Aurora Highlands Civic Association (AHCA)

Saturday Music at the Park
2020-08-08 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Live Music at Virginia Highlands Park
Bring your own Picnic and games to enjoy.

Safety first! There is plenty of room to safely social distance at the park.
Location 15th St and Joyce St S (softball field area).
Time: Music from approximately 6:30-8pm. Every Saturday through August, weather permitting.
Bring your blanket or a chair to listen to a local musician. Local neighborhood musician Jim Sheats is joining the lineup August 1 and August 29, playing Funk, Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Country and more! Recently we’ve had Dan Barry, who plays acoustic soul & rock (Album: https://danbarry.hearnow.com/, Instagram: @guybotsnowflake Facebook: @danbarryband) and Gary Chambers, playing upbeat acoustic rock.
For August 8, Gary Chambers will be performing.
*Musicians are playing for free for our community, but please consider a tip donation of at least $5. It will make a big difference in the support of our local musicians. Performers will provide their details for virtual tips.

For your picnic. Consider one of the many local and diverse restaurants and pick up your picnic dinner from them! Here is a list of restaurants with to go and delivery options: https://nationallanding.org/city-life/eat-and-shop/delivery. Food trucks may be on site, but no guarantees.
Lawn games which don’t interfere with social distancing, picnics and the music are very welcomed!

Photos are from similar activities in May and June.

Zumba Tuesdays
2020-08-11 19:00 - 20:00
Every Tuesday in August, join neighborhood instructor Natalia Gomez for some fun Zumba and socially distant way to exercise.
Zumba in the park every Tuesday in August!
This 50 minute class is perfect for all ages and levels. Dance and exercise with plenty of room to socially distance yourself.
FREE event! But please consider a tip of $5 for our local volunteer instructor, Natalia.
WHAT YOU NEED: Bring water, towel, and wear exercise clothing
LOCATION: Virginia Highlands Park (Pentagon City metro) in the softball fields near the hearts.
Safety is always first! All local and CDC policies and guidelines for COVID need to be followed.

This is part of the community-led activities series. See the flyer for other events this month, and contact info@aurorahighlands.org if there’s a safe, socially distanced community activity you’d like to lead.

Dominion Energy Substation Expansion Community Meeting
2020-08-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual – WebEx
Dominion is holding a virtual community meeting to review the proposed expansion of the Crystal Substation power distribution center. This could also include a lad swap of their property at ives & 18th.
The meeting can be accessed through the project website, https://www.dominionenergy.com/projects-and-facilities/electric-projects/power-line-projects/crystal

Here is the letter sent to nearby neighbors:

Crystal Substation Improvement and Expansion Project
Dear Neighbor:
At Dominion Energy, we are committed to keeping neighbors informed of upcoming projects in their area. You are receiving this letter because we are preparing to make improvements to our Crystal Substation, located at the intersection of South Hayes Street and South Fern Street in Arlington County, Virginia. These improvements will allow us to continue providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to your community.
Crystal Substation has been in operation for several decades, and much of the equipment has reached the end of its service life. As part of this project, we will replace the aging infrastructure and make both safety and operational improvements. In order to complete this work, we are proposing an expansion of the existing substation.
Our proposed expansion involves a land exchange agreement with Arlington County. We would like to exchange existing property on South Ives Street and 18th Street (approximately 10,000 square feet) and acquire approximately 14,250 square feet of the adjacent parcel owned by Arlington County. This parcel is located to the west of the substation. In early July 2020, we submitted a rezoning application to the County Board to rezone our substation property to C-O-2.5.
In addition to expanding the substation, our team believes there is a great opportunity to improve the look of the substation to match the current and future vision of the National Landing area. These improvements include:

 removing the existing lattice roof
 transforming the brick building into an enclosed modernized building
 landscaping
 creating a green space area
We welcome feedback on our plans through September 2020, when we plan to submit our Special Use Permit for the November County Board meeting. We are also planning on holding a virtual community meeting to review the project on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020 from 6 – 7 p.m. You will receive an invitation to this meeting in the coming days. Until then, we have enclosed an FAQ document and a project timeline for your review.
For more information about this project, please visit our project website at DominionEnergy.com/crystal. Or contact us by sending an email to powerline@dominionenergy.com or calling 888-291-0190.
Sincerely,
The Electric Transmission Project Team

Project Timeline

July 6, 2020 – Submit rezoning application
July – September 2020 Outreach
Aug. 13, 2020 – Virtual community meeting
August – September 2020 – Solicit written feedback from community through Dominion Energy and Arlington County project websites
Sept. 8, 2020 – Submit Special Use Permit Application for November County Board hearing
Nov. 14, 2020 – County Board meeting
Late Q1 2021 – Anticipated construction start date
Q3 2022 – Anticipated completion of major construction of substation and electrical componentsQ2 2023 – Anticipated completion of aesthetical components of substation

*This schedule is subject to change based on permits, weather, etc.

[Updated] Saturday ART at the park - Find Origami Art
2020-08-15 18:30 - 20:00
[UPDATED] To make this is super safe event enjoyed by everyone, we’re switching it up! Instead of creating origami, FIND ORIGAMI IN THE PARK! Art created by Peijisan Art
Starting August 10th, come to Virginia Highlands Park (Pentagon City metro) to view large scale origami figures throughout the entire park including rabbits, butterflies, cranes, roses, and birds!
Make sure to tag your photos @aurorahighlands
and share with others the origami that you’re finding!
LOCATION: 1600 Hayes St S, Arlington, VA.
Follow Aurora Highlands Civic Associationon Facebook and Twitter to keep updated on this event and others.

Super Soaker Sunday
2020-08-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Virginia Highlands Park West-side fields, 1535 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Cool off from a distance! Enjoy a socially distant water gun squirt a palooza
BYOSG (Bring your own squirt gun/super soaker) and your masks
Rules:

Wear your mask!
No head shots, we want to keep our masks dry!
Stay with your pod/family
Stay 8 ft away from others
Have fun and get SOAKED!

-All ages welcome-

This is part of the community-led activities series. See the flyer for other events this month, and contact info@aurorahighlands.org if there’s a safe, socially distanced community activity you’d like to lead.

Zumba Tuesdays
2020-08-18 19:00 - 20:00, 2020-08-25 19:00 - 20:00
Every Tuesday in August, join neighborhood instructor Natalia Gomez for some fun Zumba and socially distant way to exercise.

This is part of the community-led activities series. See the flyer for other events this month, and contact info@aurorahighlands.org if there’s a safe, socially distanced community activity you’d like to lead.

Saturday Music at the Park - Gary Chambers
2020-08-22 18:30 - 20:00
Listen to musicians Gary Chambers (Aug 8th and 22nd) & Jim Sheats (Aug 29th). We encourage people to bring their lawn games (Frisbee, corn hole, lawn bowling, etc…) and a blanket and chair to sit on. Also, for your picnic dinner. Please consider supporting local restaurants with take out for your picnic dinner.

Live Music at Virginia Highlands Park
Bring your own Picnic and games to enjoy.

Safety first! There is plenty of room to safely social distance at the park.
Location 15th St and Joyce St S (softball field area).
Time: Music from approximately 6:30-8pm. Every Saturday through August, weather permitting.
Bring your blanket or a chair to listen to a local musician. Local neighborhood musician Jim Sheats is joining the lineup August 1 and August 29, playing Funk, Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Country and more! Recently we’ve had Dan Barry, who plays acoustic soul & rock (Album: https://danbarry.hearnow.com/, Instagram: @guybotsnowflake Facebook: @danbarryband) and Gary Chambers, playing upbeat acoustic rock.
*Musicians are playing for free for our community, but please consider a tip donation of at least $5. It will make a big difference in the support of our local musicians. Performers will provide their details for virtual tips.

For your picnic. Consider one of the many local and diverse restaurants and pick up your picnic dinner from them! Here is a list of restaurants with to go and delivery options: https://nationallanding.org/city-life/eat-and-shop/delivery. Food trucks may be on site, but no guarantees.
Lawn games which don’t interfere with social distancing, picnics and the music are very welcomed!

Photos are from similar activities in May and June.

Route1 Lowering: community discussion
2020-08-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
ALL 22202 HANDS ON DECK, 7 PM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26TH

Register to attend a joint civic association Zoom meeting to learn about planning for “improvements” to Route 1 through a VDOT feasibility study.

These could include a business plan to lower Route 1 (Richmond Hwy) to ground level at 15th and 18th Streets. Cross streets would then have to cross Route 1 at traffic-signaled intersections rather than passing under Route 1 as they currently do. If implemented, this plan would likely have a significant impact on our 22202 community. Join us to learn about where matters currently stand and to weigh in with your questions and comments.

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: Aug 26, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuduigqTwjGtMVyUsdxBnGUUMf-01wag8I

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Saturday Music at the Park - Jim Sheats
2020-08-29 18:30 - 20:00

Zumba Saturdays
2020-09-05 10:30 - 11:20, 2020-09-12 10:30 - 23:20, 2020-09-19 10:30 - 11:20, 2020-09-26 10:30 - 11:20, 2020-10-03 10:30 - 11:20, 2020-10-10 10:30 - 11:20 | Virginia Highlands Park West-side fields, 1535 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
This 50 minute class is perfect for all ages and levels. Dance and exercise with plenty of room to socially distance yourself.
.

FREE event! But please consider a tip of $5 for our local volunteer instructor, Natalia.
.
WHAT YOU NEED: Bring water, towel, and wear exercise clothing
TIME: 10:30am-11:20am
LOCATION: Virginia Highlands Park (Pentagon City metro) in the softball fields near the hearts.
.

Note: Tuesday evening Zumba is not currently possible due to conflicts with County-wide softball programming.

.
** If you’d like for Zumba and other community events to continue, please take a minute to write to the Aurora Highlands Civic Association to tell us why you’ve enjoyed the park, the art and the community events, so that we can work with the County to keep it going!
Write to info@aurorahighlands.org
Also when you write in, we’ll add you to the park event notification list.
Follow @aurorahighlands for updates on this event and others
http://aurorahighlands.org/calendar/
.

Live Music & Picnic Saturdays: Gary Chambers
2020-09-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2020-09-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Park West-side fields, 1535 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Enjoy live music in the park, performed by local neighborhood musicians.

Sept 5. Gary Chambers
Sept 12. The Carter Farm Boys
Sept 19. Gary Chambers
Sept 26. Jim Sheats

*Musicians are playing for free for our community, but please consider a tip donation of at least $5. It will make a big difference in the support of our local musicians. Performers will provide their details for virtual tips.

We now have movable chairs and various lawn game, made possible by a generous donation from JBG Smith. Or bring your own blanket, chair, and games for your own picnic space. Please consider supporting local restaurants with take out for your picnic dinner.

Safety first! There is plenty of room to safely social distance at the park.

Location 15th St and Joyce St S (softball field area).
Time: Music from approximately 6:00-7:30pm. Every Saturday, weather permitting.
Bring your blanket or a chair to listen to a local musician. Local neighborhood musicians The Carter Farm Boys join the September lineup with returning musicians Jim Sheats and Gary Chambers.
For your picnic. Consider one of the many local and diverse restaurants and pick up your picnic dinner from them! Here is a list of restaurants with to go and delivery options: https://nationallanding.org/city-life/eat-and-shop/delivery. Food trucks may be on site – Kovi on the 12h and Pepe from Jaleo on the 19th.
Lawn games which dont interfere with social distancing, picnics and the music are very welcomed!

Farmers Market
2020-09-08 15:00 - 19:00 | 2011 Crystal Dr, 2011 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
The popular FRESHFARM Market is back at last year’s location: The parking lot at Courtyard at 2011/2121 Crystal Drive.
Many of the vendors are doing pre-order this year, so check out the vendor list before heading to the market.

Tuesdays through October 27.

September AHCA Meeting: Arlington Police, State Delegate Mark Levine *Virtual:Zoom*
2020-09-09 19:00 - 21:00
Note: The order of the agenda may change.
7:00 Police / Crime Update
Arlington County Police will be on hand to share current crime statistics and answer questions you may have about recent crimes and police activities. See https://aurorahighlands.org/news/police-sept2020/ for a recent statement from ACPD on crime.
7:30 Legislative Update
State delegate Mark Levine will share progress made in the special legislative session dealing with issues such as budget shortfalls due to the coronavirus pandemic, housing, criminal justice reform and policing policies. Find out what’s been done and come with questions and feedback for your state representative. You can catch up on past updates at https://www.markfordelegate.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/LevineforVirginia/
8:30 Open Floor
Raise any topic for brief discussion.
Agenda times are approximate & may change!
This meeting is open to all Aurora Highlands residents. Residents of Arlington Ridge and Crystal City are also welcome to attend and join in the police and legislation discussions.
The September monthly meething continues the recent tradition of virtual meetings, via Zoom. 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

We do not yet have a process for performing official actions such as making motions and taking votes at meetings. If you have an issue that you feel needs to be raised, please contact an officer or email info@aurorahighlands.org.

Ride In Reels Movie Night
2020-09-10 19:00 - 21:00 | The Lot at 33rd & Crystal, 33rd St & Crystal Drive, Arlington, 22202, United States
The National Landing BID has partnered with Lidl to bring you a month of drive-in movie nights!
Movie Schedule:
9/3 – Little Women (POSTPONED)
9/10 – Finding Nemo
9/17 – Just Mercy
9/24 – The Goonies
10/2 – Little Women (Rain Date)
How to Sign Up:

You must be signed up for the National Landing BID’s newsletter.
The link to sign up will be included in Monday’s newsletter for Thursday’s movie
When you register, select your vehicle type or one of the limited number of non-vehicle spaces
Please note: once you make your selection, you should complete you registration quickly because Eventbrite does not reserve “tickets” that are in your cart

Safety protocols:
To ensure we can continue to provide our FREE outdoor movies safely, all patrons should adhere to the following protocols:

Prior registration is required to attend Ride in Reels
Public restrooms are NOT available. Please plan accordingly.
Attendees should remain in their vehicles — or designated space for walk-up patrons — at all times.
If you are in a vehicle and need assistance or need to leave during the movie, turn on your hazard lights and a volunteer will assist you.
Outside food and drink is permitted.
Alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited.
Face masks/coverings should be worn as you arrive and exit. They may be removed during the movie.
Staff reserves the right to ask patrons to leave if they violate these protocols or in any way create an unsafe environment for our volunteers or guests.

Live Music & Picnic Saturdays: The Carter Farm Band
2020-09-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Park West-side fields, 1535 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States

Ride In Reels Movie Night: Just Mercy
2020-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | The Lot at 33rd & Crystal, 33rd St & Crystal Drive, Arlington, 22202, United States

Ride In Reels Movie Night: The Goonies
2020-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 | The Lot at 33rd & Crystal, 33rd St & Crystal Drive, Arlington, 22202, United States

Live Music & Picnic Saturdays: Jim Sheats
2020-09-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Park West-side fields, 1535 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States

Livability 22202: Route 1 Working Group
2020-09-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
Please register online to participate in Wednesday’s update by the Livability 22202 Route 1 Working Group and BID staff. In addition to the items sent in the initial draft agenda, we will have brief comments on the PC PDSP 22202 Transportation study update and new information on the VDOT Route 1 feasibility study.

NOTICE OF LIVABILITY22202 ROUTE 1 FOLLOW UP MEETING
7 PM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
On August 26, we held an initial joint civic association meeting to inform 22202 residents about planning for “improvements” to Route 1 through a VDOT feasibility study set to begin shortly and last for a year. These could include a business plan to lower Route 1 (Richmond Hwy) to ground level at 15th and 18th Streets. Whatever is decided by VDOT will likely have a significant impact on our 22202 community.
The September 30 virtual Zoom meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to weigh in on their concerns and needs about crossing Route 1 and to hear from the National Landing BID about their thoughts on “Reimagining Route 1.”
Register below to attend this follow up meeting to learn where matters currently stand and to weigh in with your questions and comments. Registration is limited to 100 participants but the meeting will be live streamed on the CCCA Facebook page.

The agenda is:
1. Project Updates and Introductions (includes PC PDSP transportation study update)
NEW: VDOT Route 1 feasibility update, including comments on 1st task force meeting (tonight)!
2. Results of the Livability22202 survey of residents on Route 1
3. Community Needs and Concerns (your input)
4. BID presentation: “Reimagining Route 1?”

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuduqurTgpGNckXXhwC_7ILdv2AdBqIOlS
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Live Music & Picnic Saturdays: Gary Chambers
2020-10-03 18:00 - 19:30
Last month for music this year! Please join us for this fun and talented line up for October:

Sat, Oct 3rd Gary Chambers, guitarist https://garychambers.us/
Sat, Oct 10th Jim Sheats, guitarist
Sat, Oct 17th Bella and Waylon band https://www.instagram.com/bella.and.waylon/
Sat, Oct 24th The Carter Farm Boys band

FREE event, but please consider a $5+ cash tip for the volunteer musicians. Their virtual tip information (Paypal or Venmo) will be available near their tip jar.
Enjoy new lawn games and chairs courtesy of JBG Smith. (Thank you!) Please bring a blanket or chair to sit on, in case the chairs are in use.
Consider supporting local restaurants with take out for your picnic dinner! Some evenings there will be a food truck nearby. And order pizza from Extreme Pizza Pentagon City for delivery to the park!

Safety first! There is plenty of room to safely social distance at the park.

Location 15th St and Joyce St S (softball field area).
Time: Music from approximately 6:00-7:30pm. Every Saturday, weather permitting.
Bring your blanket or a chair to listen to a local musician. Local neighborhood musicians The Carter Farm Boys join the September lineup with returning musicians Jim Sheats and Gary Chambers.
For your picnic. Consider one of the many local and diverse restaurants and pick up your picnic dinner from them! Here is a list of restaurants with to go and delivery options: https://nationallanding.org/city-life/eat-and-shop/delivery. Food trucks may be on site – Kovi on the 12h and Pepe from Jaleo on the 19th.
Lawn games which dont interfere with social distancing, picnics and the music are very welcomed!

Live Music & Picnic Saturdays: Jim Sheats
2020-10-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Park West-side fields, 1535 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States

AHCA October Monthly Meeting
2020-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
>> Register Now for October AHCA Meeting <<<

Join us Wednesday, 7-9pm for our October meeting. This month’s meeting will cover a range of topics in a relatively quickly paced news format. Most topics should be less than 5 minute recaps with the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments.
* Officer Nominations
The proposed slate of candidates from the nominating committee will be presented. Others may be nominated at the meeting, though we’d much rather anyone contact info@aurorahighlands.org beforehand to work out the best slate of positions!
* Schools Working Group
A Livability22202 working group focused on education is being formed. Hear from neighbor and parent Shaz Akram about how you can help.
* ZeroWaste and Energy Goals
Miriam Gennari will review the county’s goals that the community should consider when thinking about future area planning.
* Open Floor / Discussion
With so many projects, events, and proposals going on in the neighborhood, we’d be happy to talk more about any anything that’s going on, hear your thoughts, and answer as many questions as we can. This will include:
Ives park progress & donation request
VHP programming, field lights
Halloween activities
VHP dog park progress
Route 1 update
Underground update
Arts update
Substation
Any attendee suggestions
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.

Live Music & Picnic Saturdays: Bella and Waylon band
2020-10-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Virginia Highlands Park West-side fields, 1535 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
