Continuation of ....
Archives of E-Mail communication
in the Forest
Archives Below: Jump to Page 3 (12/30/2000 - 5/5/2002)
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2002 7:59 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: A few quick (but important) items: 1. One of our neighbors is looking for RED CROSS TRAINED babysitters. If your son or daughter has this training, please let me know. 2. A yellow tabby cat (primarily yellow with white markings) is misbehaving down in the area of Peary/Oxford/Roberts, etc. In addition to being a challenge to other cats, possibly using young trees as scratching posts, etc., this uncollared cat is a source of concern because he seems to be out ALL the time and winter has arrived. If you have a cat with these characteristics, please bring him in for the winter for his safety and other neighbors' peace of mind. 3. Several sleds appeared on a neighbors' property at Roberts and Oxford during the last snow storm. They do not belong to the children there -- and appear to have been misappropriated. If you are missing a sled or two, please let me know. 4. Leaf collection -- Well, I said we might get a Christmas pick-up, and it appears that's pretty close to the mark. According to a person at the County office, collection is now scheduled for us from December 26 - January 3. The storms set crews back over a week. 5. Holiday Lights -- Turn your lights on TONIGHT. The judges will be afoot (or in car) today (December 17th). We wish all in the Forest a Happy Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year. And please consider the CERT training.
Kim
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 10:04 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- Next Leaf Vacuuming
Dear Neighbors: Got a question from one of our neighbors on the next leaf collection. I talked to the powers that be this morning (it's not yet up on the web or on the voice recording), and they said "barring delays, Bellevue Forest will be in the rotation for leaf vacuuming December 12, 13, and 14". Delays are obviously weather-related. Paper leaf bag collection will continue into early January. Have a great day.
Kim
Sent: Sunday, December 01, 2002 11:10 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving -- happy, healthy, safe and no-unwanted-pounds gained. Two issues are foremost on the agenda tonight. 1. The Cherrydale Fire Department relocation has become somewhat controversial since the bond approved in 1992 expired without a site being chosen. The Cherrydale Civic Association and Volunteer Fire Department, being the most immediately affected, have taken the lead on this. A site on Lee Highway next to the current FD had been considered but was taken out of contention. The talk now is that it will be removed FURTHER from us -- on North Quincy Street. We already have the longest response time (next to Rivercrest) -- a source of concern from two perspectives -- fire and medical emergencies. There will be a community meeting on December 11th (a date change from December 4th) to learn what the County is thinking and why they consider it important to move this Fire Station closer to Ballston -- which is already served by at least two other fire stations. The meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. at H.B. Woodlawn. Anyone who is concerned about the location of the Fire Station is encouraged to attend. 2. It's newsletter time. If anyone has any information they wish to have included in the newsletter -- issues, services, needs, concerns, etc. please let me know by Wednesday. We have the Holiday Lights competition coming up; a few changes in the Neighborhood Conservation Plan before its final submission to County staff, some zoning concerns, preservation of Donaldson Run -- just a few of the issues that folks are talking about in the Forest (hint -- those immediately involved in these, please write an article). We also have the CERT training. We'd like to combine forces with Rivercrest, an association of only about 100 houses, so that we can get a full complement of 10 trained CERT volunteers. Training starts in January (and rolls throughout the year), so I'll be starting a full court press. Also, for those who did not attend the Emergency Preparedness session at Taylor, we will be updating the Web site over the holidays. In the meantime, please stuff those stockings with a battery-operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries and extra WATER -- the bare bones minimum in an emergency.
Have a great week! Don't hesitate to contact one of your officers with questions, concerns, suggestions, or to volunteer.
Kim
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 9:36 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line [Fwd: Cherrydale Fire Station Relocation: Important News]
Dear Neighbors: Two items: First, leaf collection for our cluster of civic associations (11 in all) will begin on November 21st according to the County Leaf Line. That doesn't necessarily mean we'll be collected that day, but it will be the 21st or close to it! Second, I am forwarding this message from Reade Bushe. This is a tough one for me, because I am a huge fan of Chief Plaugher and will NOT lay this problem at his feet. However, in good conscience, I have to send this to you because we are located in an area where we have the longest ambulance/fire response time in the County. The location of the new fire house is at issue. If you are interested, you might wish to attend the December 4th meeting... Please remember that there is often
more to a situation and decision-making process than meets the eye. Have a good day.
Kim
Attention all Civic Association Representatives:
Below is some important information regarding the County's plans to relocate the Cherrydale Fire Station.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE ANOTHER MEETING ON WEDNESDAY DEC 4, 7:30 PM AT THE CHERRYDALE FIRE STATION, 3900 LEE HWY.
In 1990-1991, Arlington County and the County Fire Department held a series of community meetings to discuss the location for the new Cherrydale Fire Station. After many meetings, the relocation committee, comprised of the Fire Chief at the time (Tom Hawkins) and civic reps, determined the first choice site to be to the left of the existing Cherrydale Fire Station. In 1994, citizens approved a bond to fund the new station. However, the station has never been built. Over the summer, the County Board voted 5-0 to approve rezoning the land which was to be for the new station. Now, a large townhouse/retail complex is to
be built there. The County and Fire Department want to relocate the station on Quincy Street closer toward Ballston to handle increasing call volumes there. This despite many concerns raised in 1990-1991 about moving the station away from Military Road, which has some of the longest response times in the County. The Boards approval of this redevelopment and "new plan" came despite many questions by the citizens of Cherrydale and the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Dept. In fact, the Planning Commission had "tabled" approval of the townhouse/retail development pending the county giving citizens more information about what the new plans were for the new fire station. The County Board overrode the Planning Commission's "tabling" and disregarded citizen questions. Further, in July, the County Manager and Fire Department wrote the Board to say they had other sites in mind for the new fire station, totally disregarding the 1990-1991 first priority location established by the former fire chief and the citizens. This helped clear the path for development of the fire station land. Unfortunately, citizens were never advised of this decision. Now, many citizens in Cherrydale and the Cherrydale Vol Fire Department are challenging the County's handling of this matter. There was a preliminary meeting with citizens and the County Fire Department last week. Unfortunatley, it wasn't well publicized outside of the Cherrydale area, but over 100 citizens attended with many many
concerns. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE ANOTHER MEETING ON WEDNESDAY DEC 4, 7:30 PM AT THE CHERRYDALE FIRE STATION, 3900 LEE HWY. It is particularly important for citizens who live out Military Road, out Glebe Road, in the Chain Bridge, Woodmont, Country Club Hills areas to attend. These areas are all served by the Cherrydale Fire Station. PLEASE ADVISE ALL YOUR CITIZENS OF THIS BY EMAIL AND/OR MAIL. We are encouraging citizens to write the County Board and Manager at countyboard@co.arlington.va.us and countymanager@co.arlington.va.us Below is a letter composed by a member of the Cherrydale Vol Fire Dept to the County Board. This provides much more detailed information.
November 15, 2002 Via Email
Dear County Board Members:
I am writing to provide you with information to which you may not be privy. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend Saturday’s Board meeting, but I did hear it on Channel 31. Ms. Favola indicated that the citizens of Cherrydale should be patient with the fire station relocation community meeting process, and that we should be open about the necessity to move the station to Quincy Street so that it can be closer to the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. Unfortunately, the citizens have grown very impatient for four major reasons:
1. Trust was further eroded at last Wednesday’s meeting between the County and the community because the County and the Fire Department could not provide logical answers (or in some cases any answers) to citizen questions, as you will see below. The Assistant Fire Chief who spoke did not have sufficient information to answer many questions, and despite that fact that the Fire Chief was in the audience, he never once stood up to introduce himself or answer questions.
2. County representatives told the community that the purpose of these new meetings is to seek citizen input on where a station should be located. However, very quickly it became clear that the Fire Department’s preferred sites (on Quincy Street) were incongruent with the community’s desire for the station to stay on Lee Highway. This left many citizens dubious about “openness” of this entire process.
3. Over past several years, the County has not been forthright with the community over its plans to relocate the new station elsewhere. In fact, it never told the community it had this intent, and the community only learned about it through the grapevine.
4. The Bromptons plan was approved by the County Board despite concerns raised by citizens and the Planning Commission’s decision to “table” any vote on the Bromptons until the County could answer citizen questions about what would happen to the new fire station. The information that has been provided to you by the Fire Department is very one-sided and lacks any citizen consideration. I believe it is time you hear a more comprehensive view of this situation. Below, I discuss
major concerns based on my 13 years as a volunteer firefighter at Cherrydale and six years of consulting on fire department operations and fire station relocations at TriData Corporation.
• The Fire Department and Manager have stated the new Cherrydale fire station needs to be located on Quincy Street closer to the Ballston/Rosslyn corridor. They argue that 30% of the station’s calls are toward Ballston, and this percentage will rise in the future. The citizens, however, cannot understand why the County wants to move the station away from 70% (or in the future maybe 60%) of its calls. This is illogical.
• In addition, moving closer toward Ballston means moving farther from Military Road. The end of Military Road and the Chain Bridge area, both served by the Cherrydale Station, have the longest response times in the County. This was a key concern of the 1990 meetings. Fire department representatives have provided no answers as to how this problem will be resolved.
• Moving the station to Quincy Street lengthens the response time to Rosslyn. When the Cherrydale engine responds to Rosslyn, it turns right out of the current station and heads east on Lee Highway. By moving it to Quincy Street, it will have to respond back to Lee Highway and pass the existing station.
• Calls for service in the Ballston and Clarendon areas are already answered very promptly by the Clarendon and Ballston fire stations. In fact, when multiple stations respond to calls in these areas (i.e. for a fire call which requires the response of multiple stations), the Cherrydale engine currently arrives within a minute behind the other stations. However, when the Cherrydale engine responds out Military Road, the second and third arriving engines are much farther behind.
• Fire Department representatives told the community that moving the station to Quincy Street will improve safety by limiting the number of times the engine has to go through the five-points intersection at Lee Highway / Quincy Street / Old Dominion / and Military Road. In reality, moving to Quincy Street will increase the number of times the engine must go through the entirety of this intersection.
• The Fire Department states locating a station on Lee Highway unnecessarily forces traffic to be stopped on Lee Highway when the engine leaves, inconveniencing motorists. However, in a new station, traffic would only be stopped approximately six times per 24 hour period (including some instances in the middle of the night). The citizens are not concerned with this inconvenience.
• The Fire Department contends that the reason it must move the station to Quincy Street is based on “new response data” which shows an increased volume of calls in the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. This data is not “new.” In fact, in 1990, the community and fire department considered the fact that call volumes in the corridor would rise significantly; however, it was decided then that the station would still be better located on Lee Highway.
• A County-hired facilitator started the meeting by telling citizens the purpose of the meeting was to get the citizen’s input. In response, the Pastor of Saint Andrews Episcopal Church asked, “How can the community trust in a new series of meetings when all of the citizen input and concerns raised in the 1990 meetings have been disregarded?” By the end of the two hour meeting, no one from the County could provide an answer to the Pastor’s question, and this left 100+ citizens in attendance
feeling very suspect and betrayed. The County held a series of similar meetings with the citizens in 1990-1. In the end, the County indicated its desire was to build the new station on the land now to be occupied by the Bromptons. Many citizens supported the 1994 Fire Station #3 bond because they were content with the outcome of these meetings. Given the current debacle, I applaud the efforts to meet again with citizens. But the County cannot expect the citizens to trust a process that has failed them before.
• Citizens asked the County for an explanation as to why the Brompton’s land was never purchased 8 years. County representatives could provide no specific reason other than there was an environmental concern at one point. However, citizens know that after an environmental assessment was performed in the mid-1990s, the State decided there was no compelling reason why the land could not be purchased by the County.
• Questions were raised about why the County and Fire Department never informed the community that it had decided to scrap its plans to build the station on the Bromptons land. It appears this decision was made in 1999 after the fire station location study by Mr. Gordon Routley. The Fire Department and County officials provided no answer to this question. The sentiment in the community is that the County has arbitrarily decided to put the station elsewhere. In fact, a letter from Mr. Carlee to the County Board dated July 16, 2002 states: “Staff have concluded that the proposed [Bromptons] rezoning to "C-0-1-1.0" and the proposed site plan meet the redevelopment and urban design goals called for in the Lee Highway/Cherrydale Revitalization Plan...Since the location along Lee Highway is no longer under consideration for the new fire station, staff believe the provision of a mixed-use building with ground floor retail and residential above achieves the village concept for Lee Highway that was envisioned in the Revitalization Plan.”
• The Fire Department indicated that the Bromptons site could be reconsidered for the new station. The community pressed the County to put a “hold” on the Bromptons development, but no one from the County government indicated they would be willing to do this.
Until questions are answered and answered logically, the citizens will remain distrustful of any new community process to determine a new location for the fire station. In closing, I want to say that I and many other citizens believe that Assistant Chief Shawn Kelley, who ran the meeting, was very polite and as forthright as he could be. However, it became clear that many of the questions he was asked were questions that a person at his level is unable to answer. The Fire Chief chose not to stand up to assist Chief Kelley, so questions went unanswered. It is very clear that in future meetings with the community, senior level management who have greater background on this topic and the ability to make decisions must be present and willing to speak up. Thank you for listening to my concerns and the concerns of the community. Sincerely,
Reade Bush, Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 12:32 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: Three things. First, the Bellevue Forest Executive Committee is meeting tomorrow (oops, today), November 19th, at 7:30 p.m. at Dan Radke's house. If anyone has any issues, please let one of us know. Second, the tree ordinance passed on Saturday with an amendment offered by Mr. Ferguson stipulating that for a tree on the private property of a single family residence to be "designated", the owner would have to consent. Third, Wednesday, November 20th, is our Emergency Preparedness Forum, hosted by Donaldson Run at Taylor Elementary School. It begins at 8 p.m. (Donaldson Run is having a civic association meeting before this -- from 7 to 8 p.m.). Speakers include Mark Penn (Assistant Director for Emergency Management); Tonya Woodson (1D Police Commander); Dr. Susan Allan (Director of Public Health); Odile Saddi (Director, Agency on Aging and Disabilities); Rob Hindman (Principal, Taylor Elementary School on School Preparedness); Jackie Snelling (Chairman, Citizens Corps Council). Parking will be somewhat of a challenge because the 5th grade talent show is occurring that evening. Hope to see you all there -- you're guaranteed to learn something new!
Kim
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2002 11:29 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- Tree Ordinance
Dear Neighbors: Several of you have contacted me about the proposed tree ordinance, asking that I share information with the rest of the neighborhood since we are so heavily treed. This issue is more about private property rights and the fact
that the ordinance does not comport with the State authorizing legislation than it is about trees. I'm a great fan of trees, but I do have problems with a statute that mandates what could be very expensive care if one has a "designated" tree. Please read the attached, and if you desire more information, please go to the web sites referenced. The Civic Federation SUPPORTS
the designation/care of trees on public property and asks for a deferral until February on private property tree regulation in order to give the public time to read and comment. Questions? Please e-mail me.
Kim
In order to reach more Arlington citizens than the Civic Federation delegates at our meeting of November 12, please forward the following information to your respective organizations' members and list serves.
On Saturday, November 16, under Agenda Item 53. titled Adoption of an ordinance to enact and codify Chapter 67 (Trees and
Shrubs), the Arlington County Board will consider adoption of the proposed ordinance that will enable any person or group, if
adopted, to recommend to the County Urban Forester/Arborist any tree in question and its significance in needing protection on public or private property, as to its potential designation as a Heritage Tree, Memorial Tree, Specimen Tree, or Street Tree. I
encourage you to read the proposed ordinance available at the County Board web site for the November 2002 Board Meeting. This information is located at: http://www.co.arlington.va.us/cbo/meetings/2002/nov/1116/index.htm , please read Agenda Item 53. In addition to the County Manager's recommendation memorandum concerning the proposed ordinance, please read the three attachments to Item 53 for additional details.
For your information, the Arlington County Civic Federation (ACCF) Environmental Affairs Committee developed a resolution of concern with the proposed language in Article 3, “Regulation of Heritage Trees, Memorial Trees, Specimen Trees and Street Trees on Public or Private Property primarily due to the lack of specificity provided therein and for other reasons. Please visit
http://www.civfed.org/restree.htm to see the Committee's proposed resolution that was adopted by the Arlington County Civic
Federation, at its meeting of November 12. Also, please note that the adopted Civic Federation resolution includes an Attachment of detailed comments and categories of concern/omission. This information is available at http://www.civfed.org/treewhy.htm . I encourage you to review the proposed Tree Preservation Ordinance and express your views to the County Board Members. Their phone number is (703) 228-3130; Fax (703) 2228-7430, or they can be contacted by e-mail at countyboard@co.arlington.va.us . If you have time on Saturday, please attend the Arlington County Board Meeting and express your views on this critically important Agenda Item 53.
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2002 10:05 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear All: Hope you had a good weekend and are ready for a rainy week. A few things. 1. Does anyone have a good housekeeper with a free day? I've lost track of the maid flow and have had a request. 2. Vandalism I -- please report ANY incidents. Seems some of our younger children have been quite upset and even frightened by what's going on -- including pumpkin thefts last night. 3a. Good children -- of which Bellevue Forest has a HUGE number: Scouting for Food bags were left on your doors this weekend. PLEASE consider filling it. The need is unbelievable. You are also not limited to one bag. Any grocery bag filled with non-perishables will do. Pick-up is next Saturday. Bags should be out by 8:30. If yours is NOT picked up, please e-mail me. I know where they keep the collection truck (15 years of Scouting does that to one!) 3b. Good Children, Part II This just in from BF neighbor -- and a godsend for those of us finding our energy levels inadequate to the challenge of the leaves. My name is Carla de la Pava and I live on Nelson Street. My son is on a U10 Travel Soccer Team and the boys are trying to raise money by raking leaves. I was wondering whether you would be willing to put out an email asking people if they would like to have their leaves raked. There will be adult supervision and we anticipate charging about $25 for a "regular" yard, (yards roughly 1/3 acre). Larger or smaller yards could be negotiated. Ideally, we would like to make appointments, so you could ask anyone interested to call me (703-524-2373). I hope we can work something out. I think this is a great learning
experience for the boys and a good value for the community! 4. Speaking of Leaves -- A few of you have contacted us about
the strange appearance of the Leaf Truck on November 4th, when nary a leaf had fallen. I'm calling the County on Monday to make certain that doesn't count as one of our two! 5. CERT Teams -- Arlington is organizing and providing training for CERT teams. These are Community Emergency Response Teams, similar to what they have in California for earthquakes and Florida for hurricanes. The training is eight sessions --- disaster overview, light search and rescue, fire suppression, two medical operations sessions, disaster psychology, terrorism (biological, nuclear, incendiary, chemical, and explosive). Teams are organized by neighborhoods. The Fourth Police District just finished training (which I got to take as First District representative). It's a real eye-opener. Would anyone else in Bellevue Forest be interested in this training? CERT training is being offered to groups of no fewer than ten and no more than 15 starting in January. Although I am deeply involved in the whole disaster preparedness movement, I am not an alarmist. I'm more worried about changes in weather patterns than in terrorists, although I have a healthy regard for what COULD be brought to bear on us. Remember, we sit right next to the secondary pipes for our water supply AND two of the three pumping stations (#2 on the list of infrastructure targets). If you are interested, please let me know. I'm helping the Fire Department organize the CERT training by neighborhoods. They're also
doing Business CERTS, but that's not my area. 6. I think we have an Executive Committee meeting Monday night
(at least according to the schedule we set at the beginning of the year -- second Monday of the week). Does anyone have any issues they'd like considered? You all are always welcome. Just call me (527-0294) to make sure 1) it's still on; 2) where it will be held. 7. Vandalism II: We're going to do a major article on this subject in the next hard copy newsletter. In the meantime, the pumpkin damage could well be the result of some of our own children's activities. Please talk to your children, particularly middle and high schoolers, (I HATE having to say this because I think most kids are great!). Vandalism that affects young children or our older residents is doubly hard -- instilling fear, a sense of violation of one's personal space, profound disappointment. In one case, a serious medical condition has been really exascerbated. Several people seem to be particular targets in this neighborhood AND THAT'S NOT ACCEPTABLE. Also, it's possible that some of the vandalism is from outside our neigbhorhood - particularly the tagging on Military Road and some of the more serious internally. If you see or hear ANYTHING that doesn't seem quite right, please check it out (SAFELY) and either call the police or one of us. 8. Mailbox -- The mailbox on Pollard and Roberts was removed for "insufficient" use. Is there a neighborhood consensus for us to try
to get it back? Let me know. Thanks -- and have a great week.
Kim
Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 12:33 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line (Full cup of coffee length)
Dear Neighbors: Events that might be of interest to you; status of Neighborhood Conservation Report; Leaf Collection Begins Nov. 4th (will check start date for Bellevue Forest); Holiday Lights; Vandalism; Newsletter in next few weeks, etc.
SUPPORT OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN Taylor School Election Day Bake Sale. This is a part of the PTA's program to help raise funds for special activities at Taylor. AFTER VOTING (hint, hint) this Tuesday, if our friends and neighbors are out and about, I would like to encourage them to stop by Taylor and stock up on some baked goods! We will be "open for business" beginning at 7:00 am and going until 6:00 pm (or until our goodies run out - whichever comes first!) (Bellevue Forest neighbor Monica Jenks is in charge of this event -- so please swing by on your way home from the polls!)
Grocery Receipts Have you all stopped by the desk wherever you shop for groceries and "registered" for the school of your choice? Computers and athletic equipment are just a few of the benefits to our schools -- and it costs you nothing. SUPPORT OUR FIRE, POLICE, SHERIFF and ECC PERSONNEL -- and Eat, Too! (Plus do some holiday shopping!) Saturday, November 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Civic Federation 911 Heroes Scholarship Fund is hosting a Silent Auction sponsored by
Chevys Fresh Mex at Ballston Common Mall, 4238 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington VA 22203. Contributions to 911 Heroes Scholarship Fund benefit the children of Arlington’s public safety officers and are tax-deductible. Free and open to the public. For additional information call 703-209-4044 or visit www.civfed.org. The 2nd Annual United We Stand 10K is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, at West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. This race commemorates the events of September 11, 2001, and benefits the Arlington County Civic Federation 9/11 Scholarship Fund (www.civfed.org/fundpage.htm) and the United Service Organization ( www.uso.org ). Sponsorship opportunities are available and registration information can be obtained by visiting www.racepacket.com/races/nov02/united.htm or by e-mailing:
racedirector@att.net. Saturday, November 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Civic Federation 911 Heroes Scholarship Fund will receive a percentage of the dining revenues when customers mention the Fund while dining at Chevys Fresh Mex at Ballston Common Mall, 4238 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington VA 22203. Show your appreciation to Arlington’s public safety officers by supporting the 911 Scholarship fund for their children. For additional information call 703-209-4044 or visit www.civfed.org. SCHOOL BOUNDARY PROPOSALS (Sent to Pete) Attached are the meeting notes from the first three Boundary Development and Program Planning Committee meetings of this school year. The first two meetings are combined in the first attachment. All previous meeting notes and information can be found at the Arlington Public Schools Web Site:
http://www.arlington.k12.va.us/ EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Our Military/Nellie Custis corridor meeting is still on for November 20th at 8:00 at Taylor Elementary School (a Wednesday night). In the words of one of the thousands of authors I've downloaded in recent months, "It is dangerous to either understate or overstate the threat....If one minimizes the threat, little action may be taken." Those of us who have been working county-wide for over a year are seeking reasonable balance. We want you to know the facts, do what little is really required for reasonable preparedness, and know where to go if you want to know more. Please try to make it. VANDALISM IN THE FOREST Several homes in the Pollard/Roberts area have been hit recently, and we'd like to know if other areas of Bellevue Forest have had a problem. If so, please let us know so that we can give the police a comprehensive understanding of the difficulties we're facing. NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION
Several of us met with Shirley Grant last Tuesday and are now ready for the final draft. I'll be doing that this week, I hope, and will send the draft to any who are interested before sending it to the County. Ken Danforth will be my primary "editor" (thank you, Ken). Once this phase of the process is completed, we have to have a full neighborhood meeting for your endorsement. If I get my act together (increasingly difficult), we hope to be ready in December and will try to combine a little holiday party with "document review". This has to be a "live" (as in all of us in the flesh) meeting, so stay tuned. BF GARDEN CLUB
Our Garden Club will meet the 14th with a talk by Ken Barnett -- "an uplifting look at "The Aging Mind". I don't know about the rest of you, but I need this one! Too many "Senior Moments". HOLIDAY LIGHTS We'll be doing our little "awards" program again, under the able leadership of Cynthea Perry Risenberg. Stay tuned for dates. GENTLE REMINDERS
Remember to leash your dog (including in our parks). Pooper scoop. Drive the speed limit or below! (Patience builds character.) Assuming rain, leaves are slippery. Children aren't always watchful. Let's really take care of our own and be nice neighbors. FINALLY, we will be doing a newsletter in the next few weeks to, so if anyone has ANYTHING they wish to have included, please contact me! Have a great week.
Kim
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 10:09 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: Real quickly (for me). The responses of the County to our Neighborhood Conservation DRAFT report are in. Anyone who wants me to send the file attachment, please let me know. (By the way, Quincy will apparently get its DEAD END sign AND they "support" our sidewalk on N. 31st.) Kim
PS -- We didn't ask for much, so if you have other ideas, PLEASE LET US KNOW.
PPS -- If you live on Military Road, there were a few surprises that we DIDN'T ask for.
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 10:30 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: Our president, Pete Tyler, asked that I pass these messages along to you in their entirety. I also received an e-mail from Mary Gavin on the subject of the snipers, including precautions/levels of awareness for citizens. I will send that to you if you wish. Please stay safe.
Kim
Message from Arlington County Board Message to the Arlington County Community from the Arlington County Board
The recent sniper attacks are having a profound effect on the region. Given this unusual situation, I want to take this opportunity to communicate with you directly about the steps we are taking to respond to the situation, both locally and regionally. First, I extend condolences to the families and friends of all of the victims. Our thoughts are especially with the Franklin family of Arlington. Their loss in the Monday night shooting is felt by everyone in this community.
As we seek to bring the perpetrator of this violence to justice, it is critical that anyone with information about sniper shootings
contact the toll-free telephone number being used by all law enforcement agencies: 1-888-324-9800 (or 703-228-4610 TTY).
All local governments in the region are working together closely and cooperatively. There are ongoing conference calls among
police chiefs to coordinate the investigation. An inter-agency task force of local and federal agencies is leading the investigation. There also are ongoing conference calls among School Superintendents and Chief Administrative Officers to coordinate School activities and recreational activities. Consistent with these discussions, Arlington County Schools have suspended all outdoor activities. Similarly, all outdoor youth recreation activities have been suspended. The situation will be evaluated continuously, and decisions will be coordinated among local governments and school districts in the area.
Arlington, like other jurisdictions, has engaged in contingency planning since the sniper attacks began. Police patrols have coordinated with the Schools and with leaders of recreation and community events.
Most recently, staff in the County's Emergency Communications Center (ECC) have begun redirecting some non-emergency ECC calls to the Telephone Reporting Unit (or the police online Web-based Incident Reporting system) in order to maximize the effectiveness and availability of police patrols.
Other adjustments in police operations are being made based on an assessment of information available to the Police Department. This work started when the attacks began and is being refined continuously to ensure that Arlington does everything that is reasonably possible to protect the public and to respond to any incident in Arlington or surrounding communities.
The sniper attacks, especially the one in Seven Corners, have created a sense of anxiety that is inevitable. Help in coping with the stress of this crisis is available 24 hours a day from the County's Project Resilience. Trained mental health professionals in this program provide crisis counseling, stress management education and support, and information and referral. The telephone number is: 1-866-400-2951 (or 703-228-4831 TTY).
Additional information about Arlington's response to the sniper and tips for individuals can be found on the County's web site under Emergency Preparedness: http://www.co.arlington.va.us/emergency/index.htm
Please check this location and the County cable television channel, Info 31, regularly for breaking information.
Christopher Zimmerman, Chairman
SECOND MESSAGE
The 2nd Annual United We Stand 10K is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, at West Potomac Park
in Washington, D.C. This race commemorates the events of September 11, 2001, and benefits the Arlington County Civic
Federation 9/11 Scholarship Fund (www.civfed.org/fundpage.htm) and the United Service Organization (www.uso.org).
Sponsorship opportunities are available and registration information can be obtained by visiting http://www.racepacket.com/races/nov02/united.htm or by e-mailing: racedirector@att.net .
Sent: Saturday, October 12, 2002 10:54 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: A little of this, a little of that. GROCERY STORE CREDITS FOR KIDS Dan Radke has passed on the following information. If you shop at any of the major grocery stores, please take just a few minutes to designate one of our schools (or more) to receive the credit for what you spend. It costs you nothing; it benefits the schools greatly.
>From Dan: It's that time of the year again! Do you shop at Safeway, Giant, or Harris Teeter markets? On your next trip to the market, please stop by the customer service desk and have the credit for your purchases designated to one of our local schools. Each year, the program begins anew, so you need to designate a school again this year! You do not need to collect cash register receipts nor is there any cost to the consumer for joining the program. You do not need to have children enrolled in Arlington County Public Schools. All future purchases (during the program's duration) will accrue points for the school of your choice and help the school to purchase books, teaching aids, computer equipment and software. Alternatively, you may enroll directly at each of the following websites:
SAFEWAY: http://www.escrip.com/affiliates/safeway_east/index.html
GIANT FOOD: http://www.giantfood.com/bonuscard_aplus_pin.cfm
HARRIS TEETER: http://www.harristeeter.com/community/together_ed.php
ANOTHER BELLEVUE FOREST BABYSITTER: Add Emily Jurkevics (Roberts Lane) to your list of babysitters or pet sitters. Any leaf rakers out there? I'm getting too old for this stuff! NEWS FROM GULF BRANCH: (This came from Pete Tyler. If you need more information, please give one of us a call. Personal opinion: for those with young children, Pioneer Day is a fantastic experience. We never missed one!) My name is Denise Chauvette. I am the Director of the Gulf Branch Nature Center. We have two events scheduled this fall which I would like the members of the Bellevue Forest Civic Association to be aware of. The
first is a two part workshop on the subject of invasive plants (lecture and work day), scheduled for Oct. 24 and 26. The second is our annual Pioneer Day Festival (bluegrass music, crafts, blacksmithing demonstration, etc.) on Nov. 2.
Denise Chauvette, Gulf Branch Nature Center
3608 N. Military Rd., Arlington, VA 22207, PH: 703-228-3403
FOUND PLATE: Left at the Corn Roast: Painted with blue border, blue leaves on outer rim and yellow center. To claim, call Pete Tyler (our president).
AIRPLANE NOISE: We're all still being overwhelmed by the noise from our friendly or not-so-friendly skies. The Civic Federation is forming an Ad Hoc Committee on Airport Issues (which obviously has noise at the top of its agenda). Fifteen civic associations are taking part. The first meeting is a formative meeting this Monday at 8 a.m. at the Silver Diner. If Jim, Steve or Hank can make it, please let me or Jim Pebley (interim chairman) know. Or IF ANYONE ELSE IN THE COMMUNITY WANTS TO WORK ON THIS, just give a yell. All of you can work on CivFed Committees without being an alternate or delegate. GOOD NEIGHBOR ISSUES: Dogs bark. That's their way of communicating. We have a community of dog lovers (mostly) in this neighborhood. However, even those of us who are passionate about Fido and Company DO NOT like "other than our own" doggie deposits on our yard or incessant, prolonged, obnoxious barking. If you have a long-winded barker, please invite him or her to bark INSIDE your own home. LEAVES: With the killer acorns almost at their end, the slick leaves
will soon follow. Please drive/walk/bike/jog carefully/slowly/considerately. A pre-leaf request: parents, please remind your children that playing in the leaves is great fun. However, playing so that drivers can't see you is just plain dumb! Do the buddy system when you play, and make sure at least one of the children is HIGHLY visible. BASKETBALL/TENNIS COURTS: Some of us have lighted courts in our yards for our children. Please be considerate and turn the lights out at a
reasonable hour. Remember the noise ordinances: 11 p.m. As a courtesy, consider quelling the youthful vigor by 10 p.m., a time when many of our residents actually think about going to sleep. This Just In: THE COMMUNITY IS INVITED TO A Conference on Children and Violence, Sunday, October 13th, 2:30 - 7:00 pm, Arlington United Methodist Church, 716 S. Glebe Road, Keynote speaker, Dr. James Garbarino, Internationally recognized expert on youth violence
POLICE NEWS: Somewhere in the annals of my e-mail, I have the last issue of the 1D police newsletter. If anyone is interested, please let me know.
NEXT BFCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING: November 11th at 7:30 p.m.
NEXT CIV FED MEETING: Legislative Package, Tuesday November 12th. Please note that this is a week later than the usual meeting because of the election. REMINDER: Our (courtesy of Donaldson Run) Candidates' Night is this Wednesday, October 16th at Taylor Elementary School. Come ask tough questions. It keeps everyone on their toes. FILE OF LIFE: I still have plenty of Files of Life for your refrigerator. If you live alone, have a neighbor who lives alone, have a medical condition, etc., please ask for one. I do deliver. Just e-mail me with your address. Stay safe, be kind, have a good week.
Kim
Sent: Friday, October 04, 2002 9:02 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: There's lots of little stuff this time around -- so I'll cut to the chase. TEENAGERS: We've had several responses to our request for teen workers. For babysitters, try Maggie Tart (N. Pollard), Lindsay Rock (N. Nelson), and Anna Strasburger. Some are also available for pet sitting. AIRPORT NOISE: A group of 15 civic associations have joined forces to get airport noise under control. Thursday, they approached the Civic Federation about joining forces with us. There is now a joint Ad Hoc Committee on Airport Issues under the auspices of the Civic Federation. Any member of a member organization (you all) can work on a Civic Federation committee without being a delegate or alternate. Hank McEntee, Jim Reo and Steve Huntoon have been our mainstays on this issue. Anyone interested in working with them, give them a call. If you want to work on the CivFed Committee, Jim Pebley is the INTERIM chairman (a delegate or alternate must CHAIR a CivFed Committee).
DONALDSON RUN: For months, I have been remiss about telling you about the group that has formed to protect our own Donaldson Run. It's active, it's primarily under the Donaldson Run Civic Association, and it could use some Bellevue Forest input. Ken Danforth (and perhaps others) have been involved. Call him for details. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RECYCLING: Special drop-off day on October 19th -- "Environmental Extravaganza" from 9 to 3, rain or shine at Thomas
Jefferson Middle School - 125 S. Old Glebe Road. Arlington staff will even unload your car for you! Paint (up to 25 cans), lawn and garden chemicals, fuels/petroleum products, flammable solvents, corrosives, poisons, automotive fluids, car care prodcuts, photographic chemicals, swimming pool chemicals, household cleaners, mercury, propane tanks are accepted from homeowners only -- no commercial vendors. This is a great way to recycle hazardous or bulky stuff. There is a charge for some of it. Bikes: $10 - refurbished and sent to Latin America; Computer Monitors - $5.00 to $24.00 depending upon size; TVs $7 to $12 up to 20", 80 cents per inch from 20" and up. TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES GALORE: Habitat Stewards -- to make Arlington more friendly to wildlife -- part of National Wildlife Federation program. For complete details, e-mail me. Starts October 26th. Stream Stewards -- Primarily for Four Mile Run but great for anyone interested in water quality. Starts October 23 (2 Wednesdays) or October 26 (1 Saturday). Master Gardeners: Starts in January. 60 hours of training through Cooperative Extension. Tree Stewards: Next class should be in the Spring. Waiting list. Cooperative Extension.
FILE OF LIFE CARDS: This is a new program, jointly between the Fire Department and Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington. This is a vinyl envelope, magnet mounted on the refrigerator. Inside is a complete medical history (yours, which you fill out in pencil)-- allergies, long-term medications, medical conditions. The paramedics are trained to look for this and take it with you. This is recommended for our seniors, anyone with a handicapping condition, anyone with a long-term medical condition, anyone with allergies -- particularly to medicines, anyone on long-term medicines (cholesterol, high blood pressure) and
anyone with a chronic illness. If you would use one (and we're hoping you will because it saves a lot should you need rapid medical treatment!), please e-mail me or call me at 527-0294. PERENNIAL REMINDERS Drive slowly and carefully throughout the neighborhood. It's dark, and when the leaves really start falling, it's slippery. Leash your dog at all times. A few of our children have had a few frightening interludes with off-leash dogs. As always, clean up doggie "deposits" and take them with you! Have a safe and great weekend.
Kim
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 11:10 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: A few things: CORN ROAST: Around 50 of us gathered for an intimate, but festive, Corn Roast yesterday. The weather was divine; the corn was yummy. We missed the rest of you. Pete Tyler and his wife Esther did yeoman's work on this. Special thanks to Dan Radke, Bill Allen, the McShane's and others who stayed into the wee hours to help clean up.
Extra thanks to the Tyler's son who came for set up and left a ball game to come help with clean up! QUESTION: Is there a different type of activity (perhaps not so labor intensive) that the neighbors would prefer doing for a social activity? Suggestions are welcomed. SPECIAL TRASH PICK-UPS: Brush pick-up is this Wednesday, October 2, and October 16. Metal pick-up is October 9th and October 23. Call one day in advance to schedule the pick up. The number is 228-6570. (Thanks, Audrey, for the reminder). Leaf pick-up will begin in November with bags available "sometime" this month. CIVIC FEDERATION: Tomorrow night (Oct. 1), the Civic Federation will consider the State Bonds, Constitutional Amendments, and the 3 local bonds. The meeting, at the Hazel Auditorium at Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington, will begin at 7 p.m. Delegates will be given a ballot to indicate their support or opposition to each and all. If any of you have strong feelings on any of the issues (this is in the form of "neighborhood sentiment") please let me know. I know how I feel; we don't know how YOU feel.
REMINDERS: Tonight is the Transportation Sales Tax Forum at the NRECA building. October 16th is "our" (thank you, Donaldson Run) candidate's night and an opportunity for you to ask questions of the candidates (meets at Taylor Elementary School at 7 p.m.). TEEN WORKERS: Donaldson Run's newsletter runs the names of teenagers willing/interested in doing yard work, pet sitting, babysitting, etc. We've done this on-line in the past. Perhaps now is the time to do it in the newsletter (next rendition coming out before the December holidays). IF YOU HAVE (OR ARE) A TEENAGER INTERESTED IN WORK, please let us know. Please give area of work interest, age, grade in school, phone number. SIGN OF THE TIMES: (On the Church of the Covenant Board) "Noah didn't start building the Ark when it was raining". Hope to see you all at the Emergency Prep meeting on the 20th of November. Issues, Concerns, Questions? Please let us know.
Kim
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2002 11:39 AM
Subject: [Fwd: Fw: Civic Federation Newsletter]
Dear All: Our Civ Fed meeting is this Tuesday. In case you haven't gotten the newsletter, it's attached. If you have it, just delete. Kim
Sent: Sunday, September 22, 2002 12:07 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: Just a few quick things. 1. The Executive Committee will meet this Monday, September 23rd, at Pete Tyler's home on North Monroe. The meeting will begin at 7:30. Anyone with issues, concerns, questions, a burning desire to help in neighborhood affairs, please consider joining us. Also, since we tend to play musical houses, please call Pete first to make certain we haven't shifted venues. 2. The election is November 5th. Please make certain you've changed your registration if you're new to the Forest (or you won't be able to vote). Also, absentee voting started September 20th. Deadline
for applications is October 31. There are lots of reasons for voting absentee. If anyone wishes, I can send the announcement from our Voter Registrar's Office. 3. The Corn Roast is this coming Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Hope you all can come. Stay tuned for your newsletter (which I'll be doing next) for more details. 4. A hard copy newsletter will be mailed, hopefully on Tuesday.
If you have things to sell, concerns, issues you'd like to bring to the attention of the neighbors, please e-mail me TODAY (Monday a.m. at the latest)! Dark is coming earlier, so please drive VERY carefully. Have a great Sunday.
Kim
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2002 9:58 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- Redskins Tickets for Tonight's (Monday's) Game
Dear Neighbors: Really quickly, one of our neighbors has a bug and cannot attend tonight's Redskins game. He has two tickets, 40 yard line, Section 201, for $165.00. The game is at 9 p.m. This is first come, first served, so if they're gone, don't shoot the messenger! If you're interested, e-mail me asap. Also, Blair Morrow also has an excellent maid if you're interested.
Kim
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2002 9:38 PM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line -- SCAM
Dear Neighbors: A real quick one. A scam is apparently being perpetrated in Arlington (just across Military Road) with the target we know about being an elderly woman who lives alone. Two white males appeared at her front door, told her they were from Arlington County and needed to inspect her chimney. When she asked for ID, they said they'd left it in their vehicle (which was not noticeably there). They went off, returned, and stated they couldn't find their ID. Several days later, they reappeared and indicated she owed them $200 (or some similar sum). She initially refused to pay them, but became afraid, and, given the fact that it was a Saturday, wrote a check for the requested amount. (She knew the banks wouldn't be open, so she stopped payment). They returned a third time, and details are unclear as to the reason they used this time, but they asked to come in for a drink of water. She told them they couldn't come in but that she'd bring them water. When she returned, they were gone, and so was her wallet that had been in her purse by her door. If you have older neighbors who might not be on-line, please let them know this has occurred and that they should NEVER allow anyone in their homes for service they did not request; should NEVER even talk to someone who cannot produce an appropriate ID; should talk to people from behind a LOCKED storm door or just should refuse to answer the door; should sign NO contracts without having an attorney or friend review them; should NEVER pay the full amount for service up-front. This woman is now afraid to even go outside to garden. The police were notified, but there's not much they can do without a more complete description. Take care of yourselves and each other. Kim
PS -- Learned about two really good gardeners if anyone is interested. Just give me an e-mail.
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2002 7:20 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: Just a few details. (I can "do" short!) The first is an ad from the Wyatts. "Honest, dependable English-speaking housekeeper has a few days available. She works for several Bellevue forest families and comes highly recommended by Mike and Audrey Wyatt for whom she has worked for15 years. To contact call the Wyatts, 703/524-5435 for her telephone number. The second is from an "historic" colleague, but a candlelight tour of Arlington House is too good to pass up! I can send the flyer for those who are interested.
Dear All, I'm sending this announcement to everyone.... Here's your chance; this will be a really special opportunity to see the house by candle light! Attached is a word document with the news release for our bicentennial open house, Friday night, 10/4/02. It is the only time during the year most people get a chance to come to Arlington House at night and look out over the Washington evening skyline. There will be a new exhibit on slavery, period music, a lecture by a noted Civil War author and "hard hat tours" of the basement. This is a reservation only event and I want all the supporters of Arlington House to have a chance to get a ticket. If you cannot read the Word file let me know.
Sincerely,
Kendell Thompson
Site Manager, Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
National Park Service
703.235.1537
Third, if you want information on the bonds/transportation referendum, the League of Women Voters and other groups are sponsoring a meeting with pro's and con's on September 30th. If you're interested, I can get you details. Also, this will be the topic of the Civic Federation's October meeting. Fourth, the Garden Club will have its first meeting this Thursday. Women of the Forest, join us if you're free. Fifth, I attended a meeting with Dr. Susan Allan, head of Arlington's Public Health Service. Mosquito-borne diseases are no laughing matter, and mosquitoes apparently don't go far from their hatch site. Back-flushing of all standing water sources -- bird baths, plant pots, gutters, etc. is recommended every 3 to 4 days to get rid of the larvae. We don't unwittingly want to be breeding grounds! Have a great day.
Kim
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2002 12:15 AM
Subject: Bellevue Forest On-Line
Dear Neighbors: There's tons of stuff (I should never leave town!) but I'll try to be brief. First, our Corn Roast is scheduled for September 29, 5 to 7 p.m. at Potomac Overlook. The grills are ordered, the space reserved, the corn hopefully coming despite the drought. We do need volunteers (grills, set-up, take down). Call (or e-mail) if you can help. For newcomers, the drill is as follows: the CA provides the corn, grills, condiments, paper products. Neighbors bring their own meat to grill and a salad or dessert to share. Those with ambulatory limitations may drive down to the Nature Center (which will be open for those who enjoy indoor plumbing). Second, we're updating the Contractor List. Negative comments will no longer be recorded, but if a neighbor has recommended someone, that will be noted. We'd also like to know if you're willing to have neighbors call you for references/information. (The silence on negatives should be a telling feature.) Third, e-mail scams are at an all-time high. Steve Broadhurst is handling these for the Police Department, but they only act if someone has suffered monetary loss. Fourth, the Neighborhood Conservation report is circulating through County staff. We'll let you know when we hear anything. Fifth, the Civic Federation starts up again on the 3rd of September, and the electronic newsletter is available. Let me know if you want me to send it to you. (Candidates' Night is the theme of the meeting on the 3rd.) Sixth, there are two efforts vis a vis September 11th commemoration -- flying the American flag in Arlington from dusk on September 10th to dusk on September 18th. The second is to drive with your lights on (that's national). Seventh, we've joined forces with Donaldson Run (they're our hosts) for two events. On October 16th, they will host a Candidates' Night at Taylor Elementary School to which we're all invited. On
November 20th, they're opening their meeting to us for Emergency Preparedness as the topic (which yours truly is up to her eyeballs in!). Please try to attend one or both! Both are at 7:30, but more details will be forthcoming. Eighth, Arlington Re-Leaf will be hosting a walking tour of Bellevue Forest on October 20th from 1:30 to 3:30. They've identified scads of trees. The purpose of this is to let individuals who are thinking of planting a tree see what it will be like at maturity -- canopy, height, appearance. Park down on N. 30th Road, and Joe Schifrin and Becky Mead will be your guides. Arlington Re-Leaf will also be hosting a talk on trees at the Central Library on October 24th at 7:30 p.m. Peter Deahl is the featured speaker.
CALENDAR SNIPPETS
September 3 - Historic Arlington Roundtable brown-bag lunches are held the first Tuesday of each month in Room 715, 2100 Clarendon Blvd. beginning at 12:15. This months talk will be on the histories of Arlington Neighborhood's. October will feature National Park Service speaker on historic presentation Tax Act projects; November 5 will be historic resources in Arlington's parks. This is open to ALL who are interested in Arlington's history, traditions, etc. Just bring lunch, drink and yourself.
September 7 - 5K 9/11 Commemorative Race, benefit run. (I'll send you information if you're interested)
September 11 - 9:38 a.m. Unfurling of the Flag at Gateway in Rosslyn. (Be there by 9:15).
September 11 -- Whole Foods Market presents A Salute to Arlington's Heroes -- a food and entertainment event to benefit the 911 Hero's Scholarship Fund. 6 to 9 p.m. on Edgewood Street between Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards.
September 11 -- Concert at the Carillon.
September 12 -- First meeting of the Bellevue Forest Garden Club at the Church of the Covenant. All women of Bellevue Forest and Rivercrest are invited to attend. Luncheon at 12:30. If you have new neighbors, let us know so we can welcome them to
the Forest. Hope you all had a safe and restful summer -- and have a safe Labor Day weekend!
Kim
Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 10:40 PM
Dear Neighbors: Hope you are all enjoying your summer...and the much tamer traffic on Military Road since the bike lanes went in! A few things: 1) The Fourth of July Parade was a huge success and lots of fun. The Police were out in full force, and young and not-so-young alike seemed to really enjoy their presence! A wonderful flag from the Gainer family added real history to the mix (it was 100 years old!). To see the pictures of the event, go to our web site -- www.bellevueforest.org. 2) If anyone in Bellevue Forest has contractors to recommend, please let us know. We're constantly revising our lists -- and we're due for an update. BF residents only can recommend and we need your name so we can check back if there are any questions. The contractor list is on the web site as well. 3) There's a new hampster family in the neighborhood -- and some of the youngsters need new homes. The following is the "adoption" notice. Do call if you're interested! FREE Baby "Teddy Bear" Hamsters! Please call the Freedmans at (703) 248-9397 (Quincy Street) The new babies need to find a new home by August 5. 4) New entrances to our Parks. A teen program, operated under Parks and Rec, has some of our community's young artists working on entranceways to Donaldson Run, Gulf Branch, and Windy Run. Dan Radke and I went to Wakefield High School to talk with the students yesterday and to see some of the models they've designed. These will be mozaics using cement and wood. A landscape architect is working with the young people. On Monday, the formal presentation will be made. We've asked one of our neighbors on N. 30th St. to go to the high school (since her house will be facing the creation). Construction will begin any time now because it has to be finished by August 15th. The theme under which they've worked is "connecting community and nature". A panel of adult judges will decide on the final outcomes. Be sure to stop by and admire the creativity during the construction phase. 5) The Civic Federation will have a brainstorming picnic at Bon Air Park on August 3rd from 10 to 12ish. If you have any issues you consider important for a focus for the coming year, please let us know -- or better yet, come to the shelter at Bon Air! Also, if there are issues you'd like to work on, but are not a Delegate or Alternate, the bylaws of the Civic Federation allow non-delegates to serve on committees. It's a great way to learn more about subjects that interest you and to give back to the community! 6) I had an interesting talk with Dr. Susan Allan, head of Public Health for Arlington County. Although we were discussing contagion from an intentional perspective, we got on the subject of rabies. We are having increasing numbers of rabid raccoons in the county, but to my surprise and concern, she said an even bigger problem is feral cats. Children are much more inclined to pet a cat than a raccoon. Consider putting a break-away collar on your cats if you allow them outside and remind your children NOT to pet stray animals PERIOD. If they are scratched by an "owner-unknown" animal, they could well have to endure rabies vaccinations! 7) Some parents report difficulty getting the meningitis shot for their college-bound students. If your physician doesn't offer them, the shots can be provided by the Public Health Department (cost plus a little bit). 8) Ticks are still a nasty problem in the neighborhood (and everywhere else because of the dry weather). Please remember to do tick checks after walking, gardening, hiking, etc. Stay safe; stay well. Enjoy your summer, and please let us know if you have thoughts, concerns, ideas that can keep Bellevue Forest a wonderful neighborhood or that can make it even better. Kim
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2002 11:18 PM
Dear Neighbors: The Executive Committee had a long meeting last night. Lots of stuff. FOURTH OF JULY PARADE First, from Dan Radke: Reminder: This year's 4th of July Parade will begin, same as last year, at the corner of Roberts Lane and Oxford at 11am. We will begin the parade march towards the Kenmore cul de sac at 11:15am. At the end of the Parade route, we will all gather in the Kenmore cul de sac for juice and cookies. Prizes will be awarded to the children for best decorations of their: bicycle, tricycle, dog, wagon, boy, girl, etc.. Last year we had about 150 people (of which 80 were children), and we all had lots of fun. We are looking for children with music instruments to lead the parade (drums, flute, trumpet, anything that makes noise). Please come out and introduce yourself to your neighbors that you haven't yet met, and say hello to the ones that you have known for years. NOTE: THE INVOLVED ROADS WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES STARTING AT 10:55 AM.
CORN ROAST Also for your calendar, Please mark Sunday September 29, 5pm, for this year's Corn Roast. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS. The grills are heavy to move and set up; supplies need to be purchased; activities for children need to be arranged; corn needs to be purchased and soaked; the grills need to be manned. (It is NOT a Redskins weekend, and is later than
usual to accommodate the beginning of school and various holidays.)FUTURE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS We're going to meet monthly starting in September. It will be the second Monday of each month (including September - ExCom - that's a change) at 7:30 p.m. at either Pete's, Dan's or Kim's, depending upon who has to babysit whom. Call or e-mail to clarify the "where".
JOINING FORCES WITH DONALDSON RUN Mark your calendars for October 23rd. We've been invited to Donaldson Run's Candidates Night at Taylor Elementary School. Should be a stimulating meeting. They're reserving the Auditorium. We've made tentative inquiries about joining with them in November for an Emergency Preparedness presentation by police, fire, and (we hope) public health. More details later. We've had it with Military Road. Donaldson Run has a task force working on our own Indianapolis 500. We've asked to join with them. If anyone would like to work on this (should DR accept our request), please let us know.
AIRPORT NOISE Jim Reo and Hank McEntee are still working with the Ad Hoc group on Airport Noise. Meanwhile, our President (the indominatable Pete Tyler) has been busy phoning everyone and everything from Congress to the FAA to air traffic control towers. The planes are drifting further and further west. Perhaps they think the sea of speeding cars on Military is the river? We're working on it! Any suggestions are always welcome.
ROVING POOCHES Bellevue Forest dogs are wonderful -- as long as they're on leash. Some are taking their own walk-abouts which is a decided no-no. Beyond the temporary inconvenience of dog droppings on non-owner lawns, we're now having some real destruction by these fearless Fidos. PLEASE KEEP YOUR DOG ON YOUR PROPERTY, ON A LEASH, and CLEAN UP HIS/HER DEPOSITS.
DISEASE TIME This is the season where greater than normal care needs to be exercised. We've had rabid raccoons in the park; we have West Nile in birds; we have Lyme Disease in a number of our BF dogs. On the latter, if your pet has been unnaturally lethargic of late, please have him/her tested.
SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD DAY EVERY DAY Please, oh please, drive slowly in our neighborhood. We have children on the move; joggers; walkers; bikers. For the sake of safety, pretend our speed limits are 20 mph. It will only add another two minutes to your drive out of or into the neighborhood.
UPDATING THE CONTRACTOR LIST If you have contractors who you love (or not), please let us know. We need to update our list since this is such a busy time of year. We ONLY accept recommendations from people within Bellevue Forest, and we will have to verify your residency before we can accept an opinion. (Seems we've been picked up by a few national search engines which has caused a few complications.)
NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION I'm really going to get organized and do Draft #2. We NEED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROJECTS. So far, we have a sidewalk on N. 31st Street down to the bus/Military. We have internal and external traffic calming. Anything else that really needs fixing? As always, if any of us can help in any way, or if you have ideas, thoughts, concerns, please feel free to share them.
Have a great weekend. Kim
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2002 6:37 AM
Dear Neighbors: The Executive Committee of the Citizens' Association will be meeting tonight (Wednesday, June 19th) at 7:30 at Dan Radke's home. If anyone has any questions, concerns, issues, suggestions, please let us know. As always, any resident of Bellevue Forest is welcome to attend. Sorry for the delay in notifying you, but we've been playing musical houses. Kim Smith, Bellevue Forest On-Line
Sent: Sunday, June 02, 2002 10:05 PM
Dear Neighbors:
I clearly get the prize this month -- for being WAY FAR BEHIND. I am so sorry, but life gets complicated. Lots of stuff. 1) The Civic Federation meeting is this Thursday. I have the electronic version of the newsletter if anyone is interested in receiving it -- just let me know. On the agenda, besides election of officers, is a vote on the CIP -- the Bond that will be on the ballot this fall. 2) Election of Bellevue Forest Officers -- We did have a few changes (not many -- we're so stable). President -- Pete Tyler;
Vice President -- Dan Radke; Treasurer -- Joe Schifrin; Secretary -- Marilyn Castaldi; Corresponding Secy. - Kim Smith. DELEGATES: Tom Connally, Kim Smith, Marilyn Castaldi (Singer), Adrienne Griffen. ALTERNATES: Dan Radke, Greg Carbone, Gail Klein, Tony Taylor.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMMITTEE (DELEGATE: Sue Nelson, ALTERNATE: Lynda Carlson)
Call any of these individuals with questions, suggestions, concerns, ideas, issues, etc. OR to volunteer. We always need help! 3) Emergency Preparedness -- The Civic Federation had a Leaders Forum Wednesday night on the issue of the county's preparation (government, schools, Red Cross, etc.). Several of us have been going around the various civic associations providing materials (Family Disaster Plans, financial planning, Family Supplies, etc.). If anyone is interested, I'll have a ton of information once I replenish my supplies from FEMA and the Red Cross. Dr. Carbone also attended and asked a very good question about anthrax. 4) Neighborhood Watch -- The CivFed meeting was the kick-off to the reestablishment of Neighborhood Watch county-wide. As you know, we have one. We need more people willing to work (minor work unless there's an emergency, natural or otherwise) in Bellevue Forest. This is a mutual aid program, which we will need if we have problems. Consider volunteering, please! 5) We're going to be scheduling an Executive Committee meeting (in all likelihood Thursday, June 13th if a majority can make it). If you're interested in attending, please call Pete or me so we can confirm the date. Time will probably be 7:30 p.m. 6) The Fourth of July Parade promises to be splendid. A number of people have been busy working on this event for our children. Please attend and show your support. 7) We have an opportunity to sponsor a Safe Neighborhood Day in Bellevue Forest -- June 9th from 12 noon until 2 p.m. We've ordered signs; now we just need volunteers who will a) be willing to put signs in their yards ("Drive With Care" "Walk With Caution") and to mount a small exhibit on Military Road and 31st Street during this time frame. I'd hate to be standing out there all alone, so if you can help, even for an hour, please let Kim know. (This started in Bethesda, has been adopted by DC, is pending a decision in Arlington, and AAA has asked the sponsor, Pam Miller, to take this nation-wide.) 8) Dan received several announcements, or has asked that we check out the Web Sites mentioned in the following paragraphs. Check them out! Please send out the following reminder as a link to our web page: http://www.bellevueforest.org/July4.htm
Potomac Overlook Summer Concerts have begun: http://www.bellevueforest.org/Concerts.htm if you haven't been, they're a blast. Take your kids. Take a date. Take a Picnic. Anyway you look at it, it's a fun get together. We're still looking for historical photos or stories for the web page. Please LOAN anything you may have to Dan Radke, 703 244-3897. Thanks.
MORE TO FOLLOW
Subject: Washington, DC 2012 Youth Sports Day, June 15, 2002
Dear Chesapeake Region 2012 Coalition Supporter, I want to let you all know and invite your help with an upcoming event that will be great for Olympic and Paralympic Sports in our region, and great for our bid : Washington, DC 2012 Youth Sports Day. On Saturday, June 15, 2002 we are offering free clinics in 21 different Olympic and Paralympic sports at sites throughout the region. We hope to sign up 2,000+ more kids in the next two weeks, so please get the word out to as many kids (aged 6-14) as you can. I am also attaching a fact sheet that shows all of the sports and venues. Please contact Meredith Valmon if you need flyers to pass out or if you have any questions: Meredith Valmon - Chesapeake Region 2012 Coalition - 202.625.0294 or mvalmon@wbrc2012.org . To register: Online at www.dc2012.org (click on Youth Sports Day box on the left-hand side of the homepage) or call 1-877-625-2012 to receive a registration packet by fax or mail. Thank you very much, Dan Knise
Hope the start of your summer weather has been enjoyable, and please let us know if we can help in any way. Take care, remember to drive with care and walk with caution! Kim
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