January - Lake Barcroft
Transcription
January - Lake Barcroft
JANUARY 2015 Photo by Tom Donlan Pres i d ent ’s Report New Alerts Will Bring Emergency Messages By Jim Kilbourne One of the lessons learned from this past summer’s sewer-spill incidents was that the LBA Directors did not have an effective mechanism to quickly get emergency messages out to all Lake residents. We have taken action to remedy that. After a special committee of the Board explored a number of options, we contracted with SwiftReach Networks, a New Jersey-based company, to provide emergency alert notices to residents through its Swift911 program (www. swiftreach.com/Solutions). This application is similar to many current emergency alert systems, including Fairfax County’s emergency alert system, but will allow us to send messages that are focused on Lake Barcroft concerns, such as incidents that may impact the Lake’s water quality or storms that result in downed power lines on Lake Barcroft streets. SwiftReach is a highly regarded continued on page 6 LBA Annual Membership Meeting & Election Tuesday, Feb. 17 7:30 p.m. Belvedere Cafeteria Details on Page 9 As it turned dark as the Winter Solstice approached on Dec. 21, more than 50 neighbors gathered on Beach 5 to sing carols by the light of candles and a glowing tree. Chairman of the Holiday Caroling was Colin O’Sullivan of Waterway Drive, who sent out song sheets in advance and arranged for beautiful weather for this memorable family event. Chris Has Been ‘Taking Exceptional Care of Us’ for 25 Years By Sally Determan Barcroft News Staff Lake Barcroft is very fortunate that we’ve had the extraordinary Chris Lawson as Lake Manager or Assistant Lake Manager for 25 years. As volunteer leadership has come and gone, Chris has been devoted to our community and has provided vital services for all of us. Chris’s father moved the family to the Lake from Seattle in 1964 to take a new position at NASA. They lived for six months on Pinetree Terrace and then moved to the Lakeview Drive home where Chris still lives with her husband, Vince, and three rescue dogs – and where she raised her son, Ryan, who now lives in Dallas with his wife and Chris’s two beloved young grandchildren. Chris has many wonderful childhood memories – playing on Beach 2 with her two siblings, swimming for the Lake Barcroft Swim Team, watching out for scary Lake carp, participating in the Labor Day Games and enjoying the wonderful Lake environment. It was a happy childhood. However, in 1969 her father died at age 41, leaving her mother, Marykathryn Kubat, to raise and provide for three young children. Her mother’s strength in such a difficult situation is still an inspiration to Chris, who describes her mother as “the most wonderful human being I have ever met.” In 1972, after doing volunteer work for the predecessor of the LBA, Chris’s mother accepted a compensated position as our first Lake Manager. Beginning in continued on page 10 Lake Barcroft Newsletter 2 Milestones By Kim I. Mills Barcroft News Staff Family Photo Published by Lake Barcroft Association, Inc. Carol Donlan, Editor 6516 Jay Miller Drive Falls Church, Virginia 22041 Telephone: 703-941-0112 Email: ckdonlan2@gmail.com Photography Tom Donlan, Photo Editor Larry Golfer, Photographer George McLennan, Photographer Production/Layout Dominique Cavich Don Christian Staff Ed Davis, General Assignment Sally Determan, Quick Questions Stuart Feldstein, Post Production Kevin Howe, Nature Moe Jafari, Food Columnist Larry Golfer, Reporter/Photographer Debra Lee, Restaurant Reviewer Joyce McCarten, Artists George McLennan, Senior Reporter/ Restaurant Reviewer Kim Mills, Milestones Editor Anne Murphy O’Neil, Writer Betsy Washington, Horticulture It looks like a Merry Christmas was had at the Penlands’ house on Waterway Drive. From left are Tom and Trippi, Claire, 6, David, Noah, 3, and Julie holding Savannah Grace, 3 months. New Babies, Newlyweds and a New Job Jennifer and Brian Allen of Stoneybrae Drive announce the birth of their first child, Grace Elizabeth Allen, born Dec. 18 at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. She weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces and was 21¼ inches. Dad reports she has “a full head of brown hair, long legs, and a strong hand grip.” The Lake Barcroft Newsletter is published monthly by the Lake Barcroft Association. Advertising Rates 1/2 page 1/3 page 1/4 page 1/8 page business card Back cover $225/mo. $150/mo. $125/mo. $100/mo. $3,900/yr. Family Photo Please submit articles to ckdonlan2@gmail.com or Barcroft News, c/o 6516 Jay Miller Drive, Falls Church, Virginia 22041 Deadline for the Feb. newsletter is Jan. 20. Family Photo Publications Committee Shane Oleson, Chairman Don Christian Carol Donlan George McLennan Elisha John Severne Service ad $425/yr (Restrictions apply: this rate not available after 1/15/14) Advertising Sales Chris and Vince Lawson Telephone: 703-941-2547 Email: lachance3@aol.com Grace Elizabeth Allen. John and Linda Hill of Cavalier Corridor are celebrating a new grandson, Elisha (Eli) John Severne who was born Dec. 10. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20.5 inches long. And in other Hill grandson news: Owen Severne, 8, won First Place in the 10-and-under continued on page 13 January 2015 3 Neighbors A series of stories about some of the extraordinary people at the Lake and those who have made Lake Barcroft an extraordinary place to live. If you know someone who should be featured, contact Anne O'Neil. Family Photo 2014–2015 Officers and Directors Jim Kilbourne, President . . . . . . . 703-256-7382 Sally Determan, Vice President . . . . 703-845-0363 Ann Cullather, Secretary . . . . . . . 703-256-8483 Lee Price, Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . 703-237-4868 Rick Aldrich, Director . . . . . . . . . . 703-750-0488 Eva Kosztarab, Director . . . . . . . . 703-354-6214 Bill Lecos, Director . . . . . . . . . . . 703-931-4612 Shane Oleson, Director . . . . . . . . 703-941-1202 Pat Payne, Director . . . . . . . . . . . 703-671-1061 Frank Phillippi, Director . . . . . . . . 703-354-8343 Warren Russell, Director . . . . . . . 703-750-0596 Diane Smalley, Director . . . . . . . . 703-658-4626 Betsy Washington, Director . . . . . 703-941-6325 LBA Committee Chairpersons Peter and Margie Morris taking a much-needed vacation at South Island, New Zealand. From Khmer Rouge Refugees to Ebola Victims in Sierra Leone, 30 Years Working Among the World’s Suffering Peoples By Anne Murphy O’Neil Barcroft News Staff A friendly suggestion by email first raised my awareness of two fascinating neighbors, Peter and Margie Morris of Lyric Lane. For 30 years now, they’ve devoted their professional energies and expertise to promoting the well-being of people around the world. When we spoke, Peter was home for three weeks from Guinea, where he leads a team of 25 specialists focused on dealing with the Ebola crisis. During the holiday season while celebrating our universal longing for peace and good will, it was exciting to spend an hour with these two humanitarians and learn something of the work they engage in on behalf of all of us. Peter, I understand you head our government’s Ebola response at USAID. Peter: Yes. Our Disaster Assistance Response Team is coordinating efforts to address the Ebola epidemic with teams in Liberia and Sierra Leone. We also address housing, general health, logistics, etc., for natural and man-made disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes and civil conflicts. Can you tell us of a particularly satisfying project? Peter: With the Taliban in charge of Afghanistan there was widespread famine. Many simply had no money to buy food, so grandparents starved themselves to feed children. We developed a voucher program that made it possible for them to buy wheat locally and from Khazakstan. With your broad experience of situations all over the world, are there any that amazed you? Peter: I’ve had National Geographictype experiences where we were fording a stream and came upon a camel caravan of Koochies (Afghan nomads) carrying continued on page 22 Architectural Review Rick Aldrich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-750-0488 Security Bill Lecos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-931-4612 Environmental Quality/WID Liaison Betsy Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-941-6325 Finance & Audit Lee Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-237-4868 Maintenance & Improvements Frank Phillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-354-8343 George Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-354-1133 Legal Eva Kosztarab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-354-6214 Membership Warren Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-750-0596 Communications & Publications Shane Oleson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-941-1202 Special Events Diane Smalley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-658-4626 Water Safety Pat Payne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-671-1061 Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund Ralph Smalley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-658-4626 LBA Management Office . . . . . . . . 703-941-1927 Chris Lawson (Monday–Friday) 6425 Lakeview Dr., Falls Church, VA 22041 www.lakebarcroft.org Watershed Improvement District . . 703-820-1300 Lake Barcroft Newsletter 4 Welcome to a New Artist with a New Landscape to Master By Joyce McCarten Barcroft News Staff Photo by Tom Donlan Lake Barcroft has a new artist. Susan Flanders and her husband, Lloyd, moved to Mansfield Drive last January, but because they go to Northern Michigan for five months of the year, they are only now becoming acquainted with our community. Susan and Lloyd came to Lake Barcroft to live close to their daughter, Stacey Vorce and her family who live on Crosswoods Drive. It could not have been an easy decision to move, however, because they were living in the San Diego area, one of the most beautiful cities in the country. “The light, the golden hills, the water, it was all so magical,” Susan told me. “I loved every minute of it. In middle age I was able to begin to learn to paint the beauty around me. I found a teacher who was extraordinary and I became immersed in learning traditional painting methods.” Susan has learned to make beautiful paintings. Concentrating on landscape and portrait, most of her work has been commissions for clients who want paintings of their favorite places and pets. In Northern Michigan, Susan has become well known for her paintings of cows. A gallery there repeatedly sells out of her whimsical and charming paintings of our bovine friends. When artists move into a new environment, we are confronted with new colors, new energy, new trees and even new air. It all affects what and how we paint. “I’m going to have to change a lot of things for the paintings I make in this area,” Susan said. “First, I will have to change my palette. Instead of the bright colors of the West Coast, I will have to investigate more low-key, subtle colors. Grey will enter my palette for the first time.” We looked out on the grey, misty day before us, and we both agreed that the colors were very different from California. “I’m Susan Flanders, here with with her husband, Lloyd, is getting used to a new East Coast palette. going to have to force myself to grow, and that is a very uncomfortable place for me.” “On the other hand, I love the challenge. I probably won’t be making many more paintings of West Coast succulents. I’ll be looking at the shapes of the trees, the color of Lake Barcroft and the morning light that comes into my studio.” I hope many will look at Susan’s website (susanflanders.com) and follow her path of learning and growing as she settles into our community. Her work may become more abstract, more emotional and more intense without the sheer beauty of California to distract her. I look forward to taking her west on Route 66 where the hills get green and then grey. Susan will be exhibiting with the Lake Barcroft Art League in some of its future exhibitions, so please welcome her to our community when you have the opportunity. Many Thanks for a Successful Art League Holiday Show & Sale On a sunny Sunday afternoon in December, 25 Lake Barcroft Art League artists exhibited their work at the homes of Lea Bellas of Waterway Drive, Chica Brunsvold of Wentworth Drive, Sarah Mattingly of Crosswoods Drive and Lark Lovering of Cavalier Corridor. Art from many media were exhibited and for sale. The exhibiting artists were: Fiber Artist Debra M. Lee Ikebana Artist Elizabeth Berry ■ Jewelry Artists Bonnie Blyth, Debbie Ladwig, Suzanne Schneider and Jennifer Talati ■ ■ Painters Chica Brunsvold, Susan Ellis, Susan Flanders, Bob Gaarder, Nancy Garcia, David Goldstein, Noreene Janus, Stephanie Kozemchak, Carol Lopatin, Joyce McCarten, Deenie McKay, Helen Power and Bill Wasylyk ■ Photographers Lea Bellas, Larry Golfer, Sarah Mattingly and George McLennan ■ Potters Jyette Gibson and Randa Mendenhall ■ Many Lake Barcroft residents spent the afternoon meeting the artists, learning about the stories behind their artwork and continued on page 12 January 2015 5 Wilma and Ron, the People Behind Ayers – ‘A Jewel,’ ‘A Community Treasure’ By Ed Davis Barcroft News Staff Photos by Larry Golfer This is the first of our occasional series Barcroft Businesses. If you know a neighbor with a business we should write about, email editor Carol Donlan, ckdonlan2@ gmail.com. Walk into Ayers Variety and Hardware store in the Westover neighborhood of Arlington and you will immediately know you are not in Home Depot. For one, rather than an official “greeter” handing out coupons, you may be greeted by your neighbors Wilma and Ron Kaplan of Crosswoods Drive. You will also soon realize that you entered a delightful alternate universe from the bigbox chain stores. As Lois Mandelberg of Waterway Place said, “Ayers Hardware is a jewel.” Stephanie Perez of Potterton Drive said, “I absolutely love Ayers. It's a true community treasure.” The store is from another era, without being stuffy or run-down. Rather, it is a family-owned neighborhood store with a staff that, according to Lois, “are all great and will help you find anything.” Wilma and Ron moved to Lake Barcroft in 2005, but they were already well-established at Ayers. They bought the store in 1977. It had been a neighborhood landmark for many years. As Moe Jafari of Crosswoods Drive wrote, “I grew up in Arlington going to Ayers Five & Dime. I try to buy most of my [hardware] needs from there, I always buy my summer plants, peppers, etc. from Ayers.” Jafari noted that the Kaplans have continued the former owners’ tradition of handing out candy to children, something noted by Leigh Gonzalez of Crosswoods Circle. “Bob and I lived in Westover. Ayers was less than a five minute walk from our house. I was not much into sweets for my daughters but they found Ayers, and I found candy, cookie and other sweets wrappers under their beds.” The Kaplans had been in the retail business before buying Ayers. Ron was a government engineer who decided to go Ayers is an Arlington landmark owned by Wilma and Ron Kaplan of Crosswoods Drive. into retail and bought and ran a couple of stores in Maryland. The Ayers store is a family business. Daughter Kristy said she had expected she would be doing something else with her life, but started working in the store 17 years ago and now “I get up in the morning and look forward to going to work.” Son Keith has worked in the store for 25 years and he and his sister now run the place. Ron said, “Our grandkids were brought up in the store.” One grandchild now says he wants to work in the store. Nowadays Ron and Wilma work mostly on weekends, allowing their son and daughter to spend time with families. Wilma noted that they don’t have many big family get-togethers since the store is only closed four days in the year. And, anyway, she said, “We spend long days together here.” After spending an hour or so in the store with them it was obvious that a big part of the joy of working there is the familiarity with so many of the customers. Every year, they have a Santa in the store and they delight in telling the Santa (secretly) where many of their customers’ children Ron Kaplan and son Keith. live so he can surprise them by telling them he’s going right to their streets. The Kaplans get along well with the few other local independent hardware stores in the area, and they all share the same wholesalers. Ron said one of the difficulties for a small business like theirs is that Home Depot and Lowes have run most small hardware stores out of business, so there are fewer wholesalers and it’s tougher to get items and in the smaller quantities that they want. continued on page 23 Lake Barcroft Newsletter 6 President, continued from page 1 business with more than 1,500 companies nationwide utilizing its services. In January, LBA will provide SwiftReach with an initial database of contact information for Lake Barcroft residents consisting of home phone, cell phone, and email address where we have that information. This will be drawn from the information supplied for the Lake Barcroft Directory and will be provided to SwiftReach only where residents have previously indicated that the information may be publicly included in the Directory. If you provided contact information to LBA, but indicated you did not want it to be made public, it will not be turned over to SwiftReach. Residents will be contacted by the Swift911 system, either by phone, text, or email, to alert them that the system is operational. Residents will then be able to sign directly onto Swift911 to add, delete or otherwise change contact information and to set their preferred means of contact to be a telephone call, text message, or email. If you do not wish to be a part of the emergency notification system, you may opt out of the Swift911 system after you have received the initial contact notice or call Chris Lawson and ask LBA to delete you from the system. Please contact Chris by Jan. 25 at 703-941-1927. Thanks to Shane Oleson, Sally Determan and Diane Smalley, the members of our special committee, for their hard work evaluating and testing several different emergency alert products. They felt that for the value and cost, SwiftReach was an excellent product. The Board is very much looking forward to having this new notification system in place. It offers significant flexibility in how we can alert residents to emergency situations involving the Lake, and could prove to be quite useful in other circumstances as well. Thurgood Marshall Fund LBA dues notices for 2015 were sent out in mid-December. I ask that you to pay particular attention to an option presented on the bill statement to donate to the Thur- good Marshall Fund, an LBA-run charitable foundation. The Thurgood Marshall Fund was established nearly 20 years ago to honor the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall who lived on Lakeview Drive. Income generated from the Fund provides college scholarships for students at JEB Stuart High School. Justice Marshall was a true believer in equal educational opportunities, and this is a wonderful way to assist students in need at JEB Stuart. The Thurgood Marshall Fund is run under the auspices of the Lake Barcroft Foundation, a subsidiary of the Lake Barcroft Association and a Section 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to the Fund are tax deductible. The Thurgood Marshall Fund also works closely with the JEB Stuart Foundation, which also raises funds for graduating seniors who need financial assist during their college years. More information on the JEB Stuart Foundation is available at http://stuartfund.com. Architectural Review Committee Guideline Revision As mentioned in the December Lake Barcroft Newsletter, our Architectural Review Committee (ARC), in coordination with the LBA Board, has undertaken an extensive revision of the Architectural Review Guidelines. Significant issues include the definition of who is an “affected neighbor” for receiving formal notification of an applicant’s request for ARC approval, fence height, seawall construction, size of docks and sheds, new items requiring ARC approval and items that do not require ARC approval. The new proposed guidelines were posted on the LBA website on Dec. 17 at http://lakebarcroft.org/blog/architectural-review-committee-arc-proposes-newguidelines. Send comments by Jan. 15 to Rick Aldrich, chair of the ARC, at rick. aldrich@verizon.net. After review of the comments, the Board will post the final revised guidelines on the LBA website. Architectural review issues are important to all of us in the community, and we encourage your involvement in this comment process. January 2015 7 I am an attorney with Booz Allen Hamilton, providing consulting on cyberlaw issues to the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Previously I had a 20-year career as an Air Force Judge Advocate. This included submitting briefs to the Supreme Court and participating as an amicus in the first televised case of a federal appellate court. I was also a White House Fellowship Regional Finalist. A graduate of the Air Force Academy, I volunteer to help a local Congressman select nominees to the Service Academies. I am also a published author and adjunct faculty member. I served as president of a homeowners association in Colorado, providing experience on key Home Owners’ Association issues. My desire to serve is based on my deep fondness for the community and its residents. I’m active in several groups, and on any given weekend you will see me and my partner swimming, kayaking, boating, windsurfing, biking, running or otherwise enjoying the benefits of living on Lake Barcroft. If re-elected, I hope to use my background and experience, along with my love of Lake Barcroft, to seek to ensure its safety, preserve its beauty and retain the value of our homes and community. Andrew Casolini My wife Melissa and I moved from a small village in Upstate New York and have lived in Lake Barcroft since 2008. We rented our first home on Pinetree Terrace, and soon fell in love with the neighborhood. We purchased our current home in 2011 on Greentree Drive. You know it’s our house by the soccer goal in front where there are always kids playing. We have two boys, Maxell and Samuel, who both attend Bailey's Elementary school. My family loves to participate in all the wonderful offerings of Lake Barcroft, whether its community gatherings or activities centered around the Lake. I have lived in many different places across the U.S., including Los Angeles and New Jersey. Ultimately, I moved to Buffalo, following my parents after graduating from Lehigh University, and started working immediately on environmental issues affecting drinking water. I am a licensed professional engineer who specializes in water, stormwater, wastewater infrastructure, and environmental solutions. My work focuses on improving the built environment by integrating it into the natural environment. I would like to donate my skill sets to the support my community and be a steward of the environment. I sit on the Board of Directors for Wendel Companies, an architecture, engineering and construction firm that specializes in transit, energy, water and wastewater infrastructure. In addition, I have also held a board position for approximately eight years for the nonprofit Western New York Water Work Conference. I am very active in local issues affecting the neighborhood, including Bailey's overcrowding, which led to the construction of Bailey's Upper School. I have participated in the public sessions of the Seven Corners Task Force and public meetings around the sewer overflow issues in the spring and summer of 2014. My goal in life is to serve my family and community to improve their lives. Photo by Tom Donlan Rick Aldrich As a member of the Lake Barcroft Board of Directors and Chairman of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), I have initiated many improvements: expanding the ARC membership to better represent the community, updating the ARC Guidelines, incorporating an ARC ombudsman to mediate resolutions and employing technology to significantly expedite the ARC review process. If re-elected, I will continue to pursue changes that make the Board more responsive to the needs of the Lake Barcroft community. Photo by Tom Donlan Family Photo Meet the 2015 Candidates for the LBA Board – and Don’t Forget to Vote at the LBA Membership Meeting on Feb. 17 Anne Cullather I've felt I was destined to live in Lake Barcroft since I was a wee child. In 1960, my family was moving from San Francisco to the D.C. area, and my parents' Navy friends advised that, after living in Hawaii and San Francisco, if they were destined for D.C., they should live in Lake Barcroft. And so the family headed out. But in the 60s, this was the wilderness – and the family got lost. My father wouldn't ask for directions. So we ended up in North Springfield, where my dad rented and eventually bought a house. It took many years, and several moves, for me to finally get to Lake Barcroft in in 2000 and to my home on Lakeview Terrace. Lake Barcroft is such a unique and embracing community— where neighbors know each other and look out for each other. Over the years I've lived here, I've come to realize how much work it takes to make a community thrive, and I'm eager to devote my energy to make a contribution to the board and the community. I have just finished my first term on the Board and served as Secretary for the past year and before that as chair of the Membership Committee. Both positions continued on page 8 Lake Barcroft Newsletter 8 My wife, Sara, and I raised our two sons here, both went to local schools including Stuart High. I worked for the U.S House of Representatives for 12 years and then for many years for a nonprofit advocacy group, Common Cause. In between those jobs, I went back to school and received a master’s degree from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. allowed me to understand the innerworking of the community and the budget that allows us to preserve a thriving neighborhood. Family Photo Ed Davis I have lived in Lake Barcroft for 23 years, enjoyed the Lake, made many friends and now would like to become more involved in the work of the community. I am interested in working with the “infrastructure” committee and in maintaining our unique setting while the area around us becomes inevitably more urbanized. I believe that my many years of working with coalitions of groups and individuals gives me the experience to come up with solutions to the occasional “speed bumps” in our otherwise calm and cohesive community. I recently began writing for the Lake Barcroft newsletter. I spent many years coaching and on the board of the Mason District Little League, the last four years as president. It was a great opportunity to get to know many people in and around the Lake. I was treasurer of the Stuart Choral Boosters for three years, bringing them into compliance with state and federal tax laws. My wife and I deliver food for ACCA Food Bank. For several years, I was on the board and active in the work of DC Vote, which advocates for voting rights for DC residents. Wherever I have gone, it is always a joy to be back in the Lake. I hope that serving on the board will allow me to play a small role in keeping the community a place we all want to get back to every day. Family Photo I spent most of my life working in telecommunications for MCI and later for Qwest. I'm employed by Alcalde & Fay, a lobbying firm that represents municipalities across the country. I'm both an advocate for our clients in Congress, as well as Director of the firm's grant services division. And when I'm not doing that, I'm dragging my nieces and nephews around on the boat, teaching them to fish and appreciate all that the Lake has to offer. It would be a privilege to again serve on your board. I appreciate the opportunity to continue on the Board. Sara Withers Franco My husband, Joe, and I were lucky enough to discover Lake Barcroft while looking for our first home in 2000. We have lived in that same house on Beachway Drive and have since added two kids (Josh, 10, and Julia, 7). I love this community – it’s so unique and has been a wonderful place to raise our kids. To keep growing and maintaining such a wonderful community as Lake Barcroft, I feel strongly that people need to step up and help out. Now that our kids are older, I have more time to do just that. One of the main ways I’ve contributed to the community is by starting a neighborhood playgroup 10 years ago. Back then we created an email group, which is still very active – sharing resources, buying/ selling items and suggesting outings with the kids. It has now grown to more than 100 mostly Lake families. I coordinate a Halloween and a holiday gathering where the kids can play and the adults can chat. We also have monthly Mom’s Nights. It’s been a great way to foster a tighter community within the families of Lake Barcroft. I have also been helping Shane Oleson with the new Lake Barcroft website. As a long-time technical project manager and former business owner, I feel both my organizational and communication skills would be an asset to the board – gathering feedback from groups such as the parent group, and sharing the feedback with the board and helping move any approved projects forward. Photo by Tom Donlan Candidates, continued from page 7 Phil Headley I live with my lovely and tremendously supportive wife, Lisa DuBois, on Greentree Drive. Our son Will is a secondgrader at Baileys Elementary. I coach his baseball and basketball teams and am a board member of the Mason District Little League. I am a graduate of Williams College and the George Mason University School of Law. I was briefly in the financial services industry and longer in the environmental services industry. I wrote the safety standards that governed the industry that kept workers and citizens safe and the surrounding neighborhoods clean. Currently, I am a teacher for the Alexandria City Public Schools and have taught special education at the elementary and middle school levels for the past seven years. With prior experience in finance, law and environmental industries, I feel I have some great skills and experience for Lake Barcroft Board membership. I am currently president of a homeowners association that governs a 50 unit/ 5 building complex in the City of Falls Church. While slightly different, one still must be open to suggestions and complaints, and the ensuing debate. I weigh the benefits or consequences from a decision that affects not only my family and my property but the diverse needs and wants of my fellow residents. I have a good expanse of knowledge on a variety of pertinent topics, but I am humble enough to listen openly to the intelligent and experienced voices of other stakeholders in our community. It was a compliment to be approached by friends who felt I had the talent for a Lake Barcroft board member position, but it would be even more of an honor to have the trust and reliance of fellow residents to be elected to the position. continued on page 9 January 2015 9 How to Vote for the 2015 LBA Board By Carol Donlan Barcroft News Staff Don’t miss the Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Belvedere Elementary School. Seven of the 10 candidates will be elected to serve two-year terms. The meeting also will include a President’s report, a Treasurer's report and various committee reports. If you want to know what’s happening at the Lake, this meeting is for you. There are 1,045 lots in Lake Barcroft, of which 1,040 are eligible to vote either in person or by absentee proxy. Everyone should I live on Waterway Drive, in a home that my wife, Tacie, and I renovated in two phases from 2003 to 2010. On weekends when the weather is nice, you can see us enjoying the neighborhood while eating breakfast and reading the New York Times on the front patio. Our daughter Erin grew up here and has recently moved back after eight years on the West Coast. For many years I’ve been involved in Lake Barcroft activities. I’ve volunteered for many years on the Fireworks Committee, and particularly enjoy the community spirit that brings so many volunteers down to the beach in all kinds of weather – even the year July 4th came after four days of no electricity following the Derecho. I led the Waterway Drive Traffic Calming Task Force, which worked for several years to achieve a community-approved compromise solution to reduce speeding on Waterway Drive and I served for a short time on the Architectural Review Committee. If you cannot make the meeting, please make sure to mail your completed ballot to Chris Lawson in the LBA office, P.O. Box 1085, Falls Church, VA 22041 or drop it off at 6425 Lakeview Dr. You can also delegate a proxy (a neighbor who is going to the meeting) to vote on your behalf on motions bought up at the meeting – but there is no proxy voting for LBA candidates. Only one vote is allowed per lot number. One of the things I remember most is how many neighbors stopped and helped my elderly father, who occasionally had fainting spells when he was out on his walks. The number of people who stopped and waited for him to recover or called the local Bailey’s Volunteer Fire Department medics—that was wonderful community caring. I am running for the LBA Board because I want to support this community that I so appreciate. Sarah Mattingly My husband, Matt, and I moved to Lake Barcroft in August, 2012. I’m originally from Miami, and have lived in Northern Virginia since 1988. I joined the Newcomer’s club as soon as I arrived and immediately threw myself into as many activities as I could, so I could meet my new neighbors. I’m a member of several other Lake Barcroft clubs, including the Art League and Photography Club. I’ve coordinated the Newcomers Chili Cook-Off for the last two years. And last month Matt and I hosted several artists at our home for the Art League's Holiday Art Exhibit & Sale. I also volunteer for the American Red Cross and Soulumination, a nonprofit that celebrates the lives of children and parents facing life-threatening conditions – providing them with professional photographs free of charge. I also participate in fundraising activities for the Cure Tay Sachs foundation. I would like to serve on the board and give back to the community, specifically working to help improve communication between the Board and residents both in immediate and longer-term issues. This work would include making sure residents are quickly aware of pertinent matters in the Lake Barcroft community as well issues that impact our surrounding areas. I believe strongly in community participation and have attended many meetings about our schools and the Seven Corners Task Force. While I began my career in television news, I have spent more than 20 years working in the IT industry for several organizations/companies, including The American Red Cross and IBM. I currently work for ESCgov, a hardware and software reseller to the federal government, and I also own a part-time photography business. Photo by Larry Golfer Kevin Kampschroer I have lived in Lake Barcroft since September 1991. I had known about the community since the 1960s, because my mother wanted to live here—and she eventually got her wish when my parents moved in during their later years. Photo by Larry Golfer Photo by Tom Donlan Candidates, continued from page 8 vote. Blank ballots will not be counted. Ballots will be mailed to you shortly. Paul Napier I have arrived at that stage of life where I firmly believe in giving back: to the community, to the natural world, and to others aspiring to make their own way in the world. I am an enthusiastic mentor in my professional role, and in my role as an amateur ornithologist and bird bander. As a long-time handyman, I have volunteered enthusiastically to support construction projects in Lake Barcroft, specifically construction of additional kayak continued on page 11 Lake Barcroft Newsletter 10 Family Photo Chris, continued from page 1 1980 and until her mother’s death in 1989, Chris was assistant Lake Manager. Since then Chris alone has handled all of the business end of LBA operations and has provided office space for the LBA Board and its committees in her Lakeview Drive home. Chris’s responsibilities are substantial. She maintains and updates the always-changing resident database and handles the annual resident billing and collections, distributes beach tags and boat stickers, takes our calls to answer questions and listen to complaints, schedules beach parties, arranges for the purchase and delivery of a significant list of supplies, maintains all LBA files and correspondence – and this is just part of her responsibilities. Chris is amazingly patient and cordial, even to some Lake folks whose frustration spills over into unpleasantness. Chris says she learned early from her mother that it’s best to just smile when folks are treating you badly, because, according to her mother, “You never know what is going on in someone’s life … try to give them the benefit of the doubt.” Chris’s deep and longstanding love for Lake Barcroft underlies her excellent job performance. Chris brings her wisdom, her memory and her talents to all Lake activities and especially to the LBA Board members and other volunteers who readily rely on her, knowing that she will never disappoint. “Professionally, I am proud to have served Lake Barcroft for the past 25 years and carry on my mother’s legacy,” Chris said. “I your NEIGHBORHOOD attorney Count on GARRETT GREEN to help you out of a difficult legal situation: 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE and a reputation for obtaining the best possible results EXPERT DEFENSE of traffic and criminal charges, including reckless and DUI Nichols & Green 10521 Judicial Dr Suite 100 Fairfax, VA 22030 p 703.383.9222 f 703.383.9220 nicholsgreen.com PROVEN ABILITY handling business and civil litigation Garrett D. Green LB resident since 1965 Licensed in VA, DC, and MD ggreen@nicholsgreen.com 571.215.4718 direct Chris Lawson and her mother Marykathryn Kubat in 1985. view our community and my work as a caretaker to preserve what we all enjoyed and pass it on, so that the next generation will be able to have what we have – an environment where generations can gather and make memories.” Please, when you next talk to Chris, join me in thanking her for 25 years of taking exceptional care of us. From the Office of Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross Free tax assistance will be available at the Mason District Governmental Center beginning Monday, Feb. 2. AARP volunteers will provide walk-in service through April 15 on Mondays and Thursdays, from 1 to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. There will be no assistance on President's Day weekend, Feb. 14-16, 2015. All returns are filed electronically. Remember to bring documents, such as last year's tax return, a photo ID, and all Social Security cards. Residents who are confined to their homes with illnesses or infirmities may schedule appointments with AARP for tax preparation services by calling 703-5946576. For more information about AARP Tax-Aide, visit www. aarp.org/money/taxaide, or call 1-888-227-7669. A fourth lane is coming to southbound I-395 between Duke St. and Edsall Rd. The additional lane will eliminate a bottleneck through the Landmark area where traffic has to go from four lanes to three and back to four. A citizens’ information meeting will be held on Tues., Jan. 20, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Holmes Middle School cafeteria. For more information, visit www.vdot. virginia.gov/projects/northernvirginia/i-395_south_-_duke_ to_edsall.asp or call VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD. January 2015 11 Candidates, continued from page 9 Oakton, Reston and now Falls Church. My education includes engineering studies and a Master’s Degree in creative writing. My personal interests include an abiding passion for studying and protecting wildlife, particularly birds, and for preserving habitat suitable for wildlife. I am an avid kayaker and enjoy exploring our Lake, as well as other waterways near and far, often in search of wildlife. My memberships include a local kayaking group, a local motorcycle group, a local bird-banding project, and serving as the president of a group that studies migrating raptors in Cape May, N.J. My professional background includes 20-plus years in technical areas, primarily working in physics research laboratories, and more recently leading groups of technical professionals to generate proposals to win new business contracts. I have lived in Lake Barcroft since 2007 and have been a resident in northern Virginia nearly all my life. I grew up in nearby Arlington, attended public schools there and have lived in Vienna, Family Photo racks. I have also supported, in small ways, various games and social events in the community for the Newcomers’ Club and the Lake Barcroft Village. Todd West My name is Todd West and I am asking for your vote for the LBA Board of Directors. I am interested in serving in this role to help ensure our community continues to be the amazing neighborhood my wife and I have come to know and love. With the birth of our first child in October 2013, taking advantage of and preserving all that our community has to offer has taken on increased importance to both of us. Since we moved to Crosswoods Drive in December 2008, I have served the community in a number of ways including: ■ Chair of the LBA Asset Reserves Committee ■ Member of the Barge Party Planning Committee (twice) ■ Member of the Lake Barcroft Newsletter Staff Fourth of July Fireworks Volunteer ■ Being elected to the LBA Board of Directors would allow me to continue serving our friends and neighbors in additional ways as I seek to have a broader positive impact beyond my committee roles to date. As a licensed Professional Engineer with degrees in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, I would provide the Board with the expertise required to be an effective partner with WID to manage our most treasured asset – the Lake – and maintain the dam that is so essential to its vitality. Over the past decade in my career as a consultant, I have extensive experience in working with and managing teams of volunteers, which would further strengthen relationships between the Board and the community-at-large. Growing up in South Jersey, my family and I spent many summer vacations at Long Beach Island and Ocean City on the Jersey Shore. My wife, Stacey, and I plan to instill a similar love of nature in our son, Arthur, spending summers on Beach 3 and kayaking on the Lake. Bringing Professional Power Tools to Sell Your Home Professional staging • Professional contractors Professional photographer • Professional brochures Professional marketing • Professional pricing Joan has excellent instincts about what home buyers want, offers prudent advice and brings comprehensive knowledge about the real estate economy. The one name to remember in real estate. Joan Sellers, GRI Top 5% Sales Nationwide It’s Always A Sellers Market! 703-862-5626 This is where you could be while I do the work sellerstwo@aol.com Lake Barcroft Newsletter 12 Woman’s Club Rang Out 2014 in Style— Now On To a Busy 2015 By Sharlene Aukofer Woman’s Club Co-President Photo by Wilma Kaplan On a cold, wet early December night, where else could 90-plus members of the Woman’s Club be found cozy, warm and wellimbibed and fed? No other place than the Annual Holiday Party, hosted this year by Jim and Diane Kilbourne in their festive home at 3700 Whispering Lane. With food and spirits galore (We even had leftovers – except for George Waters’ eggnog. There is NEVER leftover eggnog.) everyone was feted and enjoyed a wonderful time. Ron and Wanda Martinson treated the crowd to a spirited sing-along before dinner. All club members participated, as usual, treating everyone to favorite dishes and decorations. All in all, a great way to begin the Holiday Party Season in Lake Barcroft. But wait. The partying isn’t over. On Saturday, Feb. 28 from 7-10 p.m. the Woman’s Club will host a Wine Tasting and Appetizer Pairing Event at the 6327 Waterway Drive home of Eva Kosztarab and Ken Kastner. Look for registration details in your LBWC email. Art League, continued from page 4 buying one-of-a-kind gifts just in time for the holidays. The Lake Barcroft Art League thanks the Lake Barcroft community for coming out and supporting its artists on Dec. 7. The Art League also appreciates the community support it received from the presidents of the Woman's Club, Barcrofters and Newcomers' Club who helped publicize the Holiday Show and Sale to their memberships. The Womans Club Downtown Attractions group took a docent-led tour of St. Matthews Cathedral on Dec. 9. The Downtown Attractions Group will enjoy two fabulous winter tours: a Jan. 13 docent-led tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and a Feb. 4 tour of the Federal Reserve Building. ing and Sarah Mattingly for arranging their homes for artists to set up mini-exhibits. and to the League's art coordinators Jennifer Talati and Louise Ziebell who spent many hours organizing and coordinating the mini-exhibits with the artists and homeowners and publicizing the Show. nizing shows within our community and at galleries in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Helen Power of Birchwood Road offered striking art. Susan Ellis of Whispering Lane showed the range of her work. Larry Golfer of Jay Miller Drive brought his beautiful nature photos. Photos by Larry Golfer The Art League owes a big thank-you to Lea Bellas, Chica Brunsvold, Lark Lover- Following their passion for art – and realizing that there are many talented artists in Lake Barcroft – Jenny Talati and Louise Ziebell formed the Lake Barcroft Art League 2 ½ years ago. They endeavor to support Lake Barcroft artists by orga- Membership in the Lake Barcroft Art League is open to all artists – new, emerging or established – who live in Lake Barcroft. The League welcomes any artist who would like to be part of this wonderful group. For more information about the Art League, contact Jenny Talati at jentalati@yahoo.com, 703-8453434 or Louise Ziebell at louiseziebell@ yahoo.com, 703-256-2734. January 2015 Family Photo Trees, continued from page 7 13 the University of California Law School in Berkeley in 1963 and worked for the federal government in various civil rights positions from 1963 until 1969, and thereafter, as vice president of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. After a short stint as a real estate agent specializing in Lake properties, he became an administrative law judge for the Social Security Administration, first in New Jersey, then in Fort Lauderdale. He is survived by his wife, Wanning, sons Dann Determan of Pinetree Terrace and David Determan of Spotsylvania, and four grandchildren. Owen Severne, 8, with his 5K ribbon. group in the Kansas City, Mo., Candy Cane 5 K Run. Family Photo Fern Margaret Spicer was born on Dec. 12. Her mother, Anna Utgoff, grew up on Waterway Drive, where grandparents Vic and Kathy Utgoff still live. Fern joined her sister June and dad Nick Spicer at their home in Oakland. Fern's Aunt Margaret also lives in Oakland, as does Anna's cousin Win Davis – both grew up at Lake Barcroft. Nancy Moy of Jay Miller Drive writes: Andy Moy of Jay Miller Drive and Sara Friedman, were married at River Farm in Alexandria in April. Jack Daly, also formerly of Jay Miller Drive, was best man. Andy and Sara are graduates of the University of Virginia and live in Alexandria with their two dogs. John G. Whittemore of Tollgate Terrace died peacefully at home on Aug. 16. He was 91. John was born into a military family at Fort Benning, Ga., and enlisted in the Army in 1943. He met his future wife, Galatia (Millie), while attending Japanese language school at the University of Michigan in 1945. During a 24year career on active duty, John achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. His tours included Japan, Germany, Vietnam and Korea. As a civilian, he worked in intelligence at the Pentagon and Henderson Hall in Arlington. After retiring in 1968, John was active in the Lake Barcroft Neighborhood Watch, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Annandale Treasure Trove and Pinecrest Golf Course and was a lifetime member of the Golf Collectors Society. John was also an avid artist, gardener, birder and lover of books. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, a daughter, Luanne Feinberg of Burke, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Andy Moy and Sara Friedman Mom Anna Utgoff holds Fern Margaret with Dad Nick Spicer and Big Sister June. Katherine Linton writes: Our daughter, Ellie Linton of Lakeview Drive, received her BSN from George Mason in August and is now (very happily) working in the pediatrics department at INOVA Fairfax. Dean Determan, former husband of Sally Determan of Pinetree Terrace, died Nov. 16 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He lived in Lake Barcroft on Pinetree Terrace from 1969 to 1980, and later, on Lakeview Drive. He was born in 1935 in Minnesota, grew up in Southern California, received a B.A. from Princeton University in 1957, the year he and Sally were married. (They divorced in 1981.) Dean graduated from It’s not a reindeer, it’s an eight-point buck white-tailed deer stalked and snapped by Greg Knadle. Photo by Greg Knadle Critter of the Month Lake Barcroft Newsletter 14 Include Your 2015 Lake Barcroft Activities Here. Email Wilma Kaplan: lakecalendar@aol.com January Jan. 20 — Noon LBV Co-Ed Lunch, Bwadi, 5916 Leesburg Pike Jan. 24 — 5-7 p.m. LBV Happy Hour, Home of Lois and Marty Mandelberg, 6303 Waterway Place Jan. 30 — 10 a.m. WC Book Club discussion of Lawrence in Arabia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and Making of the Modern Middle East by Scott Anderson, Home of Jane Karpick, 3413 Rusticway Lane February Feb. 3 — 11:30 a.m. LBV Silver Fox Men’s Lunch, Pizzeria Orso, Maple Avenue Feb. 4 — 10 a.m. LBWC Downtown Attractions Tour, The Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building, RSVP reservation: downtownattraction@ gmail.com Feb. 5 — 11:30 a.m. Barcrofters Valentine’s Luncheon, Home of Lois and Marty Mandelberg, 6303 Waterway Place Feb. 8 — 3 p.m. Music On The Lake, Featuring Harpist Jacqueline Pollauf and cellist Gretchen Gettes Feb. 11 — 7:30 p.m. LBA Board Meeting Feb. 12 — 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. LBWC Craft Group, Home of Bonnie Blyth, 6509 Jay Miller Dr., RSVP Bonnie Blyth, 2beadorknit2bb@gmail.com Feb. 17 — Noon LBV Co-Ed Lunch, Clyde’s Mark Center Feb. 27 — 10 a.m. WC Book Club, Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols, Home of Susan Flanders, 3425 Mansfield Road Feb. 28 — 5-7 p.m. LBV Happy Hour, Home of Lois and Marty Mandelberg, 6303 Waterway Place Feb. 28 — 7-10 p.m. LBWC Wine Tasting Event, Home of Eva Kosztarab, 6327 Waterway Dr., RSVP wilmakaplan@aol.com, Snow date: March 1 March March 5 — 11:30 a.m. Barcrofters St. Patrick’s Luncheon, Home of Trippi Penland, 6305 Waterway Dr. March 11 — 7:30 p.m. LBA Board Meeting March 12 — 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. LBWC Craft Group, Home of Bonnie Blyth, 6509 Jay Miller Dr., RSVP Bonnie Blyth, 2beadorknit2bb@gmail.com March 27 — 10 a.m. WC Book Club, Discussion of Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple, Home of Kathy Utgoff, 6345 Waterway Dr. Recent Sales in Lake Barcroft Address Rambler Rambler Rambler Rambler Colonial Colonial Bilevel Split Foyer Days on Market 3604 Whispering Ln.* 123 6367 Dockser Terr. 6 6368 Lakeview Dr.** 20 3412 Mansfield Rd.** 14 3405 Fiddlers Green*** 58 3749 Tennis Court 51 3418 Fiddlers Green 9 6403 Lakeview Dr. 0 Sold Price Beds Baths Carport/ Garage Settlement Date $ 672,000 719,000 1,000,000 1,120,000 1,015,000 1,200,000 705,000 565,000 4 4 4 4 5 5 4 3 3 3 3.5 3.5 3.5 4.5 3 2 0/1 0/1 0/2 2/0 0/2 0/2 1/0 0/0 November August December October August September September October Tax Value 2014 679,730 –1% 673,040 7% 1,213,680 –18% 1,176,060 –5% 895,430 13% 1,006,960 19% 593,620 19% $ 604,780 –7% * No listing or buyer’s agent ** Waterfront *** No basement Source; MLS and Fairfax County tax records to December 15. All real estate companies are included in this list. Real Estate Questions? Ask Burma 703-642-1924 Burma@BurmaKlein.com ClientRatings.BurmaKlein.com BURMA KLEIN Price to Tax Value Associate Broker Lake Barcroft Marketing Expert January 2015 15 Village Builds on Its Success: Looking Back, Looking Forward By Sam Rothman Special to Barcroft News As Lake Barcroft Village enters its third year, it is proud to report on its growth, achievements and planned initiatives and activities for 2015. seem to have taken a definitive position on the issue, but at this time, the Board can only advise residents to “stay tuned” for future information. Compared to other Villages, Lake Barcroft got off to an excellent start. Among the approximately 1,040 households in Lake Barcroft, the Village has enrolled more than 90 members, representing about 55 homes. Although this may not seem like a very high percentage, compared to other Villages in the Washington metro area, the Lake Barcroft membership percentage is quite high. For example, At Home in Alexandria is considered one of the more successful villages. It has approximately 120 members from an eligible household pool of more than 10,000 homes, including all of Old Town Alexandria. Data from other Villages are similar. According to the Washington Area Villages Exchange, Lake Barcroft Village leads in another category as well: generating the highest membership renewal rate in the DC area – more than 90 percent. New Programs The Village Notebook series will continue in the first quarter of 2015 with two programs devoted to “Adjusting to Change: Home and Health.” The focus of these presentations will be on retro-fitting homes and adapting to unexpected changes in one's health. Going Forward At its December meeting, the Board of Directors voted to amend the Village bylaws to permit non-members to serve on the Board. This action recognizes the extraordinary efforts nonmember volunteers have contributed to the Village's successes, while allowing the Village the benefit of drawing on a broader base of experience for its governance. In 2015, the Village will consider a number of initiatives. The primary undertaking will be an expansion of membership and the pool of persons who could contribute to sustaining the Village for years to come. Toward that end, the Village Board of Directors will consider adding members from adjacent communities and adding other categories of membership. The Board expects to consider a new membership class for Village alumni who have left Lake Barcroft but have remained in the area. It also intends to take final action on the much-discussed Associate Membership category, directed to those who would like to participate in Village social activities or governance but who do not want or need Village services. Also on tap is an exploration of participation in the National Village Exchange Program. This program allows Village members who visit other areas for up to four weeks to take advantage of the benefits offered by Villages in those areas at no additional cost. A more sensitive and problematic issue is revisiting the non-taxdeductible aspect of Village dues. From the outset of its operations, the Village took the position that member dues were not tax deductible. The Village took that position based on the conventional wisdom that dues were paid in exchange for products or services, or both. However, since many members use few or no services, reconsideration of tax-deductibility of Village dues will be on the agenda. The Internal Revenue Service does not Welcome The Village is pleased to welcome new members, Erma Friedan of Burton Circle and Stephen and Judy Miller of Rusticway Lane. Lake Barcroft Village is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to allow senior residents of the community to “age in place” with a variety of support services and programs. Support the Village with your tax deductible donation. For more information about Lake Barcroft Village membership, services, and programs or to make a donation, contact the Village office at 703-354-0652 or send an email to lbvcoord@gmail.com. 16 Lake Barcroft Newsletter Feb. 5 Barcrofters' Valentines Luncheon – A Time to Appreciate Friendships By Debra M. Lee Barcrofters President Photo by Sharlene Aukofer Valentine’s Day is a time when people show feelings of love, affection and friendship. The love and support among the women of Barcrofters is what we will be celebrating at the Barcrofters Valentines Luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 11:30 a.m. at the home of Lois Mandelberg, 6303 Waterway Place. Flowers, candy, red hearts and romance are what we often see on Valentine's Day. So don your favorite red, floral and/or lace and come join us for a Valentines celebration of friendship. Laurie Barnett of Patrick Henry Drive, Martha Bracken of Lakeview Drive, Susan Flanders of Mansfield Road, Wilma Kaplan of Crosswoods Drive and Sarah Trott de Seve of Lakeview Drive have a delicious luncheon planned. The menu includes an antipasto platter of colorful marinated vegetables, deli meats and cheeses; a lasagna of layers of meat, cheese, tomato sauce and pasta baked to perfection (There also will be a vegetarian version.); an elegant green salad and to top off the meal, a sweet, and perhaps chocolate, dessert. Wine, coffee and water also will be available. As always, all women residing in Lake Barcroft are welcomed. Lunch is $10 per member and $12 per guest, payable at the door. So come and join the fun by sending your RSVP by February 2 to Wilma Kaplan at barcrofters@gmail.com. At the Dec. 4 Barcrofters Holiday Brunch and Crazy Gift Exchange, Debbie McManis of Waterway Drive shows her lovely gift selection as “Santa” Debra Lee records and Dawn Donald and hostess Leigh Gonzalez look on. Become a member of Barcrofters by joining today for only $5, which covers membership through June 2015. Please send your check in advance payable to Dawn Donald at 6333 Lakeview Dr., 22041 or pay by check at your first event. January 2015 17 703.431.2731 www.handymensch.com HOME REMODELING • ROOM FACELIFTS • Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry • Painting, Staining, Caulking, Patching • Tiling, Flooring, Structural Repairs • Home Renovations, Inspections • Just about any small project Selling your home? 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Give your home a NEWLOOK this year! Lake Barcroft Newsletter 18 Maplewood Grill, Another Tasty Dining Spot in Vienna By George McLennan and Debra M. Lee Barcroft News Staff We are off to Vienna again. This time to try the Maplewood Grill, formerly Le Canard, a French restaurant. Maplewood Grill is under the same ownership but now offers “classic American cuisine” and a piano bar that comes to life after the dinner hour. The atmosphere is casual: wooden tables; cloth napkins, but no tablecloths. The walls are adorned with interesting and attractive modern art. Every flat non-dining surface is occupied by potted plants, decorative vases, fanciful birdhouses and/or other gimcrackery, but just to the point of making the interior interesting. The tables are sufficiently separated to give at least the illusion of privacy. On an evening when the bar up front is busy, it is best to sit as far to the back as possible as it can be a little noisy. We found that on our two dinner visits with friends there was a different menu of specials for each evening. Only one or two of the specials could be found on the regular menu, perhaps reflecting what might have been available from the wholesale grocery or a particular creativeness on behalf of the chef. Here are the items we tried starting with the appetizer: Chicken Pâté – Prepared in-house and served with toast points, tiny sweet pickles and a sweet chutney. We liked this pâté well enough that we ordered it on both visits. (A) ■ Maplewood Grill 132 Branch Road S.E., Vienna (Just north of Giant in Danor Shopping Center) 703-281-0070, www.maplewoodgrill.com Dinner: Mon –Thu: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.; Sun: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Lunch: Mon – Sat: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Entrées: $17 - $26 1-1/4 lb. New England Style Lobster Roll – Alleged to be a “famous” dish at Maplewood Grill and it seemed to live up to its reputation. (A) ■ Oven Roasted Wild Cod Filet with smashed cauliflower, grilled asparagus and lemon caper butter sauce. (A) ■ Roasted Long Island Duck Breast with sweet potato, sage and duck confit risotto, Brussel sprouts, baby carrots, pearl onions and pomegranate juice. Quite delicious. (A) ■ Classic Beef Pot Roast with mashed red potatoes, carrots, Brussel sprouts, pearl onions and mushrooms along with a large helping of great gravy made with the cooking juices. (A+) ■ Crispy Baja Fish Tacos (three) with Baja slaw, avocado crema, pepper sauce, pico di gallo and choice of two sides. This dish got rave reviews by two individuals. (A) ■ Pork Schnitzel Cordon Bleu – Bavarian spaetzle with mushrooms, bacon, Brussel sprouts, pearl onions, citrus cream and lingonberry. It has bacon. What else is needed? (B) ■ Chicken Breast Paillard with angel hair pasta, mushrooms, sundried tomato, asparagus and roasted peppers. The pasta was the best part of this dish. If you go on a Sunday evening it’s available as a prix fixe, three-course dinner for $27. (A) ■ Crème Brule Trio consisting of three small cups in three flavors: Grand Marnier (A), chocolate (B) and vanilla (A). This would be our dessert choice in future visits. ■ Ice Cream Trio with large scoops of pumpkin (B), cookie overload (A-) and butter pecan (A). ■ Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake (B) ■ The presentation was very well done on everything. Maplewood Grill offers several craft beers on tap with imaginative names such as Devil’s Backbone, Lost Rhino and Bird Brain (Perhaps that’s what you get after too many?). Availability of any particular brand seemed to vary from week to week. In any case, those sampled were found to be good. Note that on a very busy evening, they can run out of the regular wine glasses and will substitute others of a different shape. The bartender not being so familiar with the substitutes has a tendency to make a short pour. At least that’s their story. Bottom Line: Our entrées came to about $23 each. The full tab with drinks, appetizers and desserts came in at nearly $40 a head. We thought the food was very good and the presentation was great, but the price just a bit steep for a casual restaurant sharing space with a bar. Nonetheless, we would recommend it with a caution to anyone wanting an above average meal in Vienna. January 2015 19 "vvÃiÌÊ*ÀÌ}ÊÊÓäÊ,ÊÊ ÀÃÊUÊ}Ì>Ê ÀÊ*ÀÌ}ÊUÊ ÀÊ «ià "vvÃiÌÊ*ÀÌ}ÊÊÓäÊ,ÊÊ ÀÃÊUÊ}Ì>Ê ÀÊ*ÀÌ}ÊUÊ ÀÊ «ià * ÃÌiÀÃÊUÊ>iÀÃÊUÊ-}ÃÊUÊÉ7Ê «iÃÊUÊ É6ÊÕ«V>ÌÊEÊ*ÀÌ} *ÃÌiÀÃÊUÊ>iÀÃÊUÊ-}ÃÊUÊÉ7Ê «iÃÊUÊ É6ÊÕ«V>ÌÊEÊ*ÀÌ} V>ÊÛÌ>ÌÃÊEÊÕViiÌÃÊUÊ*ÀÌ>Ê*À`ÕVÌÃÊUÊÀ>« VÊiÃ} -V>ÊÛÌ>ÌÃÊEÊÕViiÌÃÊUÊ*ÀÌ>Ê*À`ÕVÌÃÊUÊÀ>« VÊiÃ} NOW OFFERING: *iÀviVÌÊ`}ÊUÊ>>Ì}ÊUÊ16Ê >Ì} Juniper Construction Company GENERAL CONTRACTORS Alexandria, Virginia Additions • Remodeling • Whole House Generators • Roofing, Siding & Decking Emergency & Storm Repairs • Large & Small Projects Quality Work Done by Knowledgeable Craftspersons Let Us Help You (703) 370-5081 Family Owned and Operated by Lake Barcroft Resident Virginia Class A Contractor License 2705 0775541A Falls Church Foot & Ankle Center Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Dr. Paul B. Cannon 104-A East Broad Street Falls Church, VA 22046 T. 703.237.1555 F. 703.237.2253 www.fcfac.com STEVE SMITH Landscape Design & Installations Grading • Drainage Corrections Patios • Retaining Walls – Sea Walls Class A Licensed & Insured Tel: 703-214-1644 Cell: 703-929-7780 Fax: 540-668-7232 36929 Charles Town Pike Hillsboro, VA 20134 Lee’s Auto Center DOMESTIC, EUROPEAN, JAPANESE, & HYBRID AUTOS 6116 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 Open: Mon-Fri 7:30 am- 7:00 pm, Sat 8:00 am-3:00 pm GENERAL AUTO REPAIR, BODY WORK, AND MAINTENANCE VIRGINIA STATE SAFETY AND EMISSIONS INSPECTIONS 703.931.2508 Lillian Peterson 703.931.7519 LeesAutoCenterVA.com LeesAutoCenter@gmail.com 49 years experience specializing in Barcroft and Sleepy Hollow area Life Member Top Producers Club–47 years 703-534-9660 (work) 703-532-1617 (home) 703-447-9118 (cell) 6201 Leesburg Pike (Corner of Leesburg Pike and Patrick Henry) Falls Church 703.533.1402 WWW.MASTERSTOUCHSPA.COM Lake Barcroft Newsletter 20 Lamb Shanks Warm Up a Cold Winter Evening By Moe Jafari Barcroft News Staff Inspiration came from a corporate offsite at 2941. (Yes we spoil our teams.) After two days of nonstop strategy planning, having a serene backdrop at 2941 along with a great gastronomic catering made all the hard work worthwhile. Our host, Sambit, suggested the Pappardelle with braised lamb shank. Ding-dingding! Winner! Went home told my kids about it, and my son proceeded to get my jacket and hustle me to the store. Here is my version. It’s more tomato-based than the au jus-based one at 2941. Braised Lamb Shank in Pappardelle (Serves 6-8) 2 Vidalia onions, finely diced 1 celery stalk, finely diced ■ 2 medium carrots, finely diced ■ 1 can diced tomatoes. ■ 3 stalks fresh thyme ■ 8 cloves garlic, sliced ■ 1 cup red wine ■ 1 cup vegetable stock ■ 1 cup heavy whipping cream ■ 1/2 stick butter ■ 1 package Pappardelle (pasta) ■ Salt, pepper, red pepper flake ■ Fresh Parmesan, grated ■ ■ continued on page 21 4 Lamb Shanks ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ■ ■ Please patronize these advertisers. Their ads make this newsletter possible Free Estimates Lucht’s 703-698-1555 571-233-5554 Inc. Your Complete “Outdoor” Contractor All phases of Tree Work & Landscaping: Excavating, Erosion Control, Sea Walls, Docks & Retaining Walls/Patios, Stone Work, Pavers, Concrete & Asphalt :DWHUSURR¿QJ6HZHU/LQH5HSODFHPHQW Landscape Lighting & Water Features Bulk Landscape Material available for sale )UHH:RRGFKLSV)LUHZRRGDQG'LUW www.luchtsinc.com January 2015 Moe, continued from page 20 Rub lamb shanks with salt, pepper and thyme. Let sit for at least four hours – or overnight. In a large, heat-proof cast iron Dutch oven, heat olive oil and sear the shanks until just browned all over. Remove from heat and place on a large plate. In the same pot add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 15 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add half the garlic and stir. Put the lamb back in the pot. Add the tomato sauce, red wine and vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Note: This could be done a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator. 21 the meat from the bone. In a blender add the sauce, cream and butter. Cook the pasta until al dente. Plate Mound pasta, cover with sauce and put the lamb on top. Finish with fresh grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Wine 2003 Stags Leap Petite Sirah reserve ($75) or the 2011 Foppinio Petite Sirah, Russian River Valley ($25). Stick a Fork in Me. Cover the pot and place it in the oven at 275 degrees for 5 to 6 hours. Remove from oven. Ladle off fat from the top. Remove Photos by Tom Donlan Large lighted snowflakes added a dramatic holiday flair to this 3-story home on Lakeview Drive. A great star with its long tail seemed to float over this house on Waterway Drive. A dozen lighted trees, plants and figures brought holiday cheer to this Waterway home. Lake Barcroft Newsletter 22 Neighbors, continued from page 3 their lambs in saddle bags. I’ve seen communities where the rubber soles on villagers’ shoes were the only evidence of the 20th century. It was hard to believe, but absolutely everything else was hand-made and very rough. In South Sudan, life is so basic. In Rwanda, I witnessed a huge migration of people, refugees from two tribes. We look for ways to give assistance to people who need it, and try to do it in an impartial way. Most people who need assistance are victims of disasters, both natural and man-made. Many people live in informal settlements with no infrastructure whatsoever. Ebola started, for instance, in rural areas. When it moved to cities, it became much worse. I feel very privileged to spend my time and energy addressing these needs. Life is never boring, because just when we think we have an issue solved, a compelling new challenge is presented. Margie: And soon we’ll return to Thailand where we’ll celebrate the 30th reunion of United Nations refugee workers AND our 30th wedding anniversary. We first met while serving refugees of the Khmer Rouge on the Cambodian border, I with the UN and Peter with CARE International. There’ll be a formal dinner with everyone dressed in Thai silks – breathtakingly beautiful, and so much fun. Margie: When working for USAID, a former Lake Barcroft neighbor and boss, Gerry Britain (of Waterway Drive), said it was the best-kept secret inside the beltway. We rented for three years here on Lyric Lane, then bought this house. During the first big snowstorm, with the Lake frozen, we joined neighbors walking across and found the Comers roasting hot dogs for everybody. We understood we had fallen into a wonderful place for our family. And I love my luncheon group – friends who live right here on Lyric Lane. We call ourselves “Ladies of the Lane.” Since 1995, I’ve had my own consulting firm. I’m currently working for the Gates Foundation on a three-year project to evaluate and co-ordinate better emergency response capacity in nine countries. Peter and I have travelled to 60 or so countries in connection with our work. What keeps you going when the situations you confront seem overwhelmingly tragic? Peter: Our faith propels us forward. Though we may not be able to solve the problem, we feel compelled to do what we can. Our advertisers make this newsletter possible. Please support them with your patronage. So humanitarian efforts can lead to romance and a great marriage. How did you find Lake Barcroft? just listed - updated & fab! GORGEOUS 4 BEDROOM, 3 BATH BRICK RAMBLER INCLUDES: • Custom kitchen with granite, stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets & breakfast bar! • Fully renovated baths, gleaming hardwoods and 2 fireplaces! 6401 Cavalier Corr | Offered for $774,900 Lisa DuBois • Expansive, fully fenced backyard with mature landscaping; multi-car parking & more! Associate Broker, CRS, ABR 703.350.9595 lisa@chrissyandlisa.com Whether you are buying, selling, or leasing, we are your source for Lake Barcroft homes and are chrissyandlisa.com committed to providing you with exceptional service and excellent results during all phases of your real estate transaction! CALL TODAY FOR TIPS ON HOW WE CAN MAXIMIZE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE EXCELLENT RESULTS YOUR PROFIT AND MINIMIZE YOUR STRESS! Find out what your home is worth at www.chrissyandlisa.smarthomeprice.com RE/MAX by invitation 4784 Lee Hwy Arlington, VA 22207 703.677.8730 January 2015 Services/ Classifieds Lake residents may place free classifieds. We will publish the ad for one month, additional months are on a space-available basis and must be submitted by the 15th of each month. Classifieds can be emailed to Chris Lawson 23 Ayers, continued from page 5 Despite the difficulties with supplies, Ayers has managed to keep up their reputation as a place where you can find anything. It was a recurring theme from customers. Karen Bell of Waterway Drive recalled that “My pottery teacher first sent me to Ayers to pick up a wood shaver, one without a handle. They are great for trimming clay, and are very hard to find.” Gretchen Boyland of Stoneybrae Drive said, “You can get a new fireplace grate, orange juice glasses, coloring books, the individual lamp or plumbing part – not the whole blooming kit you don't need – and a flat of pansies and a TSA-approved lock all in one shopping trip, which I did.” “A few years ago, during one of the bad snow storms, all the big chain hardware stores were out of snow shovels and snow sleds. Someone mentioned that Ayers had them, so I trekked up there and lo and behold, they had both,” said Shane Oleson of Crosswords Circle. Longtime Lake Barcroft resident Marian Cromley formerly of Stoneybrae Drive summed it up in one sentence, “They run a wonderful, unique operation.” Photos by Larry Golfer at lachance3@aol.com for approval. Please include your name and day/evening phone numbers for verification. NonLake residents may purchase a classified ad by calling 703-9412547 or emailing lachance3@aol. com. Placement is on a space- Headgear from wizard hats to firefighter helmets. Puzzles, puzzles and more puzzles. available basis. house cleaning Reliable and experienced. Good references. Flexible scheduling. Reasonable rates. We bring our own equipment. Weekly, Kristine (Kaplan) Peterkin helps Carole Bausell of Jay Miller Drive with some winter weather needs. biweekly, monthly, occasionally, one-time, move in/out, offices. For free in-home estimate, call Maryen/Raul at 703-321-5335. Need gloves? From goatskin leather to farm-chemical resistant, Ayers has 'em. P. STD. Standard U.S. Postage PAID Merrifield, VA Permit No.7872 ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 1085, Falls Church, VA 22041 W e specialize in the Lake Barcroft community. With our knowledge and expertise of the area, we can help you with all your real estate needs. Ana Azcarate (703) 405-6602 Nan Brent (703) 220-2216 Karen Freije (703) 402-6133 Carol Hawley (703) 975-6403 Mike Korin (703) 216-8467 Lillian Peterson (703) 447-9118 Jim Robertson (703) 217-0283 Jennifer Talati (703) 944-3874 Long & Foster Falls Church Office, 6299 Leesburg Pike, at Seven Corners, 703-534-9660