This newsletter is compiled by the Rock Spring Civic Association for neighbors in the Rock Spring neighborhood.

From the Rock Spring Civic Association Board

1.  RSCA Annual Meeting Recap:    On Thursday, October 18, our annual meeting hosted two speakers, Noah Simon and Christine Winn.  Mr. Simon has been appointed the Chair of the 26th Street Task Force which will be studying the 7.5 acres property where the Salt Dome resides off Old Dominion Drive.  The committee will begin its meetings in November and send recommendations to the County Board by April 1. The County requires the property to include a new Salt Dome, a mulch site, the current trailhead and a 1-1.5 acre park (gardens, playground, or playing field). Where those four are located will be part of the committee’s recommendations. Rock Spring Civic Association has a seat on the committee and we will provide updates periodically.

Ms. Winn, Director, Business Investment Group, Arlington Economic Development (AED)gave an interesting presentation about the reasons for Arlington’s elevated office vacancy rate and the County’s plans to entice new business and retain current businesses in order to return to the 50/50 split in commercial and residential share of tax base.  Arlington is positioned well to market to and attract businesses. Some of its features include:

·       Concentration of federal research agencies

·       Highly-educated workforce

·       Among best schools in the nation

·       Globally-attractive location

·       High-tech/cybersecurity clusters

·       Transportation/accessibility/walkability

·       Small town charm and big city amenities

The AED office not only focuses on big business, but small businesses as well and provides many services to small business owners.  They have streamlined the process for small business owners to make it easier to get started and meet County requirements.

2.  Leaf Collection:  First Pass Nov. 27- Dec. 4

Second Pass Dec. 17-20

3.  Lee Highway Alliance Events:

Dec. 1, 11:30 - 2:30 pm, FREE Winter Festival of Lights

Lee Highway Corridor

Have FUN and celebrate a winter wonderland of 10,000 lights!    Holiday music, food, and performers at four venues!   Compete in the Amazing Passport Race

·       start at the Lee Arts Center to sing & do print and button making,

·       visit the Big White Tent at Lee Harrison for magic, music, puppies, & wreath making,

·       enjoy holiday music, heritage, and photos with fire fighters at Langston Brown CC,  and Shop Lee, Shop Local at the Holiday Market, Cherrydale Historic Fire Station!

·       For map and more information: www.leehighwayalliance.com

December 4, 6:30 pm:  ARTIS Senior Living proposal:  LHA’s Office, 4620 Lee Highway Suite 208.

You are invited to the third community meeting at LHA on the ARTIS Senior Living proposal. The meeting will be HELD JOINTLY with the Waverly Hills CA and the Cherrydale CA. ARTIS has responded to many of the community's concerns.

The results of the traffic study are not yet available, but will be presented at the meeting.

4.  Arlington Public Schools:

Check out results from YOUR VOICE MATTERS, a new survey of Arlington Public Schools (APS) 5th – 11th grade students, parents and school staff at https://apcyf.arlingtonva.us/our-work/your-voice-matters-survey/.  The survey was a collaborative effort by APS and the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, with the goal of providing the Arlington community with “a snapshot of school climate, staff engagement, and student and family well-being.”  The survey focused on bullying, communications, safety and quality of instruction.

Monday, November 26, 7 pm, in the YHS auditorium: YHS hosts third annual CREATING A YORKTOWN COMMUNITY OF CARING:  A PROGRAM ON SUBSTANCE USE

This year's featured speaker will be Arlington parent Admiral Sandy Winnefeld, whose son attended Washington-Lee High School and died of an opioid overdose last fall at the age of 20.  In addition to sharing his son's story and the science behind addiction, he will be accompanied by a student recovering from addiction. Admiral Winnefeld has spoken to some members of our school athletic community and has been well very received by students and adults alike.   He and his wife founded SAFE, Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic, last year and has been sharing his son's story nationally.

Research indicates addiction almost always starts with experimentation with alcohol or marijuana.  While this year’s event will highlight the fatal effects of opioid addiction, the stories will show the progression of addiction as well as the science behind it.  Admiral Winnefeld will speak about his son’s journey and the many resources available to our community.

Community resources such as The Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, Arlington Public School’s Substance Abuse Counselors, READY Coalition, Arlington Police, SAFE and Arlington Assistance and Recovery Initiative (AARI), will be available before and after the event.  YHS welcomes all parents, students and community members to attend.

More information on SAFE can be found at https://www.safeproject.us/.

Williamsburg Middle School Events:

·       December 5-12 - WMS Book Fair

       December 6 - 7:00 WMS Band Concert

·       December 11 - 7:00 WMS Chorus/Orchestra Concert

Yorktown High School Events:

·       December 13, 14, 15 - Theatre Arts Musical

·       December 17 – Band Concert

·       December 17 – Choir Concert

5.  E-CARE:  November 17, 8:30 -1 pm.  The biannual Arlington Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) allows Arlington residents to safely dispose of household hazardous materials and electronics, plus recycle bikes and small metal items among other things.  Talk to neighbors and combine loads, saving extra trips to the collection site.

New location: 1425 N. Quincy St., formerly known as the Buck Property, directly across the street from Washington-Lee High School and the David M. Brown Planetarium.

Commercial waste not accepted.  View a complete list of accepted items. Rain or shine. E-CARE Fall 2018 printable brochure

6.  Bounce over to Madison beginning November 3

Have an active child 3-9 years old who loves to bounce? Bounce on over to Madison Community Center for Open Bounce Saturday mornings. Hop to it: choose a session (9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.) and join in the fun for just $3 per child. Details here. You can even schedule a birthday party at the Bounce!

7.  Family Skate Night:  Live DJ, moon bounces and fun. What else could a family need for an adventurous Saturday night? Thomas Jefferson Community Center hosts Family Skate Night Saturdays, 6:15-9 p.m. Only $2 to enter and $3 to rent skates (don't forget: cash only). Details here

8.  Families Unplugged: Printed Cards and Calendars:  Sat., Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-noon
Come by Arlington Mill Community Center to get ready for the holidays at this fun and exciting Families Unplugged. The experts from our Community Arts team will guide you and your family through a fun project for each upcoming holiday: a wooden turkey craft perfect for Thanksgiving decor, winter holiday cards, and a 2019 calendar. Only $8 per person. Details and registration

9.  Holiday Wreath Workshop

Adults. 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. Teens ages 12 and up are welcome, but must be accompanied by a registered adult. For information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road  Event # 622949-A

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

1.  Rock Spring Civic Association (RSCA) Annual Meeting:  Thursday, October 18,
7 pm at Discovery Elementary Cafeteria

Our guest speaker will be Christina M. Winn, Director, Business Investment Group,
Arlington Economic Development.  The topic will be Economic Development and Arlington’s Future.  We will discuss recent successes, challenges facing the County in the next 5-10 years particularly with expansion of metro into the outer suburbs, what employers are looking for in a community, how initiatives like the Lee Highway Association planning process fit into the economic development picture, impact of growth on schools, transportation, facilities, etc. and how that is being assessed in the economic development framework, and if there are any economic development initiatives focused on aging in place.   

Please join us and bring your questions.  Don’t forget to bring your $20 annual dues.

2.  Rock Spring Civic Association (RSCA):   Seeking new members for the Executive Board.  If you are interested is serving our association for a 2-year term, please talk with us at the Annual Meeting.  The Board meets quarterly to discuss issues concerning our neighborhood.

3.  New W&OD Trail Bridge over Lee Highway: Oct 11, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Yorktown High School.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is hosting a community meeting to present the final design and aesthetic details for the Washington & Old Dominion Trail Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge over Lee Highway (Route 29). The design reflects input received during workshops held last year.  They will answer some lingering questions from community members.

4.  Lee Highway Alliance Oktober Fest:  October 13th, 9:30-12:30
Come to the 2nd annual Marymount Farmer’s Market Oktoberfest! (and bring your neighbors!) Come for German sausages, live German music and more activities.  www.leehighwayalliance.com  

5.  Roller Skating at Thomas Jefferson Community Center:  Starting this Saturday, October 13, the Thomas Jefferson Community Center offers roller skating for families from 6:30-8:30 PM and teens only from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.   Enjoy a live DJ, moon bounce, and fun on wheels. Café open for snacks (cash only). https://parks.arlingtonva.us/kids-events/roller-skating-nights-skate-parties-thomas-jefferson/

6.  Virtual Town Hall with the County Manager:  Wednesday, October 17, 7 pm
Discuss the County’s budget, via Facebook Live.  The Manager is forecasting significant budget pressures this year and wants to learn more about the community’s priorities.  Tune in to participate in the live online chat. See https://budget.arlingtonva.us/2018/09/fy-2020-budget-virtual-town-hall/ for more information and to sign up for the chat.

7.  Neighborhood Conservation Program Review:  Seeking feedback by October 18.
County Staff presented a draft charge for a future working group to help guide the Neighborhood Conservation Program effort during a status report to the County Board in Sept 2018.
Provide feedback to the draft charge on the web site or by emailing Anthony Fusarelli.
https://projects.arlingtonva.us/neighborhood-conservation/nc-plan-program/neighborhood-conservation-program-review/

8.  Fall Heritage Festival:  October 20, 1 – 5 pm, Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park
3608 North Military Road, https://parks.arlingtonva.us/events/fall-heritage-festival/

9.  APS Middle School Information Night:  Monday, October 22, 7 - 9:00
For families of students entering any Arlington Public Schools middle school in Fall 2019.  Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N. Stafford St.

APS High School Information Night:  Monday, October 29, 7 - 9:00
For families of students entering any Arlington Public Schools high school in Fall 2019.  Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N. Stafford St.

10.  Tree ID Hike:  October 27.  11:15-12:30. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center.
Adults. The leaves are just starting to fall but we can still identify trees without using the leaf shape as a clue. We’ll learn to identify the trees of Arlington parks by their bark and shape. Dress for the weather. Teens ages 14 and up welcome, but must be accompanied by a registered adult. For information: 703-228-6535. Registration Required.

11.  Plan Lee Highway: Seeking members of the Lee Highway Community Forum.  The application deadline is October 31.
The purpose of this application is to seek “at-large” representatives from faith-based organizations, private schools, service organizations, advocacy groups, and/or other special groups to serve on the Plan Lee Highway Community Forum.  Please see the website for information. https://projects.arlingtonva.us/plans-studies/land-use/lee-highway/community-  forum-application/

12.  Arlington County’s Child Care:  The County is working with the community to develop solutions to address the accessibility, availability and quality of childcare in Arlington.  This issue is a key element if Arlington is to remain competitive as the preeminent place to live, work, and play in the region. Please share your input by taking a 5-minute survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W8WHYLK.  For more information, see https://commissions.arlingtonva.us/child-care-initiative/.  Input from parents, interested community members, childcare staff/workers, etc. is welcomed and encouraged.

Contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden  or Joan Trabandt.

1.  County Board Candidate Debate:  Oct 1 at Yorktown Civic Association: Patriot Room, Yorktown High School.  The meeting will start at 7:30 pm, with the 1-hour debate starting around 7:45 pm.

2.  Rock Spring Civic Association Annual Meeting:  Mark your calendars:  October 18, 7 pm.

3.  Stone Monument at Old Dominion Drive and Rock Spring Road:  submitted by Deirdre Donahue, member of RSCA.

Longtime residents of RSCA will recall that a stone monument used to stand on the SW corner of Rock Spring Road and Old Dominion Drive. The original purpose of the monument, which is over 100 years old, has not been discerned despite many hours of research of historical records. (However, it has been determined that the monument most likely did not designate a stop on the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad.). Residents of the Rock Spring neighborhood have enjoyed the mysterious monument for years, and have developed their own ideas about its origins and purpose.

The monument was toppled during a car accident about 12 years ago. Nearby neighbors asked the County to store the monument while its history could be researched, with the intent of asking the County to restore the monument and place a plaque on it commemorating the neighborhood’s origins. The County was eager to assist. The monument has been restored and a plaque (donated by a neighbor) has been installed, explaining the origins of the Rock Spring neighborhood. 

4.  Don’t’ miss out!  Take a look at the multitude of upcoming and ongoing Arlington event, activities and services available to you!

Start here:  https://topics.arlingtonva.us/residents/ to find a park, fitness centers and programs, Arlington’s amazing and free library resources and programs, learn about volunteer needs/opportunities throughout the county, find county events, read current county news, report a neighborhood or county problem and so much more!

And whether you’re a parent or not, make sure you take a look at https://www.apsva.us/engage/ for Arlington Public Schools’ events, activities, advisory and other volunteer opportunities, a directory of all of our schools and programs, as well as School Board meetings and opportunities for input and involvement.

If you are wondering why, at a particular time, there is additional traffic around the schools (meetings, plays, concerts), check out their calendars.

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

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

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

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

Speaking of our schools:  Please help keep Arlington children safe in the Rock Spring neighborhood and throughout the county   We’re fortunate to have Discovery Elementary, Jamestown Elementary and Williamsburg Middle School right here in our neighborhood.  We see the happy children walking, biking, on their scooters, in school buses, and being dropped off and picked by their families each school day.  In the evenings and on weekends, the very popular soccer fields are filled with young players and their families.

These children are being asked to be careful, stay safe, look before crossing and are given many more messages to keep them safe.   What children, their families and their schools need from us, RSCA members, is cautious, careful driving whenever you see a child is nearby.  And, stopping for those school buses picking up and dropping off children. Watch for children and others as you drive up our hills, approach traffic lights and intersections where children and others may be crossing.  We all know how busy Williamsburg Blvd. has gotten with many drivers who are in a hurry. Albemarle St., Delaware St., Harrison St. and 36th St. are also busy during school hours.   Many Arlington children cross these very busy streets.  Thank you for watching out for all of our wonderful and loved Arlington children.

5.  Other Items of Interest:

Arlington Hospital Update:  https://projects.arlingtonva.us/projects/virginia-hospital-center-expansion/

Salt Dome Update:  https://projects.arlingtonva.us/n-side-salt-tank-interim-structure/

Lee Highway & Glebe Road Intersection Improvements:   View the project page

Cherrydale Five Points Intersection Improvements:  View the project page

Old Dominion Drive Missing Link:  View the project page  

Permanent Drug Take-Back Boxes: The County installed three permanent drug take-back boxes to address a crucial public safety and public health crisis facing communities across the country.   In 3 months, the public safely disposed of 407 pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications.  Items accepted at the drug take-back boxes are prescriptions, vitamins, prescription ointments, pet medications, prescription patches and over-the-counter medications. Items not accepted are needles, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions or liquids and hydrogen peroxide.

Permanent take-back boxes are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 day a year with no questions asked at the following locations:

1.     Arlington County Fire Station #2 – 4805 Wilson Boulevard

2.     Arlington County Fire Station #9 – 1900 S. Walter Reed Drive

3.     Arlington County Police Department – 2000 block of 14th Street N.

The Police Department will once again participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Event locations will be announced on a future date.

Marymount Farmers Market:  Saturdays, 9 am – 1 pm, Open until November 17.  http://www.marymountfarmersmarket.org/

6.  Learn about Magnificent Monarchs, Saturday, September 22, 1-3pm, National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA

Monarchs and their amazing migration to Mexico are in peril for many reasons.  Learn about the mysterious monarch life cycle and migration at an ASNV class September 22, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the National Wildlife Federation Building in Reston at 11100 Wildlife Center Drive.  Also learn how you can attract them to your home garden or favorite public space and how to raise them to send them on their fall journey. Resources for milkweed and garden design also included. The class will be taught by Georgina Chin, an instructor with Monarch Teacher Network.  For more details on signing up, check out the ASNV website.

Contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden  or Joan Trabandt

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

1.  Arlington County Fair:  Food, exhibits, and entertainment!  http://arlingtoncountyfair.us/

2.  Arlington Civic Federation Candidate's Forum:  Tuesday, September 4, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Hazel Auditorium, Virginia Hospital Center,
Candidates for County Board, School Board and others will debate.  http://www.civfed.org/
3.  Arlington Public Schools:  School starts for most K-12 students on Tuesday, September 4.

For the school calendar:  https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2018calendar_online.pdf

4.  Fill the Cruiser with School Supplies:  Thursday, August 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Westover Shopping Center – 5800 block of Washington Boulevard. https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/help-fill-the-cruiser-with-back-to-school-supplies/

5.  1812 Overture Concert:  Saturday, August 18 at 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM, 247 Sheridan Ave, Fort Myer.

The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" presents its annual family-friendly, end-of-summer concert on historic Fort Myer's Summerall Field in Arlington, Va. A late-summer tradition in the Washington area for over 50 years, this concert features the Concert Band, Herald Trumpets, the Army Chorus, Army Voices, and members of Downrange. Program highlights include selections from the hit Broadway show Hamilton, and music honoring Vietnam Veterans by the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, and Simon & Garfunkel.

The concert concludes with a bang - literally! The Presidential Salute Battery of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) lends its special talent to the performance of Tchaikovsky's inimitable masterpiece with 5,775-pound World War II era anti-tank guns. The adopted soundtrack of summer in America, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is one of the finest examples of storytelling through music, written to commemorate the Russian defeat of Napoleon's army.

The concert is FREE and tickets are not required. Bleacher seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and there will be plenty of grass seating for blankets and low-chairs. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will take place at the same time inside Conmy Hall, adjacent to Summerall Field. Stadium seating in Conmy Hall is available.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to enter Fort Myer via the Henry Gate on Pershing Drive and Rt. 50, just steps from Summerall Field and a convenient drop off point for ride sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Patrons 18 years or older must present valid photo ID, and bags will be searched. Food is permitted; however, no coolers, alcohol, or glass containers.

6.  2018 Wednesday Library Garden Talks:  Arlington Central Library,1015 N Quincy St, 7 pm,

August 15 - The Joy of Pickles and Sauces from the Garden

August 22 - Cover Crops for Healthy Soil

September 5 - Making Teas and Using Herbs from your Garden

See the schedule of talks for the rest of the year.

7.  Family Campfire Outdoor Fun!  Saturdays from September through November.

The whole family is invited to join in our campfires, for lots of old fashioned fun. You’ll hear campfire stories, may meet some animal guests, play games, sing songs and, of course, enjoy S’mores! Each campfire has a nature theme and promises to entertain.  See https://parks.arlingtonva.us/campfires/ for more information.

View the latest Snag for all the Arlington County fun nature activities available.

Contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden  or Joan Trabandt

The Regular Meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. with public comment. View the agenda and read the staff reports for each agenda item. (Note: Some reports will be posted closer to the meeting date.)

2.  Cool Creek Critters:  July 28th - Lubber Run. 3-4:30 (registration info); August 8th - Windy Run 10-11 AM (registration info).  Families ages 5 and up. Register children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Dress to get wet as we spend some time exploring waterfalls, trying to catch water striders, and taking a closer look at some creek critters. Must wear closed-toe shoes in water. For information: 703- 228-3403.

3.  The View of DC, the CEB Tower in Rosslyn.  The CEB Tower is the tallest building in the DC area and the 360-degree view from the top is awesome.  Tickets may be purchased at the website at a reduced price.  https://www.theviewofdc.com

    4.  Have you been to the Marymount Farmer’s Market?         
It is open May 26 – November 17, Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm.  Parking is available in the parking garage from the Yorktown Blvd. side.  There is often entertainment.  Here is a brief description of the vendors available at the market.  For more information about each vendor and other market information, visit the market web site:  www.marymountfarmersmarket.org

(From the Marymount Farmer’s Market Web Site)

Coffee:

Abyssinia Mart and coffee house
Alexandria , VA
Small coffee shop, beer & wine and international market.                      

Dairy:

Spriggs Delight Farm
Sharpsburg, MD
goat cheese

Sweet Twist of Ecuador LLC Ana's Twist
Alexandria, VA
artisan ice cream, in the Ecuador tradition, DAIRY FREE, and GLUTEN FREE ice cream

Fruit and Vegetables:

count pickula llc
Vienna, VA
Romanian pickled products made with love in the USA

Great Valley Farms, LLC
Mt. Jackson, VA
specializing in freshly grown produce, canned goods (pickles, pickled vegetables, jams, butters, jellies, sauces, and salsas), dried fruits and vegetables, and dried and fresh herbs.

J & W Valley View Farm
Montross, VA

Penn Farm
Colonial Beach, VA

Toigo Orchards

Meats

Cold Country Salmon
Zion Crossroads, VA

Hog Haven Farm
Columbia, VA
USDA packaged frozen pork and also offer an assortment of hot food

Holly Brook Farm
Berryville, VA
heritage pork (Large black X Herefords) , lambs (Kathadins and Dorpers),pastured chickens (broilers and egg layers), goats, rabbits (Flemish, NZ, Argents), heritage turkeys, ducks (eggs and meat) and rose veal

Pastries and Baked Goods:

Little Austria
Sterling, VA
Austrian pastry desserts with a main focus on strudels (Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry, Chocolate)

Mechelle's Baking Company

Panorama  Loic Feillet Artisan Baker, LLC
Capitol Heights, MD
traditional French baguette, breads, and pastries along with scones and muffins

Prepared Foods:

Georgian Feast
Rockville, MD
Authentic Georgian Cuisine

Mesisam The Ethiopian Eatery
Washington, DC
Vegetable and mild or spicy meat dishes

Mormor Crepes
Arlington, VA

crepes serving a family original recipe for sweet and savory options

Ozfeka Catering
Arlington, VA
a small catering company which serves Mediterranean dishes

1.   Discovery Elementary New Outdoor Learning Space:  In May, Discovery Elementary’s principal sent a letter to Rock Spring neighbors bordering the woods and the school, describing the school’s 5th grade Design Thinking Challenge. Fifth grade students worked as experts, beside experts, to build a new outdoor learning space for Discovery “using the design thinking process and biomimicry.” On June 12th, the students, experts and staff showcased the process at Explorer Night on the Discovery Veranda. Some fourth-grade students had an opportunity to help out during the Community Build on June 13th.  Parents, experts and novice builders, were invited to be part of the project. Those involved in this project hope that future Discovery students will add to the outdoor learning space in the coming years.

2. County Capital Improvement Program (CIP):  The County Manager's proposed CIP lays out nearly $2.8 billion in investments for parks, transportation, community facilities, and more over the next decade.   The Proposed FY 2019-2028 CIP is now available for feedback!   Feel free to Share your thoughts.  

3.  Schools Capital Improvement Program (CIP):  The Superintendent of Schools has also proposed a CIP.  Find out more about it at:  https://www.apsva.us/budget-finance/cip/

Arlington Schools are closing for the summer:  High Schools on Friday, June 15; Middle Schools on Tuesday, June 19 and Elementary Schools on Wednesday June 20.  Schools within the Rock Spring Civic Association area will open in the fall on Tuesday, September 4.

4. Fight Against Prescription Drugs:  Arlington County has taken a proactive measure in the fight against prescription drug abuse by installing three permanent drug-take back boxes. The public can now safely and securely dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 day a year. This disposal service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. The permanent drug take-back boxes are located at:

·       Arlington County Fire Station #2 – 4805 Wilson Boulevard

·       Arlington County Fire Station #9 – 1900 S. Walter Reed Drive

·       Arlington County Police Department – 2000 block of 14th Street N.

Items accepted at the drug take-back boxes are prescriptions, vitamins, prescription ointments, pet medications, prescription patches and over-the-counter medications. Items not accepted are needles, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions or liquids and hydrogen peroxide. This is a joint public safety project between the Arlington County Police Department and the Arlington County Fire Department.

5.  June is National Rose Month:  Celebrate the rose at Bon Air Memorial Park, and enjoy the stunning rose garden conceived by Nellie Broyhill as a memorial honoring the many Arlingtonians who served and lost their lives in WWII.

6. Lots of Things to Do!:

Mosquitoes and Ticks: Identification and Control:  Tuesday, June 19th.  7-8:30 PM.  Learn the lifecycle and science of how best to control mosquitoes and ticks, keeping them away from you and your family.  Free. Advance registration requested at mgnv.org.   Westover Branch Library. 1644 N. McKinley Road.  Questions? Call 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com.

2018 Summer Solstice Cleanup and Picnic:  Thursday, June 21st.   6:30-9 PM. Join EcoAction Arlington for their Summer Solstice event. Celebrate the longest day of the year with a chance to enjoy beautiful Bluemont Park for service projects and a social.  There will be a picnic immediately following, so stay for food and a chance to meet like-minded volunteers interested in the outdoors and conservation. EcoAction Arlingon is asking for a donation of $5 for the picnic per person paid on site. There will be vegetarian food options available.  Register now!

Butterfly Identification Workshop:  Monday, June 25, 2018, 7:00 PM  9:00 PM,  National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive Reston, VA, 20190United States (map).    The sight of butterflies fluttering around on a warm day is one of the most iconic signs of summer.  These beautiful insects usually only live for a few weeks as adults, but they make quite an impression while they are in their full glory.  The classroom portion of the workshop is FREE and will be on Monday, June 25. More information.

Free Outdoor Movies: Fridays @ Arlington Mill Community Center & Gateway Park; Saturdays @ Penrose Square

Lubber Run Amphitheater Free Concert Series: starting Fri., June 15 @ Lubber Run

From Cumbia to Classical, starting this weekend you can enjoy FREE musical performances every weekend at the Lubber Run Amphitheater! See the season schedule, including a "Hamiltunes" sing-along on June 17.

Art Attack: Thurs., July 12 @ Lubber Run. The center will close to the public Fri., July 6. Save the date for a chance to leave your mark on the building before saying goodbye.

Arlington Events & Activities for all Ages & Interests:

https://library.arlingtonva.us/events/

https://parks.arlingtonva.us/

https://parks.arlingtonva.us/find-a-park/

https://parks.arlingtonva.us/parksfacilities/nature-centers-programs/

https://topics.arlingtonva.us/engage/

http://www.bikearlington.com/

https://parks.arlingtonva.us/parksfacilities/spraygrounds/

Contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden  or Joan Trabandt

1.  What improvements do you need in your neighborhood?

The Rock Spring Civic Association is large – running from Glebe Road to Kensington Street - with many smaller neighborhood groupings.  The Rock Spring Civic Association (RSCA) would like to know what you feel that our/your neighborhood needs so we can apply for funding from the County’s Neighborhood Conservation Program.  Please email your ideas titled Neighborhood Improvements to rockspringcivic@gmail.com  More about the Neighborhood Conservation Program follows:

[Submitted by Jerry Paul, RSCA Board member and Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee representative]  The Neighborhood Conservation Program helps improve and enhance Arlington neighborhoods. The program was created in 1964 to empower residents by having them come together to discuss and share ideas for improving their neighborhoods. Today, the program provides funding for a variety of improvements including: installation of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, streetlights, signs, park improvements, neighborhood art and beautification. This program empowers citizens to identify and plan projects in their own neighborhoods.  RSCA has representatives on the NCAC who help to: suggest proposed projects; develop recommendations for improving the neighborhood conservation process; and participate in implementing County bond funds.

Neighborhood Conservation staff determines if a project request requires an amendment to the existing Neighborhood Conservation Plan and will work with the civic association to decide if the requested project should become a priority.

Approved projects go through a planning and design process. For each type of project, the process differs slightly. For example, new streetlights require a petition that is signed by 60 percent of affected residents, while park projects trigger a field study.

Funding for Neighborhood Conservation projects comes from voter-approved General Obligation Bond Referenda. Since 1996, the County has spent over $62.7 million on Neighborhood Conservation projects. The program has provided funding to assist every participating neighborhood in the County with such improvements as street, gutter and sidewalk repairs, beautification projects and better street lighting.

For more information, take a look at RSCA’s Neighborhood Conservation Plan

2.  Arlington Public Schools Capital Improvement Plan (From the Williamsburg Middle School PTA newsletter):  The School Board is considering the Superintendent's proposed APS Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2019-2028. The CIP is updated every other year to reflect major projects, such as new school construction and expansion. Every CIP decision affects all school levels!

At the School Board Work Session on May 7, an alternative CIP (for discussion purposes only at this time) was proposed. This proposal--if adopted--could impact WMS and some of the feeder elementary schools by potentially delaying the construction of Reed, 300 new middle school seats, and the Education Center HS seats in favor of full build-out of the Career Center site. Please see page 20 of this presentation for details: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FY-2019-28-CIP-Work-Session-Presentation-May-7-2018.pdf Lots of options are being discussed, so it is a good time to pay attention!!

Meetings this week! Wednesday, May 16 at 6:00-7:00 pm at Swanson MS (in the library).  In addition, there will be a School Board work session on the CIP Tuesday, May 15 at 7:30 pm at Syphax Center (2110 Washington Blvd). At this work session, APS staff will be presenting alternative options for discussion. A third information session will be held May 21 at 6 p.m. at Patrick Henry Elementary School, 701 S. Highland St. School Board meetings and work sessions are open to the public, or can be viewed at: https://www.apsva.us/school-board-meetings/watch-school-board-meetings/

3.  County Board Capital Improvement Plan: Tuesday, May 22.

The County Manager will present the proposed Fiscal Year 2019-2028 CIP to the County Board at the Tuesday, May 22, 2018 Recessed County Board Meeting.   .

The CIP outlines planned investments in building, maintaining, upgrading and replacing County facilities and infrastructure over the next 10 years. This includes investments in libraries; parks; community centers; technology systems; water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation infrastructure; and more.

The Manager’s presentation will mark the start of an intensive public review process. The Manager plans a virtual town hall in late May, the Board will hold four CIP work sessions with the Manager and departments between May 29 and June 26, and a public hearing will take place on June 27. The Board will adopt the CIP at its July meeting.

The Board work sessions and public hearing will be live-streamed on the County website and broadcast on Comcast and Verizon by ATV, the County’s cable channel. For more about the CIP, visit the County website

4.  Lee Highway Alliance’s (LHA) Education Forum on Heritage:  Saturday, May 19.

Learn about the Stratford Middle School’s renovation and interpretive plan regarding civil rights history in the corridor.  Pastries at 9:30 am, followed by the forum from 10-11:30 am. LHA is located at 4620 Lee Highway, Suite 208 (second floor), above Long and Foster in the Russell Building

5.  How should Arlington grow?  Arlington County is inviting the community to engage in a broad conversation around this question.  In June, the Arlington County Board, in partnership with citizen commissions, will host a series of Big Idea Roundtables—discussions that move beyond a specific project or proposal to big-picture conversations about our County’s future. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from one another, identify differences, and find common ground.

Space is limited. Participants should only register for one roundtable to allow everyone who is interested to participate. Register online for one of the Big Idea Roundtables, scheduled in different locations, at different times of the day, across the County.

• Saturday, June 2, 2–4 p.m., Langston-Brown Community Center Rooms 108 and 109, 2121 North Culpeper St.

• Monday, June 4, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Drew Community Center Room 118, 3500 23rd St. S.

• Saturday, June 9, 9–11 a.m.; Arlington Mill Community Center Rooms 411 and 413, 909 S. Dinwiddie St. Translation services available for Spanish-speaking residents at this session.

• Monday, June 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Ellen M. Bozman Government Center Room 311, 2100 Clarendon Blvd.

• Wednesday, June 20, 9–11 a.m., Lubber Run Community Center Multipurpose Room, 300 N. Park Drive.

6.  Marymount Farmers Market:  Opening day is Saturday, May 26, 9 am to 1 pm.

We have seasonal and local fruits and vegetables, pies, pastries, and strudel.  

New this year:

• Count Pickula - Romanian style fermented pickles

• The Ethiopian Eatery - Vegetable and mild or spicy meat dish, usually in the form of wat ( also W'et or Wot), a thick stew served atop injera, a large sourdough flatbread made out of fermented teff flour

• Mormor Crepes - Both sweet and savory crepes available every other week

• Ozfeka Catering - Mediterranean dishes. Try the borek, it is like a Turkish reimagining of lasagna.

• For more information, see http://www.marymountfarmersmarket.org/
  
  

7.  Taste of Arlington:   May 20, 2018 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Taste of Arlington is the biggest and best family-friendly, food+beer+music street festival in Northern Virginia!  The outdoor festival is located on Wilson Boulevard between N. Randolph Street & N. Lincoln Street.
Taste of Arlington

8.  Arlington’s Beautiful Outdoors:  Enjoy the beautiful weather and explore Arlington’s many walking and biking, and hiking trails.  Whether you want to take a walk or bike ride, or you’re looking for a vigorous workout, you can easily find the right trail on the Arlington County website.  Complete details, including trail maps, type of trail and features, and much more information for each of the 17 off-street trails is available at https://parks.arlingtonva.us/off-street-trails/.

9.  Free summer outdoor movie nights!  Mark your calendar and don’t miss the fun!  Whether you’re looking for a fun night with the family, or a great night with friends, check out the wide range of movies and, in some cases, food, drink and games for kids and adults.   For details, see the CPRO Friday and Saturday Movie Nights and Rosslyn Cinema Outdoor Movie Festival information and websites below.   

• CPRO Friday and Saturday Movie Nights 2018, beginning June 1st (at Arlington Mill, 909 S Dinwiddie St.) and June 2nd (at Penrose Square, 2597 Columbia Pike)   http://columbia-pike.org/movie-nights/

• Rosslyn Cinema 2018 Outdoor Movie Festival at Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway, near Key Bridge) beginning June 8th:  https://www.rosslynva.org/do/rosslyn-cinema-outdoor-movie-festival
  
  

10.  Free Shade Trees Planted for You:   June 11 Deadline
Concerned about the declining tree canopy in Arlington? In 2009 the Tree Canopy Fund (TCF), was launched after Arlington County Board approval in 2007 with the goals of arresting the decline and restoring and increasing the County’s tree cover over time. Administered by EcoAction Arlington and the Arlington County Urban Forestry Commission (UFC), the fund provides grants to individuals and community groups to plant and maintain trees on private property.  To apply for a free tree, see:  https://www.ecoactionarlington.org/community-programs/trees/

11.  Rain Barrel Workshops:   Rain barrels can be placed under your downspouts to capture runoff from the roof.  Reduce runoff from your house and reuse your rain water! The fee per barrel is $55 for build-your-own workshops, $65 per barrel for distribution events. Registration closes 3-4 days prior to the event.   Only two rain barrels will fit in most vehicles.  Learn more and sign up at https://environment.arlingtonva.us/stormwater-watersheds/stormwater-at-home/rain-barrels/.

• Saturday, May 19, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Dr, Reston.

• Saturday, June 9, 10-12:00. Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington

12.  Jamestown 4th and 5th Grades Spring Concert:  June 11

Enjoy some free music.  Contact the school to confirm the time.

13.  County Nature and History Programs:  Registration Begins May 15

View the latest Snag for all the fun nature activities available. Click here to view.

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

1.  School Events

• Jamestown Spring Fair:  April 21:   2018 Wild West Spring Fair

• Jamestown 5K Fun Run/Walk:  May 5 – Sign up by April 17

Join in a morning of community building & fun! Registration is now open. Sign-up by April 17th to receive your official 5K race day t-shirt. Please note that students (and children) under 5th grade must be accompanied by a registered parent (or adult) runner. Strollers are welcome!  5K-Fun-run@jamestownpta.org.

2.  Elementary School Boundaries: APS has gathered community input on elementary school walk zones to support a determination whether to relocate any option or neighborhood elementary schools before considering boundary revisions this Fall. There will be a community meeting where APS staff will present draft recommendations and answer questions on Tuesday, May 1 at 7:00 pm at Yorktown HS (in the cafeteria). More information about the process is at: https://www.apsva.us/elementary-school-boundary-change/walkzonereview/

3.  Arlington Outdoor Lab Seeking New Board Members:  The Arlington Outdoor Education Association (AOEA), which owns and maintains the Outdoor Lab used exclusively by Arlington County

students, is looking for new Board members. The AOEA is a non-profit group run by an all-volunteer board. We meet monthly, have an annual retreat, and run two open houses, in addition to other fund-raising and advocacy efforts.  We work closely with Arlington Public Schools to support their science-based curriculum. The AOEA has a particular need for a treasurer, in addition to other board members who are interested in and committed to the mission of the Outdoor Lab for our students.

If you have further questions or interest, please contact Todd Parker, AOEA President, at parkerhdts@msn.com.  Thank you for any support.

4.  The Art and Science of Talking with Your Kids, featuring Dr. Wendy Mogel, Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at 7 p.m. at Temple Rodef Shalom in McLean

Buy your tickets here (https://voicelessons.brownpapertickets.com) for this essential guide to the art of talking with children of all ages. Learn how to cultivate the art of conversation - from infancy to adulthood - in an age of hurry, worry, and digital distraction. Presented by the Safe Community Coalition, Dr. Mogel is known for combining cutting-edge psychological research with timeless wisdom in guiding parents through the rough waters of child rearing in today's competitive world. Find more information at the Safe Community Coalition website (mcleanscc.org).

5.  Free Fraud Event Saturday, April 28, 2018

To strike back against scammers, AARP Virginia and Fairfax County Government’s Silver Shield Task Force are bringing together top experts and law enforcement officials to present at a free informational Scam Jam:  Join us for a free fraud fighting event.

The presenters will discuss scams targeting Virginians, such as fake solicitor schemes, bogus investment deals, lottery scams, email fraud, a grandparent ruse and the latest identity theft shams. https://states.aarp.org/scamjamfairfaxva/

6.  Prescription Drug Take Back Day:  April 28, 10 AM - 2PM.
The Arlington County Police Department, Arlington County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will help the public prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. This disposal 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.   More information.

The Arlington County Police Department will be collecting prescription drugs at:

Langston-Brown Community Center, 2121 N. Culpeper Street, Arlington, VA 22207

7.  Roundtable on Honoring History and Legacy of Fire Station No. 8:  April 14
The Fire Station 8 History and Legacy History Work Group, established by Arlington's County Manager, is hosting a community roundtable discussion to share memories, perspectives and ideas on how to recognize, emphasize and honor the history and legacy of the Hall’s Hill/High View Park Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Station No. 8.

8.  Civic Federation Events:  Friday, May 4, 2018, Civic Federation Banquet, Holiday Inn, Rosslyn

Topic:  Arlington's Growth Express:  Still on track...or off the rails?  A discussion on Arlington’s challenge as it transitions from a suburban environment towards a mixed urban-suburban community trying to accommodate an additional 63,000 people by 2040 when the estimated population is projected to be 283,000.

Joining us for a candid conversation:

·         Alan Ehrenhalt, Former Executive Editor, Governing Magazine

·         Michelle Winters, Executive Director of the Alliance for Housing Solutions

·         Peter Rousselot, ArlNow columnist

To register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eev37dde1d6e9dc9&oseq=&c=&ch=

May 2 General Meeting Agenda:  (tentative):

7:00 Regular Business

7:10 Report, Panel Discussion, and Vote on the ERA Resolution

7:40 Government Transparency

8:25 Introduce R&E Resolution on FY2019 Budget

8:35 Update on Incorporation revised New Bylaws

8:45 Old Business

8:40 New Business

9:00 Adjourn

The Civic Voice:  http://www.civfed.org/newContent/2018-04/CivicVoice%202018-04.pdf

9.  April is Earth Day Month in Arlington:
Check out all the great events happening in Arlington in April for Earth Day. https://environment.arlingtonva.us/earthday/every-day-is-earth-day-in-arlington-county/

10.  2018 Arlington Palooza: Saturday, April 18, 1-4 pm, Alcova Heights and fun Arlington events:  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAARLINGTON/bulletins/1e845c9

11. ENCORE Concert:  May 4, 7pm at Kenmore Middle School
The concert is sung by chorales from the Alexandria, Fairfax, Goodwin House (Baileys Crossroads) and Langston Brown Encore Chorales, adults ages 55 and over, who are mostly grandparents and welcome children as well as adults.  The concert will include a medley from West Side Story.  The concert will also include music that many members of Encore will be singing in cathedrals in Montreal and Quebec, Canada, at the end of May.  http://encorecreativity.org/index.php/1245-encore-concert-schedule-mark-your-calendars-now-2   

For specific questions, email Mary Cottrell, second-soprano, and choral master for LB rehearsal group, Mary@WordsTalk.com.

Editor’s Note:  Their December concert was wonderful fun.

1.  Fire Station No. 8 History and Legacy Working Group: 
The Fire Station No. 8 History and Legacy Working Group is being established and charged to develop and recommend strategies to recognize, emphasize and honor the history and legacy of the Hall’s Hill/High View Park Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Station No. 8. Read the Final Charge.

The working group will submit recommendations by the end of May. This timeline will allow adequate time for the County to review and consider how the recommendations may be incorporated and funded in the design of the station.

All meetings will be held from 7-9 p.m. at Langston Brown Community Center and are open to the public.  See https://projects.arlingtonva.us/projects/fire-station-no-8-history-legacy-working-group/ for meeting dates.

 For more information and future updates about the working group, please visit the Project Page.

2.  Williamsburg Blvd Green Streets Project:  From the County:
The contractor is on schedule and everything should be completed by June 2^nd.  There is some concrete curb work that still needs to be completed at the first location, and therefore some barrels and wood are in place to cover a hole in the median until that work is complete.  This concrete work will be completed at both sites at the same time. Typically the project signs remain in place until the project is fully complete and the project is “Accepted,” in the case that any additional work is necessary.  The repaving and marking is scheduled to be completed in the spring.

3.  Multiple Opportunities to Share your Thoughts and Concerns for the County and APS.

• ·         County CIP Funding Input by March 16:  The County would like your help developing the  10-year Capital Improvement Plans (CIP). Take 5 minutes to share the upgrades or improvements most important to you — the feedback form closes March 16!

• ·        County Budget Input – by April 21  Share your feedback on Arlington’s FY 2019 Proposed Budget which includes a combination of spending reductions and fee and tax increases to close a $20.5-million budget gap.  Your input will be shared with the County Board as they review the proposal before adopting a final budget on April 21:  https://budget.arlingtonva.us/fy-2019-budget-information/   
  

• ·         Arlington Public Schools (APS) Input:  There are several very important initiatives and processes currently underway where your thoughts and comments are needed – whether you’re an APS parent or you don’t have children in the schools.  The APS website has one page, “Engage with APS,” where there are links to all the items where input is needed, as well as many other links such as advisory committees, volunteering with APS, community meetings and events, and much more.  Please take a look at https://www.apsva.us/engage/.

4.  Lee Highway Alliance Petition for Adequate Funding:  The following petition will be sent to the County Board.  If you are interested in signing the petition, contact the Lee Highway Alliance at https://www.leehighwayalliance.com/contact-us.html

Under the FY 2019 Budget, we urge the Arlington County Board to increase funding for the Lee Highway Alliance from $60,500 to $85,000. 

This will allow LHA to successfully operate with a full time Executive Director. 

We also urge that the County fully fund and implement the Lee Highway Planning Initiative.   The County promised that the planning effort would start in 2017.

The recently approved Housing Conservation Districts (HCDs) policy makes planning even more urgent. 

Each delay results in a missed opportunity to shape revitalization and to increase the quality of life and tax base in Arlington’s last unplanned corridor.

5.  Arlington Children’s School:  Below is the link to an ArlNow article concerning the possibility of The Children’s School moving from the Reed School into the Alpine Restaurant site on Lee Highway, just south of Glebe Road.  https://www.arlnow.com/2018/02/28/the-childrens-school-may-move-to-alpine-restaurant-site/?mc_cid=7aa69bddfe&mc_eid=262b373539

6.  Elementary School Boundaries: APS has gathered community input on elementary school walk zones to support a determination whether to relocate any option or neighborhood elementary schools before considering boundary revisions this Fall. APS is holding a series of meetings on "what we heard" about walk zones for the different elementary schools: the meeting tonight (7 pm at the Education Center) will include Taylor ES, and Thursday's meeting (7 pm at Yorktown HS) will include Discovery, Nottingham and Jamestown. More information about the process and how to provide input is at: https://www.apsva.us/elementary-school-boundary-change/walkzonereview/

7.  Internal Modifications at Yorktown High School: The School Board has approved a design for internal modifications at YHS to add 310 seats beginning in Fall 2018. More information is at: https://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/arlington/Board.nsf/files/AVTS94703736/$file/F-2 Final Design for Yorktown Internal Modifications.pdf

8.  Yorktown Theatre:  March 15 and 16,  7 pm.  March 17, 2pm and 7 pm.
Almost, Maine, by John Cariani is one of the country's most performed high school plays!  General admission tickets can be purchased for $10 at yhstheatre.org or https://tinyurl.com/yhsmaine. Don't miss it!

9.  County Potholes:   To report potholes that need to attention, fill out a report :   https://topics.arlingtonva.us/reportproblem/  The County does a good job of taking care of those reported. 

10.  Pollinator Plant Sales:  Want to improve your yard for local birds and butterflies? Check out the Long Branch Native Plant Sale for a list of great pollinator friendly plants to try. You can pre-order your plants online thru April 24 or attend the one-day sale on May 5 from 1-4 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center.  See https://parks.arlingtonva.us/native-plant-sale/.  Information on the benefits of planting native plants is included on that site.

11.  Register for Spring Nature Programs and view available activities.

To contact the newsletter editors for information or items to share, please email either Judy Hadden  or Joan Traband t 

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

1.  Arlington Civic Federation meeting:  Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 pm, Hazel Auditorium, Virginia Hospital Center hosts the Arlington Public Schools Board.  Each Board member will have three or four minutes to address issues they feel are important and then answer questions from delegates, alternates and APS students.  All are welcome.

2.  Tell Us Your Priorities for Arlington:  The County is in the process of developing the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) – and need your help! Take 5 minutes to share what your priorities are for County investments in libraries, parks, transportation, schools, and more. Weigh in now.

3.  Arlington’s Independent Auditor Seeks Public Input:  Arlington County Auditor Chris Horton is looking for suggestions from the public of County departments, programs or services they feel could benefit from an independent audit this year or in the future.

“I’m developing both my 2018 Work Plan and my longer-term Work Plan Horizon,” Horton said. “I would like to hear from the public about which areas of County government they believe I should focus on both in the coming year and in the future.”

While all suggestions are welcome, Horton said that he is particularly interested in those areas that have a broad community impact, a significant financial impact or both. The goal, he said, “is to improve County government efficiency, effectiveness and transparency.”

The public can submit suggestions on the County website. You can submit as many times as you would like, but Horton asks that each submission include only one suggested audit topic. Anonymous submissions are not accepted. In addition to our email address, the auditor asks that you include your neighborhood, for tracking.

About the County Auditor  Chris Horton has been the County’s auditor since November 2016. He was hired by, and reports directly to, the Arlington County Board, with additional guidance from the Audit Committee, appointed by the County Board.

His work supplements the work of the Internal Audit Program, which exists within the Department of Management and Finance. The Internal Audit Program focuses on assessing the County’s internal controls and implementing the Financial Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline, while the County Auditor focuses on whether County activities are effective in accomplishing their purpose, and whether they are providing overall value for money.  The auditor develops his draft Audit Work Plan at the beginning of each year, with input from many sources, including County management, the Audit Committee and the public. The County Board approves his Work Plan.

The Audit Horizon identifies audit areas and objectives that may not be addressed in the current year, but are worthy of careful consideration for inclusion in future Work Plans.

“While the number of audit topics I can include in this year’s Work Plan is limited,” Horton said, “I will review and catalogue every suggestion, and consider them for future Work Plans.”

4. Talking Transportation:  Presented by Arlington County's Transportation and Planning Commissions, County Board, and Transportation Division, Mon, February 26, 2018, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST, Navy League Building, 2300 Wilson Boulevard

For decades Arlington’s investments in its transportation network have allowed the County to accommodate new homes, jobs and services while decreasing traffic on its main roads. Can Arlington continue to serve as a model for managing growth? Will the future bring new transportation challenges requiring new solutions?

Join us for a conversation about transportation and planning, with local experts providing their perspective on the Arlington experience. Our keynote speaker will be Christopher Leinberger, a land use strategist and author and chair of the Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis at the George Washington University School of Business.

Following the presentations, there will be a panel discussion with audience Q&A and time for networking.  This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged! RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-transportation-tickets-42767047390

5.  Music in the Schools

·         Williamsburg Choral Concert:  February 28, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

·         Yorktown Choral Concert:  February 28, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

6.  Celebrate Black History Month:  Feb 24, 1-6, Charles Drew Community Center,

Enjoy live music (including GRAMMY® Nominated Progressive Hip-Hop artist and multi-instrumentalist Christylez Bacon), dance (including Joy of Motion Dance Center), dozens of vendors, delicious food, free kids’ activities and more next Saturday at Charles Drew Community Center. Check out the program here. Even better?  Enter the 1st Annual Soul Food Cookoff! Looking to volunteer at the event? Contact lbarragan@arlingtonva.us to get involved.

7.  Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo 2018, Saturday, April 14th ~ 10:00am - 4:00pm Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Spring Road

"Arlington's Best Remodeling Event!”  Free admission and parking

►14 Educational Seminars!

►Accessory Dwelling Seminar!

►More than 80 Exhibitors!

►Home remodelers, architects, energy auditors, realtors, master gardeners, banks, nonprofit organizations and Arlington County housing, zoning and inspection representatives!  

Come get GOOD tips on how to make your home more beautiful, valuable, and energy efficient!   www.arlingtonhomeshow.org

8.  Other Recreation and Parks Happenings: for all ages, including teens and summer camps info: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAARLINGTON/bulletins/1da1da1