The Barcroft News
November, 1998 - Volume 96, Number 3
November Meeting: For Peace’s Sake, Slow Down!
During 1997, Barcroft conducted a survey of residents about traffic through the neighborhood.
The majority of respondents cited speeding as the priority problem. The streets mentioned were
Pershing and Buchanan, Abingdon, Wakefield, Taylor, 4th Street and 6th Street. On November 5 the
BSCL will hold a working meeting to discuss traffic calming measures.
In preparation for this meeting, the Traffic Committee has for months researched what other
communities have found successful, what the requirements are, and what is involved technically.
On September 21, it met with Jeff Sikes at the County Traffic Planning office to preview six
measures the Committee selected as possibilities to slow traffic in Barcroft. It appears that
the most practical way to reduce speed would be humps and perhaps nubs. Of course, before
considering any measures in any neighborhood, the County needs to determine that there is
statistically the problem with speed that was observed by the residents. Data collection
mechanisms recently purchased in Australia were put in place at our request and the following
information was gathered on September 28: the number of vehicles passing on various neighborhood
streets, their speed, and type of vehicle: car, van, truck, and other information. This data
should be analyzed and ready for our November 5 meeting. In addition, we ask Barcrofters to
visit two places to see humps and nubs. Humps are now in place on N. 26th Street between Harrison
Street and George Mason Drive. Nubs are located on South 2nd Street east from Fillmore and on
Pershing Drive between Glebe Road and Washington Blvd. It is strongly suggested that residents
visit these sites during the coming week prior to the BSCL meeting. Attend the November 5
meeting if you have questions or concerns about traffic in our neighborhood.
October Meeting Report: Arlington Parks
Arlington County parks designer Chris Munson, who has labored patiently to put the Arlington
Hall park together to suit our neighborhood, appeared at the October BCSL meeting. He
presented the playground equipment that is the last design question, and received
enthusiastic approval. The color choice (bright vs. muted) is still to be made by the
group of neighbors he has been working with. Many adults present were thinking muted,
but a child in the audience saw the colorful photos and reacted with such spontaneous
joy that we began to reconsider. Chris Munson is the most competent and neighborhood
sensitive County official we have had the pleasure of working with in recent years.
Steve Coffee of Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment presented their concept for
interpretive displays on Chesapeake Bay conservation at our park on Columbia Pike and
Four Mile Run. ACE has limited funds for the displays, but not for general park improvements.
The Barcrofters present approved the theme and voted to apply for Neighborhood Conservation
funds to grade and landscape the park. TJ Murphy of 7th Street (486 1734) has taken on the
task of working with ACE on this project, and David Michaelson has applied to NCAC for the
funding and for design help. After police appeals for pruning of brush at the park, Barcrofters
began a cleanup there in early October. The County responded and finished the job, reducing
recent problems with vagrants whose trash, feces and drunken presence were denying the park
to community use.
Henderson Road and Route 50: Too Close to Home!
The most important traffic issue this month is unhappy news: one of our own neighbors died
earlier this year after an accident on Route 50 and Henderson Road.
A Barcrofter of 30 years, CDR Bernard (Bert) M. Kassell, USN (Ret.) was broadsided as he was
driving across Arlington Boulevard. The truck driver that hit him was later convicted of
speeding and running the red light. This driver not only struck Mr. Kassell but careened
and then hit a second car at the intersection. On March 11, the Commander passed away, after
a month’s hospitalization. Ironically, Commander Kassell had taken the time last October
to type a thoughtful response to the Traffic Survey. He also used to warn his wife never
to venture on to Route 50 at the change of light until she saw that traffic had stopped.
We are very sorry that he died in such circumstances.
CDR Kassell’s death is not the only one which has occurred this year in the immediate areas as the result of a failure to obey a red light on
Route 50. In June a woman was killed at the intersection of Manchester Street and Route 50
when an individual ran a red light on route 50.
These wrecks should make us angry about all carelessness -- including our own -- on the road and
leave us impatient with traffic committees, traffic engineering, etc. So...what can be done? As
frustrating as it is, it is back to the committee, traffic planning, and step by step efforts to
demand responsible driving.
There are three initiatives being taken regarding speeding and traffic lights. The committee has
submitted to the BSCL a letter to the Virginia Department of Transportation requesting signs east
and west of that intersection to alert drivers that a traffic light is immediately ahead. In
Arlington, off duty officers may sign on to various sites for the same purpose; we will have
Officer Thomasson covering Henderson and Route 50 the month of October.
Around the Neighborhood
with Kathy Kerr
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bert Kassell on 9th St. S. who passed
away March 11, 1998. On February 12 he was crossing Route 50 from Henderson Rd. when his
car was struck by a red light runner Bert was 85 years old and was incredibly fit and active.
Having never lost the discipline of being in the army, he took care of himself. As a senior
competitive swimmer he swam 3 4 times a week and always participated in the Northern Virginia
Senior Olympics, bringing home gold and silver medals. (He was interviewed for a story in the
Barcroft News a few years ago about his swimming successes.)
Together with his wife, Ann, Bert ran his own business translating documents for the government
from Russian into English or French. He only recently retired. Ann, who was the bookkeeper,
describes him as a brilliant man. He was also a volunteer docent at the Museum of Natural
History for 14 years. An active Barcroft resident for 30 years, Bert helped get improved
lighting for 9th St. S.
Ann thanks her marvelous neighbors for their continuing support and assistance. Special
thanks to the Stern teens who put out her trash each week.
Crime Report
- September 24. 600 Block S.Wakefield. Televisions and VCR stolen from Barcroft Elementary School.
- September 28. 900 Block S. Buchanan. Car window smashed and items taken.
- September 29. 4400 Block Arlington Blvd. License plate stolen
- October 3. 900 Block S. Buchanan. Stabbing.
- October 4. 900 Block S. George Mason. Assault on male; car windows broken.
- October 9. 900 Block S. Wakefield. Four tires/rims stolen from car.
Sunny Neighborhood Day: Barcroft Celebrates!
On October 3rd Barcroft got in the spirit of Neighborhood Day in a big way. The Barcroft
Elementary PTA organized a school tour and potluck that featured some great food (who
made that mushroom quiche?) and fun with balloons and pictures with McGruff the Crime-Stopper
Dog. David Michaelson and the BSCL. provided the barbecued sausages--mmmmm.
In the afternoon the same balloons showed up attached to the Barcroft Imprecision Lawnmower
Drill Team, the hit of the County parade. This was the Imprecision unit, not the Precision
unit from 8th Road. The maneuvers were a little ragged, but they had great fun blowing their
whistles and chasing each other around the circle, and the drum major's gas-can bonnet and
chromed leaf rake mace were worth the trip. Participants were Phil Cackley, Karen Darner,
Bill and Nancy Huddleston, Jim Kerr, Elinor Schwartz and Randy Swart.
Annual Barcroft Fall Festival: Coming Soon!
On Saturday, November 14th, starting at 3 p.m. BSCL will hold it's Second Annual Fall Festival.
Some of the finest chefs in Barcroft will prepare roasted pork, barbecue chicken and hot dogs.
Beans, salads, soda and beer will also be included. The day will consist of music, children’s
games and face painting.
This is one in a series of fund raisers to benefit the renovation fund for the Community House.
Admission will be charged for food. To make this event a success we need your help with the
following:
- Food - Baked beans, Cole slaw, potato salad, green salad, macaroni salad, cakes, desserts
- Children's Games - 2 or 3 adults to help run and supervise
- Set Up - 6 adults and/or teenagers to help set up tables, chairs, set out food, decorate, put up signs.
- Clean Up - 6 adults and/or teenagers to help break down tables and chairs, clean up the yard, and bag the trash.
If you would like to join in on the fun and help make this Fall Festival a roaring success please call Tom Palance at 979 8366.
Come out to the Community House and Join Your Neighbors For Good Food and Good Fun.
Stay at Home Parents
Interested in getting together with other stay-at-home parents and children during the day for
play groups? Lisa Rom would like to organize a regular play group in the Barcroft Community
Center. Please call her at 486-2983 if you would like to participate or want additional
information.
Calendar
(Check our Calendar Page for late revisions!)
- November 2, Monday - Retirement Planning Seminar, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St.
- November 5, Thursday - BSCL Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Barcroft Community House, 800 S. Buchanan St. Discussion of Traffic Calming Measures
- November 14, Saturday - Barcroft Fall Festival, 3:00 p.m. Barcroft Community House, 800 S. Buchanan St. Call Tom Palance at 979-8366 to volunteer.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays - Hatha Yoga Classes, 6:30 p.m., Barcroft Community Center. For further information, call Ishwari at 703-998-0813.
Volunteer Personal Financial Counselors Needed
Help a fellow Northern Virginia identify goals,
organize financial records, develop a spending plan, or get debt under control. Virginia
Cooperative Extension provides training and manages the program. Training will be on Wednesday
evenings, January 6 through February 10, 1999, from 6:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. Call 228 6417 to
volunteer or for more information, contact:
Extension Agent
Management, Housing & Consumer Education Unit Coordinator
3308 South Stafford Street
Arlington, VA 22206-1904
703-228-6417 FAX 703-228-6407
npfaffli@vt.edu
Want to Dance, Eat Birthday Cake, or Toast the Wedding Couple?
You can do these things, and more, on a budget,
at the Barcroft Community House
- Large space, small rental fee;
- Sparkling new kitchen & restroom
Call Tom at 979-8366
Special Low Rates for BSCL Members!
Barcroft Exchange
FOR SALE: Simmons crib, white lacquer finish, meets all safety standards, mattress not included, $90. Graco Pak n Play portacrib, $35. REI Tough Traveler aluminum framed backpack for carrying baby and baby stuff, like new, $65. Call Eileen or Alan at 892-1090.
BABYSITTER Corey Hall, age 13, 521-4418, Red Cross Certified, price varies.
Barcroft News Staff
Editors Mark and Lisa Rom 486-2983
Publisher/Mailing Jane Duffy 892-6015
Advertising Mgr. We need your help!
Neighborhood News Kathy Kerr, 892-6458
Contributions Ed. More fun than flubber!
Deadlines:
1st (ads) or 10th (editorial material) day of the month
preceeding the issue month.
BSCL Officers for 1998-1999
President David Michaelson, 553-3953
Vice President Mark Wigfield, 979-0339
Recording Secretary. Vacant
Treasurer Gary Lefebvre, 521-0184
Corres. Secy. Bill Huddleston 920-2011
Membership Secy. Peg Lefebvre, 521-0184
Board Members Scott Brinitzer, Jim Kerr, Tom Palance, Randy Swart
Community House Facility Manager Tom Palance 979-8366
Restoration Jim Kerr, 892-6458
Fundraising Bill Huddleston 920-2011
Landscaping Scott Brinitzer, 892-0308
Crime Resistance Vacant: Help keep us safe!
Neighborhood Conservation David Michaelson, 553-3953
Signs Manager Jack Turner
Traffic Committee Elaine Squeri 920-7014
Parade Andrew Hunter 979-8247
The Barcroft News is printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based
ink by the Stanley Adams Printing Company. Our Web version uses recycled bits and bytes.
Membership Dues
September marked the beginning of a new membership year, and it is time to renew our Barcroft
School and Civic League memberships. Dues remain the same, still
$3 per adult ($6 per couple).
The BCSL offers events for our community throughout the year.
All work for these events is done by volunteer members. We encourage
you to become one of those people who help make things happen.
The membership form shows several areas where help is needed.
Some of the happenings have been around for a long time, while
others are new areas of interest. Hopefully there is one that
interests you.
Once again we ask for your continued support of the Barcroft Community
House Fund. Through your generosity, major portions of the restoration
have been completed. However, several significant tasks still
remain (e.g., roofing, flooring, the main hall, and landscaping
- which really needs to include a sprinkler system to survive).
Any contribution you can make will help to complete the total
effort and will, of course, be very much appreciated.
Please take a moment to fill out the membership form and mail
it to the Membership Secretary at her home address shown on the
form.
**********************************
Barcroft School and Civic League
800 South Buchanan Street
Arlington, VA 22204
Neighborline: (24 hr. announcements) 521-1116
Email: info@bscl.org
Web: www.bscl.org
This page was last revised on: September 15, 2000.
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