This newsletter is produced by the Rock Spring Civic Association for residents of the Rock Spring neighborhood.

Mark Your Calendars:  Thursday, October 19 will be the annual meeting for Rock Spring Civic Association at Discovery Elementary School.  The invited speakers from the Lee Highway Alliance will be sharing the latest developments for Lee Highway and its future direction.

Additionally at this meeting, there will be elections for the Rock Spring Civic Association Executive Board members, including officers.  If you would be interested in becoming a Board Member, please email rockspringcivic@gmail.com.

Williamsburg Median Project Update:  The pre-construction meeting with the contractor was scheduled for early July.   Construction is anticipated to begin in early August.

Neighborhood Conservation Projects:   Rock Spring, like other neighborhoods in Arlington, is able to suggest projects that will enhance the safety, beauty and/or efficiency of our neighborhood.  Some of the past projects include street improvements for pedestrian safety, road safety, beautification and environmental improvements. We have a street lighting project in the process now.  If you have suggestions for projects you would like to see completed in your area of Rock Spring, please contact rockspringcivic@gmail.com

County Board Action:

Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area:  The County Board accepted an update to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area map.  Some households were added and some removed.  To find out more about your status or if you need additional information about a stream in your area, contact Christin Jolicoeur, (703) 228-3588, cjolicoeur@arlingtonva.us    https://building.arlingtonva.us/chesapeake-bay-preservation-ordinance-rpa-map-update

North Sycamore Street:   Improvements accepted include narrowing Sycamore from 4 lanes to 2 between Williamsburg Blvd and North 26th St.  See project information for N. Sycamore St. in the Williamsburg neighborhood.

WMS Field Lights Update:  On June 30, 2017, the County Manager made his recommendation on the Williamsburg field lights.  See his recommendation at: https://arlingtonva.s3.dualstack.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2015/08/County-Manager-Recommendation-for-Williamsburg-Lights-06.30.17.pdf  This was in response to the February 2017 report of the Workgroup (WFWG) appointed in 2015 to evaluate whether or not to light the Williamsburg synthetic fields.  The WFWG final report did not make a unanimous recommendation - the two views were "opposed to lights" and "open to lighting".(https://arlingtonva.s3.dualstack.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2015/08/FINAL-WFWG-Report-2-28-17.pdf).  9 members of the WFWG were opposed to the installation of lights at the Williamsburg fields, including all 3 members of the Rock Spring Civic Association.  (In May 2017, the Rock Spring Civic Association Board reiterated the Civic Association’s strong opposition to field lights at WMS.  RSCA past-president, Carl Cunningham, had previously expressed this at the September 20, 2013 County Board Meeting.) The remaining 5 members of the WFWG favored lights on the fields.  On June 30th, 2017, the County Manager's recommendation was to "light the two synthetic fields at the Williamsburg School Campus."  See https://parks.arlingtonva.us/projects/williamsburg-workgroup/ for more details on the work by the Workgroup.

The County Board will vote on the County Manager's recommendation as part of either the September 16th County Board meeting or the September 19th recessed Board meeting.  Prior to the County Board meeting vote, 4 County commissions will consider and vote on the County Manager's recommendation (see page 25 of County Manager's recommendation for July and September Commission meeting dates and for details on those meetings).  These meetings, as well as the September County Board meetings are open to the public.  See https://commissions.arlingtonva.us/events/ for times and locations of Commission meetings.

Joint Facilities Advisory Commission (JFAC):   Join JFAC members and County and Arlington Public Schools staff for an informational briefing on bus parking in Arlington.  Thursday, July 27, 2017, 7-8:30 p.m., County Board Room, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 3rd Floor.  https://commissions.arlingtonva.us/jfac/

Help Arlington Plan for Parks and Recreation Places and Spaces: The Department of Parks and Recreation is revising the Public Spaces Master Plan.  The purpose of the PSMP Update is to assess various aspects of Arlington’s public space system and provide strategies for the future for the full breadth of public spaces, including all of the parks, natural resource and recreational needs that make up that system. The community and park and recreation stakeholders will be fully engaged in the process.   We want your input!   Read the Draft and share your comments by August 11.  https://projects.arlingtonva.us/public-spaces-master-plan-psmp-update/

Parks and Recreation:  It's Our Birthday!  Come Play With Us! On Sat., July 22, Arlington's Department of Parks and Recreation will turn 73 years old. We have lots going on this summer and invite you to participate. Old or young, artist or athlete, there's something for everyone in Arlington County Parks.  Explore our calendar of activities for the month of July or view our programs, activities and centers online.

River Palooza 2017:  This season-long event is designed to provide families and river enthusiasts with memorable on-the-water experiences that build a deep and enduring appreciation for rivers. This event is organized by Potomac Riverkeeper Network.  The next scheduled events include: July 21, 2017 — Shenandoah River Fishing Trip.  For more information, see http://www.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/riverpalooza-2017/.

Crickets and Katydids:  August 11, 7:30-8:30.  Adults. Every summer we are serenaded by crickets and katydids. Learn to identify their different calls, how and why they sing, and more. Then help us census Arlington’s cricket and katydid populations as we monitor our parks and backyards for eight different species. The survey itself, or Cricket Crawl, will take place later in August. Teens ages 12 and up are welcomed, but must be accompanied by a registered adult. For information visit www.discoverlife.org/cricket/ Cricket Crawl Prep:  DC or call 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center. Registration Required. https://parks.arlingtonva.us/events/citizen-science-cricket-crawl-prep-3/

Outdoor Movies at Market Commons in Clarendon:  Free, family-friendly flick every Thursday in July:  http:/marketcommonclarendon.com/2017/06/dinner-a-movie-every-thursday-in-july-on-the-loop/

Sing - July 20

Back to the Future - July 27

To contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden, cjhadden@gmail.com or Joan Trabandt,  ctrabandt@comcast.net

This newsletter is produced by the Rock Spring Civic Association for residents of the Rock Spring neighborhood.

1.  Old Dominion Drive Phase 2 Improvements
The project is nearing completion. The final inspection with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recently occurred - the contractor is addressing all punch list items noted during the inspection. These items primarily consist of concrete and asphalt repairs, as well as storm inlet drain cleaning. Please remember - it is illegal to dump grass clippings, leaves, animal waste, trash and other deposits into storm drain inlets.  Landscaping work is in the final stages. Residents are encouraged to water the groundcovers and shrubs.

Lane closures will be used along Old Dominion Drive to perform the punch list work safely with one lane closed at a time and traffic directed via flaggers.

Construction work hours within the roadway are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:30
a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.  View project page. Construction photos are also available on Flickr.

2.  Lee Highway & Glebe Road Intersection Improvements 
Crews continue working to install utility manholes and underground ductbanks along both Lee Highway and Glebe Road. We anticipate this part of the work to be complete by the end of the year.

Construction work hours within the roadway are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Night work is between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on weekdays and weekends and is determined on a weekly basis.  View project page. 

3.  Did you know you can rent a picnic shelter in an Arlington park?
Reservable Picnic Shelters can be rented & secured for private or corporate events from the first Saturday in April, through Veterans Day weekend. These shelters are not reservable from mid-November through March, but can be used on a first-come, first-served basis. All other County managed picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis year-round.

• $170 for residents and $340 for non-residents, regardless of length of the rental. Fees are non-refundable, but we will work with renters to reschedule, if needed.

• More information: https://parks.arlingtonva.us/picnic-shelters/

4.  Nature Programs this summer in Arlington:  The Snag catalog: http://arlingtonparks.us/snag/#p=1 
Or you can search all programs by age and topic:  https://web1.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/vaarlingtonwt.wsc/search.html?SessionID=aad1dace-2039-b180-0314-b9d858b71b54&module=ar&type=NCTR&type=HIST&search=yes&lang=CUSTM

5.  The Joint Facilities Advisory Commission (JFAC) is an advisory body jointly appointed by the County Board and the School Board. The JFAC mission is to provide input to the Boards on capital facilities needs assessment, capital improvement plans and long-range facility planning for both the Arlington County Government and Arlington Public Schools

The commission has received a significant amount of feedback from the community on the scenarios it is exploring for Buck and Carlin Springs, as well as its short- and long-term efforts.  As part of JFAC's commitment to a transparent process, we are posting it all online -- including letters, e-mails and comments received via the online form.

6.  Arlington Civic Federation:  The May newsletter can be found at:  http://www.civfed.org/newContent/2017-06/CivicVoice%202017-06.pdf  The video of the meeting can be found at:  https://vimeo.com/219008527

7.  ART Bus Changes:  Starting June 25, the ART bus adult fare will increase from $1.75 to $2.00 and the ART discount fare for seniors, students and people with disabilities will increase from $0.85 to $1.00.

8. Fun Things to Do:

Rosslyn Movie Schedule:  Gateway Park, Rosslyn, at dusk, usually 8:30-9:00 pm
https://www.tripsavvy.com/rosslyn-outdoor-film-festival-1038879

Lubber Run Concerts:   Fridays and Saturdays - 8:00pm; Sundays - 6:00pm (or as noted)
JUNE 16 through SEPTEMBER 17, 2017  Free and open to the Public!  http://www.arlingtonarts.org/venues/lubber-run-amphitheater.aspx

Marymount Farmer’s Market:  Saturdays, 9am – 1pm,  http://www.marymountfarmersmarket.org/

Arlington SprayGrounds for the Younger Set:  https://parks.arlingtonva.us/parksfacilities/spraygrounds/

Upton Hills Regional Park:  Are you up for a little baseball, mini golf, water park?  Check out Upton Hills Regional Park located on Wilson Boulevard.  https://www.novaparks.com/parks/upton-hill-regional-park/things-to-do

To contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden , cjhadden@gmail.com or Joan Trabandt,  ctrabandt@comcast.net

                                                                                                                                      This newsletter is produced by the Rock Spring Civic Association for residents of the Rock Spring neighborhood.

1.  Road Improvements:  Lee Highway & Glebe Road Intersection:  Crews continue working to install utility manholes and underground ductbanks along both Lee Highway and Glebe Road.  Construction work hours within the roadway are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Night work is between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on weekdays and weekends and is determined on a weekly basis.  Naturally with construction projects, some noise is to be expected. Crews will do their best to keep noise to a minimum, especially during late night work hours. View project page.

Old Dominion Drive Phase 2 Improvements:  The contractor is addressing final punch list items to include: concrete and asphalt repairs, installation of some additional pavement markings, extension of two concrete bus pads and restoration of easement areas with sod or grass where needed.  Landscaping work continues.  Lane closures will be used along Old Dominion Drive to perform the work safely with one lane closed at a time and traffic directed via flaggers.  Construction work hours within the roadway are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.

Williamsburg Boulevard:  During the May County Board meeting it is expected that the board will approve the bid to begin work on the two bio retention areas in our civic association. The bio retention construction areas are located along Williamsburg Blvd. One area is the median at the intersection of Williamsburg Blvd. and Harrison St., and the other is the median on Williamsburg Blvd. between Old Dominion Drive and 35th St. North. (Bioretention removes contaminants and sedimentation from stormwater runoff, in this case, by creating a “green street” that will include a landscaped area in the public right-of-way that slows down and filters stormwater runoff before it enters our local streams, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. Green streets are one of the best tools the County has available to meet Arlington’s required stormwater pollution reduction goals.)

This construction is expected to begin in July 2017 and last for six months.  It is likely that the planting and paving will last beyond this six month period and the paving might be as late as spring of 2018. It is not yet known which of the two areas will have the construction begun first.

2.  Marymount Farmer’s Market:  Returns on Saturday, May 27, from 9 am to 12 noon.  Look for the RSCA booth staffed by Rock Spring Civic Association members at the June 10 Market.

3.  I-66 News:  You may have seen the toll signs going up on 66 and the surrounding streets.  The Cherrydale Citizens Association is having a rep from VDOT on Wednesday, May 17, 7pm, at the HB Woodlawn School Library, 4100 Vacation Lane, to talk about the new I-66 toll signs recently installed on Lee Highway.  

4.  Williamsburg Field Working Group Update:  The County Board has delayed the decision about lighting the synthetic turf fields at WMS until the September County Board meeting.

5.  Lubber Run Community Center:  The final community work session for the design of the new Lubber Run Community Center will be held on Wednesday, May 17 from 6:30 - 9 p.m. at Barrett Elementary School.  See https://projects.arlingtonva.us/events/new-lubber-run-center-community-meeting-3/ for more information.

6.  Options for 1,300 New High School Seats:   APS staff will hold community gallery walks at each proposed location to provide an opportunity to share how each identified site compares to the selection criteria:  May 22, 5 - 8 p.m. Education Center (School Board meeting room) and Kenmore Middle School (Library), May 25, 5-8pm: Career Center (Common Area).  On June 1 APS staff will present proposed high school options and on June 29 the School Board will act upon staff recommendations.  The new high school will open in September, 2022.  See https://www.apsva.us/instruction/new-high-school/

7.  Arlington’s Joint Facilities Advisory Commission (JFAC):  is holding a public forum on May 24, 7 – 10 p.m., at Wakefield High School, in the cafeteria.  Community members are invited to review potential scenarios for the Buck property (located off Quincy St.) and Virginia Hospital sites, including the property at 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. During this interactive forum, participants will have a chance to provide feedback on possible use options being explored by the commission.  The commission is charged with making recommendations on near-term use options for these opportunities to the County Board and School Board while considering how to meet the community's changing long-term facility needs.  For more information, see https://commissions.arlingtonva.us/jfac/.

8.  Fun Things to Do:

Civil War Camp Day, May 20, 10-4 pm, Walter Reed Community Center and Park - On May 24th, 1861 President Abraham Lincoln ordered Union troops into Arlington to defend Washington, D.C. For the next four years, tens of thousands of northern soldiers manned the Arlington Line, a series of fortifications and camps that stretched from Rosslyn to the Pentagon.  Learn how these soldiers lived by walking through encampment displays, practicing military drills, and trying on Civil War uniforms at Civil War Camp Day, a reenactment event.  See https://today.arlingtonva.us/event/15427 for information and the day’s schedule.

Truck and Bus Day, May 20, 9 – 11a.m., Central Library- Parking Lot - 1015 N Quincy St. - Children of all ages are invited to come and see (and even touch) all sorts of vehicles including construction trucks, fire trucks, a recycling truck, an ART bus, and more.

VCE Master Gardener Training Open House will be held on May 24th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Fairlington Community Center 3308 S. Stafford St. Arlington VA 22206.  Let us know you are coming by contacting the VCE Horticulture Help Desk at 703 228 6414 or by email at mgarlalex@gmail.com

Memorial Day Commemoration at American Legion War Memorial, May 29, 1 -2 p.m., Clarendon Central Park, 3140 Wilson Blvd.   Representatives from Arlington American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War posts will be joined by local officials for the annual wreath laying ceremony and remarks at the war memorial in Clarendon Central Park.  Presentation of colors by Air Force JROTC in replica World War I “doughboy” uniforms, marking 100 years since America entered World War 1.

Parks and Recreation Programs:  View the latest Snag for all the fun summer nature activities available. Registration begins May 16.  Here is a sampling.

The Moon in June Night Hike:  Friday, June 9, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.  Have you ever wondered what animals are in our local parks at night? Experience our trails under the moon and stars, learn a new constellation, and meet nocturnal critters. Teens ages 13 and up. $5. #642847-C.

Let's Go Camping:  Saturday, June 24, 4:30 p.m. - Sunday, June 25, 9:30 a.m.

Your family is invited to join us at the Gulf Branch Fire Ring for this introduction to camping outdoors overnight! We'll set up our tents, have some free time for relaxing or exploring the park, then enjoy a delicious dinner cooked over the campfire with songs, stories and, of course, S'mores. The next morning we'll cook breakfast before breaking camp. Registration fee includes meals. B.Y.O.T. (tent) if you have one. If not, we have family-sized loaner tents available for an additional $25, paid in cash on-site. For information: 703-228-3403. $25. #642857-H

9. Helpful Information:

Will you be away from Arlington or unable to go to the polls in June 13 for the Democratic and Republican Primary Elections? You can vote absentee in-person at the Office of Elections! Weekdays 8-5 starting April 28 (closed May 29) and Saturday, June 10 8:30-5. In-person absentee ends June 10 at 5pm.   The County Office of Elections is located at 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 320.

Arlington’s 55+ Guide for May and June is now available.  See https://parks.arlingtonva.us/programs/adults-55/seniors-activities/ for the full guide, plus complete information on County programs, activities, and services for residents 55+.

For information and registration for the Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Center Tiny Tot programs for children 18 – 35 months, see https://today.arlingtonva.us/event/13082.

This newsletter is produced by Rock Spring Civic Association for the residents of the  Rock Spring neighborhood..

1.  TRAFFIC ALERT: 2017 Marymount University 5K Race:  The Marymount 5K Race will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2017.  The Arlington County Police Department will conduct the following road closures from approximately 8:45 AM until 10:00 AM to accommodate this event:

• 26th St. between Yorktown Blvd. into 31st Street all the way to Military Rd.

• Military Rd. from 31st St. to N. Lorcum Ln. (Road is not closed but traffic will be slowed)

• Lorcum Ln. to N. Vacation Ln. (Westbound Lorcum Ln. closed)

• Vacation Ln. from Utah St. to N. Vermont St.

• Vermont St. from Vacation Ln. to N. Vernon St.

• The remainder of the race will take place on the trails

Any questions regarding the race can be directed to the Emergency Communications Center at (703) 558-2222.

2.  Police to Participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 29, 2017

On Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Arlington County Police Department, Arlington County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 13th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Bring your pills for disposal to the listed sites. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Please note: The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps. Only pills or patches will be accepted.)

The Arlington County Police Department will be collecting prescription drugs at many sites.  The one closest to Rock Spring is:

Fire Station #8

4845 Lee Highway

Arlington, VA 22207  (Side parking lot)

If residents are unable to participate in this event, the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services advises residents to throw unwanted prescription drugs in the trash! Arlington County recommends disposing of over-the-counter and prescription medications with your regular trash. The County’s municipal solid waste is incinerated at the Waste-To-Energy facility so medications, when thrown away, will be incinerated. To dispose of medications in the trash, remove them from their original container, add water to melt the pills then place them in an unattractive substance such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter and put them in your garbage. For more information about disposal of medications visit: http://recycling.arlingtonva.us/household-hazmat/unwanted-medications/.

3.   Old Dominion Drive Phase 2 Improvements

• The final three streetlights have been installed. The installation required demolition of some sidewalk sections. These sections will be restored over the next few weeks.

• Landscaping/planting will begin the week of April 17. Planting will start on the western end of the project and move eastward.

• Re-construction of the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad (GF&OD) historic pillar (at the intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Rock Spring Road) has been completed.

According to Deirdre Donahue, a Rock Spring resident, the pillar mentioned above “commemorates the contributions of Thomas Bronson Jewel (1951-1928) and other early residents to the birth and development of the Rock Spring area.”  Jewel gave an easement across his property for an electric trolley line that ran from Rosslyn to Great Falls Park (along the current Old Dominion Drive route) from 1906 to 1934. He also donated land for a Congregational Church at the current Rock Spring Congregational Church location and sold “small parcels of land for summer homes to be built near the trolley line.”

Look for the pillar as you walk the Old Dominion Drive and Rock Spring Road intersection. The commemorative plaque will be installed soon.

4.  Apply for StormwaterWise 2017!

The StormwaterWise Landscapes program provides matching grants for Arlington property owners to reduce stormwater runoff from their property.  Approved projects include pavement removal, pervious driveways and patios, rain gardens, or conservation landscaping.

Stormwater is rain that flows over the land, into a storm drain and then into the nearest water body, without any treatment. Stormwater runoff carries pollutants such as fertilizer, oil, bacteria, and sediment into Arlington’s streams. The practices funded by the StormwaterWise program collect or slow down stormwater, and help keep pollutants out of Arlington’s streams.

Applications for the StormwaterWise Landscapes program will be accepted from March – April 30, 2017!    Single family homeowners, businesses, churches, and HOAs are all eligible to apply. Potential applicants should visit the StormwaterWise Landscapes page to learn more about the program and to submit their application.

5.  Earth Day at the Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo!  Saturday, April 22. 10-5. Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd Street South.

Join staff from DES' Solid Waste, Stormwater and Rethink Energy Teams at the Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo!   Learn more about:

• StormwaterWise Landscapes - Apply by April 30!

• Home Energy Rebates - apply by June!

• Arlington Solar Co-op - new one starting soon!

• Green Home Choice

• Rain Barrels

• Recycling

• Composting

• Native Plants (free native seeds available)

6.  Composting Bins:  Food waste should go in your black trash cart, not your green organics or blue recycling carts. If you are interested in composting food waste, consider the following:  

• The Arlington Farmers Market offers a composting drop off program.

• The Solid Waste Bureau also sells composting bins (see photo below) for $20 (cash or check). To purchase a compost bin or for help locating a compost bin that meets your needs, call 703-228-6570. Supplies are limited. All sales are final.

7.  Raptor Rapture:    Saturday, April 22, 10:00 a.m. - noon.
Celebrate Earth Day by learning more about raptors on the banks of the Potomac River. See live raptors up close that were injured and have been rehabilitated. Sponsored by the Friends of Dyke Marsh, the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia, and the US Park Service. Free. Great for families. More information is here.  Belle Haven Picnic Area of the GW Parkway, two miles South of Old Town Alexandria

8.  Hometown Habitat Film Showing:  April 26 at 7 pm.  Hometown Habitat features renowned entomologist Dr. Douglas Tallamy, whose research, books and lectures on the use of non-native plants in landscaping sound the alarm about habitat and species loss. Tallamy provides the narrative thread that challenges the notion that humans are here and nature is someplace else. “It doesn’t have to, and shouldn’t be that way.” Inspiring stories of community commitment to conservation landscaping illustrate Tallamy’s vision by showing how humans and nature can co-exist with mutual benefits.

The film is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Do It Green (DIG) Group. The other co-sponsors are: Rock Spring Congregational UCC, Kol Ami, and the Virginia Native Plant Society Potowmack Chapter.

The Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 4444 Arlington Blvd, at George Mason Drive.  If you have questions about the event, please contact Kit Britton, kitbritton@gmail.com.

9.  Lee Highway Community Walking Tour - with artist Graham Coreil-Allen - Sunday, April 30 (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) 2121 N Culpepper Street. Learn more here.

10.  Potomac Overlook Park (PORP), Open House and Heritage Festival:  May 6, 12-5pm.  Get outside and join us for this wonderful springtime tradition!  Our Open House is full of fun activities and exhibits for all ages! This year marks the 32nd year of this event and will include several live music performances, entertainment, community exhibits, games, and much more! This is a free program. No registration required. 2845 N. Marcey Road Arlington, VA 22207. More information.

11.  Street Sweeping Season Begins April 10

Street sweeping removes accumulated debris and pollutants such as sand, salt, metals, petroleum products and bacteria before they wash into streams, the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. Arlington’s 59 civic associations have been grouped into 11 street sweeping zones. Tips for residents:

• Please try to move your cars from the street when your neighborhood is scheduled to be swept. This ensures that the street sweepers can be more effective.

• If you see a hanging tree limb by a curb and are able to safely remove it, please do so. This helps the sweepers clean the curb.

• View the street sweeping schedule to see when your neighborhood will be swept.

12.  Civic Federation News:

Please go to the Civic Federation website, to read the latest newsletter and to view the video of the School Board panel and Arlington Tech principal :  http://www.civfed.org/newContent/2017-04/CivicVoice2017-04.pdf

13.  Spring Student Concert and Plays at our local schools:  As the school draws to a close, check the school calendars for concerts, plays, art shows, and other activities.

Discovery:  https://discovery.apsva.us/calendar/

Jamestown: https://jamestown.apsva.us/calendar/

Williamsburg:  https://williamsburg.apsva.us/calendar/

Yorktown:  https:/yhs.apsva.us/calendar/

Contact the newsletter editors for information, Judy Hadden , cjhadden@gmail.com or Joan Trabandt,  ctrabandt@comcast.net

             This newsletter is produced by Rock Spring Civic Association for the residents of the  Rock Spring neighborhood..

1.  Introduction to Non-Profits:  On occasion, the newsletter will provide information about some of the Arlington non-profits that may not be familiar to you.  This month our spotlight is on Arlington Thrive.  Andrew Schneider is the Executive Director and the organization provides emergency funds for neighbors who are in crisis.  Recipients must be an Arlington resident and have an emergency financial need.  Listen to what Andrew has to say and take a look at their web site.  http://arlingtonthrive.org/

Thrive Audio is located at the bottom of this newsletter. 

2.  Retiring Yorktown HS principal:  Ray Pasi, has announced his retirement and the process to select a new principal has begun.  A search committee that includes APS staff, administrators, parents and a student will participate in the process and an online APS feedback form will be available to community members for input from March 13- 27.  Sign up for APS School Talk at https://apsva1.bbcportal.com/ to receive the notice on a link to the form when it’s available and sign up to receive other APS information.

APS also invites community input on school options for future elementary, middle, and high schools.  See http://survey.k12insight.com/survey.aspx?k=SsSRTVsWWYsPsPsP&lang=0&data= to share your input.  Other opportunities for community input in APS initiatives and planning are available at their website.  https://www.apsva.us/engage/.

3.  Tackling Big Needs Within Arlington's Limited Space:  Invitation to RoundtablesJoin the Joint Facilities Advisory Commission (JFAC) members for a small interactive roundtable discussion about the unique opportunities that Arlington County has to acquire new land, and the tough questions that JFAC is tackling over the next six months. Arlington has limited space for urgent needs such as schools, parks, recreational facilities, and essential operational and support services like school and ART bus parking equipment and storage, and contractor staging.  Registration is free and required. Due to limited space, we ask that participants register for only one roundtable, to allow everyone interested the opportunity to participate.

During the roundtables, participants will have the opportunity to help inform JFAC on their recommendations to the County and School Boards, including specific tasks related to the Buck property on N. Quincy Street, a related potential land exchange involving property on Shirlington Road, and the Virginia Hospital Center's Carlin Springs/Lee Highway/16th St. North sites.

Register NOW to Attend a Roundtable

• March 13, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Central Library, 2nd floor conf. room

• March 14, 7 to 9 p.m., Key Elementary School, Room 317

• March 16, 1 to 3 p.m., Long Branch Nature Center

• March 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Shirlington Library, Conference Room

• March 23, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Washington-Lee High School, Room 1011

• March 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Langston-Brown Community Center, Room 109

Note: Please share this message with others in your network who may be interested.

4.  Help Design the New Lubber Run Community Center:  Nearly 200 kids, teens, adults and senior adults kicked off the new Lubber Run Community Center design work session in February. Come see what we learned and help us move forward with the building design on Wed., March 22, 6:30 – 9 p.m.  or Sat., March 25, 1 – 3:30 p.m. at Barrett Elementary School. (Childcare offered around Saturday’s meeting.) Please feel free to share this information. Learn more and sign up for project updates at the Lubber Run Community Center Project webpage.

5.  Road Improvements:  There are three projects underway to improve traffic in our area.

• Lee Highway & Glebe Road Intersection Improvements:  Work on Lee Highway and Glebe Road will begin on Monday, March 6.  Please visit the project page for more information.

• Old Dominion Drive Phase 2 Improvements:  Work continues on installation and wiring of the final remaining streetlights, the last bit of remaining concrete work will be done after all streetlights have been installed and wired, and planting/plant procurement and landscaping will take place in spring 2017.  For more information, please visit our project page.

• Cherrydale Five Points Intersection Improvements:  Will begin in summer 2017 at this busy intersection and is expected to last for approximately 12 months.  Visit our project page.

6.  Arlington County Public Health is also looking for your input as they plan for the future.  See https://health.arlingtonva.us/destination-2027-survey/ for a five-minute survey to share your thoughts on health issues and help the County learn how to best improve the health of our community.

7.  Come Dance With Us!  Join us on Sat., March 18, 10 a.m. - noon at Walter Reed Community Center for Dance Fitness Fun. Learn some new, fun dance moves from a NuYou Wellness Zumba instructor then, cool down while making a post-workout snack with our expert nutrition educator. Open to ages 5 & up. $8 per person. Register here using Activity #730017.

To contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden, cjhadden@gmail.com or Joan Trabandt, ctrabandt@comcast.net.

Fire Station #8:   The Arlington County Board approved the purchase of two properties behind Fire Station No. 8, at 4845 Lee Highway, to locate a temporary fire station and firefighters during construction of a new Station No. 8 in its current location. https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/arlington-to-build-temporary-fire-station-no-8-behind-current-fire-station/

Old Dominion Drive Update:  Many of the improvements to the Old Dominion Drive Project have been completed.  Those improvements that are still in progress include Streetlight installation and cable and conduit work (throughout the winter months) and the plant procurement and landscaping (will take place in spring 2017).  https://projects.arlingtonva.us/projects/old-dominion-drive-phase-2-improvements

Williamsburg Green Street Project:  From the County’s Watershed Outreach Program Manager:
“We received the bids from our on-call contractor in November, but unfortunately, they were much higher than the cost estimates (1.5 to 2 times the cost estimate).  Although we understand the urgency to complete the project, we strive to be good stewards of public funds and want to make sure the project is cost effective.   Therefore, we are going to go to bid for construction of the project.

We are assembling the bid documents now and expect to release them later this month.  The bid will be open for 30 days. The construction contract will have to go to the Board for approval and then construction will start. As the procurement process moves forward, we should be able to share more specifics about the construction timeline. 

We understand that the neighbors are eager to get this project completed. We apologize for the delays and we are working diligently to get the project constructed.”

WMS Field Lighting Update:  The Williamsburg Field Evaluation Work Group (WFWG) met on 1/4 (see minutes and future meeting dates at https://parks.arlingtonva.us/projects/williamsburg-workgroup/agendas/).  The WFWG will have a work session with the County Board this month (exact date TBD – see WFWG website above) and a final WFWG report will be made to the Board in Feb.  More details will be included in the next newsletter, but until then, see the WFWG website at https://parks.arlingtonva.us/projects/williamsburg-workgroup/ for the most recent updates and information. 

Arlington County Civic Federation:  The next meeting is February 7 and the topics will include:  

Storm water, resource management and flood maps; Real Estate Tax Relief (tentative); Planning & Zoning; and Accessory Dwellings.  For more information:  www.civfed.org

.

Fun Things to Do This Month:  

1.  Music, Music, Music:  Saturday, Jan. 28, 7pm.  The United States Navy Band will be at Yorktown High School for a performance in the auditorium.  Free admission.

2.  Vegetable Gardening Part 1: Jumpstart Your Garden With Seeds: Saturday, Jan 28, 10:30 – noon, Westover Branch Library, 1644 N. McKinley Road
Start your garden early this year!  Get the scoop on seed selection, hybrid vs. heirloom, what seeds to start indoors, germination tips, and best bets for seed saving. Find out how to make your own starter pots, and easy-to-create lighting systems to bring the sunlight inside.  Free. Advance registration requested at mgnv.org. Questions, telephone 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com.

3.   Who Lives in the Chesapeake Bay:  Saturday, Jan 28, 2 pm or 3:30 pm.  Gulf Branch Nature Center.
Families ages 3 and up. Register children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Join an educator from Under the Sea to learn about the ecology of the  Chesapeake, and meet and touch live creatures native to the bay. We’ll learn how Arlington connects to the Chesapeake Bay and how what we do here affects water quality and wildlife. For information 703-228-3403. $10.   2 - 3pm #622857-G or 3:30 - 4:30pm #622857-H

4.  Full STEAM Ahead!  (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Fairlington Community Center
Families with all ages are invited to join the fun at our winter day of Art & Creativity.  We’ll Paint, Build, Create! From creative workshops to an art swap, from cooking activities to a sound studio – you’re sure to find a creative outlet. Even better?  Join us as we blow off some STEAM at our indoor snowball fit!  Learn more here.

5.  Waterfowl at Gravelly Point:  Saturday, Feb. 4, 8 - 9:30am. 
Gravelly Point is a great spot for viewing winter waterfowl on the Potomac.  We will bring spotting scopes, and stroll around the park looking for winter specialties and maybe a Peregrine Falcon.  Flat terrain.  Meet at Gravelly Point, George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington.  #622857-J

To contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden , cjhadden@gmail.com or Joan Trabandt,  ctrabandt@comcast.net

1.  Lee Highway Alliance in 2017:  a community planning process is set to begin in 2017 to determine the look and feel of Lee Highway from Rosslyn to East Falls Church.  Stay tuned to the following web sites to learn more about the project scope and see what is planned for our close-by Lee Harrison intersection.  https://projects.arlingtonva.us/plans-studies/land-use/lee-highway/ and http://www.leehighwayalliance.com/

2.  WMS Field Lighting Update:

The Williamsburg Field Evaluation Work Group (WFWG) met on Nov. 16th (see minutes and future meeting dates at https://parks.arlingtonva.us/projects/williamsburg-workgroup/agendas/).  WFWG presentations were also made to the County Planning Commission and the Commission’s Long Range Planning Committee, and presentations will also be made to the Parks and Recreation and Sports Commissions during Dec.  In January there will be a WFWG work session with the County Board and a final WFWG report to the Board in Feb.  More details and specific meeting dates will be included in the Jan. newsletter, but until then, see the WFWG website at https://parks.arlingtonva.us/projects/williamsburg-workgroup/ for the most recent updates and information.

3.  Civic Federation:  general meeting: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 7:00pm at Hazel

Conference Center, Virginia Hospital Center.

Please attend if you are interested in any of the following agenda items.  

• 7.50p Arlington County Public Schools Superintendent

• 8.30p Planning and Zoning Committee: Short-Term Rentals

• 8.45p Legislation Committee: Medical Marijuana Resolution

4.  Farmer’s Markets:  Although the Marymount Farmer’s Market is now closed, there are still several markets open year round.

·         Arlington Farmers Market:  Arlington County Courthouse parking lot, North Courthouse Road and North 14th Street, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon (Jan. 2-April 9), Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon (April 18-Dec. 26)

·         Columbia Pike Farmers Market:  Columbia Pike and South Walter Reed Drive

Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (year-round)

·         Westover Farmers Market:  Westover Library, 1644 North McKinley Road

Sundays, 8 a.m.-noon (May-November), Sundays, 9.a.m.-1 p.m. (December-April)

5.  Holiday Shopping

• Market Festival (+Bonfire):  Gateway Park, Rosslyn, 1300 Lee Highway, Friday, December 9, 3-11 pm and Saturday, December 10, 8:30 am – 3 pm

The Holiday Market will have over 25 local and renowned vendors who will be offering a full variety of unique and high quality gifts plus there will be music, food trucks and a host of other activities.  See the website for a schedule of events:   http://www.rosslynva.org/do/rosslyn-holiday-market

• Arlington’s 6th Annual Alternate Gift Fair:  Discovery Elementary School, December 10, 10 am - 2 pm

Join us for live music, face painting, children’s crafts and holiday science experiments,

$5 items at children’s fair help animals, pediatric patients, local kids in need and much more!

Shop online at http://www.giftsthatgivehope.org

• Holiday House 11th Annual Arts and Crafts Show: Hendry House at Fort C. C. Smith, December 3-11.

Top quality handmade crafts and original art.  See http:www.forsith.com for times and more information.

6.  Enjoy December concerts at our neighborhood schools:

Celebrate the December holidays by attending a concert at one of our neighborhood schools.  Discovery Elementary’s Winter Choir Concert will be held on Wednesday, December 14th at 6 pm.  The Williamsburg Middle School Winter Band Concert is scheduled for Thurs., December 15th, at 7pm, in the auditorium.  Yorktown’s Band Concert will be held in the YHS auditorium on Monday, December 12th, at 7pm; the Choral and Guitar Concert will be held in the auditorium on Tuesday, December 13th at 7pm; and the Yorktown Orchestra Concert will be held in the auditorium on Wednesday, December 14th at 7pm.

7.  County Emergency Closing, Delay and Cancellation Information:  It is getting to that time of the year when inclement weather may cause some closing of County facilities. For specific department information see the County website:   https://emergency.arlingtonva.us/closings-delays-cancellations/ and/or you can register for Arlington Alerts, to receive emergency information on your cell phone or by email.  https://member.everbridge.net/index/1332612387832024#/signup

8.  Arlington Today website:

See Arlington Today, on the County website, at https://today.arlingtonva.us for a day-by-day listing of Arlington events and activities.  Find everything, for all ages, from events and programs for children and teens, to arts, fitness, language, social, County events and more for Arlington adults.  Search by what interests you, or look at all that’s available for a particular day or period of time.

9.  NextDoor:  Are you in need of a plumber, a dog walker, a bridge partner?  Take a look at NextDoor, a social media site for the Rock Spring neighborhood.  Many of your neighbors (479 to date) are actively posting requests for recommendations, suggestions, free giveaways and items for sale.  When you go to the site for the first time, you put in your address and choose Rock Spring as your neighborhood.  You may also choose other neighborhoods for a wider span of information.  Join the fun.  Nextdoor.com

10.  Leaf Collection, 2nd and last pass for Rock Spring:  December 13-15           

To contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden cjhadden@gmail.com or Joan Trabandt, ctrabandt@comcast.net

Happy Thanksgiving from the RSCA Executive Board

1.  Williamsburg Blvd Green Street Project:

Aileen Winquist, the County Watershed Outreach Program Manager, reports that “we have had some delays in getting the construction estimates from the on-call contractor because they needed some additional information on the design.   We have resolved the questions on the design and we expect to receive their cost estimate soon.  After staff reviews the contractor’s cost estimate, we will set up a Purchase Order and schedule the construction.  Once the construction is underway, we expect it take 3 months to complete, depending on the weather.   Following the completion of construction, and once the temperatures have warmed enough for paving, the roads will be re-paved.  We have requested that some of the potholes be filled in the interim.  We apologize for the delays, but we are excited to move forward with this exciting Green Street project! “   

2.  WMS Field Lighting Update:

On November 2nd a community open house was held at Williamsburg Middle School to provide information on the work of the Williamsburg Field Evaluation Work Group (WFWG).  The Work Group was appointed by the County Board in August 2015 “to lead a robust process to evaluate whether or not to light the Williamsburg synthetic fields.  Included in that evaluation, although not limited to these topics shall be whether the environmental, noise and light spillage impacts of, for the first time, lighting one or two fields at Williamsburg can be mitigated sufficiently to preserve the character of the neighborhood and provide a reasonable quality of life to the nearest neighbors.”   Work Group members have spent over a year meeting, researching and discussing the many important factors and considerations related to the Board’s charge to them.  Through the Open House, Work Group members shared what has been learned and discussed, as well as viewpoints and concerns on the impact of the vendor’s recommendation for six 80’ poles with high intensity LED lights.

For those who couldn’t attend the 11/2 WFWG Open House, the link  https://parks.arlingtonva.us/projects/williamsburg-workgroup/agendas/ will take you to the very helpful posters and photos that Work Group members provided to share information with Rock Spring neighbors and other community members.  Click on the 11/2 Open House Handouts/Presentations.

The next WFWG task is development of a final report which then will be presented to several County commissions before the WFWG meets with the County Board in January, and County Board members make a decision in February.  See next month’s Rock Spring Neighborhood Newsletter for additional updates.

3.  WMS Relocatable (Trailers) User Permit:  The orange notices recently posted on telephone poles in the WMS neighborhood announce the application for a use permit for adding the relocatables at WMS.  As a part of that use permit, it was determined that a parking modification is required.   On-site parking requirements for the campus (WMS and Discovery) have to be reduced from 238 to 209 spaces.

The principal at WMS, Gordon Laurie, says that although the user permit posted in our neighborhood calls for a decreased number of parking spaces, from 238 to 209, in actuality there will be no decrease in parking spaces on the WMS/Discovery campus.  A walk through the campus confirms that there are currently 209 parking spaces.

However, the county staff at the October 25, 2016 community meeting responded to a question about parking that if relocatables are added to the property to increase design capacity, additional parking is required to accommodate the additional design capacity.  This item will be up for “consent” at the December 10 County Board Meeting.  If you are interested in speaking about this issue, see the  information on how consent items are handled, https://countyboard.arlingtonva.us/meetings/meeting-procedures/#Consent.

4.  Zoning Changes for Public Schools:

At its meeting on November 9, 2016, the County Board authorized advertisement of proposed amendments that would give the County Board authority to modify height, setbacks and parking for schools in S-3A zoning districts, subject to findings related to scale and massing, transportation, open space and recreation, and sustainability. See item #31 on the County Board agenda to view the staff report.  This could have implications for Williamsburg Field Work Group recommendations and County Board decisions related to the new synthetic soccer fields.

Public hearings include:  Planning Commission: November 30, 2016:  County Board: December 10, 2016

If you have any questions about the proposed amendments, please contact Debbie Albert at dalbert@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-3533.  

5.  Civic Federation:  Here are several County issues that could affect you and for which the Civic Federation would like your online input.

• Airbnb survey:  On December 10th, the County Board will take an important vote on whether to legalize Airbnb type services in Arlington. Currently short-term rentals—less than 30 days—are prohibited in private residences by Arlington’s zoning ordinance. This issue has moved through the zoning revision process very quickly, without the usual level of public outreach and input, due to anticipated action by the Virginia General Assembly that could severely limit Arlington’s ability to regulate short-term rentals or collect taxes that other Arlington businesses are required to pay.  Please check the County Homepage and click on "Homestay" and/or go to the Civic Fed website to take the "airbnb" survey before November 27.  For more information, please see the Civ Fed recorded meeting where this issue was discussed.

• Medical Marijuana/Cannabis Decriminalization:  The Civic Federation is considering whether to support a resolution urging the Virginia General Assembly to approve Medical Marijuana/Cannabis and decriminalize its use.   Please check the Civic Fed website for the wording and background or watch the meeting where this issue is discussed.   By December 1, please complete this survey to state your opinion.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SX5HT63

• Predatory Towing:  The Columbia Heights neighborhood is concerned about predatory towing.  Please visit http://columbiaheights.va.org to check out their on-line petition asking for a few more hoops for the towing companies to jump through before they can hook up a car and/or carry it away.

6.  I-66 Widening Inside the Beltway Public Hearing:  December  5,  7 - 8:30, Washington Lee High School Cafeteria
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is holding public hearings for the Environmental Assessment evaluating the proposed eastbound widening of I-66, as part of the Transform 66 Inside the Beltway Project. In February 2016, Governor McAuliffe and members from the Virginia General Assembly announced a bipartisan agreement to move forward on a plan for I-66 inside the Beltway by widening a four-mile stretch from the Dulles Connector Road to Ballston. This proposal is intended to address an eastbound chokepoint where traffic merges onto I-66 from the Dulles Connector Road.

The widening is part of a package of improvements on I-66, which include tolling from I-495 to U.S. Route 29 in Rosslyn during peak periods in the peak direction, and multimodal improvements that will benefit toll payers and the overall corridor.

If the above meeting is cancelled due to inclement weather, the alternate date will be Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, at Arlington County offices, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Room 307.

7.  Artful Weekend

Join us for the 14th Annual Artful Weekend at the historic Hendry House at Ft. C.F. Smith. A popular pre-holiday event, the weekend art show features the work of 40 Arlington–based artists and includes paintings of many genres, ceramics, sculpture and more. Great for holiday shopping. Opening reception will be held Fri., Nov. 18, 6-8 p.m.; come meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments. Show dates are Sat., Nov. 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 20, 12 - 4 p.m. This event is free to all!

8. Playground Renovation Celebration at Quincy Park:  Sat., Nov. 19, 1 p.m. at Quincy Park.  Join in to celebrate the completion of Arlington’s first Universally Designed playground.  Universal Design means users of all abilities will enjoy the playground! For information: https://projects.arlingtonva.us/projects/quincy-park-playground-sand-volleyball-court-redesign/

Arlington VA's #1 rated charity race is on for its 11th year on Thurs., Nov. 24, 8 a.m. Show your Arlington pride by supporting this event, which gives back to our local community. Details about the course and registration are found at http://www.arlingtonvaturkeytrot.org/race-info.html

10.  Holiday Wreath Workshop:  December 4, 1-4 PM.  Meet at Long Branch Nature Center.
Adults and children ages 12 and up. Using all natural items we’ll create some delightfully decorative crafts you can use to spruce up your home or give as special gifts. We’ll provide music, refreshments, basic instruction and enough materials for each participant to make at least two wreaths. Participants should bring hand pruners or wire cutters (if you have them) and any extra materials or special decorations you may wish to add. For information: 703-228-6535.  $30 registration fee.  625 S. Carlin Springs Road

11. Family Skate Nights
Join in at Thomas Jefferson Community Center for Family Skate Night, Saturdays, 6:30 – 9 p.m.  With a live DJ, moon bounces, and snack bar; this is an enjoyable roller-skating experience for the entire family! You can even rent skates if you don't have any.

To contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden cjhadden@gmail.com or Joan Trabandt, ctrabandt@comcast.net

1.  RSCA Annual Meeting Review:  County Manager Mark Schwartz and Old Dominion Project Manager Bill Roberts:  Answer Questions at Rock Spring Civic Association Annual Meeting :  Submitted by Charlie Flickner, RSCA Secretary

Mark Schwartz, County Manager since January, offered candid insights into the County government at the October 6, 2016 RSCA annual meeting.  Issues related to over-building and lighting of school athletic facilities dominated the question and answer period.  About 45 neighbors attended the first annual meeting held at Discovery Elementary School.

2.  Old Dominion Construction Project Update:

Arlington County is adding sidewalks on both sides of Old Dominion Drive (Route 309), making the road more pedestrian and cyclist friendly. Other project features include new curbs and gutters, installation of a storm water system, upgrades to transit stops and new traffic signals, street lights and street trees.   Construction work hours within the roadway are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.

• Street light wiring work continues.

• New sidewalks continue to be constructed along Rock Spring Road, just north of Old Dominion Drive.

• Sewer pipes, with two catch basin structures, have recently been installed.

• The contractor will soon be constructing the proposed curb and gutter along Rock Spring Road between Old Dominion Drive and Glebe Road; weather permitting.

• Stone dust has been added to the northeast and northwest quadrants of the Williamsburg Boulevard/Old Dominion Drive intersection to temporarily facilitate pedestrian mobility while traffic signal construction is taking place. Once signal work has been completed, sidewalks in these two corners will be poured.

• In the next few weeks, Dominion Virginia Power (DVP) will relocate an overhead guy wire along the Little Falls Road service drive, which will then allow the contractor to resume work. The current location of the guy wire is in conflict with a proposed storm sewer which has temporarily slowed down work on the service drive.

• Due to utility relocation delays, final paving work has moved back to its original slated time - spring 2017.

3.  Streetlight Demo Recap

On September 15, 2016 County staff demonstrated how new streetlights will function along Old Dominion Drive - staff answered streetlight and project related questions from local residents.

• Of the project's 84 LED streetlights, all but five have been installed. However, many still need to be wired.

• The streetlights won't be operational until the project's utility relocations and hardscape work has been completed (pouring of all sidewalks, storm sewer installation, curb and gutter installation, construction driveway aprons, etc...). Streetlights are expected to be operational in spring 2017.

• Once the entire project is complete, we will coordinate to remove the old existing streetlights mounted on top of the overhead wood utility poles.

We continue to update our project page on the Arlington County website and construction photos are available on Flickr.  If you have questions regarding construction please contact Gerald Roberson, Construction Manager. For project details please contact Jon Lawler, Capital Project Manager.

4. Williamsburg Blvd Green Street Project: Submitted by Jerry Paul.

The County reports that “we have had some delays in getting the estimate from the on-call contractor.  They had some questions on the project design and one small change to the design was necessary.  We have made the updates to the design and we expect to receive their cost estimate in the next month, and then move forward with scheduling the construction.  We are excited to move forward with this exciting Green Street project!  And, will keep the Civic Association informed”.  

5.  Williamsburg Field Evaluation Work Group:  November 2 Open House

You are invited to an open house/information event at Williamsburg Middle School where Parks and Recreation are offering an opportunity for the community to learn more about the status of the fact finding and outstanding issues concerning the decision about whether to install lights on the synthetic fields at Williamsburg Middle School.  (https://parks.arlingtonva.us/projects/williamsburg-workgroup/)

6.  High School Boundary Meetings:  APS is considering changing the boundaries for high school eligibility in order to accommodate overcrowding.  If you are interested, please see the website which describes the process and meeting dates. https:/www.apsva.us/post/school-board-discusses-framework-process-timeline-proposed-high-school-boundary-refinements/

7.  Create, Participate and Collect During Art Swaps at Arlington Mill Community Center.  Sundays this fall.  Nov. 6 and Dec. 4, 1 - 4 p.m.  Free. Open to all artists and crafters!

Schedule:

• 1-2:30 p.m. - Bring your own artwork or art supplies to create a piece onsite to swap- we’ll have art supplies you can use too!

• 2:30-3 p.m. -  Each finished work will be traded for a single raffle ticket

• 3-4 p.m. The swap begins! Raffle numbers are drawn, artwork is selected.

Trade and network amongst other artists. Participation in the swap is optional.

Arlington Mill Community Center
Street Level Gallery Space
909 S Dinwiddie Street

8.  Fall Fungi 101 Hike:  Saturday, Oct. 22, 1 - 3pm.

Don't be stumped by spores or mystified by mycelium!   Get to know these ancient organisms and the basics of mushroom identification then walk the park to find some fantastic fungi and practice ID skills. Teens welcomed. For information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road. $10. #612846-D

To contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden cjhadden@gmail.com or Joan Trabandt, ctrabandt@comcast.net