News and Events!
GFCA Environment Committee
Symposium on Human Health Risks
Associated with Artificial Turf
- January 24th Meeting Postponed -
The GFCA Environment Committee has been planning this program to provide the community with information about human health risk concerns and potential ground water contamination associated with artificial turf fields. However, one of the speakers is unable to participate and we are postponing the program. The Committee will reschedule this important educational program for residents in February or March. Please watch the GFCA website and the monthly GFCA News for the new date!
Draft Long-Range Plan for Great
Falls - Possibilities
The GFCA Long Range Planning Committee has prepared a conceptual long-range plan for Great Falls to generate community discussion and develop ideas for a viable master plan so that the community will become a better place to live, work and play. The preliminary draft plan included concepts for the central commercial area, Walker Road and Georgetown Pike transportation changes, underground utilities, and funding for a possible new community and performing arts center. The ideas were compiled by the GFCA Long Range Planning Committee and have not been approved by GFCA or other organizations. To view the complete Draft Long-Range Plan for Great Falls - Possibilities, click here; to view the Concept Map, click here
Leo Santaballa Field Update
GFLA Synthetic Turf Field Proposal
At the Land Use & Zoning Committee (LUZ) meeting held November 10, Glenn Tofil, Great Falls Lacrosse Association Commissioner, presented a significantly revised GFLA plan for the Leo Santaballa Field proposed conversion from natural to synthetic turf. Based on community concerns, GFLA and the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) proposed underground pipes that do not drain into the Innsbruck pond, will pay a 30% premium to use an improved FutrFill Duraspine alternative to “crumb rubber” to address environmental concerns, and have studied storm water run-off. Click on the following for details:
1. Update on Leo Santaballa Field Initiative.
2. Specific Product Information on FutrFill.
3. Benefits and Issues associated with Natural Grass and Artificial Turf fields.
4. Opposition to Synthetic Turf at Santaballa Field.
|
GFCA Activities
HOA Meeting a Success!
- Photo by Alex McVeigh, The Connection Newspapers -
Shown standing in photo, Bill Waugh, President,
Eaton Park Homeowners Association
The semi-annual meeting for Homeowner Associations and Neighborhoods, led by Ed Behrens, Co-Chair of the GFCA Outreach & Membership Committee, was held on January 10. The Library meeting had about 60 attendees, including representatives from 18 different HOAs and neighborhoods. The feature speaker, Katy Defoe, Crime Prevention Officer for the Fairfax County Police Department discussed and answered questions on “Community Crime and Personal Security.” Two immediate results are the formation of a GFCA “Neighborhood Watch” program to be coordinated by the Committee. Additionally, there was strong audience interest in the presentation and in Ms. Defoe returning again at a future date.
Issues raised include a need to protect well ground water, excess grass fertilization, pre-treatment treatment options for failing septic fields on small or large lots, lack of funding for Route 7 widening between Reston Ave. and the Dulles Toll Rd. home energy savings led by the GFCA Cool Community group, addressing new flood and overflow water problems caused by heavy 2011 rainfalls which expanded prior 100 year limits, a need for more trails and trail maintenance, understanding that some planned trail expansion is hampered by lack of access approval from private homeowners, wildlife community habitats, and numerous other topics.
The Outreach & Membership Committee announced that a separate semi-annual meeting for local non-profit organizations, PTAs, sport groups, and church organizations is tentatively scheduled for March 14.
Rotary Club Distinguished Speakers
The Rotary Club of Great Falls presents distinguised speakers on a wide range of topics. Speakers and topics for February are:
2/2 - Judge Roy Hawkens "Nuclear Energy Post
Japan Crisis"
2/9 - Aliza Cozzens "Serve a Village"
2/16 - Dr. Schuler "Improving America's Backbone:
Comtemporary Spina- l Solutions"
2/23 - Jennifer Siciliano "Health Care Refrom
Legislation"
Meeting are open to non-members and are held at the Riverbend Golf and Country Club on Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. - $15/breakfast.
- Visit the Rotary Club website for more information
|
