Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween!

Be sure to turn on your porch light and have candy ready! I wonder how many trick-or-treaters we will have this year? Arlington Village seems to have more kids in the neighborhood these days. Speaking of, how can we cater to young families and make Arlington Village an attractive place for this demographic?

Safety Tips from the Arlington County Police:

Always use crosswalks and sidewalks and walk facing traffic
Carry a flashlight or glow stick
Wear light colored clothing and reflective stickers on costumes
Only trick or treat at houses you know and are well lit
Travel in groups; children should have adult supervision
Inspect all candy and treats before children eat them
Notify police of suspicious activity

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Don't Forget! Arlington Village Board Meeting Tonight

Yesterday there was an eblast reminding people of the Arlington Village Board of Directors meeting tonight @ 7:30pm. If you are attending, please let the blog know what happens.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Worried About the Flu in Arlington?

Come to the Flu Forum on Wednesday to see how or if you should be getting vaccinated!

Where: County Board Room, 2100 Clarendon Blvd.
When: Wednesday, October 28th
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

For more complete details click here.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Wonder Why the Blog Has Gone to Comment Moderation?

If you were wondering why here are a few prime examples below. The blog hopes the people or person that is writing these atrocious statements finds some counseling.

The blog merely posts about topics that are of interest to Arlington Village residents. The blog also posts about things that are happening in our community.

I'm sure you've heard, "If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all".

Examples of deleted posts:

"You're the laughing stock of the Board and the worst nightmare the community could have."

"Were your parents divorced"

"Do you lack in writing skills or is it imagination"

"You're a hypocrite!!! And, a nasty liar."

You're the worst example of what a neighbor should be."

You're the afterbirth of your mothers womb."

Monday, October 19, 2009

Election Packets?

Does anyone know when we will be getting our packages for the annual meeting? The blog is wondering who is on the ballot for the Board elections...anyone know?

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Washington and Arlington Community Bike Ride on October 17th

"Bike DC is your one opportunity each year to enjoy our Capital, our community in a very special way--by bicycle on car-free streets.

See the expected in a new light: the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the White House, Embassy Row, the Pentagon, the Marine Corps and Air Force memorials.

And explore the unexpected: the George Washington Parkway, Twin Oaks Estate, the Whitehurst Freeway and much more.

Enjoy it all from the best possible vantage point, the seat of your bicycle.

Join with your family and friends through a car-free District of Columbia and Arlington. There is a family friendly 12 mile route and a more challenging 25 mile option."

To see the rest of the information from the website and register for the event click here.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Need an Absentee Ballot?

Citizens who will be absent from Arlington on Election Day, or who are unable to go to the polls because of illness or disabilities, may apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to them or vote by absentee ballot in person at the Office of Voter Registration. Virginia law requires a reason to vote absentee. Valid reasons for voting absentee are:

-Students at institutions of higher learning, and their spouses
-Absent for business purposes (includes persons who are employed outside of Arlington)
-Absent for personal business or vacation
-Scheduled to work at one's workplace at least 11 of the 13 hours the polls are open (includes commuting)
-Firefighters and first responder personnel
-Unable to get to the polls because of disability, illness, or pregnancy
-Caretakers of confined family members
-Awaiting trial and under confinement
-Serving time for misdemeanor convictions
-Religious conflicts
-Active duty uniformed services or merchant marine personnel and dependents residing with them
-Regularly employed outside the U.S. and dependents residing with them
-Living abroad indefinitely (may be eligible to vote only for federal offices)
-Registrars, electoral board members, or officers of election scheduled to work the election

Click here to find out how to get your absentee ballot.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Executive Session Meeting Last Night

I received 2 requests last night to find out what happened at the Executive Session meeting. Anyone?

Thursday, October 8, 2009

3rd Annual Energy Sales Tax Holiday, Oct. 9-12

Press Release from Governor's Office...to read whole article click here

Governor Kaine Announces Energy Efficiency Rebates and Third Annual Energy Sales Tax Holiday
– Consumers can purchase energy-efficient products tax free October 9-12; claim state rebates and federal credits on qualifying products –

STAUNTON – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the launch of the Virginia EnergyEfficiency Rebate program, a new program to encourage the purchase ofhigh-efficiency equipment and products. The program will use $15 million infunds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment act to provide rebates toresidential and commercial consumers on certain qualifying equipment andproducts. Homeowners will be eligible for rebates for 20 percent of the costsof the products, up to $2,000, and commercial consumers will be eligible for 20percent of their costs up to $4,000. Rebates will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

Governor Kaine also highlighted Virginia 's third annualsales tax holiday on ENERGY STAR and WaterSense qualified products, which willtake place October 9-12, 2009. During this annual holiday, consumers can savemoney by buying certain qualified products tax-exempt, which will also deliversavings for years to come through lower home utility bills. As with last year'sholiday, high-efficiency products with ENERGY STAR or WaterSense certificationwill be exempt from sales tax.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The Battle of the Flyers: Green vs. Yellow

On October 1st, AV residents received a green flyer stating that there would be a special board meeting on Thursday, October 8th at 8:00 PM. It's purpose is to, "discuss management continuation issues only, in Executive Session."

Today AV residents got a yellow flyer from "Concerned AV Owners". This also invited people to the same meeting above. It said, "as AV no longer has a GM, we as owners are CONCERNED regarding the transition to "new" management and its short and long term FINANCIAL IMPACT on us. If you share our concerns, you are strongly encouraged to attend the Board meeting."

So...I have a few questions...
1) Doesn't Executive Session mean that you can't attend?
2) Why does the lack of a GM mean that we are going to have a short and long term financial impact on the Village?
3) Who are the "Concerned AV Owners"? Will they be announcing themselves at the meeting on Thursday?
4)Did someone really pay to have all those flyers done and who delivered them?

Thoughts anyone?

Construction on Columbia Pike

Does anyone know how much longer this is going to last? It is ridiculous. Is there somewhere or someone to complain to? It's a major artery in the morning and evening...you'd think that they could work around those hours!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Reminder: Arlington Personal Property Tax Due

Yes...for all of you car owners your personal property tax is due today. If you haven't paid yet you can drop off checks in the drop box or pay online with check or credit card. Just read the directions on the back of your decal paper.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Army Ten Miler This Morning

Watch out for lots of traffic near the Pentagon and in Crystal City this AM.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Official E-Blast from Board President

To: Arlington Village Residents
From: Greg Mesack, President, Arlington Village
Date: October 1, 2009
Re: General Manager

On Tuesday night, the Arlington Village Board of Directors made the difficult decision to make a change in the General Manager position, effective immediately. It was an incredibly difficult decision and one our Board did not take lightly. The Board appreciates the service that Carmen Beaty has given to the Association over the years, but the Board believes that making this change is in the best interests of the Association at this time.

The role of General Manager has been assumed by the Board of Directors and our management company L&N, until a replacement can be found. I let the staff know Wednesday morning and are working with our Management company to temporarily fill the gap. The search for a new General Manager will commence immediately. While I am certain there will be some bumps in the road, we will get through this transition period. The office will continue to be staffed and email will be answered. If you find that you have a problem getting the results you need from our office, please don't hesitate to email me at: avcondopresident@aol.com.