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

 1.  Williamsburg Boulevard Update:  We would like to provide an update on the construction of the green streets on Williamsburg Boulevard. Construction on the first green street from Old Dominion Drive to 35^th Street N is nearly complete.  The contractor is starting construction on the second location, N Harrison Street to N Edison St, and the work at that location will last through April, 2018.  Both green streets are scheduled to be planted in April, and construction will be complete in June, 2018.

The east crosswalk at Williamsburg Boulevard and Harrison St. will be closed during construction at the second location.  The sidewalk on the north side of Williamsburg Boulevard between N. Harrison Street and N. Emerson Street will also be closed intermittently. The contractor will post signage with a detour for any sidewalk closures.  We have notified staff at the schools about these closures.   https://projects.arlingtonva.us/projects/williamsburg-boulevard-green-street/

If you are interested in what is happening at the Cherrydale intersection or at the corner of Lee Highway and Glebe, here is a report on each.

Cherrydale:  https://projects.arlingtonva.us/projects/cherrydale-five-points-intersection-improvements/
Lee and Glebe:  https://projects.arlingtonva.us/projects/lee-highway-glebe-road-intersection-improvements/

2.  Arlington Civic Federation:  Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 7.00pm:  The topic for the meeting will be a discussion concerning redistricting and the need to eliminate gerrymandering. This should be a fascinating session to include participation by OneVirginia2021, on a panel discussing the issues and challenges that are involved in redistricting. This will be followed by a vote on the Fair Redistricting Resolution presented in October by the Legislative Committee.

3.  Theatre Comes to the Schools: You Are Invited

to Williamsburg:  January 18 and 19, 7pm in the Auditorium
Our very own 37^th Street neighbor, Sydney Inserra, and her classmates will perform Cheaper by the Dozen, by Christopher Sergel from the book by Frank B Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.  The play “recounts the authors' childhood lives growing up in a household of 12 kids in Montclair, NJ.”  Admission:  Adults $5; Students $3; Senior Citizens $1

To Yorktown:  January 19th at 7:00pm in the Auditorium – FREE!
The Yorktown Theatre III & IV class will be performing Voices Out of Chaos, an original play developed by the students in response to current events. The show follows a young girl’s journey as she attempts to make sense of the chaos created by the barrage of daily headlines.  The free performance will be followed by a Q&A session. On January 20th, the group will perform the show at the Virginia High School League competition.  Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this compelling show! The performance is free and open to the public.  Bring friends!

 4.  Schools and County Looking for Your Input:

a. Arlington community members are asked to review the Arlington Public Schools’ 2018-24 Strategic Plan draft.  Please review the potential options for this section of the 2018-2024 Strategic Plan and provide your input by 9 a.m. on Jan. 19 using a brief questionnaire available at www.apsva.us/engage/strategic-plan/.

b. See Arlington Public Schools’ Engage With Us! webpage at https://www.apsva.us/engage/ for links to several important APS initiatives where your thoughts and input are needed.

c. Arlington County leadership and staff also need your input and guidance on several significant County projects.  See https://projects.arlingtonva.us/ for current projects and information on how to share your thoughts, knowledge, and expertise.

d. The draft Public Engagement Guide for Capital Projects is up for public comment through Jan. 18 and County staff are interested in your feedback. The County will be using this guide to plan, implement and assess future public engagement measures surrounding capital projects

5.  Family Skate Night!  Bring the whole family to Thomas Jefferson Community Center for Family Skate Night Saturday evenings 6:30-9 p.m. through March. With a live DJ, moon bounces and snack bar, this is a crowd-pleaser for the entire family. Only $2 to skate and $3 to rent a pair of wheels (moon bounce and concessions are additional). Cash Only. Hint hint...a skate party is a great idea for your 4-11 year old's birthday.

OR

If you prefer ice skating and the canal’s not frozen, try the Kettler Capitals IcePlex in Ballston, for their free skate sessions:  http:/www.kettlercapitalsiceplex.com/page/show/2237857-public-skate

5.  Gardening Preparations:  It’s almost time to plan that garden and buy those seeds. Two master gardening sessions may help.

a. Vegetable Gardening Part 1: Seed Selection, Starting and Saving:  Saturday, January 27, 10:30 – noon, Westover Branch Library, 1644 N. McKinley Road.
Start your garden early this year by getting 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.

 

b. Landscape Design Basics, DIY Sustainable Yard Series

Tuesday, January 30, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Westover Branch Library, 1644 N. McKinley Road 
Learn how to create a sustainable landscape, building on the unique conditions of your own site and situation. This class will focus on how to make a base map and introduce you to basic design principles you can use to transform your property.  Free. Advance registration requested at mgnv.org. Questions, telephone 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com.

 

 

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