Topics:

Updates on Personal Matters
Ron Haddox initiated the meeting, welcoming Edward Miltenberger and discussing the agenda. Sarah McKinley provided an update on her health situation following a cat bite and mentioned her upcoming retirement. The conversation also touched on the funding changes related to the organization formerly known as NCAC, now the Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ArNAC).

Discussion on Equity Funding and Community Projects
Sarah McKinley presented findings from a study that identified 27 neighborhoods eligible for equity funding based on income and racial demographics. The group is considering projects to enhance playground facilities, with suggestions including improvements at Walter Reed and the Cleveland Park pocket park. They acknowledged the challenges of competing for a limited $1 million funding package and discussed the need for practical project proposals.
* Consideration of playground equipment improvements in local parks.

Project Proposals and Funding Considerations
Sarah McKinley outlined the existing streetlight project and the possibility of acquiring free trees for the neighborhood. Edward Miltenberger proposed considering children’s playground equipment as a project, while McKinley emphasized the need for realistic proposals given the competition for funding. Ron Haddox supported the idea of focusing on manageable projects.
* Evaluation of competing proposals from other neighborhoods for funding.
* Exploration of community needs and potential projects to enhance local infrastructure.
* Discussion of funding opportunities for neighborhood projects.

Discussion on Reggie’s Estate and Proposal Updates
Ron Haddox asked about the celebration of life arrangements for Reggie. No update as of yet.

Community Engagement and Current Issues
Ron Haddox and Edward Miltenberger reviewed their participation in recent community meetings, emphasizing the need to focus on budget issues. They mentioned a session led by Takis that featured local business leaders, including Sandra, the owner of Abi Azteca Grill & Bar. The discussion also touched on the fears within immigrant communities regarding deportation and the impact on local businesses.

🎅🚒 Exciting News for Columbia Heights! 🚒🎅

The holiday season just got brighter! Santa Claus is coming to town—and he’s riding a firetruck! 🎄✨

📅 When: New Date December 21st – The is out word from Santa.
📍 Where: The streets of Columbia Heights, Douglas Park, and Green Valley

Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit as Santa and our local heroes spread cheer through the neighborhood. Wave to Santa, enjoy the festive lights, and listen for the jingle of holiday tunes!

Don’t forget to bundle up and step outside to catch the magic as it rolls by. Let’s make this a holiday to remember! 🎁🎅

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