from ARLINGTON HEIGHTS CIVIC ASSOCIATION
President’s Message
Spring is finally here. I hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather. Our spring Arlington Heights meeting is coming up April 18th at 7:30pm at Patrick Henry Elementary School.
We have a very full agenda for this meeting. First, we will be hearing from Lisa Grandle, Arlington Park Development Division Chief. The three homes at the southeast corner of the Thomas Jefferson property at the corner of 2nd and Irving Streets were purchased by the county in the mid-1980's to early 1990's. Previously they housed some county programs, but have recently been vacated. They are now slated to be demolished, with the space being converted to open green park space. Ms. Grandle is coming to the meeting to discuss these plans with the neighborhood.
Next we'll be hearing from Denise Marshall Roller, Event Manager, Arlington Cultural Affairs/Arlington County Fair. She'll be coming to discuss a proposal from the Arlington County Fair Board to open only the midway part of the fair on Wednesday, August 16, from 5-9pm.
Next, Captain Paul Larson, Third District Commander, will be here to discuss crime trends in the Third District, to hear our concerns, and to answer any questions we might have. As you can see later in the crime report section of the newsletter, there was a gang incident in our neighborhood in February. We'll get more details about this at the meeting and hopefully hear about a positive resolution.
Finally, Reid Goldstein will be here to discuss Arlington’s Locally Preferred Alternative for future transit on Columbia Pike. The County Board is set to choose a preference at it’s meeting on April 26. The two major options being discussed are Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and trolley.
We'll also be considering a resolution in support of putting in a four way stop at the intersection of Highland and 6th Streets. The civic association already passed a similar resolution in support of this in July 2002. The county has recently declared the intersection eligible for a multiway stop thanks to the efforts of Jay Wind, so we'll be considering this issue again to ensure that the neighborhood's preference has not changed.
An item which I don't think will require discussion at the meeting, but which I wanted to mention, is that Congregation Etz Hayim is applying for an amendment to its preschool use permit to allow more children to attend. They already have the space, they just need county permission to allow increased attendance. This is a great resource right in our neighborhood. If you do have any comments or concerns please contact me by email or phone.
At the meeting, we'll also be getting updates on the Columbia Pike Streetscape, the Washington Boulevard Bridge, and the Civic Federation. We're still looking for a volunteer to represent the neighborhood on the NCAC (Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee). This program provides neighborhood park and street improvements. We need to find a representative soon in order to stay competitive in bringing as many of these projects to our neighborhood as possible.
An idea that the officers have been considering is offering child care during our meetings to encourage parents who might not otherwise be able to attend to come out to our meetings. Our treasurer Bob Dannemiller has successfully utilized this to increase attendance at Patrick Henry PTA meetings during his service as President of that organization. If this is something you would support or utilize please let me know either at the meeting or by email or phone.
I hope to see you at our coming meeting.
Adam Croswell
President
AHCA Meeting Agenda
April 18th, 7:30pm
- Introductions (3 minutes)
- Guest Speakers
- Lisa Grandle, Park Development Division Chief (25 minutes)
- Denise Marshall Roller, Arlington County Fair (25 minutes)
- Captain Paul Larson, Third District Commander (25 minutes)
- Reid Goldstein, Columbia Pike Transit Alternatives (25 minutes)
- Review of Minutes (3 minutes)
- Treasurer's Report (5 minutes)
- Committee Reports (10 minutes)
- Civic Federation Report
- Columbia Pike Implementation Team Report
- Washington Blvd/Columbia Pike Bridge Report
- Old Business
- Vote on four way stop sign at 6th and Highland (10 minutes)
- New Business
- Adjournment
2006 Officers:
- President: Adam Croswell (703-553-0523) acroswel@rocketmail.com
- 1st Vice-President: Martin Chadzynski 75363.3375@compuserve.com
- 2nd Vice-President: Kimberly Sumner red4thof7@aol.com
- Secretary: Betty Siegel (703-892-1959) siegelbr@hotmail.com
- Treasurer: Bob Dannemiller (703-685-3795) rjdannem@aol.com
- Neighborhood Conservation Representatives:
- Betty Siegel (703-892-1959) siegelbr@hotmail.com
- David Reidy (703-920-2940) dreidy@ompdirect.com
- Newsletter Editor: Megan Booth (703-553-9712) jjmegan@verizon.net
- Newsletter Distribution:
- Cathy Camp cathycamp@msn.com
- Jonathan Reed jonathanreed@comcast.net
- Web site: Richard Bullington-McGuire rbulling@obscure.org
- List serve: Jay Jacob Wind (703-218-2726) jay.wind@att.net
Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Council (NCAC) representatives needed
We're currently looking for representatives to NCAC (Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee). The NCAC is the organization which administers and awards bond funds for neighborhood conservation projects such as sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and streetlights. The recently completed street lights installed on South 6th Street are one example of how NCAC has benefited Arlington Heights. Their mission statement is: "To enhance residential areas by providing citizen-initiated public improvements in a timely manner, based upon regularly-updated, neighborhood-developed plans." You can find a more complete description of the program on the web at:
http://www.co.arlington.va.us/Departments/CPHD/ons/CPHDOnsConservation.aspx
NCAC meetings are on the second Thursday of every month. Contact Adam Croswell (contact info listed in Officers section) if you'd be interested in representing our neighborhood in this group.
Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE)
Saturday, April 22 - 8:30am to 3pm.
Thomas Jefferson Middle School, West parking lot, 125 S. Old Glebe Rd. One block east of Glebe Rd. and one block south of Rt. 50. (The entrance will be marked.)
Safely dispose of household hazardous materials, such as paint, motor oil or other chemicals, at this event. Used bicycles will also be collected by Bikes for the World for recycling. Computers, televisions, and other electronic materials will be collected for recycling as well (a small fee is charged for monitors). Other groups will collect shoes and eyeglasses. Call 703-228-6832 for more information, or check the E-CARE web site at http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/EnvironmentalServices/EnvironmentalServicesEnvex.aspx
Would your child like to be added to our RENT-A-KID resource?
Rent-a-kid is a free listing of kids in the neighborhood who are available for hire to babysit, housesit, pet care, lawn care, etc. Email Betty Siegel at siegelbr@hotmail.com for inclusion in our next newsletter.
February Crime Report
There are several areas of concern that have popped up over the course of a few weeks. Columbia Forest and Columbia Heights West have had several issues in February. There were 11 cars broken into in February and two robberies that are cause for concern. The cars that were broken into were primarily parked in the 5000 - 5200 blocks of S. 8th Rd. It also extends down Dinwiddie to Columbia Pike. Additionally, there were 4 in the area around S. Dinwiddie and S. 10th St. We are addressing this issue, but there is not a specific time of day or day of week we can concentrate our resources. There were three sexual assaults that took place in February in the same area. Let me calm the fears now by saying these cases are not related, all the suspects have been identified and they were either family related or a date rape situation.
There were also two robberies along Columbia Pike between Four Mile Run Dr. and S. Greenbrier St. These robberies are not related. One of the robberies is in the shopping center at 5001 Columbia Pike. Two suspects walk up to the victim and demand money. The victim grabbed a stick and fended off his would be robbers. A short time later, patrol officers located the two suspects and arrested them. A second robbery started at the 7-11 at Columbia Pike and S. Dinwiddie St. The suspect asked the victim for a ride and the victim agreed. As they left the parking lot, the suspect produced a knife and robbed the victim of cash. The victim clearly did not listen to his mother about picking up strangers!
Douglas Park has has a few things going on around the intersection of S. George Mason Dr. and S. Four Mile Run Dr. Four cars have been stolen and a burglary. The burglary happened at the Barcroft Sports Complex and that case has been closed with an arrest. Cars being stolen along the Four Mile Run Dr. corridor have been a traditional problem. The numbers have decreased over time, however, any number is a cause for concern. The numbers are still low compared to years past, but we still have the problem, just on a smaller scale.
In Nauck, we have noticed a pattern of residential burglaries along the Walter Reed Dr. corridor. The suspect breaks out a basement window and steals cash, jewelry and anything else he can easily carry. Most of these burglaries occur during the daytime hours. Please keep an eye out during the day. If you see something suspicious please call either 703-558-2222 or 911 if it is an emergency.
In Arlington Heights there was a gang altercation that occurred in the 700 block of S. Irving St. Detectives are still investigating this case and it is my hope that the case will be closed soon. A similar incident happened in Glencarlyn when 4 gang members jumped another gang member in the 5800 block of S. 4th St. All the suspects have been arrested in this case. The two cases are not related.
In general, we are gearing up for the warm weather months. The Third District Team is getting ready to hit the bike paths by doing some maintenance to their bicycles. They plan on riding the bike paths as soon as the weather becomes a little more consistent. On a lighter note, Officer Matt Owens of the Third District Team won the Police Department weight loss competition. Matt lost over 30 pounds. He did it by working out twice a day and staying away from Guiness Stout. Great job to Matt!
Captain Paul Larson
Third District Commander
Arlington County Police Department
Join AHCA's Ever-Growing E-mail List
Write to AHCA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and get involved with the neighborhood.
E-mail topics include construction, lost cats, advice on vendors, information about meetings, and other fun stuff! Join today!
Civil War Dinner
Fort C.F. Smith Park and the Hendry House will be hosting a Civil War Era Dinner on Sunday April 23. There will be a 5:30pm and a 7:30pm seating. Food will be prepared in the traditional method of that time period. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 5-10 years old. Children 5 and under are free. Call 703-243-7329 for tickets.
Arlington Police Officers in Unity Ride
From May 9-12, 2006, a team of four Arlington County Police Department officers will be participating in the Police Unity Tour, a 300 mile bike ride from Ground Zero in New York to Washington, D.C. The tour's purpose is to help raise funds for the Police Officer's Memorial Fund which honors those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty and assists their family members left behind.
In order to participate in the Unity Tour the team must raise $1,500 per officer. The officers need help in their fundraising effort. Last year, when the team participated in the 2005 ride, corporate and personal sponsors donated in excess of $11,000. They hope to meet or even beat that goal this year. All donations are tax deductible.
Donations made payable to Police Unity Tour, Inc. can be sent to:
Arlington County Police Department
Attn:. Ofc B. LeFrancois
1425 N. Courthouse Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Courses Available
The ALRI is a non-profit volunteer organization offering a wide variety of daytime college level, non-credit courses (no exams or papers), lectures, special events and activities to help meet the continuing educational and social interest of anyone over the age of 50. Courses cover such areas as history, the arts, science and technology, literature, law, politics and political affairs. Membership is open to residents in the metropolitan region. All classes are held in Arlington. For further information, call (703) 228-2144, email ALRI@ArlingtonLRI.org, or visit our Website: www.ArlingtonLRI.org.
Arlington County Seeks Auxiliary Police
Last summer, Arlington County expanded its auxiliary police program to provide, on a trial basis, uniformed bike patrol officers on trails within the county. This program has received a very positive response and as a result they are actively seeking applications from individuals who may be interested in serving on the bike patrol unit as auxiliary police officers.
Auxiliary officers assist trail uses by promoting bike safety, patrolling the trails and other areas that may be difficult to patrol via cruiser or motorcycle, and providing aid to individuals who may experience health or other issues while on the trails. All auxiliary officers are unpaid volunteers, must have a clean criminal and driving record, have no history of drug use, be able to pass an extensive background check and polygraph, and meet certain physical standards.
This is an exciting opportunity to give back to the community, to enhance the quality of life in northern VA, and to help other cyclists, while staying in shape and making new friends. There's also a tremendous sense of satisfaction when you're able to help someone, whether it's by fixing a flat, giving directions, or explaining to kids why it's important to wear a helmet.
If you'd like more information about possibly joining Arlington County auxiliary police bike patrol, please visit the county website.
Annual Law Day for Seniors, Tues., May 2
The 29th Annual Law Day for Seniors will focus on "Elder Ready" issues with guest speaker, Chris Zimmerman, Arlington County Board chairman. The event will take place Tues., May 2, 9:15 a.m., DHS building, 3033 Wilson Blvd at N. Highland St., 7th floor. Virginia Legal Services attorney, Ed Zetlin, representatives from the Arlington Area on Aging, Commonwealth Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Department, TRIAD and the Office of Senior Adult Programs.
The program will include an "Ask A Lawyer" segment, update on Medicare related issues, workshops on estate planning, how to manage clutter and smart driving techniques. Seniors will also be able to obtain free photo ID cards and emergency cell phones. There is no admission fee. Registration is not required, but would be appreciated by calling, Beth Vick, Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 703-228-4403.
Spring Financial Seminar Series
Learn about preventing identity theft, socially responsible investing, and more through this free seminar series at the Arlington Central Library. All seminars are taught by professionals in the respective fields. All presenters pledge not to sell their own services during their seminars. Other speakers will include Northern The seminars will be held from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy Street. Call 703-228-6417 for more information or to register.
| April 11 | Last-minute tax tips |
| April 19 | Online investing: making sense of the options |
| April 26 | Socially Responsible Investing |
| May 2 | Preventing identity theft |
| May 10 | The true cost of credit: understanding credit card offers and credit scoring |
| May 17 | Investing in real estate |
These seminars are organized by Virginia Cooperative Extension
Volunteer to be a Personal Finance Coach
Help individuals and groups reconcile debts, set goals, budget their spending, save money, organize financial records, and learn sound money management skills. Volunteer financial counselors can choose to work one-on-one with individuals and/or teach money management classes to groups such as senior citizens, new immigrants, teens, residents at affordable housing complexes, and many others. Volunteers receive a comprehensive training manual with information on budgeting, retirement planning, home buying, and many other finance topics, instruction in counseling techniques, and lists of other community resources of use to clients.
The next volunteer training will be:
Saturdays, April 29 and May 6, 10:00-4:00, Room 10, Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S Stafford Street
To get started volunteering for the Personal Finance Program, call the Arlington office of Virginia Cooperative Extension at 703-228-6417
Spring Asian Cooking Classes
Join chef Sherri Seymour for a series of fun classes that will introduce you to new recipes, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Recipes and hearty portions of all dishes will be provided, as well as lists of where to find the ingredients. All classes will be held in Room 15 at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S Stafford Street in Arlington.
Saturday, April 8, 11:00-2:00: Asian Dim Sum Part I
Learn the basics of Asian Dim Sum: fresh rolls and dumplings that feature both sweet and savory fillings. Dim sum translates to "heart's delight." Techniques and cooking methods will be demonstrated and practiced, along with a discussion of ingredients. THIS IS A HANDS-ON CLASS! Be prepared to help assemble various kinds of dim sum. The more we prepare, the more we eat! Bring an apron if you like to wear one. Cost: $35.
Saturday, April 22, 11:00-2:00: Asian Dim Sum Part II
This class will follow on what was taught in dim sum part I and will introduce new recipes and techniques. If you took the dim sum class we offered in the fall, this would be a perfect addition to what you learned then. You do not have to take part I in order to take part II. Cost: $35 (Take both dim sum classes and pay $65).
Saturday, May 6, 11:00-2:00, Thai Meal
Learn basic techniques and ingredients for a Thai dinner. Among the dishes to be prepared will be Pad Thai, the Thai national dish and a favorite on many Thai restaurant menus. This class will include demonstration and tasting. Cost: $35
Saturday, May 20, 11:00-2:00, Asian Noodles
Learn about the different types of Asian noodles and how they are used. We will cover fresh and dried rice noodles, egg noodles, bean thread noodles and others. Techniques and ingredients will be discussed and demonstrated. Come hungry! Cost: $35
For more information or to register, call 703-228-6417. These programs are sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Arlington Seniors in Action!
Intergenerational opera workshop presented to families and children by the Washington National Opera, Sat., Apr. 29, 11:00 a.m.-noon, Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 S. 18th Street. Featuring Hansel and Gretel, the workshop will use interactive, creative fun to teach how music communicates a story. No fee. Call to sign up, 703-228-5722.
A night of Hawaiian dancing, Sat., Apr. 29, 7:00 p.m., Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 N. Pershing Dr., featuring the Arlington County Hawaiian Dancers. No fee; newcomers welcome. Call for details, 703-228-4403.
Free fire alarms for Arlington residents with hearing loss. The Arlington County Fire Department has approximately 65 hearing-impaired smoke alarms to give away. Call for details, 703-228-4659, TTY, 703-228-4610 or e-mail: kvangraafeiland@arlingtonva.us
Visit the AHCA Website to Keep Up to Date!
You can see the minutes from the last two AHCA board meetings on the AHCA web site now:
Also available is the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse's application for a use permit for live entertainment. AHCA voted unanimously to support their application at the January 17, 2006 meeting: http://www.ahca.info/planning/2006/Use_Permit_Application.pdf
The website also includes past issues of Over the Fence
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