About Fairfax's Country Club View

Those of us that live around George Mason University in Fairfax find the University Mall, corner of Braddock Rd. and Rt. 123 (Ox Road), to be a convenience especially after a big snowstorm like last Winter. The Mall has several restaurants ranging from fast food to sit down, A Giant Food, a dry cleaning service, movie theatre, banks, and several other shops and services that one might need without having to drive a car (on a nice day). The Mall is way past the expiration date for some rehab. It is a bit worn and run down. Plans to update the University Mall in Fairfax had been delayed (most likely due to the economy). With much anticipation, it now it looks like the developer (Rucker Realty) is getting ready to start the renovation of the University Mall in Fairfax in 2011.

This renovation should solidify the already solid neighborhoods surrounding the University Mall. The larger neighborhoods being Kings Park West and Country Club View as well as others such as Lindsay Park and Luxberry. The upgrade to the Mall will expand the Mall to 200,000ft. and add three new buildings to the complex. If you would like to see the new look just click here.

In the juristictions in which I operate, one is freewheelin' on cell phone use (except for texting which is illegal and has a miniscule fine...if they catch you and can prove that you were texting). The other is a $100 fine for using your cell phone while driving. Two different areas, one very urban (the latter) and one mostly rural (the former).

There is alot of debate about cell phone use in cars. The one time I was involved in an accident concerning distracted driving it was due to my looking away briefly at something that distracted me out the window. The point is, making cell phones illegal while driving is only one of a list of items one could be charged with that fall under the umbrella of distracted driving. Let's mention a few: Reading the newspaper while driving (I have seen that, have you?). Reading a road map while cruising down the interstate (my dad used to do that when I was a kid). Let's see; Smoking while driving? yes, thats a distraction if the ashes fall on your lap. What about eating, drinking, adjusting your seat belt, reaching in the side pocket or glove box, and in general, just not paying attention to your core responsibility and that is driving. Let's not make using a cell phone the scapegoat, let's include all forms of distractions other than both hands on the wheel and paying attention to what is in front of you on the road. It would make driving alot safer. Here is an article on the subject that inspired me to comment on this.

One of my favorite events as a bond owner of the Sideburn Run Pool in Fairfax, VA is the annual 4th of July pool party. Every year there are at least a couple of kegs of beer flowing, Chateau de Cardboard wine (wine in a box) and plenty of sodas and bottled water. Luckily, I can walk to the pool (or walk home if I need to). Even though the pool has a large parking lot that is rarely filled at other times, cars will be double parked for this event and the pool will be packed. There will be a waiting list to play pool basketball. You can forget doing laps. No room for that except in the one lap line that will be open (you may have to wait to use it). Every year thus far, in addition to the drinks, the Sunburn Run Recreation Association (SRRA) has supplied some chips and other snacks. If you would like to order something like pizza, wings or other more substantive food, there are plenty of pizza carriers and fast food deliveries coming to the pool (you even get a pool special for making a pool order). If you are a bond member or just a Summer pool user, we'll hopefully see you there. If you live in 22032, 22015, 22039, perhaps you should consider joining the pool. This has been the hottest June on record in the D.C. area.