Nokesville Biz  March, 2005

Nokesville Day Is on Its Way - May 21

 The Nokesville Ruritan Club is preparing for the 64^th Annual Nokesville Day celebration on May 21st, a community service event that includes food, parade, arts and crafts vendors, activities, music, information and more.

 The Club is looking for a variety of groups to participate in the parade, such as marching bands and units, music ensembles, dance groups, equestrian units, service organizations, churches, youth groups, antique cars and trucks, farm machinery (excluding steam engines), fire and rescue departments, patriotic groups, senior groups, re-enactors, and veterans. Trophies are awarded in several categories but, unlike most parades, there’s no entry fee! It’s a great way to raise your visibility, meet the community and visitors, and have some fun in a country setting.

Crafters and high-quality vendors are also invited to spend the day in Nokesville. They can set up shop as early as 7:00AM; the day is usually over around 2:00PM. With only a rare exception, the fee is $40 for a space approximately 10' X 12'. This year, spaces will be assigned for a smoother operation, but requests will be honored to the extent possible. For parade participation, contact John Kelly at 703-791-5634 or jmkkelly@juno.com. Vendors should contact Gail Williams at 703-594-2669 or gracedak@erols.com.

 The annual Nokesville Day is the major fundraiser for the Nokesville Ruritan Club, which donates all proceeds to the needy, students and other service organizations in the community and sometimes outside it. In addition, volunteers give their time to serve others and to better their community.

Last year, for example, two members made several trips to areas devastated by hurricanes. The Club awarded scholarships to Brentsville students, helped pay utility bills for some persons in dire need, and donated to community service organizations, Hunters for the Hungry, and the elementary school’s Christmas food baskets. Members also adopted a stretch of Aden Road for the Adopt-A-Highway program and cleaned up Fitzwater Drive before Nokesville Day and Brunswick Stew Day.

The other major fundraiser is the annual Brunswick stew sale in October, when the Ruritans cook their delicious meal in large pots over fires, starting at 5:00AM. Last year, the Club sold around 200 gallons in less than three hours.

The big tent rental is a spring through fall fundraiser for the Club. It’s used for weddings, picnics, family reunions and company events.

The Nokesville Ruritan Club is always looking for members who want to serve their community. Please call President Bart Cowne at 703-594-2610 or email bcbashamgarcia@aol.com.

Congressman Davis Holds Town Meeting in Bristow

 (NOTE: As NBA Secretary, I attended this meeting to learn how the Congressman was addressing local issues. This article is not intended to be an account of the entire town meeting, though I did take extensive notes. Visit Congressman Tom Davis website (www.tomdavis.house.gov) or other sources for further information.)

 Congressman Tom Davis ( R-11) visited our area for a town meeting at Marsteller Middle School in Bristow on Saturday, March 5. About 100 people attended.

Davis opened the meeting with a brief presentation on the Federal Government’s budget, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, and revenue and spending, based on figures from the Congressional Budget Office.

He said that “the economy is going pretty well right now.” Mandatory spending is up from 42% in 1988 to 62% in 2006. In addition, payroll jobs have rebounded and 260,000 jobs were added in February. The Congressman then took questions from the floor without pre-screening, addressed Social Security issues for awhile, and re-opened the floor for questions on that.

In the first part of the question-answer session, residents focused on traffic, security and education. The second part primarily involved the future of the Social Security system.

There were several questions about this area’s traffic. The second was from a Gainesville resident who’d been there since 1996. He said he loves Northern Virginia except for the traffic. He thought the former County leadership had damaged the area and asked what the Federal Government could do to help.

Davis said his number one priority for roads is the intersection of I-66 and Route 29 in Gainesville.

“If you don’t solve that problem, everything stops....We’ve got to get that down.”    

His second priority is VRE (Virginia Railway Express) because “not everyone can go on 66.” He said a friend just bought a house here and already wants to sell it.

Davis said Congress is doing everything it can but reminded the attendees that the residents voted down the referendum to pay one-half cent more for roads.

“You don’t build roads for free,” he said. Davis said the state is putting money in this year’s budget but it’s a drop in the bucket.

“It doesn’t get what a half-cent could have done....That would have gone a long way toward transportation improvements.”

Another question addressed commuting time; the resident said one-third of his travel time from 619 (Linton Hall Road) to Merrifield was just getting to I-66. Davis deferred that question to Brentsville District Supervisor Wally Covington, who said that there will be six lanes to Glenkirk and four to Devlin. (Unfortunately, the orientation is unclear as of this printing.) Covington also said Sudley Manor Drive seemed to be on track for completion in 2006.

As for Route 28, endangered mussels were found but they will probably be moved down the creek so that widening of the road can be completed in 2006.

Near the end of the session, one resident of Haymarket and Northern Virginia for 25 years congratulated Davis for having the open discussion and not screening anyone upon entry to the room.

 For information on Tom Davis’s standing on issues, visit www.tomdavis.house.gov.

SPOTLIGHT: Nokesville Flowers and Gifts Is Filled with Great Ideas

   Now you don’t have to fight your way to Manassas to find a great gift or floral arrangement because Nokesville Flowers and Gifts is right in the heart of Nokesville.

Said owner Aileen Fields, “I’ve gotten good, positive feedback from the community.”

She has made sure her shop has a wide variety of gifts for everyone and every occasion, in addition to the floral services. While her beautifully-designed card announces “fresh and silk flowers; gourmet, health food, Weight Watcher’s gift baskets; handmade pottery; greeting cards; gifts and antiques,” there’s so much more to see when you visit the shop.

It’s filled with a wonderful assortment of gifts and novelties in every nook and cranny, with a price range to accommodate almost any budget. About half the store is taken up by the fresh flowers operations, which means she has the supplies and space that allow her to create the arrangements depicted by the floral networks, design custom arrangements, or create her own designs. Her personal favorite flower, by the way, is the lily of the valley.

“My garden at home is full of them,” Fields said.

  The other half of the shop is a showcase of unique, interesting and delicious gifts and decor ideas, some placed in groups, others interspersed among differing items. The shop invites browsing and you’ll likely find something for yourself or someone else. Following are examples of the great discoveries at Nokesville Flowers and Gifts.

            There’s pottery from Nokesville and out-of-state artists, and ceramic butterflies, angels, figurines and elaborate tea light holders. For the sweet tooth, there’s gourmet candy such as Godiva chocolates, the just-in Jelly Belly-flavored chocolates, and Cambridge and Thames hard candies. Gifts for children include stuffed animals, books and baskets. You can also find men’s cologne, soaps, fragrant candles, cards, and framed pictures.

One item that sold out quickly, and is on reorder, is the therapeutic Himalayan Salt Lamp, which, according to its literature, reduces a wide range of indoor air pollutants and mitigates the possibility of allergies and other ailments.

If you still don’t see what you want, Fields can create a gourmet food, fruit or other custom-designed basket for any occasion. She also has over 25 years experience in event planning for weddings, corporate functions and special events.

 Fields said she orders merchandise direct from factories, local and out-of-state artists, and flowers from wholesalers..

Nokesville Flowers and Gifts is located at 12816 Fitzwater Drive. Call 703-594-2377 or visit www.nokesvilleflowers.com.

 “Save yourself a trip,” Fields said, encouraging the community to visit her store for gifts for any occasion and reminding us that Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8.

Welcome New Members....

The NBA welcomes RISO, Inc, represented by Jeff Shoup. RISO is the inventor and manufacturer of Digital Printer-Duplicators and offers a complete line of document solutions and equipment. Shoup looks forward to educating the business community on the benefits of using a printer-duplicator and its difference from a copier or laser printer. Contact Jeff Shoup at 866-494-7556 or jshoup@riso.com.

Squires Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Corp. is a full service HVAC contractor specializing in service and repair. Contact Chris Squires for any HVAC service, installation, conversion and air quality accessories at 571-261-4988 or admin@squireshvac.com. Visit his website, www.squireshvac.com.

From the President...

Vulcan Throws the First Stone

 As many of you know, the Nokesville Business Association sponsored a community meeting on February 7 at the request of Vulcan Materials Company. This meeting was well-attended, as residents turned out to hear Vulcan’s new plans for a 536-acre quarry near Nokesville, at the Fauquier County line along the railroad track.

 While the NBA hosted the meeting, the Board is remaining neutral on the project at this time. It is far too early to draw any conclusions on the site, as there are many questions to be answered, issues to be raised, and conditions to review. At some time in the future and prior to the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing, the entire Association membership will be polled for their views. All voices will be heard and all views are acceptable.

For the time being, I personally will be keeping an open mind and I hope you will, too.

Can We Get a Coffee Shop and More?

 The NBA goals meeting on January 29 was not held in Nokesville; it was at Caribou Coffee in the Braemar Shopping Center in Bristow. A coffee shop, by the way, is one of the amenities the Association and residents would like to see in Nokesville.

We at the NBA, beginning our fifth year, find ourselves poised to take bolder steps and dream a little bigger. Some of these goals may take years, or even decades, to accomplish and the true test of our association is its commitment to invest in the town’s future.

The primary goals discussed at the meeting were: underground electric and telephone lines; community gathering space with gazebo; streetscape improvements with benches, trees and street lights; amphitheater at Nokesville Park; library expansion with community room.

We will need the support and cooperation of the entire community to realize these goals. Please join us in bringing Nokesville back to what it once was – and see what it can be in the future.

 Tom Basham,

President, Nokesville Business Association

Accent!  A&A Light Hauling

 Rick and Marion Cloud have served the Northern Virginia area for over 20 years with their light hauling, yard cleaning and small landscaping business. Their snow-blowing days of this winter are probably finished, so they’re gearing up for the coming seasons.

As you get ready for spring, put A&A Hauling on your “to-do list” to help accomplish those yard jobs, such as garden tilling, light tree and bush trimming, mulching, and gutter cleaning. Throughout the spring, summer and autumn, count on them for lawn mowing, trimming and hedging, deck washing and sealing.

When you’re ready to get rid of all that stuff that’s been piling up because there’s nowhere else to put it, A&A can help with light hauling, trash removal, and basement and garage cleaning.

For more information about A&A Light Hauling, contact Rick and Marion Cloud at 703-594-3631.

Rebuilding Nokesville One Brick at a Time

Now that the lot between the bank and office building has been selected as common space with two benches and memorial bricks, the sale of the bricks can resume in force. The idea was originated by past president Jim Hobbs as a part of the revitalization effort. Personalized bricks could be used in the construction of either a walkway or in a common area on Fitzwater Drive. Under the project called Rebuilding One Brick at a Time, personalized bricks may be purchased for $20.00 each and include two lines of up to 15 characters each. A separate account holds payments until the order can be placed. The NBA would like to have the bricks in place by Nokesville Day.

Please use the form below to order your brick and mail payment to: NBA, P O Box 482, Nokesville, VA 20182. Make checks payable to: Nokesville Business Association.

Fun Times at the Second Annual Get to Know Nokesville Expo

 The Second Annual Get to Know Nokesville Expo took place on Saturday, February 19 and was a successful and fun event for the participants and the visitors.

This year, over 35 businesses, churches and organizations displayed services and gave demonstrations, up from 25 last year. Many donated door prizes of goods and services, and there was plenty of free food and drinks.

A member came up with the expo idea last year and the NBA decided to sponsor the first event to help show the community the wide variety of businesses and services available in the Nokesville area.. This is important, because there are over 200 located in the 20181/20182 zip codes, but only a few are situated in the village core. The rest are home-based in this very large area and are therefore not visible. The Expo is one tool to heighten their visibility along with the brick-and-mortar establishments in the village.

 The NBA thanks the following businesses for their generous donations of door prizes: Mary Ivie, Herbalife Distributor; Tom Basham, Nokesville Design; Tracy Wormack, Mary Kay; Nokesville Neighborhood Library; Christopher Squires, Squires HVAC; Brenda Cornelison, Mortgage Center of America; Argie Andes, Doctor Siding.

A list of all the businesses who participated and their contact information is available at www.nokesville.net or by contacting Gail Williams at 703-594-2669 or gracedak@erols.com.

The NBA appreciates all the businesses, organizations and visitors who turned out for the Expo and we look forward to next year’s event.

The Summer Concert in the Park Returns

             The NBA Board is excited about another opportunity for the organization to demonstrate its commitment to the business and social environment of the Nokesville community. It will again sponsor a summer concert in the park, after Dona Swanson was contacted by the Prince William Community Band, which expressed its desire to come back to Nokesville for an evening. This year the concert will begin at 5:00PM, with dance lessons starting at 4:30PM.

            To help make this concert happen, however, the band needs volunteers to assist in transporting its instruments and setting up at the Nokesville Park pavilion. In addition, the NBA needs help in spreading the word. If you can help make this concert another success, please contact John Hinkle, the NBA coordinator, at jhinkle@jhnetwork.com or 703-594-3000.

NOTES...

            The Network meeting is held on the first Friday of the month, 8:00AM at Joe’s Pizza, Nokesville Square. Please bring a friend.

               To join the Nokesville Business Association, please contact B. J. Thomas at 703-594-2210 or bj1thomas@myexcel.com. Business owners can join for $39.00 and associates for $25.00.

            If you are a member, contact publisher Chris Taylor to place an ad in the Biz. This is a very cost-effective way to reach community residents who pick up the newsletter at the library, bank, post office and local businesses.

BITS and PIECES

 $  You can now order an aerial photograph of Nokesville and help the Nokesville Lions Club assist others in the community. Roger Snyder Photography made a very generous offer when he made his four scenes available at the Expo and has decided to extend the offer. For every picture he sells at $25, he will donate $10 to the Lions. This is a great way to get a unique gift for yourself or someone else and support a local community service organization. Please contact Roger Snyder at 703-368-4021.

 $  The Nokesville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (NVFD) is holding its 5-Alarm Golf Classic on Friday, May 6 at Bristow Manor Golf Club, with registration starting at 6:30AM and tee time at 8:00AM. The tournament will help raise funds for high-tech life-saving and training equipment to help the department better serve its area of responsibility. Many businesses have already received sponsorship packages at a variety of levels. The tournament is open to anyone who wants to play. The entry fee of $125 includes 18-hole green fees and cart, breakfast and lunch, polo shirt and more. Prizes will be awarded for hole in one, longest drive, straightest drive, closest to the pin, and winning foursome.

 $  The NBA has ordered 100 miniatures of the barn in the form of a year-round ornament with stand. Selling for approximately $20 each, the ornaments are expected to be available by Nokesville Day at Patriot Bank and at the NBA booth on Nokesville Day.

 $  The Brentsville District High School (BDHS) will hold its 75^th on May 21, 2005 for all who attended the school. The entire community is welcomed to attend the celebration. More details will be available at a later date.

 $  The Nokesville Neighborhood Library is looking for volunteers to help keep the facility running effectively. If you can help in this hands-on work with the public in a friendly environment, please contact Dona Swanson at 703-792-5666 or dswanson@pwc.org.

 $  The NBA Board strives to maintain an up-to-date roster. Occasionally, members change phone numbers, email addresses and even physical addresses. If yours has changed, please contact Gail Williams at 703-594-2669 or gracedak@erols.com or B. J. Thomas at 703-594-2210 or bj1thomas@myexcel.com.

General Meeting Minutes

$  Because of the holiday season, there was no General Meeting in December, 2004.

$  January 18, 2005

 Prince William Community Band contacted Dona Swanson about performing a summer concert. It would have to be on a Sunday and they will need volunteers to help set up.

Welcome Sign additions: The Nokesville Welcome Sign welcomes major community service organizations and churches within the sector for permanent placement. Designs must be approved by the Board and signs paid for by the organization placing it. Temporary signs by organizations (such as baseball registration) can be up for one month but a sketch and point of contact must be provided.

Supervisor Wally Covington will track down the grant money pledged to the Nokesville revitalization. He will also determine how the $450K can be administered.

 John Hinkle (Hinkle Financial Services) was the guest speaker, addressing retirement for small business owners. He can be reached at 703-594-3000 or jhinkle@jhnetwork.com.

Thanks to Chris Taylor (Taylor’d Design) for hosting the network social before the meeting.

$          February 15, 2005

 Supervisor Wally Covington has package of funds for Nokesville revitalization, which amounts to $250K. Nokesville did not receive the expected additional $200K but Congressman Tom Davis ( R-11) will put a request in next budget.

 Vulcan meeting with community was held on February 7 at the fire house, with about 80 residents in attendance. The NBA acted as facilitator and will not take a position for or against, nor will the Board make a recommendation. It will, however, poll its membership at a later date.

 The Get to Know Nokesville Business Expo will take place February 19 at NVFD from noon to 3:00PM.

Anita Martindell (Accounting Solutions) wants to go forward with a Jingle Bell 5K and Fun Run during the 2005 Christmas Tree Lighting.

 Tom Basham diagramed a bench area between Patriot Bank and Dr. Bolil’s office. This is where the memorial bricks will be placed.

 The NBA will sponsor a summer concert featuring the Prince William Community Band on Father’s Day, June 19, 2005. The fee for using the parked has been waived, except for a $10 administrative fee. In addition, the NBA needs to pay $100 or provide transportation for the instruments. John Hinkle, who has taken he lead for this event, will give some dance lessons before the concert. As of this issue, there is still discussion on the start time of either 4PM or 5:30PM.

 Thanks to Stan Keys, Manager Patriot Bank, Nokesville, for hosting the social before the meeting.

$          March 15, 2005

The Nokesville Civic Association held a meeting on March 10 to discuss the Vulcam quarry. Basham, who attended, said Supervisor Wally Covington was also there. Basham will propose a joint meeting with NCA for a future in-depth meeting with more Vulcan personnel.

Concert in the Park is set for June 19. John Hinkle will give dance lessons starting at 4:30PM and the Prince William Community Band will start at 5:00PM.

 Nokesville Day: We need members to take a shift at the booth to help sell Nokesville items and hand out membership applications. Most of those who are active in other NBA events have other obligations on this day, so please help by giving one or two hours to this organization. Basham and Jim Hobbs are working on the Nokesville Idol contest. An MC is needed and there were suggestions offered. The Nokesville quilt may not be ready for Nokesville Day because of a shortage of people to draw pictures, but it will be available by Brunswick Stew Day. Samples of squares will be available for viewing at the NBA booth and raffle tickets will be sold.

Tom Basham’s Sail Away Productions will begin work on a documentary about Nokesville’s history. People willing to give interviews and/or provide copies of old documents, pictures and film footage are needed. Volunteers are beeded to work on the project, which is expected to begin in May. Contact tom@sapfilms.com if you’re interested in helping.