Like many other communities across the nation, Canterbury Woods welcomed many new pets to the community during the pandemic. Neighbors have come to recognize both new and old pets, especially dogs, as their owners take them on daily walks through the neighborhood. 

This is a good time to remind all owners that Fairfax County has a Leash Law stating that “dogs are required to be on a leash at all times in public areas unless they’re in a designated off-leash area.” Please remember how “friendly” you feel your dog might be is a very subjective assessment. Animals are unpredictable and owners may not know the comfort level of both adults and children sharing the sidewalks and trails with you as you walk your pet.  Also, please be informed that pets are not allowed on FCPS school grounds at any time for a number of health and safety reasons. Please stay off school property with your pets.  Thank you for being responsible with your dogs and if you prefer off-leash experiences please seek out a formal dog park where that behavior is safety allowed.  

It should also go without saying as well that it is the law to clean up after your pet – State of Virginia Code, “ “It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping, or having custody or control of a dog to fail to remove immediately the dog’s excrement …” You would be surprised how often poop is left on the new paved trail for unsuspecting walkers, runners and bikers to come upon.  Let’s all enjoy a safe and clean community for both humans and their pets.

When you pay your CW dues you may not become more attractive, a better speller, or gain muscle strength, but you WILL support the efforts of the CWCA to do nice things for our community — like painting house numbers on the curbs and maintaining the entrance markers. We also use the dues money to keep you informed:  snail-mail newsletters, our website, our sandwich boards, and the CW Directory (new one coming this fall!). In non-Covid times, we sponsor community events like Yard Sale Day, Fall Festival, National Night Out, and Holiday Party.  All of this for $30 per year. That’s a deal. If you haven’t paid, please do. Send (or drop off) your check (made out to CWCA) or cash to Susan DiMaina, 5001 Chanticleer Ave. OR use PayPal — right here on our website!

It’s the 8th year of our annual contest! Think FESTIVE — think FUN. Let’s end 2020 with color and sparkle. There’s no entry application; just decorate your home and yard however best expresses your holiday self! Judging will take place on Dec. 15-18, so make sure your decorative lights are on those evenings.

Awards will be given in these 4 categories: Best Wreath/Door Display, Best Use of Lighting, Most Original/Creative, Best in Show