then watch the parade begin. Remember, plants attract Henry Fink; and the fifth was insects, which many birds eat, some exclusively. But they may still want painted by Carolyn Crosen and plants for nesting sites. Meg Martin. Mary Henderson contributed to this article Ann submitted the paintings to Reference: Birds of Virginia, Field Guide by Stan Tekiela the regional art show at the Fred- ericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, where they won third place. Remember to check the Falls Run Design Obviously, this was a successful Guidelines Appendix D: Landscape Plants/Prohibited Plantings collaboration of talents. Ann’s reac- List before planning new plantings and to submit an application tion: “I am so happy for these to the Modifications Committee before proceeding. artists who have waited through many years of varied careers to have time to paint. They have achieved. They enjoy it and are good at it.” Ann also enjoys gardening and Household Hints reading, among other hobbies. by Judy Rao, staff writer Family is very important to her– two young grandchildren are often

■■ The lid from a parmesan cheese container fits perfectly on a Mason jar. found at her easel. Soon, she will Use it to sprinkle or store contents. be getting ready for the October Falls Run Art Show. Be sure to ■■ The ultimate stain remover formula is one teaspoon Dawn liquid soap, look for her there along with the three tablespoons hydrogen peroxide and two tablespoons baking soda. many other talented Falls Run Scrub into a stain after testing it on the edge of the fabric. artists displaying their works. ■■ Sharpen scissors by cutting through aluminum foil a few times.

■■ Keep track of items you lend others by taking their photo with the item.

■■ To remove wrinkles in your clothing, put the item in the dryer with a few ice cubes, then smooth out the fabric. A friendly

■■ Charge your phone faster by setting it on “airplane mode.” reminder

■■ Use a muffin tin as a serving tray for condiments at a barbecue. Many of our residents have a handicap or health issue, whether it be an allergy, a cognitive difficulty, or diminished hearing, vision Hats off to… or mobility. Please be …Ralph Warren for volunteering to teach a sensitive to these special class for Android device users on the third needs and respect them. Wednesday of each month at 1pm. – Barbara Chadwick, staff writer 12 Falls Run GAZETTE September 2015 In-Home Care Services

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In the garden Fall lawn care recommendations by Chuck Heath, advanced master ■■ After aerating and gardener and tree steward composting, spread tall fescue grass seed This is the time of year that your between Sept.15 and lawn needs lots of tender loving Oct.15. In bare areas, care. Fertilization and weed control or for complete lawn are critical. Providing it in the fall, renovations, use 6-8 when grass grows deep roots, will pounds per 1,000 give you a healthy, thick, weed-free square feet. If you lawn next spring. This program are overseeding, use recommended and encouraged by 3-4 pounds per 1,000 Virginia Tech works well in Falls square feet. Read the Run. If you use a lawn service, label to make sure the give them a copy of this article seed has not expired. to follow. Keep seed moist until it sprouts. seedlings, do not apply weed control Late August-early September Depending on rainfall, wind and until you have mowed at least three ■■ Kill annual bluegrass—only temperature, multiple light water- times with a newly-sharpened blade. if you are not going to reseed ings (5-10 minutes each day) may November your lawn and you have annual be needed. Once sprouts appear, water 1/2 inch twice a week. Do ■■ Rake or mow leaves that may bluegrass (a quick-spreading prevent sunlight from reaching grassy, spring weed). Put down not overseed if you applied Dimension to kill annual bluegrass. the grass. If you have a small crabgrass preventer (Dimension quantity of leaves, they can be is recommended) now when ■■ Make your first application of fall chopped up by the mower. Be the annual bluegrass seed is lawn fertilizer. If renovating an careful not to rake up grass germinating. entire lawn, use a starter product. seedlings. Make the final appli- Mid-late September October-early November cation of lawn fertilizer approx- ■■ Aerate with a deep-core aerator. ■■ Make your second application of imately 30 days after the second But first, mow the lawn low, and lawn fertilizer 30 days after the (October) application. water the soil to a depth of 3-4 first (September) application. If you have questions, need recommen- inches. This is the best thing you ■■ In late October or early dations for lawn care products or have can do for your lawn. November, once temperatures garden tools that need sharpening, ■■ Top dress the entire lawn with stay below 85 degrees, apply a see us in the Center at the plant 1/4-1/2 inch of compost (Use broadleaf weed control to chick- clinics on Monday mornings through Leafgro® or a bio solid/compost weed, clover, dandelions and Nov. 18, or contact Chuck Heath combination). This is the next henbit. (We recommend “Bayer ([email protected] or best thing you can do for your Advanced Season-Long Weed 540-368-8113). All our services lawn. Control®” hose-end spray are free of charge. ■■ Apply 40 pounds of lime per product.”) To avoid damaging new 1,000 square feet. Use the pellet- ized form for ease of application. You can apply lime at any time the ground is not frozen. (A soil See the activities insert in this issue for information about the test will tell you exactly how Sept. 4 “Fall Lawn & Garden Talk.” much you need.) 14 Falls Run GAZETTE September 2015

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Between the covers Ahmed discovers it is vastly different than she expected. The kingdom is a strange new world, and by Susan Smart, staff writer she finds rejection and scorn in the places she believed Independence Day would embrace her, as a Muslim and as a doctor. by Richard Ford Despite her Western background, she is forced to wear a burqa, cannot drive and can go out of her compound Independence Day is the second in a only with a male relative or sponsor. As she becomes trilogy about Frank Bascombe, a one- friends with a group of Saudi women, she finds time sportswriter. After his divorce humor, honesty, loyalty and love, and she discovers and the ruin of his writing career, what it takes to recreate herself in a land of invisible Frank enters an “Existence Period,” women. This is a fascinating look at a very different selling real estate in New Jersey and and repressive culture. mastering an attempt at normalcy. But over a Fourth of July weekend with his son, Frank Wolves Eat Dogs finds himself in a sudden, bewildering engagement by Martin Cruz Smith with life and family. Independence Day is called “a Cruz Smith is the author of many best- moving, peerlessly funny odyssey through America”; selling novels, including Gorky Park, Polar and although it received the Pulitzer Prize in 1996, Star Red Square and the Arkady Renko its reviews are mixed, with five to two stars. Some series. In Wolves Eat Dogs, the Iron Curtain find it tedious though well written; others call it “a has fallen, and new capitalism has taken its riveting, moving parable of life in America today.” place. Though the new Russia is foreign to In the Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor’s Renko, the corruption and brutality that he encoun- Journey in the Saudi Kingdom ters are all too familiar. Renko, a Moscow detective by Qanta A. Ahmed, M.D. in a city where there is “no crime,” goes on the case of an apparent suicide of one of Russia’s new billion- When Ahmed, a young British Muslim aires. The investigation leads him to Chernobyl and doctor, is denied a visa to remain in the the Zone of Exclusion, the still radioactive site of the U.S., she accepts what she thinks is an nuclear reactor catastrophe–a netherworld populated exciting position in Saudi Arabia. This by the corrupt, obstinate and reckless. Besides being is a chance at adventure in an exotic an entertaining detective novel, the setting gives us a land she thinks she understands, a place peek at life in the new Russia, and the horrors of the where she hopes she will belong. But Chernobyl meltdown and its surrounding areas.

Chef’s Corner by Sue Silvers, staff writer Angel Lush Cake (submitted by Kathy Rosa) 1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, in juice 1 3 oz. pkg. vanilla pudding (sugar-free, if desired) 1 cup Cool Whip (sugar-free, if desired)

1 angel food cake mix Angel Lush Cake Fresh berries of your choice Photo by Rachael Nieves Directions: Prepare angel food cake according to directions. Once cooled completely, cut into three layers, and set aside. In medium size bowl, mix pineapple and pudding, and then add Cool Whip. Spread pineapple mix between the layers and on top. Garnish with berries of your choice. Cover with plastic wrap, and cool for at least two hours. Enjoy! 16 Falls Run GAZETTE September 2015

Welcome New Neighbors by Mary Mork, contributing writer, and Sue Silvers, staff writer

Phillip (Phil) and Susan (Sue) Ackerman John and Patricia Parkinson (2 Carson Dr.) move (5 Covington Dr.) looked at many areas after retiring here after deciding it was time to downsize from the before deciding on Falls Run. They owned their new house in Spotsylvania where they had lived for the home here for several months before making the past 22 years. Originally, John was from Johnstown, permanent move from Randolph, N.J., where they Pa., and Patricia, from Greenville, S.C. He retired had lived for the past 15 years. Sue, who worked in from the Department of Defense at Fort Belvoir. She residential property management, spent her entire life was a guidance counselor and teacher of children in various areas of New Jersey. Phil, who is originally with learning disabilities. Both are involved in the from Niagara Falls, N.Y., but lived in many other University of Mary Washington ElderStudy program: states as a child, owned a computer consulting Patricia is the membership chairperson, and John is business. the webmaster. They are always eager to talk to Michael (Mike) and Lee Bonacci (316 Bridge- anyone interested in learning about or joining water Cir.) recently moved here from Colonial Beach this group. where they owned waterfront property for the past Udaya and Sudha Pathak (52 Legend Dr.) moved 22 years. For two decades they owned a State Farm here from California to be closer to family. Udaya Insurance Company in Fredericksburg. Before worked for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines as a station coming to this area, Mike and Lee taught at the same manager for 40 years. Sudha was a kindergarten school in Pennsylvania for 13 years. Mike is retired teacher for 10 years while raising their three children. from the Marine Corps. They have two sons in the The couple has a son who lives in Fredericksburg Fredericksburg area. with his family, and another son and his family live in Denise Evans (332 Bridgewater Cir.) moved here Philadelphia. Their daughter is in California. Udaya with her constant companion, Bailey, a miniature and Sudha plan to volunteer for committees and do a Italian greyhound. Denise is originally from Mary- lot of traveling. land; and for the past 38 years, she lived in Ellicott City. In Maryland she was a personal trainer and owner of a FitLife business. She moved to Falls Run to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law and grand- daughter in Stafford. Her son lives in Silver Spring. Denise is interested in joining the Falls Run Singers and getting involved in community activities.