Hello Mr. Haddox & CHCA Board Members,

My name is Ron Lithgow and the County has asked me to reach out to you to introduce myself and Rainbow Road Preschool.

Rainbow Road has recently moved into the Trinity Church building. Previously we operated in the Methodist Church building on Glebe Road which has now been purchased by Sunrise Living.

Rainbow Road has served the Arlington community since 1997.  (Our website is www.rainbowroadpreschool.com)   My wife Linda is the director of the school.

We want to be good neighbors in the Columbia Heights community – I know we have students from the community and we want to serve others well!!

We are happy to answer questions and please feel free to contact us for any reason.

Ron Lithgow    ron@lithgowlink.com    703 869 0434
Linda Lithgow   info@rainbowroadpreschool.com   571 225 9189

Thank you.

Respectfully,
Ron Lithgow

Rainbow Road Brochure

It is with great sadness that I write this. Reggie passed away quietly on the morning of August 28, 2024. He and I had discussed in some detail how to keep him alive until we could find alternative treatments that would enable him to manage his cancer. We were in the process of making plans, and we held out hope that there was sufficient time to execute those plans.

At about 1:30 am, however, Reggie’s blood count dropped to a dangerously low level and he began to experience great pain. He was offered morphine, and in true Reggie fashion, he refused it, opting to die naturally.

I know that you share my grief. It sounds odd for me to say it about my only sibling, but Reggie was among the most unique people I ever met. He faced cancer with extraordinary courage, and at no point did he ever complain or express fear about moving onto the next life.

Reggie died without life insurance or burial insurance, and so I ask you, his friends and family, for small contributions that will enable us to honor his wishes for his cremation and a fitting memorial. Some of you have already been extraordinarily generous, but we need additional funds to create an appropriate send-off.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-give-reggie-a-fitting-memorial

“We have an approved MOT that we are in the process of implementing.  Unfortunately, it was approved just before school opened and we could not have everything in place as we would have liked.  We are working with the contractor to expedite the implementation.

 The plan includes:

• Keeping the crosswalks open at 7^th Street.

• • The south cross walk will be closed during utility work on 7^th Street

• 8^th Street crosswalk is closed as noted.
• A temporary crosswalk between the closed 8^th Street crosswalk and 9^th Street crosswalk will be constructed with curb ramps, bump outs and rapid flash beacons.
• 9^th Street crosswalk will have a ramp added to the west side of the crosswalk.

• • We have touched base with the County who is looking at scheduling the repainting of the crosswalk as soon as it can be scheduled.

 We are working as quickly as possible on getting these improvements in place.  Information on the sidewalk closings were communicated when we anticipated a June start with the community and the schools.  With the delay we should have communicated once MOT details were finalized the week before school opened.  We will work on improving communication as we move forward.

The County is taking the following action:

• 9/5/24 – County TE&O staff will be marking the 9^th Street crossing from curb to curb to delineate the walk path.
• No later than next Monday, 9/9/24 – DES WSS staff will be installing a curb ramp as on the approved school MOT plans at 9^th Street on the west side of S Walter Reed to provide a means of safely traversing this crossing for pedestrians and bikes.

In the meeting with the contractor yesterday, they are working with subcontractors to schedule the installation of the temporary crosswalk with curb ramps between 8^th and 9^th Street.  They anticipate the work to be complete in about two weeks.  The only exception may be the rapid flashing beacons which are a long lead item, however we are working on an option to secure a set of these that are currently being used in a temporary use but will shortly be removed from their existing location.

I assure you we are working as quickly as possible to implement all the features of the MOT plan approved at the end of August.”

– Jeffrey Chambers & Mike Moon

Dear Columbia Heights Civic Association Members,

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Reggie Nixon early Sunday morning. Reggie was a beloved member of our community, and all who knew him will deeply feel his loss.

Reggie’s brother, Randall, shared that they had been working together in hopes of finding treatments to manage his cancer. Sadly, Reggie’s condition took a turn for the worse in the early morning hours. True to his nature, Reggie chose to pass peacefully and naturally, declining pain relief in his final moments.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Reggie’s family as they begin to process this immense loss. Randall has assured us that he will keep everyone informed about the details of a memorial service to celebrate Reggie’s remarkable life. In the meantime, we ask for your continued support and compassion for the Nixon family.

With deepest sympathy,

Ron Haddox, President
Columbia Heights Civic Association

April 17, 2024

To: Arlington County Board
Arlington County Manager

Re: Funding for Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ArNAC)

I am writing on behalf of our longstanding civic association to underscore the critical importance of the Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ArNAC), formerly known as the Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee (NCAC), to our community’s vitality and progress.

For decades, ArNAC has served as a cornerstone for neighborhood development, providing vital funding for projects that enhance the quality of life for residents across Arlington County. Particularly in areas like Columbia Pike in South Arlington, these initiatives have been invaluable in fostering community growth and well-being.

In our own neighborhood, the impact of ArNAC’s support cannot be overstated. Through its funding, we have been able to transform our local park, Walter Reed Community Center, and undertake essential infrastructure enhancements such as lighting, sidewalk improvements, and street upgrades. These developments have not only beautified our area but have also fostered a safer and more connected community.

However, the current level of funding falls short of meeting the growing needs of our neighborhoods. With over 30 worthy projects already in the pipeline, it is evident that the demand for ArNAC’s support far exceeds its current capacity. Without a substantial increase in funding, many vital projects will remain stagnant for years to come, depriving our community of much-needed improvements.

Therefore, I urge you to prioritize and significantly augment the funding allocated to ArNAC in the upcoming fiscal year. By doing so, we can ensure that vital projects can proceed without unnecessary delays, fostering continued growth and prosperity for all residents of Arlington County.

We extend a warm invitation for you to visit our neighborhood for a firsthand look at the transformative impact of ArNAC-funded projects. Your insights and support are invaluable as we work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We eagerly anticipate your favorable response and stand ready to provide any further information or assistance you may require.

Sincerely,

Ron Haddox
President of CHCA
Columbia Heights Civic Association

Thanks for you input.  Survey is now closed.

Our neet CHCA meeting will be in September.  From the survey results we decided to take off this summer.  See you in the Fall!  I will send out an update with meeting date/time and agenda closer to September.

Due to the absence of attendees at last month’s CHCA meeting, we’ve decided to conduct a survey this month to gather feedback on our performance and identify areas for improvement. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future direction of our organization.

7:00 PM President’s Update and the goals for tonight – (Ron Haddox)
7:05 PM Approval of the Meeting tonight’s agenda and meeting minutes.
7: 10 PM Treasury Report – next steps? (Ed)
7:15 PM Form-Based Code – Update? (Ed)
7:20 PM Planning Commission Public Facilities Review Committee Update (Marian) 
7:25 PM Updated on correcting our border map? – (Sarah)
7:30 PM – Ongoing Tasks

• New signage for Celtic House – issues or concerns ( Sarah and Ron)

Celtic House plus the whole block

Celtic House on Columbia Pike says it plans to unveil its new whiskey and bourbon bar beneath the existing restaurant “later this fall.”

• Membership drive and membership survey. (All)

 

• FBC AWG representative (Ed and Sarah)
• GRAFFITI, arrested

Survey Draft For Membership Drive.

CHCA Membership Survey
Section 1: Personal Information (Optional):
1.1. Name (Optional):
1.2. Contact Information (Optional):

Email:
Phone:

Section 2: Membership Information:
2.1. Are you a current member of CHCA?

Yes
No

2.2. How long have you been a member?

Less than 6 months
6 months to 1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
More than 5 years

Section 3: Community Involvement:
3.1. Have you actively participated in any CHCA events or initiatives?

Regularly
Occasionally
Rarely
Never

3.2. What types of events or initiatives would you like to see more of in our community?

Section 4: Business Information (If applicable):
4.1. Are you a business owner within the CHCA community?

Yes
No

4.2. If yes, please provide the name of your business and a brief description:

4.3. How can CHCA better support local businesses in the community?

Section 5: Communication Preferences:
5.1. How do you prefer to receive information from CHCA?

Email
Social Media
Newsletter
Community Meetings
Other (please specify)

Section 6: Suggestions and Feedback:
6.1. What do you think CHCA is doing well?

6.2. How can CHCA improve its services and engagement with the community?

Section 7: Additional Comments:
Please feel free to share any additional thoughts or comments you may have about CHCA.

Feel free to provide feedback to this survey draft.

CHCA WordPress Statistics

7:00 PM President’s Update and the goals for tonight – (Ron Haddox)
7:05 PM Approval of the Meeting tonight’s agenda and meeting minutes.
7: 10 PM Treasury Report – next steps? (Ed)
7:15 PM Form-Based Code – Update? (Ed)
7:20 PM Planning Commission Public Facilities Review Committee Update (Marian) 
7:25 PM Updated on correcting our border map? – (Sarah)
7:30 PM – Ongoing Tasks

Ron Haddox is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: CHCA Montly Meeting
Time: Jan 22, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85921347488?pwd=ZVV5a1dpRVl1NWc5bWFvbmhIWFZKdz09

Meeting ID: 859 2134 7488
Passcode: 813482

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Hi neighbors,

A little elf recently let me know that Santa plans to visit Fire Station #9 in Douglas Park again this year, and that he’s looking forward to another cruise around the neighborhood to check up on all the neighborhood girls and boys! Starting at 11:30 AM on Saturday, 12/16, Santa will ride through Green Valley, Columbia Heights and Douglas Park for an hour, ending back at the fire station at 12:30PM.

The route is nearly identical to last year’s with two small changes. Santa will circle John Robinson Jr Town Square during the Green Valley Community Holiday Fellowship event, and he will ride down 17th Rd in east Green Valley as opposed to 17th St. See planned route here:

Santa’s Route

The following is an estimated timetable of Santa’s ride:

11:30 – Santa leaves FS #9
11:40 – John Robinson Jr. Town square in Green Valley
11:50 – Through Eastern Green Valley near OLQP
11:55 – Columbia Heights
12:05 – 16th St in Douglas Park
12:10 – Barcroft Apartments
12:15 – Quincy by Abingdon
12:20 – 14TH and Oakland
12:25 – Santa returns to FS #9.

Note that upon returning to the station, Santa may have some time to meet with kids provided he and the fire crew are not called upon. I will provide additional updates on that and any other info as his return nears.

As a reminder, the members of ACFD Station #9 are excited to share their holiday cheer, so please, let’s show them how much we appreciate them! If you can, spread the word to any local listservs, message groups or social media pages you can to ensure a big turnout for both Santa and our neighborhood protectors!