We publish newsletters more or less quarterly but even more often if we can't wait to share a bunch of good news.
Grist from the Mill
July - September 2023
The election of FoCRM's board of directors is scheduled to take place at the annual meeting on October 17. 2,455 students learned about simple machines - can you name them? (the simple machines, that is). Harvest from the newly planted medicinal garden will be used to make oils and vinegar this fall. New plant labels identify the 35 different plants now thriving in the family garden, and new benches have been ordered so you can sit in to enjoy the blossoming space. SPOOM's visit was enriching and the "Engineering Then and Now" program was fun and educational. Read about these and other developments, like an update on building trails to make use of the new tunnel under Route 7, by clicking on "Read More" below.
April - June 2023
Folks mingled at the mill, maple syrup was boiled down, SPOOM is coming to Colvin Run, and the program "Engineering Then and Now" on May 20 is sure to delight young and old. It is budget season in Fairfax County and parks need support. Some progress on creating a trail on the south side of the new tunnel under Route 7, but there is a need for speed. Read all about these and other stories and upcoming events at Colvin Run by clicking on "Read more" below.
January-March 2023
Making apple cider, replanting the family garden, refurbishing the snake fence, touring by candlelight, and hosting Santa filled the last months of the year at the mill. On tap for the New Year are preserving history, including your own family history, discussing history books, and boiling down maple sap into syrup. Click on "Read more" for details.
Summer-Fall 2022
Our outstanding miller was recognized by the Fairfax County Park Authority for his Outstanding Performance (congrats, Steve!); Dan Dyke is our volunteer of the year (congrats Dan!); Bob Coblenz reports on a SPOOM conference; academicians research the mill and learn more than they expected; tunnel to nowhere; report on wood carving activities; tea tastings; special events; and the mystery of the millstone.
Spring-Summer 2022
School kids return! Miller's house dedication. Meet the new staff. Carvers class activities. New Alliance of Park Friends Advocate for more resources for park operations and maintenance. Update on the tunnel being constructed under Route 7. Huge list of upcoming events, including cooking and crafts camps, ice cream and games, simple machines, and bugs naturalist!
Winter-Spring 2022
Activities at the mill begin to pick up including maple syrup boil-down, wood carving lessons, and tea tastings; good time for young and old when Santa came to town and the mill; Route 7 tunnel and adjacent trails update; Girl Scouts wood carving experience; grinding grain in old Morocco; election of new officers; message of out-going President; financial statement; Friends honored with Eakin Philanthropic Award.
Fall-Winter 2021-2022
Introducing the new Colvin Run Mill site manager, Julie Gurnee; message from the FoCRM president on the Friends being honored with the Eakin Philanthropy Award; widening Route 7 news; automating the hopper boys; making cider; shout out to National Charity League volunteers; and upcoming events (flour mills in War of 1812, Santa at the mill, yoga at the mill, book club, and many others).
Summer-Fall 2021
Grand opening of new waterwheel and flume; upcoming events (back in business: grinding, blacksmithing, opening of miller's house, cider making, and Santa will be back!); Temporary site manager; Changes in Friends' membership dues; Roads around the mill - Route 7 widening in historical context; Carper of Carper Farm's Way.
Spring-Summer 2021
Reflections of FOCRM President, progress report on replacement of the water wheel and flume, Fairfax County Park Authority in the process of selecting a new site manager, Treasurer's 2020 report, activities of the Friends of Colvin Run Mill, report on the wintry maple syrup boil down, and more.
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