The Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee held their regular Thursday monthly meetings on February 9 and March 9, 2006 at 7:30 PM. After roll call and brief neighborhood reports, minutes for the previous meetings were approved by vote. New officers for 2006 conducted these meetings: Rob Swennes, Chairman; David Haring, Vice Chairman, and Chris Alvord, Deputy Vice Chairman. Committee reports were presented either orally or electronically. A fine presentation was given on the Historical Preservation Master Plan. It focused on what the County government and the private sector could do. Integration, cooperation, and preservation were key concepts.

Much time these past two meetings has been spent discussing the active projects in the stream resulting from NCAC work of initiating and funding the work proposed by the neighborhoods. Concerns center on project progress, cost estimates, cost overruns, and the selection of projects for funding. Cost overruns cut into funds planned for additional neighborhood work. Money has been set aside to cover excess costs. NCAC and Arlington County are working to control these problems.

Once a proposed project is selected for funding, it proceeds as an active project through five phases: 1. Project Definition, 2. Planning, 3. Design, 4. Implementation, and 5. Closeout. We now have 8 projects from the 2000 Bond, 31 projects from the 2002 Bond, 26 projects from the 2004 Bond for a total of 65 active projects. They are in various stages of the process, with the 2000 Bond projects in design or implementation. Some problems associated with the project work are: cost of paving, inflation, and neighborhood participation. The neighborhoods have requirements and obligations as projects proceed through the process. Unfortunately, the longer it takes to get a project done, the more expensive it is in the end. Suspending proposal of additional projects until the backlog clears somewhat has been discussed.

BVSCA has three curb, gutter, sidewalk, and grass area projects currently in the system.

An important component of the Neighborhood Conservation program is the Plan (and/or update) that guides work proposed by each neighborhood. New or updated neighborhood plans have been presented at recent NCAC meetings. In February we were treated to briefings on the civic association plans presented by the Highland Park, the Overlee Knolls and the Yorktown neighborhoods. A few months ago, the Columbia Heights Civic Association presented their plan. They are excellent presentations of neighborhood goals, and contain relevant photographs, charts, and demographic data. Histories include very interesting information from Virginia s colonial period, Civil War era, railroad development, and the emergence of the Arlington neighborhoods we see today. Everyone is welcome to view these planning worksheets, Neighborhood Plans, or other documents mentioned here relative to NCAC activities.

- by Dan Corts

Tired of trying to figure out what to have for dinner? Need some extra time for yourself and your family? These two working moms in Arlington felt the same way which is why they decided to open a DreamDinners right here in their own backyards! Sue Mayfield and Laura Lester both married, thirty-something and each a mother of 3 children decided it was time to "stop the madness" and "live the dream" of making life easier not just for themselves but for others in our Northern VA community. No longer are their evenings so stressful and soon yours won't be either. At DreamDinners, Sue and Laura are providing the place, the ingredients and the flexible time schedule to assemble 12 freezer ready meals for your family in just 2 hours! It's easy, just go on-line to www.dreamdinners.com, select Arlington as your store, pick your meals, schedule a time and show up. You assemble your meals how your family will enjoy them.

The two became friends as part of a nanny share when their two oldest children were just a year old and the friendship between the two families has grown from there. Not unlike so many people in this urban area, neither of them lives close to family. As a result, they have become each others extended family and best friends. With the help of their two supportive husbands they have taken on the task of starting their own business.

Sue Mayfield has enjoyed a 15 year career in the software development world, the most recent years in government contracting. Her family consists of husband Chris and three children Samantha age 7, Max age 4 and Luke age 13 months.

Laura Lester has prospered as an attorney for 9 years. Although she loves the work, it definitely takes a toll on spending quality time with her husband Mike and three daughters, Allison age 7, Olivia age 31/2 and Elizabeth age 5 months.

You can contact them at 703.243.7676 or arlingtonva@dreamdinners.com.

- by Denise Parks

Save the date and join the Key School Community on Saturday, May 6th, 2006 from 6pm to 10pm at National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) building in Ballston. This is an adults-only night of fun so bring yourself, your friends, your neighbors (and your wallet) and get ready to get a great deal on local services, restaurants, weekend getaways, theatre tickets, tickets to sporting events, and gifts. With donations from over 200 business you're sure to find a great buy on something you want or need. There will be both a live and a silent component to this auction.

Key school is a fully accredited public elementary school with an internationally recognized two-way Spanish Immersion Program. It is Arlington's largest elementary School with over 600 students. This is the Key PTA's largest fundraising event. In the past, funds raised from this event have been used to fund field trips, Homework Club, Spanish language materials, Spanish Chorus, and other enrichment opportunities. These funds have also allowed them to outfit classrooms with needed equipment, improve technology throughout the school and enhance teacher projects.

Please join us them Sat, May 6th whether to get into the bidding frenzy for a special item or just to hang out and have a good time. If you have any questions or would like to make a donation please contact Denise Parks, Key PTA Auction Chair at 703-527-1669 or KeyAuction06@yahoo.com.

- by Denise Parks

Arlington County's Dept of Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources, Parks and Natural Resources Division, is offering 1000 trees to be distributed among Arlington County's civic associations and other community groups for Neighborhood Day. Denise Parks will be the one coordinating the tree giveaway for BVSCA again this year. Two types of tree species are being offered sweet bay magnolia (magnolia Virginian), a medium-sized flowering tree, and chestnut oak, a large shade tree.

Trees given away are potted in one gallon containers and range in size from three to five feet. Planting instructions and on-going care and maintenance will be provided with each tree.

Please let Denise know by April 1st what type of tree you would like and how many. You can call her at 703-527-1669 or e-mail her dparks@covad.net. Please leave your name, phone number, address and the number and types of trees you are requesting. She will then forward BVSCA's total request to the County.  Trees provided to each association or group will be dependent on the total number of requests received. If requests exceed the 1000 trees, the type and number of trees for each organization will need to be adjusted. Organizations will be notified in early May of the final number and types of trees they will receive.

The trees will be delivered by County staff to the Clarenford Park (otherwise known as the 13th Street park).  Delivery will occur during the week prior to Neighborhood Day, Saturday, May 13th. You will need to come to that location to pick up your trees once they are delivered.

- by Denise Parks

Mar 31 - Apr 7, 2006 at 2411 N. 24th Street This week-long art festival features an all-media art show and sale, workshops, and demos. Open to the public daily. Opening reception Friday, March 31, 6-8pm.   Free family-friendly entertainment Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Workshops and demonstrations for children, youth, families, adults, April 2-7; times and topics vary. Reservations required for workshops and demos; fees apply to some workshops. For workshop and demonstration reservations, contact Linda Maldonado, 703.528.5740. Full description of ArtFest events at www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org.

Arlington County introduces a unique electronic parking card called the iPark. This new parking card replaces the old in-car parking meter known as the Parkulator. The new iPark is a thin credit card sized, simple to use, in-car parking device with a large display screen that makes it easy to read. With the iPark you simply select the type of meter where you have parked, start the iPark and place it on your dashboard. When you return to your car you just turn it off and you will have only paid for the minutes you actually parked. 703.228.3082.

Annual Law Day -- focus on "Elder Ready" issues. Tue, May 2, 9:15 a.m. 703.228.4403.

Senior adult sports -- Volleyball teams being organized to play at Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 N. Culpeper St. 703.228.4745.

Arlington Senior Golf Club season begins Apr. 4. 703.228.4766.

Living after the loss of a loved one -- 4 week program focuses on helping widows and widowers. Topics include grief and stress management, cooking for one, staying fit and active, managing and organizing financial and health history records, household maintenance and community services. Programs begin Mon, Apr. 10, 10:00 a.m. to noon, Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 N. Pershing Dr.; 703.228.4403.

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. 703.228.5722.

A night of Hawaiian dancing, Sat, Apr. 29, 7:00 p.m., Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 N. Pershing Dr., 703.228.4403.

Free fire alarms for Arlington residents with hearing loss. Approximately 65 hearing-impaired smoke alarms to be given away. 703.228.4659.

Spring Financial Seminar Series

7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St. 703.228.6417.