February 2000 Barcroft News
Volume 97, Number 6
February Meeting: Barcroft Playground
All Barcroft parents and anyone else interested in the proposed expansion of Barcroft Elementary School's playground are urged to come to the February 3rd BSCL meeting, 7:30 p.m., 800 South Buchanan Street, where Principal Miriam Hughey-Guy will be making a presentation on the project.
Because the main issue is the children's safety, Mrs. Hughey-Guy persuaded the superintendent's office to postpone several capital projects at the school in exchange for allocating some funds for the expansion. That, plus a PTA email campaign to the superintendent, got results. But more help is needed.
The superintendent's office has recommended that $30,000 be allotted for the playground expansion. But the funds aren't yet approved, and in any case they won't be enough. Another $10,000 to $15,000 will be needed. The School Board is now holding hearings on the proposed APS budget. This playground is for all neighborhood children. Community support is very much needed.
Mrs. Hughey-Guy will be speaking at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Jouse and will be available to answer questions on that and any other topic.
Barcroft Business
Barcroft School and Civic League will ask members to vote on three items during the "new business" portion of its February. The vote is likely to occur in the first half of the meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.
A request for the county to install trash cans in the vicinity of 9th and Buchanan Streets. Residents have complained about an increasing amount of trash in the area. (continued inside)
Authorize the BSCL to buy a maintenance contract for the heating/AC system at the community house. This would be a basic, twice-a-year check-up, filter change, etc. A volunteer will be sought to get bids on this service.
Require that BSCL checks for expenditures of over $2,000 be signed by two board or executive committee members. This is a basic safeguard that becomes important as we handle large expenditures for renovations.
Traffic Calming
Another agenda item for our February 3rd BSCL meeting is Neighborhood Traffic Calming . A 30 minute discussion will focus on three topics: 1. Input from you: What is a neighborhood street? How do you see it and how would you describe it and its activities? Since this is not planned to be a group working session, please bring written out on a piece of paper, with your name and phone, any issues of concern to you about this topic, either in Barcroft or more generally, that you may not have recorded through the Traffic Survey. There will be a box to collect them for follow up. 2. Information for you about the status of the work being done by the Arlington County Committee of Neighborhood Traffic Calming (NTCC) and 3. If time allows, questions/answers.
Writers Wanted
Aspiring writers and journalists: Ply your trade by writing for the Barcroft News! High school journalism students, retired folks, and all others who enjoy putting words to paper are invited to contribute. Possible assignments include reports from BSCL meetings, explaining relevant local issues, interviewing a neighbor. Writers will work with BSCL News contributions editor Mark Wigfield, a journalist with Dow Jones. If you're interested, contact him.
Crafty Thanks
Thanks to all the people who contributed baked goods for the Craft Fair and Bake Sale in December. The goodies and the table fees from the crafters netted a little over $260 for the Renovation Fund.
Valentine’s Dance
Put on your dancin’ shoes and celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Barcroft Community House, Saturday Night February 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m. It’s a Rock and Roll Family Dance Party featuring "The Strays" $5/person $15/family Beer and soda will be for sale. Snacks to share are welcome! Call Kathy Kerr for more information
Many thanks to The Strays who are again donating their services. All proceeds, less expenses, go to the BSCL Community House Fund.
Note: Out of consideration for nearby neighbors, doors and windows will remain closed while the band is playing, and all trash will be cleaned up appropriately.
Time for Time Capsule
Barcroft School planted a time capsule about 20 years ago and planned to open it in the year 2000. The time capsule has not been forgotten and will be opened this April. Stay tuned for the exact date. At that time there will also be a celebration of Barcroft School's 75th Birthday.
Remembering Barcroft
My name is Tina Gentry, but my maiden name is Acampora. I happened upon the wonderful BSCL web site while I was looking for information about Barcroft elementary school which I attended back in 1974. I was looking to find when the school plans to open a time capsule that was placed in a wall near the office. I cannot remember the year we did it, but there was a plaque on the wall saying what was behind it and to please open it in the year 2000. I would like to be there.
When I saw the picture of the Community House on the web page it brought back so many memories for me from my childhood. I went to nursery school there. I grew up in Columbia Park apartments from 1968- 1982. I attended Barcroft Elementary and then went on to Kenmore. My best friend was Ceceila Woo and I believe her family may still live on 9th Street. Sometimes I drive by Barcroft and it looks much different than when I was growing up. Another person I grew up with was Pamela Shae who lived on the corner of Buchanan and 9th Streets (big white house). I also remember the Melia family.
One of my most favorite memories is taking walks with my grandmother to pick up my brother from school and stopping at the house just a little before the Community House and just after the Shae's to pick blackberries that hung over the fence. To contact Tina, please call Kathy Kerr for more information.
Barcroft Exchange
House for Rent: red brick colonial, 3 bedroom, 1.5 baths, garage, 2 year new gas furnace, screened side porch. $1350 per month. Located at 615 S. Stafford St. Call Jane or Jim for appt to see.
For Sale: Child Craft Crib, Oak Tone, Excellent Condition. Mattress Included. $100. Please call Sherry.
CPRO Executive Director Sought
The Board of Directors of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) is seeking an Executive Director to work full time. CPRO is a non-profit public/private partnership dedicated to creating and promoting a cleaner, safer, more competitive and vibrant community. Applicants should have the following:
experience with or knowledge of similar commercial and community revitalization efforts;
excellent written and oral communication skills;
experience working with small businesses and volunteer committees;
planning, management, marketing, and fundraising skills;
understanding of and experience working with local government and community groups;
ability to organize and manage special events and activities;
experience working with a Board of Directors
Applicants should be energetic, results-oriented, self-starters and consensus builders. This position requires flexibility and availability on weekends and evenings.
Resumes, including salary requirements should be sent to: Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, 951 South George Mason Drive #204, Arlington, Virginia 22204
Volunteers of the Month
The Volunteers of the Month could just about be called the volunteers of the decade. David Michaelson, past BSCL president, and Jim Kerr, another past BSCL president, both deserve a big thanks for their hard work on community house renovations to date.
Jim, who chairs the Renovation Committee, made the community house overhaul his top priority when he was president some five years ago. He persevered even as the Demeter House controversy became the 500-pound gorilla of his term, getting the ball rolling for the first phase of renovations that are now complete.
David is a top manager at Hitt Contracting Inc., one of the region's largest construction firms. It's an understatement to say that David's expertise, contacts and skill with a hammer came in handy as we ripped out the old kitchen, furnace, bath and wiring, replaced it with new stuff and added air conditioning. He not only gave lots of his time. He also cashed in some of his contractor chits to get the community a good deal on a variety of hardware and services.
Jim and David rarely saw eye-to-eye. But they got the critical first phase of renovations done, and we're grateful. A presentation in their honor has been planned for the February meeting.
If you have any nominations for volunteer of the month, contact Mark Wigfield.
Arlington County Police Say “Just Call”
Police delivered a simple message at the January BSCL meeting: Call if you have any safety or security worries whatsoever. Concerned about large groups loitering in the park? Call. Wondering about whether a commercial vehicle is allowed to park on your street? Call. Annoyed by a door-to-door solicitor? Call.
Police noted that anyone selling goods or services door-to-door in Arlington is required to have a license. Recently, one handyman essentially shook down a Barcroft resident for after performing work at her house. He returned asking for more money, and she was afraid not to give it to him. But the fastest way to discourage door-to-door scam artists is to simply not hire anyone who knocks on your door, police say. Apparently, word spreads, encouraging more "salesmen" to give Barcroft a try.
Police will also visit your home to perform a security check. They'll walk through and note where you should add lighting, install better locks or take other steps to thwart break-ins. Barcrofter Barbara Swart said they foiled one burglar who visited their home shortly after the police did their inspection. The Swarts followed the advice of the police -- and the burglar couldn't get in.
Thanks for Capt. Steve Holl, Sgt. Dave Dailey, Sgt. John Rizik, and Cpl. Beth Brown for spending an hour with us.
Police Report
Here is one of the more recent police blotter items from our area. To get full, county-wide police reports by e-mail, subscribe to the listserv at http://www.crimereports.com
Robbery, 951 S. George Mason Dr., First Union Bank. About 3:15 p.m. on Jan. 8, the victim, a 37-year old Arlington woman, says she was withdrawing money from the bank ATM when a man walked up behind her, put something to her head, and demanded her money. The victim gave the suspect her money, and he fled the scene. Suspect: white male, last seen wearing a camouflage coat.
Long Branch Nature Center
All events meet at the LBNC, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd. Call 228-6535 for information.
Bird Walk. Wed. Feb. 2, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Adults. Northern Virginia Bird Club leads. Learn common resident birds. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Groundhog Day Fun. Wed. Feb. 2, 3-4 p.m. Families. Come celebrate America’s favorite bucktooth critter. Reservations required.
Flying Squirrel Lore and More. Sat. Feb 5, 4:45 – 6 p.m. Families. View local flying squirrels as they glide in for an evening meal. Reservations required.
Winter Native Plant ID. Sat. Feb 19, 2-4:30 p.m. Adults. Reservations required.
Rom’s Reflections
Where should we send our children to school? To a magnet school with special programs such as Spanish Immersion? To the school with the highest test scores in Arlington? Or, perhaps, to our own neighborhood school in Barcroft? Like many families, we struggled with this decision. We wanted, most of all, to do what was best for our children. We wanted them to be in a school where they would be happy and learn.
We visited a couple of schools, took their tours, listened and watched. But the best answers to our questions came from the welcome Principal Miriam Hughey-Guy gave us when we first visited Barcroft Elementary. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and skill – and the fact that the other teachers we observed shared these traits – convinced us that our sons would be in good hands there. After much pondering, we decided to enroll our oldest there this past fall.
Now Christopher can’t wait to get Barcroft in the morning. He has the pleasure of getting to school by a short walk, or perhaps by riding his bike there. We also have the privilege of not shuttling our child to a more distant school. We are thankful daily for the precious time we save by using our neighborhood school.
In his kindergarten class, Chris is thriving under the watchful eyes of Ms. Hackett and Ms. Dody. He especially loves his art class – and the school’s love of art is displayed on the walls for all students and visitors to see. Chris already aspires to be a third grader, so he can show his artwork to the new kindergarten classes.
We are blessed, also, that Chris’s best friends live in our neighborhood. When Chris walks home, he can stop by Gianfranco’s house, or ask James or Victor to come visit our house. His classmate Sarah H. recently invited him to a birthday party at the Community House, where he had a blast and I got to meet more of his friend’s parents, our neighbors.
But one need not have a child to benefit from a neighborhood school. The math is compelling: strong schools = committed parents + community pride = rising property values. We did not send Chris to Barcroft to make our home worth more, though our homes are worth more if we send our children to Barcroft.
Will our children thrive intellectually and personally at Barcoft Elementary? We hope so…but of course we won’t know for years. In the end, we choose to make our investments in them, and in our community, by going to our neighborhood school. Our children might not be Leonardo Da Vinci (yet), but a school that takes him as its model is one worthy of our support.
Barcrofters Approve Floor, “No Sweat” Takes a Break
Barcrofters on January 6 voted overwhelmingly to install a new wood floor in the Community House. Members approved expenditures of up to $6,000 on an oak floor that will be installed over the top of the existing, worn-out tile floor. Actual costs are likely to be less. Barcrofter Mark Trone, who installs wood floors for a living, has volunteered to do the job. But he'll need plenty of volunteers to help out. Installation is set for March 16-30. Look for details on how to help in the March Barcroft News or on the web site at Error! Bookmark not defined..
The floor will dramatically improve the appearance of the Commuity House.
But planning will now begin for the next stage of renovations, which will include restoring the original high ceiling and installing a ramp to make the hall accessible to the handicapped. If you'd like to have a say in the plan, join the renovation committee, which generally meets on the third Thursday of the month. Contact Jim Kerr for confirmation.
The January vote officially ends the ``No Sweat” fundraiser launched in the fall to raise money for the floor. We raised about $4,100, thanks to the help of Tom Palance, who wrote the original flier, Jim Jorkasky, who wrote the follow-up, the Wigfield-Gorka family, who assembled fliers and envelopes, and Barcroft News publisher Lisa Rom and her newsletter distribution crew, who put the fliers in newsletters and delivered them, as did other volunteers who carried the first batch of fliers. Along with $2,500 raised from other events, the fundraiser will more than pay for the floor.
Fundraising will need to continue. The BSCL is currently pursuing two grants, but we may need additional funds to match one of them. One idea: organize a Barcroft house tour and charge $10-$15 a head. Contact BSCL President Mark Wigfield if you have ideas or can help.
Calendar
Please see our Events page for an up-to-date calendar.
Membership Dues
September marks the beginning of a new membership year, but any time is the right time to renew or begin your Barcroft School and Civic League membership. Dues remain the same, still $3 per adult ($6 per couple).
The BCSL offers events for our community throughout the year. All work for these events is done by volunteer members. We encourage you to become one of those people who help make things happen. The membership form shows several areas where help is needed. Some of the happenings have been around for a long time, while others are new areas of interest. Hopefully there is one that interests you.
Once again we ask for your continued support of the Barcroft Community House Fund. Through your generosity, major portions of the restoration have been completed. However, several significant tasks still remain (e.g., roofing, flooring, the main hall, and landscaping - which really needs to include a sprinkler system to survive). Any contribution you can make will help to complete the total effort and will, of course, be very much appreciated.
Please take a moment to fill out the membership form and mail it to the Membership Secretary at her home address shown on the form.
Barcroft News Staff
Editor - Mark Rom
Publisher/Mailing - Lisa Rom
Contributions - Mark Wigfield
Advertising Manager - Jim Kerr
Neighborhd News Kathy Kerr
Deadlines: 1st (ads) or 10th (editorial material) day of the month preceding the issue month.
BSCL Officers for 1999-2000
President - Mark Wigfield
Vice President - Marie Korn
Recording Secretary - Bruce Atkinson
Treasurer - Gary Lefebvre
Corresponding Secretary - Sharon Tope
Membership Secretary - Peg Lefebvre
Board Members: Scott Brinitzer, Jim Kerr Tom Palance, David Michaelson
Community House
Facility Manager - Tom Palance
Restoration - Jim Kerr
Fundraising - Bill Huddleston
Landscaping - Scott Brinitzer
Committees
Traffic Committee - Elaine Squeri
Parade - Andrew Hunter
Columbia Pike - Alake Hinton