July 2017 Newsletter

[View the printed-format newsletter here]

All Aurora Highlands residents are invited and encouraged to come to our monthly meetings where we meet neighbors, discuss topics of interest, and share information. MEETING – Wednesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. Aurora Hills Senior Center 735 18th St. S.

Aurora Highlands Civic Association Newsletter – July 2017

Meeting Agenda

• Funding for the Boo-Ha-Ha Festival. Planning is well underway for the October festival. Members of the Boo planning committee will share their budget for this year’s festival. We will be voting on their request to AHCA for a contribution of $3,500. Our bank balance as of July 1 is $8,020. Last year’s crowd was the largest ever, so the planning committee is proposing adjustments to the program and budget to ensure the event continues to be safe and inclusive, and offers the same quality of activities neighbors have come to expect. They will also share information about a new approach to fundraising for the event. Please join us for the discussion.
• Ready for 100 and Arlington Solar Co-op. Now that summer is in full swing and people will be depending on their A/C, our agenda and this issue focus on renewable energy and staying cool. Come learn about Ready for 100, an initiative to mobilize support for Arlington to commit to 100% renewable electricity by 2035. We’ll talk about how other U.S. cities have already either achieved or committed to 100% renewable and provide related materials such as a DIY Energy Efficiency Checklist and a Going Solar in Arlington factsheet. We will also be reviewing and voting on a resolution of support. The Greater Arlington Solar Co-op is open to residents of Arlington and neighboring jurisdictions. By joining a group, which essentially buys in bulk, you can save up to 20% off the cost of a solar system. You’ll also have the support of the group instead of navigating an often- complicated process alone. Come learn about the process, the tax advantages, and how to sign up to get your home evaluated for solar.

Community Updates

• Energy Rebates. For other ways to save energy—and money—check out the websites of the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy https://environment.arlingtonva.us/energy/, Washington Gas https://www.washingtongas.com/home-owners/savings/rebates, and Dominion Energy https://www.dominionenergy.com/home-and-small-business/ways-to-save/energy-conservation-programs/smart-cooling-rewards
• Trees. The best way to keep our neighborhood cool is to keep it shady. And the best way to do that is to care for your trees.

  Watering: Trees planted in the last 2 years should be watered 25 gallons a week. The easiest way to make sure is to use a watering bag or donut (online for as cheap as $12) and fill it weekly. Rainstorms seldom add significant water. If you have a street tree near you, please try to help keep it watered. The County’s budget doesn’t allow for the recommended watering, and they water only the first year.

  Pruning: Pruning of medium to large trees is best left to qualified arborists. Well executed pruning can reduce the risk of storm damage, done poorly, pruning can increase the risk. Never top a tree or lop the ends of major branches to reduce risk.

  Preservation: Mature trees enhance the neighborhood. Proper maintenance will help reduce the rapid rate of tree loss in Aurora Highlands. Beware of tree care companies who suggest removal of living trees, even those that have been storm damaged; many have financial incentives to do just that. Removal of living trees is sometimes necessary, but should be considered the last resort after all other options have been considered. For more on choosing an arborist visit http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/arborist.shtml. Find one in our area by clicking the Find an Arborist tab at goodtreecare.com.

• Fridays at the Fountain. Crystal City’s popular outdoor beer and wine garden at the Waterpark is open Fridays through October, 5–9 pm. Join your neighbors for this free event with live music and a cash bar featuring beers and wines from the Crystal City Wine Shop.
• Virginia Highlands Spraypark is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day weekend.
• REMINDER: AHCA Community Social. Join neighbors for a pint or a bite to eat at the Crystal City Sports Pub on Tuesday, July 20. Second floor, 6:30 to 8:30.

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Please sign up with the Aurora Highlands group at Nextdoor.com to stay informed about happenings in the hood, including AHCA-related issues, and to share events and other items with your neighbors.

Aurora Highlands Civic Association       P.O. Box 25201       Arlington, VA 22202

www.aurorahighlands.org

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