The Barcroft News
March 2006 - Volume 103, Issue 7
President's Report
by Pat Williamson
Welcome Springtime with Barcroft neighbors at 7:30 pm on March 2 at the regular monthly meeting of BSCL at the Community House, 800 S. Buchanan Street. Naturalist Greg Zell will provide a presentation about the Natural Resource Inventory Project that was begun in 2005. Greg takes care of our fabulous Sparrows' Pond and the Long Branch Nature Center.
The annual spaghetti dinner was a wonderful success. Thanks to the Harold family for taking the lead in continuing this Barcroft tradition and the leagues of volunteers who chopped and cooked and cleaned. A special thanks to the marvelous SpaghettiTones who provided delightful music. AND IT MADE MONEY!! !! Proceeds went into the Community House Restoration Fund.
Randy Swart is leading the charge to get our Neighborhood Conservation Plan updated. Given the great turnout he got for the February meeting on this topic and the number of folks who have volunteered for many different jobs, we are well on our way. Update will be provided at the March 2 meeting.
Letters were issued to the County Board and School Board reflecting the resolution approved at the February 2 meeting . Those present voted to let the County know that the REEP program was important to our community and should be continued at the newly developed Arlington Mill Community Center.
Heidi Wicker, ace Recording Secretary, is turning the meeting minutes around fast and Randy is posting them on the www.bscl.org site as soon as she sends them out. If you miss a meeting, read the through the minutes. It's the next best thing to being there!
Neighborhood Conservation Plan Advances
Thirty of your neighbors showed up at our February meeting and signed up to help update our Neighborhood Conservation Plan!
The committees can all use more members, and we need block captains to distribute and collect the questionnaires.
Check the BSCL web site for committee contacts or call Randy Swart at 703-521-2080 for a copy of the list You can also volunteer as a block captain with an email to randy@BSCL.org.
Spring Cleaning For Four Mile Run
Between February I and March 30, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria will be removing extensive sediment deposits and vegetation from the Four Mile Run flood channel. This maintenance work helps to ensure flood protection for residents and businesses along lower Four Mile Run.
The Army Corps of Engineers, following several devastating floods in the Arlandria area, built the Four Mile Run flood channel in the 1 970's. The flood channel was designed to be a certain width and depth to can y the flow of Four Mile Run during major rain events. Over time, sand and gravel builds up in the channel, and plants begin to grow on the sandbars, lowering the capacity of ? ~?
The sandbars and plants reduce the amount of space m the channel for floodwaters, and could cause flooding in the event of a large rain event. Periodically, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria must remove the sandbars and vegetation from the channel. The flood channel extends from 1?395 to the mouth of Four Mile Run, where it joins the Potomac River.
During February and March, residents will see crews and construction equipment working in or near Four Mile Run, removing sand and gravel deposits, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that is growing in the channel The sediment and plant material may be temporarily stockpiled in locations adjacent to the stream before it is loaded onto trucks for recycling or disposal. Vegetation material will be recycled. It will be ground into wood or leaf mulch at the Arlington County Earth Products Yard.
Arlington County and the City of Alexandria are working to limit the need for such maintenance in the future. The County and the City are working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission on the Four Mile Run Restoration Master Plan, which has been developed through an extensive public process over the past two years. A central component of the master plan is the restoration of the natural stream processes within the flood channel corridor, while also maintaining flood protection. The design for the restored stream will reduce sediment deposition within the corridor and also include vegetation appropriate for flood control channel. The Arlington County Board and the Alexandria City Council will consider the Final Draft Restoration Master Plan in March.
Traffic Calming Coming
"There's a Meeting Here Tonight"
Barcroft's Taylor Street, from Columbia Pike to 4th Street, has finally made the top of the list for the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program's 11th Cycle of projects.
The scores of the five streets in Arlington to be addressed during this cycle range from 56 to 67; Taylor s score is 6 I with its 85th percentile speed of 33 mph and 721 vehicles per day. Letters of announcement will be going out in February.
An original a cappella, four-part harmony presentation of the Arlington Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, will be performed Saturday March 18, (2:15 and 8:1 5 PM) at the TJ Community Theatre. The Arlingtones Barbershop Chorus, Chapter Quartets and Colombia Pike Community Chorus will perform. Razzmatazz, noted for their Spontaneous energy and unique style, is the featured guest quartet. $12 adults/$10 seniors Contact: 703-521-9331 or bsbass@aol.com.
Diabetes Ski Walk/Run at Barcroft
Barcroft Elementary Will Sponsor a Neighborhood 5 K Diabetes Walkathon on March 11th
Did you know that type 2 diabetes is on the rise among children in the U.S.? Diet, obesity, and genetics are all contributing factors. Barcroft School's PTA, in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association, wishes to raise money and awareness by holding its first SK walkathon.
Come and register! Everyone is welcome to walk. Warm?up drills, lead by Denise Brown, Barcroft's own dedicated PE teacher, will begin at 8:30 am at the school (625 S. Wakefield St) followed by the 8 K walk/run beginning at 9:00 am until 12:00 noon. Join in at any time before noon. All proceeds will go to the American Diabetes Association. There will be diabetes information, healthy food demonstrations, and free screenings available on site. For registration or further information, please contact Stephanie Jones at 703?920?2116 or Margie Farrar?Simpson at Kenmarsim@aol.com.
Neighborhood School News
Barcroft Elementary School
On Feb. 1, the Barcroft SCA kicked off the new year with its annual Cuddle-Up-and-Read-in-Your-Favorite-Pajamas Day. Students and staff were encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas. The students and staff also brought in their favorite stuffed friends to read with them. Each class set aside 30 minutes of quiet reading time.
Kenmore Middle School
Fifty-seven Kenmore students in Nancy Tiernan and Mary Stump's sixth grade classes have been published in the anthology, "A Celebration of Young Poets." Kenmore also received the Poetic Achievement Award, given to schools whose students' entries to the poetry contest were of exceptionally high merit.
Wakefield High School
Congratulations to Chris Gillespie and the Wakefield High School's Theatre Arts Department. Both have been recognized recently for their excellent work.
The Theatre Arts Department won 2'4 place at the VSCHL one act play festival on January 26 for the play On The Verge by Eric Overmeyer. Student Joseph Firman was named the best actor.
Wakefield drama teacher Chris Gillespie has been nominated as Outstanding Lead Actor by the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors awards committee. Gillespie was nominated for hit performance as Sylvia St. Croix in the Dominion Stage production of "Ruthless."
In our Beautiful Stream
Stream Clean Up
Saturday, March 11 9:00am-Noon The Arlington County Park Rangers are calling all volunteers to help clean up Arlington streams. You are invited to join us at designated sites in Bon Air, Bluemont, Glencarlyn, Barcroft and Shirlington Parks to help clean up along Four Mile Ron. Volunteers should wear waterproof boots and bring work gloves. An adult must accompany children under 16 years of age. This activity is not recommended for children under six years of age. In the event of inclement weather call 703-228-4400 for cancellation announcement For more information, directions to meeting sites, or to register call 703-525-0168.
Trout Fishing in Bonair Park
Saturday, March 18
9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.: "Kid's (15 and under) only'
after 1:00 p.m: open to everyone!
Rainbow Trout will be stocked in Four Mile Run Stream in Bon Air Park. You bring the bait and pole well supply the fish. Parents who could use a little help in getting their kids started should report to the tent located near the rose garden where volunteers from Trout Unlimited will help you string your line or bait your hook. After 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, adults may fish Bon Air until a half hour after sunset. On Sunday and thereafter, fishing is allowed daily from sun up to a half hour after sunset, until all the fish are gone.
Recipe Corner
Easy Refrittos from Moosewood Cooks at Home Submitted By: Addison Lightfeather
2/3 cups onion 2 cloves garlic (minced) I '/, tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons ground cumin i/, cup diced green or red peppers 2 cups black beans (16 ounce can)
In a heavy skillet, sauté the onions and garlic in oil on medium heat for 3 or 4 minutes. Add cumin and peppers. Continue to sauté for S minutes. Drain beans and reserve liquid. Add beans to the skillet stirring until beans are hot. Remove from heat. Using a potato masher thoroughly mash the beans and add some of the bean liquid for consistency.
This recipe is great as a burrito filler. We had it last night with sour cream, salsa, cheese and avocado in a tasty wheat shell, lightly browned in oil.
Volunteer Opportunity
Arlington County Seeks Auxiliary Police
Last summer, Arlington County expanded its auxiliary police program to provide 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, pass an extensive background check and polygraph, and meet certain physical standards.
This is your chance to enhance the quality of life m northern VA, and to help other cyclists, while staying in shape and making new friends.
Contact PTL Eric Bonetti - ejbonetti@gmail.com
Local Events
Women's History Month In celebration of Women's History Month, the Arlington Historical Society at its Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 pm is featuring Susan Anthony speaking on "Planning the Mid-19th Century American Wedding."
Susan will talk about the wedding of Robert E. Lee and Mary Anne Randolph Custis at Arlington House. It will be held in the auditorium at Arlington Central Library, 1015 No. Quincy Street. This is co-sponsored by the Virginia Room of the library. For info: 703-536-8270
Arlington Artists Alliance Artfest
Friday, March 31 through Friday, April 7
The Arlington Artist Alliance presents a week full of art at Fort C.F. Smith Park & Historic Site. In conjunction with a multi?media art show and sale in the Hendry House, there will be ongoing free demonstrations and artist's talks. There will also be workshops with some of Arlington's most prominent artists and teachers!
For more information contact Beth Hudgins at 703-532-450 or Fort C.F. Smith Park & Historic site at 703-243-7329.
Support High School Seniors at Wakefield
The Wakefield High School PTA is sponsoring its annual drug/alcohol free graduation party again this year. The 2006 graduates will be treated to a 3 hour boat ride aboard the Spirit of Washington following graduation. A breakfast will cap off the evening upon their return to school.
We are hoping that members of our greater community will join our efforts to provide a safe evening for our children as they celebrate their graduation. If you would like to give a monetary donation or offer a business donation please send it to Wakefield High School, 4901 S. Chesterfield Rd. Arlington, VA 22206. Please address it attention: Senior Cruise.
For further information about how you might help support this effort contact Karen Rogers at 703-920-1845 or karogers@verizon.net
Green Home Remodeling
Free workshop on Saturday, March 11th
9:30 am to 12:30 pm (homeowners) 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm (contractors) Arlington County Board Room, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
Join national green building expert David Johnston for a practical half-day workshop on renovating and remodeling your home in an environmentally friendly manner. See how even small changes can make a difference to the planet, your family and your wallet and what steps can get you there. A special afternoon session with how-to application information will be held for contractors taking small steps or big leaps into the business of green remodeling. Recommended reading: Green Remodeling: Changing the World One Room at a Time, by David Johnston and Kim Master.
RSVP and questions: contact Stella Tarnay at 703-228-4792 or starnay@arlingtonva.us.
Looking Forward to an EGG HUNT
A big bunny will be visiting Barcroft again,
this year, in mid-April. Don't miss him/her.
Saturday, APRIL 15
10 AM SHARP
Rain or Shine...
Join your neighbors. Bring your baskets.
Photograph the spring flowers in the garden.
Barcroft has one fast bunny.
Be there on time or miss the hunt completely.
Celebrate Dr. Seuss at the Barcroft Book Exchange
A note from:
Carol Hunter
Barcroft PTA President
Hi neighbors and friends,
Thanks to everyone who contributed to Barcroft Elementary Rummage Sale last week. We made almost $1,200 for the students at Barcroft! We can always count on or communities to be supportive of Arlington students!
Here is another opportunity for clearing out your bookshelves. Barcroft PTA is sponsoring our 3 annual Book Exchange and Coffee/Cocoa-house on Thursday, Mar. 2, which is Dr. Seuss's birthday! We will have a storyteller in our "cafe", and children will be able to bring in their own children's books and choose more to take home. We could use additional donations of children's books to give us something to start with.
We especially could use the upper-level books appropriate for 4-7th grade reading levels for our upper grade students, but will take any type of children's book. All books left over will be offered to the library and teachers to use throughout the school, and to the students not able to attend the book exchange.
Our PTA enjoys hosting this event for our school and community. Anyone who would like to attend is most welcome! The hours of the book exchange will be 7-9 pm - feel free to come and go at your convenience. Cookies, coffee, tea and hot cocoa will be served. This is especially a great event for families of pre-schoolers to attend, since there are always plenty of pre?school level books available and you have an opportunity to meet the parents and staff of our wonderful school in your community If you haven't had a chance to visit Barcroft, this would be a great way to familiarize yourself with the school.
If you would like to donate books ahead of time please bring them to the school office between 8am 4:30pm on school days at 625 S. Wakefield Street in the Barcroft neighborhood.
Thanks again for all your support!
Schedule of Events
Please check our calendar page on the Web for updates.
Submissions to the Barcroft News
Have anything to contribute to the Barcroft News? All submissions are due by the 15th of each month. Contact Annie Harold at 703-486-0879 or editor@bscl.org.
If you are interested in ad space, contact our ad manager Jim Kerr at Jim@bscl.org or 703-892-6458
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 - Annie Harold, 703-486-0879
editor@BSCL.org
Publisher/Distribution Manager - Noreen Atkinson, 703-979-4868
Contributions - Mark Wigfield, 703-979-0339 mark@BSCL.org
Advertising Manager - Jim Kerr, 703-892-6458 jim@BSCL.org
Neighborhood News - vacant!
Deadlines: 10th (ads) or 15th (editorial material) day of the month preceding the issue month.
BSCL Officers for 2005-2006
President - - Pat Williamson - 703-885-8514, pwilliamson@weta.org
Vice President - - Scott Wohlander, 746-0662
scott_wohlander@yahoo.com
Recording Secretary -- Heidi Wicker, heidi@bscl.org
Treasurer - - Gary LeFebvre - 703-521-0184
gary@BSCL.org
Corresponding Secretary -- Vacant!!
Membership Secretary -- Peg LeFebvre - 703-521-0184 peg@BSCL.org
Board Members
Community House
Committees
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 -- Vacant!!
Parks -- Shelley Fichtner, 703-486-0856 shelley@BSCL.org
Traffic - Elaine Squeri 703-920-7014, elaine@BSCL.org
Volunteers - Vacant!!
Webmaster - Randy Swart 703-521-2080 randy@BSCL.org
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: April 18, 2006.
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