President's Report

In my note last month, I neglected to thank Annie Harold for very impressively reciting "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" from memory at the holiday party in December. My apologies, and thanks for entertaining the children and the adults as well. This month, I’d like to thank the gentleman who I see around the neighborhood picking up trash from the streets and sidewalks. I often see him in front of our house. I don’t know his name, but my wife and I certainly appreciate the effort he puts in to keep Barcroft litter free.

Update on the status of the house on 701 S. Wakefield: A developer who is working with the owner spoke at the meeting last month. The owner would like to both sell the house and split up the rest of the property into two lots. Splitting up the lot so that two homes can be built would require a variance from the County, and the owner has not decided yet whether to do this. The owner may have an open house sometime in March as both an effort to sell the house as well as to present to the neighborhood the ideas for the rest of the property. Stay tuned for further developments

In other news, the County, at the request of the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Catholic Church on S. Wakefield Street, will be reserving three spaces in front of the church along S. Wakefield as handicapped parking (in effect on Sundays only from 9 am until 2 pm). Requests of this nature are handled administratively by the County, which means that they are not required to solicit input from the neighborhood. Several of us have had numerous phone and email conversations with County staff to express the frustration with this decision in light of the already bad parking situation along S. Wakefield and S. 9th Streets. The decision has been made, and the best we can do is monitor the situation and report any complaints to the County. They have been known to remove signs, so if we can document any abuses of the spot, or show that the spots aren’t being used at all, we can argue to have the signs removed.

I hope everyone is staying warm and dry. See you all at the next meeting on February 5.

February BSCL Meeting

CLASSIFIEDS

Misc. for Sale: Several computers, various models for parts $10 each. Apollo Color Printer, almost new (made by HP) $35. Home decor items, prize winning & other hand crafted ceramics -reasonable; stop by and browse. Several men's & women's bikes. 1983 Volvo with approx $3,000+ worth of work in it. Great tires, new battery. Needs minor work. 28 miles per gallon around town and no emission inspection required. $1,500. Small snow blower. Hardly used. Frozen pull starter. Free! Bill 815 S. Wakefield St. tel: (703) 979-1166.

Two young Barcroft talents, Sydney Boll, Age 7, and Josie Twomey, Age 8, both 1st street residents, have requested that their latest artistic endeavors be included in the newsletter…. Is there other young talent out that that would like to be showcased?

Bus Changes Draw Complaints

Bruce was a veteran ride of the 16X bus, which was discontinued in the fall. The bus circulated through Barcroft, traveled east on Columbia Pike and terminated at the Pentagon. It has been replaced by ART bus 41, which goes through Barcroft but winds up at Clarendon.

During the January BSCL meeting, Bruce told county transit coordinator Jim Hamre the 41 hasn’t been dependable. Nor is it efficient to wait and transfer to another bus on Columbia Pike, either going to work or coming home. So he often walks to the Pike. Other former X-ers have started driving, he says.

The county has acknowledged things aren’t working the way they wanted in Barcroft. But the solution isn’t clear. Moreover, the 41 does provide a good rush-hour connection to the Metro corridor, which was lacking. It carried 662 riders in November on its Dinwiddie-to-Court House run.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hamre says overall Pike ridership is up after a number of changes on various 16 busses were made. And ridership on 16Y, which starts at the Goodwill on Columbia Pike and ends at McPherson Square, has almost doubled since last year.

Mr. Hamre had no on-time statistics for the 16Y, which can get stuck in rush-hour traffic. But he said some changes have been made to avoid tie-ups. You can contact Jim Hamre at 703-228-3698, or at jhamre@co.arlington.va.us. Lots of information about changes in bus service on the Pike is available at http://www.commuterpage.com/PikeRide/

The Scoop on Ongoing Tree Removal/Pruning

Clear Cutting on the W&OD

The W&OD Trail was hit with the "perfect storm" of tree trimming in December, as power company crews clear-cut woods, bush-hogged shrubs and hacked off limbs to protect the high power line. W&OD Chief Paul McCray explained what happened.

First, McCray says that Virginia Power had let some areas grow for 18 years without much cutting. Next, Hurricane Isabelle scared them into correcting that, especially after two trees fell and leaned on the lines in Falls Church, getting energized by the high-voltage lines in the process. Finally, crews also attacked invasive plants for the county, leveling Porcelain berry, bamboo, and Tree of Heaven.

The crews clearly went too far. Among their victims were two dogwoods that had been marked for preservation. Trucks also left deep ruts in the wet ground.

But McCray says Virginia Power will replant about 200 trees – small species that will never reach the lines -- and fix the ruts. Trees will be planted by spring.

After meeting with Arlington County officials, Virginia Power has agreed to scale back their trimming. But for our neck of the woods, it’s too late. We’ll just have to wait for those new little trees to grow up.

If you’d like more information or want to offer comments, contact 703-729-0596 or at wodtrail@erols.com

The County Responds

This year for the first time, Dominion Power is providing Arlington County with a replacement tree for each tree that is removed. The replacement trees are desirable species that are allowed within the right-of-way under wires, and are funded solely by Virginia Dominion Power.

Staff has worked closely with a Dominion Power forester to ensure that the proposed tree maintenance was acceptable.  Staff reviewed each section of the trail with the tree maintenance contractor and Dominion Power forester to discuss the proposed level of pruning and removals.

In the Glen Carlyn Park section of the right-of-way, two dogwood trees were inadvertently damaged.  One of these trees to the extent that removal was warranted.  Dominion Power reported this damage and will replace this tree.

Many of the trees being removed are considered undesirable species under high voltage wires and are not allowed within the right-of-way. Other trees that appear to be outside the right-of-way have been evaluated by both the Dominion Power forester and Arlington County's urban forester to determine if they are a hazard to the wires.  If any of these trees are deemed to be hazardous, Arlington County has asked Dominion Power to remove them as part of the program and then plant a replacement.  The types of trees being removed are trees that will interfere with the transmission lines if allowed to grow under these lines.  The majority of trees removed are ailanthus and sassafras trees. When appropriate, tree stubs are left for wildlife habitat.

The equipment used by Dominion Power's contractor does on occasion cause damage to Park grounds, especially ruts in the ground caused by tires.  It is a requirement of Dominion Power that this damage be repaired.  The method of operation has been for the contractor to finish a section of the trail and to repair all damage at one time for that section.  Dominion Power will be held to this requirement for the duration of the project.

Arlington County staff does monitor the contractor 2-3 times a week, to verify that County's expectations of the limits of maintenance are being met.  Staff are going out this week to review the recent work that was done and make sure it's in line with what VA Power said they would do.

The first 50 replacement trees will be installed the week of December 22nd in the right-of-way from East Falls Church Park to Bon Air Park. The remaining parts of the trail will receive replacement trees in the spring of 2004.

If you have any other questions about it, let me know, or you can contact Jamie Bartalon with the Parks dept at 703-228-7747 or jbarta@co.arlington.va.us.

Why is it Called Four Mile Run?

In the old usage, the term "creek" was applied to the stream where it entered a larger body of water such as a river. Thus on the old maps we find "Four Mile Creek" near the Potomac, and "the Run of Four Mile Creek" further inland. Nowadays, the stream for its whole length is known as Four Mile Run.

From "Why Do We Call It . . . ?" published by the Arlington Historical Society, 1960.

Ready to Shovel?

You can be part of Barcroft's Snow Brigade, clearing essential walkways to bus stops, the Community House, Barcroft School and other pedestrian destinations within the neighborhood.

We have a County snowblower just for Barcroft. On Saturday morning, Jan. 10, the County will be training snowblower operators. The training session will be at 8:30 a.m. at the home of Rob Swennes -- 6101 N. 22nd Street, in Leeway neighborhood near Washington Boulevard. Training should take no more than half an hour. All are welcome. To car pool with Randy Swart call 703-521-2080 or send me an email to randy@BSCL.org

Barcroft Community Coffeehouse

Space is limited, so reserve today at (703) 486-0457 or via email at communitycoffeehouse@covad.net.

This is the second show in the new "Barcroft Community Coffeehouse" series of musical events at our community house. The coffeehouse, run by Danny and Beth Malks, will bring an eclectic variety of talented musicians to the community house throughout the year. This past November, 2003, award-winning folksinger/storyteller David Massengill performed to an enthusiastic crowd. Looking to the future, on May 7th, 2004 we'll host acoustic/Celtic sensations Al Petteway & Amy White. The coffeehouse offers a unique opportunity to see tremendous artists perform right in our own neighborhood, to meet new friends and enjoy a night out (but not too far out).

Please check the coffeehouse website for the latest performance information and reservation details: http://www.communitycoffeehouse.org.

Arlington Marathon

The spectator-friendly race showcases the best of Arlington, its neighborhoods and parks, without obstructing motor vehicle traffic. 

Besides the marathon, Washington-Lee High School track hosts American Cancer Society's 18-hour Relay for Life from 12 noon, May 1, to 6 am, May 2.  At 6:30 am, May 2, we have a ceremonial passing of the torch from the Relay to the Marathon.  Marathoners start arriving around 7 am, with a warm-up at 7:30 am before the 8:00 am start. Once the marathon goes off, we host a 5K (3.1-mile) race on track or trail at 8:15 am, followed by a track meet for youth, open, senior, and Special Olympic athletes.  Marathoners finish at W-L starting at about 10:30 am until about 1:30 pm.

The marathon Arlington is Sports Illustrated's Sportstown USA for Virginia, and running is Arlington's major league sport. The County hosts two of the world's largest races, Army Ten Miler and Marine Corps Marathon, but both are widely associated with Washington D.C. rather than Arlington. 

We invite civic associations to provide Neighborhood Spirit Stations with a folding table, five gallons of water and 250 paper cups.  A Spirit Station can also include aardvarks, apples, balloons, bananas, baton twirlers, colored lights, costumes, music, oranges, signs, streamers, and zebras.  We encourage creativity!  After the race, marathoners vote for their favorite Spirit Station.  We present an award at CivFed Tuesday, May 4, to the top-rated neighborhood.

Citizens who want to run, help, or ask questions can call 703-218-2726, write racedirector@att.net or go to www.pvtc.org/marathon.html.

Future of 701 Wakefield Up for Discussion

Webb said the owner doesn’t plan to tear down the existing brick house, which the county’s historic survey says was built between 1915-30. "This substantial brick house is a good example of the Bungalow/Craftsman style rendered in a four-square form," the survey says. "It is one of only a few such ‘four-square’ form dwellings erected in Barcroft during the early 20th century."

Webb, who is not the owner, says he loves the house - but the bathrooms have to go.

Come Play With Us!

BSCL Membership News

Dues are only $3 per adult. A membership form is available on the Barcroft web page (www.bscl.org). Or you can get one from Peg Lefebvre 703-521-0184.

If you haven't renewed your membership, are new to the neighborhood, or just haven't joined yet, we’d like to have your support too!

Not sure you renewed? Check the current membership list for your name!

Announcements

Saturday, February 28th, 10AM: Join the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) and the Arlington Forest Citizens Association as we remove English Ivy and other invasive plants at Lubber Run Park. Participants should bring clippers and other hand tools if they have them. Gloves will be provided. The event starts at 10 AM and participants are asked to come help for an hour or two (or more), although we won't be staying past 1 PM. We will meet at the Lubber Run Amphitheater, North Columbus St. and North 2nd St. A $10 donation is appreciated. Refreshments will be provided! For more information or to RSVP contact Kelley Elliott, Adventures in Conservation Coordinator, NVCT at information@nvct.org or call 703-354-5093.


New Year’s Resolution to Get Moving?

Let WALKArlington.com Show You How: Arlington County’s WALKArlington program has launched a new website, www.WALKArlington.com, designed to get more people walking more often, especially around Arlington. WALKArlington responds to the growing interest among residents, workers and visitors to make walking a more viable option for short trips around Arlington. The web site features a mix of serious and fun information including:

• "Walkabouts" - guided walks around Arlington hosted by familiar faces who live and work in Arlington;

• Links to County maps including hike/bike trails;

• Information about and maps showing the safest routes to schools;

• Listings of area walking events;

• Walking clubs in Arlington - plus a way to list existing clubs or start one

• A "HELP" directory for pedestrians - including how to get sidewalks installed;

• An up-to-date list of all sidewalk closures—especially useful for people with disabilities

• The secret to decoding Arlington’s street naming system.

The County has begun its 2004 CERT training for residents.  This entails 20 hours spread over 6 weeks and 8 classes (six weeknights, two Saturdays) and includes medical operations, search and rescue, fire suppression, weapons of mass destruction and general disaster preparedness.  Neighborhoods were clustered for the first round of training (at least ten people from each cluster).  We now have at least one person trained in MOST neighborhoods and have a few VERY strong teams but need to bolster other teams.

There are openings in two of the winter-spring sessions -- one beginning on February 10 and one beginning on February 19th .  Those who complete all eight classes -- and become certified -- are entitled to grant-funded training in CPR, First Aid and AEDs through an agreement with the Arlington Red Cross.  Some physical strength is necessary but we've trained able-bodied individuals well into their 70's!

Weeknight classes run from 7 to 9:45; all Saturdays from 10 a.m. until completion.  All classes are at the Fire Training Academy, 2800 S. Taylor Street in Shirlington.

Captain Carl Lindgren of the Office of Emergency Management coordinates the training, which is provided by fire fighters and EMTs. This is a great example of a citizen-government partnership working toward a common goal.  To register for the class, go to the County Web Site (www.co.arlington.va.us); click on "E Prep" and follow the prompts to CERT.


Keeping the County Informed

The County REALLY wants as many people as possible signed up for ArlingtonAlert -- the text messaging warning system for county-wide use. To sign up, at NO COST, go to www.arlingtonalert.com . Alerts available in Spanish, too.

The way it works is that the Director of Emergency Management, in the event of an emergency, can quickly send a message to all computers, cell phones that receive text messaging, PDAs, blackberries and pagers.  The message briefly relates what the problem might be. A word of caution: the "free" part is dependent upon your service provider for cell phones.  Some do have charges for text messages received. Having said that, this service came in VERY handy during Isabel when power was out.  When you sign up, you set your own profile as to the types of alerts you want -- such as only emergency/disasters, crime warnings, traffic snarls, etc. 

Please consider it.  We only have about 4% of Arlingtonians enrolled right now, and if trouble comes, we will have major difficulties on our hands.


Arlington County Volunteer Opportunities 2004:

Volunteer Opportunities are now listed on the County website in pdf files or from Volunteer@co.arlington.va.us. The Arlington County Volunteer Office's listings of volunteer opportunities are posted at www.co.arlington.va.us/dhs/volunteer/pdf/spot-new.pdf. For more info, contact Arlington County Volunteer Office, 3033 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700A, (703) 228-1760


The Columbia Pike Festival season will soon be upon us.

This year we'll be hosting:

• Ninth Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival

• The Inaugural Columbia Pike Summer Nights Series (June 19, July 17 and August 21 concerts at Pike Park)

• Second Annual Columbia Pike International Music and Arts Festival

These wonderful events enliven the community through their family friendly approach. And, in order to ensure their continued success we need help from the community. CPRO is working hard to raise the funds that keep these events free to the community. Now, we need folks on our Festival Committee to help put the events together. I know we've asked before but we still need folks to help out. Many hands make light work and we're trying to lighten the load for everyone that volunteers. Contact the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) at 2611 Columbia Pike, 703-892-2776 for more info.


Singing Valentines

Treat someone special to a serenade of two love songs, a one pound box of chocolates, and a lovely card delivered by a women's quartet from Potomac Harmony Chorus, the 2002 Blue Ridge Regional Champions of Sweet Adelines International. Barcrofter Janeen Latini could be one of the singers! You may have this "Singing Valentine" delivered to your home, office, or restaurant for $50, or by phone for $20 for the 2 love songs only. Delivery is available Feb 13 or 14 anywhere in the Washington DC metropolitan area. To order or for more information call 703-764-3896, email potomacharmony@yahoo.com, or visit www.potomacharmony.org. Orders will be accepted through Feb 6th.

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Schedule of Events

Please check our calendar page on the Web for updates.

Submissions to the Barcroft News

If you are interested in ad space, contact our ad manager Jim Kerr at Jim@bscl.org

Check out our Barcroft Website for the latest news! www.bscl.org

All Barcroft News phone numbers are area code 703 unless indicated.

Barcroft News Staff

Editor - Christina Cavoli, 703-271-0631 editor@BSCL.org
Publisher/Mailing - Susan Hunn, 703-892-6179 auntsuebh@aol.com
Contributions - Mark Wigfield, 703-979-0339 mark@BSCL.org
Advertising Manager - Jim Kerr, 703-892-6458 jim@BSCL.org
Neighborhood News - Could be you!

BSCL Officers for 2002-2003

President - - Eric Harold - 703-486-0879, eric@BSCL.org
Vice President - - Annette Osso - 703-553-3953, annette@BSCL.org
Recording Secretary -- Eric Parker - 703-486-3649, ericP@BSCL.org
Treasurer - - Gary LeFebvre - 703-521-0184 gary@BSCL.org
Corresponding Secretary -- Sue Tennenbaum
Membership Secretary -- Peg LeFebvre - 703-521-0184 peg@BSCL.org

Board Members

Jim Kerr jim@BSCL.org
David Michaelson david@BSCL.org
Mike Behringer
Shirley Gay

Facility Managers - Steve Reiss, 703-553-0909 and Lori Fitchett 703-979-3920 email: rentals@BSCL.org
Restoration - David Michaelson david@BSCL.org
Fundraising - JoAnne Barnhart, 703-920-0821
Landscaping - Scott Brinitzer, 703-892-0308 scott@BSCL.org

Arlington Mill Community Center -- Bill Lykes, 703-892-4422
Columbia Pike - Bryant Monroe, 703-271-0944 - bryant@BSCL.org
Crime - vacant
Demeter House Liaison Committee - Darlene Mickey
Parade -- Andrew Hunter, 703-979-8247
Parking -- Tom Palance - tom@BSCL.org
Parks -- Shelley Fichtner, 703-486-0856 shelley@BSCL.org
Traffic - Elaine Squeri 703-920-7014, elaine@BSCL.org
Volunteers - Scott Royal 703-553-0909 volunteers@BSCL.org
Webmaster - Randy Swart 703-521-2080 randy@BSCL.org

Here is our original, Volume 1, the 1903 Barcroft News.

The paper version of the Barcroft News is printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based ink by the Stanley Adams Printing Company. This Web page uses recycled bits and bytes, and it is not absolutely identical to the paper one.

Barcroft School and Civic League
800 South Buchanan Street
Arlington, VA 22204

Neighborline: (24 hr. announcements, Community House rentals) 703-521-1116
Email: info@bscl.org
Web: www.bscl.org

This page was revised on: July 29, 2006.