Archives of E-Mail communication in the Forest

Archives Below:                      Jump to Page 2  (6/2/2002  -  12/17/2002)

Sent: Saturday, August 02, 2003 10:47 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:     This is a quick one about a fun and educational event at Potomac Overlook Park.   The message I received indicated this might be child-friendly, but I would check with Martin before bringing the little ones.  (P.S.  For those with appliance deaths - the County is arranging a meeting for us with Dominion Power -- probably in September when everyone is back from vacation.)

                                Kim

 Tree Stewards will be presenting a Tree Planting program next week for the Potomac Overlook Regional Park, located off
 Military Road in North Arlington (@ 5 minutes from  Spout Run - call for directions).  As the notice below says, you are all most welcome; please pass the word, and remember to  RSVP so there's enough pizza for all!  If you can't make supper, the program begins @ 7 p.m..  Rebecca Feldberg of Arlington Parks and Recreation graciously donated three good-sized trees that need planting (a red maple, American hornbeam and white oak), so come on out to this lovely park and help give them new homes.   The last two Wednesday Night in the Park programs have been great successes.  Please help pass the word about the next programs in the series.  If you plan to join us, please RSVP.  Thanks.
- Martin Ogle
Wednesday, August 6, 6 p.m. – “Wednesday Night in the Park Series.”
This adult program begins with a light dinner.  A short indoor program is followed by an outdoor activity.  The organization, “Tree Stewards,” will sponsor this event and will explore the topic of trees and tree planting.  $3-4 donation to cover food expenses is requested.   Please call 703-528-5406 for RESERVATIONS and more information.

Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 10:01 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:      Hope all is well with you.  Please mark your calendars for the Corn Roast on September 7th.  Once again, it will be held at Potomac Overlook Park by the nature center-- we'll set up around 3; have corn ready by 4:30 and be ready to grill your meats any time after about 4:15.  Individuals with heavy gear may drive to the site (very carefully).  BFCA will provide paper products, butter, salt, beverages.  Please bring a salad or dessert to share.  We need volunteers to take a 30 minute shift on turning the corn, arranging children's games (or leading them in a rousing game of junior soccer).   Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also welcome.       Halloween this year is on a Friday, so we've decided to do another Halloween party in the Piedmont cul-de-sac (which I haven't shared with my neighbors yet!!! - but they're lovely).  We need volunteers to help organize a few games, provide cookies and juices.  We'll get the prizes.  This is a low-key event that will start around 5 and end in time for Trick or Treating.  Children of all ages are welcome, but this is really designed for the younger set, particularly pre-school.  If you are interested in helping -- or better yet heading it up, please let one of your officers know.     The first meeting of the Civic Federation is Tuesday, September 2 at the Hazel Auditorium at Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington.  This one starts early because it's Candidates Night and we have LOTS of candidates.  Everyone is welcome to attend, although only delegates and alternates may ask questions.  (The sign ordinance regulating political signs has been deferred until the end of the year.)       A new version of Neighborhood Watch is about to be unveiled.  We hope to start this in the Forest because it's low maintenance and effective.  As far as crime, I received the report from the Police Department for the full year, and it appears that the recent spate of burglaries and vandalisms was all we've had.  However, it became abundantly clear that people are NOT reporting, particularly acts of vandalism.  We can't solve the problem if the Police don't believe we HAVE a problem!  Please report.         We are moving ahead with Dominion Power and the fried appliances.  Mary Alice Gray, Team Leader in the County's Consumer Affairs Office, is setting up a meeting for us -- probably in September -- so that we can get some straight answers and hopefully some resolution of the power surges both small and large.      We also have an item for sale - which follows.  Have a great rest-of-the-week and weekend. 

                                                                Kim

ITEM FOR SALE    It's a used Solid End Bunk Bed with Drawer Unit from This End Up Furniture (you can see it at http://www.thisendup.com/FURNITURE/Beds/pg_beds.html ). We will sell it for $250 including mattresses. Thanks!...Terry Brown

Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2003 11:47 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line: Items for Sale

Dear Neighbors:     A great respite from fried TVs, faxes, and fridges.  Somewhere in my e-mails, I also have another wooden play set and a few other NICE items for a change.  Have a good  night.   Kim

FOR SALE
Sofa (3-seater) and 2 comfortable armchairs.  Any reasonable offer accepted.
The sofa is a muted paisley, burgundy red background.  Chairs are burgundy/dark green/dark blue.  Kay Chernush

Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2003 3:22 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- To All Who Had Appliances Fried in the Storm last week

Please delete if you haven't lost appliances to the lightning storm/power surges.

Dear Neighbors:     As I type, I'm on the line with Dominion Virginia Power trying to figure out electricity in Bellevue Forest.  This is what I have in three parts:      To file claims:

        The Claims Agent for Arlington and Alexandria is Carl Wesley.  His direct dial phone is 804-775-5138.  His e-mail is carl_wesley@dom.com .  The snail-mail address is Dominion Virginia Power

                                                                            Claims Department

                                                                            P.O.Box 26666

                                                                            Richmond, VA   23261

         I spoke with a Mrs. Fisher at 1-888-667-3000 who was able to set up a claims account for me on the telephone (although I explained I had no damage personally).  So, this is another option.

       Part II

        I asked for a representative to meet with us about fixing the problem.  An order has been filed with the Operations Department, and if I drop off the face of the earth (one never knows), the order/job number is 93204920.  This is for the storms on July 7th.  I have asked for a phone call and a meeting.  (The Claims person (Mr. Wesley) has been informed that we had problems on both the 7th and the 9th, so we're covered for both.)

    Part III

        One of our neighbors is an attorney who deals with regulated electric utilities.  The following is his suggestion:

I do electric utility regulatory work.  I can't advise on specifics but generally speaking when appliances are damaged at more than one household during the same storm the responsibility lies with the utility (because it's the utility system and not individual applicance failure).

Dominion should be requested to pay for replacement appliances and to fix the problem.  If Dominion refuses then folks can see whatever explanation Dominion gives and decide whether to file a complaint with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

    My husband, who also works with the power industry (although not Dominion), also suggested 1) testifying before the County Board (because there are some problems on that end); going to the State Corporation Commission; and if necessary, going to the Public Utility Commission.

    Bellevue Forest has lost tens of thousands of dollars of appliances in this last round of storms.  I do have the listing to date (again, only those on-line who responded). 

    We'll discuss this further tomorrow night at the ExCom meeting.

                                    Kim

Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 4:24 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:     Really quickly (for me):

        1.  There were tons of appliances fried in the last storm.  We're keeping Bray and Scarf in business.  I have a matrix on these, but they range from the end of Roberts all the way to Military - so far. One of the neighbors offered to send the claim forms for Dominion Power -- which apparently does honor them.  (They'd be hard pressed not to do so with this record!)

        2.  The Executive Committee will meet this Thursday at 7:30 at Dan Radke's.  Anyone with a concern or issue is encouraged to contact one of the officers.  Dominion Power, vandalism (bunch more emerged on the scene yesterday), burglaries (another came up on Quincy yesterday), damage to trees at Donaldson Run (aka widow-makers) and the Corn Roast will be on our list so far.

        3.  I have a tentative babysitter list as well as pet care and lawn mowing.  This will be posted on the Web Site but it will be password protected.  I don't know what password Dan will choose, but if you're desperate in the meantime, contact me.  If you're in my system (i.e. Bellevue Forest resident), you can have the list.  If your son or daughter should be listed but is not, please let me know.  If your son or daughter has CPR, Babysitting, First Aid, etc. training, please let us know that as well.

   Have a great day.

                                            Kim 

Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 1:44 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- Appliance Deaths, Vandalism, Burglary

Dear Neighbors:    It appears that there was a real swath of appliance destruction from North Nelson down toward the Parkway.  Did anyone on Oxford, Peary, Piedmont or Pollard lose appliances?  I'm trying to determine if this is a concentrated/localized problem or something affecting the whole neighborhood.  Many of those who lost equipment had surge protectors -- not just individually but whole-house -- and they got fried as well.      Also, Baki is back, taking a huge cat nap after his 3 day adventure.       There was also another burglary on North Quincy Street.  Please be extra vigilant, and it appears we're going to have to start locking doors.  (This was a purse theft.)     Right before the 4th of July, there were two incidents of vandalism -- lawn chairs (for the trash) smashed into a neighbors windshield; a large rock thrown into another car's windshield on 31st and Quincy.  While it might not be related at all, two boys on motor scooters were seen at the same time as the latter incident -- around 12:30 a.m. -- in the same vicinity.  This is getting old fast!  The police have been or will be notified of all the above incidents.      Please take care -- and be aware of what might seem out of place.  We'll contact the police, as an association, again.

                                                    Kim

Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 3:56 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line - Missing Siamese; Appliance Deaths from Lightning, etc.

Dear Neighbors:     Three quick items:

    1.  Baki, the Kettelle's Siamese cat, has gone on walk-about.  Baki is a very angular, slim cat who walked off last evening around 6 p.m.  He is an indoor cat.  Might be seal point.  Loves to sniff and is very affectionate in his own environment.  If you see him, please call Nancy or John.

    2.  News from down Roberts Lane.  Apparently, during lightning storms, appliances at the end of Roberts Lane are getting fried (terminally).  Is anyone else having this problem?  Does anyone have suggestions?

    3.  Does anyone have an upright Electrolux vacuum cleaner?  When mine malfunctioned, my mom threw it away (don't ask), so I have lots of vacuum bags if someone could use them.  Just call me (or e-mail) at 527-0294.

    The babysitter list is growing.  I'll publish it on-line shortly.  The airport noise surveys really are coming your way!

    Have a great rest of the weekend and week!

                                Kim

Sent: Friday, July 11, 2003 3:44 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:     Just a couple.     First, I'm still looking for confirmations on babysitters (thanks to all who have responded).   Second, our airport noise surveys are due by August 1 and those to whom I'm sending hard copy, I AM sending it this weekend. Sorry for the delay.     Finally, we got this from ACE:  Please consider helping.  It might be fun and will certainly be productive. 

                                                    Kim

Dear Civic Associations,

Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) is holding a river cleanup along the Potomac River on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.  We are recruiting volunteers to help us with the cleanup and are inviting you to join us.  We will be meeting at the intersections of Glebe Rd. and Chain Bridge Rd. under GW parkway.  For more information call 703-228-6427 or email volunteer@arlingtonenvironment.org or office@arlingtonenvironment.org.

Hope to see you there!

Elenor Hodges and Kara Kukovich

ACE,  3308 S. Stafford St.,  Arlington, VA 22206

(703)228-6406

Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2003 7:04 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:      Hope you have a safe and healthy Fourth!  and that we see many of you at our Parade.  A few neighborhood details:

BABYSITTERS      I am adding one more babysitter who "reported in" -- and this reminds me that we probably should up-date our babysitter files since some who are in my BF Babysitter box are probably graduating from college by now (which means it's old!)   If you have a child who is interested in babysitting, (pet sitting, yard work), even if you've already notified me (except for the Strasburgers and Emma Prins), please let me know/reconfirm.

HOUSESITTING ACCOMMODATIONS NEEDED   Hi. My father is moving to northern va and needs transitional housing. He wants to have his own place in Arlington or McLean so we're looking for a house-sitting or rental situation for a few months with a start date anytime up to October or so.  Anyone know of anything? Many thanks. Lillian Trippett .

AIRPORT NOISE SURVEY      Also, I am attaching a file to this e-mail on Airport Noise.  It's a survey that Hank McEntee has asked ALL BF residents who care about the noise issue to complete.  I had to rotate mine, so if you can't open it, let me know and I'll print you a hard copy.

NEW FAMILY IN THE FOREST      Finally, we have a new Navy family relocating here from Rota, Spain.  We welcome them to the neighborhood, and their 4-year old.  If anyone has recommendations on a pre-school, please let me know.

NEW BABYSITTER    Emma Prins, 8th grader. Red Cross-certified.  Nights and weekends.

BASEBALL STADIUM    Whether you support or oppose the possible addition of a baseball stadium in Arlington, there's a meeting on July 9th that will discuss the economic implications of such a facility.  If you're interested, I'll send you the details (I'm still trying to figure out where it's being held!)

 Again, stay safe and take care.

                                                                Kim

Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 8:37 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line, Fourth of July Parade, etc.

Dear Neighbors:    Just a quick reminder that Friday is our annual Fourth of July parade, assembling at 11 at N. Oxford and Roberts Lane.  Please join the festivities and support our young ones as they "strut their stuff".  They truly are adorable.  The weather (as of this minute) calls for a high of 93 degrees, so come prepared.     Also, I received e-mails from two of our teenagers who are offering their summer services.  Please add them to your lists of those in the Forest who do babysitting and yard work!     Have a great (albeit soggy) day!

                        Kim

1)       Need of a reliable, dependable & experienced lawn mower and edger? Will bag and remove clippings—if so & you want to help a young man save for college—call Harry Strasburger IV (son) —Great Rates-- 

2) Need a Red Cross Certified, experienced babysitter?—available any morning up until 11:30am or after 5:00pm weekdays—weekends wide open—just call Anna Strasburger. Great Rates!

Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2003 4:54 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:    I'm really behind so this will be really quick.   Two items from neighbors.      Have a great week.

                                        Kim

I.  WANTED - NANNY     We are looking for daycare for our 5 month old daughter, Talia starting mid-August.  We need care five days a week from 8 am to 2 pm though the time is somewhat flexible.   We are exploring all options - including the possibility of sharing a nanny with another family.    Caroline Levy & Jim Reo
II.  FOR SALE   We have a very comfortable sofa (in need of reupholstering) and two armchairs that we will part with for very little.     Kay Chernush
III.  Airport Noise Survey

Sent: Monday, June 23, 2003 11:37 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- Wooden Play Set Free to Good Home

Dear Neighbors:     Record quickness for me!  A neighbor has a wooden play set, slightly weathered, that his daughters have outgrown.  It's free to a good home (might need a little sanding but otherwise in good shape).  If interested, contact me and I'll put you in touch.

                        Kim

Sent: Monday, June 23, 2003 5:59 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:       Lots happening in the Forest.    

    1.  The Police Department, while not giving us more details on the burglaries, have offered to meet with interested residents about re-establishing Neighborhood Watch officially.  If you are interested, please let me know.  If we have a critical mass, I'll call Heather and schedule a meeting.

    2.  The next 3 days promise to be warm and sunny -- perfect breeding opportunity for West Nile.  Please clean plant bases and other receptacles with standing water.  The disease is here to stay and not fun.

    3.  The Freedmans had two oaks cut down and the firewood is out on the curb on Quincy (next to the construction site).  It's free to a good home.

    4.  Hank McEntee attended the Airport Noise hearing.  If you'd like his report, please e-mail me and I'll send it.

    5.  The World Food Project is working with the Farmers' Markets -- Arlington and Columbia Pike -- to introduce new produce to Arlington culinary tastebuds.  There's an accompanying web site (I hope it has recipes!).  If you'd like the press release explaining this and who the local growers are (and what might be offered), please let me know.  There's also a new coupon discount program through the Agency on Aging for "qualified" seniors.  500 coupons remain to be given to seniors.

    6.  For those who are interested in the Animal Shelter, there's a hearing on June 30th.  AHA has been contracted to do a study.  An interest group in Arlington is working for changes to the shelter operation, including a fostering program.  E-mail me for details if you're interested...or contact the County Board with your position if you're so inclined

    7.  Baseball stadium:  There a meeting on June 26th at Washington and Lee High School, the purpose of which appears to be to look more closely at the economic implications.  If you're interested, e-mail me for details.

    8.  Pet Lovers:  I attended a seminar on Pets in Disasters (which included how to provide for your pet should you predecease it).  It was offered by Metropets, a new group for the Greater Washington Metropolitan area.  They're offering Pet First Aid on July 20th out near Tysons.  So, too, is the Arlington Red Cross - this week, I think.

    9.  The Civic Federation meeting in July will focus on planning for the coming fiscal year.  If you have topics you wish to see considered, please e-mail me or contact one of your other Delegates (Tom Connally, Rob Simmonds, Adrienne Griffen).

    10.  Weather permitting, the Fourth of July Parade is a "go".  It assembles at 11:00 at Roberts Lane and N. Oxford - and it's terrific!

    I know I've forgotten more than I've remembered, but this should start your week off to at least an option-filled start.   Hope it's terrific -- stay safe and well.

                                                                            Kim

Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2003 2:41 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- Wanted: house to sit in early July; opportunity to help some children; 4th of July Parade

Dear Neighbors:   Two items of request today.  The first is from Lucy Gordon, a terrific neighbor on Pollard, regarding a sister's wedding and housing needs.  The second is from Karen Adelstein (another terrific neighbor) about an opportunity for interested Foresters to help a relatively new organization literally bring smiles to children's faces.     Before getting to these issues, however, a few household items: Lt. Moore will be back in touch with us about the burglaries (PD); Captain Woodson will be back in touch with us in response to inquiries about restarting Neighborhood Watch (this is really a passive program but very important.)  Second the Fourth of July Parade is a go.  It will be held -- obviously -- July 4th -- from Oxford down Roberts Lane to N. Kenmore.  Children of all ages are invited.  The road has traditionally be closed off to vehicular traffic from 11 to about 11:30, so neighbors living in that area who need to get out should probably plan accordingly.  This message will be repeated.      Now to the two items from our neighbors:     ITEM ONE:

Hello Neighbors,  My sister, her Army Colonel husband, 12 year old son and 16 year old daughter would like very much to house sit in our general area for the time around the first two weeks of July, while they are in transit between duty stations from Italy to Pennsylvania.  The timing of their move makes it so they are able to stay here in Arlington to join our extended family for the celebration of another sister's wedding.  The exact dates are somewhat flexible, approximately 6/30-7/14.  Willing to take care of pets, plants, you name it, and of course, extremely good care of your home. 

Thank you very much,

Lucy Gordon,  llmgordon@earthlink.net

ITEM TWO:  Virginia Smiles provides emotional support, education and information to families in Virginia whose children were born with a cleft lip/palate.  It is a 509 (a) (1) organization started in June 2002.  We are having our annual picnic mid-July and are raffling off a $150 gift certificate to Ruth Chris Steakhouse.  Raffle tickets are $5/each.  If you would like to support this organization, you may a) let me know and I'll put you in touch with Karen; b) call Karen directly; c) send your check to:

Virginia Smiles, Inc.

3709 30th Street, North

Arlington, VA  22207

Karen will either deliver the raffle tickets or mail them to you.   (As a personal note, which I normally try to avoid, our Scoutmaster was born with a cleft palate, and the emotional turmoil he suffered as a child was incredible.  Bringing a smile to these children is truly life-altering. -- Kim)      Hope you all have a great week -- and stay safe and alert.

                                             Kim

Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 11:57 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line: Airport Noise/Issues hearings

Public Meetings on National Airport Aircraft Noise Study:      You will receive information on development of a new noise plan for National Airport.   You can provide input on what needs to be  done. It is important to voice your opinion  now - Although there will be more public  meetings, this one will have the greatest impact on the direction of the study. Ensure your

 community states its concerns - once recommendations from this study are completed, there may be little change for another 10 to 15 years!  The two meetings are to be held:  Weds., June 18, Walt Whitman Mid. School, in Lecture Hall, 2500 Parkers Lane, Alex., VA,   Thurs., June 19, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Ernst Auditorium,  5255 Loughboro Road, N.W., D.C.

Meeting Format:      6:00 to 6:30     Briefing on the Study

                                 6:30 to 7:15     Q and A Period

                                 7:15 to 8:15     PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ( 2 MIN EACH)

                                 8:15 to 8:45     Work Session

Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 11:41 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line - Another Burglary

Dear Neighbors:    I just received a phone call, and another house has been burgled on Quincy.  This one was yesterday afternoon.  The resident was not home at the time.  Heirloom jewelry was the target -- and a great deal of it was taken.  It appears we might have been "discovered" so please be extremely vigilant -- including keeping the doors locked at all times.       Our neighbor has at least one LARGE dog, and the fact that it (they) began barking might be an indicator of why more was not taken (I am only presuming that silver was not taken as well).     We will be requesting additional patrols -- but we who are in the Forest need to be the eyes for the police.  If you see ANYTHING suspicious -- including cars you don't recognize -- please don't hesitate to call the police.    If anyone has any suggestions -- or if there's an interest in reactivating Neighborhood Watch -- please let us know.      Thanks.

                                        Kim 

Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2003 10:08 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:    Pete asked me to send the following information to you.     The second item of business is the Fourth of July parade.  We have not had volunteers (except one) for this event, and it might well be a 'no-go' if we don't get some helpers!  This is a wonderful event for the children (of all ages).  Pete, as you will note, has placed a call about the parade permit and inquired about police participation (they were great last year).  Please let us know ASAP if you will work on this event.    Next, (from Pete) "the Cherrydale firehouse #3 relocation committee has now identified 6 possible locations for a new firehouse.  They are:
1)  Brown Honda lot
2)  Cherrydale Station (NE corner Lee Hwy and Pollard)
3)  The Bromptons/Nichols site (next to the existing firehouse)
4)  Toyota dealership (Lee Hwy and Old Dominion)
5)  Caldwell Bankers-One Stop (Lee Hwy and Woodstock)
6)  7-11/Progressive Cleaners (Lee Hwy Pollard NW corner)
As a voting member of the committee allowed to pick 3 locations, I selected Brown Honda, Cherrydale Station, 7-11 Progressive Cleaners lot.  The reasons are simple, response times to our neighborhood remain the same, proximate location to the original station, size of lot, grade of lot, and Cherrydale wants the station.   A public comment meeting will be held on June 18th at 7:30 PM at the Cherrydale Volunteer Station Lee Hwy and N. Pollard Street.  Anyone wishing to express their feelings may speak for 3 minutes.  I will not be there due to a prior commitment, however the meeting is recorded and I will receive a copy of the meeting from the Chairman of the committee."  

Pete continued, "Also I have not heard anything about the parade.  I did call the county to inquire about the permit and I also spoke to Elaine Moore about PD participation."

Third, Hank McEntee and Jim Reo have been passing out flyers indicating the dates of the public hearings on airport noise.  I know that at least one is NEXT WEEK, and this is the last possibility (in the words of many who have been doing yeoman's work on this issue) to get our thoughts before officials who might take our concerns into consideration.  Please consider attending.

Fourth, please remember to empty standing water wherever it might be (how about EVERYWHERE with all this rain?)  Mosquitoes will be having a fine time of it if we don't, and West Nile is here to stay.

Fifth, there is a proposed sign ordinance (regulating the size and number and location of  signs for issues or campaigns) that the County will be considering -- possibly -- on June 28th.  If anyone has any thoughts, the Civic Federation committees will be meeting on Monday, July 23rd, to consider the proposal.  Please let me know if you'd like your opinion considered.

Have a great -- and I hope dry -- week.  Questions, concerns, issues, suggestions?  Please contact one of your officers. 

                                                            Kim

Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 10:18 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:    I just got this in from one of our neighbors. This is a particular heads-up for people on N. Quincy.   Please be aware that the Travelers are back in the area -- also called the Irish Travelers (although they were originally from Ireland, Scotland and Great Britain).  We also have the gypsies (this is not a racial/ethnic slur -- they truly are gypsies whose summer headquarters are somewhere in the Manassas area).  We also have the con artists.  ANY offers for driveway repaving, for roofing, for general house repairs should be carefully screened with references collected/called.  It is best to use referrals from people you know for people who have satisfactorily accomplished work for them.  Also, do NOT pay up front.  This is not the protocol of reputable contractors.  Also, be sure to lock your doors -- particularly if doing yard work.  People have been known to try to engage in conversation while you're doing yard work while their "partners" go in a door you can't see.  I've heard this type of burglary (silver is well-loved) can occur in under one minute!  Please pass this on to neighbors who might not have computers.  I any alleged "contractor" gives you a hard time or seems somewhat intimidating, please let us know.  This is absolutely when we bring in the police.  They have highly trained people to do this type of investigation/prosecution.

    Thanks -- and sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

                                        Kim

MESSAGE FROM NEIGHBOR: 

Dear Kimberly,  I am a neighbor on Quincy Street near Military Road.  Tonight, a couple in a convertible approached me while I was gardening out front, and asked for directions.  I got a map to help them, and then the wife requested to use our bathroom.  I allowed her to do so, and hours later found my car/house keys gone from the credenza near the entrance.  I want to warn others in the neighborhood about this, and would ask my immediate neighbors to keep a watch out for my house (3177) until the locks are changed (hopefully tomorrow). 

Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 6:24 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:    Just a quick reminder that the Department of Defense will be doing its test maneuvers tonight at 10:30.  Depending upon where they actually do this, we could have F-16s nearly within touching distance, and two small planes operated by the Civil Air Patrol (really neat people, by the way) will be playing the "bad guys". 

    Hope all is well within the neighborhood.  We do have other news, but that's for the next rainy day!

                                                    Kim

Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 2:27 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line - Question about Donaldson Run Pool

Dear Neighbors:     We don't belong to the Donaldson Run pool, but many of you do.  Can anyone answer this question from Monica?   

"I wondered if you had an email address for the gentleman who coordinated the Donaldson Run pool clean up day.  I wondered when they were sending out the "helper" coupons.  For those of us still on August only memberships, we'd sure love to use the pool before then! Thanks so much!  M"

Please respond to me so that I can file this in the useful information files!  Thanks.

                                            Kim

Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 9:48 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- Denizens of the Forest warning

Dear Neighbors:    This just in from Julie Anna:

Kim, a word of warning to pass on.  I have noticed several junior high school-aged kids walking into and out of the woods near our house--we live at the bottom of North Monroe Street.  They and their parents should know that we regularly kill large copperheads in the woods and in our driveway.  In fact, our dog was bitten by one last summer and nearly died.  If these kids are going to be walking around in the dense brush, they should be very careful to wear long pants and thick shoes and watch where they step!

NOTE:  While Copperheads' bites are usually not fatal, they can be very nasty -- and the young ones are especially venomous.  They also tend to be less likely to flee from people (unlike most other snakes), at least if our experiences with copperheads on the patio is any indication!

Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 4:35 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line

Dear Neighbors:     All's quiet in the neighborhood from what we hear, albeit soggy.  Hope everyone is well.    The NC Plan has been pushed further into the summer because the Planning Commission's plate was full.  We should be going to the County Board on July 19th.     There is a great program on Invasive Plants at the Library on May 29th.  If you want details, let me know and I'll send them to you.  The speaker is supposed to be terrific.     Other quick news -- I get the crime reports daily -- and nothing much ever is reported near us, but this one was in today's listing.  Please be aware of your surroundings!

ROBBERY, 05/16/03, 2500 Military Rd., At 0635hrs, the victim, a 69yo female, was standing at a bus stop when an unknown subject approached her and grabbed two handbags from her shoulder.  The subject was described as a BM, 17-23, 5'07", 150 wearing a gray, hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and white tennis shoes.

                                         Kim

Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 5:32 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line, Sexual Predator in North Arlington

Dear Neighbors:      Lucy Gordon and my husband both sent this to me a few minutes ago.  Please be AWARE of your surroundings, try to travel in groups or at least pairs, and if you get that "uh-oh" feeling, you're probably right.     Take care.

                                                Kim

Search Stepped Up for Sexual Predator 
Arlington, Va. - A warning for women living or visiting Arlington.  A man is sexually assaulting women in that area and police believe he could strike again.   He's already attacked five women in the Arlington area, all at different times of the day, and has exposed himself at least once.  The first two incidents happened in April, along wooded areas of the Washington and Old Dominion Bike Trail. Other attacks have occurred in busier areas along Wilson and Arlington boulevards.  Police are stepping up patrols and urging women to use caution as they continue to search for the suspect.   Police describe the suspect as an 18-to-25 year-old white male, about five-foot-six and 140 pounds.   Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Crime Solvers at 703-522-TIPS. 

Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2003 9:48 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- Neighborhood Conservation Plan

Dear Neighbors:      We've taken another step forward in our neighborhood conservation plan.  Tonight, I gave the powerpoint presentation to the Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee, and our plan passed unanimously.  Thanks to all who developed the survey, analyzed, worked, edited and generally slaved on our report.     The next step is the Planning Commission, followed by presentation before the County Board.  Shirley  Grant, our liaison, will be sending me the dates for the Planning Commission tomorrow.  I'll let you know when we're up to bat.     Additional suggestions can still be accepted so long as it's to the body of the plan -- not the recommendations.  We'll be taking some more pictures (pumping stations and parks are apparently high on the list of favorite things), revising the PowerPoint and then going forward.     We're getting closer to a sidewalk and drainage system repair!  (Also got some good pointers on covenants and working the system and a helpful Supreme Court decision!). 

                                                                            Kim

Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2003 4:46 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- Airport Noise