THE LANTERN

Our Wild (Neighborhood) Kingdom

Rhonda Brown

Dunn Loring Woods (and our surrounding area) is home to deer, foxes, coyotes, chipmunks, squirrels, mice, and many other critters. These animals share (and roam) our neighborhood freely. Their habitats have been severely diminished by continued construction, home building, and the recent I-66 corridor projects.

They are majestic, and they are wild. Let's help keep them that way. Feeding wildlife may change their behavior, and contribute to “domestication” causing the wildlife to stop fearing humans, putting us and our families at risk. For example, foxes and coyotes will not hesitate to attack a pet rabbit, cat, or small dog. Small children playing outside could also be viewed as prey. Wildlife infected with rabies could infect you, your loved ones, or a beloved pet.

Many of us find deer to be beautiful animals that we love to hate. I found myself in awe as an eight-point buck standing in the yard behind mine allowed me to take his picture. He did not budge or run away, and stared at me for what seemed like an eternity. I have since learned that it is not uncommon for a buck to chase down and injure someone. A male deer with a rack is unpredictable and could be dangerous.

Please refrain from feeding wildlife in a manner that could desensitize them to humans. Enjoy their beauty and charm while respecting that they are wild creatures and often unpredictable. Thank you!

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DLWCA Volunteer Opportunities

The DLWCA Board is looking for a volunteers to serve as the board President, board Vice-President, and Board Director. If you would like to volunteer for one of these important roles, please reach out to vice president, Iman Butler, at imanbutler68@gmail.com,

or to director Ken Quincy at ken_quincy@hotmail.com.

The Island Maintenance Committee is looking for a neighbor who would like to mow, trim, edge, and blow the three islands at the community entrances on Cottage St. and Bowling Green Dr. each week from April through November. To submit a quote for your weekly price, contact Frank Gallagher or Joann Donnelly (they're in your directory) or reach out to dlwlantern@gmail.com. Open to all neighbors, including kids and young adults.

We also still have volunteer openings for a Neighborhood Watch coordinator, a community Yard Sale coordinator, and a permanent Editor (or two) for this newsletter, The Lantern, who can commit to a monthly publication. In addition, all our volunteer teams can use your support. For more information about our volunteer teams, please refer to the back of your pink or blue membership drive forms, your Neighborhood Directory, or contact dlwlantern@gmail.com.

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New Neighborhood Directories

The 2023 - 2024 Dunn Loring Woods Civic Association Directories have been delivered.

First, please note that the DLWCA by-laws are printed in the directory. We suggest that everyone read these bylaws—older residents to refresh your memories, and new neighbors to familiarize yourselves with the community by-laws.

Second, these directories went to print before the 2024 DLWCA Membership Drive began, and are based on the 2023 Membership lists. Because of that, some entries may be slightly out of date or missing. Please know that any updates submitted with the 2024 Membership drive have been recorded and will be in the next directory.

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Good Winter Neighbors

Even though the winter season is nearing its end, please do your part to keep the sidewalks clear from any ice or snow. Keeping the walks clear is important for children walking to school, commuters walking to the Metro, daily walkers, and handicap walkers.

If anyone needs help shoveling, please send a message to our community email list: DLW-talk@googlegroups.com.

To join the group, email

DLW-talk+subscribe@googlegroups.com

or visit the group’s page at

https://groups.google.com/g/dlw-talk

The Snow Patrol and Lawn Patrol Forums

Aric Campling

Your Friendly, Neighborhood DLWCA Webmaster has added sections to the website’s forum called “Snow Patrol” and “Lawn Patrol.”

We hope to connect volunteer snow shovelers and snowblower owners with neighbors who need help clearing their sidewalks, driveways, and walkways during the winter, and homeowners who may need help with lawn and yard maintenance  with neighbors willing to provide assistance for free or for a cost.

If you can volunteer to help your neighbors out, please post to the forums with your block or nearest intersection for availability. If you need help, please post to the forums with an address so volunteers can reach out.

Because this forum may have addresses posted, it requires signing up for an account. (This is so I can verify website members are indeed DLWCA residents.) You are also welcome to email dlwcawebmaster@gmail.com and I am happy to make a post to the forum for you.

The Snow Patrol forum is located at:

https://www.dlwca.org/forum/snow-patrol

and the Lawn Patrol forum is here:

https://www.dlwca.org/forum/lawn-patrol

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Supervisor Highlights

Via Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik’s Newsletter

Body Safety Volunteers

Volunteer facilitators are needed to support the county's Body Safety Program - a free school-based program that gives children a comfortable, non-alarming way to talk about the sensitive and complex problem of child abuse.

If you are willing to make a one-year commitment to teach at least 4 classes per month, you are strongly encouraged to start the volunteer application process!

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Free Tax Preparation Help

AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program is offered at eight county facilities including the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive). Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year. Dates and hours vary by location.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is a national program sponsored by the IRS to help families maximize their tax returns and avoid the fees businesses charge to prepare taxes. If you or your family earned less than $64,000 in 2023, you may qualify for this free service.

College Scholarships for Conservation and the Environment

The Educational Foundation of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts annually offers four scholarships to graduating high school seniors or college freshmen for college study. In 2024, four $2000 scholarships are available. The scholarships support studies related to natural resource conservation. Applications must arrive at the NVSWCD office by Monday, April 1st. Applications for students who reside in Fairfax County must be submitted to the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, which will select one student for consideration by the state committee.

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Via Chairman Jeff MacKay’s Newsletter

Sorensen Institute's 2024 High School Leaders Program

The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership is seeking civic-minded students from across Virginia to apply to the 2024 High School Leaders Program (HSLP)!

The HSLP is a two-week summer program designed for Virginia high school students who have a passion for public service and leadership. The HSLP curriculum covers the foundations of public policy and effective civic engagement, while connecting students with peers of different backgrounds and philosophies from around the state. Admitted students live on Grounds at the University of Virginia, attend field trips, and network with current leaders in Virginia's public, private, and non-profit sectors.

The online application for the 2024 HSLP is open through Monday, March 25, 2024, and supplemental materials are due by Friday, March 29, 2024. To learn more or refer a candidate, visit High School Leaders Program (HSLP) | Cooper Center or contact Sorensen Community Relations and Program Recruiting Assistant, JaVori Warren, at jw3uj@virginia.edu.

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2024 Real Estate Assessments Now Available

Fairfax County experienced an average residential increase of 2.86%. Throughout 2023, mortgage rates remained relatively high, and in Fairfax County sales volume was down significantly from 2022. On average, home prices have continued to increase due to demand exceeding supply, but only moderately compared to the previous two years.

To look up your current or past assessments:

Visit the real estate assessment online database.

Enter your address in the "Search by Property Location" section.

Next, on the page with your property’s information, click “Values” on the left-hand side to see your present and past assessments. Or, compare the sale price of your property to others in the neighborhood by clicking on “Neighborhood Sales” on the right-hand side.

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New resident / renter? Check out

https://www.dlwca.org/movein

for important info, and welcome!

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Submissions, photos, and ideas for articles are always welcome! Please send them to dlwlantern@gmail.com

The deadline for our next issue is

March 26th, 2024.