Neighborhood news: Committee lobbies for traffic light

Gainesville Middle School's Parent Advisory Committee joined the fight to have a traffic light installed at Limestone and Linton Hall -- and it looks like its efforts have paid off.

Why did they take the initiative?

"We feel that the installation of the light is imperative for safety reasons, as our students are unable to walk to and from school without it," said principal Sally MacLean.

Right now, buses must make longer trips to avoid the dangerous intersection.

Explaining the lengthy process, MacLean said, "We knew it was in the plans, but as nothing had happened since Gainesville Middle opened, we realized that some community effort was needed."

Parent Trena Stalfort researched the status of the request. She then invited a representative from the Prince William Board of County Supervisors to a meeting at the school in November. Parents, school personnel and other interested parties attended the meeting.

Since then, the Virginia Department of Transportation has begun to move the process along.

"After Mrs. Stalfort presented to the Board of Supervisors, we were told it is possible the light may go in within six months," MacLean said.

Maclean expressed her thanks to the parents, advocates and committee members who persisted in bringing this request closer to fruition.

Conservancy to hold fundraising event

On Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. the Bull Run Mountain Conservancy will hold its annual fundraising event at Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains, 6507 Main St.

Join BRMC for drinks, hors d'oeuvres and conversation as it celebrates a progressive year as stewards of Bull Run Mountains. The cost for the event is $50 per person. Call 703-753-2631 or e-mail mk@brmconservancy.org for more details.

Get e-mail alerts on newest library materials

Want to know about the latest books, DVDs, music CDs and audiobooks purchased by the county's libraries? Sign up for Wowbrary, the library system's e-mail alert service. Weekly on Wednesdays, e-mails will show-case the newest titles. See something interesting? Just click on the title to place a request.

The service is free of charge and does not require a library card. However, a library card barcode is required to place an item on request. Library cards are free. For a new or replacement library card, stop by a local library. Locations and hours of specific libraries can be found under "visitor" then "library" on the PWC government Web site at www.pwcgov.

To start using Wowbrary, visit www.wowbrary.org.

Katherine Gotthardt reports your neighborhood news from the Gainesville and Haymarket area every Wednesday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Katherine at kgotthardt@comcast.net.