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President's June Message

THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR
As my year of presidency winds down, I find myself reflecting with gratitude on the friendships, accomplishments, and memorable moments we have shared together. Serving this wonderful club has been both an honor and a privilege, and it has been inspiring to witness our members' dedication, kindness, and enthusiasm throughout the year.

This club represents far more than meetings and events. It is a community built on friendship, service, support, and shared purpose. Whether participating in volunteer projects, attending social gatherings, or simply offering encouragement to one another, our members continue to make a meaningful difference both within the club and throughout the community.

Over the past year, so much has been accomplished together. Successful programs, special events, fundraising efforts, and countless volunteer hours are all a testament to the hard work and commitment of our members.  Every achievement reflects the teamwork and generosity that make this organization so special.

Special appreciation goes to our officers, committee chairs, and volunteers who devoted their time and talents throughout the year. Their leadership and willingness to step forward helped every project and activity succeed. The strength of this club comes from members who continually support one another and work together with positivity and purpose.

As a new season approaches, there is great excitement for the future of our club. New ideas, opportunities, and friendships will continue to strengthen the organization and help it grow. With such caring and dedicated members, there is no doubt the club will continue to thrive for years to come.

Before closing, it would be remiss of me not to recognize one very special person who works tirelessly behind the scenes, our editor, Dana Gallagher. Dana is truly one of our club's unseen heroes. Through her dedication, creativity, and hard work, she consistently produces our beautifully prepared newsletter and helps keep all of us informed and connected. Her efforts often happen quietly in the background, yet they make an enormous difference and are deeply appreciated by us all.

Most importantly, thank you for the support, encouragement, and friendship shared during this past year. The memories created together will always be treasured. It has truly been a joy serving as your president, and heartfelt appreciation is extended to each of you for making this year so meaningful.

Warm regards,
Kathy Sullivan
Vale Club president

FVS History Highlights: “A Place to Tie To” 

Space Flight History in the Vale Community’
I know we were all riveted by the recent Artemis II history-making space flight. So exciting, such possibilities, and such bravery and service to our country by the astronauts.

Did you know that we have an astronaut within our community who made history in space? I’m sure many of you know Liz Jones, Vale Club member since 2002. Liz’s husband, Tom, is a former Unites States astronaut. After graduating with distinction from the United States Air Force Academy, Tom served active duty in the Air Force for six years flying strategic bombers.

Resigning as a captain, he then earned a doctorate degree from the University of Arizona. He was selected by NASA in 1990 and became an astronaut in 1991. Tom was a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Endeavour (1994). He flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1996, helping set a Shuttle endurance record of nearly 18 days in orbit. He was also aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2001 delivering a Lab to the International Space Station and installing it in a series of spacewalks lasting over 19 hours. Tom has logged over 53 days (1,272 hours) in space.

After leaving NASA he has worked as a planetary scientist and consultant in space operations. His career has merited numerous awards including being inducted into the United States Astronauts Hall of Fame in April 2018. In 2006 Tom published a book titled “Sky Walking: An Astronaut’s Memoir” which the Wall Street Journal named one of the top five books on the subject of space. History in our midst. We thank Liz for her service to Vale Club and honor and thank Tom for his service to our country.

Learn more about Tom here: www.AstronautTomJones.com 

Darlene Williamson
Historic Preservation Chair

Vale Club

Vale Club is dedicated to enriching the lives of women in the Vale community. Our goal is to provide our members with a variety of social, educational, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. The majority of our members live within the Oakton community. We have multiple member activities each month, primarily scheduled from September through May, with a few Special Interest Groups meeting during the summer months ...
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Vale Schoolhouse

A brief history of The Vale Schoolhouse as recorded by the Fairfax County Public Schools of Yesteryear and Today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUOCcwvqBB0

Vale Schoolhouse, at the corner of Vale and Fox Mill Roads in Oakton, VA, was built c.1884 as a one-room public school. A second room was added in 1912. The school closed in 1931 when many Fairfax County schools were consolidated ...read more

Friends of Vale Schoolhouse, Inc. is Vale Clubs 501(C)3 charity for the maintenance and preservation of the historic Schoolhouse property which was placed on the VA Landmarks Register and the National Register ...read more