The NCAC Points Committee meeting was held on Wednesday, September 7th at 7:30 PM, 7th Floor of 2100 Clarendon Blvd. The agenda was an evaluation of current points criteria for evaluating the worth of neighborhood projects relative to each other.

The Missing Links Program is reestablished in Arlington County for completing portions of missing sidewalks in residential areas that span three properties or less. The budget of $100K will allow for 4 to 6 Missing Links to be completed every year. Neighborhoods will only be allowed one Missing Link project per year. Applications are being accepted in September. BVSCA has streets where this program would apply. I can assist anyone in the submission of an application, and have the application form to be completed. It also can be seen on the NC webpage. BVSCA should act quickly since we have just this month to get a request in to Chris Nixon, Planning Supervisor, Neighborhood Conservation. Signatures of participating homeowners and the president of BVSCA are required.

The NCAC Residential Lot Coverage committee would appreciate the involvement of additional NC representatives. It might be a good time to mention that there’s no backup as an Alternate NC Representative. If you are interested in some of these NC activities, let Dennis Burr or Ed Parks know to become appointed. Participation is limited to representatives and there are a wide variety of programs to work on. The Cost Overrun Committee is doing some nice work right now.

- by Dan Corts

The County Board on Saturday, Sept. 17, approved a five-year extension of an exemption from the County requirement for ground-level retail at 3701 N Fairfax Drive. The building houses DARPA, which says that for security reasons it needs to restrict access and/or retail on the site. DARPA does have a mail room in the space, and says post 9/11 federal requirements for street-level postal facilities make it difficult to relocate it elsewhere in the building.

DARPA’s current lease runs until 2011. The site previously had a five-year retail exemption granted by the Board in 2001. At that time, in view of County policy to promote a vibrant retail ambience in this Virginia Square core area, it required the building owner to prepare for retail marketing a year before the exemption expired. A 2005 survey sponsored by the owner (Ambassador, Inc.) under this provision concluded that even with the building’s constraints, a retail lease could be successfully negotiated.

DARPA was exempted from the BRAC relocation list and the County wants to keep it in Arlington for business/federal presence reasons. The owner’s request was for an extension of the retail exemption until April 30, 2011, or DARPA’s vacating the building, whichever comes sooner.

Mrs. Wei Smith of the County’s Planning Department notified BVSCA and others of the pending site plan amendment and she responded promptly so some questions I asked with my hat on as chairman of our Virginia Square oversight group. Among other things, she got word from DARPA that "…at this time, we have no intention of relocating."

Also, after my inquiries, the County Manager modified his recommendation for a 5-year extension to include again a requirement for a retail marketing survey a year before the lease ends, or before DARPA vacates, whichever is sooner. The Board approved this version.

Dennis Burr and I sent a letter to Board Chairman Fisette before their meeting saying that we supported the 5-year extension of the retail exemption under the circumstances and that we also supported the modified condition. We also commended the owner’s continuing efforts to improve the exterior of the building, allowing it to blend more naturally into the surrounding area.

Tangentially, I spoke with a County parking person while checking out the DARPA request and it is possible they may restore a few street parking spaces on the south side of 10th Street, west of Nelson. We’ll see!

- by Lew Gulick

American Association of University Women (AAUW), Arlington branch is hosting a Candidates’ Forum on Wed Oct 05 @7pm in the Central Library Auditorium (1015 N. Quincy). Candidates for local elections are expected to attend this forum. Either the candidates themselves or their surrogates will answer questions posed by the audience. Questions may be submitted starting at 6:15PM and they will be selected by the Question Selection Panel.

Candidates will have 2 mins for opening statements, 1 min to answer each question & 1 min for closing statements. In addition, they have the right to speak to all questions including any posed to specifically to another candidate.

This winter, nights in Ballston will get a lot more comfortable – and stylish – as guests of the new Westin Hotel experience luxurious "Heavenly Beds" in every room. And Arlingtonians can enjoy heavenly fare at its fabulous new restaurants:

Florentine’s Bar & Grille – a modern Italian steakhouse offering high-quality steaks and Tuscan-style cuisine

Lobby-level Starbucks – one more place to get your caffeine fix

Ted’s Montana Grill (founded by media czar Ted Turner) – opening a third Northern Virginia location at the Point building at Wilson and Glebe Roads

Sun, Oct 23: United Nations Day at Ballston Common Mall

Wed, Nov 30: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Two public forums will be held this fall to gather public input for Arlington's rewrite of its Master Transportation Plan. All users of Arlington's transportation systems are invited to attend and provide their opinions on how Arlington's transportation system can be improved.

The forums will be held:

Tuesday, September 27 @ 7:00pm at Arlington Central Library, 1015 North Quincy Street

Saturday, October 1 @ 9:00am at Aurora Hills Community Center, 735 18th Street South

The forum programs will be approximately two hours in length. A presentation will be made that summarizes the conditions of the many components that make up Arlington's transportation system. Attendees will be asked to provide written comments on what they feel are the most important transportation issues affecting Arlington now and in the foreseeable future. Attendees will also be provided an opportunity to work in a group setting to develop concepts that should be included in the Master Transportation Plan rewrite. The two forums will cover the same material, it is not necessary for persons to attend both sessions in order to provide their input for the planning process.

Light refreshments will be provided. Please call 703.228.3699.

Here are the top 6 neighborhoods for certifications in 2005 (as of 9/13/2005):

Douglas Park Civic Association: 27

Ashton Heights Civic Association: 24

Donaldson Run Civic Association: 9

Lyon Park Citizens Association: 9

Barcroft School & Civic League: 8

Bluemont Civic Association: 7

Winning neighborhood associations win food for 30 from Lebanese Taverna, Heidelberg Pastry, and My Organic Market. (Winners announced at a November celebration.)

Please visit http://www.arlingtonenvironment.org/challenge.htm for details or email office@arlingtonenvironment.org. You could complete the process on-line. Many yards in the BVSCA area would qualify. The requirements are pretty minimum. If you are interested in participating it needs to be done by September 30th.

Saturday, October 1^st Locations and times:

Taylor Elementary School, 2600 N. Stuart St., 11 am

Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Boulevard, 1 pm

Village at Shirlington, 4000 block 28th St. S., 3 pm

Part of the "Way to Go, Arlington!" campaign, these three tours of some of Arlington's most walkable neighborhoods aim to encourage walking for exercise and enjoyment and showcase the surprising variety of terrain and walking environments within Arlington's 26 square miles. Participants can tour Donaldson Run, home of Arlington's first large-scale natural stream restoration project. In Ashton Heights, guided by County Board Chair Jay Fisette, they will see the stunningly renovated Arlington Arts Center, which will offer an optional guided tour at 2 p.m. Over at Shirlington, they will enjoy Arlington's café-filled culture center - currently enjoying a remarkable renaissance - and stroll through some of Fairlington's 340 acres of historically-significant condos.

Route maps will be provided and there'll be souvenirs for all participants. The walkabouts will go, rain or shine -- precluding serious storm warnings or other hazardous conditions.

The final walkabout of the day through Fairlington/Shirlington will end with a reception sponsored by several of the eating establishments in the Village at Shirlington.

Everyone is welcome, even canines on leashes. Call 703.228.3819.

Historic Arlington Days (703.235.1530)

Fri, Oct 7, 2005 7:30 p.m.

CIVIL WAR DISCOVERY SERIES: Haversacks - A Soldier’s Necessities & Luxuries (703.228.4747)

Wed, Oct 19, 2005: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Civil War Era Dinner (703.243.7329)

Sat, Oct 29, 2005

Seatings at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00p.m.

Hanssen Spy Tour (703.228.4747)

Sun, Nov 6, 2005: 4:00-5:15 p.m.

Sat, Oct 1: Dogtober day (703.525.0168)

Wed, Oct 5: Bird Walk (703.228.4747)

Wed, Oct 5: Birder’s café (703.228.4747)

Sat, Oct 8: Pioneer Day (703.228.3403)

Wed, Oct 12: Gemstone Club (703.228.4747)

Sat, Oct 15: Fall Foliage Hike (703.228.6535)

Wed, Oct 19: Black & Orange (703.228.4747)

Sat, Oct 22: Adults Gone Wild II (703.228.4747)

Sat, Oct 22: Fall Colors Hike (703.228.4747)

Thu, Oct 27: Monarch Butterflies (703.228.4747)

Sat, Oct 29: Fall fair at the Fort (703.228.6535)

Wed, Nov 2: Wildlife Badge (703.228.3403)

Wed, Nov 9: Gemstone Club (703.228.4747)

Sat, Nov 12: Hills & Dales Hike (703.228.4747)

Thu, Nov 17: Harvest Creations (703.228.4747)

Sun, Nov 27: Walk it Off with a Naturalist (703.228.4747)

Sat, Dec 3: Holiday Craft Workshop (703.228.4747)

Tue, Dec 6: Miniature Box Workshop (703.228.4747)

Join chef Sherri Seymour for a series of fun classes that will introduce you to new recipes, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Recipes and hearty portions of all dishes will be provided, as well as lists of where to find the ingredients. All classes will be held in Room 15 at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S Stafford Street in Arlington (703.228.6417).

Sat, Sep 24, 11:00-2:00: Asian Dim Sum Part I (Cost: $35)

Sat, Oct 1, 11:00-2:00: Asian Dim Sum Part II (Cost: $35)

Sat, Oct 15, 11:00-2:00, Thai Meal (Cost: $35)

Sat, Nov 5, 11:00-2:00, Asian Noodles (Cost: $35)

Arlington FarmersMarket

Open every Saturday at the intersection of Courthouse Road and N 14th Street. Open 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Medicare prescription drug benefit:

Wed, Sept 28 1:00 pm Lee Senior Center

Fri, Oct 14 10:00 am Langston Brown Senior Center

Wed, Oct 19 1:00pm Lee Senior Center

Mon, Oct 24 10:15am Madison Senior Center

Thu, Oct 27 6:30pm 3033 Wilson Blvd. 7th Floor

Wed, Nov 16 10:45am Langston Brown Senior Center

Wed, Dec 14 10:45am Langston Brown Senior Center

Call 703.228.4879

Senior Information Fair will be held Sat., Oct. 29, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Arlington United Methodist Church, 716 S. Glebe Road. Many agencies will be on hand to provide important information to seniors. Seniors will also receive free: ID cards, emergency 911 cell phones, smoke detectors, blood pressure checks and a seated exercise class. Call the Arlington Agency on Aging, 703-228-1700.

Arlington Senior Golf Club will play through October. To join, call 703.228.4766. Tee times are at 7:30 a.m.

Flu shots for seniors are scheduled in October at senior centers. Check with center for dates or call the Office of Senior Adult Programs (OSAP) 228-4744.

In November, an international issue awareness fair is being planned. Roughly 15 non-profits who help people internationally would be invited to set up tables science fair style, telling about their cause, mainly for the purpose of education and recruiting volunteers. It will be open to the general public. It would be great to inspire people who have never been involved volunteering at all or even just in the international humanitarian area and see them take an active role in making a difference for the world. Musicians are also being invited to add to the educational and fun factor of the event. Please call 703.448.0464.

The new Homeowner's Grant Program will provide a $500 grant to any household in Arlington with an income of $72,000 per year or less and assets less than $240,000. However, if all owners (excluding the spouse) are 65 or older, or permanently disabled, they should apply for Real Estate Tax Relief instead. An additional $50 will be added to the household grant for each dependent living in the home (minor children and other household members claimed as dependents on its federal tax return). The County Board is committed to serving all eligible households. The deadline to apply for a grant is December 31. Please call 703.228.1350.

Upcoming events/meetings include Board of Directors meeting (9/29) and 20th anniversary of the partnership (10/26). Please contact the Partnership at 703.528.3527.

Throughout September, residents can learn how they can best prepare for emergencies. Arlington's Office of Emergency Management -- together with Arlington's Citizen Corps Council and the Arlington Red Cross -- is holding a number of events throughout September to help Arlingtonians become better prepared. The emergency preparedness seminars will include more in-depth information and will assist participants in developing their own personal and family plans.

Sept 27- Emergency Preparedness Seminar: Lee Center, 5722 Lee Highway, 11:15 am - 1:00 pm.

Sept 28 - Emergency Preparedness Seminar: Carver Center, 14145 S. Queen St., 10:30 am - noon.

In addition to the seminars and events, please visit the Arlington County website, learn how to make a plan and download helpful tools and checklists. Visit www.arlingtonva.us; click on "Emergency Preparedness" in the gray box.

Arlington's emergency managers encourage everyone who lives, works or visits Arlington to sign up for its free Arlington Alert service which sends emergency text messages to mobile devices and email. Sign up at www.arlingtonalert.com.

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

Food: Mom’s Pizza Restaurant at the corner of Glebe and Columbia Pike; Food Factory on Fairfax; Castro’s Bakery on Wilson; Heidelberg Bakery on Lee Hwy

Dry cleaners: Hurt Cleaners on Wilson Blvd; Old Dominion Cleaners on Lee Hwy

Towing: Cherrydale Towing

Electrician: Eastern Electric Service on Trapp Rd in Fairfax

Home Improvement: H.L. Short on Grove Rd in Alexandria

Hardware Store: Cherrydale Hardware on Lee Hwy; Virginia hardware on Clarendon Blvd

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. BVSCA Executive meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. Full Membership meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. Meetings adjourn at 9:00pm.