STATEWIDE BURNING BAN

NEWSFLASH UPDATE 11/19/2007:

BURNING BAN LIFTED as of 11-15-2007, but Forestry officials continue to stress

that lifting the ban does not mean the threat of wildfire is gone. Please be careful if using an open flame. Battery operated or chemical (glow sticks) illumination are the safest, therefore still the most recommended luminary option.

ONLY USE ShareYourLightNight

approved luminaries as shown below.

(battery operated tea lights).

Be sure to inform all of your residents and neighbors of the following message.

Updated Oct. 29, 2007 — Governor Kaine Issues Statewide Burning Ban*

* NOTE: the burn ban will be in effect until further notice

Under the FAQ page, this question is posed: Can LUMINARIES be used for holiday decorations? The answer: No.

LUMINARIES are a traditional holiday decoration in many homes and neighborhoods where a votive- type candle flame is set within a sand weighted paper bag and placed outdoors to light a walkway or other decoration. Candle LUMINARIES are considered an open flame – fire, and therefore not allowed if these candles are within 300 feet of grass, leaves, woods or other flammable material that is capable of igniting a fire. It would be a violation of the ban on open burning. A highly recommended alternative would be to use electric or battery-operated lights or chemical glow sticks instead of candles.

Governor Timothy M. Kaine declared a statewide emergency and enacted a ban on open fires beginning Friday, October 19. The statewide burning ban is the result of drought conditions that have created a serious risk of widespread and dangerous forest fires in every region of the Commonwealth.

“We have looked at all the current data and reviewed the projections for the fall fire season, and everything points to a significant threat to public safety,” said Governor Kaine. “I have declared a state of emergency to exist within the Commonwealth to try to minimize the risk of forest fires that could threaten lives and property.”

The burn ban will remain in effect until existing weather conditions improve with significant rain or snow. Violation of the law is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500.

Bellamy Plantation's "Grand Illumination"

Bellamy Plantation has sold over 1100 luminaries in the community and still selling. In a community of around 280 homes, we have 65 homes participating and the numbers are growing. Most of Grey Friars Chase and many surrounding streets have a large concentration of homes that will be lining their curbsides to create a wonderful ribbon of light - uniting the community and creating a magical look.

The Grand Illumination will take place at sunset on Saturday 15 December. The community will be walking about - meeting neighbors and enjoying the luminaries as well as the decorated homes. At 7PM, the homes will be judged as part of Bellamy Plantations Holiday Lights Competition.

We're very excited about being a part of the city-wide effort to make our holidays special!!

CITY LEADERS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE

Last night, city leaders were cordially invited to participate in this first year's "SHARE YOUR LIGHT NIGHT" as citizens and neighbors in our community. The idea was warmly received and I am very excited to have this event touch the hearts of every individual thoughout our City. We shall unite with pride.

Neighborhoods are uniting

Currently, we have the following neighborhoods pledging participation in the "Share Your Light Night" being held December 16th, 2007, with alternative dates of December 22nd and 23rd. An asterisk (*) depicts a new neighborhood coming on board:

• Arrowhead
• Baycliff (Dec 16th)
• Bellamy Plantation (Dec 15th)
• Bellwood Estates
• Bellwood Meadows
• Carolanne Farms
• Carolanne Point
• Chesopeian Colony*
• Fairfield*
• Green Run Homes Association
• Homestead (Dec 16th)
• Huntington
• Huntington Estates
• Linkhorn Cove*
• Plantation Cove
• Wolfsnare Plantation*
• Woodstock

There are many other leagues distributing direct order forms so their neighbors will have the opportunity to participate as well.

If you do not have representation in your neighborhood, pledge your order online today and I will let you know where you can go to pick up your luminaries when they are delivered late November or early December.

This is the first year and is an announcement of what is to come. As I mentioned, last year my area of town had neighbors out front roasting marshmallows in their fire pits, handing out warm cider and cocoa, playing holiday music, organizing carolling events, and socializing with neighbors.

Please write in and tell us what you are planning for the holiday display December 16th. I can't wait to hear about what memories will be made by our united citizens.

One battery tea light, base and bag = one luminary = $2

• If you do not have a civic organization in your neighborhood or your league would like to participate, it's not too late
• Every citizen is warmly encouraged to participate
• To get involved, fill out the form below or email us at shareyourlightnight@yahoo.com and we'll cooridinate your order
• Get them while we have them, don't miss out!
• These are safe and reusable products - these battery operated tea lights are rated for 25 hours - they can be used for any party, event or social gathering