The Barcroft News
November, 1995
Volume 93, Number 3
November Meeting: New County Services Team, More
Our November BSCL meeting will feature a program on the County's
new method for improving government services and enhancing citizen
access and involvement. A Neighborhood Services Team will be in
place for Barcroft in January. One employee in each County government
section will be our liaison between community, government, businesses
and other neighborhood organizations. County staff will present
the concept and how it is working in other communities, with a
period for questions.
We will also discuss the use permit changes for Our Savior Lutheran
School. In addition, we will discuss a proposal by the Atlacatl
restaurant on Columbia Pike for a permit to have live dinner entertainment
from 7 to 12 P.M. nightly, with guitarists, pianists, and comedy
acts. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Please vote on November 7th!
Split Vote at Circle Meeting
On October 11 forty-five Barcrofters debated the future of the
demonstration traffic circle at the 3rd-Pershing-Wakefield intersection.
The meeting heard from Jeff Sikes of the Department of Public
Works, who noted that the circle's design could be improved. It
also heard from a police representative who urged us to call them
if we wanted more enforcement. Finally there was Christie Baird,
who lives next to a successful circle in Ashton Heights, who said
the objections she was hearing were identical to those she and
her neighbors had raised, but they now are pleased with their
circle.
Although there was considerable debate, neither side seemed to
be listening very much to the other. The "convenience"
people feel that Barcroft's streets are reasonably well laid out,
that our traffic problems are minimal, and that we do not need
artificial barriers to control cars. The circle has introduced
its own problems, including poor interaction with cars, pedestrians
and long vehicles. They would take it out immediately and find
something else if traffic control is needed.
The "traffic calming" side believes that Barcroft has
problems with speeding and cut-through traffic, and should use
strong measures to control that, even if it means making driving
in our neighborhood less convenient for ourselves. Circles seem
to be the only solution available under the County's current rules,
which prohibit 4-way stops and other measures. Kids and neighbors
need the safety of slowing down cars and discouraging cut-throughs,
and our neighborhood will be more livable if we keep this circle
and add several more to make the neighborhood a slow-traffic zone.
When the vote was taken it was an even split, a deadlock. But
everyone had agreed during the discussion that the current demonstration
circle had problems. (For starters, it may be at the wrong intersection,
since that one has unique lines.) At least one person did not
vote because he believes that neighborhood decisions should be
made by consensus, and a closely split vote means you have not
yet arrived at the solution.
Since most agreed that the demo circle needs improvement, the
meeting passed a resolution asking the County to make changes
within 30 days. Some wanted it removed immediately.
On page 11 is a letter from William Dolan opposing the circle,
and another from Elaine Squeri, who circulated a questionnaire
to residents of Abingdon and 3rd Street and got responses reflecting
the split described above.
What do you think of the concept of calming the traffic in our
neighborhood? Do you object to circles or other measures forcing
you to pick your way carefully through intersections, or otherwise
give up some convenience close to home as a tradeoff for a safer
neighborhood with slower, lighter traffic? If you have strong
views on the future of Barcroft you should be joining this debate.
And if you know how to do this without provoking anger, please
enlighten us all.
Traffic Control: Pro
A new neighbor's view of Barcroft
We moved to South Abingdon in Barcroft area last year from the
leafy quiet of South Park Drive in Arlington Forest because we
would enjoy more of the forest in our new back yard. We are also
impressed by how well people keep their yards here too and how
many enjoy walking the neighborhood. What a surprise to realize
what was beyond the front yard and sidewalks throughway traffic,
fast, frequent, and fulminating!
Commuter traffic from a neighborhood is one thing, twice a day,
to be expected and perhaps a chance to greet neighbors. But to
become the official shortcut between two principal arterials,
Route 50 and Columbia Pike, is quite another. We all have investment
in our property and interest in a quality of life. We chose to
live here, not in the metro corridor or DC full of streets clogged
with parked cars, fumes, business activity, crowds, etc.
Is this amount of traffic an inevitable part of suburban life?
Of course not. Thanks to you, we have a Neighborhood Conservation
Plan well worked out and approved. We can build on this groundwork
and with concerted effort address official appeals to redirect
the flow before the tide is indeed beyond control .
Perhaps one way to change the situation is to remind people, both
residents and passersby, realize that this is a residential area
that we want to keep clean, quiet, and friendly. We are seen simply
as a convenient roadway, not families, friends, neighbors. If
we would like to drive through, we must respect the place and
regulate our speed which would in large part handle the noise.
What do you think? How could we do it? What engineering steps
could be taken to assist this thinking? Let's talk about it, plan
it, and change it..
Elaine G. Squeri
Traffic Control: Con
Forgive me, but I do not see the traffic circles doing much to
solve the "problems" complained of. Indeed, they
create other problems.
I personally have not observed the "highway speeds"
of motorists on Barcroft streets. The assertion that "few
observe the 25 mph speed limit" is inaccurate, I believe.
Because of its unique barriers on three sides, Barcroft is not
a good neighborhood for short-cutters...
Moreover, the traffic circles are an eyesore and a traffic hazard.
For example, the traffic circle had someone drive through it shortly
after it was installed. Was anyone hurt? It is simply a road hazard
which is ugly and which prevents the intended use of the street:
safe, effective transportation. It is difficult to drive around
or anything except a minicar or motorcycle. A barrier in the center
of a street has a hazard and an inconvenience cost associated
with it. No one really did a costbenefit analysis of the traffic
circle(s).
People seem to think that because they live in a certain neighborhood
that they ought to also have absolute control of the use of the
public streets in the neighborhood. The fact of the matter is
that public streets are for everyone, not merely for nearby residents.
It is a common fallacy for a person to think that all nearby traffic
ought to come to a halt except for traffic to that person's home.
One is sorry to hear about a dog being hit by a car, but one wonders
whether a traffic circle would have prevented it. A more genuine
neighborhood problem is the number of illegal immigrants driving
their beat up cars through Barcroft without obeying traffic and
speed regulations. Some of the traffic problems may decrease if
Arlington Police set up a "green card" street blockade,
eliminating people who do not lawfully belong either in the neighborhood
or in the nation.
William Dolan 4421 First Road South 6850939
Pig Roasted!
The October social event was a Pig Roast, and it was a gas. Alan
Dickerson arrived at the Community House in a pouring rain at
5 AM in the morning to begin barbecuing the pigs, and they were
cooked and succulent when the guests arrived. Barcroft's own Tanglefoot
supplied old time, Irish and Canadian jigs and reels, with one
waltz tune so pretty and catchy it brought dancers to the floor.
The musicians were Kathy Kerr (fiddle), Julie Gorka (piano), Michael
Reid (concertina) and Jim Besser (hammered dulcimer and guitar,
simultaneously. In the photo you can't see his feet!).
There were side dishes from a raft of Barcroft neighbors, including
Phil Anderson (cole slaw), the Doyle family (baked beans), Laura
Devin (pasta salad), Sue Kelly (apple crisp), Phyl Kinsey (wild
rice salad), David Michaelson (macaroni and cheese), Daphne Miller
(zita pasta), Jennifer (onions), Carol and Betty Roller (cake,
cupcakes and potato salad), Jane Roningen (broccoli salad) and
Sharon Tope (baked beans).
Barbara Swart had the new red Barcroft tee shirts on sale. We
have now sold 121 of the original 200. Call her before
they are all gone. They make fine Christmas presents.
The success of these events continues due to the work of Tom Palance
and his crew of event supporters, including Peg and Gary Lefebvre,
Daphne Miller, Tom and Sharon Tope, Barbara Swart, David Michaelson
and James Davis.
Photos
Tanglefoot at warp speed. From left: Julie Gorka, Kathy Kerr
Michael Reid, and Jim Besser
Chief Pig Roaster Alan Dickerson enjoying the fruits of his labors
Peg Lefebvre is Our New Membership Secretary
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Peg Lefebvre, of
S. George Mason Drive, as our new Membership Secretary. Peg is
a talented computer user who will keep track of membership info
on her PC. She may also be calling you if you don't pay your dues,
assisted by former Membership Secretary Kathryn Villegas. So send
your two dollars to our Treasurer, Dave Voorhees. Dave passes the
forms to Peg. Welcome,Peg, and thanks for volunteering!
Around the Neighborhood With Kathy Kerr
Welcome Home
Three years ago, two Barcroft families left the area for government
postings. They planned to return, however and rented out their
houses. This summer, both families came back.
Tom Boothe, a Navy captain, was transferred to Pt. Mugu in California.
Happily, the Boothes are now back in their home on 6th St. S.
Betty is a teacher. Danny age 12 is a 7th grader at Kenmore.
Peter, age 17, is a senior at Wakefield and is a National Merit
Semifinalist! Peter went to Kenmore Middle School through 8th
grade, then grades 9-11 in California
Tom Boothe is well-known for his canoeing addiction. Owner of
at least 5 canoes, he often paddles on the Potomac and enjoys
flatwater canoe racing.
**************************************************
Michael Nazaretz of 4th St. S. was transferred to the American
Embassy in London with his family. Upon returning to their Barcroft
home, Rebecca found ivy growing on her garden hose, meaning her
garden hadn't been watered for three years... The Nazaretz's arrived
back just in time to send their daughter Anna off to college at
Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. Their son Andrew
is a high school sophomore at H-B Woodlawn.
Michael plays accordion and has rejoined his former band "Lox
and Vodka" well-known for klezmer music. Rebecca is once
again dancing with Tisza Ensemble--a Hungarian dance troupe.
Marvon's House Rescued
[A longer version of this article is also available]
On a misty September Sunday, Marvon "The Farmer" McKinney's
house was moved from 4th and Wakefield to the rear of the house
at 379 S. George Mason Drive.
About 50 Barcrofters watched as a crew of "just some guys"
who had never moved a house before towed the house down 4th Street.
Aside from some oak limbs they did little damage.
The visionary who made all this happen was Bobby Jones, who recognized
the quality of the house under old carpet and peeling paint.
His reward was a "free" house with hardwood floors,
oak trim, a cedar closet, a new 50 year roof and enough strength
to be moved without breaking a window. The move cost only $8,000,
and Mr. Jones has an addition for his home with real Barcroft
character. Riding along on his new back doorstep he said he had
not yet gotten to the part on how to fix it up.
The day before the move, a Barcrofter walked sadly around the
site bemoaning the pace of change in our neighborhood. When she
was a girl, kids whispered that Marvon was "The Cat Killer"
who trapped cats and threw their bodies up on the roof of his
house. When her cat disappeared she had actually gone up there
to see for herself! The rumors probably had no foundation at all.
Marvon would never have thrown a smelly dead cat up on his roof.
Local Merchants Make 4th of July Raffle a Huge Success
Once again many local merchants generously donated raffle prizes
for the Barcroft Fourth of July parade and picnic. Lucky winners
took home the videos and certificates listed below for everything
from food to hair styling to an oil change to home decorating.
We are grateful to these merchants and hope that you will help
us to thank them by using their services whenever possible. When
you do, be sure to mention how much you appreciate their support
of the BSCL.
Safeway, Inc. - Certificate for picnic supplies
Mrs. McGregor's Garden Shop - Route 50 and Park Drive - Merchandise certificate
Country Curtains -4805 First St. N. - Merchandise certificate
Roy Rogers - 4707 Columbia Pike - Combo meal certificates
Forbes Video - 4801 Columbia Pike - Two Charlottes Web videos
Party Line Ice Cream - 5025 Columbia Pike - Ice cream cake certificate
Ledo Pizza - 1035 S. Edgewood St. - Pizza certificates
Crystal Thai - 4819 1st Street N. - Meal certificate
Brenners Bakery - 3241 Columbia Pike - Certificate for a cake
Forest Valet - 4813 1st Street N. - Dry cleaning certificate
Outback Steak House - 4821 1st Street N. - Meal certificate
Colour Oasis - 4811 1st Street N. - Cut and style certificate
Columbia Pike Automotive - 4601 Columbia Pike - Oil and filter change certificate
Cowboy Cafe - 2421 Columbia Pike - Meal certificate
Please Save Safeway and Giant Receipts for Barcroft School
Did we neglect to tell you to save your "computers for students"
cash register receipts from Giant and Safeway? Well, we're telling
you now. If you throw away that receipt you are throwing away
valuable resources for our neighborhood school. Last year the
school got three printers, software, books and videos. Drop your
receipts off at the school office (625 S. Wakefield) or the Community
House (800 S. Buchanan)
Long-Time Voters Honored
To mark the 75th anniversary of the renaming of Arlington County,
the Registrar held a reception in September to honor the County's
75 longest registered voters. Among the names we spotted at least
two Barcrofters: Louis Powell and Frances Kennedy. Were there
others we did not recognize?
Please vote on November 7. This is an off-year election, so the
lines will be short and it will take you about 10 minutes. Not
many will vote, so your vote will really count. No matter which
levers you pull, your neighborhood benefits. We want the winners
to remember that Barcroft votes!
Columbia Pike Artist Studios
by Nancy Tankersley
CPAS will have an open studio on Nov. 4 from noon until 4 PM.
For those who love satire, be sure to see the featured show by
artist Larry Isham. "Whimsy and Insults" is a baker's
dozen of modest sized but flagrantly sarcastic paintings taking
aim at today's social and political irritations and pointing out
that we need not suffer fools gladly. Isham is a graduate of the
University of Miami, and was a Smithsonian illustrator for 30
years. He began painting and teaching in 1983. If you miss the
open studio, call him for a private viewing
Community House Donations are Officially Tax Exempt
Thanks to former Barcrofter Pat Roach, the IRS has granted tax
exempt status to the Barcroft Community House Fund, All donations
made to the Barcroft Community House Fund since it was established
in November 1994 are tax exempt. Pat and spouse Sue Sarcone also
made a very generous donation of $150.00 by paying for the IRS
application fee.
We need advice from an interior decorator for the restoration
project. We also need a chief fund raiser and a grantsperson.
Finally, we are also looking for volunteers to help Harold Howard
maintain the grounds of the Community House. Please call Jim Kerr.
Barcroft Exchange
For Sale: Portable dishwasher. Montgomery Ward, wood countertop,
works well. $125 call Dave Voorhees.
Christmas wreaths from $18 for a 24 inch wreath (and up).
Proceeds support local Girl Scout troop trip to national parks
out west. 486-0019.
Wanted: Someone to share a wonderful daycare provider.
Please call Lou Phelps.
November Events
Nov. 1 - Leaf Collection Begins. Call Hotline at 358-6565 for
Barcroft dates.
Nov. 2 - BSCL Meeting. County's Neighborhood Services Team program,
Lutheran school use permit, Atlacatl request for entertainment
license. Community House, 800 S. Buchanan 7:30 PM.
Nov. 4 - Open House at Col. Pike Artists' Studios, 932 Walter
Reed Dr. Noon - 4 PM. See Nancy Tankersley's studio and work.
Nov. 7 - Election day. Vote at Barcroft School 6 AM to 7 PM.
Nov.7 - Art Explorations enrichment K-5. Community House. Fee.
Info Laura Devin.
Barcroft News Staff
Editor Phil Cackley, (Randy Swart pinch-hitting on this issue)
Publisher/Mailing We need you!
Advertising Mgr. Pete Fitzgerald
Neighborhood News Kathy Kerr
Contributions Editor Kyle Walton
Deadline for submissions: 1st (ads) or 10th (editorial
material) day of the month preceeding the issue month.
BSCL Officers for 1995-96
President Jim Kerr
Vice President David Michaelson
Recording Secy. Lisa Palance
Treasurer Dave Voorhees
Corres. Secy. Mark Wigfield
Membership Secy. Peg Lefebvre
Board Members Scott Allard, Tom Palance, Larry Goldschmidt,
Randy Swart
Landscaping Scott Brinitzer
Crime Resistance Chris Monek
Neigh. Conserv. David Michaelson
Restoration Jim Kerr
Signs Manager Jack Turner
Traffic We need you!
Paper copies of The Barcroft News are printed by the Stanley Adams Printing Company.
Call the Barcroft Neighborline with Complaints, Views, Questions
or Whatever -(703) 521-1116.
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