At a W&OD Trail 5k run held on March 27, longtime park supporter and Falls Church resident Walter L. Mess was honored.

Members of the Falls Church City Council were presented with honorary T-shirts from the March 27 Walter Mess W&OD Trail Run by Friends of W&OD Trail chief Roger Neighborgall (center). Neighborgall reported that 145 runners participated in the race, including nine pushing baby carriages. (Photo: News-Press)

Mayor Nader Baroukh welcomes runners to Falls Church for the W&OD Trail 5k run. The run was planned to honor City resident and longtime park supporter Walter L. Mess. Mess is best known as one of the founding members of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority as well as for his extensive community involvement in a variety of activities. Howard Herman, retiring after 40 years with the Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department, was the official run starter. About 250 runners participated. The run, sponsored by Friends of the W&OD, was spearheaded by Roger Neighborgall and proceeds will benefit the Friends and local charities. (Photo: Courtesy Barbara Gordon)