The slate for election consists of all current office holders remaining in place for another year. Appointed slots will be revised as we move forward during the coming year.

Wednesday, July 27, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The purpose is to present communities, through their local civic associations, an opportunity to take County Board members and the pertinent County staff experts on a tour of specific routes in their neighborhoods to identify issues of concern to residents; to share ideas on how the quality of life in the community can be enhanced or improved; or to "show-off" their community. These tours will not be treated as problem-solving sessions but as an opportunity to bring issues and suggestions to the Board’s attention for later follow-up. The Board wants to listen and learn. The tour will be guided by the County Board Chairman.

Following the meeting, the county planner will prepare a follow-up report containing responses to issues raised during each tour. The report is intended to provide information and possible solutions, and evaluate the feasibility of suggestions. The County Board Office will provide a copy of the report to the local civic association president to share with its members and to other organizations and individuals in attendance.

Meeting of 14 April 2005, NRECA Building, Arlington

During the roll call of neighborhoods, representatives gave brief reports of association activities. I chose to report on efforts on behalf of the neighborhood regarding Washington-Lee High School. Specifically I mentioned BVSCA concerns about the streets, traffic flow, and use of the athletic facilities. The installation of synthetic turf could lead to daily use of the athletic field possibly until as late as 11 PM. Questions have been raised about the design of the swimming pool. Traffic flow of busses, delivery, trash, and other vehicles should be planned with neighborhood considerations in mind. The size and positioning of the building have been addressed by citizens from our area attending meetings with county, construction, and school personnel. I also reported that BVSCA's project for installing curbs, gutters, and sidewalks in the 1200 Block of N. Vernon St. is now in the active project phase. Engineering, survey, and planning activity will begin soon. This project was funded by the county Board in February 2005. BVSCA began this first-priority project work in January 2004.

Early suggestions focused on three important things for neighborhoods to do if they are interested in progress within the system: 1. Update neighborhood plans. They discussed surveys to be taken in the neighborhood, and the analysis of survey data. Survey Monkey software was mentioned for this; 2. Identify one or two community development projects to propose to NCAC; 3. Make some plans for Neighborhood Day.

The Minutes of the March 2005 meeting were approved. These can be seen on the county web site: www.arlingtonva.us on the Neighborhood Conservation link. The agenda of the NCAC meetings can be found there also. Procedures at these meetings become somewhat involved. Therefore Timothy O'Leary was appointed parliamentarian to see that Roberts Rules of Order are correctly applied during NCAC proceedings.

Liaison/Committee Reports were presented by some of them. Cost Overrun (Hering): reviewed 3 projects; identifying points (map) of review during projects. Survey Teams (ACST) (Bennett): road widening, I-66, only looked at westbound lanes, bike trails and properties would be affected. Site Plans (Hunt): 3 in review. School Board Facilities (Snyder): neighborhoods can use facilities in spite of what they are sometimes told by school personnel. Traffic Calming, Storm Water, Master Transport Plan (no information on those). Points Committee (Swennes): whoever shows up is on it! Mostly people who have projects in the system (of course!). Need 1st priority projects from neighborhoods. Policy Committee and Resources Committee: Topics were Civic Federation; CIP; PayGo (money when we need it); Bonds are big money & large projects; debt service level @17% not good.

Missing Link Program: for sidewalks and little else; $600K, 4-6 per year, neighborhood one per year by application, limits will be discussed and a proposal will come for review.

Meeting of 12 May 2005, 2100 Wilson Blvd.

At roll call and neighborhood reports, I announced the reopening of Hayes Park with its new equipment and other upgrades, and invited interested parties to attend (handouts). After the approval of the previous meeting minutes, we heard that the Cost Overrun Committee wants participation of more citizens. The Historic Preservation Committee is developing an overall policy to propose to the county in a few months. The Site Plan Review Committee has a schedule of reviews available. Traffic Calming Committee has projects in the queue, and is planning outreach for more proposals. The Master Transportation Plan committee has meetings scheduled.

The Points Committee met the previous week, and is made up of those citizens who want to attend mainly those with projects. A NC handout was presented showing all community projects for verification of costs, scope, timing, etc., to be reviewed for correctness. The Resources Committee had evaluated cost overruns, money flow, and increases in project scope.

A Staff Report was provided on Lot Coverage. Under consideration are changes to the Zoning Ordinance of Arlington County. There are standard lot sizes and information on how to measure lots in a Lot Coverage Report available. The County Board has deferred final action on the residential lot coverage proposal to its June 18th meeting. The last presentation covered a Public Spaces Master Plan. A draft for public review dated April 2005 is available.

Documents, charts, and other handouts from these meetings are available for viewing. Daniel B. Corts, NCAC Representative for BVSCA.

- by Dan Corts

The 18th annual Taste of Arlington occurred on Sunday May 15th, 2005 from 12 noon until 5 p.m. in front of Ballston Mall. It was accompanied by the National Science Foundation's Taste of Science. Together the two created a lively street festival of entertainment, interactive exhibits, offering a rich array of hands-on activities for children and families, and lots of delicious food from over 30 area restaurants. The Taste of Arlington benefits Community Residences, Inc.(CR). CR is a leading non-profit provider of programs and services for individuals with mental retardation, mental illness, developmental and physical disabilities, as well as the homeless. CR operates 40+ programs in Virginia and Maryland and serves over 1,200 individuals each year with 28 programs right here in Arlington. El Coro Infantil en Español, the Children's Spanish Chorus, made up of school children from nine Arlington County elementary schools, opened the event this year.

- by Denise Parks

On Saturday, May 14th Hayes Park was officially re-opened. To celebrate, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony, a children's bike parade, a tree giveaway and a potluck lunch. The park is located on Lincoln Street and is directly across from Science Focus School.

The remodel of Hayes Park was funded with County Bond money through Arlington’s Neighborhood Conservation (NC) Program. BVSCA received funds for this project in Spring 2000 and Spring 2003. With the Spring 2000 funds, a process began to figure out what people wanted to see at the park. In July 2003, a design was developed, and in February 2004 efforts began to identify a contractor for the project. The park was closed in September 2004 for construction and reopened this past weekend.

The newly renovated park has paths for kids on bikes, strollers, and walkers. It has new play equipment that meets safety standards and is ADA accessible. Additionally, there is a sand box and a solar system water park. The tennis courts and basketball courts have been resurfaced and lots of benches have been added. A new fence will be coming soon with gates to close off the play area for the children. It is now a great neighborhood park.

A number of folks were involved in this project, including Theresa Smith, who steered the project through the NCAC, Maggie Farrell, Kathy Rehill, Lucia Claster, and Jim Rosen. Michael Warsaw, Jeff Huther were also on the original committee; and numerous others volunteered their suggestions, ideas and reactions as the design was being developed. Members and officers of the Ballston VA Square Civic Association and the Cherrydale Civic Association also provided input and support.

The County team that staffs the Neighborhood Conservation program also deserve our thanks, along with the many other county parks employees who supported this effort. Indeed, a special thank you goes out to Bernadette Grullon, who worked with our neighborhood committee to reach a consensus on a terrific design, and Jim Sherman, who managed the construction of the park.

If you have ideas on a similar project for our neighborhood, please contact either Dennis Burr, BVSCA's president, or Dan Corts, BVSCA's current NCAC representative.

- by Denise Parks

Ice Skating Facility The Washington Capitals, Arlington County and Ballston Common Mall announced plans to hold a June 11 groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of the Ballston Ice Skating Facility at the Ballston Common Mall. The new complex, which will serve as the Capitals training facility and a community recreation center, is in the beginning phases of construction and is expected to open in summer, 2006.

The four-hour celebration will include a variety of events and activities, including an ‘ice-breaking’ ceremony featuring team and county officials, an autograph signing by Capitals alumni, street hockey games and clinics, a reception at Bailey’s Pub & Grille, mall shopping discounts for fans and many fun activities for children.

The 137,000-square-foot facility will include two indoor NHL-size ice rinks with seating for approximately 1,200, office space, media facilities and additional space for special events. The project also features a 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art-training center for the Capitals with a large weight and fitness room, extensive athletic-training and medical facilities, spacious locker-room and lounge areas and a high-tech video room. The complex will also house the organization’s entire front-office staff.

The structure is being built on a new eighth level atop an existing seven-story public parking garage adjacent to the Ballston Common Mall at the corner of North Glebe Road and North Randolph Street.

The facility – which will be the first indoor ice rink inside the Capital Beltway in Virginia – will offer ice-time seven days a week throughout the year for youth and amateur hockey and figure skating groups while providing space for meetings, parties and other events.

Art Market - May 7, Jun. 4, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct.1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3 - 10:00 a.m. rain or shine - For more information call 703-228-0560- Art Market is located behind the Qwest Building, 4250 North Fairfax Drive, Between Stuart St. and Taylor Street, across from the Ballston Metro. November and December dates will be held in the National Science Foundation Atrium at 4201 Wilson Blvd.

Ballston- VA Square Farmers Market - Fridays June 3rd - Oct. 14th, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wellburn Square in Ballston 9th Street and N. Stuart Street across from the Ballston Metro, Live music, more info call 703-528-3527 or e-mail Ballstonvasquare@aol.com .

- by Denise Parks & others

Put on your walking shoes and put Saturday, June 4 (8 AM to 12 noon) on your calendar for the first annual ACCF 'Walk Arlington Challenge'!

The Challenge Route follows Columbia Pike from the Navy Annex to Carlin Springs Road. There will be ACCF sign-up Stations at either end of the route. Walk, bike, take a bus or have someone drop you off. Park at Pentagon City or near Columbia Pike and Carlin Springs Road. Take ART Route 41 to/from the Pike, and Metrobus 16G, H, K, W.

If you want to ease into this, pick a part of the Pike from Navy Annex to Walter Reed Drive; from Walter Reed Drive to George Mason Drive; from George Mason Drive to Carlin Springs Road. Start or finish at either end, or anywhere in between. But don't be a piker - be a Pike Participant.

No need to register ahead of time, but if there are any questions please contact burt@civfed.org or call 703.527.5415.

In an effort to increase the tree canopy of Arlington County and to help celebrate Neighborhood Day the County offered free trees to civic associations, property managers, churches and homeowners’ associations – or any group that has open space that needs trees.

Two types of trees were available: the Flowering Dogwood, an understory tree that can tolerate sun or shade, does not require a lot of room and gets to be 20-25’ tall, and the Red Oak which is a large shade tree that prefers full sun and gets to be 60-80’ tall. The Ballston Virginia Square Civic Association participated in the program and on May 11, 2005, 50 white flowering dogwoods and 15 red oaks were picked up from the County nursery and distributed to BVSCA residents who expressed a desire to receive trees. As you can see from the picture, the dogwoods were about seven feet tall and the red oaks about two feet tall. Thanks to Rebecca Feldberg, Natural Resources Program Coordinator, of Arlington County Parks and Recreation for administering this program.

- by Denise Parks

If you plan it well you can go to a free evening concert every Wed at Courthouse and every Thursday at Pentagon row. Then Lubber Run has more scheduled throughout the week. In the afternoons there are free concerts at different locations in Rosslyn on Tue, Wed and Thu and then at Ballston on Friday afternoons.

Pentagon Row Plaza summer concerts (7-9pm):

6/2 JunkFood

6/9 Bens Bones

6/16 The Reflex

6/23 Jokers Wild

6/30 Fools & Horses

7/7 Shane Hines

7/14 Taylor Carson

7/21 Tom Principato

7/28 Bicylce Thieves

8/4 Gonzo's Nose

Call 703.413.6692.

Courthouse Plaza (Wed 6:30 - 8 pm )

MAY 18 Catfish Hodge

MAY 25 Primitive Mind

JUNE 1 Liz Briones Band

JUNE 8 Strikezone

JUNE 15 The Fabulettes

JUNE 22 Good Deal Shop Band

JUNE 29 Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter Mealy

JULY 6 Harry Wilson Straight Ahead

JULY 13 Andrew Acosta & the New Old Time String Band

Call 703.228.6966 or check out www.arlingtonarts.org/cultural_affairs/alfresco.htm.

Also, Movies Under the Stars at Village at Shirlington

Free Outdoor Movie Series on 28th Street

Wednesdays in July

9pm-11pm

July 6 Spiderman 2

July 13 13 Going on 30

July 20 Sharktale

July 27 Hitch

Come early, grab a bite to eat. Call 703.413.6692.

Sunday, June 5th 1 PM ­ 5 PM

Tour local homes that feature watershed-friendly elements, such as cisterns, rain barrels, rain gardens, wildlife habitat, and native species. Talk with local residents about their experience making their garden more watershed-friendly, and pick up a free resource booklet with ideas for your own yard!

The Arlington starting location for the tour will be 3811 6th St South. From Arlington Boulevard, take Glebe Road south. Turn right on 6th St. South. This urban oasis features edge habitat plantings, a variety of native plants, butterfly and bird attracting plants, and a unique garden design. You can pick up a full list of tour locations there. Other sites to visit are in Falls Church and Alexandria.

This event is sponsored by: Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE), Arlington County, and the Cities of Alexandria and Falls Church. A $5 suggested donation would be appreciated from tour participants. For more information about the tour, please check www.arlingtonenvironment.org or contact ACE at 703-228-6427.

Ever wish you could just float along on the wind, pausing now and then as beautiful blooms catch your eye? You might think that butterflies have just such a carefree life; yet, their life cycle is much more intriguing and complex. As caterpillars these creatures can survive by dining on only a few very specific plants while at the same time avoiding becoming a tasty treat for birds or other woodland animals. After morphing into a chrysalis, they must wait, unprotected, while transforming into a beautiful butterfly. Upon emerging as adults, they must hesitate, dangerously dangling on a twig or branch, while their wings dry so they can take flight. The cycle is only complete when the adult again finds the specific host plant on which to lay its eggs that will provide food for the emerging caterpillars. You can attract butterflies to your yard and help them in their quest for survival if you provide the four basic elements of habitat in your yard. Food, water, sheltered places to rest and escape from the weather and predators, and places to raise young are critical to the survival of these magical creatures. If you're seeking inspiration this summer, look to the seemingly peaceful, but truly complex and often perilous life of butterflies.

The Arlington Community Wildlife Habitat team is ready to help you make your property friendly for butterflies and other wildlife. If you join the Neighborhood Challenge and get your property certified before September 30, 2005, you can help your Civic Association gain bragging rights as the most wildlife-friendly place in Arlington! Arlington is well on its way to becoming the first county in the nation to be certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Community Wildlife Habitat. Join in the excitement by certifying your yard! For more information, go to www.arlingtonenvironment.org or call 703-228-6427.

Vietnamese cooking classes (6/4, 6/23) - 703.228.5700.

Honor & the Indian Warrior (6/17) - 703.228.4403

Free computer classes (Tue/Thu) - 703.228.4403

Get in shape for summer - 703.228.4745

Series on American artists - 703.228.5722

Listen to oldies (Fri) - 703.228.0555

Star Spangled Jubilee (6/14) - 703.228.5722

Transportation options for Arlington -4721.

Volunteers for the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) - 703.228.4821

Arlington seniors can participate in all activities at nine senior centers and community centers with senior programs, by registering with the Office of Senior Adult Programs and paying an annual $10 registration fee. Members receive a bi-monthly program guide and are also eligible for trips offered by the Senior Adult Travel office. Call 703-228-4721 for an application.

Upcoming events/meetings include Board of Directors meeting (6/2), Real Estate Marketing Group (6/8), Urban Environment Committee (6/16). For more information, please contact the Partnership at 703-528-3527.

Pre-kindergarten class for four-year-olds has been added to the Catholic elementary school this year. It has been very successful. Parents seem to appreciate the experience of the staff, the nurturing environment and the hours of 8:15 AM to 1:15 PM with extended care available until 3:00 PM.

They are considering opening an additional class in the fall and want to let nearby families know. They are located near Glebe Rd. and Rt. 50, and they welcome families of all faiths. Email KSwinehart@STMSchool.org.

The editor is maintaining a list of businesses that have been recommended by our neighbors. Please send your recommendations directly to tihzho@yahoo.com. Inclusion in this list does not imply an endorsement by BVSCA. The opinions expressed here represent those of the individual BVSCA residents.

Beverage: International Wine and Beverage at 4040 Lee Hwy

Italian/Greek: Mom’s Pizza Restaurant at the corner of Glebe and Columbia Pike

Dry cleaners: Old Dominion Cleaners on Lee Hwy
Towing: Cherrydale Towing

One BVSCA goal for this year is to increase membership and encourage BVSCA residents to participate in their Civic Association. This includes new members just learning about BVSCA and all previous members who have lost touch. There are several of you - you know who you are. BVSCA needs you. Your experience, knowledge and voice are invaluable to the Association.

The purpose of BVSCA is "to take action to protect and promote the welfare and livability of the Ballston-Virginia Square Civic Association’s neighborhoods in particular, and in Arlington, in general" (By-laws of BVSCA). Only with a large, active and vocal membership can BVSCA be effective in its dealings with the County officials.

Residents can join by filling out the membership application and paying membership dues. You can do this either by 1) coming to a BVSCA meeting, or 2) by mail. The membership application is on BVSCA’s web page and on the front of this newsletter.

Dues are $10 per person. Dues are payable when first joining and are renewable each year on or before the anniversary of that date. New members and members who have not paid their dues in the last three years must wait 30 days after paying their dues before receiving voting privileges. Dues are used to help fund the Association’s activities and sponsored events. Join the BVSCA today!

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at the BVSCA’s community room located on N. Utah Street between Gaffney’s Restaurant and the Windsor Plaza condominiums on the last Tuesday of alternate months. BVSCAExecutive meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. Full Membership meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. Meetings adjourn at 9:00pm.