Items of interest Sept 7 2017
Post date: Sep 7, 2017 3:23:39 PM
1. Arlington County remembrance of 9/11
2. Update on Advisory Commission Schedule for Policy from the Residential Parking Working Group
3. Voting on November 7, 2017
4. October Free Public Education Programs
5. Learn about native plants
6. Parking changes at Thomas Jefferson Center
1. MEDIA ALERT: Arlington Remembers 9/11
Arlington County Government invites the community to join neighbors, County leaders, staff and first responders in commemoration of the lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and to express gratitude to all those who helped that day.
The County’s wreath-laying ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. A moment of silence will be held at 9:37 a.m., the moment of impact at the Pentagon, where 184 lives were lost.
WHAT: Arlington County’s annual remembrance of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, with wreath-laying and remarks.
WHO: Captain David Santini of the Arlington County Fire Department to make welcoming remarks.
County Manager Mark Schwartz, Police Chief Jay Farr, Fire Chief James Bonzano, Sheriff Beth Arthur and other officials in attendance.
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 11, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd. at the outdoor plaza flagpoles (above the Court House Metrorail station).
Media Contact: Peter Golkin, 703-228-3346
2. Update on Advisory Commission Schedule for Policy from the Residential Parking Working Group
If you were unable to attend last Thursday’s presentation to the Transportation Commission on the proposed policy from the Residential Parking Working Group process, you can view a recording and see the staff presentation slides here. The Transportation Commission voted unanimously to endorse staff’s request to authorize advertisement of the proposed policy, which is scheduled to go to the County Board on October 21.
We also want to let you know that our schedule for some future presentations to Advisory Commissions has changed. The Housing Commission has moved our presentation from October to tomorrow, September 7th. We apologize for the late notice, but if you would like to attend, then please join us at 7 PM in Room 311 of Courthouse Plaza, tomorrow, September 7th.
In case we are asked to reschedule other presentations, we ask that you check the project web site for the most up-to-date schedule of upcoming presentations, or feel free to contact me.
All the Best
Stephen Crim
Parking Planner
703-228-7494
3. VOTING - NOVEMBER 7, 2017
On Tuesday, November 7 there are elections for many important offices - both local and state. These include Virginia House of delegates, Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Arlington County Board and Arlington School Board.
If you are an eligible voter, and are not registered to vote - I encourage you to register. If you are registered and have moved since the last time you voted or it has been several years since last voting, I suggest verifying that you are properly registered.
The polling place for those (or, perhaps almost all) is probably Thomas Jefferson Community Center - and parking may be somewhat of a challenge (I hope not), so consider early absentee voting. For those voting at Thomas Jefferson, most will be in the Alfonso Lopez House of Delegates district, but some will be in the Patrick Hope district.
Some of these races may be very close, so voter turnout can be very important.
4. October 2017 Free Public Education Programs
TO: Arlington/Alexandria Community Organizations
FROM: Cherri Harris, Publicity Chair, Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)
Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (Alexandria/Arlington)
The following are free public education events for October 2017. They are open to all, and posted at https://mgnv.org/events/mgnv-events/.
Sunday, October 1, 2-4pm, Sunny and Shade Garden, 850 N. Lexington St, Arlington, 22205. (in Bon Air Park off Wilson Blvd, next to the rose garden)
Tour Our Gardens in Bon Air Park!
Come get free seeds and try your luck in a plant raffle as you tour our magnificent gardens and learn first-hand how to grow beautiful plants in the sun or the shade. You can get advice from our Master Gardeners and pick up helpful information resources and ideas for that special place in your own yard.
Free. No registration necessary.
Thursday and Friday, October 5-6, 8:30am-3:30pm, Arlington Campus, George Mason University, 3351 Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22201
3rd Virginia Urban Agriculture Summit
Join us for one of our most exciting and informative events of the year! With over 30 presenters from all over Virginia and the surrounding states, you will learn from those who have a passion about Urban Agriculture, food systems, education and more. Topics include urban-rural partnerships, how to color your gardens, practical science-based challenges and solutions, how to make money in urban agriculture, how to promote urban agriculture, and agriculture in the classroom.
For more information, including registration fee and tours, see the conference website at: https://vafb.swoogo.com/urbanag2017/36853.
Tuesday, October 10, 11am to noon, Simpson Park Demonstration Gardens, 420 E. Monroe St., Alexandria (by the YMCA).
Simpson Gardens Stroll
Join the MG volunteers in their last stroll of the year as they show off their gardens in early fall bloom! See the beautiful leaf colors and learn how to create a great winter garden while our Master Gardeners answer all your garden questions.
Free. No registration necessary.
Wednesday, October 11, 7-8:30pm. Mt Vernon Recreation Ctr, 2701 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria 22305
Tree Selection, Planting and Care
Did you know that trees can save you lots of money in heating and cooling bills, as well as add to your home’s value and curb appeal? Come learn how to pick the right tree for the right spot in your yard, with consideration of summer shade, winter sun, screening and seasonal interest. We will include a DIY segment and a discussion about when to hire a professional arborist.
Free. No registration necessary. In partnership with the Alexandria Beautification Commission.
Saturday, October 14, 10:30-noon, Fairlington Community Ctr, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington, 22206
Composting, And What To Do With All That Leaf And Yard Waste
Learn how to turn yard clippings, kitchen waste and excess paper into black gold for your garden! We will show you how to start composting at home, what to put in a compost pile, how to easily maintain it so the materials break down properly, and how to apply it in your own garden and lawn.
Free. Advance registration at mgnv.org. Questions 703-228-6414 or mgarlalex@gmail.com.
Monday, October 16, 7-8:30pm, Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria 22304, or
Saturday, October 21, 10:30-noon, Fairlington Community Ctr, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington, 22206
Putting Your Garden To Bed (Program Offered Twice)
Did you know that Fall is an ideal time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials, and even vegetables? You will learn easy tips for onsite composting, providing winter habitat and food for wildlife, and end-of-season care of tools and equipment. We'll help you identify great plants that can add interest to your yard during the grey doldrums of winter.
Free. Advance registration at mgnv.org. Questions 703-228-6414 or mgarlalex@gmail.com.
Thursday, October 26, 7-8:30pm, Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria 22304
Native Grasses and Sedges For The Home Garden
Learn about a selection of native grasses and sedges that can add structure and beauty to your garden through the seasons. Landscaping uses, maintenance techniques, and ways these plants support wildlife will also be discussed.
Free. Advance registration at mgnv.org. Questions 703-228-6414 or mgarlalex@gmail.com.
…….and don’t miss the last of our Wednesday Night Garden Talks at the Arlington Central Library, 7-8:30 pm, 1015 N. Quincy St, Arlington 22201.
Topics for October are: Fruit From Vines, Brambles and Shrubs (Oct 4); Growing Garlic and Its History (Oct 11)
Free. No registration necessary. Presented with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).
Check https://afac.org/plot-against-hunger/, www.plotagainsthunger.afac.org, http://arlingtonva.libcal.com/ or download the entire schedule at: https://afac.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/GardenTalks.Central.2017.pdf
Check out our Plant Clinics! The Arlington Central Library Plant Clinic is open from 6:45-8:45 pm. every Wednesday to October 25, 2017 and is located in the East Lobby of the library, 1015 N. Quincy Street. The Arlington Farmers’ Market Plant Clinic, Del Ray Farmers Market Plant Clinic, and Alexandria Farmers Market Plant Clinic will be closed in October, but will be back next May!
Note to All: Our Help Desk operates year-round and we welcome your garden-related questions, including those related to plant and insect identification. The Help Desk operates from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays at the VCE office, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington 22206. Contact us at 703-228-6414 or mgarlalex@gmail.com, or drop by to speak with our Help Desk volunteers. But it’s best to call before you come to make sure we’re available.
Also, check out the resources on our website, mgnv.org. You’ll find a Quick Guide for Gardeners in Northern Virginia, with our hardiness zone and frost dates; a list of problem plants and better alternatives; and an extensive list, with pictures and descriptions, of Tried and True Native Plants for the Mid-Atlantic area. Our schedule of gardening programs is posted on this website, so be sure to check it often.
Virginia Cooperative Extension http://www.ext.vt.edu is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. VCE programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.
5. LEARN ABOUT NATIVE PLANTS - Vernon Recreation Ctr, 2701 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria 22305
Learn about planting natives right before the fall plants sales and planting season ensues. Find out which plants are easiest to grow, because they already call this area home. Want to attract birds, butterflies and pollinators to your yard? We will tell you the tips and techniques for creating a wildlife oasis.
Free. No registration necessary. In partnership with the Alexandria Beautification Commission.
6. Changes in parking at Thomas Jefferson (TJ) Center
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School construction has made parking difficult in this area. The Center has notices and maps at the check in desk about reduced parking because of the construction. The County is recommending (with an annotated map) FREE and AVAILABLE on street parking on nearby streets from S Irving to S Fenwick.