Fairfax Village residents raise money for neighborhood DIY project

With the economic downturn, residents in Fairfax Village have come together to help upgrade their own community facilities.

Led by recently appointed Tri-Mayors Cindy Rosado, Madeline Lanza and Deborah Carroll, the village has outlined several projects among the neighbors to help fund the beautification of the neighborhood's gazebo and bus stop.

The first of those events was a multi-family yard sale and the families all donated their proceeds to benefit the entire village.

"We felt a project like this would really bring together the village, but we knew funding was very tight with Belvoir housing," Lanza said. "People were very enthusiastic and receptive about the idea. If they could, they worked the yard sale and we received several donations from neighborhood families."

Rosado said the yard sale was a great success and is now looking forward to this weekend's project.

"We were able to raise $444 at the yard sale and we will be taking this money to purchase shrubs and stepping stones to beautify the gazebo," Rosado said. "We will also be power-washing the structure."

Lanza added that the projects will really bring out the best in the residents of the village.

"We wanted to make the gazebo more attractive and lively because it is the bus stop for our children, so they're there every morning and afternoon," Lanza said.

The fundraiser and the beautification came just in time, as schools in Fairfax County open for the new school year on Sept. 7.

Rosado added the gazebo is one of the first things people see when they enter the neighborhood.

In addition to the changes in the gazebo, the mayors are looking to upgrade their playground facilities and enlarge their basketball court.

"We also have a great idea as what we want to do during the holidays, but we aren't telling people about that plan yet," Rosado said with grin.