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Reopening Photo Album

Grand Reopening was Saturday, May 22, 2004

JOINT BOARD MATTER

Supervisor Linda Q. Smyth
Chairman Gerry Connolly

May 10, 2004

Mr. Chairman: As the Board is aware, the James Lee Community Center is a legacy of a culture and history that depicted strong leadership in the community and it continues to champion community stewardship today. What used to be the James Lee Elementary School has, and now the Community Center, has undergone many changes that reflect the needs of the community, including the recent expansion of the center from 34,400 sq. feet to 57,400 sq. feet. The Center will offer an increase in social and recreational programs and activities to meet the needs of the community as well as partner with the Northern Virginia Literacy Council, The Providence Players, Fairfax County Park Authority and other County agencies.

I would like to extend an invitation to all Board members and citizens of our County - on behalf of the James Lee Community and the citizens of Providence District -to attend the re-opening of the James Lee Community Center on May 22, 2004 at 1pm. Feel free to bring your family, friends and neighbors for an afternoon of entertainment, refreshments, to tour the facility and get to know the staff.
Therefore, I move that staff prepare a proclamation designating Saturday, May 22, 2004 as "James Lee Community Day" in Fairfax County. Mr. Chairman, recognizing your longstanding commitment to this project, I ask unanimous consent that you be added as a co-sponsor of this proclamation.
Further, I would ask unanimous consent that at the May 24 Board meeting we recognize and celebrate this important milestone in Fairfax County by inviting representatives of the James Lee Community Center Re-opening Committee to come before the board to thank them for their efforts.

Past Information:

James Lee Community Center Set to Reopen

The James Lee Community Center, 2855-A Annandale Road, Falls Church, will reopen as a state-of-the-art facility for use by Fairfax County residents this Saturday, May 22, at 1 p.m. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald E. Connolly and Providence District Supervisor Linda Q. Smyth will dedicate the building at the ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration. Following the ceremony, residents may enjoy activities at the center that include children’s games, live entertainment, refreshments, presentations from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) about teens and drunk driving, and tours of the facility until 4 p.m.

The Community Center’s expansion and renovation were financed by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority and included the purchase of five additional parcels of land to construct the improvements. The center was closed in 2001 for renovations and now includes the 250-seat James Lee Playhouse, two gymnasiums, a kitchen and meeting rooms for community activities and events. The facility has expanded from 34,400 square feet to 57,400 square feet.

Once the center opens, the Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services will offer a variety of activities and programs for everyone that will include a senior center, teen center, after-school programs, day care, competitive team sports, activities for individuals with disabilities and a computer clubhouse opening later this year. The Literacy Council and a branch of the Fairfax County Park Authority will also be located in the community center.

At Saturday’s celebration, local entertainment will be provided by the combined gospel choir of the Galloway United Methodist Church and the Second Baptist Church, the James Lee Community Center Sparkettes and the James Lee karate team. Special guest speakers include Katherine K. Hanley, former chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Conrad Egan, chairman of the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority; and Patricia Franckewitz, director of the Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services.

Carmen Vest, an employee of the James Lee Center, will perform the national anthem. The Fairfax County Public Safety honor guard will present the colors. Reverend Clyde T. Nelson, pastor of the Galloway United Methodist Church will give the invocation and Reverend James E. Browne of the Second Baptist Church will deliver the benediction. The director of the James Lee Community Center, Joyce White, will serve as the mistress of ceremonies.

For more information on the reopening ceremony of the center, call Patricia McClenic, Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services, 703-324-5641, TTY 703-222-9693 or Kristina Norvell, Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development, 703-246-5104, TTY 703-385-3578.