The impacts of the recent snowstorms had a brighter, even humorous, side, in the artistic talents of Mason District resident Walter Crain. Falls Church News-Press readers may recall a photograph, published a couple of weeks ago, of a snow sculpture of a three-quarter size Volkswagen “Beetle.” It was eerily accurate, reflecting a lot of effort on the part of the artist, and brought smiles to the faces of those who saw either the photo or the actual snow sculpture. Following last Thursday’s snow storm, I checked out Walter’s latest effort.

The VW had thawed, but there was Walter, garden trowel in hand, creating a giant flower bud in the snow. About four feet across and two feet high, the snow bud appeared to be pushing its way up through the snow, like a crocus or tulip stirring from winter slumber. Using snow as his medium, Walter brings delight to his neighbors with his artistic creations. His sculptures may be fleeting (the flower bud melted in the warmer weather), but the beauty of his designs makes one yearn (almost) for more snow to see what develops next. Thank you, Walter!

Several important meetings are happening in Mason District during the next several days. On Wednesday, March 18, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Annandale is hosting a meeting to discuss the problem of teen human trafficking in the region. Fairfax County Police Detective Bill Woolf has been involved for many years in rescuing teens from sex trafficking, and working to educate the public about this growing problem for our young people. The presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m.; St. Barnabas is located at 4801 Ravensworth Road in Annandale.

The Mason District Budget Town Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale. County Executive Edward L. Long, Jr., will discuss his recommendations for the FY 2016 budget, and will take questions from the community following his presentation. The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings about the budget proposal on April 7, 8, and 9 at the Fairfax County Government Center. Don’t forget to bring canned goods and non-perishable foods to re-stock ACCA’s food pantry; you can drop them in the bin provided at the meeting.

The long-awaited reopening of the renovated and expanded Woodrow Wilson Library will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on Saturday, March 21, at 10 a.m., at the library, 6101 Knollwood Drive in the Culmore area of Bailey’s Crossroads. The new library was completed on time and within budget. Major building systems were upgraded, and the building on target to attain a LEED Silver certification. The facility is gorgeous, with lots of natural light, new quiet study rooms, a large community room.

Entertainment throughout the day will include a Lion and Dragon Dance at 11:30 a.m., and a Kaydee Puppet Show at 3 p.m. No RSVP is necessary; bring the whole family and enjoy! I look forward to seeing you there.

 Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.