Aurora Highlands Civic Association (AHCA)

Outdoor Zumba 1 year celebration
2021-08-21 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Virginia Highlands Park West-side fields, 1535 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Join us as we celebrate one year of outdoor Zumba at the park with a fun Master Class! This special event will be lead by 4 great local instructors: Ana, Christine, Jessica and Natalia.
Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves, it incorporates interval training — alternating fast and slow rhythms — to help improve cardiovascular fitness.
No prior experience is required. Join your neighbors to enjoy the fresh air while getting in a great workout. This event is organized and led by a neighborhood volunteer, tips are highly encouraged.
Meet at Virginia Highlands Park Field #3 (“Hearts Field”) at the corner of Joyce & 15th.

AHCA September Meeting
2021-09-08 19:00 - 21:00
>> Register Now for September AHCA Meeting <<<

Agenda

523 24th St S Garrison Residence (20-30m)
Resident Les Garrison will share plans for redeveloping a grandfathered two-family home that is required to go through the County’s review process.
Outlier Co-Living Building Plans (30-60m)
The developer will share their vision for a co-living mid-rise building on Eads St., along with the additional height and zoning changes they are seeking.
Proposed Bylaws Amendments (15-30m)
Several changes will be proposed to clarify membership eligibility, streamline voting at virtual meetings, better ensuring topics are publicly advertised before being voted on, and potentially increasing quorum requirements. Any changes would not be voted on until October.

See the September Newsletter for additional information.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING. Pre-registration is not required, but if you do, you can easily add it to your calendar and avoid delays joining when the meeting starts.

>> Register Now for September AHCA Meeting <<<

If you have an issue that you feel needs to be raised, please contact the officers at officers@aurorahighlands.org.

Melwood Community Night
2021-09-18 18:30 - 22:00 | Melwood, 750 23rd Street South, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Join your neighbors at Melwood on 23rd street for a fun, family friendly evening filled with food trucks, popcorn, ice cream, and more!

Registration is required:
http://melwood.org/event/community-night

AHCA October Meeting
2021-10-13 19:00 - 21:00
>> Register Now for October AHCA Meeting <<<

Agenda

Dillon’s Rule (30m)
Ask many people why getting things done in Arlington is hard, and you’ll hear “Dillon’s Rule.” Hear Rich Schragger, Professor of Law at UVA, explain the history of the development of Home Rule and Dillon’s Rule and what it means for a County like Arlington.
County Food Scrap Program & Recycling (30m)
Adam Riedel from the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services will talk about the new food scrap program just launched in September. Find out how it works and get answers to your questions about the program and recycling in general.
Virginia Hospital Center Foundation grassroots initiatives (15m)
Foundation President Tony Burchard will talk about several initiatives that you may be interested in supporting: For Our Neighbors Fund, Healthy Meals for our Healthcare Heroes, and Growth of the VHC Physicians Group in our neighborhoods.
Bylaw Changes (15m)
The changes proposed in September to adjust membership eligibility, quorum, and meeting notification requirements will be voted upon.
Approval of tax reimbursement (5m)
Reimburse past treasurer Gail Fleming $242 for tax payments she incurred associated with the AHCA PayPal account.
Officer Nominations (10m)
Nominations for 2021 officer positions

Minutes for past meetings have not been approved for a while. If you have comments or corrections, please send them to officers@aurorahighlands.org. We’ll have a vote to approve these outstanding draft minutes:

April
May
June
September

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING. Pre-registration is not required, but if you do, you can easily add it to your calendar and avoid delays joining when the meeting starts.

>> Register Now for October AHCA Meeting <<<

If you have an issue that you feel needs to be raised, please contact an officer or email info@aurorahighlands.org.

Crystal City Building Heights Study - Comments Due
2021-10-18
Send your comments on the Crystal City Building Heights Study: Check out the new study materials for the Crystal City Building Heights Study and provide feedback by emailing Matt Mattauszek:

Online Engagement Session Presentation Recording | Slides (for CCBHS)

Pentagon City Planning Study - LRPC/Zoning meeting
2021-10-18 19:00 - 21:00
Attend the LRPC/Zoning meeting tonight on the Pentagon City Planning Study 7PM. Meeting Info is here: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Commissions-and-Advisory-Groups/Shared-Content/Commissions-PC-Hearings-Meetings/LRPC-ZOCO-Pentagon-City-Oct-2021
Meeting materials are here: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Commissions-and-Advisory-Groups/Planning-Commission/Long-Range-Planning-Committee

Eads Residential Special GLUP Meeting
2021-10-20 19:00 - 21:00
Attend the Eads Residential Special GLUP Meeting 7PM (make sure you study the new CCBHS recommendations too)
Everything you need to know is available through this link:
https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Projects/Plans-Studies/General-Land-Use-Plan/Studies/South-Eads-Residential

Last day to request Mailed Ballot
2021-10-22
Friday, October 22
Last day to request that a ballot be mailed to you! See voting info here: https://vote.arlingtonva.us/Home Note that scanner software has been updated and ballot format changed a bit – you MUST NOW COMPLETELY FILL IN THE OVAL for your choices!

Fort Scott Invasives cleanup
2021-10-23 09:00 - 11:00
Happy autumn! Finally, some cool weather for our time in the woods. Please join us this Saturday for our monthly invasive plant removal event at Fort Scott Park.

Where: Fort Scott Park, 2800 Fort Scott Drive, Arlington, VA 22202 Meet in the parking lot area, or if you are late, look for our large volunteer sign which will be visible from the parking lot.

When: Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 9am to 11am

Bring:

Appropriate clothing, including covered, sturdy footwear, long pants and long sleeves.
Drinking water.
Garden gloves, if you have them. If not, we will provide them.
Tools if you have them: weeders, clippers, loppers, small saws. No worries if you don’t have tools — we will have extras on hand.

Questions? Contact Terri McPalmer at terri.mcpalmer@gmail.com

Ready to commit? Sign up here: Remove Invasive Plants: Ft. Scott (signupgenius.com) Signing up is not absolutely necessary, so just show up if you have the time. Unable to attend this month? This is a recurring event every 4th Saturday of the month so maybe you can join us at our next event on November 27.

This is an Arlington County RiP and ARMN approved project.

PenPlace walking tour
2021-10-28 16:00 - 17:00
Thursday, October 28, 4 p.m.: Join an in-person walking tour of the PenPlace site and get a sense of the plans for Amazon HQ2.
Meet outside the Bartlett lobby, 520 12th St. S.
https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Projects/Project-Types/Site-Plan/Pen-Place-2021

Pentagon City Planning Study 2nd draft Comments Due
2021-10-31
Halloween – Pentagon City Planning Study comments DUE
Feedback form, 2nd draft, slide deck available through this link:
https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Projects/Plans-Studies/Land-Use/Pentagon-City-Planning-Study

Yoga in the Park
2021-11-07 17:00 - 18:00, 2021-11-14 17:00 - 18:00, 2021-11-21 17:00 - 18:00, 2021-11-28 17:00 - 18:00 | Virginia Highlands Park – Hearts Field, Joyce & 15th Streets, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Sundays @ 5pm through November
FREE class provided by a neighborhood volunteer. But $5+ tips are appreciated.
Classes are held in the large grassy “Hearts Field” softball field at Virginia Highlands Park – near the corner of Joyce & 15th street, and across from RiverHouse.

Zumba in the Park
2021-11-08 18:30 - 19:30, 2021-11-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2021-11-22 18:30 - 19:30, 2021-11-29 18:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Park – Hearts Field, Joyce & 15th Streets, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Mondays @ 6:30pm through November
Join Colton for his famous Zumba class that is suitable for all ages and abilities, but is heavy on dance coordination. So if you have TikTok moves, you’re all set. If not, that’s OK too, maybe you’ll pick up some moves. No equipment needed – just your body.
FREE class provided by a neighborhood volunteer. But $5+ tips are appreciated. Colton donates all profits to charity.
Classes are held in the large grassy “Hearts Field” softball field at Virginia Highlands Park – near the corner of Joyce & 15th street, and across from RiverHouse.
Weather permitting. Follow @AuroraHighlands for cancellations.

Concept Design Meeting: S. Eads St (12th St S. - Army Navy Dr)
2021-11-09 19:00 - 20:00
County Meeting:
The S. Eads Street (Army Navy Drive – 12th Street S. ) Complete Streets project is one of two County-led projects working to connect the forthcoming enhanced bicycle facilities on Army Navy Drive with the existing bicycle facilities on S. Eads Street south of 15th Street S. It is paired with the S. Eads Street (12th Street S. – 15th Street S.) Complete Streets project.
It will also make safety and operations improvements for people walking, biking, accessing transit and driving on this segment of S. Eads Street in the Pentagon City neighborhood, and help deliver the multimodal transportation network needed to support ongoing growth and development in the area.
Staff have developed a concept design that will deliver on these goals in coordination with the design and construction of the adjacent New Park at S. Eads Street & Army Navy Drive on the east side of this corridor, as well as the PenPlace development along the west side of this corridor.

https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Transportation/Events/Community-Meeting-S.-Eads-Street-12th-Street-S.-Army-Navy-Drive-Complete-Streets-Concept-Design-Engagement

Leaf Collection
2021-11-10 - 2021-11-12, 2021-12-01 - 2021-12-04
Leaving your leaves on the ground provides many environmental benefits — they enrich the soil as they decompose and provide habitat for birds, mammals, amphibians, and caterpillars. If you want to get rid of them, the County vacuum truck will be making several passes. Or leave them in your biodegradable–not plastic–bags or in the yard waste cart.
The County’s vacuum leaf passes are:
Aurora Highlands: Nov 10-12 and Dec 1-4
Arlington Ridge: Nov 17-20 and Dec 8-11
https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Recycling-and-Trash/Residential/Organics-Waste/Leaf-Collection/Leaf-Collection-Schedule

AHCA November Meeting
2021-11-10 19:00 - 21:00
>> Register Now for November AHCA Meeting <<<

Agenda

2022 Officer Elections (10m)
Introductions and then Vote on the officer candidates nominated in October:
President: Cory Giacobbe
1st VP: Ben D’Avanzo
2nd VP: Jill Braun
Treasurer: Alistair Watson or Ben Watts
Recording Secretary: Patty Pile
Corresponding Secretary: Natasha Atkins
Bylaws Updates (15m)
Vote whether to approve amendments to improve membership, voting, and notifications. This was held over from October. See the November newsletter for more information.
Water Treatment Plant (20m)
Paul Guttridge, our rep on the Arlington County Water Pollution Control Plant Solids Master Plan Biosolids Advisory Panel (whew!) will provide an update. They are still in the planning phase but it seems they have made an important decision on the options which neighbors may like to hear. The preferred option is to build the treatment process and pipe the renewable natural gas into the Washington gas pipeline, which gets rid of the continuous emissions concern which is good. bit.ly/biosolids-oct7

Miracle on 23rd Street (10m)
Melwood will share their plans for the annual Miracle on 23rd Street coming up this Friday, December 3. The AHCA board is recommending a $500 donation to Melwood in support of this annual neighborhood holiday event.

PenPlace/Amazon HQ2 Updates (50m)
Representatives from Amazon/JBG will present and answer questions on the changes in the last PenPlace development plans and the schedule of activities going forward. https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Projects/Project-Types/Site-Plan/Pen-Place-2021

Times are approximate!

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING. Pre-registration is not required, but if you do, you can easily add it to your calendar and avoid delays joining when the meeting starts.

>> Register Now for November AHCA Meeting <<<

If you have an issue that you feel needs to be raised, please contact an officer or email info@aurorahighlands.org.

Kidical Mass - Tour de National Landing
2021-11-14 12:30 - 17:00
National Landing is the vibrant, exciting part of Arlington located at the bend in the Potomac River. Join us on a ride to enjoy Arlington’s newest trail segment, around the newly opened Long Bridge Aquatic Center, through the Pentagon Reservation and through Pentagon City on Eads Street, ending in Crystal City. Kids will particularly enjoy the trail, from which they can see trains, planes & boats!
After the ride, the National Landing BID is hosting a round of warm drinks at The Freshman. Families may want to come early and enjoy brunch/lunch at the Freshman or another of Crystal City’s great restaurants.
We’ll meet up at the southern entrance to Long Bridge Park (no bathrooms at the park, so plan accordingly). We will roll out around 12:45pm along the Esplanade.
Everyone is welcome on our rides (as long as kids come with an adult), which are appropriate for all types of bikes (not scooters or training wheels). We often have kids on their adults’ bikes or younger kids who are newer to riding on their own. Older kids may find the ride to be slow & not very exciting, but are welcome to join the party as long as they’re willing to enjoy the pace.
Bring masks and locks (if you’re going to enjoy National Landing post-ride).

Details: http://kidicalmassarl.blogspot.com/2021/11/nov-2021-tour-de-national-landing-1114.html

When: Sunday, November 14
Meet: 12:30pm – southern entrance to Long Bridge Park (12th St S & Crystal Drive) – roll out 12:45pm
Parking: Neighborhood streets, Long Bridge Park or Crystal City parking garages
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37865871

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1560352847645337

Fort Scott Invasives cleanup
2021-11-27 09:00 - 11:00
Happy autumn! Finally, some cool weather for our time in the woods. Please join us this Saturday for our monthly invasive plant removal event at Fort Scott Park.

Where: Fort Scott Park, 2800 Fort Scott Drive, Arlington, VA 22202 Meet in the parking lot area, or if you are late, look for our large volunteer sign which will be visible from the parking lot.

When: Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 9am to 11am

Bring:

Appropriate clothing, including covered, sturdy footwear, long pants and long sleeves.
Drinking water.
Garden gloves, if you have them. If not, we will provide them.
Tools if you have them: weeders, clippers, loppers, small saws. No worries if you don’t have tools — we will have extras on hand.

Questions? Contact Terri McPalmer at terri.mcpalmer@gmail.com

Ready to commit? Sign up here: Remove Invasive Plants: Ft. Scott (signupgenius.com) Signing up is not absolutely necessary, so just show up if you have the time. Unable to attend this month? This is a recurring event every 4th Saturday of the month so maybe you can join us at our next event.

This is an Arlington County RiP and ARMN approved project.

Miracle on 23rd Street
2021-12-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Melwood, 750 23rd Street South, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Melwood will be hosting its annual Miracle on 23rd Street holiday event again this year. Each year Melwood invites more than 400 neighbors and families from across the area to kick off the holiday season with Miracle’s festive community tree lighting and pictures with Santa Claus. Arlington Fire Department will escort Santa and Mrs. Claus to the tree lighting, and there will be activities that feature hot chocolate, snacks, crafts and a poinsettia sale. This year Miracle on 23rd Street will take place on Friday, December 3rd, from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Melwood is looking for organizations or companies to sponsor this fun community event.
Your support allows Melwood to provide employment, job training, life skill improvement, supportive and recreational services to more than 2,000 people with disabilities in our community each year. Please contact Marchesa Whittington mwhittington@melwood.org.

AHCA December Meeting / Social
2021-12-08 19:00 - 21:00
>> Register Now for December AHCA Meeting <<<

Agenda:

TBD

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING. Pre-registration is not required, but if you do, you can easily add it to your calendar and avoid delays joining when the meeting starts.

>> Register Now for December AHCA Meeting <<<

If you have an issue that you feel needs to be raised, please contact an officer or email info@aurorahighlands.org.

Aircraft Noise Mitigation Study Community Meeting #3
2021-12-13 18:30 - 20:00
County Meeting:
The third community meeting for the Arlington County / Montgomery County joint Aircraft Noise Mitigation Study for communities north of Reagan National Airport (DCA) will be held virtually via Facebook LIVE on Monday, December 13, 2021 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The study team will provide a status update on the overall study, present draft recommendations for departure procedures and take questions and comments from community members. Check out the Arlington County Facebook page for the live meeting at that time.
https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/CMO/Airport-Noise

Christmas Tree Collection
2022-01-10 - 2022-01-21
Due to weather-related safety issues during the week of Jan. 3, special Christmas tree pick-up is now slated to begin the week of Jan. 10. Trees collected by the County the first two full weeks of January are turned into mulch available from County facilities. https://bit.ly/arl-xmas-pickup

Comments due: Aircraft Noise Mitigation Study
2022-01-12
Comments due January 12. The third community meeting for the NowGen project, the Arlington County / Montgomery County joint Aircraft Noise Mitigation Study for communities north of Reagan National Airport (DCA) was held virtually on Monday, December 13, 2021. The study team provided a status update on the overall study, presented draft recommendations for departure procedures and addressed community comments and questions. Watch a recording of the conversation [https://bit.ly/aircraft-noise-meeting3] and review the presentation [https://bit.ly/aircraft-noise-slides3]. Send comments by January 12 to noise2020@arlingtonva.us. The NowGen website is at https://dca.nowgen.net/. County information on airplane noise is at https://bit.ly/arl-airport-noise.
