Alanton Civic League

Current Events

 
Civic League Meeting - The Alanton Civic League General Membership Meeting will be held at Alanton Elementary School on December 2 at 7:30 p.m.
     The agenda will consist of:
   1. A presentation by the Virginia Beach Crime Prevention Unit,
   2. The election of officers, and
   3. Vote on the proposed budget for 2010.

Ola Parrish - Funeral Services were held for our neighbor, friend, and long time devoted civic supporter, Ola Parrish, on November second. The paragraph below was included in the citation which Ola received from the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations in December 2008:

“For 43 years Ola Parrish has been doing an outstanding job of making Alanton a better place to live. She has been a member of the Alanton Civic League since it’s inception in 1964. Over the years, she has served multiple terms as Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President of this organization. Even though she always humbly declined to run for President, she has ably served as Acting President. Ola has been providing sage advice and counsel as well as historic perspective to numerous succeeding groups of Civic League Officers. In 2007, she continued to actively serve Alanton as a member of the Civic League’s Board of Directors, a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain, and Chairperson of the Nominating Committee developing a slate of officers for election. Ola was instrumental in Alanton’s participation In Virginia Beach’s Boardwalk History Fest by providing an excellent oral history, old documents, and numerous leads on who should be contacted. In recognition of a lifetime of dedicated, continuing service to our community, Ola Parrish truly deserves to be recognized as Alanton’s Outstanding Civic League Member for 2007”

Thank you Ola……


 
 
Halloween 2009 - Below are some pictures of your neighbors celebrating Halloween 2009. The first group of eight pictures are pictures of a "Haunted House Tour" in the yard of a home on Ashley Drive.  The remainder are pictures of "trick-or-treaters".

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Young actors prparing for their roles............

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This looks like the "chopper" contigent......

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Some of these guys look like the ones that get chopped.........

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The starting path to a lot of screams.............

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Looks like my old schooll teacher..............

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Now that would scare a politcian..............

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In a huury to get out...........

Trick-or-Treat.......................................

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Thought this might be of some interest to our neighbors
----- Original Message -----
 
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 12:53 AM
Subject: Fwd: Protecting Yourself



The following was received from one of our residents:
 
Best info you'll get today!
If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you.
Did you know this? I didn't. I never really thought of it before.
I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat ....
           
On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self-defense experts have a tip that could save your life.
Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School . For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.
           
Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."
           
Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades.
It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look
to the spray. "That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out."
Maybe even save a life.

A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote.
She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection.
Thought this was interesting and might be of use.
 
 

Please remember to call 911 if you see a crime in action and call 385-5000, option 1, to report crimes after they have occurred or to report any suspicious activity. 
 
Regina Wallace
Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
Cape Story by the Sea
496-6458

 
 
Fourth of July Parade - On Saturday, July 4th., an old fashioned gathering of about 350 Alanton residents and friends met to celebrate the birthday of our country. The day was beautiful, the food outstanding, and the children (and a few adults and dogs) had a great time being sprayed down by the fire engine crew. The medical emergency vehicle joined the parade again this year, but luckily did not have to treat anyone. The Red Baron Riders, a favorite of the younger children, had their horses dressed in red, white and blue for the occasion.
     The fire engine crew were called away twice, and for a while it looked like there would be no spray down of the younger set; however, the crew came back twice and the kids enjoyed a good soaking.
     There were volunteer helpers galore, preparing for the event, cooking, serving and clearing up. Phil Rinehart, our Civic League President, organized the event this year; Gerdi Kelsey led the Pledge of Allegiance; and Marsha Puckett's daughters, Hillary and Darby, sang the national Anthem.
Our cooks, Thurman Worthington, Jack Colgan and his house guests, cooked almost 400 hot dogs in an hour and a half. There were too many food servers to mention them all, but included Catherine Colgan, Mary Broome , Sandi Murray, and especially Betsy Barton who was helping everywhere. Joe Murray kept things running, and  my son, Michael Coughlin, took about 150 pictures - some of which are below - and Ben Smith smoothly managed the traffic monitors.
     Phil Rinehart would like to thank all the volunteers and the parade participants for again demonstrating why Alanton is a special place to live.....................
 

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Celebrating the Fourth of July 2009

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Participants arriving

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A good time for socializing....

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Horses are eady to join the parade

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First class transportation

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Fire truck arrives for the first of three times.....

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The Colgan Cooking Crew and The Birthday cake..

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Arrival of the Emergency Mediical Team

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Now this is a class act.....

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Adding a little luster to the event....

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Not to be outdone......

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Plenty of bikes of any type......

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Ready for the Pledge of Allegiance

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Dr Kelsey leads us in Pledge of Allegiance

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National Anthem led by the Hillary and Darby Puckett

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Ready to go........

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Crossing the Finish Line....

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Enthusiasm Counts.......

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While the rest parade Thurman and Jack work....

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The horses finish last (keeps the kids shoes cleaner)

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Time for the hotdogs and goodies.......

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Kids are facinated with the horses.....

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A cool-pop for a job well done.....

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Yea - the fire truck came back...

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The best part of the parade.....

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A good time to get your hair washed...

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Where did everyone go?


12 July 2009 - Virginia Beach City Notice - Last month Virginia Beach published its last City Page in The Virginian-Pilot.  This month, it  will publish its last Beach magazine. To save money, both have been eliminated from the city’s 2009-10 budget.

Starting July 15, the City will begin a new e-mail newsletter for citizens. It will include the same discussion of news, events, meetings and services as City Page, with links to important resources for citizens, plus increased use of videos, audio, graphics and charts.

The catch: You have to sign up to receive it.

If you are interested, you can sign up to receive the City’s twice-a-month e-mail newsletter at:

www.VBgov.com/citypage



The Pool is open - The ABRC Swimming Pool complex opened for the season on the Memorial Day weekend. This pool serves the Alanton, Baycliff, and Linkhorn neighborhoods. It's a great place for the whole family to enjoy those hot summer days...........
To join, log on to: www.abrcpool.com..........

Sign leading to the rustic path to the pool.
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The pool complex is located opposite the Alanton Elementary School
 

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Alanton Garden Club Sale - On April 25, a beautiful Saturday morning, the Alanton Garden Club held their Annual Plant Sale. On sale were plants, shrubs and trees donated by Alanton Gardeners. Scott and Sarah Sautter volunteered their yard for the sale, and Garden Club members assisted with the preparation, advice and sales.
This year's sale was one of the most successful in years.  The profits will be used primarily for enhancing the Alanton Entry Way plus other gardening projects.  

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From left to right: Rena Coughlin, Sarah Sautter, Barbie Timms, Jo Bloomquist


Easter Egg Hunt Pictures - The April four Easter Egg Hunt at Linkhorn Cove Park was a great success. Below are a few pictures of the children enjoying the hunt. Many thanks to Roberta Guimond for organizing and running the event this year. Volunteers assisting were:
Mary Broome, Kelsey, Mark, Josh, and Keeley Kinnane, Lisa West, Lori Trau and Scott Guimond.

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Kids hiding under a parachute

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What happened to our cover?

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Successful Search

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Briefing the Participants

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A young man satisfied with one egg

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Some participants needed a little help

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The Cheering Section

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Never too young to participate

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Division of Spoils

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The Organizer of this very successful event - Roberta Guimond (Center)


 
 
18 March 2009 - Speeding Offences in Baycliff - The e-mail below was sent to the President of Alanton Civic League.
 
Mr. Rinehart
The residents of Baycliff Drive have almost unanimously supported a 
"phase III" traffic calming option  This option went before the city 
council on 10 March and was approved.  Under this option, speeders 
will be liable for increased fines (up to $200.00 + court costs).  I 
expect that many of your community use Baycliff Drive and I wanted you 
to be aware of this change in traffic enforcement.  This phase III 
will go into effect after warning signs are posted and I expect that 
in the near term.  Please ensure that appropriate folks are informed.

Thank You

John Hogan, President Baycliff Civic League

11 March 2009 - General Membership Meeting - The Alanton Civic League General Membership Meeting was held at Alanton Elementary School on 11 March.

The Treasurer, Jim Thompson, reported a sum in excess of $7,000 in the treasury.

Civic League President, Phil Rinehart, (a Project Manager with the Virginia Department of Transportation) provided an excellent presentation of the highway and road infrastructure outlook for the near and long term future. Basically we are seeing a significant cut in state‘s ability to support current road maintenance, as well as future major road construction. There will be much greater partnerships with private firms for new construction and maintenance of existing roads, tunnels, and bridges. Cities, such as Virginia Beach, are no longer going to receive financial assistance for upkeep of local roads. We can anticipate the State of Virginia, under long term contract, handing over almost total control of new construction as well as major upgrades. These private firms will impose tolls under these contract for terms as long as 100 years.

Easter Egg Hunt for Children - Details on the Easter Egg Hunt are yet to be completed. Phil Rinehart ( 496-2593) will promulgate the name of the contact point as soon as available.

Stephens Road Plantings - A discussion was held on the proposed enhancement of the area along Stephens Road at the intersection of Cooper Road. The portion of land under consideration is owned by the Alanton Baycliff Recreation Club. They will be contacted to determine if there is any interest in a joint effort.

 

 


Vandalism at Entry - The flood lighting fixtures at the entry to Alanton were completely destroyed by vandals Tuesday night (23 December). The damage will approach $200.00 to replace flood lights and repair buried wiring.
 
This vandalism, plus multiple damage to home Christmas decorations, is probably caused by teenagers. Teenagers brag about these acts. Undoubtedly some teenagers living in Alanton have or will hear stories, and will have a good idea as to who was responsible. The police were called, and if anyone has information please call Officer Moreley, 2nd. Precinct  tel: 385-2700. The Case number is: 08-071913.
These kids don't realize they can be arrested and be found guilty in a court.....
 

Light fixture on North side of entry
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Fixture on South side of Alanton Entry
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Christmas Caroling - On Sunday 21 December approximately fifty-five Alanton residents came together for Christmas Carols at the home of Mike and Betsy Barton. Under the lead of Marcia Puckett,  young and old singers enjoyed a very cheerful hour of caroling, and great refreshments.

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Mike Barton on left and Marcia Puckett leading.........

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Really have some good singers this year...........

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The young ones are ready for the high notes.......

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No one off key in this group............

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The entire family is participating............

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Well maybe there is someone off key........

 
Meet the new Alanton Civic League officers
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Alanton Civic League Officers for 2009

Election  of New Officers  At the  General Meeting held on 13 November the membership elected the slate of officers pictured above for the next year. The slate of officers for 2009 (left to right) are:
 
      Vice President: Gerdi Kelsey
 
     Treasurer: Jim Thomson
 
     President: Phil Rinehart
 
     Secretary: Doris Krantz
 

Thank you Joe Murray - For the last two years Joe Murray, with a lot of help from his wife Sandy, has been President of the Alanton Civic League. Joe devoted a considerable amount of time and effort into this position. The very successful Boardwalk Presentation of the history of Alanton required significant time and involved leading a group of very talented volunteers. We are fortunate to now have a digital history of Alanton preserved for future generations. His running of the Alanton Fourth of July Parade makes all of us proud to claim Alanton as our subdivision. Joe and Sandy’s strong support of the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Caroling, and providing a new safe path for the school children going to First Colonial High contributed to a cohesive, caring neighborhood. You could also find Joe clearing brush at the Alanton Entry, assisting to rebuild the bulletin board, repairing damage caused by careless drivers, and walking along South Woodhouse, sack in hand, picking up debris.

Joe Murray was an active president who sought out ways to make Alanton a better place to live. All the residents thank you Joe and Sandy. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.