NOVEMBER 24, 2020

Meet Golf’s New Director, Park Bond Passes, NASCOW in Action and Laurel Hill Complex Done

November is truly a month to remember with a And speaking of great events, please join us for the historic election, hoofs on the moo-ve, new faces in our Trailblazer Awards. The Trailblazers Virtual Celebration midst and a focus on staying safe. And keep in mind, all will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020 as a Microsoft that was just by mid-month, and there are more Teams Event. All FCPA employees received an invitation memorable moments ahead as we approach the holiday on Nov. 13, 2020. Please check your Outlook for more season. information. This is peer-driven recognition, and the Although we may not be gathering in competition was stiff this year. A reliable source person with our loved ones as we have on reported that there were 52 entrants in this past Thanksgiving holidays, there is much year’s competition. What an amazing gesture to be thankful for during these hard times. during these challenging times. Remember, this year may require a smaller turkey and fewer guests, but as Are You Under 30? Oprah Winfrey noted, “Be thankful for what It is never polite to ask a co-workers’ age you have; you’ll end up having more. If unless you need to identify them as a rising star you concentrate on what you don’t have, in the field of recreation and parks. The you will never, ever have enough.” National Recreation and Parks Association is looking for “passionate people who, quite Special Events Go Virtual frankly, serve as everyday superheroes in their Hats off to innovation. Despite the pandemic, we are communities.” According to NRPA there is a growing finding creative means by which to celebrate and “number of professionals under 30 years old who are communicate. For example, our Oak Hill virtual Open transforming their communities through their passion and House drew more views online than ever actually innovation.” attended the event. At the last count, 1,061 people had NRPA and the NRPA Young Professional Network viewed our virtual tour of the historic site in Annandale. are looking for 30 of the brightest professionals under 30 Check it out for yourself online. to feature in the February 2021 issue of Parks & Last Friday, more than 300 people from as far away Recreation magazine. Nominations, including self- as California tuned in to the Elly Doyle Virtual Park nominations, are due Nov. 30, 2020. That’s pretty close! Service Awards honoring volunteers and philanthropists. Fine more info online.

Coats of Many Colors Most of us know the heartwarming song Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton. It really pulls on our heartstrings, especially when people locally, as well as across the country, are in need. At this time of giving, there is an opportunity for each of us to make a big difference. There’s been a change to this year’s holiday gift drive because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can still channel your inner elf! Rather than adopting families this season, the Park

Roundup, continued on Page 2

PagePage 11 Green Spring Gardens Celebrates its Golden Anniversary

By Carole Ochs, Public Information Office Golden Anniversary – a moon gate and garden. An Green Spring Gardens is celebrating its 50th online Giving Tree will be launched soon, with the goal anniversary this year, and the Park Foundation is of raising $100,000. sponsoring a major fundraising campaign to launch the park into its next half-century. Green Spring dates back to Oct. 26, 1970, when Michael and Belinda Straight donated the 1784 historic house and its surrounding 18 acres to the Park Authority. Today, this unique county park has grown in size and features a variety of demonstration gardens, a horticultural center and gift shop. In the words of site manager Nicole Conners, “Green Spring is golden! The last 50 years have been amazing for the gardens – growing to a 31-acre public garden, welcoming 200,000 visitors each year, and showcasing horticulture practices for the area. I am most excited for the next 50 years and the ways that Green Spring will continue to grow alongside and serve our strong, diverse community!” Through our social media channels, the Park Authority has been marking this 50th anniversary year with weekly posts on 50 things to love about Green Spring. Unfortunately, plans for a big on-site celebration had to be postponed due to COVID-19, but staff members are marking the occasion with some smaller anniversary-related programs and activities. Photo from Alexandria Gazette dated October 27, 1970, Green Spring staff and the Foundation are showing Michael and Belinda Straight—and daughter Dorothy— working on a special project to commemorate this presenting the property deed to Fairfax County and State officials.

Roundup, continued from Page 1 Authority worked with Hutchison Elementary School on around 400 coats each year for the past four years but a coat drive to keep students warm throughout the winter. expects some 1,100 students will need a warm coat this In a letter to the Park Authority, the school explained that year. the coronavirus had hit its community much harder than other parts of the county, and as a result, its families There are several ways to donate: continue to face substantial health and financial Ship directly to the school: challenges. Hutchison Elementary School The school wrote, “For the past couple of years, you Attn: Maureen Griffin and your co-workers very generously sponsored some of 13209 Parcher Ave. our children for the holidays. As many of our children Herndon, VA 20170 need a warm coat for the winter season, I am contacting you to see if your generous donors would be interested in Ship to the Park Authority’s Jen Braun for delivery: donating new winter coats for Hutchison children rather Spring Hill RECenter than holiday gifts.” Attn: Jen Braun That drive is underway for the next few weekends, 1239 Spring Hill Road but time is of the essence. They continue collecting coats McLean, VA 22102 for students and other children in the community. Coats are needed for boys and girls in all sizes from youth Make a cash donation through Venmo to: medium to adult large. There is no specific color @Jen-Braun-99. preference or color to avoid. All donated coats must be new, per Health For more information, contact Jen Braun. Department regulations. The school has distributed

Page 2 Park Bond Passes with Overwhelming Support from Voters

More than 72% of voters on Nov. 3, 2020 voted “Yes” on a $112 million bond referendum to support local parks. This was the 14th-consecutive Park Bond to win the pub- Park Bond is approved! lic’s approval! “The voters have once again affirmed the significance In his latest newsletter, Fairfax County Board that parks provide in their quality of life as residents of Chairman Jeff McKay commented, “I am happy to Fairfax County,” said Park Authority Director Kirk Kincan- announce that the referendum for Fairfax County’s non. “We saw the importance of parks displayed by high 2020 Park Bond, levels of visitation to the park system this year, as we totaling $100 dealt with the beginning of the pandemic. Parks continue million, was ap- to contribute to our well-being and health in so many as- proved by voters pects related to our lives, and the approval of the Park in the Nov. 3 Bond is a statement by the community of their support for election. This the Park System.” outpouring of The Park Bond will provide $100 million for Fairfax support from our County Park Authority (FCPA) facilities and another $12 residents reaf- million for Nova Parks. It was one of four bonds to appear firms how valua- on the November ballot. The others, which also won pas- ble our park sys- sage, were for libraries, transportation, and community tem is in Fairfax and health and human services. County. “Fairfax County voters have historically been very The COVID- supportive of bonds to fund county initiatives from 19 pandemic has schools to libraries to parks,” said Stephanie Leedom, shown that our Director, Planning & Development Division. “This natural spaces year, more than ever, we have seen the value that parks cannot be taken and open space play in our lives, as the pandemic has for granted. I know I join many residents in saying necessitated an environment for people to connect in how grateful I have been during this time of social safe ways. Parks and open space have provided the plat- distancing to have a stellar and vast parks and trails form for social engagement in a time when other commu- system to retreat to for a sound body and mind.” nity gathering spaces have shuttered due to the pan- demic’s impact. We know that the passing of the bond will assist us in continuing to improve the services we Behind the scenes, staff worked hard to educate the provide to the community.” public about the Park Bond referendum before Election Day. The Public Information Office held nearly two dozen virtual presentations for Friends groups, civic associa- tions and organizations, such as the Athletic Council, Tree Commission, History Commission and the Commis- sion on Aging. Hundreds of Park Bond signs popped up at parks, polling places and residences around the county. Some 750 signs were distributed to stir up awareness of the ballot issue. A 2020 Park Bond At A Glance education portal was designed as a quick reference for anyone seeking information about the Bond. Working hand-in- hand with the Office of Public Affairs, a video about po- tential bond projects was created. A countywide mailer also offered details. The bond money will be allocated for use in four ways: Park Renovations and Upgrades (53%), New Park Development (28%), Natural and Cultural Resource Stewardship (12%) and Land Acquisition and Open Space Preservation (7%).

Page 3 2020 Safety Conference Attracts Staff From Across the Agency

Safety Analyst Bob Johnson and other experts held the annual safety conference virtually. The focus of course was on site safety, and all the things we need to do to keep our customers and staff members from getting injured. Since safety is paramount, it seemed appropriate to share a couple of key questions and answers that came up during the session. It’s always good to be informed. If you have questions for Bob Johnson reach out to him at 703-324-8707 or via email at [email protected].

On the topic of work-related injuries: Other questions relative to COVID-19 included: If an employee does not report an injury during the Should we have our building ventilation evaluated? shift but the next day, is it still covered? Answer: Facilities Support has confirmed the HVAC Answer: The Worker’s Comp process does request that system in each Park Authority location has been checked all work-related injuries be reported within 24 hours. to make sure they are operating as designed. Units are However, they understand the varying shifts Park staff checked on a regular preventative maintenance sched- work and have not had any issues in the past when re- ule, with filter changes to comply with unit manufacturers ports come in next day or two. Timely reporting of these recommendations. injuries helps employees get the care they may need while keeping medical bills attached to the claim and not the employee. Will Fairfax County pay for HEPA filters in buildings? Answer: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are typically used in environments requiring a high level of air What is an example of an injury on work time that filtration, such as laboratories and hospital isolation wasn't accepted? Or an example of an injury deter- rooms. HEPA filters have not been recommended in mined not to be compensable? commercial HVAC environments. According to the Na- Answer: Not all injuries occurring at work are considered tional Air Filtration Association (NAFA): In most situa- “work- related”. There are a number of factors consid- tions, filters may be considerably less effective than other ered in determining if an injury is covered: infection control measures, including social distancing, ~ Pre-existing conditions. isolation of known cases and handwashing. ~ Trips or falls. ~ Food poisoning from pot-luck lunch, or burns their If there is a positive case of COVID-19 at the work- mouth on hot food. place, does the health department contact anyone at the site or only the infected person to conduct con- If I get COVID-19 at work, is that a workman’s comp? tact tracing? Answer: The County has not yet accepted any COVID- Answer: The Health Department Contact Investigators 19 claims. Determining where the employee actually con- begin with the person reported as positive to identify oth- tracted COVID symptoms and confirming there are no er persons who they have been in contact with. They will other possible sources makes the determination difficult. then contact those individuals.

Park Authority Drivers Recognized for Safety and Excellence

By Abigail Constantino, Public Information Office vices, Land Development Services and Code Compliance, Park Authority drivers cruised into excellence at the participated, with top drivers and coaches being recog- DriveCam Awards held virtually on Oct. 26, 2020. nized for their continued program support. The award recognizes Park Authority employees who The following Park Authority drivers were honored: continue to have a positive impact on the DriveCam Vehi- cle Safety System. Top Drivers All agencies with Donald Shepherd (Area 3) DriveCam, includ- Frank Desena (Area 4) ing the Park Au- Nick Brown (Forestry) thority, the Depart- Ed Ehlers (Historic Properties) ment of Public Lee Sites (Facilities Maintenance) Works and Envi- ronmental Ser- Drivers, continued on Page 5

Page 4 Meadows Photo Sets Instagram Record for Visit Fairfax

You know a nice pic- ture when you see it, but a gorgeous im- age speaks volumes. We recently received good news from Ali Morris at Visit Fair- fax. She dropped a note to Huntley Meadows Park Manager Karen Sheffield, letting her know that this fantas- tic photo of the wet- land’s boardwalk set a Visit Fairfax Insta- gram record of 1,450 likes and counting. More than 40 people shared the photo, more than six dozen people saved it, and its Instagram reach and impressions reached nearly 25,000. The photo was credited to a park visitor who goes by the handle est_73 on Instagram.

Drivers, Continued from Page 4

Top Coaches “Your commitment to driving safely deserves to be rec- Amber Stramel (Area 2) ognized. We appreciate the continued support you bring to Keith O’Connor (Burke Lake) the program,” Robert Johnson, Safety Analyst, said. John Callow (Riverbend) DriveCam aims to improve staff safety by drawing at- Ryan Carmen (Laurel Hill) tention to driving behaviors while the agency’s fleet vehi- David Wyttenbach (GW REC) cles are in use. The DriveCam vehicle event recorders, or VERS, were installed in February 2017. Most Improved Drivers The goal is to learn from incidents that could jeopard- Mike Sines (Area 4) ize safety and to prevent them from happening in the fu- Mack Smith (Area 5) ture. At the same time, the technology is being used to re- Brian Mayou (Facilities) ward staff members for good driving practices.

DriveCam Champions David Kimbrell (Planning and Development) Rob Rutherford (Forestry)

Page 5 Frying Pan Makes History With First-Ever NASCOW Race

By Lois Kirkpatrick cial NASCOW race was held on a cold and cloudy Friday Marketing and Development Coordinator, FPFP morning. It was filmed by the county’s Channel 16, and Eleven cows made a beeline for beer leftovers in by a Frying Pan employee with a park-owned iPad. America’s first NASCOW race on Oct. 16, 2020. The Marybelle won, literally by a nose, with upstart Smokey event was a unique collaboration between Frying Pan coming in a close second. All the cows were motivated Farm Park and its friends’ group. The goal was to raise to hoof it across the field, in the hopes of being rewarded $10,000 to replace money lost from having to cancel with spent brewers’ grain from two local beer brewers. Farm Harvest Days due to COVID-19 restrictions. NAS- (The spent grain is very nutritious and doesn’t result in COW attracted more than $26,500 from fans around the drunk cows.) D.C. area, across the U.S. and even from one person You can watch the NASCOW race in this two-minute stationed Channel 16 video. overseas. A dozen local businesses became sponsors, as well The idea was as hundreds of individual fans. Here are a few of the that Frying comments sponsors made: Pan fans and local compa-  “Go Hokie! If you can run to Dulles, you can run nies would the NASCOW Race!” – Carrie H. sponsor a particular  “I don't even live in VA, but I love cows and I love to cow the race, so I'm rooting for all the cows!” – Rafia K., same way sponsor from Indiana large corpo- rations spon-  “My daughter was born at the start of the pandemic. I sor NASCAR am giving so that she will have the chance to experi- race cars ence this wonderful park in the future!” – Stefanie R. and drivers. However,  “Woo-hoo (or should I say moo-hoo)! We at Elden with NAS- Street Tea Shop will be wearing our best tea hats COW, no while watching the derby! Go Smokey!” – Rachel E. sponsors won any-  “Frying Pan Park is such a wonderful place. I don't thing, and no cows won anything. There were winners, live in VA anymore, but I love taking my grandchil- though: the friend’s group, the site, and hundreds of fans dren there when I visit.” – Lynn S., sponsor from who enjoyed guessing, which cow they thought would Texas cross the finish line first. Just as the NASCOW event was being planned,  “We believe that all parks – whether city, county, Fairfax County approved a new endorsement policy. state or national – are very important for the health This allowed the Park Authority to share information and well-being of the environment and visitors.” – about the fundraising event, as long as it didn’t actively Mr. & Mrs. Peter B. solicit donations. NASCOW was the very first event to be supported under the new policy. Because the NASCOW race was so successful, Fry- After Frying Pan Farmer Paul Nicholson held ing Pan and its friends group plan to host it again next four practice runs with the cows over three days, the offi- year.

Page 6 Laurel Hill Area Continues to Evolve by Carol Ochs, Public Information Office

The Laurel Hill area has a growing number of attractions to lure park visitors to the Lorton area. This summer, an expansive new picnic area was opened at Laurel Hill Central Green. The $3 million project included con- struction of three picnic pavilions. The open lawn area is suitable for large gatherings and for activities, such as races, kite-flying and special events. Park Authority Deputy Director Sara Baldwin said, “The Laurel Hill Central Green provides another venue for the Park Authority to host internal and external large events. The public and event organizers are looking for large spaces to host events in the Northern region, and these events are appealing to the Park Authority because the And things have been humming along at Laurel Hill return significantly outweighs the investment.” Golf Club, too. Park Authority Landscape Architect Kelly Davis Despite COVID-19, Laurel Hill was able to hold its said there’s even more to come. A fourth picnic shelter is regular member events and club championship, and it expected to be installed this winter, and plans are under has posted a record number of rounds since reopening way for installation of a bathroom building. That process on May 8, 2020. The Golf Club’s Ryan Carmen reported is expected to take about two years. that greens fee revenues have been up by 37% com- Some minor adjustments had to be made to Laurel pared to last year, and there has been an 89% increase Hill’s disc golf course when a hole was lost to a local de- in range use compared to last year. velopment project. The course was renumbered and a In addition, the Laurel Hill Golf Club was the only new replacement hole installed with some design help Park Authority site to host early voting with hundreds of from the NOVA Disc Golf Association. people lining up to cast their ballots. Turnout over the first The Laurel Hill Park Volunteer Team has been busy six days ranged from 364 to 470 voters a day. sprucing up the park. Volunteers have been doing gar- dening and pulling invasives. Susan Laume, Team Leader, shared some photos of them at work.

Members of the Laurel Hill Park Volunteer Team have worked over the past few years to preserve the park’s natural resources.

Page 7 New Director of Golf Operations Named Blackwell Heads West Jesse Coffman joins the Park Authority on December 7 in Colvin Run Mill’s Kathryn Blackwell is has left the newly titled position of Director of Golf Operations. He takes the Park Authority to become the Museum Curator over the golf management role that had been held by Todd at Pipe Spring National Monument in Arizona, Johnson, who is retiring from the county after more than 32 where facilities are run as a joint venture between years of service. the (NPS) and the Kaibab “I am very excited to transition into this new position with Band of Paiute Indians. At the monument the Fairfax County Park Authority,” said Coffman. “The game grounds, which are located on tribal lands, Black- of golf has provided me well will be providing professional and technical with some amazing expe- direction for the NPS museum collections that in- riences throughout my clude history, archaeology, paleontology, ethnog- life, and I feel that joining raphy, archives, biology and geology. She will also a program with such work with the Group Museum Curator based at amazing facilities will al- Zion National Park and archives staff from the low me to create the Great Basin Institute to care for the collections. same type of opportuni- Blackwell was hired at Colvin Run Mill just ties for others throughout before its most recent American Alliance of Muse- the Fairfax community.” ums re-accreditation. Her new job will focused in Coffman comes to Fairfax the area of the museum collections and the relat- County from Fort Worth, ed functions of a museum curator. Texas, where he has “I hope that I’ll be able to use the interpretive been working as the Di- skills I’ve learned while at the mill to help expand rector of Golf at the Mar- exhibits and related programming at the site. In- riott Golf Club at Champi- terp and Collections are often segregated by the ons Circle. He took the reins of the Golf Course and Clubhouse nature of their work, but it’s important to under- after the club parted ways with its old management company stand how integration of these two aspects of our and changed the membership structure, added more tourna- work makes stronger connections with visitors,” ments and events, and substantially increased revenue. Before Blackwell said. that, he was General Manager/Head Golf Professional at Hid- In her new position, Blackwell said she is also den Trails Country Club in Dexter, Missouri, and Head Golf looking forward to learning more about Native Professional at Kennett Country Club in Kennett, Missouri. American and Western histories, since her past The new Director of Golf Operations earned a Bachelor’s experience has been at sites in the Southeast. degree in interdisciplinary studies at Arkansas State University She adds, “I can’t wait to see the night sky without with concentrations in business management, exercise science all the light pollution. My site, Pipe Spring, New and physical education. Mexico, is located between Zion and the North Coffman says, “I look forward to getting to know every Rim of the Grand Canyon. The area where I’m member of this team and working together to ensure success stationed has the most number of National Park for years to come.” Service units outside of the National Mall, so I Please welcome him to the FCPA family. hope to fill up my NPS Passport stamp book.”

Twin Lakes Golf Course Superintendent Announced Blackwell said she will miss her Park Authority co-workers and volunteers, the Friends Group and Carmen Giannini has accepted the superintendent posi- the park visitors. She hopes to be back for the tion at Twin Lakes Golf Course. Giannini has over 35 years of grand opening of the Miller’s House and unveiling golf experience and spent the last 15 years as the Superinten- of the new waterwheel and flume next year. dent at Army Navy Country Club (ANCC) in Fairfax, Virginia. While at ANCC, he earned the Audubon Cooperative Sanctu- ary for Golf Course Certification and the Environmental Plan- ning Certificate. Giannini is a Class A certified golf course su- perintendent and an active member in the Mid-Atlantic/Greater Washington Golf Course Superintendents Association. W. Scott Hamm, General Manager at Twin Lakes noted, “Carmen is highly regarded in the field and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Twin Lakes Golf operation and the Golf Course Section. Congratulations Carmen and welcome to the Park Authority.”

Page 8 KUDOS KIND WORDS Hi, Fairfax Park Authority Lead- Here are kudos for Dan Grulke and There were also these kind words ers, Yudhie Brownson for their quick for Hidden Oaks’ Alex Doumbia’s Just sending a quick and earnest action following a sediment dis- Nature Your Way program “Thank You” for the new sign at Lu- charge into Accotink Creek. The Kim, right people were notified; the issue ria Park. Personal weapons have I just had to email to say how won- no place at the park … there are was quickly handled, and greater environmental harm was avoided. derful Alex the Naturalist was dur- plenty of recreational shooting plac- ing our Nature Your Way class. He es for gun hobbyists, but County Fairfax Water’s Matt Blevins was so knowledgeable, pleasant, Parks isn't one of them! And, if peo- wrote, and patient with our crazy children! ple feel unsafe, calling 911 is the Yudhie, We will definitely be doing this again better alternative. A Fairfax Water crew is indeed at some point in the future. Thanks Again, THANKS! working on a main break repair on so much! W. Cunningham Long Pine Drive, north of Heming -Marti Londal Avenue. The crew is currently await- ing Miss Utility to mark the utilities before beginning repair efforts. And there were also these compli- Thanks to the workers who saw the ments for Alex: issue. We appreciate everyone’s We did this program with Alex yes- patience as we work on fixing this terday and I just wanted to send you problem as soon as possible. a note to tell you how fantastic it Respectfully, was. Alex was amazing -- we had a varied and occasionally distracted Matt Blevins group (kids ages 0-7), and he was just wonderful. We loved meeting Hidden Oaks’ Cesia Lobo was rec- Jackie the snake; the kids were en- ognized for her soils program for a thralled by her, and we all learned homeschool group. The group had new snake facts. And the traipse been rained out of a previous day about the trails was a delight!! Alex and elected to spend their morning found quite a few interesting and studying soils! new creatures for us, showed us how to be gentle around them and Thank you so much for today. The Here is a compliment that we re- so on. He was knowledgeable, en- kids had a ball. We loved looking at ceived about Tony Bulmer and the tertaining, and a terrific ambassador the soil. The kids were picking out Family Campout program: for Hidden Oaks; I'm quite certain at all sorts of fungus. They could see least one of my daughters wants to Tony, things like layer materials etc. We be him when she grows up. Our The Cook Family just wants to loved finding worms, bugs and es- family absolutely hopes to return for thank you all for such a wonderful pecially salamanders. Ms. C was another one of these programs, and experience all around. Not a detail phenomenal to work with. The day we are quite grateful for the pivot to was missed, and your hospitality turned out to be beautiful, warm, offer these during the pandemic. It and warmth to mentor us was exact- and so much fun. A perfect ending was such a lovely break from routine ly what was needed! We are so ap- to our unit on soils. to do something new and enjoyable preciative for hard all of you worked Sincerely, in the outdoors. to create a wonderful program for Karin Floyd Thanks to Alex and the Hidden your families! We’ll definitely be Oaks Nature Center!! back next year! Emily Chappell Our best to you and your team, Keri Cook Kudos, Continued on Page 10

Page 9 KUDOS KIND WORDS Kudos, Continued from Page 9

P.S. I feel like it also bears mention- your help in making the tour possi- ing that we really appreciated that ble, especially in a time of pandemic. From: Katie Cattell Alex wore his mask the entire time It was a gift to all of us to have a glo- To: Mike McCaffrey and did a splendid job even so. We rious day to tour such beautiful gar- Subject: RE: Friday Night Pohick all get so frustrated when people are dens. Thank you. Rangers risky, I think we should remember to Best, Jane Hi, Mike - I just wanted to say thanks praise when they act with considera- again for such a great experience for Photo by Carol Ochs Photo by Jane Gamble tion, and he did so effortlessly. G Grace this summer and with the Po- hick Rangers. Unfortunately, I was Hello, too slow in signing her up for the A nice note was received from the I have been playing tennis with my next round but I'm sure we will be organizer of our garden club tour kids at Burgundy Park 3-4 times a back soon anyway! group. All 15 participants were from week since the pandemic started. It Thanks, D.C., and 13 were visiting Green is one of the few things we have Spring Gardens for the first time. been able to do, and since we are Katie Cattell Hi, Debbie (Waugh), usually the only people there, we feel it is very safe. I just wanted to Our garden club’s tour of Green thank you for working on those From: Charlotte Geary Spring Gardens last Tuesday was courts. One of the fences was pulled To: Karen Monroe fabulous! Thank you for making the down months ago (maybe a tree fell Subject: Re: American Indians in arrangements for this wonderful on it?) making one court less than Virginia History (Ellanor C. Law- event. The small groups made eve- ideal, and the courts were filling up rence Park) ryone feel safe and able to keep with fall leaves. Well, sometime in their distance. It was wonderful to the last 24 hours, someone cleaned Hi Karen, have such knowledgeable docents, the courts and repaired the damage too. Sherley Channing, who led my Thanks again for such a wonderful to the fence! It's like a whole new program tonight! My kids were so group, was terrific and I hear the place! “tree man” Wyatt led a great tour, excited to tell their dad all about it. as well. Green Spring Gardens was We really appreciate the access we You did a wonderful job bringing a definite hit for all who attended, have to good parks that are well their studies to life, and I really en- and several members have told me maintained. Thank you. joyed it, too. Thank you for all you do that they have already told friends Robin Wilburn and keep up the great work! that they should pay a visit to see Charlotte the fall colors and flowers. A proper note will follow, but I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated

As always, we invite your comments and kudos, photos and story ideas. Send them to [email protected]. In addition to the contributors listed above, content was prepared by Public Information Office staff including Deputy PIO Cristin Bratt, writer Carol Ochs and PIO Judy Pedersen.

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