When I left home yesterday morning to meet a group of fellow Rotarians in Springfield it was 27° according to the exterior thermometer on my car. If there was any good news it was that there was no significant amount of wind. The first order of business was to meet in the Einstein Brothers Bagel Bakery parking lot (this will play a major role later) and receive our stylish orange vests and trash bags. We "hit the road" in two or three person co-ed teams to different sections of Rolling Road. Arthur came with me and was assigned the job of photographer. Many of the photos he took will be uploaded to the club's website. Obviously, he snapped this one of me for our own use. My Team has 34 years experience in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Falls Church, Lorton, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Springfield, Vienna, Fairfax County ”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS” If you plan to buy or sell a Cardinal Forest, Springfield or other Fairfax County home or property contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.
As you can see we participate in the Virginia Department of Transportation's "Adopt A Highway" program. We are regularly assigned the area of Rolling Road from Old Keene Mill Road south to the Fairfax County Parkway. That section of roadway is one of the busiest in the Springfield area.
The filled bags are left at curbside for subsequent pickup by VDOT.
Our work is complete and we have returned to Einstein Brothers Bagel Bakery to warm up and enjoy fellowship - after community service it is one of the important benefits of being a Rotarian anywhere in the world.
Hi Karen, I am so impressed with how Arthur and you are so involved with your community. What is the most unusual refuse you found along the highway in your years of keeping the highway clean? (or maybe the most common item disposed of?)
Good for you Karen! And congrats on being the club president - I am always impressed by the individuals and groups that get involved in roadside cleanup - it's a worthy endeavor!
Bruce Believe it or not we generally find beer cans, bottles and fast food containers, pieces of paper and tissues - Springfield is not very exciting - no Desperate Housewives shows here
Debi Thank you - it is but one of very many things we do both locally, regionally and internationally
Great project, I have heard some wonderful things about Rotary from some people I greatly respect. I will have to look into it further
Karen - I may just join my local Rotary Club after reading your great post. You are doing a terrific job!
Hi Karen,
So nice to seeing you paying it forward even in freezing temps. Good for you!
Gerry It will be a journey and you are the kind of person who will love it
Karen--I have helped with programs like this before, but never in the middle of winter! It never actually occured to me that volunteers did this in the cold weather! You never cease to amaze me!!
Karen-You are obviously a well organized person to run a successful real estate operation and be the president of your Rotary Club. I know both take a lot of time to do well. That roadside pick up is so necessary since there are so many people who use the roadside as their personal waste container. Thanks for giving back.
Hi Karen, I saw Debi's comment and noticed she congratulated you on being the Rotarian President this year. I re-read the post thinking I missed something. I found it in the comments. Congratulations. This is a wonderful honor and I am sure the Rotarians as well as your community hold you in great esteem. We certainly do!
Karen, be thankful you did not have any wind! We have your wind today!! 27 degrees and that is as warm as it is supposed to get down here in the mountains till late this week!
Wayne Thank you for your comments - as a Rotarian yourself you know the depth of community service clubs participate in as a recurring theme
Pat We are chicken - not again until March - it is impossible on several sections of this very heavily travelled roadway
Karen, It's always good to participate in community events. Stay warm and Happy Holidays!
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