Westmoreland financial study approved

Westmoreland Terrace Condominiums recently commissioned a study of its financial position in relation to its long-term capital investment needs.  This Reserve Study indicates that Westmoreland's current reserves and projected condo fees are appropriate for its projected capital needs.  At today's Condo Board meeting, the Board formally adopted the study.  Interested owners can obtain a copy of the study from the condo manager's office.

Other items from the Condo Board meeting:

• The Board approved a $7800 payment for the Reserve Study.
• A well-informed resident told the meeting about a useful Arlington Prepares App.  The app provides contact information and instructions useful for a wide variety of emergencies.
• Snow removal expenses thus far are only $1200-$1300, well below the $6000 budgeted for the year and far below the $20,000 spent in 2009-10.
• Phil Bogert has returned to Westmoreland as the onsite property manager.  His hours are about 8:15 to 4:15 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and his telelephone number, 703 276-1833.
• Phil Bogert has promised to organize some condo get-togethers / socials starting early this coming spring.  These will be opportunities to get to know more of the fine people who live in Westmoreland.

Condo Board members Jose Calvo,  Michelle Clifton, Jennifer Feinleib, Joe Ruland, and Emil Tabakov; residents Andrea, Douglas, Gretchen, and Joy; and Property Manager Dennis Freeman attended the meeting.  The next regularly scheduled condo board meeting is Feb. 28 at 7pm in the condo office.

Sunday's video

Arlington's stories: Cathy Schnittker's story

If you need some personal inspiration, check out Tell Arlington's Story.  From there you can read and watch stories of amazing persons who don't just live in Rosslyn, but actually all across Arlington.  For example, rejoice in Cathy Schnittker's life of love in action:

Of the unsung heroes and heroines in our midst, many are uncelebrated because of their innate modesty and their commitment to their contributions, not to their glory. None fits this image more than the decidedly humble, yet deeply dedicated, Catherine P. Schnittker.
                In an era in which punishment without rehabilitation is the simplistic answer given toward criminal offenders, and so many of our young people are growing up without a sense of direction or a sense of hope, Cathy Schnittker has given up on neither. Instead, for the past two decades, she has guided youthful offenders, along with their adult counterparts, through thought-provoking and meaningful  behavioral changes and healthy integration into their communities.
                As the founder and coordinator of the community service program of Offender Aid and Restoration of Arlington County, Inc. (OAR), since 1978 Mrs. Schnittker has annually supervised hundreds of individuals as they perform thousands of hours of court-ordered community service. In the past year alone, 645 workers provided over 19,000 hours of service to over 150 non-profit and public agencies in Arlington County and surrounding jurisdictions. This number included 407 juveniles and 238 adults.

Forget about that crazy driver who almost killed you.  Arlington has a lot of extraordinarily caring persons.

light up Artisphere every night

In a brief interview with the Ode Street Tribune last week, Peter Fallon, who is very knowledgeable and active in community development, suggested that Artisphere be lit up every night. The Tribune heartily endorses getting lit.  Artisphere needs to raise its profile.  Having its sphere glowing every night would make Artisphere into an unmissable Rosslyn landmark. 

Lighting up Artisphere would also highlight Rosslyn's artistic leadership in the greater Washington area.  The Hirshhorn Museum plans to light up its building with a specially commissioned work every evening for two months starting March 22, 2012.  Per square foot and per dollar spent, Artisphere is far more artistically interesting than the Hirshhorn.  Let Artisphere's light shine!

Amy Hughes Braden paints tweens at Artisphere

"I covered my shyness with being mean to people I felt I could bully.  I feel bad now ... sorry Rodney."  "Smoked + Camped in forest clearing, got spooked by police heli."  "I was waaaaay too promiscuous & nobody stopped me."  "Angry and lonely ... still am"

Amy Hughes Braden has set up studio in Artisphere's Works-in-Progress.  She's working on portraits of tweens.  You can participate in this art by talking with her and sharing experience on the Works-in-Progress Gallery's huge blackboard. Braden's paintings will be in an upcoming 2013 Artisphere show.

Garvey pedals to victory in Democratic primary

Libby Garvey rode to a big win in the Arlington County Democratic Committee's caucus that concluded this past Saturday.  With her victory, Garvey became the Democratic candidate in the special election, upcoming on March 27, for a seat on the Arlington County Board. 

While Arlington school crowding and the proposed Columbia Pike streetcar were major issues in the election, an informed observer attributed Garvey's impressive victory to her experience.  "When setting multi-modal transportation policy," he explained, "there's no substitute for on-bike experience. Garvey's on-bike experience gave her the decisive edge in this important election."

Vote tally from the Arlington County Democratic Committee:

1. Libby Garvey:    1,915 votes
2. Melissa Bondi:     966 votes
3. Terron Sims:        922 votes
4. Kim Klingler:        333 votes
5. Peter Fallon:        178 votes

Sunday's video

bike and dog parking at Trader Joe's

The Trader Joe's near Rosslyn has plenty of bike parking nearby.  Along the sidewalk on the block in front of the store are seven steel loops for bike parking.  In addition, a bike rack is available just past the entrance booth for the underground inhuman-powered vehicle parking (entrance on Garfield St.). 

If you have a well-behaved dog, the steel parking loops in front of the store are also handy for dog parking.  This past Thursday night, a black Labrador parked there was giving passers-by a clinic in calm patience.