A Penny For Your Thoughts

It doesn’t seem like it can be time for Memorial Day already! This year’s observance is especially poignant with the dedication of the World War II Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C. Many Mason District residents have first-hand knowledge of those life-changing, indeed world-changing, events six decades ago because they were there – at Pearl Harbor, on the beaches in Normandy, at Salerno (as my father was), in the Pacific. They made incredible sacrifices to protect our country and preserve our freedoms, and the World War II Memorial is one way to say “thank you.”

Another way to say thanks is to attend the American Legion Post 1976 observance on Monday, May 31, at 11:00 a.m., at the cannon on Columbia Pike and Maple Place. The brief ceremony usually is attended by some of those “Greatest Generation” members, and gives us a moment to reflect on all those who served, and are serving, our country, at home and around the world. The Annandale Post also will host an Open House on Saturday, May 29, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to celebrate the World War II Memorial ceremonies, which can be viewed on their large-screen television.

The free summer concert series, Spotlight by Starlight, will begin on Wednesday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m., at the Newton Edwards Amphitheatre at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale. Free concerts are presented every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday throughout the summer. The Wednesday, June 2, concert welcomes the La Salle Dance Orchestra. On Friday, June 4, we’ll hear the Washington Balalaika Orchestra, and on Sunday, June 6, the “Airmen of Note” from the United States Air Force Band will perform. Children’s performances will begin on Saturday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m. with the Fairfax Symphony’s Woodwind Quintet.

The James Lee Center celebrated its Grand Reopening last Saturday, and it is a grand place for community activities. Located in Providence District on Annandale Road, about one-quarter-mile north of the Mason District boundary, the James Lee Center serves county residents from both districts. The newly renovated and expanded center now has two gymnasiums, a 250-seat theatre which will be the home of the Providence Players community theatre group, and a Computer Clubhouse. Returning to James Lee is the Literacy Council and the county’s Historic Resources Division. Both offices moved to other locations during the renovation.

The James Lee Center renovation and expansion were financed by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and included the purchase of five additional parcels of land to construct the improvements. A new traffic light provides easy access to the center which now has plenty of parking to accommodate the new meeting rooms and programs. Go see it for yourself!