Fall 2005

Welcome to the New Citizen Newsletter!

After researching the type of information you're looking for, we're pleased to present the first edition of the redesigned Citizen – the design residents chose in online voting. What's new?

• Our new tabloid-size format improves readability.
• We've added a half-page of news in Spanish.
• Visually-impaired persons can hear The Citizen on the Washington Ear.
• We've also created several new, regular columns, such as "Code Corner," "Environmental Focus" and "On the Move," on topics you've told us are of interest.

Formerly a quarterly publication, The Citizen now will be produced six times a year: in January, March, May, July, September and November.

We thank you for your input, your interest and your comments. We hope you enjoy this issue! Read more details about The Citizen redesign.

Save Energy and Money This Winter

With soy-based foam insulation, this Arlington "green home" is ready for winter.

Hold on to your wallets, energy prices are expected to soar this winter. But Arlington has some tips to help you weather the cold without breaking the bank.

Nationwide, consumers who heat with natural gas can expect to pay 52 percent more for the fuel compared to last year, according to early estimates by the federal Energy Information Administration. Heating oil costs could rise 34 percent, and electricity prices are expected to be up about 11 percent, as utilities pass along fuel surcharges that reflect higher prices for the coal and natural gas that fuel most power plants.

Arlington County is committed to wise energy use year round and offers residents the following advice for controlling energy consumption and costs:

Winter energy saving tips
Have a qualified service technician tune up your home heating system this fall. Annual maintenance ensures your system operates safely and efficiently. Clean or replace furnace or heat pump filters monthly.

Consider adding insulation in your attic or around hot water pipes or ductwork that run through unconditioned spaces. Storm windows, caulk and weatherstripping can reduce uncomfortable and costly drafts around windows.

A well-insulated home saves you money in winter and summer.

Use a programmable, set-back thermostat to lower the temperature in your home to 65°F or so overnight and/or when you are not home.

For a more comprehensive listing of home energy saving tips, visit www.aceee.org/consumer/consumer.htm.

Winter Energy Assistance for Low-Income Households
Arlington has two energy assistance programs that can help low-income residents.

Fuel Assistance Program
A federal grant program, managed by Arlington's Department of Human Services, helps with heating costs, furnace re-starts, installation charges and connection or re-connection fees. Applications are accepted through Nov. 14. For an application, contact Carole Weakley at (703) 228-1488.

Crisis Assistance Program
From Nov. 1 - March 15, this program offers one-time funds for purchase of home heating fuel, payment of heat utility bill or security deposit, payment for emergency shelter and the repair or purchase of heating equipment. Assistance is based on availability of funds. Contact the Crisis Assistance Bureau at (703) 228-1350. To qualify for either program, you must be an Arlington County resident who is responsible for paying your heating bill, and meet monthly gross household income requirements, as follows:

Homeowner Grant Program Deadline is Dec. 31
The deadline to apply for Arlington's new Homeowner Grant Program is Dec. 31. Eligible households can receive a $500 grant. To qualify, you must have a combined household income of $72,000 per year or less and assets of less than $240,000. You also must have owned your home on December 31, 2004.

The program is open to any homeowner who meets eligibility requirements – whether they own a detached house, condo or town home.

For qualifying households, the grant can have the effect of reducing the impact of higher real estate taxes, due to rising assessments. (For example, the average real estate tax increase in Arlington in 2005 was $482). An additional $50 will be added to the household grant for each dependent living in the home (children and other household members claimed as dependents on federal tax returns).

More information is available online at www.arlingtonva.us/grants.

 After BRAC: Arlington Looks Ahead
Governor's task force to help smooth transition

In a win for Arlington, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission voted to keep the Defense Department's principal research programs in Arlington, affirming that Arlington's scientific "center of excellence" should be maintained.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Army Research Office (ARO) will remain in Arlington. This was one of a very few instances in which the BRAC Commission overturned the Pentagon's recommendation.

"Arlington remains a prime place to live, work and do business," said Terry Holzheimer, director of Arlington Economic Development (AED).

Despite the County's victory in "saving the brains," the BRAC panel voted to move nearly 18,000 jobs from Arlington – vacating nearly 3.5 million square feet of leased office space. Experts estimate the relocations will begin in the next four to six years, and could take up to 10 years to complete.

The vacancies are "serious but manageable," Holzheimer added, noting that AED staff has begun working with commercial property owners to develop strategies to fill the space. In some cases, the federal government could fill offices with other government agencies.

State officials also are helping local jurisdictions to manage the effects of BRAC.

Gov. Mark R. Warner recently formed a Northern Virginia BRAC working group to address the movement of jobs and leased office space in Arlington and Alexandria, and other changes within the region. County Board Chairman Jay Fisette serves on the task force.

Crane's View: The Phoenix at Clarendon
This Phoenix isn't rising from the ashes, but on the site of Arlington's historic Main Post Office on Washington Boulevard at North Hudson Street. A mixed-use project, it will include:

• 181 residential units in a new 11-story building,
• New office space above the Post Office addition and
• Retail along to Highland Street and Washington Boulevard.

Begun in 2005, the Phoenix will open in phases beginning late 2006 and ending by 2007.

Safety First: 'Tis the Season to Celebrate Safely
December, January and February are the deadliest months for fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The top 10 days for home fires in recent years? Between Dec. 24 and Jan. 6.

The NFPA notes that candle fires have nearly tripled in the past decade. Nearly twice as many home candle fires occur in December than any other month, perhaps because of holiday decorations and rituals.

As we enter the holiday season, here are a few tips to keep you, your home and your family safe.

Use care with candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they can't be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning: When You Go Out, Blow Out.

Never put lit candles on a tree, and do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.

Prevent holiday tree fires Take special fire safety precautions when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.

• When you buy a fresh tree, needles should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and should not break. If the tree has been freshly cut, the trunk should be sticky to the touch.
• Don't place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.

Holiday lights Inspect holiday lights before putting them up each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation and broken or cracked sockets. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

As in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.

Lessons from Katrina
County employees learn from experiences in Gulf Coast
Whether natural or manmade, if a disaster strikes Arlington, the community will benefit from the lessons learned by the 21 County employees who responded after Hurricane Katrina.

The opportunity may yet present itself: the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, one of the busiest on record, runs through Nov. 30. And severe winter storms can do extensive damage in our region.

When the first call for help came from New Orleans, six Arlington County employees deployed to the Crescent City, including firefighters, police officers and emergency managers. But the County also sent staff from several other disciplines, as part of a coordinated Northern Virginia regional response involving Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Prince William County.

Arlington Comp-troller Barbara Liechti learned several valuable lessons from her time in New Orleans: "We learned that individuals do not have to serve in their area of expertise to be effective, they just have to be willing to serve.

"Each individual on our regional team formed a close bond with other team members, which will enable us to work together with our neighbors in any future incident" at home.

Other Arlington staff deployed to New Orleans included a chief information officer and an environmental services director.

County Fire Capt. Ed Blunt prepares for an aerial survey of flooded New Orleans. NOTE: Corrected from printed version which had stated Ed Blunt was a police captain.

Deputy Police Chief Steve Holl called his two weeks of 12-15 hour days "mind-numbing" in their intensity but deemed it "good experience to have."

"Seeing this just reinforces all the things that we're trying to do here in Arlington," Holl said –"the importance of making a plan, having supplies at home. Having a 'go kit,' so if all of a sudden you have to jump in your car and leave, you've got supplies that will last you for a couple of days."

Evelyn Poppell, director of Arlington's Communicable Disease Bureau, described the widespread devastation she saw as "unfathomable." Her biggest "take away" from the experience was that despite all of the outside help, "local employees were the key to the return of services and government infrastructure."

Holl concluded: "It was hugely educational to go down and see what another jurisdiction has faced, and that will certainly help us in our planning in the future and in people's readiness levels."

ARK Task Force and Fund Benefit Katrina Victims
The County Board has appointed a task force to develop a community-wide response to Katrina relief, the Arlington Response to Katrina (ARK) Task Force – focusing on the Gulf Coast's long-term needs and community rebuilding efforts.

The Board also established an ARK Fund to accept local contributions to support the initiative. Donations should be sent to the Arlington Community Foundation, 2525 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22201. To contribute online, visit www.arlcf.org; click on "Giving," then "Contribute Online! " Be sure to select "ARK Fund."

Environmental Focus: Leave Your Leaves to Us
Arlington's annual curbside leaf collection program has begun. Residents can rake their leaves in loose piles at the curb for vacuum truck collection; the first pass is in November, the second, in December.

For biodegradable bag pick up, collection is one business day after your regular trash day through Jan. 13. All leaves are recycled into mulch, available to residents.

To find out when crews will be in your neighborhood, visit www.arlingtonva.us, or call the Leaf Collection Information Line, (703) 228-6565. Also watch for updates on Channel 74 and in the Arlington Insider e-newsletter.

Environmental Focus: Toss That Old TV
Visit Arlington's new electronics recycling center
TV set conked out? Computer monitor fried? Don't throw them out with your trash. Arlington has a new Electronics Collection and Recycling Center where you can discard them safely – and the environment will thank you.

Electronic products often contain hazardous and toxic materials, such as lead, cadmium and mercury that pose environmental risks if they are landfilled or incinerated. So disposing of consumer electronics has become a concern for localities that are seeing increased amounts of such waste.

That's why Arlington advocates electronics recycling instead of disposal.

A permanent Electronics Collection and Recycling Center has been established for residents and County employees for products such as TVs, computer equipment, VCRs, stereos and DVD players. It's located at Arlington's Household Hazardous Materials Facility at the Water Pollution Control Plant, 3155 S. Fern St.

The center also accepts fax machines, printers and other peripherals on a walk-in, drop-off basis every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment during the week.

There is a recycling fee for computer monitors and TVs with CRTs: $15 per monitor and $20 per TV. All other materials can be dropped off for free. For more information, call (703) 228-6832 or visit www.arlingtonva.us.

Did you know?

Last fall, Arlington residents recycled about 40,000 cubic yards of leaves. That's enough to fill the basketball court at the MCI Center with an 18-story leaf pile.  

'Don't Trash It' Contest and Campaign
Send us your tips on using less, recycling more
Forty-two percent of what most Arlingtonians throw in the trash could be recycled in the County's existing curbside program, according to a random sampling of household waste from single-family homes. Mixed paper was the most commonly discarded material.

The County has launched a "Don't Trash It" Contest as part of a new public education campaign to reduce Arlington's waste stream. Whether you live in an apartment, single-family home or condo, we want to hear how you make recycling easy – and even fun – for your family. The contest began Nov. 1; the deadline for entries is Feb. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Tell us "what works for me" and share tips for:

• Making recycling easier
• Making recycling fun
• Collecting/storing recyclables at home until trash day
• Reducing what you throw away
• Reusing common items
• Backyard composting
• Tips on where to recycle all types of items, including local business and donation programs, County drop-off centers, recycling events and more.

To complete an online entry form, visit www.arlingtonva.us; under "Services," click on "Trash and Recycling." Or send your story or tip – along with your name, address, phone number and neighborhood (e.g., Barcroft, Lyon Park) – to Solid Waste Bureau, Don't Trash It Contest, 4300 29th St., S., Arlington, Va. 22206.

In March 2006, judges will pick the 20 best entries to be published in the Don't Trash It flyer. Winners also will receive a canvas gift bag made from recycled bottles and full of prizes! Be sure to check the May issue of The Citizen to find out who won.

Look for more Don't Trash It Tips in upcoming issues of The Citizen and Arlington Insider, the County's biweekly e-newsletter, and on County cable channel AVN 74.

County Studies Commercial and Multi-family Solid Waste
Commercial and multi-family properties generate about 70-75 percent of the County's trash and present the greatest opportunity to reduce waste and recycle more.

The County this fall will survey businesses, and apartment and condominium complexes to assess recycling ordinance compliance, and costs and service levels.

The study also will look at best practices of communities that achieve higher recycling rates, increased efficiencies and equitable pricing of solid waste services – and how these practices might work in Arlington. Two public briefings will be scheduled with afternoon and evening sessions to maximize resident and stakeholder participation as follows:

• After the survey and benchmarking will be in late November or early December.
• In the first quarter of 2006, before the County Manager makes a recommendation to the County Board.

Briefing dates will be widely publicized via the County Web site and in the media, including Channel 74. For more information visit the Commercial and Multi-Family Solid Waste Study Web page at www.arlingtonva.us.

Code Corner: New Political Sign Rules
Welcome to Code Corner, a new feature that addresses some of your most common questions about County and state codes, and their enforcement. Arlington's Zoning Ordinance on displaying political signs was amended in July 2005. The following is excerpted and paraphrased from Section 34E Nos. 7b, 14 and 15:

On private property
Unlighted, temporary political signs — freestanding or in windows — can be displayed in all zoning districts, without permits.

• Political signs, with no size and time limits, may be placed on private residential property.
• Signs on private property must not impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic; their placement and display must maintain the health, safety, convenience and welfare of County residents and businesses.
• Window signs may be displayed in multiple-family buildings.

This median strip display, from another city, would violate Arlington's ordinance.

On public property
On public property, unlighted temporary, freestanding political signs – not exceeding 4-1/2 sq. ft. in area nor three feet in height, measured from the ground – may be displayed:

1. Up to 31 consecutive days before an election/primary. Signs must be removed within five days of the election.
2. Up to two political signs per candidate/issue are allowed per median strip segment. Multiple candidates listed on one sign count as one sign for each candidate.

• No sign shall be placed on the side of a street, or so as to block the view of motorists at an intersection, or on any utility pole, tree, landscaped beautification area, traffic circle or control device, pedestrian refuge area, visual obstruction area or traffic sign.
• Signs shall not be placed next to or on a school site, municipal building, parkway or park property.

For more code information, go to www.arlingtonva.us, and enter "Arlington County Code" in the home page search box.

On the Move: Rosslyn Commuter Store Has a New Look
The renovated Rosslyn Commuter Store provides customers a more interactive experience.

Check out its electronic screens with regional transit system maps, news and schedule information. Customers can use two kiosks to access the Internet for commuting and transit information, and the store is a wi-fi hotspot.

Pick up printed schedules and maps for all regional transit systems. Tickets, tokens and passes for transportation options in the Washington area also are available.

The Rosslyn store is open Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. -7 p.m. For other locations, visit www.CommuterPage.com.

 County Calendar
NOVEMBER

7
Planning Commission meeting, 7 p.m., County Board Rm.

7
VETERANS DAY, County offices and courts closed. Please check www.arlingtonva.us for other closings.

14
Environment and Energy Conservation Commission meeting (E2C2), 7:30 p.m., 3033 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 7E, unless otherwise noted

15
County Board meeting (first meeting of the month is on Tuesday, rather than the usual Saturday, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., County Board Rm.

Disability Advisory Commission Meeting, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., 3033 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 7B

16
Cable Television and Information Technology Advisory Commission (CTITAC) meeting, 7:30 p.m., Central Library, 2nd Floor Meeting Rm.

Commission for the Arts meeting, 7- 9 p.m., 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Rm. 139

Historical Affairs and Landmark - Review Board (HALRB) meeting, 7:30 p.m. Call (703) 228-3830 for meeting location at 2100 Clarendon Blvd.

17
Commission on the Status of Women meeting, 7:30 p.m. Contact staff at (703) 228-7938 for location.

18
Urban Forestry Commission meeting, 7:30 p.m., 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 1st Fl., Conf. Rm. A

21
Commission on Aging meeting, 9 - 11 a.m., 3033 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 7E

22
Park and Recreation Commission meeting, 7:30 p.m., Fairlington Comm. Ctr., 3308 S. Stafford St.

24-25
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, County offices and courts closed. Please check www.arlingtonva.us for other closings.

28
Planning Commission meeting, 7 p.m., County Board Rm.

29
County Board recessed meeting, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., County Board Rm.

DECEMBER

1
Housing Commission, 7 p.m., 3033 Wilson Blvd., Rm. E and F

Transportation Commission, 7:30 p.m., County Board Rm.

2
Sports Commission meting, 7 p.m., 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 1st Fl., Conf. Rm. B

8
Human Rights Commission meeting, 7:30 p.m., 3033 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 7E

10
County Board meeting, 8:30 a.m., County Board Rm.

12
E2C2 meeting, 7:30 p.m., 3033 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 7E, unless otherwise noted

13
County Board recessed meeting, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., County Board Rm.

14
CTITAC meeting, 7:30 p.m., Central Library, 2nd Fl. meeting room

15
Commission on the Status of Women meeting, 7:30 p.m. Contact staff at (703) 228-7938 for location.

16
Urban Forestry Commission meeting, 7:30 p.m., 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 1st Floor, Conf. Rm. A

19
Commission on Aging meeting, 9 - 11 a.m., 3033 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 7E

20
Disability Advisory Commission meeting, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., 3033 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 7B

Park and Recreation Commission meeting, 7:30 p.m., Fairlington Comm. Ctr., 3308 S. Stafford St.

21
HALRB meeting, 7:30 p.m., Call (703) 228-3830 for meeting location at 2100 Clarendon Blvd.

Commission for the Arts meeting, 7- 9 p.m., 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Rm. 139

26
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY, County offices and courts closed. Please check www.arlingtonva.us for other closings.

 Events Around Arlington
NOVEMBER

8
"Yemaya's Belly" – Set in the Caribbean, an enthralling coming-of-age tale by Quiara Alegria Hudes. Signature Theatre, (703) 820-9771, www.signature-theatre.org. Through Dec. 18.

"As Bees in Honey Drown" – A New York con woman preys on "almost famous" artists until one takes his revenge, by Douglas Carter Beane. Trumpet Vine Theatre Company. Theatre on the Run, (703) 912-1649, www.trumpetvinetheatrecompany.org. (This link was incorrect in the print edition) Through Dec. 3.

11
Photo Show at the Hendry House – Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Photographic Society. Workshops throughout the week: Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun., noon - 5, 2411 N. 24th St., (703) 243-7329. Through Nov. 20.

12
"Wondrous White Winter" – Set in the mountains around Christmas time, a mischievous kitten and a charming child search for real friendship. Elegant puppets and enchanting music. Classika Theatre, (703) 824-0660, www.classika.org. Through Feb. 5.

13
"The Barber of Seville" – Rossini's beloved opera, adapted for children and their families. 3 p.m. Tickets: $12, $6. Thomas Jefferson Theatre, (703) 528-1433, www.novaopera.org. Through Nov. 13.

15
Drawings – Tradition to Innovation, a juried exhibition for all artists in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Arlington Arts Center, (703) 248-6800. www.arlingtonartscenter.org. Through Dec. 30.

17
"Suddenly Last Summer" – Two women battle passionately for possession of the story of a man they both love, by Tennessee Williams. The Keegan Theatre, Theatre Two at Gunston, (703) 527-6000, www.keegantheatre.com. Through Dec. 17.

DECEMBER

2
"The Nutcracker" – Annual performance by the dancers of the Center Dance Company. Thomas Jefferson Theatre, (703) 522-2414, www.arldance.org. Through Dec. 4.

Arlington Artists' Alliance Artful Weekend – On Friday, 6 - 8 p.m., enjoy refreshments and meet the artists; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon - 4 p.m., art exhibition and sale. Hendry House, Fort C.F. Smith Park, (703) 532-4450. Through Dec. 4.

11
Celebrate with Light – The Potomac Harmony Chorus of Sweet presents its annual show of holiday tunes and other favorites – a cappella, in four-part harmony. 3 p.m. Thomas Jefferson Theatre, (703) 764-3896. www.potomacharmony.org.

Tune In Arlington
Arlington's government cable channel is available on Comcast Cable Channel 74 and online – visit www.arlingtonva.us; under "Services" click on "Channel 74."

Arlington County Board Meetings
All County Board Meetings are carried live: on Saturday meeting dates at 8:30 a.m.; Tuesday recessed meetings at 3 and 6 p.m. Recent meetings repeat on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

Cuentos y Más (Stories and More)
Arlington's award-winning bilingual (English and Spanish) storytime hosted by Mariela Aguilar. Daily: 9 a.m.; 12:30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Green Tuesday
Environmental films from Arlington's Department of Environmental Services, Tuesdays at 2, 5 and 10 p.m.Update Arlington/Actualización ArlingtonA fast-paced, 5-minute weekly news magazine covering events all over Arlington. New episodes premiere Fridays. Scheduled throughout the day in English; Spanish version daily at 3 and 9 p.m.

Your Exercise Buddy
A daily program featuring seated exercise programs for seniors and others. Daily at 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon.

Barrett Students Reap Benefits of NASA Explorer Schools Program
It isn't every day that elementary students have an opportunity to meet astronauts like Roger Crouch or Carl Walz, who holds the U.S. space flight record of 196 days in space; but at Barrett, astronaut sightings are becoming a common occurrence! Barrett is one of 50 schools in the nation and the only Virginia elementary school selected to join the NASA Explorer Schools program this school year. The goal of the three-year partnership between NASA and the Explorer schools is to develop innovative math and science "action plans" for the classroom. Schools also receive $17,500.

Four Barrett students kicked off the partnership on Sept. 21 when they attended the world premiere of the new IMAX movie, "Magnificant Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D," at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum in D.C. The IMAX movie was narrated and produced by actor Tom Hanks, who attended the premiere. The Barrett students were escorted down the red carpet and later attended the after-party celebration with their parents and several teachers where they met Crouch and Walz, as well as Nickelodeon's "Bill Nye the Science Guy."

This was just one of the many opportunities that the entire student body will experience this year as part of Barrett's new designation as a NASA Explorer School. Throughout the year, NASA will also pay for Barrett instructional staff to attend conferences on science, math and technology with other Explorer school educators from across the country.

In late August before school started, Barrett staff participated in a videoconference with officials from NASA Langley and the Space Station. During the videoconference, the teachers took part in an interactive lesson on microgravity and heard a message from several astronauts currently aboard the Space Station. Later that day, teachers explored items in a space kit to solve problems and worked with space capsules targeted to specific grade level Standards of Learning objectives.

To begin preparation for the three-year partnership, Barrett's NASA Explorer instructional team attended a week-long workshop in July at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton. Barrett teachers Donna Barnette, Ramona Morales, Sandy Steenson, Laurie Sullivan and principal Theresa Bratt, who comprise the team, will continue to work with NASA education specialists this year to incorporate new teaching resources and technology tools into math and science instruction.

In Aftermath of Hurricane ...
Students Reach Out to Help
In the months since two hurricanes devastated the Gulf Coast, APS students and staff have been reaching out and contributing through a wide range of activities, raising consciousness and contributions, much like they did in the aftermath of the tsunami earlier this year. Virtually every school or PTA in Arlington has made plans to do something to raise support for hurricane relief efforts.

While hurricanes Katrina and Rita were tragedies to the residents in one region, they are providing APS students and staff with an opportunity to reach out to those in need. Superintendent Dr. Robert G. Smith said, "All of us have been saddened by the massive devastation that has touched so many lives in our nation, but I am pleased that our students are learning in a tangible way that their efforts can make a difference in Arlington and the world."

In addition to the outpouring of personal contributions from individual staff, administrators and families, just a few of the activities organized by Arlington students include the following:

• Abingdon has collected school and art supplies for backpacks to send to families in Mississippi.
• Ashlawn students, parents, and staff members have donated the $2,877 they collected to the American Red Cross. Students also collected hundreds of hygiene supplies.
• Carlin Springs is collecting dollar bills and has two business partners that will match their funds.
• Glebe is hosting a food drive for the Capital Area Food Bank and is also collecting school supplies to send to a school in Mississippi.
• Gunston hosted an after-school dance on Sept. 16, raising $600 for the America Red Cross.
• Students at Hoffman-Boston held a basketball marathon, "Hoops to Help" to raise funds.
• Jefferson's National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is donating proceeds from their first quarter pencil sales to the American Red Cross. In addition, at this year's back-to-school night on Sept. 27, students sold baked goods and coffee smoothies, raising more than $1,100.

To learn about many other relief efforts, visit www.arlington.k12.va.us/SCR/pubs/NewsTips/index.shtml.

Let's Give a Cheer!

• The 2004-05 Penman, Washington-Lee's literary magazine, sponsored by teacher Sarah Harrick, has  received the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's Gold Medal, the highest award for high school literary publications.
• Williamsburg science teacher Erin Peters has been selected as one of three Virginia finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The 2005 state-level finalists were chosen on the basis of their outstanding performance in the classroom as well as their contributions to science education. Peters and the other finalists will be recognized at the Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute on Nov. 18.

Keep in touch with APS on Channel 70
This year, APS Cable Channel 70 will give viewers an inside look at the unique programs and initiatives that are engaging Arlington students, and will help the community learn about the many volunteers and partners that are providing vital support and opportunities for APS students.

Throughout the school year, Superintendent Dr. Robert G. Smith spends "15 Minutes" discussing a host of educational initiatives with guests including APS staff, students, and parents. Each segment airs in English, immediately followed by a rebroadcast in Spanish. A new segment begins airing on the first and 16th of each month. This year's "15 Minutes" segments will focus on the programs throughout APS that are responding to the individual talents, interests, and needs of Arlington's students.

Additionally, a new program will spotlight some of the many partnerships and collaborations between the school system and local businesses and volunteers. In this informational program, viewers will learn how local businesses are making a difference in the lives of Arlington's students.

School Board meetings and many countywide events, including Information Nights, and emergency announcements are broadcast on the channel as well.

To see a schedule of all of the shows airing on Channel 70, visit www.arlington.k12.va.us/instruct/inst_tech_serv/70/70.htm.

Mark Your Calendar
NOVEMBER

1
First day for secondary transfer requests and H-B Woodlawn application

Middle School Information Night, Wakefield, 7 p.m.

23-25
Thanksgiving Holiday. No School.

DECEMBER

23
Winter break begins. No school.

JANUARY

3
Classes resume.

23
Last day for secondary transfer requests and H-B Woodlawn application.

30
Kindergarten Information Night, Kenmore, 7 p.m. (Snow Date: Feb. 6)

* For a complete list of school events, including athletics and theatre and music performances visit www.arlington.k12.va.us/SCR/news_events.shtml. The community is welcome to attend!

Comings & Goings
ATS Students Read More Than 26,000 Books
Captain Alan Bean, Apollo 12 astronaut, fourth man on the moon, and the grandfather of APS students, visited Arlington Traditional on Oct. 26 to help the students celebrate having read more than 26,000 books last summer. The ATS Reading Challenge, "Blast Off to Learning," challenged each ATS student to read 50-60 books. On Oct. 27, the entire school visited the Air & Space Museum in Dulles as part of their annual Reading Carnival Day.

ATS Principal Spends Two Weeks As "Miss America"
In her real life, Holly Hawthorne is the principal of Arlington Traditional. For two weeks in July, however, she was "Miss America" to hundreds of children at the Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH), a school in Uganda. AAH was founded by ATS parents John and Joyce Wanda, and is supported by friends in Arlington and across the nation.

APS Planetarium Director Jonathan Harmon, left, attended the Prairie Home Companion Cruise with Garrison Keillor.

APS Staffer Shares "Stargazing" with Prairie Home Companion Enthusiasts
Jonathan Harmon, director of the APS Planetarium, led stargazing activities this summer for guests sailing with public radio personality Garrison Keillor aboard the recent Prairie Home Companion cruise. Harmon, a longtime Home Companion enthusiast, had booked the cruise, but was thrilled when his offer to organize stargazing activities for other passengers was quickly accepted.

Career Center Students Adopt Quincy Park
For the 13th year, students in the Career Center's "Classroom on the Mall" class have adopted Quincy Street Park as part of their "Civic Consciousness" project. The students will visit the park once a month, to clean up. Several local Ballston businesses are donating the gloves and trash bags and will come out occasionally to help the students. "Civic Consciousness," part of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), is designed to help students understand that businesses should give back to the community from which they profit.

How Do I...?
Apply to use APS facilities for my community activity or event?
By day, Arlington's public schools are home to more than 18,000 students. By night and on weekends, the county's schools buildings are used extensively by a wide range of community and civic groups for meetings, classes, special events, and recreational activities. To learn more about using a school facility, including the APS planetarium, visit www.arlington.k12.va.us/finance/using_facilities.shtml or call (703) 228-8641.

Volunteer in the Arlington Public Schools?
Great schools help make communities great. APS welcomes all Arlington residents, businesses and organizations to become involved and contribute their time and talents to enhance the education of Arlington's students. Volunteers can mentor or tutor students, read to a class, assist a teacher, be a guest classroom speaker, or help maintain outdoor classrooms, to name just a few possibilities! There are also opportunities for Arlingtonians to contribute their expertise by serving on a wide range of advisory councils and committees, or to make financial or in-kind donations. For more information, click on "Volunteer/Partnership Opportunities" on the Web or contact Kim Durand at (703) 228-6003 or

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Holiday Shopping Arlington Style

Handmade scarf from Woodmont Weavers.

Searching for that unique holiday gift? Several County sponsored or supported programs – some year round, others seasonal – offer a variety of art, crafts and foods that are ideal for giving.

Lee Arts Center Holiday Sale On Saturday, Nov. 19, the Lee Arts Center holds its annual Holiday Sale, including fine pottery, sculpture, prints and jewelry by regional artists 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the center, 5722 Lee Hwy.

The Woodmont Weavers
The Woodmont Weavers is an artisan group of developmentally disabled adults who make exceptional handwoven products of wool, cotton and fiber blends, learning independence, technical and social skills along the way. Their studio/gift shop is open Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Ballston Common Mall (3rd floor), 4238 Wilson Blvd. Sponsored by the Arlington County Department of Human Services and the Arlington Community Services Board.

Ellipse Craft Shop
With additional hours for the holiday season, the Ellipse Craft Shop shares the Woodmont Weavers' space at Ballston Common, Fri., noon - 8 p.m.; Sat., 10 - 6; Sun., noon - 4 p.m. This cooperative outlet sells fine contemporary crafts and prints by regional artists. Call (703) 812-9420 for more information on special holiday hours.

Art Market at Ballston
Every first Saturday, May through December, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., the Art Market at Ballston offers a selection of handmade items, including pottery, quilts, giftware, clothing and jewelry, as well as original art and photography. Located between Stuart and Taylor streets, across from the Ballston Metro, behind the Qwest Building. Visit www.arlingtonarts.org for more information.

Arlington County Farmers' Market
Whether it's radicchio, radishes or rhubarb, you'll find farm-fresh produce in abundance at the Arlington Farmer's Market. Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. - noon, located in the parking lot at N. Courthouse Rd. and N. 14th St. Visit www.arlingtonfarmersmarket.com for more information.

 Este Invierno, Ahorre Energía y Dinero

Se espera que los precios de la energía aumenten este invierno. Pero Arlington le brindará algunos consejos que lo ayudarán a sobrellevar el frío.

En el ámbito nacional, se espera que los consumidores que poseen calefacción a gas natural paguen el 52 por ciento más por el combustible respecto del año pasado, según las estimaciones anticipadas que realizó la Administración Federal sobre Información Energética. Los costos del aceite para la calefacción podrían incrementarse el 34 por ciento y se espera que los precios de la electricidad suban aproximadamente un 11 por ciento.

El Condado de Arlington le ofrece los siguientes consejos a los residentes para controlar el consumo y los costos de la energía:

Consejos para el ahorro de energía en el invierno
En el hogar, contáctese con un técnico especializado para que optimice su sistema de calefacción durante el otoño. El mantenimiento anual garantiza que su sistema funcione en forma segura y eficiente. Limpie o cambie los filtros del generador de aire caliente todos los meses.

• Un hogar bien aislado le ahorra dinero en el invierno y en el verano. Considere agregar un aislante en su ático o alrededor de las cañerías de agua caliente o tuberías que se extienden por lugares no climatizados. Las ventanas contra tormentas, el calafateo y los burletes pueden ayudar a reducir las incómodas y costosas corrientes de aire por las ventanas.
• Utilice un termostato programable para disminuir la temperatura de su hogar a 65º F o a una temperatura aproximada durante la noche y/o cuando usted no se encuentre en su casa.

Ahorre dinero durante todo el año

• Cuando cambie los electrodomésticos más importantes, busque productos o aparatos electrónicos que lleven la calificación de ENERGY STAR®. Las lámparas compactas, de alta calidad y fluorescentes brindan una excelente iluminación y reducen ampliamente el uso de la electricidad.

Para obtener una lista integral sobre los consejos para el ahorro de energía en el hogar, visite http://www.ase.org/content/news/detail/1608. Aquí mencionamos sólo algunas de las cosas que está haciendo el Condado para ahorrar energía y dinero de los contribuyentes.

 Programas de Asistencia de Energía

Arlington posee dos programas de asistencia de energía que pueden ayudar a los residentes con bajos ingresos con los costos de la calefacción.

Programa de Asistencia para Combustible: Este programa federal de subvenciones ayuda con los costos de la calefacción, para reanudar el funcionamiento del generador de aire caliente, los cargos de instalación y las tarifas de conexión o reconexión. Las solicitudes se aceptarán hasta el 14 de noviembre. Para solicitar un formulario, llame al (703) 228-1488.

Programa de Asistencia ante una Crisis: la asistencia se basa en la disponibilidad de fondos. Llame al (703) 228-1350.

Para calificar en alguno de los programas, deberá ser residente del Condado de Arlington, ser responsable del pago de su factura de calefacción y cumplir con ciertos requisitos de su ingreso bruto mensual. Llame a los teléfonos mencionados