The Lantern
Dunn Loring Woods Civic Association dlwca.org May 2024
Spring Membership Meeting
Iman Butler
Our annual Spring Membership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2024, beginning at 7:30 pm and will take place at Stenwood Elementary. Also, for the May Membership Meeting, our guest speaker is from Long Plumbing to provide insight on our aging sewer and plumbing lines.
Please mark this date on your calendar and keep an eye on our website for confirmation and more details on location.
Avoid Planting Invasives This Spring
Nicole Donizetti
Spring is finally here! As DLWCA residents gear up for gardening/ landscaping this season, please be mindful of what you are planting. Many popular choices are invasive (such as English ivy, privet and Rose of Sharon) and have easy native alternatives. Native plants won’t cause problems later, and they better support our local ecosystems. Here are a few fun swaps, courtesy of the Plant NoVA Natives and Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia websites:
Invasive | Native alternative |
Burning bush or Japanese barberry | Spicebush, black chokeberry, or Virginia sweetspire (amazing fall color) |
Japanese honeysuckle | Lonicera sempervirens – native honeysuckle |
Rose of Sharon | Downy Serviceberry (beloved by hummingbirds!) |
Privet | Any native viburnum, so many to choose from |
English ivy | Any native groundcover is better than ivy – it cannot be controlled and kills our trees. |
Bamboo | Winterberry holly doesn’t get as massive as American holly and can be pruned as desired for a privacy hedge. |
Even plants like azaleas have native versions. Try a pinxter or a swamp azalea to support butterflies like Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, they’re larval hosts for the species. Check out swamp roses for a hedge, or Blue Flag Iris. You’d be amazed at the discoveries that are only a Web search away. The websites referenced above are great starting points!
Pothole Season
As we head into spring, potholes may develop or grow in our local roads. You can report potholes to VDOT through the link below, or by calling 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623).
DLWCA Volunteer Opportunities
Iman Butler
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.
We are looking for a student to serve in the newly-created role of Director of Website and Communications for the DLWCA. Core responsibilities include maintaining the DLWCA website and editing and publishing our digital monthly newsletter to the website and to the DLW-Talk email list. This is an opportunity to help set our communications strategy, to better use social media platforms and communicate with our members.
The student should live in Dunn Loring Woods. If interested, please contact Vice President Iman Butler, or Treasurer Frank Gallagher.
(You can look them up in your Directory or email dlwlantern@gmail.com for contact information.)
We still have volunteer openings for a Neighborhood Watch coordinator and a community Yard Sale coordinator. In addition, all 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.
The DLWCA Scholarship program is under review toward improving and streamlining the process. It is anticipated the program will be renewed in the next school year. Any suggestions or comments re: the program would be welcome and can be sent to ken_quincy@hotmail.com.
Community Yard Sale
The Dunn Loring Woods community yard sale will take place on June 1st, to coincide with Stonewall Manor’s event.
Stuff The Truck To End Alzheimer’s
Michelle Alonso (SWM Neighbor)
On June 1st from 9am-1pm, a truck will be parked at 2515 Jackson Parkway. We will take any soft goods you have to donate. Please only soft goods this year.
Thank you!
Lantern Delivery Update
Joann Donnelly
Over the years we have had a wonderful little newsletter called The Lantern. The printed edition has come to an end, but you can now read the editions on line.
I would like to thank the faithful people who delivered The lantern to their neighbors. I could always count on you. Thank you for your service to your community.
Tiffany Chapa
Beverly Finnell
Grace Westreich
Maryann Gallagher
Ana Cainelli
Anya Piazza
Courtney Peksens
Darla Haney
Bill Burke
Becky Perez
Diane Ahlers
Rachael Thompson
Dorothy Mooney
Richard & Sharon Puckett
Jessica Brewer
Pat Stout
Zina Bielsker
Leon & Kathleen Rubis
Joel Greene
Ken Quincy
MaryWheeler
James Kepler
Allison King
Tanya Ratner
Inga & Ozzie Kümmer
Jim Milosavich
Supervisor Highlights
Diaper Drive
Did you know that diapers can cost up to $80/month per child? This significant expense forces families to make difficult choices between buying diapers and other essential household items.
I invite you to join in supporting our community and addressing diaper insecurity by donating any opened or unopened packages of diapers of any size. All collected diapers will be donated to Fairfax Diapers and Higher Horizons to help families in need. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Fairfax families.
On the Road Together: Cyclist and Driver Safety Tips
As the warm weather of spring unfolds, cyclists are using our roads more frequently. It's important to ensure we prioritize safety for everyone, whether you're on two wheels or four. Some relevant tips to enhance road safety:
For cyclists:
· Visibility is essential.
· Stay predictable.
· Signal clearly.
· Protect your head.
· Stay alert.
· Be visible and predictable.
For drivers:
· Respect the gap.
· Check blind spots.
· Be patient.
· Stay vigilant.
Stenwood 60th Celebration
Zack Cannon
Calling All Alumni! Join Us for a Nostalgic Journey in Honor of Stenwood’s 60th Anniversary.
When: Friday, May 17, 2024
Time: 5:00-8:00pm
Where: Stenwood ES
Whether you roamed the halls in the early years or recently bid farewell, Stenwood would like to welcome back any and all alumni of the past six decades to revisit, reminisce, reconnect, and revel in the cherished memories of Stenwood Elementary.
Highlights of Stenwood’s 60th Anniversary Celebration:
Walk Down Memory Lane: Stroll through the halls of Stenwood and revisit how the school has transformed over the past six decades.
Meet other Stenwood Alumni: Reconnect with former classmates, teachers, and staff of Stenwood, and enjoy the company of past and current students.
Enjoy some Entertainment: Partake in music from the Coozies. Kids can also join in our Moon Bounce fun.
Relax with some Refreshments: Treat yourself to some light refreshments while swapping stories and reliving old memories. Food trucks will also be available to give families the option to purchase dinner and/or dessert.
Come and join the fun as we celebrate 60 years of memories and milestones!
RSVP to join the celebration!
Go to bit.ly/Stenwood60th and document your connection with Stenwood.
Email social@stenwoodpta.org if you have any questions.
New resident / renter? Check out https://www.dlwca.org/movein for important info, and welcome!
Submissions, photos, and ideas for articles are always welcome! Please send them to dlwlantern@gmail.com
The deadline for our next issue is May 25th, 2024.
DLWCA Board
President: vacant
1st Vice President: Iman Butler
2nd Vice President: Vacant
Treasurer: Frank Gallagher
Secretary: Rae Schoffstall
Director (1 Year): Nathan Anthony
Director (2 Year): Ken Quincy
Director (3 Year): Jo Ann Donnelly Director Web / Comms—vacant
Volunteers
Neighborhood Watch—vacant Membership Chair—Aric Campling Membership Collectors—Maryann Gallagher Island Care Chair—Jo Ann Donnelly Hospitality—Jo Ann Donnelly Independence Day Flags—Iman Butler
Editor, The Lantern—Aric Campling (interim)
You can contact the Webmaster at dlwcawebmaster@gmail.com. With comments, suggestions, and questions. Thank you!
Your Local, Friendly DLWCA Webmaster
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