We had a very good January meeting, with over 30 people in attendance. Lt. Hayslett and Officer Tingle of the Arlington County Police Department came to discuss Neighborhood Watch and answer questions from the audience. We also had a spirited discussion on possible changes to the No. 10 bus route and on what position the Association should take regarding any such changes. The outcome of this discussion is described in this newsletter. More important than the outcome, however, was the calm and respectful manner in which we debated issues on which there was significant division among those present, and came to agreement on what I believe are measured and reasonable next steps for addressing those issues.

The Association has faced several difficult and potentially divisive issues over the past couple years, and I have always been impressed with the quality and civility of the discussion we’ve had and the decisions we have made on how to move forward for

had and the decision we have made on how to move forward for the betterment of our neighborhood. I think we have succeeded because we all recognize that each one of us, fundamentally, is after the same thing: maintaining and enhancing the high quality of life we enjoy in this wonderful neighborhood. Within this environment of community spirit and cohesion, it is a pleasure for me to serve as your Association president.

There will not be a February WWCA general meeting, so I hope to see you at the March 13^th meeting. Looks like there’s lots of winter left yet, so bundle up!

Jeff Morris

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Federation President Jim Pebley says there will be a 7 pm public comments time followed by presentations on the County park system, Arlington Bicentennial and how the county does tax assessments. The public is invited.

Sat. , Feb 10^th: County Board hearing on Bus Route 10

** **IS POSTPONED****

Feb. 26^th: What-all input deadline

Feb. 27: Executive Committee meeting

March 13^th: WWCA general meeting (History?)

Mr. James Hamre said Arlington Hospital is losing 700 parking spaces during construction of the 1200 car underground garage from July 2001 to August 2002. The Hospital wants to shift 300 employees to free buses (Some employees willl park at several satellite lots.) The Arlington Transit (ART) system would replace current Metro buses with 30 ft long buses carrying 25 passengers, and weighing 10 tons less, using natural gas. During garage construction, of the 300 employees it is hoped would use ART buses, 200 would use them on the first (day) shift and 100 on the second and third shifts. Trip frequency: Buses would run every 10 minutes in the rush hours, 20 minutes the rest of the day and 40 minutes in the evening. Total number of bus trips now and future (when Hospital construction starts in July): Right now there are 72 Metro bus trips daily and 60 Hospital shuttle buses—for a total of 132 trips. The County proposes to run 100 ART buses for an actual reduction in trips if you count the current Hospital shuttle buses. Mr. Hamre says this will be an environmental improvement for 16^th St residents and residents there and on Glebe Rd will "benefit from greatly improved service reliability and frequency." He says that each year after service is initiated, ridership will be evaluated and "adjustments made to respond to changes in demand " (eg., after the Hospital garage is finished where employee parking will be free.). Option to switch some rush hour ART buses to Wilson & George Mason: In his report to the Transportation Commission, Mr. Hamre said there was an option to re-route some rush hr buses to Wilson and George Mason "to permit reduced travel time for 1 of 2 scheduled buses to get to and from the Hospital from Ballston Metro. This is something WWCA is pushing for. He said there could be a new stop north and southbound on George Mason at Washington Blvd.

Hamre’s ideal goal is to purchase 3 buses by June with lease back contracts.

Mr. Hamre said at the Jan. 9^th WWCA meeting this frequency would pertain during the construction of the Hospital garage. When parking on the Hospital site becomes available and the ridership decreased , the Cty would adjust frequency of service, maybe to every 15-20 minutes during the rush hrs, vice every 10 minutes. A 16^th St resident asked why buses have to come down 16^th St at all? Mr. Hamre said it is because 16^th St is a traditional bus service corridor (for at least 30 yrs) and it would improve Glebe Rd service. The resident said 16^th St is not an arterial. Mr. Hamre felt that 16^th is a good 2 lane road for buses to use. A resident asked about natural gas smell. Mr. Hamre said there would be very little unburned smell. As to ridership justification for number of buses he said he would get ridership figures daily. He said if the buses don’t get used, "there would be great pressure to reduce service." (Editor: This may be true of a Cty-run system but hasn’t been true of Metro Rte 10 which the Cty pays Metro $400,000 a year to operate.) Mr. Hamre said if buses were surplused they would be used on other routes (The Cty eventually wants to convert much of north Arlington to smaller buses.) As to splitting Rte 10 service between 16^th St and Wilson/Geo. Mason he said the Cty has looked at that. There is no more cost. It has the benefit of being able to continue service when there is an accident on Glebe Rd. There is no (big) advantage or disadvantage. The idea will be brought up to the Cty Bd. Incidently, he mentioned a goal of putting small ART buses on Rte 22 in 18 mos. Resident objection to temporary routing NO. 10 BUS ROUTE (Cont.): of buses up Edison St: In his report to the Transportation Commission, Mr. Hamre this would be "to address short term conditions" (Pls see next column)

Regards possible temporary need to route buses up Edison St, Mr. Hamre said at some point during Hospital construction there will be constructionn at the Hospital entrance itself and this might necessitate using Edison St, but Edison st "is not the preferred route". An Edison St resident pointed out that two of his cars have been hit in the past 3 months—one was totalled. He said Edison was already a busy street and said bus turns at Edison & 16^th St would be hazardous. Hamre said he would avoid using Edison St to route buses (Editor: Presumably meant if at all possible). Resident questions why walking further to buses isn’t viable (ie if buses on 16^th were eliminated)? He pointed out nationally 95 percent of ridership is by people walking up to ¾ blocks. The resident asked if people were (unduly) inconvenienced by the extra walking? A resident asked if 16^th St was an appropriate cut –through for buses? Mr. Hamre said 16^th St provides the only straight shot without turns and turn-arounds. It does accommodate the smaller buses.

The following motions were passed and communicated to the Cty:

1. We support the use of smaller, natural-gas fueled buses proposed by Arlington Transit; (2) We oppose the routing at any time of Metro or Arlington Transit buses down North Edison St,or any other non-primary neighborhood street.; (3) We oppose any increase from existing levels in the total number of daily trips of Metro or ART buses on 16^th St North (Latter was voted for 19-8.)

A 16^th St resident made a motion to eliminate all buses from 16^th St and reroute the buses to Wilson and George Mason. The motion was defeated by a 15-10 vote with 3 abstaining.

A 16^th St resident who could accept some level of bus service, but would prefer elimination of buses, said he was not convinced the Cty would get added ridership. With the addition of a 1200 car Hospital garage there would be less riders. As for local bus users there would be at worst a 2 extra block walk trade-off versus the cracks/ vibrations to 16^th St houses. He was not against environmentally better buses. But there would be speeding problems. Someone will get hit by a truck or bus. He said it is true that some bus riders had bought homes based on the advantage of being close to bus service and that there was no perfect answer. A 16^th St resident who helped circulate a petition to eliminate or reduce bus traffic said that about 70 percent of residents "opened the door" and all but 2 were in favor of reduced bus traffic. He said the problem is that houses get damaged by bus vibration and the county doesn’t have to compensate because of "sovereign immunity". The resident said that like neighbors of the recently defeated 16^th St park proposal, 16^th St residents need to be given some weight (on the issue) because they are impacted like the park neighbors would have been. Pres. Morris said the proposed park impacted the neighbors. But in this case (buses) all those impacted by loss of bus service need to be consulted. A lady who resides on 16^th St said that it is true that a global goal would be to have small buses where needed in Arlington neighborhoods. But we need to encourage review of why buses need to be on 16^th St. We need to do an environmental impact study of current vs new small buses. And insist that the Cty support its ridership estimates. Another man said those most affected by bus vibration and noise should have the most to say on the bus issue.

COMMENTS BY THOSE DESIRING CONTINUED BUS SERVICE: At the Jan. 9^th meeting someone said we should defer deciding about eliminating buses until we try the smaller ones; home damage concerns may go away. Another man said the marginal costs of having no buses exceed the benefits. The bus line has been there a long time. It is unfair to ask the bus route be given up because it is bothersome to some. We would be giving up on using small buses if we didn’t wait to try them. A lady said that taking buses off 16^th St was really going far. At a Jan. 7^th BUS (Cont.) special bus mtg at Pres. Morris’s home a 16^th St DESIRE BUS SERVICE (Cont.): resident and bus user said we will need more buses while the Hospital garage is being built.

We now have higher frequency of service (Hospital shuttles and Metro). The buses won’t speed and they are not big. (see pg 3)

The resident lamented that Metro has taken shelter away from bus riders at Ballston Metro Station.

A WWCA resident sent me an e-mail as follows: "There are some advantages to having the small buses available on a more frequent basis. And , these advantages may be long term. Two things that make riding the bus unappealing are the noise and smoke, and standing around waiting for the bus to show up. Using the smaller buses and increasing the number of times the bus shows up makes bus-riding a much more attractive prospect. An unintended result of the frequent trips is that non-Hospital related ridership might increase. This means fewer cars barrelling down 16^th. Wouldn’t it be great if something good for all could come out of the Hospital expansion? Buses and shaking houses: For all bus routes that traverse residential roads---be they primary arterials or primary neighborhood roads—the smaller buses should be employed…… I don’t think that preference should be given to upper-income neighborhoods. Do 500K houses rattle more than 100K houses? I think not. I would like to see our neighborhood join forces with other neighborhoods to see that change happen—to smaller buses."

WWCA LATEST ACTION TO URGE NO INCREASE IN BUS TRIPS ON 16^TH ST: On January 31^st Pres. Morris sent a letter to the Cty Bd that had been drafted by VP Josh Knights and coordinated with the executive committee. It provided details why WWCA wants bus trips kept at the current level and any extra trips from Ballston Metro to be diverted to Wilson Blvd and Geo. Mason Drive. This letter emphasizes environmental degradation caused by buses on 16^th St, and says "use of smaller, environment-friendly buses as proposed by Arlington Transit would be a positive step." The letter questions the validity of ridership projections, including lack of Hospital polling data as to employees who would use the buses. The issue of whether proposed increased trip frequency would be temporary or permanent was joined. Finally the letter emphasizes the need for serious consideration of routing extra trips to Wilson and George Mason. It requests WWCA delegates have an opportunity to talk with Cty Bd chairman Fisette.

We have had a "January thaw" but when I think of Feb. I think of the blizzard of Feb 18/19 , 1979 with was it 17 inches? A Buchanan St neighbor actually had to come out his window due to drifting.

A WWCA resident writes: Residents should be motivated by the fact that icy/snowy sidewalks become hazards for young and old. And , the broken bones of children heal much faster than the broken bones of the elderly (or even middle-aged). Lastly, we should all shovel our walks out of simple courtesy to the mail deliverer, and others that really need to have safe and clear walkways in order to do their jobs. (Editor: Please shovel front steps –even- if noone but the mail person uses them. I know our mail lady , Cynthia and would ate to see her injured.)

The recent issue of the "Arlington Citizen" said--- Un-shoveled sidewalks pose one of the biggest dangers to kids walking to school in inclement weather as they are forced into the streets for safe passage. It is vital that residents take time to shovel the walks in front of their houses immediately after a snowstorm to provide kids a safe route to school. (Editor: I have heard recently that the County Council of PTA’s , pedestrian safety organizations & Civic Federation are making some headway toward passage of an Arlington snow removal ordinance.)

This is extracted from a letter to the editor from an Arlington Transportation Com. member Robert Swennes in the Jan. 18^th Arl. Journal: "The expanded County snow policy, which emphasizes community self-help , is beginning right now as an experiment n the Leeway Overlee Civic Association in NW Arlington. We have a strong reason for doing so (volunteering to run snow blowers), since many of our residents walk to the East Falls

Church Metro Station and shop at the close-by Westover commercial area. The civic assoc. sought volunteers willing to give a few hours after a snow storm to clear the principle sidewalks. Sixteen people responded to the appeal. The Cty located three snowblowers that it could place in our neighborhood for a trial effort this winter. The county also arranged hands-on training for all of the volunteers in operating the snowblowers, snowblowing techniques (there’s a bit of science in this) and safety. All 16 volunteers showed up for the training in the bitter cold of Dec…… I like to think of this in the spirit , in miniature, of the old volunteer fire departments where neighbors organized and deployed to help when help was needed.

Treasurer Bill Munson’s report: $1727.05 in the general fund as of Jan. 23^rd. Park savings acct: $3002.67 (Editor: A $1000 of that is likely to supplement a $6000 small parks grant I assume the Cty is about to make.)

WWCA/Hospice Plant Sale: Its coming in early May.

Budget: At Thomas Jefferson Middle School on Tuesday March 6 at 7pm (This is just a block or so southeast of Rte 50 & Glebe Rd)

Tax rate: Thurs. March 8^th at 7 pm in the County Bd Rm.

(Cable channel 31 live broadcast)

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COMPUTER VIRUSES

Amy Forest and Kathy Allison provided the following information on virus countermeasures/alerts/hoaxes back in December.

From Amy:

COUNTY MANAGER RESIGNS: Mr. Donahue resigned effective Feb. 9 and gave no specific reason. The acting Cty mgr is Ron Carlee, who is head of the Dept of Human Services. He has been acting county mgr on 5 occasions.

The Jan. 16^th Arlington Journal says "Property values for most of Arlington County’s single-family homes rose last year….increasing the Cty’s tax base by almost 10 percent. Property assessments rose for more than 95 percent of the county’s single-family homes in 2000, some by as much as 20 percent… About 47 percent of the County’s 50,000 homes increased in assessed value by more than 10 percent, and about 9 percent increased by more than 20 percent. The average homeowner saw an increase of 10.66 percent… The increase means an average tax increase of $222..". Note: The recent assessment for 1503 N. Buchanan (our house) was a total $240,200 ($166,700 for land and $73,500 house). Starting in 1998: assessments were as follows:1998: $195,300 (land,$109,100,house $86,200). 1999: $215,800 (land $129,600,house $86,200). 2000: $232,200 (Land- $141,400, house-$90,800). Note the drop in house value in 2001. Now I –know- it’s a fixer upper.

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IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON HOUSES:The Arlington Police ask that your house numbers be clearly visible. The Cty Code (Section 27-12) requires that the street identification number must be visible "from the curbline or pavement edge of the opposite side of the street on which the dwelling unit or bldg is located." This is critically important to the fire dept.. and ambulances. The number needs to be well lighted also.

TRASH: During the past 10 years , in the editor’s opinion , there has been a big increase in litter at shopping areas.

Glebe Elementary School still needs WWCA members to Support their Neighborhood School! Please save the ‘BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION" from marked packages of General Mills products. You can drop the box tops off in the front lobby of Glebe Elementary School, give them to a Glebe student, or mail them to Glebe Elementary School, 1770 N. Glebe Rd, Arlington, Va ,22207.

*If you’re inclined to shop for educational toys or games on the web check out this wonderful local fundraising business, www.einsteinexpress.com . If you designate Glebe Elementary when you check out Glebe School PTA will receive 20 percent of the value of your purchase to help us provide educational resource materials for our teachers and classrooms at Glebe.

Spring is not that far away, and I find myself thinking about gardening. This is how I deal with the cold, gray days of winter. This time of year, especially as we get into February, I enjoy reading about upcoming garden shows and perusing garden catalogs. And I’ve started thinking about planning my spring and summer garden.

There is no way that most of us can do a major overhaul to the garden in just one season. It is a good idea to have an over-all plan. But you can divide the garden in segments and do a segment at a time. So now is a great time to gather ideas you like. Also, I would be very disappointed if planning meant I could not do some inpulse gardening. Frequently when I go to nurseries and garden sales, I cannot resist something I never planned to add to the garden. I’ve learned to resist trees and large shrubs, but not annuals, perennials and bulbs.

There are several free garden catalogs I especially like. They contain a lot of information about the plants they are selling and have wonderful pictures. (I know it will never look that good in my garden.) Here are two with phone numbers (no charge) to request copies:

Wayside Gardens, 1-888-222-3549

White Flower Farm, 1-800-503-9624

Around this area, you can get ideas just wandering around the public gardens. These two gardens present wonderful designs and plants to show what we can do in our own gardens.

Green Spring Gardens Park, Alexandria , Va

703-642-5173

The National Arboretum, Washington, DC

202-245-2726

I hope you will put the following on your calendar. "New Shade Plants" is the topic of a free presentation on Saturday, March 24^th, from 9:30-1pm, by the North American Rock Garden Society at the Administration Building Auditorium, U.S. National Arboretum in DC. In adddition, there will be a plant sale and silent auction. Do not tell my wife because I plan to attend, but they usually have excellent donuts and coffee prior to the presentation. This makes for a good opportunity to attend the program and wander around the arboretum.

There will be more in future columns on our neighborhood garden sale co-sponsored by Hospice and your civic association, the National Arboretum garden sale, and the Green Spring Gardens Park garden sale. I look forward to March when our early flowering bulbs and some daffodils start flowering.

ITS BEEN SAID: Ana, the Pastor’s 4 year old daughter at Calvary Gospel, runs like the wind. I remarked on this to her a few weeks ago. She said very matter-of-fact: "I’ve been taking my exercise." From our friend Dan Bessey: "How do you spell "weather". I don’t know Dan—how do you spell it? "ECRMU.

Whats THAT Dan? That’s the worst spell of weather we’ve had in a long time. You need to see Dan’s Irish grin.

The price of existing houses is getting extremely high hre. In some cities ,viable, maybe "fix em upper" houses become "knock downs". Are we on the cusp of this happening in this area in some cases?

The Jan. 31^st Journal reports that Arlington will begin spraying in late April including the area west of George Mason Drive. The Cty says there has been a 316 percent increase in areas needing spraying. Last year Arlington sprayed 411 acres—this year 1702 acres will be sprayed.

Next monthly meeting of ACST is Sunday, Feb. 11^th, 6:30 at Hospice (meetings are the second Sunday of each month.)

Miriam Rollins, ACST president reports the following efforts:

1. Trying to get the State’s 5 million dollar preliminary engineering widening study to be broader—to study a variety of solutions to moving autos (More below). ACST has met with Va Delegates Whipple, Ticer, Brink and Darner who have introduced SJR 411 to get a broader alternative study done.
2. Started meeting with the Council of Governments (COG) Transportation Planning Bd members to educate them and see where they stand.
3. Determined names of DOT officials to speak with.

The Jan. 25^th Sun Gazette reported that if approved this bill "would direct the Va Dept. of Transportation to include a wide array of options during its study of I-66 widening to include:

1. The effect of no changes; b. Making minor improvements to the entrance and exit ramps; c. Reserving right-of-way for future Metrorail service vice highway paving; d. Establishing a "bus rapid transit" system; e. Imposing tolls on the highway to regulate use; f. Imposing HOV restrictions in both directions during rush hour. Of course this bill could be vetoed by Gov. Gilmore who wants I-66 widened .

Arlington County Bd members are not fully opposed to a wider highway, but want alternative studied.

Arlington Chamber of Commerce supports widening: The Dec. 28^th Sun Gazette said that in late Dec. the Chamber of Commerce included support for widening I-66 in a legislative proposal package sent to Richmond. "Arlington’s neighborhoods need to be free from pollution caused by immense back-ups of traffic on I-66." "Calls for a protracted and elevated process are clearly designed as a tool to defeat the proposal to widen I-66 inside the beltway" and a delaying tactic by the Cty. The Chamber says the Cty Bd’s objections to widening and requests of the state to study options are "totally unrealistic."

Proposed Northern Va Transportation Authority: The Jan. 17^th Arl. Journal reports three fourths of No Va legislators back this proposal introduced as a bill in the Va Legislature. The Authority would "plan, finance and manage area transportation inititatives and would take on the duties now performed by the No Va Transportation Commission and the Transportation Coordinating Council. " (Editor: I would think this outfit could become a major player regards I-66 widening efforts.)

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Relates to I-66 and the Dulles transportation corridor:

Proposed rail link between Loudon Cty and Metro Orange Line: The Nov. 29^th Arl. Journal reported that nearly two thirds of 400 Dulles area residents and workers would "likely" use the new rail link between Loudon Cty and the Orange Metro line. A third would use the Bus Rapid transit service and less than a quarter were willing to use the express bus service. The Dulles Corridor Rail Area Assoc. did the survey. The Dulles Corridor Task Force is "looking at the feasibility of extending the Metro’s Orange Line to Loudon with stops in Reston, Herndon, Rte 28, Dulles Airport and West Ox Road. Before this line is built authorities are planning rapid bus transit. There will be an environmental review due out in 2001.

ITS BEEN DONE: Boy when I took army basic training it was rough! I enjoyed basic training at Ft Dix in 1960 (really). Anyway, we went out and stayed in tents in a wooded area near the rifle ranges. Really roughing it. Our company commander, a fine WW II veteran, Capt. Justice, told us to get serious about basic training-we might end up in Laos or Vietnam. There were incongruities to our situation though. Especially early in our days in the woods when I heard the ding, ding, ding of a Good Humor Truck. Nothing like simulating combat conditions. (I am sitting here laughing at this.) We did have some serious training though—I went down from 238 to 210 lbs. Need to go back to

basic training I guess and stay away from the Good Humor man.

Continuing Attempt to Speed Up County Implementation of Traffc Calming Plan: Jim Pebley said in early January he had called Transportation Commission Chairman Charles Denny. He pointed out that on 16^th St two agreed to traffic calming measures were overdue—nubs and restrictions on truck traffic (See news on nubs below). Transp. Com. chairman Denny suggested we do like other communities and write a letter to the Cty listing our top 5 priority traffic calming measures for various WWCA streets. The County will review the individual proposed options to see if they meet engineering standards (warrants) and will survey residents in affected blocks/areas. Jim Pebley also mentioned talking to Jeff Sikes at traffic engineering who said most of the traffic measuresments for our streets (speed/volume) have been done (Editor: I have this data and will start to put it in the What-all in March along with standards and warrants from the Nov. 98 Traffic Calming Study done by the "Ad Hoc Committee on Neighborhood Traffic Calming".

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17^th & Abingdon 4 Way Stop: As reported before the 4 way stop sign was installed in early January . Recently the westbound and eastbound "Stop ahead" signs were installed on 17^th St. The editor pointed out to the Cty that two young trees in the curb strip on the north side of 17^th , east of Abingdon partially obsure the stop sign even at ths time of year without leaves. One thing that always makes me wonder is the places in Arlington where the Cty has planted bushes that hinder the motorist’s vision of traffic such as on the SE corner of Washington Blvd and George Mason.

Fines are now up to $500. The Cty Bd recently passed the ordinance. Previously the maximum fine was $200. Now its up to $500 and the violator has to appear in court. According to the Post, warning signs will go up at 100 crosswalks eventually. The first 4 signs will go up at Clarendon & Wilson at North Uhle, Clarendon at N. Wayne,

Lee Hwy at N. Harrison and S. Eads & 23^rd St. Police said there were about 170 accidents in the county from 1995-to 1999 in which drivers failed to yield to pedestrians.

METRO PLANS FOR MORE ORANGE LINE CARS BY 2005: The Jan. 2^nd Arl. Journal said Metro plans to add 50 rail cars throughout the region but "mostly to its crowded Orange Line…." The Orange line has had a surge in ridership the last several months.

If you have wondered why the 16^th St nub project hasn’t started I found out the answer this morning. There are engineering delays due to a nub that will be added to the NW side of the 16^th & Edison St intersection (where the big tree and retaining wall are). This nub will: (1) Allow southbound Edison St traffic to pull up closer to the intersection so they can see eastbound traffic on 16^th more safely; (2) Effect a more consistent street width on 16^th. This is not a normal nub as will be constructed at points south to Abingdon St. It will be constructed to connect with the existing curb and gutter to the west on 16^th st . The 16^th St nub plans are now ready for final coordination in Traffic Engineering. Other details: There will be nubs on the NE corner of 16^th & Edison, NW corner of Buchanan & 16^th , NW corner of Abingdon & 16^th and a small tapered nub on the Glebe Rd side of 16^th & Abingdon (starting w/first driveway) to channel traffic. Work phases this spring: Some storm sewer work will need to be done at each intersection first, followed by nub work—total of 2-3 months.

A lot of the delay in the whole nub project centered around changing from the original concept of tearing down the retaining wall on NW side of 16^th & Edison (by the big tree). Now they will leave the existing wall stand .

You may recall that this project included curb and gutter all along the street and some sidewalk on the last few properties on the west side of the street towards 16^th. After this project is done the project would be repaved. Mr Froh, ,Cty Traffic Engineering, says that by spring the project should be assigned for initial design work and by May the engineers should know if its going to be a few months or up to a year before work can start.

 POLICE COMMENTS AT THE JAN. 9^TH WWCA MEETING:

Lt. Gay Hayslett, 1^st District and Officer Tingle, liaison to WWCA spoke. They still hadn’t found the person(s) who broke into numerous cars in WWCA in Oct/November (particularly on Dinwiddie and on 11^th St). The did speak of the recent arrest of a 47 year old man from Cameron St nearby who has been repeatedly arrested before---for car break-ins just north of Lee Hwy. He has a drug problem and looks for unlocked cars.

Other comments: Not much crime on the bike paths. The editor said he believed the police should publicize waves of car break-ins n the daily crime reports in the press. There are 32 vacancies (out of I think about 350 positions) in the Police Dept.

I was just sort of tuckered out and took a nap in my grandson’s room one afternoon in early January. While I was asleep two of the grandchildren came into play Nibbles on the computer. That evening at the dinner table they said –Grandpa you were snoring this afternoon. You sounded like a pig. I imitated snoring like a pig and added a whistle. I said did it sound like that to my son’s 7 children. No-one said—You sounded like just the pig part.

"Giggle bytes" : 3 year old granddaughter Valerie asked grandma to play a game on the paduter . I think Webster needs to put that word in the dictionary—so many little ones use it.

These are some tips from the police.

1. OUTSIDE LIGHTS: Definitely leave all outside lights on. Put lights on your sheds and shining on your driveways with motion sensors.
2. If you don’t lock your car there is a risk of it being stolen,not just pilfered.
3. ENGRAVE VALUABLES: Use the Cty’s Operation Identification engraving equipment (loaned by libraries). The police talk about "engraving all removable items on or in your vehicle, recording serial numbers, engraving in 2 places, one where its hidden some.
4. LOCK YOUR CAR and pocket the key: "The majority of stolen vehicles are left unlocked. "Lock the car" whether you leave it for a moment or several hours.
5. CONTROL YOUR KEYS: Keep house and vehicle keys on separate rings. Never have an ID tag on your key ring. Never hide extra keys under the hood.
6. SECURE YOUR REGISTRATION: Do not leave inside the vehicle. Carry it with you, perhaps with your driver’s license.
7. SECURE VALUABLES & PARCELS: This goes without saying. Don’t leave valuables in plain view. (Editor: This reminds me of a relative who for some reason had a box of trash in the rear seat of a vehicle and a thief took that.)
8. DON’T HESITATE TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS OR ABANDONED VEHICLES OR SUSPICIOUS PERSONS TO THE POLICE.

4916 No. 13^th St: Rebecca McNeill (former Kaufman residence)

4638 No. 15^th St: Sara Hayer and Erik Franklin (former Buck residence)

4721 N. Washington Blvd: James Ward III and Tiffany Cash (former Saab residence)

1607 N. Glebe: Bradley K. Griffin (Former Thompson/Wynnk residence)

5151 N. Washington Blvd: Aimee Flannery (former Woo residence)

4828 16^th Rd: Erin & Kevan Emmott (former Finigan residence)

5013 N. 17^th St: Tracy Owens & Thomas Peterson II (Former Willis/Kahn residence)

Frank Burroughs, 1518 N. Buchanan says continued prayers are needed for Abigail who is a third year student at Univ. of Va, Charlottesville. . After all Abigail has been through, her cancer has reappeared. The cancer has shown up in her neck and her lungs. "Abigail is very strong in her faith in God and is very determined to fight on. Your prayers, e-mails, cards and notes helped last time and are needed again." Abigail’s e-mail:

Frank says he will get any hardcopy mail to her: Please drop at 1518 N. Buchanan St, Arlington, Va.

CECILE ROGERS, 16^th St recently received an award for helping the Voter Registration office 100 hrs. Cecile is also a volunteer to mentor & tutor children at Glebe Elementary and has volunteered at the Police Dept and other places I don’t know about.

Marshall passed away on January 4^th from a heart attack. He worked for the headquarters of the U.S. Post Office in Washington D.C. . Marshall was president of WWCA in 1982-83. I remember many enjoyable discussions with him on civic issues. He is survived by his wife Dee Holinski and his daughter of Arlington.

Ronnie’s shelter at risk for a while last month: Now appears he can make it..

As you may recall Ronnie is the man who was homeless until May 2000 and you even yet see occasionally on the Glebe Rd median at Fairfax Drive (to get medicine and spending money).

In the last newsletter I reported that the fellow renting to him went to the hospital in late Nov. with a lung blood clot. Very tragically, Jerry passed away of long-standing heart problems. Jerry’s passing was a great loss to Ron because he could talk to someone who really understood his situation and not have to "stare at the walls". Jerry hadn’t worked since his mother’s passing in Oct. so utility bills became delinquent. Ron helped him with the rent with a retroactive disability check he got and thought the utilities were paid. About when Jerry died—the phone was disconnected –and still is (Several WWCA residents are working on that.). One day Ron called from Ballston Metro , having come up to the median. Part of the reason he went there was "he was going crazy with no phone and hearing no voices (Most of the people in his apt don’t speak English.) . Anyway, after Jerry died Ron said "Everything that can go bad for me happens. I say it can’t get worse and sure enough it gets worse. Now Jerry has to die." Ron tried to go to the funeral for Jerry ,but the van he was riding in broke down. Ron’s health: He has many sleepless nights, most nights with 102/103 degree fever, getting progressively weaker—and having to do more scrambling to survive. For months he has been unable to keep down solid foods, so he drinks Ensure, Pepsi and milk. He was saving up his daily painkiller medicine for "really bad days".(Snafu in getting his Medicaid, more later on that.) SO Ron started to try the best he could to hold on to his shelter—could he get a room mate to share the rent? He found one who he has started renting to to use 15 nights a month when painting in this area. If you wonder about Section 8 housing: Ron was told women with children and AIDS victims have priority and the wait is a yr or two. On Jan. 15^th a really good thing happened: His long estranged brother came to see what Ron’s situation was(The brother is suffering from a failing kidney transplant.) Recently he was told by a social services worker he –should—have been getting Medicaid since August. He just got the card this week. Ronnie said "I dearly love that lady" in regard to a social services supervisor who has taken a personal interest in him the past year and straightened out several problems that caused delay and strain on Ron. If Ron can hold on to the roommate—along with the Medicaid it ,looks like he can barely make it at his Arlandria apt. The initial gov’t offer of food stamps was $11.00 a month. He was told that maybe that can be increased if he can bring proof about the unpaid utility bills.

Last week Ron asked if I could find and thank a lady who had brought him money and food at Christmas time, took it to his apartment. I passed along his thanks to the 14^th St resident. As we speak 4 individuals are collaborating on how best to help Ronnie get phone service and otherwise help him.

Akira Saito, a seventeen-year old high school student from Japan, is living with the Morris family for the 2000-2001 school year. He attends Washington-Lee High School as a junior, and participates in the band, rifle club, and crew team. He is here as a participant in the American Field Service (AFS) intercultural exchange program, which sends American students overseas for a school year and reciprocates by finding host families in this country for students from abroad. (Cont. pg. 8)

Jeff and Tracie Morris enjoy having Akira as part of their family this year. He’s a great helper around the house, and has introduced the household to homemade Japanese cuisine. Having a teenager in the family has also resulted in Jeff and Tracie being involved in high school activities, such as attendance at band concerts, and back-to-school nights. Likewise, Akira has participated in some of his host parent’s activities, such as the WWCA Christmas party and spending the holidays with Tracie’s family n North Carolina. He has also gone with the Morrises to New York to see a Broadway production, and to visit Jeff’s family in Washington State.

Akira will be with the Morris family until July 5^th (He wouldn’t want to miss the celebration and fireworks on the Mall.), so he will surely have many American adventures before returning to Japan. Jeff will make sure to bring Akira to at least one WWCA meeting during the year (Local democracy at work!)—he looks forward to meeting many of his new neighbors during his stay in Waycroft-Woodlawn.

Some of you on the e-mail network already saw the full Jan. 18^th Gazette article which network monitor Kathleen Nebeker passed along. Jim , who lives on 16^th St this side of Edison, is the new president of the Federation which speaks for some 75 civic organizations representing 10,000 residents. Here are some extracts of the article.

MOM’S CLUB FIRST MEETING A SUCCESS: The first meeting January 11^th was attended by 50 moms with their kids. One dad attended. For information on the next meeting e-mail:

HOME SOLD (Press): 4904 N. 17^th St: $278,000

ITS BEEN DONE: Remember "Civil Defense"? A friend who worked until last year at the CVS drug store in the 4700 block Lee Hwy said there once was a Civil defense storage shelter there, and until the mid-90s when they were moved out ,there were emergency supplies , including in drums in the basement. I can remember in 1949, when I was 12, and we moved to the country near Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna ( from Phila.) being pretty scared at 1-2 am one night. Reason: They were sounding warning sirens for the fishermen to warn they were going to let extra water out of the dam and I thought it was nuclear attack. In high school in Rising Sun, Md we used to go to a shack on a hill near town and spot aircraft flights for civil defense. Those were tense days. (I may have told you this before. If so sorry.)

FORMER WWCA PRESIDENT BOB TOWLER DOING WELL: Bob was president in 1975/76 and he and his wife lived at 16^th & Abingdon. Ann and I have pleasant memories of their family. Bob got transferred by IRS to Marin Cty, California as an IRS lawyer. He reports he is working "in a new area of federal tax law: the area of exempt organizations and private foundations." His daughter Elin has lived close by the past year and is aiming for further college education. Edith "is in the second year of a pediatric residency program at National Children’s Hospital in Washington DC. Bob continues to hike a lot in the west in including the Sierras and Grand Canyon.

Emilia Govan passed away last year. She and Jim had led the 1200 member Arlington Coalition on Transportation in the 1970s in one of the biggest efforts in U.S. history to get alternatives to an urban interstate (I-66) considered. They lived across from Ann and I at 1423 N. Buchanan. This is from the July 3^rd, 2000 memorial service at St. Ann’s Church.

A FINAL TRIBUTE

Dear Emilia, my wife, my friend:

You are my light in the darkness, you are my compass in troubled waters, my rainbow at the end of a stormy day

You are my morning sun, you are the golden sunset of my evening, the bright star of my night

You are my beauty like a swan on a shimmering late, my warmth like a soft summer breeze, my peace like gentle waves lapping at the shore

You are my happiness of each day past, my joy of each today, my hope for every tomorrow

You are the rose of my garden, You are the princess of my kingdom, the queen of my heart

You are my life.

With all my love, your husband, your friend. Jim

Now I pray that God welcomes you joyfully into His Kingdom and takes good care of you until we meet again.

New advertiser: WWCA resident Nancy Pannier, 1215 N. Dinwiddie St

My friend Dan Bessey remembers growing up in Battle Mt Nevada, that in the early 50s they couldn’t get a TV signal in town, so 15-20 families drove out to the desert and attended "Drive-in TV". A resident set up a generator , TV and antenna and they had a social time out there in the desert in the evening,

having a picnic and watching TV. "Those were the days."

Thank you to Bill Munson for researching the names of our presidents since 1970. The first president was Dave Collins who lives with his wife Kitty across from Hospice. I still remember when he stopped by the house, recruiting for helpers in the Civic Association. This association has thrived more than most because of being blessed with many dedicated and caring leaders. Unless otherwise indicated these individuals still live in "the Garden Spot of Arlington"

1970-71: David Collins, 4729 N. 16^th St

1971-72: Mario Amico, 1321 N. Abingdon (passed away)

1972-73: John Gallivan. 1300 N. Edison

1973-74: Dean Allard, 4823 N. 15^th St(lives north of Lee Hwy)

1974-75: Richard Biby, 4900 N. 16^th

1975-76: Robert Towler, 1616 N. Abingdon (moved to Calif.)

1976-77: Mrs Joanne Reich,4914 14^th St (Moved)

1977-78: Don Bowman, 5004 N. 16^th (Retired to Indiana)

1978-79: Edith C. Hines, 4915 N. 13^th St

1979-80: Reginald Cude, 5011 N. 14^th St

1980-81: Judy Freshman, 1500 Buchanan St(moved –N. Arl.)

1981-82: Adele Jenney, 1507 N. Buchanan

1982-83: Marshall Kolin, 5000 N. 13^th(recently passed away)

1983-84: John Hunter, 4632 N. 13^th (Moved)

1984-86: Edward Knowles, 4919 16^th Rd (passed away)

1986-88: Barbara Sherrill, 4826 N. 17^th St

1988-90: Tom Howarth, 4814 N. 13^th

1990-91: John Kelliher, 1218 N. Dinwiddie St

1991-93: Carol Allchin, 4827 N. 14^th St (Moved –state of Wash.)

1993-94: Adhip Chaudri, 4626 N. 15^th St

1994-95: Jane Hammitt, 4636 N. 13^th St

1995-97: Ben Crutchfield, 5009 N. 13^th (moved no. of Lee Hwy)

1997-99: Jim Pebley

1999-2000: Jeff Morris, 4901 N. 11^th St

Construction of the Hospital and the 1200 car , 6 level underground garage will start in July 2001 and be completed in August 2002 if things go on schedule. Chief Operations Officer Carl Bahnlein said in January: "With regard to parking, we do not now nor will we ever charge employees for parking in either the satellite lots or the new underground garage. We want to encourage employees to park in Hospital designated areas and free parking is a great incentive. The new garage will enhance our parking greatly and provide convenient on-campus parking for all employees and eliminate the temptation to park in the neighborhood. "

The Jan. 23^rd Arlington Connection reported that "Arlington Hospital has committed approximately 1.2 million per year to the center" which began taking patients on Jan. 22^nd. "The Center will feature 3 pediatricians, and the goal will be to take care of 3,000 children with comprehensive outpatient pediatric care. The site will provide primarily preventive care, such as immunizations for children or adolescents in families that are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. " The medical director, Susan DeMuth said "the decreasing number of physicians who take Medicaid " is a " driving factor behind the need for the Center."

The Center is located at 3045-A Columbia Pike.

Note: I think the Hospital sent another team since this one went in November.

The Nov. 8^th Arl. Journal reported that in Nov. 2000, 38 doctors, nurses, and medical specialists went to Sula, Honduras for a one week "medical care blitz" for victims of Hurricane Mitch.

(Cont. next column)

They expected to treat as many as 4000 people. "Team members are financing the trip mostly themselves with some help from the Hospital and funds from the Arlington Hospital medical staff fund and Arlington Cty Medical Society."

The June 1^st, 2000 Sun Weekly reported the Hospital received favorable comment from 93 percent of doctors surveyed for its emergency room treatment of injuries, and favorable comments from 71 percent for its emergency room care of major injuries in a survey conducted for Washington Checkbook Magazine.

The Nov. 4^th, 2000 Sun Weekly said the Foundation was originally created "as a separate entity to preserve the non-profit status of the Hospital’s $140 million endowment." "The Foundation’s investments during the 2 year (joint ) venture increased to $295 million. ". These assets are being held for a rainy day. " "Discussions are currently under way for the Foundation to reach beyond funding other groups." Eventually the Foundation may begin initiatives such as directing case work itself or establishing its own clinics (Done on Columbia Pike in January 2001). Foundation grants go to organizations in Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church.

The way to give some directions in Ballston these days is via a GPHIF device (Geo-position Hole in the Ground Finder).

Heres what they are digging on or about to .

Triangular Lot by Ballston Common: The June 27^th 2000 Journal reported planned construction of Lincoln Point At Ballston, a 50 million dollar , 13 story, 397,000 sq ft office building at Wilson Blvd and Glebe. When the new 438 car parking garage is done, it will be open to Ballston Common Shopping Center customers when the office building is not in business.

Whats in that new office building the east side of Glebe at Ballston Commons? It’s none other than "E-Trade" Corp.

The Nov. 13^th Arl. Journal reported: A "12 –story office building, 16-story hotel and 21-story apt building will sit at the intersection of No Glebe Rd and Fairfax Drive. The three buildings in the complex will surround a courtyard with shops and a public plaza with trees. A three-level parking garage is also planned…….There also will be an entrance to the Ballston Metrorail Station beneath one of the buildings. "As with most developments" the developers "made contributions to the county’s affordable- housing reserve fund as well as the utility undergrounding program, a project to bury above-ground wires such as telephone lines. (Editor: It is not true that Arlington Cty is considering helicopter commuter service to avoid the future traffic jams on Glebe Rd.

COMING AT BALLSTON METRO: The first phase of $23 million in bus and rail service improvements in Arlington will include improved access to the Ballston-MU station, including construction of a new pair of elevators (one paper says 3) , a new western entrance from a tunnel to Fairfax Drive (Arl. Gateway project), and a new station mezzanine. This will all cost around $18 million. This is part of a cooperative effort between Arlington Cty and the Wash. Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). A lot of the money in the County’s share comes from developer contributions—two thirds of $766,000 in the first $5 million phase of the planned work.. These improvements have to go through the planning process per the press.

REMEMBER THE OLD SEARS PARKING LOT IN CLARENDON? If you haven’t been there in a while—go look.

They are building the Market Common project with 300 luxury apts, 87 townhomes, and 240,000 sq. ft. of retail space. It will be done by April 2002 according to the Dec. 27^th Arl. Journal.

There have been some changes associated with Yahoo’s purchase of Egroups.

Current subscribers: All of the current 65 WWCA subscribers were moved over to the new system at Yahoo. Current subscribers do not need to take any action if listserve activity is limited to sending messages to and receiving messages from the list.

NEW LISTSERVE SUBSCRIBERS: You can subscribe to the listserve two different ways:

Please be a responsible pet owner

Please pick up after your dog

The Dec. 7^th Sun Gazette reported that the Arlington Bicentennial Task Force " proposes the purchase by the county of the Glebe House, one of the most historic buildings in Arlington. The property is currently for sale by the National Genealogical Society, and the task force believes that the property could be converted into a historical center/museum highlighting Arlington’s past. County Board members suggested that any purchase of the building might be accomplished more quickly through a private trust, but agreed that the Glebe House has significant historic importance to the community.

Washington-Lee HS tested 226 students. Verbal score (539), math (525). Yorktown scores were 566 verbal and 561 math.

Wakefield: 477 verbal and 483 math. National average verbal score was 505, math 514.