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