The Barcroft News
President's Report
by Pat Williamson
May is bursting with activities here in Barcroft. Mark your calendars for our regular monthly on Thursday, May 4, at 7:30 pm. Ian Ferrigan from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service will provide a presentation on the challenge we face to control invasive species in our area.
Neighborhood business items will include the election of BSCL officers. a report on the Neighborhood Conservation Plan update, a presentation by Taylor Street Traffic Calming Working Group of the proposed plan to slow traffic down on Taylor between 9th and 4th Streets with an opportunity for members to vote on a resolution in support.
With huge thanks to Recording Secretary, Heidi Wicker, and Webmaster, Randy Swart, you can read minutes of the BSCL regular meetings at www.bscl.org. It is the next best thing to being there!!!!
Saturday, May 13, is Arlington County Neighborhood Day, and Barcroft will shine. The Barcroft Elementary School Spring Fair will offer fun and food to folks of all ages from 11 am to 3 pm. WALKArlington has chosen Barcroft as a featured "walkable neighborhood." Join us at 12:30 pm at the Community House to stroll and enjoy our sights and sounds.
BARCROFT ELEMENTARY SPRING FAIR and SILENT AUCTION
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Barcroft Elementary School
WALKArlington Event in Barcroft 12:30 PM
Barcroft Community House
Neighborhood Day Parade 2 p.m.
Wilson Boulevard from Clarendon to Courthouse
Letter to the Editor
I just moved to the neighborhood and learned in the April 2006 issue of Barcroft News that I could "place yard waste in biodegradable bags or your own rigid trash cans." So, I happily trotted down to my local Whole Foods and bought a box of EcoSafe biodegradable bags which are a special type of plastic (it even warns on the box not to let them sit very long or they will start to break down), and I spent several hours bagging leaves and sticks.
Unfortunately, the collection service did not pick up my bags. I called the county to explain that the bags are not only 100% biodegradable, but it is also spelled out in bold letters on each bag. Their only response was "we don't pick up plastic bags."
I want the neighbors to know that yard waste can not be in just any biodegradable bag. It must be in a paper biodegradable bag like those you can get at the rec center. Now I get to spend a second day off re?bagging leaves! Ooops.
Also, thanks for the News, its a great little community gem and its well put together.
Sincerely, Alyssa
Many thanks to the neighbors who expressed sympathy during this sad time for us. Mom lived in Barcroft for 42 years (beginning in August 1963). She loved it. especially Halloween and Christmas. Susan Hunn
Barcroft Band Bash
Come to 7th Road South (just off Taylor Street) on Saturday, May 27, 4pm to 7pm, to rock out with neighborhood band, Lady in the Radiator. Drummer Mitchell Bass is a Barcrofter and all band members (Salem Acuna, Ingrid Pierre, Jeremiah Firman) are Arlingtonians and students at Wakefield and Washington?Lee High School!
The Pinks--an all-girl band featuring Arlingtonian and HB Woodlawn student Rachel Hortman as drummer will be the Opening Act for Lady in the Radiator. Questions? Call Mitchell at 703-920-7620.
Keep up with events by joining the Barcroft
chat group and news list.
Go to: www.bscl.org.
Steve Songs is coming back!
JUNE 10th at 6:30pm STEVE SONGS will perform at the LUBBER RUN AMPHITHEATRE in support of Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool (AUCP)
Note: AUCP is within the Barcroft boundary.
An evening of family fun, playing and dancing under the stars
For more info on AUCP & to purchase tickets please go to www.aucpva.org
For more info on the show please call 703-362-0168 or send email to kgracemcgwier@comcast.net
Barcroft Elementary School raised $3,580 in the school's first annual "Walkathon for Diabetes" on March 11. The money will be donated to the American Diabetes Association. Thanks to all who supported this event!
ATTENTION ALL BARCROFTERS!
Celebrate the designation of our Barcroft neighborhood by Arlington County as a notable spot to stroll around.
www.walkarlington.com/go/event.cfm? id=461
Barcroft Neighborhood Walkabout
Saturday, May 13, 2006. Barcroft Community, Arlington
12:30 - 1:30p.m.
Join Barcroft "insiders" on this 1.6 mile Neighborhood Day tour of nine of the delightful treasures of this cozy community. Dating back to the late 1800's, this community grew up near the Barcroft Mill and train station on the railroad line now converted to the W&OD Trail. Find out why the Washington Post once described Barcroft as resembling "a photo album snapshot of an idyllic neighborhood from earlier times."
All participants will receive a WALKArlington souvenir and light refreshments will be served at the end of the walk. Reservations not required; people and pets of all ages and abilities -- including dogs on leashes and babies in strollers -- welcome. (Note: there is one steep hill along the route.)
Tour begins and ends at the Barcroft Community House, 800 South Buchanan Street, Arlington.
Saturday Morning Walk / Run
Hit the Trail...
Have you ever seen the morning light sparkle on the W&OD trail with that optimistic glow that only Saturday sun in spring can bring?!
Come out and join other Barcroft women who hit the trail with their running or walking shoes every Saturday morning.
Email kenmarsim@aol.com to get more information and to get in shape while visiting with your neighbors.
Compliments for Wakefield
Wakefield students demonstrated their commitment to community, generosity, initiative and maturity by working on a spring cleanup of Douglas Park. Members of the Wakefield Key Club raked leaves, picked up litter (a lot blows in over a long winter) and planted flowers in the park, all on their own initiative. Douglas Park neighbors are delighted about what great kids we have in our community.
These students obviously know what it means to be contributors to a community. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have them as neighbors.
Excerpt of a letter written
To Ms. Doris Jackson
Wakefield High School Principal
From John Snyder
President, Douglas Park Civic Association
NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL NEWS
This month there was just so much good news about our local high school that we have dedicated this entire column to news about their students and staff. Keep up the great work Wakefield!
Wakefield Teacher, Student Clean Up New Orleans School
Wakefield senior Corey Arias and teacher Lisa Labella recently returned from four days in New Orleans, where they were involved in a disaster recovery effort at a New Orleans public school. During the trip, which was part of Arias' senior project, he and Labella worked with students from Tulane University, Americorps volunteers, and high school students from Orlando, Fla. They scraped and painted the walls of P.A. Capdau Middle School in St. Bernard Parish, one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina.
Wakefield Teachers Teach Teachers Across the Nation Wakefield science teachers Michelle Harris and Kimberly Warschaw, and twice exceptional teacher Bonnie Nelson will present a workshop on co-teaching science at the National Science Teachers Association national conference on science education in Anaheim, Calif., on April 6.
Wakefield High School Orchestra Participated in "Festival of Gold" in Boston (March 31 - April 3)
The Wakefield orchestra participated in a three hour workshop with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, attended a Boston Symphony concert, and performed a program in Boston's historic Symphony Hall. The orchestra, which was invited to participate because of the "Superior" ratings it received at festivals in 2005, was one of 10 orchestras from across the world that performed at the event.
More Information on the Barcroft Play Groups...
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
Join us on Wednesdays at the Barcroft Community Center between 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. for playgroup. On an average day, about 8-12 kids attend, ranging in age from 4 months to 4 years old.
The atmosphere is laid back. We do not usually have any set activities. We like for the parents/caregivers to socialize with each other as well as for the kids to play together. We usually bring our own snacks for our kids, and we sometimes bring extra so the kids can share, but that is up to the parent's preference.
For more information, please contact Jenny Ditta at chrisnjenny4@comcast.net
FRIDAY MORNINGS
Join us, through the summer, on Fridays at the Barcroft Community Center from 10:30am to 12 noon (sometimes later depending on the events of the day).
Our group is comprised of mostly 2 1/2 to 4 years. Older younger siblings are welcome.
For more information or to be added to our email list please send an email to kgracemcgwier@comcast.net.
Songsters Return
Worth Repeating...
Volcano orange, ruby red, deep indigo blue, sunflower yellow - are these the new "in" decorating colors for 2006? No! They're some of the words you might use to describe the gorgeous, little migratory birds, called warblers that live here only during the warm months of the year.
Beginning in late April and lasting through May, hundreds of new voices will join the dawn chorus in our woodlands as these birds arrive from their winter home in Central and South America to announce the arrival of spring. Some are just passing through on their way further north.
Others will stay here in Arlington where they will nest and raise young. All of them will benefit if you provide the four basic elements of habitat in your yard. Food, water, sheltered places to rest and escape from the weather and predators, and places to raise young are exhausting twice a year trip!
Straw Bale Shed Workshop
Saturday, May 20th - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Participate in an old-fashioned "shed-raising" using just straw bales and wood beams! The sturdy shed will be topped with a vegetated green roof. Volunteers will use natural materials and simple construction techniques to build a sturdy shed, and will help plant the green roof.
1305 N. Jackson Street, Arlington (behind the Clarendon Presbyterian Church). Free. Limited to 10 participants. Adults only, lunch and drinks provided. RSVP to 703-228-3599 by May 10th.
BARCROFT ELEMENTARY SPRING FAIR
Please join us for food and fun at the 5th annual Barcroft Elementary School Spring Fair and Silent Auction on Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 11am to 3pm. Kids will enjoy moon bounces, carnival games, face painting, a cake walk and much more! Hotdogs, hamburgers, and ice cream will be available to fill hungry tummies. 25˘ tickets will be on sale to ride the rides, play the games, and buy the food.
The PTA will also be running their annual Silent Auction from 11am to 2pm, which will take place in the multi-purpose room (read "cafeteria"!) Please plan on spending Neighborhood Day at Barcroft! Proceeds from the event help the PTA support the school, including our new outdoor learning gardens now under construction.
If you have preschool children, this is an excellent opportunity for you to meet Barcroft parents and students. We have a vibrant school community and enjoy sharing it with our neighborhood. If you haven't had the opportunity to visit the school, make sure you stop by on May 13! We've had good weather so far these last four years, but if it rains, we'll plan to move as much as possible indoors and hold the fair anyway.
Have a small business, a special skill or something unique? Donate to the silent auction. Contact Carol Hunter at 703-979-8247.
Barcroft Elementary school is located at
625 South Wakefield Street.
See you at the fair.
RECIPE CORNER
PAUL's BARBECUE SAUCE
Submitted By: Paul Abdul
Warmer weather beckons Barcroft residents outdoors to their barbecue pits. Give in. Go out.
2 TBSP butter
1 TBSP olive oil
1 MED onion, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 MED jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1 CUP firmly packed brown sugar
1 CUP cider vinegar
1 CUP bottled barbecue sauce
1 TBSP mustard powder
1 TBSP paprika
3 TBSP fresh lemon juice
2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
2 TBSP hot sauce
2 TBSP molasses
1/4 teaspoon salt
1. MELT butter with oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. ADD onion and next three ingredients. Sauté five minutes or until onion is tender.
3. Stir in brown sugar and remaining ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, discarding solids.
Source: Southern Living Magazine, July 2005
Spring Financial Series
All seminars are taught by professionals in the respective fields. All presenters pledge not to sell their own services during their seminars.
The seminars will be held from 7:00?9:00 p.m. at the Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy Street. Call 703-228-6417 for more information or to register.
May 2 Preventing identity theft
May 10 The true cost of credit:
understanding credit card offers
and credit scoring
May 17 Investing in real estate
Cooking Classes
Hooked on Barcroft News Recipe Corner and looking for more?!
Saturday, May 6, 11:00 - 2:00, Thai Meal
Learn basic techniques and ingredients for a Thai dinner. Among the dishes to be prepared will be Pad Thai, the Thai national dish and a favorite on many Thai restaurant menus. This class will include demonstration and tasting. Cost: $35.
Saturday, May 20, 11 :00?2:00, Asian Noodles Learn about the different types of Asian noodles and how they are used. We will cover fresh and dried rice noodles, egg noodles, bean thread noodles and others. Techniques and ingredients will be discussed and demonstrated. Come hungry! Cost: $35.
All classes will be held in Room 15 at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S Stafford Street in Arlington. For more information or to register, call 703-228-6417.
BARCROFT 15th ANNUAL 4th of JULY PARADE
WHAT'S YOUR AWARD-WINNING IDEA FOR THE PARADE THIS YEAR?
Don't miss out on your chance to win the gold this year! Whether your Olympic favorite was ice?skating or snow boarding we are all winners living in Barcroft!
SO start putting on your thinking caps on and show us what you got!
Whether it's lawnmowers, rocket ships, guitars, baseball, toga's, superhero's or a very pregnant belly, talk with your friends, families and neighbors and get the creative juices flowing.
Let's team up for the best parade ever!
This year promises to be yet another fantastic event with entertainment to dazzle and delight With good food and family fun for all!
For those neighbors who have not yet witnessed one of the most celebrated events that makes this community so special, be sure to show up at 10:00 AM July 4th.
Anyone interested in "stepping out" with the marching band this year please contact Andrew Hunter ASAP at 703-979-8247.
Questions, suggestions or if you would like to help in any way contact Andrew 703-979-8247 or Katherine 703-362-0168.
BSCL OFFICER SLATE
for the May 2006 Election of BSCL officers
MEMBERS VOTE AT THE NEXT MEETING!
President - Pat Williamson
Vice President - Heidi Wicker
Treasurer - Gary LeFebvre
Recording Secretary - Bryant Monroe
Corresponding Secretary -
Board Member - Jim Kerr
A candidate is needed for the Corresponding Secretary position. We can nominate folks from the floor at the May meeting for ail positions. Let Randy Swart know if you are interested in being nominated. 703-521-2080
BSCL MEMBERSHIP
It's Not Too Late to Join...
The BSCL membership year runs from September through August, but we gladly accept new members and membership renewals any time. The form is available at BSCL.org.
Your membership makes an
important contribution
to our amazing community!!
Schedule of Events
Please check our calendar page on the Web for updates.
Submissions to the Barcroft News
Have anything to contribute to the Barcroft News? All submissions are due by the 15th of each month. Contact Annie Harold at 703-486-0879 or editor@bscl.org.
If you are interested in ad space, contact our ad manager Jim Kerr at Jim@bscl.org or 703-892-6458
Check out our Barcroft Website for the latest news!
www.bscl.org
All Barcroft News phone numbers are area code 703 unless indicated.
Barcroft News Staff
Editor - Annie Harold, 703-486-0879
editor@BSCL.org
Publisher/Distribution Manager - Noreen Atkinson, 703-979-4868
Contributions - Mark Wigfield, 703-979-0339 mark@BSCL.org
Advertising Manager - Jim Kerr, 703-892-6458 jim@BSCL.org
Neighborhood News - vacant!
Deadlines: 10th (ads) or 15th (editorial material) day of the month preceding the issue month.
BSCL Officers for 2005-2006
President - - Pat Williamson - 703-885-8514, pwilliamson@weta.org
Vice President - - Scott Wohlander, 746-0662
scott_wohlander@yahoo.com
Recording Secretary -- Heidi Wicker, heidi@bscl.org
Treasurer - - Gary LeFebvre - 703-521-0184
gary@BSCL.org
Corresponding Secretary -- Vacant!!
Membership Secretary -- Peg LeFebvre - 703-521-0184 peg@BSCL.org
Board Members
Community House
Committees
Arlington Mill Community Center -- Bill Lykes, 703-892-4422
Columbia Pike - Bryant Monroe, 703-271-0944 - bryant@BSCL.org
Crime - vacant
Demeter House Liaison Committee - Darlene Mickey
Parade -- Andrew Hunter, 703-979-8247
Parking -- Vacant!!
Parks -- Shelley Fichtner, 703-486-0856 shelley@BSCL.org
Traffic - Elaine Squeri 703-920-7014, elaine@BSCL.org
Volunteers - Vacant!!
Webmaster - Randy Swart 703-521-2080 randy@BSCL.org
The paper version of the Barcroft News is printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based ink by the Stanley Adams Printing Company. This Web page uses recycled bits and bytes, and it is not absolutely identical to the paper one.
Barcroft School and Civic League
800 South Buchanan Street
Arlington, VA 22204
Neighborline: (24 hr. announcements, Community House rentals) 703-521-1116
Email: info@bscl.org
Web: www.bscl.org
This page was revised on: May 1, 2006.
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