DOG DAZE at The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole is almost here!

Join the Lazars to Help Natural Resources  
Heidi Allen and Tibor Lazar, pictured with sons Keaton and Corvin
Heidi Allen and Tibor Lazar , partnered with FCPF to establish The Lazar Family Fund with a generous 10 year commitment to donate at least $370,000 for Natural Resource Management within the Fairfax County Park Authority. 

The Park Authority's n atural resource management addresses environmental issues, ensuring compliance with laws and policies, conducting field inventories, assisting with the planning and management of parks, and helping residents understand their role in the stewardship of nature.

For Heidi and Tibor, the love of nature is deeply rooted in their family history. Growing up, Heidi's interest was inspired by her stepfather's passion for hiking and canoeing in the Adirondacks, and Tibor's love of nature and animals stems from his parents' commitment to improving the natural world around them.   "They established a program to help the environment in their community," Tibor said with affection. "Their heart is helping people and sustainability."

Tibor and his family will be honored by the Park Foundation as a 2019 FCPF Eakin Philanthropy Awardee at an awards ceremony in November.  Read the full Lazar Donor Profile to learn more about why they care so much about the natural resources. 

Calling all 'Mer-Pups' and 'Aqua-Paws'
Join us for a pup-tasitc event at The Water Mine Fam ily Swimmin' Hole at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston!  The doggie-paddle (dogs-only) will begin at 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 7th.

**PLEASE NOTE**  Pet owners can enjoy  The Water Mine until 6 p.m.  on  Monday, September 2nd --  NO HUMANS ALLOWED  in the pool during the dog swim. 

Volunteer Teams - get involved in the community
A great blue heron toying with a turtle.
Photo by Elarbi Taouil

Cub Run Stream Valley Park is one of Centreville's treasures - a place where local residents can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Members of the Cub Run Stream Valley Park Volunteer Team  work hard to make sure it stays that way. 
It's under the umbrella of the Fairfax County Park Authority, and resident Anthony Consumano is the team leader. Partnering with homeowners' associations surrounding the park, the team preserves the park's natural, historic and cultural aspects. 

"We get the community involved in watershed cleanups, nature walks and photography classes," said Annie Shields, Volunteer Coordinator for Cub Run RECenter.  Annie a nd Consumano started the team together.



Make a donation using IRA Funds
Steve Bershader and Maggie Godbold
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 allows for Individual Retirement Account (IRA) owners who are 70½ or older to make a lifetime charitable gift without tax obligations.  Individuals may contribute IRA funds to the Fairfax County Park Foundation during their lifetime without including the mandatory distribution amount to their income, thereby lowering adjusted gross income.

Two individuals recently made donations to the Park Foundation.  An a nonymous donor made a generous gift of $5,000 to the Park Foundation to be used where the need is greatest. Throughout the year  unplanned needs arise that need to be met and these funds help tremendously.  Anonymous donors are greatly appreciated and we will always honor your requested confidentiality.  

Maggie Godbold, the Sully District Park Authority Board Member, and her husband, Steve are recent donors. 

"Steve and I used his IRA distribution to donate to many charities, and the Park Foundation is special, of course to me. FCPA's Summer Entertainment Series, Starlight Cinema puts 'One Fairfax' in action -  a free outdoor movie for anyone, especially families, to enjoy.  What's not to like about that?!"

Thanks to all 2019 Summer Entertainment Series Sponsors!
The Park Authority, in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation and generous sponsors presents a summer-long series of shows, concerts and movies. These concerts, held in local parks are the perfect place to bring a picnic dinner, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the best local and regional entertainers. Best of all, they are close to home and absolutely FREE to attendees thanks to sponsors! 
Bobbi Longworth (FCPF), Lisa Hooker (NOVEC) & Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity
Above: Saturday evening movies are FREE thanks to I-66 express mobiliy partners!
Two Celestial Star level sponsors provided notable generous contributions. The Ruth & Hal Launders Charitable Trust  is recognized for sponsoring the Music at Arrowbrook Series.   
 
First time supporter, I-66 express mobility partners, made the popular Starlight Cinema Drive-In Movies series at Trinity Centre possible. Drivers are invited keep abreast of the latest traffic alerts by signing up online at I-66 express mobility partners.  Look for an upcoming feature story of this community partner!
 
On July 17, 2019 Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity and Bobbi Longworth, Executive Director of the Park Foundation, presented  Lisa  Hooker, from NOVEC, with a certificate of appreciation for being one of the sponsors of Springfield Nights. Without the generous financial support of sponsors the Summer Entertainment Series would not be possible. 


For more information about the Summer Entertainment Series or becoming a sponsor, please visit our website.

Thank you to the following supporters whose generosity through the Fairfax County Park Foundation funded talented performances and popular movies!


   
FCPF raised $296,600 for  the 
Burke Lake Park Improvement Campaign 
The Park Foundation needs to raise an additional $36,400 to complete the Burke Lake Park Improvement Campaign which will include the construction of two new picnic shelters!  

Burke Lake Park has something for everyone tucked away in its 888 acres and offers wonderful amenities that bring more than 1 million visitors each year to Burke Lake. Now, in addition to being named the best park in the Metro DC area by a Washingtonian magazine poll, Burke Lake Park has earned the distinction of " Best Public Park " by Northern Virginia Magazine's "Best of NoVA 2018" and the American Hiking Society has named Burke Lake fitness trails one of the 10 best in the nation!

Your on-line donation  will help the Park Foundation raise the additional $36,400 needed to reach our goal.   Burke Lake Park is a very special park and means a lot to thousands of Fairfax County residents for more than 50 years!  Your help is needed t o improve Burke Lake Park for generations to come! 
 
2019 Discovery Trail Map - Transportation Edition
      Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
     celebrate the 2019 Discovery Trail Map
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors took a moment to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the historic Apollo-11 moon landing and promote the Park Authority's 2019 Discovery Trail Map - the Transportation Edition.  

Participants that collected at least 8 stickers, by visiting this years selected locations, received a prize packet valued at $93 to enjoy various activities at Fairfax County parks!  In addition to the prize packet, participants will be entered into a drawing for one of four new bicycles and safety helmets that were generously donated by Spokes, Etc. and Trek through the Park Foundation!  

Bicycle winners will be announced in September in a Park Authority news release and in the winter (November) issue of Parktakes magazine.  

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS

20th Anniversary Lifeguard Competition
Congratulations to all of the 2019 Lifeguard Competition winners!  This summer, July 2019, marked the 20th Anniversary of the Fairfax County Lifeguard Competition!  This special event gathers lifeguards   throughout  Fairfax County from all ten (10) aquatic sites.   Each team (site) participates in activities that test there skills and talents as individuals as well as a team including a synchronized routine, a rescue relay and the Yellow Man Race (tea ms race to the fi nish while swimming through an obstacle course and rescuing the 'Yellow Man(ikin)')! 

Thank you to our sponsors for celebrating this special milestone with us:
Wegmans, iFly, GoApe, TopGolf and Autobahn Indoor Speedway 

Lifeguard positions are available!   Lifeguards need to be at least 15 years of age, meet swimming requirements, and complete a free training program.   
 
2nd Annual  Women & Golf celebration
The 2nd Annual Women & Golf celebration was held at Twin Lakes Golf Course on Thursday, June 13, 2019 which served as Golf Fairfax's commemoration of Women's Golf Day, an international event celebrating girls and women playing golf and learning skills.

Thank you to our 2019 Women & Golf sponsors:
 Enrich YOUR Fairfax County Parks!
  
 
Save these Dates:
 
at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston

Saturday, Sept. 7
 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at Burke Lake Park in Burke

Saturday, Oct. 26 &  Sunday, Oct. 27
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
      Tour one of Fairfax County's Oldest homes!
4716 Wakefield Chapel Road, Annandale, VA

Saturday, September 21 
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.



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