Raymondale Has A New Sign!

At long last our lovely neighborhood has a lovely new sign!

This morning our new sign was installed near the corner of Brandy Ct. and Annandale Road in a similar location many previous Raymondale signs have stood.

Here is our sign prior to installation.

The posts go in deep to keep our sign standing tall and proud!

Original Raymondale resident, Victoria Kennedy, poses in front of the new sign. Did you know that Victoria's father was instrumental in the building and placement of Raymondale's very first sign?

Raymondale Civic Association co-president, Whitney Redding poses with homeowner Milton Ortega giving the thumbs up for the new sign on his property.

THANK YOU to all of you for your wonderful support in getting us our beautiful new sign!

Raymondale Block Party: A BIG Success!

About 70 Raymondale neighbors attended the annual block party held on Ellis Court on Saturday, June 28th. The weather was ideal, warm with a slight breeze and no rain in sight. Everyone was super generous with bringing so many wonderful homemade dishes and refreshing beverages. The children had a blast in Ellis Court with chalk, jump ropes, balls, bikes, and hula hoops while the adults sat in close proximity enjoying the buffet and swapping stories. Here are some photos from that fun evening:

The shade of Ellis Court was welcome by everyone.

So was the food! This photo was taken about 2 hours into the party. The green bucket of "sand" was especially a favorite thanks to Mary Peters!

Beloved dogs joined in the fun too.

Elwood, the lab mix, even managed to steal a chicken leg. Owner. Sarah, isn't too angry at him though.

New neighbors, Bill and Phil, chat with Christy and Larry.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made this the most well-attended block party! Happy summer!

Incident on Kenney Lane In Broyhill Park

On Wednesday, May 14th from approx. 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Fairfax County police blocked off portions of Holly Hill Road, Camp Alger Road, and Kenney Lane. An unidentified man had barricaded himself in a residence on Kenney Lane after he was told he was being evicted.

A bomb squad vehicle was brought in as there were suspicions as to potential volatile agents in the house.

A robot was deployed from the bomb squad vehicle.

The police mobile command unit parked near Camp Alger and Holly Hill.

The fire department arrived.

Police on motorcycles formed a long line down Camp Alger.

Police tape was strung across the intersection of Holly Hill and Camp Alger keeping on-lookers away from Kenney Lane.

From the northern end of Holly Hill a SWAT vehicle and sheriff's cars lined the street. Around 9:30 p.m. police removed the man from the Kenney residence after he set fires in it.

Today the house is badly damaged is surrounded by police tape. Too much excitement for a Wednesday but good that it ended with no injuries.

Scouts Do A Good Turn In Luria Park!

Cub Scout Pack 863 (and a couple of Boy Scouts) spent a morning doing a “Good Turn” by picking up trash in the wetlands on the Raymondale side of Luria Park.  They loved trudging through the mud and creek to find plastic water bottles, small chunks of styrofoam, a couple of car tires and a baby seat.  Several of the Scouts live in our neighborhood including the Byrd boys and Peter Phelps.  An important part of the Scouting Movement is environmental stewardship and service both of which came together that morning.

Pulling Green in the Park Highlights

You can't get any more "grass-roots" than this! Last Sunday, 14 volunteers provided the equivalent of 28 hours of labor to remove pesky invasive plants (read: weeds) from the trailhead at Brad Street and Dye Drive. They filled 17 giant bags with English Ivy, multiflora rose, garlic mustard  and oriental bittersweet - as well as trash - from the hillside. In the process, they rescued 17 young and mature trees from their stranglehold. 

This is the third year that volunteers have convened on that spot, as part of a long-term project to create an oasis of native habitat for the native plants, insects, birds and animals whose natural sources of food and shelter are being crowded out by overly aggressive non-native vegetation. Thanks to all Raymondale neighbors and friends who participated! A special thanks goes to Falls Church High School for sending four students, who were also a great help! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) provided tools, free gloves and free "Take Back the Forest" T-shirts to all participants. 

But wait! There's more! Raymondale Civic Association also wishes to thank Josh Byrd's Boy Scout Troop 863 for picking up trash from the wetland near Luria Park on Saturday. There were some curious finds -- baby carrier, metal pipes, you name it!

In the "other good news" department... At long last, the new footbridge into Luria Park is now open! Stay tuned to find out when/if the county will be repairing the rest of the boardwalk, but in the meantime, enjoy your access to the park!

Please enjoy this fun photo gallery from the invasive plant pull!

Annual Egg Hunt!

On sunny Saturday, April 19th, Raymondale hosted its annual egg hunt for our youngest residents and their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents! The Nolan family generously donated the use of their lovely yard for this exciting event!

The eggs were hidden and the eager young searchers were ready to scoop them up.

One of Raymondale's original residents was on hand to cheer them on.

Balloons as well as eggs were also a big hit.

This happy trio had loads of fun and got lots of goodies!
Another Raymondale egg hunt was a great success for every one!

Raccoon Near Ellis Ct.

The Dubas family, who lives on Add Dr near Ellis Ct., has spotted a raccoon on several occasions during the daylight hours. The raccoon was observed as being a little "friendly" and walking slowly and strangely.

Animal control was contacted but as of this post, no action was taken on their part. But of you see a raccoon acting strangely please don't approach it and call animal control.