1.  Arlington County News:

Arlington County Board Approves Satellite Offices for Early Voting:The Arlington County Board approved five satellite offices for early voting in the November 3, 2020, presidential election, in anticipation of unprecedented demand for early voting during the COVID-19 pandemic.  All registered voters are eligible to vote early in the November 3 election.

The satellite locations approved by the Board include:

• 2200 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite R140 (the former Wells Fargo space)

• Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 18th S.

• Langston Brown Community Center, 2121 N. Culpeper St.

• Madison Community Center, 3829 N. Stafford St.

• Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16th S.

Early voting will begin on September 18 at 2200 Clarendon Blvd, Suite R140. The remaining locations will open later in October. Hours of operation for the satellite locations will be posted on the County website by the first week in September.  (Madison Center:  October 17 – October 31:  M-F 2-7pm; Sat Oct 17, 24, 31 9am-5pm)

Visit the County website for more information on voting. If you have requested a mail ballot, you may also check the status of your mail ballot application on the Virginia Department of Elections website. Ballots will be mailed starting September 18.

Additionally, a recent USPS flyer recommends you mail your ballot at least 7 days before Election Day.

Police Practices Work Group:  The Police Practices Work Group (PPG) focuses on the associated processes for reviewing ACPD policies, exploring promising practices, and developing a set of recommendations.  https://departments.arlingtonva.us/cmo/police-practices-work-group/

• Catch up on Frequently Asked Questions with PPG members 

• Schedule for the PPG Community Learning Series:

• Mon., Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. – Mental Health and Policing I

• Mon., Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. – Mental Health and Policing II

• Tues., Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. – Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Mon., Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. – Civilian Review Board

• Mon., Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. – Traffic and Policing

• They  want to hear from you: Provide your feedback & comments here.

Arlington Bans Firearms in County Government Buildings, Parks, at Special Events: The Arlington County Board voted unanimously to adopt a Firearms Ordinance banning guns in County government buildings and parks, and at designated special events that require a County permit. The restrictions will apply where the County has posted notice at entrances to buildings, parks, recreation and community centers, and at entrances to events. For more detailed information:  https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/arlington-bans-firearms-in-county-government-buildings-parks-at-special-events/

Neighborhoods Form Based Code AMI Change:  Tuesday, Sept. 15, 12 - 1 p.m.
Join a webinar to learn more about a proposed amendment to adjust the Area Median Income (AMI) levels and term for required Neighborhoods Form Based Code (N-FBC) ownership affordable housing units.

Learn about:  The proposed amendment to increase the Area Median Income (AMI) level of Neighborhoods Form Based Code (N-FBC) required affordable ownership units:  Adjustments to the affordability term of required affordable ownership units:  Timing of the proposed amendments:  Q&A with County staff.  Questions:  email Akeria Brown at asbrown@arlingtonva.us.

The event will be broadcast online using Microsoft Teams. Attendees may participate using a web browser (such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) or via the Microsoft Teams free app.

Curbside Yard Waste Collection Resumes:  Green carts and organic bags permitted.
Curbside collection of larger yard waste material like brush and limbs remains available by appointment.

The County will be issuing a $10.77 credit to the Household Solid Waste Rate, which is assessed on the customer’s quarterly water/sewer/refuse utility bills.  The County’s temporary yard waste drop-off locations at the Trades Center and mulch pick-up site at North 26th Street and Yorktown Boulevard are now closed.

Arlington Civic Federation:  At the September meeting, a candidates’ forum was held.  Two resolutions were introduced as well:

• Introduction of a Resolution to Establish a Governance Task Force :  DRAFT Resolution [PDF, 64 KiB].
• Introduction of a Resolution to Increase the Size of CivFed’s Board of Directors :  DRAFT Resolution [PDF, 26 KiB].

 Video footage of the 8 Sept 2020 meeting is available here.  For more information:  civfed.org

2.  Arlington Public Schools

School Board Meeting:  Thursday, September 24, 7 pm     

The Superintendent presents Return-to-School Status Update. The Board will adopt their School Board 2020-21 Action Plan.  Watch School Board meetings live online or on Comcast Channel 70 or Verizon Channel 41.

3.  Parks and Recreation:
Native Ground Covers for Sun and Shade:  Friday, September 25, 10:00 – 11:30 am, ONLINE.  A variety of native plant species, including perennials, ferns, grasses, and even some woody plants, can function as ground covers in multiple landscape situations. Learn which native species may serve as excellent replacements for overused and invasive traditional ground covers such as English ivy, liriope, periwinkle, and creeping euonymus, while providing much-need food and habitat for our local pollinators and birds. Extension Master Gardener Elaine Mills, a creative force behind the resource Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic, will share her experience growing most of these plants in her own garden and at the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden, a Virginia Cooperative Extension Demonstration Garden in Arlington, Virginia, where she serves as a co-coordinator. Free. RSVP at https://mgnv.org/events/ to receive link to participate

For the Artists:  Get your canvas ready for this 55+ Paint n' Sip Demo on Thurs., Sept. 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. Register here #911301-03.

Other 55+Programs:  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAARLINGTON/bulletins/29f6d62

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