APRIL 2016
Photo by Lea Bellas
PRESIDENTS REPORT
News From
the Board
By Bill Lecos
At LBA Board of Directors
meeting on March 15, new officers
were elected and committee chairs
named for the upcoming year. This
year six directors were elected to
new two-year terms. These include
myself, re-elected to a second term
on the board, and five “new”
directors elected to their first terms.
Brian Allen, Susan Escobar and
Dave Emmerson are each serving
on the LBA board for the first time.
George Waters and Kevin Howe are
returning to the board, bringing a
wealth of experience and knowledge
gained over years of service to Lake
Barcroft.
The slate of LBA’s officers, who are
elected for one-year terms, elected at
the March meeting include me, President; Andrew Casolini Dal Bo, Vice
President; Anne Cullather, Secretary;
and Todd West, Treasurer.
Committee assignments for the
upcoming year were also announced
at the March meeting. Collectively
these roles bring a wonderful combination of experience, professional
qualifications and energy to these
vital roles. The breadth of work and
activities of the LBA take place
through the committees so I feel the
community is in good hands headed
into a new year.
continued on page 6
Get those eggs!
Celebrate Earth Day, It’s the
Thing to Do
By Betsy Washington Barcroft News Staff
Bring yourself or the whole family to
Earth Day on Sunday, April 24 at
Beach 5 from 2 – 5 p.m. There will
be something fascinating and environmental for everyone no matter your
age or interests.
We will have a variety of professionals to help you learn about attracting
wildlife, pollinators and birds to your
gardens and help solve difficult landscape problems in an environmentally
friendly way.
Here are just some highlights of the
wonderful programs coming to Lake
Barcroft for Earth Day. Get free
advice or meet professionals that can
help you:
n tackle difficult storm water issues
n turn your garden into a lush, beautiful oasis for humans and wildlife
n learn to grow your own healthy
vegetables in even the smallest
space
n make your house more energy
efficient.
Shop for stunning native plants to fill
all your garden needs at Hillhouse
Nursery and get a wealth of horticultural advice from owner, horticulturist, and designer Janet Davis, a
popular garden speaker throughout the
Mid-Atlantic. Check out her website
to see the wonderful garden collections she has for butterflies, hummingbirds, pollinators, shade and more.
You can pre-order for pick up, http://
www.hillhousenativeplants.com.
continued on page 6
2
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Published by
Lake Barcroft Association, Inc.
Milestones
By Marilyn Finley Barcroft News Staff
Family photo
Marilyn Finley, Editor
3428 Mansfield Road
Falls Church, VA 22041
Telephone: 703-820-7700
Email [email protected]
Photography
Larry Golfer, Photo Editor
Tom Donlan, Photographer
George McLennan, Photographer
Production/Layout
Sue Nixson
Don Christian
Staff
Ed Davis, General Assignment
Sally Determan, Reporter
Carol Donlan, Reporter
Stuart Feldstein, Post Production
Marilyn Finley, Reporter
Linda Fritts, Reporter
Larry Golfer, Reporter/Photographer
Kevin Howe, Nature
Moe Jafari, Food Columnist
Janet Kerley, Reporter
Debra Lee, Restaurant Reviewer
Joyce McCarten, Art
George McLennan, Senior Reporter/
Restaurant Reviewer
Anna Novak, Milestones/Reporter
Anne Murphy O’Neil, Writer
Betsy Washington, Nature & Horticulture
Publications Committee
Sarah Mattingly, Chairman
Don Christian
Carol Donlan
George McLennan
The Lake Barcroft Newsletter is published
monthly by the Lake Barcroft Association.
Please submit articles to
[email protected] or
Barcroft News, c/o
3428 Mansfield Road
Falls Church, VA 22041
Deadline for the May Newsletter is Apr. 20
Advertising Rates
1/2 page
1/3 page
1/4 page
1/8 page business card
Back cover
Service ad
Advertising Sales
Chris and Vince Lawson
Telephone: 703-941-2547
Email: [email protected]
$225/mo.
$150/mo.
$125/mo.
$100/mo.
$3,900/yr.
$425/yr.
Theo Klancer
Art and Artists and 95th
Birthdays Brighten Barcroft
The Blackmore family on Dearborn
Drive are sad to let the community
know that husband and father Bill
Blackmore passed away after a long
illness on Friday, March 4, at Fairfax
Hospital. Although he was diagnosed
with chronic progressive multiple
sclerosis in 1988, he persevered and
devoted 35 years to federal civil
service. Bill is survived by his wife
of 31 years, Elizabeth “Barry” White;
his daughter, Lydia Blackmore of
New Orleans; his son and daughterin-law Frank and Julia Blackmore of
Pittsburgh and four sisters and their
families.
Joan Doupé, Waterway Drive, celebrated her 95th birthday on Tuesday,
March 15. The Eating Adventures
luncheon group of the Woman’s Club
honored her at Ireland’s Four Provinces Restaurant in Falls Church on
Wednesday, March 16. Anne O’Neil,
Lakeview Dr., concluded the event
with a beautiful fudge cake and a chorus of “Happy Birthday to You.” Joan
said she’s received so many birthday
cards she’s lost count (Wilma Kaplan,
Crosswoods Dr. organized the outpouring of cards and wishes).
Sylvia Greer, daughter of Liz Greer
and Stanley Chin, Tallwood Terrace, made the Dean’s List in her first
semester (fall 2015) at the College of
William and Mary.
Wilma and Ronald Kaplan of Crosswoods Drive report that a painting of
their store, Ayers Variety & Hardware, by Susan Gartner is currently
part of an exhibit in the Art League
gallery at the Torpedo Factory in
Alexandria through April 3.
Ayers is an Arlington institution. The
painting is of the storefront in full
continued on page 10
3
April 2016
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.
2016 - 2017 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Photo by Will O’Neil
Bill Lecos, President
703-931-4612....................... [email protected]
Andrew Casolini Dal Bo, Vice President
[email protected]
Anne Cullather, Secretary
703-256-8483......... [email protected]
Todd West, Treasurer
703-415-6110........... [email protected]
Rick Aldrich, Director ................... 703-750-0488
Brian Allen, Director .................... 703-868-0025
David Emmerson, Director . .......... 571-451-4974
Susan Escobar, Director................. 703-354-4704
Sara Franco, Director ................... 703- 998-1132
Kevin Howe, Director..................... 703-941-6325
Kevin Kampschroer, Director......... 703-914-8850
Sarah Mattingly, Director .............. 703-801-4747
George Waters, Director................ 703-354-1133
Ayako Doi Willenson
An Independent World
View, Ayako Doi
By Anne O’Neil Barcroft News Staff
Ayako Doi Willenson welcomes us
into her home on Barger Drive, and
Will and I are immediately intrigued
with the evidence of her love of art:
magnificent framed batiks, intricate
temple rubbings from Angkor Wat,
sculptures, and fascinating objets
d’art, which she and her late husband
Kim brought from around the world.
For13 years now, Ayako, with her
enterprising love for music, has been
arranging distinguished chamber concerts for us here in our own homes.
As we sit together in her great room,
we remember her beloved husband
and best friend, Kim, whose last gift
to Ayako before slipping into a coma
was a kiss on her birthday in 2013.
LBA COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Architectural Review
Kevin [email protected]
Communications & Publications
Sarah Mattingly................. [email protected]
Community Watch & Security
Susan Escobar........... [email protected]
with world culture?
Environmental Quality/WID Liaison
Kevin Howe............................ [email protected]
Ayako: I was born in Japan not long
after the end of WWII, and grew up in
a fortunate environment. My grandfather was president of a big company,
active in the Lion’s Club with the
elite of Japan. He travelled abroad
by airplane and brought me packages
of peanuts and crackers. (Chuckles.)
Everything from America and Europe
smelled good and was so luxurious.
My father grew up in Shanghai and
attended a British School. I asked him
to teach me English. While I was in a
French Catholic high school, also later
attended by the current Empress and
Crown Princess, I took extra-curricular courses in English and French.
Finance & Audit
Todd West................. [email protected]
How did you connect so completely
continued on page 21
Legal
David Emmerson.... [email protected]
Maintenance & Improvements
George [email protected]
Brian Allen....................... [email protected]
Membership
Rick [email protected]
Special Events
Sara [email protected]
Water Safety & Beach
Andrew Casolini Dal [email protected]
Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
Mike [email protected]
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
4
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Neighbors and Realtors (Part 1)
By Linda Fritts Barcroft News Staff
In any issue of the Lake Barcroft Newsletter, a reader will
see eight to 12 advertisements for real estate brokers who
live in our community. Who are these neighbors, and how
did they come to Lake Barcroft? Some realtors grew up
here, some discovered the Lake after moving to northern
Virginia. For some, real estate became a second profession,
while for others it was a first outside-the-home career. This
is the first of a two-part series presenting the agents who
live and sell in the Lake Barcroft community.
Lisa DuBois grew up in western New York State, near
Rochester. After graduating from college, a friend with a
free apartment drew her to the DC area. She worked for a
trade association, and after earning her real estate license
sold real estate on a part-time basis. Lisa was not sure she
should give up her steady work at the trade association
and take a risk on real estate. As her real estate business
expanded, she became confident that it could be a full-time
job. Lisa discovered Lake Barcroft while showing homes
here in 2007, and moved into her home on Greentree Drive
in 2012. With more than 10 years in the real estate business, Lisa is never bored and describes her career as similar
to a jigsaw puzzle, with the shape of the puzzle and the
pieces always changing.
Ann Gamber, of Lakeview Drive, grew up in Sleepy
Hollow Woods and graduated from James Madison University where she majored in Geography. Following graduation, Ann found a job at the cartographic department of
the Census Bureau, and then at the Judicial Administrative Office where she worked on IT needs for the federal
courts. She and her husband Gabe Nasser moved into Lake
Barcroft in 1994, and they began a series of renovations on
their Lakefront home, while raising three boys. She retired
from the Judicial Administrative Office in 2012 to begin a
second career in real estate, obtaining her real estate license
just two years ago. Ann enjoys working at open houses,
where she meets interesting people and learns the unique
features of each house.
Carol Hawley hails from the Chicago area, and moved to
the DC area after college. She is a long-time resident of
Lake Barcroft, having moved into her Cavalier Corridor
home in 1974. Active in the community, she was editor
of the Newsletter for about 13 years, and also enjoyed the
Newcomers and Barcrofters clubs. Carol obtained her real
estate license in 1987 when her children began to head off
to college. She loves introducing buyers to the community,
and she finds that the many social activities in the
community are big selling points. In her almost 30 years of
real estate, Carol loves putting a transaction together that
allows both the buyer and seller to come away happy.
Barbara Johnson, of Blair Road, grew up in Arlington and
as a teenager worked at the old “Woodies” store at Seven
Corners. She and her husband had family and friends who
lived at Lake Barcroft, and moved into the community
in September 2001 on the weekend before 9/11. Barbara
began her professional career as an analyst for the Department of Defense. Tiring of government contract work, she
earned her real estate license in 2000. She enjoys putting her analytical skills to use in advising on the price of
homes. Barbara finds that people who buy in Lake Barcroft
are looking for a home in a family community, and they
appreciate the social life with people of all backgrounds.
Mike Korin moved into Lake Barcroft from Sri Lanka
when he was nine years old. He became a great fisherman,
and has spent over 1,000 days on the Lake. Following
college at Virginia Tech, Mike worked for the U.S. Forest
Service as a fire fighter and ranger in Colorado. After a few
years, he became homesick for his family and friends in
Lake Barcroft and returned to become a real estate agent.
Today, he lives on Beachway Drive near his parents and
two sisters. Mike has brought an exciting digital presence
to his business, and regularly posts “The Lake Barcroft
Show” videos on You Tube. These videos provide a history of the Lake and feature descriptions of the individual
beaches, bike trails, winter fun and of course fishing.
Jim Robertson grew up in Miami and went to college at
the University of Southern California. Following graduation, he became a pilot for Eastern Airlines, based in the
DC area. Discovering Lake Barcroft, he first lived in a
home at the corner of Waterway and Potterton, and then
moved to his current home on Mansfield Road in 1977.
Jim has fond memories of his sons growing up at the Lake,
putting play groups together, and joining a babysitting
co-op. In 1975 Jim became a co-owner of the Joe Theismann’s restaurant at Wilston, often tending bar there. Jim
obtained his real estate license when he retired from piloting in 2004, and began another career selling real estate in
northern Virginia. He particularly loves selling properties
in Lake Barcroft, calling it an “oasis” inside the Beltway.
5
April 2016
Barcrofters Celebrate Spring
By Carol Hawley and Marti Kirschbaum Barcrofters Co-Presidents
On March 3, Barcrofters members and guests gathered for
lunch at the lovely Lakeview Drive home of Anne O’Neil
to celebrate an early St. Patrick’s Day. The waterfront
home was festively decorated with green balloons, shamrock place cards and lovely table flower arrangements.
Guests enjoyed the hot and hearty Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder
(minus the overalls), assorted cheeses, beautifully created
salads and, topping it off, mini-cupcakes appropriately
decorated with green icing. As always, wine and other
beverages were served. The wonderful food and gracious
efforts of the cooks, as well as the warm hospitality of
hostess, Anne O’Neil, were greatly appreciated.
members by Monday, May 2. Please note that reservations
aid the hosts and cooks in food and other preparations. If
you do not RSVP by the deadline, we will not be able to
accommodate you.
We cordially invite all ladies of Lake Barcroft to join us.
If you would like to become a member and attend the May
luncheon. . If you would like to become a member and
attend the May luncheon, send an RSVP to barcrofterscommunication@gmailcom or to Sally Determan, [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you on May 5.
Photo Courtesy of Barcrofters
Looking forward to a beautiful Lake Barcroft spring, the
May luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m., May 5, at the
home of Andrea Fus, 6513 Waterway Drive. As of this
writing, the menu has not yet been determined, come and
be happily surprised. What is known, however; is that
wine and other beverages will be served.
Cost of the May lunch, payable at the door, is $10 for
members and $12 for guests. In order to ensure space
accommodations, please RSVP via Evite, coming to all
Barcrofters St. Patrick’s Lunch: (from left) Marti Kirschbaum of
Crosswoods Drive and Carol Hawley of Cavalier Corridor (Co-Presidents),
and Anne O’Neil of Lakeview Drive.
Recent Sales in Lake Barcroft
Address
Rambler
Split Foyer
Bilevel
Bilevel
Split 4-Level
Rambler
Rambler
Split 4-Level
Days on
Market
3508 Duff Drive
47
3714 Woodland Drive**
46
6429 Lakeview Drive
131
6437 Lakeview Drive
71
6322 Beachway Drive**
69
6413 Crosswoods Drive 130
6122 Beachway Drive*** 29
6301 Waterway Place*** 84
Sold
Price
$737,000
765,000
783,000
799,000
860,000
975,000
1,150,000
1,325,000
Beds Baths
5
4
4
5
3
5
4
3
3
3
3
3
3.5
3.5
3
3.5
Carport/
Garage
Tax Value
2015
Tax Value
2016*
0/1
0/1
0/2
0/1
0/1
0/2
2/0
2/0
$719,180
638,450
673,680
765,300
776,270
1,078,560
1,093,110
1,217,650
$748,270
669,640
723,060
796,270
807,400
1,121,780
1,115,110
1,296,980
Price to
Price to
2015 Value 2016 Value
2%
20%
16%
4%
11%
-10%
5%
9%
* Fairfax Country did not have sold prices when tax values were determined; ** Flipped property; *** Waterfront property
Source: MLS and Fairfax County tax records to March 24, 2016. All real estate companies are included in this list.
Real Estate Questions?
Ask Burma
703-642-1924
[email protected]
ClientRatings.BurmaKlein.com
BURMA KLEIN
Associate Broker
Lake Barcroft Marketing Expert
-2%
14%
8%
0%
7%
-13%
3%
2%
6
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
President’s continued from page 1
There will be no shortage of fun activities in the coming year because Sara
Franco will continue as the Special
Events Chair. Sara has added a
number of new, exciting events to the
Lake Barcroft calendar and she has
engaged scores of new faces in
making these events successful.
Susan Escobar will assume the chair
of the Community Security committee. Susan will serve as the vital link
between our community of volunteers
and the public safety sector in promoting a safe and secure neighborhood.
Rick Aldrich returns for his final year
on the LBA board as chair of the
Membership Committee. Rick’s
service as the past-chair for the Architectural Review Committee was noted
for his streamlining of the ARC
process. He will bring those same
skills to the Membership committee.
Kevin Kampschroer, a current
member of the ARC, follows Rick as
the new chair of this important committee. Kevin will help guide the ARC
through the implementation of the new
streamlined processes and continue
to engage the community in attaining the remarkable level of voluntary
compliance which is the hallmark of
the ARC.
Sarah Mattingly will assume the role
as chair of the Publications Committee, with oversight of the Newsletter,
which has been run so capably by
Editor-in-Chief Marilyn Finley. Sarah
brings a wealth of communications
experience to the position and she’ll
see that the web site, Newsletter,
LakeLink and the other communications tools work in partnership to keep
the community informed.
Kevin Howe will serve as chair of
the Environment Committee. Kevin’s
passion and experience in all envi-
ronmental areas is well recognized.
He will also serve as the LBA liaison
with the WID. The wonderful Earth
Day celebration on April 24 continues under the guiding hand of Betsy
Washington.
Brian Allen joins George Waters as
co-chairs of the Maintenance and
Improvements Committee. Brian’s
project management experience as an
architect will complement the committee’s volunteer driven efforts that have
made such a difference in maintaining
the beaches, bridges and boat racks
around the Lake, at substantially
reduced cost to the community. Increasingly, this committee finds itself
working with VDOT and other outside
agencies on maintaining critical
infrastructure in the community and
addressing challenging environmental
challenges such as erosion caused by
excessive storm water runoff.
Dave Emmerson is our new chair of
the Legal Committee. Dave brings a
wealth of experience to that position.
Dave is an experienced attorney with a
strong background in mediation and he
has previously served on the board of
an Arlington HOA.
In addition to serving as the Vice
President, Andrew Casolini will
continue as the chair of our Water
Safety Committee. Andrew’s engineering background in storm water
management makes him a natural for
working on the water safety issues in
collaboration with the WID, as well as
the LBA Environment and Improvements committees.
In all, we have a strong new board
and we’ll all be working on behalf of
the community. But the success of
the board depends on the engagement
of the scores of volunteers needed to
make Lake Barcroft the wonderful
home that it is. So get involved, find a
committee that interests you and give
the chair a call. Your offer will be
gratefully accepted.
Earth Day continued from page 1
Focus on storm water problem
solving with WID and other professionals, and learn more about the
RPA and protecting your trees with
the innovative i-tree program for
homeowners with Mason District
Urban Forester, Nick Drunasky.
Enjoy fabulous nature art by members of our own Lake Barcroft Art
League and watch artists demonstrate
their talents. Lake Barcroft’s Bob the
Woodworker will return and demonstrate the fine art of woodturning.
Enjoy a wonderful Eco-Barge Tour
of the Lake with our new Environmental Quality Chair and naturalist,
Kevin Howe, accompanied by Davis
Grant, manager of WID.
Kids will love to explore the touchfeel pool with dozens of fish of the
Lake, learn about aquatic and other
insects and try their hand at catching some. Observe a live honeybee
exhibit and other pollinators. See
live turtles, snakes and other wildlife
while learning about protecting our
watershed. Learn more about
birding, bird-feeding and our amazing raptors. We will have a variety of
programs especially for children and
families with hands on exploration
of wildlife and Earth Day art workshops.
Don’t miss the live Raptor Program
from 4 to 5 p.m. with Lake Barcroft
resident Kent Knowles, Founder and
Director of the Raptor Conservancy
of Virginia. He will showcase seven
live raptors up close and personal,
and amaze everyone with tales about
each.
7
April 2016
Bike Club News Brief: Cycling Season Begins
By Larry Golfer Barcroft News Staff
I’m looking forward to warmer
weather and getting my bike out on the
trails. Are you?
on the website. No photo needed, just
the address and nearest intersection.
VDOT should come out fairly fast to
fix them.
Dooring (SB 117) — This bill makes
opening a vehicle door into the path of
an oncoming bicycle a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of up to $50.
Get your bike serviced now when bike
shops aren’t busy. My favorite shop
for a tune-up is Papillon Cycles at
2805 Columbia Pike, phone 703-9209494. But any good bike shop can do
your tune-up now without delay of the
high season.
Club rides are planned, as in prior
years, to favorite venues including
Shirlington, Vienna and Mount Vernon, and some new venues too. I hope
to see great participation by everyone
in 2016.
Now that our neighborhood streets
have pretty much been smoothed
out, thanks to the responsiveness of
the Northern Virginia Regional Office staff from the Virginia Department of Transportation, the roads are
much safer. Yet there are always new
potholes showing up. I’m regularly
photographing them and submitting
them to the website my.vdot.virginia.
gov. You can report potholes as well
Two pieces of legislation on cycling
safety are now before the Virginia
Legislature. These bills need your
support. It only takes a minute to send
a letter to your representatives, and it
makes a big difference when they hear
from you. Visit this link on the web to
quickly and easily send letters of support to state legislators from our area:
http://www.waba.org/blog/2016/02/
statelegmdva/
Converting traffic lanes to bicycle
lanes will not reduce highway maintenance funds (SB 669)— This bill
would remove a disincentive for cities
and towns to replace traffic lanes
with bike lanes. Currently, highway
maintenance funding is calculated
based on the number of lane miles
the city or town maintains. Under this
bill, municipalities will not have their
maintenance funding reduced if motor
vehicle lane miles are converted to
bicycle-only lanes.
If you’d like to join me for my fairly
regular one-hour ride around the lake,
let me know at [email protected].
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
GIVE THE NEIGHBORS SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT
PROVEN ABILITY handling
business and civil litigation
Call for a free consultation
703.533.3210
www.coupardarchitects.com
Nichols & Green
Like us on Facebook
p 703.383.9222
f 703.383.9220
www.facebook.com/CoupardArchitects
Fairfax, VA 22030
nicholsgreen.com
Garrett D. Green
LB resident since 1965
Licensed in VA, DC, and MD
[email protected]
571.215.4718 direct
8
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Chili-ing Out in the LB
By Jenny Alvarez Special to Barcroft News
First, we would like to thank our hosts Michael and
Jennifer Shumaker of Dearborn Drive. We could not make this
happen without your hospitality and lovely home.
Second, a thank you to all of our participants for their generous
contribution of time and delightful chili. We had a great variety
to choose from thanks to your entries and competitive spirit.
And now (drum roll) we congratulate Andrew Cassolini Dal Bo,
Greentree Drive, who won the guest Judge’s Pick and Cindy
Waters, Lakeview Drive, who won People’s Choice. Congrats
also to our cornbread competitors, Lark Lovering, Cavalier
Corridor, who won Judge’s Pick, and Warren Russell, Jay Miller
Drive, who won People’s Choice. Lastly, an unofficial honorable
mention goes to the amazingly spiced vegetarian chili, which was
highly complimented. It sure was a challenge for our guest judge,
Evelyn Trester, to choose the winner.
Our next event will be the Spring Fiesta party on Saturday, May
7 at the home of Alice Edmondson and Bill Stage on 3524 Duff
J E N N IF E R T AL AT I
rocks lake barcroft
REAL ESTATE!
Whether you are buying, selling, or renting,
Jenny knows how to jazz up your home to
make her listings pop off the charts!
JENNY TALATI
GRI • Multi-Million Dollar Producer • Long & Foster President’s Club
Lake Barcroft Woman’s Club Past President
703.944.3874 • [email protected]
YOUR LAKE BARCROFT neighbor &
realtor® FOR OVER 20 YEARS!
Photo by Larry Golfer
Dear LB residents, hopefully you did not miss out on the wonderful Chili Cook-Off we had last month. We hear many of you are
interested in finding out who the winners were. Well, we have the
scoop for you right here. The food was delicious and the company, even better. A special thanks goes out to our event coordinator, Sarah Mattingly, Crosswoods Drive, who did a terrific job.
Partiers whoop it up at the Chili Cook-off.
Drive. There will be frozen margaritas and tacos. Attendance will
be limited, so members should respond as soon as they receive
notification. Look for a Lake-link announcement.
We look forward to seeing you as we welcome spring. Come join
us for some fiesta fun with friends and neighbors. If you are new
to our community and have not yet had a chance to join in, we
wish you all a warm welcome and invite you to get in on the
action. As always, we welcome all Lake residents regardless
of how long you’ve lived here. Remember: “Newcomers are
Forever.” To join and get an early heads-up and discounts on all
Newcomers Club events, it’s just $20 for the entire family. Questions? Contact Newcomers Club President, Paul Mulligan
at 703-642-3914, or [email protected].
9
April 2016
Gabe Nassar, Best Neighbor Ever
By Ed Davis Barcroft News Staff
Gabe had no real experience or background in building
outside of some summer jobs in construction. He and his
then small crew did a lot of framing work around the area
and gradually developed more expertise. As Gabe said,
“You learn as you go and if you can’t do something, find
someone who can.”
Along the way, he met architects who were looking for
skilled builders for their own projects. Much of his work
now comes from architects who know GN Contracting’s
work and recommend them to their clients.
Gabe’s firm started working on modern homes in the 1980s
when such design was not as common. He says, “I wanted
to live in a modern space and to build modern spaces.”
He noted that “high design” can be more difficult to build.
“There are only a few contractors who can successfully do
those kind of projects,” Gabe added. But his company also
works on more traditionally designed homes.
In 2012, a house Gabe worked on in Lake Barcroft won an
award from Remodeling Magazine. In the article, architect
Charles Moore said, “Gabe was a strong proponent of all
the things we were trying to do. When we asked him and
his crew [at GN Contracting] to push the envelope or try a
different technique, he was always willing to push with us.”
Although Gabe works in primarily residential whole-house
or major additions, he has done some commercial work.
He worked on the headquarters for the lobbying firm
founded by Haley Barbour, the colorful former governor of
Mississippi. Gabe noted a couple of other commercial jobs,
a software firm in Reston and an orthodontist clinic
in Purcellville.
Along with his love of modern design, Gabe is dedicated to
a product that is sensitive to the environment. He worked
on a LEED-certified house in Great Falls which collects
rain water and has a “green roof.” (LEED is the Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design program.) “Sustainability is important” and that the “science aspect of building
has exploded in recent years” says Gabe with new,
Photo by Larry Golfer
Gabe Nassar of Lakeview Drive moved to the D.C. area in
1982, beginning work as an accountant for Dart Drug. Even
though accounting was his major in college, he soon
realized that work was not for him. He got a job as a carpenter and started his own construction company,
GN Contracting, in 1983.
Gabe Nasser custom home
environmentally friendly building materials. He also
cited tax credits for solar and geothermal installations
as important incentives for homeowners.
David Jameson, a noted DC area architect, designed the
house he and his family now live in. It is a strikingly
modern home with sweeping views of the Lake. Since it is
right across from Beach 3 it has prime viewing for the July
4th fireworks show.
GN Contracting has done major renovations and additions
to several houses in Lake Barcroft, including their next
continued on page 10
10
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Gabe Nassar continued from page 9
door neighbors, Dennis and Adrian
Bronco on Lakeview Drive.
Gabe and his wife, Ann Gamber, were
married in 1988. They lived in Arlington,
but came upon Lake Barcroft and saw
their current house in 1994. Like many
older Lake Barcroft homes, it needed a
lot of work. Ann and Gabe set to it, with
Gabe living in the house for the first couple of months. Later, he spent most weekends working on it, “often wearing a work
belt all weekend.” Ann, after working for
the federal government for 28 years, now
helps with the GN Contracting and also
works as a realtor.
They now share their house with three
sons, Ben, 16, and Luke, 14, both at Stuart
High School and Adam, 19, now at Old
Dominion University. In addition, Ann’s
mother, Nancy Gamber, lives with them
and their two rescue dogs.
After the recent blizzard, Gabe grabbed
one of his company’s front-loaders and
went up and down Lakeview removing
snow from neighbors’ driveways and
streets. He said “snow removal is fun and
doing something good for the neighborhood.” As Stan Melton of Lakeview Drive
said in a Facebook video post of Gabe’s
work, “Best freakin’ neighbor ever.
Thanks so much, Gabe.” (Ann sold the
Meltons’ house off Sleepy Hollow Road
when they moved to San Diego and then
found their Lake Barcroft home.)
Gabe has some impressive hobbies. He
designed and built a custom motorcycle
and works on restoring old automobiles,
such as the 1976 TR6 Triumph now in his
garage. He loves music and has several
guitars and a room under their garage
where Gabe says he “can blast loud
music.” Combining his music and building, he is working with others to develop
a museum in Winchester to honor country
music great Patsy Cline.
Milestones continued from page 2
bloom; the brillant patchwork of colors
from all the flower varieties is always
stunning. The artist says it was right
around Mother’s Day, when a little boy
and his dad were carefully choosing just
the right flowers, perhaps a gift for mom.
“I’d wanted to paint Ayers for a long time
and once I saw this I knew that this was the
moment I wanted to capture,” Susan wrote.
Mathew and Monika Klancer of Lyric
Lane welcomed baby Theo Matthew
Klancer on December 23, 2015. Big
brother Aleksander is very devoted. The
neighborhood will surely get to know their
crew as the weather warms and they take
family walks around the block. They make
a herd: Monika, Matt, Aleks, the adventurous toddler, Theo in the baby stroller,
and Uma the bulldog (with two leashes attached. One being held by the toddler and
one leash being held by Mom).
The Loft Gallery presented an exhibit of
watercolors by Karin Sebolka of Lakeview Drive. It was titled “Spring is in
the Air.” Karin’s works were on display
from March 8 to April 3. According to the
Gallery web site, Karin Sebolka blends
oriental and western art techniques with
her feeling for bold colors and a fine hand
for drawing. Her works can be seen at her
studio at The Loft Art Center, Mill Street,
Occoquan, Virginia, which is adjacent to
the gallery. Examples can also be seen
at www.KarinSebolka.com and at www.
LoftGallery.org.
Former Lake resident William Y. Smith,
a retired four-star Air Force general who
flew combat missions in Korea, died January 19 at his home in the nearby Malbrook
community. He was 90. Smith and his
wife, Maria, previously lived on Ridgeway
Terrace in the home now owned by David
Goslin and his wife, Nancy McGirr.
Smith wrote a book about the Cuban Missile Crisis and retired as deputy commander of U.S. forces in Europe. Smith was
born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1925.
He graduated in 1948 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.
11
April 2016
Tenor and Pianist Return
By Kristin Gilbert Special to Barcroft News
For 30 years, Robert Petillo has specialized in concert and
oratorio works of the 17th and 18th centuries. His skill with
recitative has made him a sought after Evangelist (narrator)
in musical settings of the Passion of Christ. He was hailed
“one of our most eloquent Handelian tenors” by New Yorker critic Andrew Porter. More recently Bob has stepped
into an entirely new vocal role resurrecting the melodies of
the Golden age of Popular Music with “syncopated piano”
virtuoso Alex Hassan. Mr. Hassan, considered one of the
leading authorities on Novelty Piano, works as a performer,
recording artist, and collector to preserve and promote this
syncopated music and the Golden Age of Popular Music
of the 20s and 30s. Gramophone magazine critic observed,
“Alex Hassan has been a legend for some years…. Some
say there has been no one to equal him since Mayerl himself.” These two stunning artists will transform you back to
Photo by Kristin Gilbert
On Sunday, May 1, May Day, celebrated tenor Robert
Petillo and pianist Alex Hassan return to the RusticWay
Chamber Music series presenting an afternoon of American
songs of the 20s and 30s.
Rusticway Chamber Music Concert performers Alex Hassan at
piano, Bob Petillo vocalist.
one of the most vibrant eras of our popular culture.
The hour-long concert begins at 4 p.m., Sunday May 1, at
the home of Kris Gilbert and Marion Baker at 3424 Rustic
Way Lane and is followed by refreshments. For reservations, contact Kris Gilbert at 703-354-7305 or by email at
[email protected]. To help us provide an honorarium
for our artists, suggested donations are $15 for adults and
$5 for children. All net proceeds from this series are
donated to the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund.
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12
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
You Like to Feel Wanted?
Volunteer for Fireworks
By Kevin Howe Barcroft News Staff & Pyrotechnician
As we all know, the Lake Barcroft
Community is an extraordinary place,
a place of amazing community
participation and events. It is one of
the few, if not the only, communities
in the U.S. which creates, constructs
and shoots its own fireworks on the
Fourth of July. This is an event to be
proud of, our own special July 4th
Fireworks Show. And it is all done by
volunteer residents of Lake Barcroft.
For over 30 years, Lake residents have
ordered, organized, set up, shot off and
cleaned up the fireworks.
We need many volunteers and we
really encourage new residents to
get involved. Don’t be shy; we will
meet you, greet you and make it fun.
Without newbies being involved and
learning the show, it could cease.
The show itself is planned for after
9 p.m. on Monday, July 4 with a rain
date of July 5. The show is fired from
Beach 3. The Beach will be closed on
Saturday, July 2 through the morning
of Tuesday, July 5, only volunteers
are allowed on the beach. Stoneybrae
Drive, a wonderful viewing area, will
again be closed so that residents and
their guests can sit in the street (bring
a blanket or chair) and watch the show.
Every year we need about 100 or more
volunteers. The work is not easy, it is
always hot and we do it rain or shine.
But all who participate get things out
of it that you can get nowhere else and
many volunteers return year after year.
First, you learn how firework shows
really work. Second, you meet and
work with neighbors. You will now
be able to put faces to many LakeLink
names. Third, you are doing something for your community; whether
you donate an hour or a day, a bottle
of cold water or your carpentry
skills, you will be accomplishing real
community service. Why should
community service be restricted to
your school years?
Just so you all know, the fireworks are
shot like a mortar. So, we have some
1,200 mortar tubes (in series of ten)
to set up, stabilize and load with the
baseball-like explosives. The shooting
off is done by experienced residents
under the overall management of one
resident (me) who is certified by the
State as a Pyrotechnician. The show
and prep are overseen the entire time
the fireworks are on site by two
Fairfax County Fire Marshals.
We need a full array of help with the
only restriction being that the handling
of fireworks (on July 4) can only be
done by people over 18 years of age.
Our work schedule is:
n Saturday, July 2, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.,
unload trailer next to Beach 3,
clean mortar racks and site, load
on truck and unload at Beach 3
proper.
n
Sunday, July 3, 9 p.m. to about
2 p.m., set up of racks and stabilize
along the beach front; hard work
but an absolute necessity for the
show.
n
Monday, July 4, 9 a.m. to when
done p.m., complete any set up,
load fireworks and protect.
n
Tuesday, July 5, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.,
clean up beach to ensure the beach
opens and no debris is left. A very
important task and perfect for
moms, dads and kids.
If you wish to volunteer or have questions, please send me an email (Kevin)
at [email protected].
We need people to:
Contribute cold drinks or snacks on
July 3 and July 4.
Bring a truck for hauling racks on
Saturday, the 2nd and Tuesday the 5th.
Run errands before and during the
work, be available on site or by phone.
Let us borrow a canopy to shade us
while working in the sun (we need at
least 6-8).
Sit in area when fireworks are on site
(July 4) to guard the site (from 10 a.m.
through 9 p.m.).
Lift and clean racks on Saturday
morning.
Set up racks and do a little carpentry
work on Sunday, one hour or five,
whatever you can do.
Be available on Monday, July 4 to
post LakeLink messages when we
need to do so.
Assist with loading the mortars and
setting up fuses properly on Monday
(very exact and critical work).
Other things will arise, volunteer and
we will find a job for you.
I guarantee as a volunteer you will:
smile; learn something new and do
something for someone else (your
community). What better thing to do
in honor of our Nation’s birthday.
Sand Day is Coming
Come to Sand Day, Beach 4
Saturday, May 14,
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sand Day is a fun event
organized by and for kids.
13
April 2016
Easter Egg Hunt, March 26
Photo by Sarah Mattingly
Photo by Lea Bellas
Jean Meyer of Stoneybrae Drive, Easter Egg Hunt organizer, Easter Bunny Charlotte Flounders of
Crosswoods Drive, and Wanda Martinson of Waterway Drive.
Photo by Tom Donlon
Photo by Ron Karpick
Fuzzy bunny-ear girl.
Enjoying the fruits of the hunt.
Photo by Ron Karpick
Photo by Sarah Mattingly
Triplets Jack, Hugo and Duke Fox of Lakeview Drive.
Fun time for all at Beach 5
I found some candy.
14
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Lake Barcroft Calendar
Include Your 2016 Lake Barcroft Activities Here. Email Wilma Kaplan: [email protected].
RusticWay Chamber Music
6142 Beachway Drive
APRIL
Tenor Robert Petillo and Pianist
April 15 – 9:30 A.M.
Alex Hassan
April 28 – 7:30 P.M.
LBWC Downtown Attractions
Gunston Hall, Home of George Mason LBWC Theatre Group, Folger Theatre 3424 Rustic Way Lane
Reservations: 703-354-7305
William Shakespeare’s Long Lost
Docent tour of Mansion and Grounds
Play by The Reduced Shakespeare
May 4 – 11:30 A.M.
Company
April 18 – 11 A.M. - NOON
LBV Silver Fox Men’s Lunch
Contact: charlottef51@verizon net
LVB Spanish Conversation
Tempo, 4231 Duke Street
Woodrow Wilson Library
April 29 – 10 A.M.
May 5 – 11:30 A.M.
LBWC Book Club
April 21, 28 – 4 P.M.
Barcrofters Luncheon
Home of Kathy Utgoff, 6435
LVB Stretch and Balance
Home of Andrea Fus,
Waterway
Drive
Home of Geri Falek,
6513 Waterway Drive
“All
The
Light
We
Cannot
See”
3801 Lakeview Terrace
by Anthony Doerr
May 5, 12, 19, 26 - 4 P.M.
April 23 – 5-7 P.M.
MAY
LBV Stretch and Balance
LBV Happy Hour
May
1
–
10
A.M.4
P.M.
Home of Geri Falek,
Home of Terry Stone,
LBWC House Tour
3801 Lakeview Terrace
6318 Crosswoods Circle
Advance tickets can be purchased
from any Woman’s Club Member
May 11 – 7 P.M.
April27 – 10 A.M.
LBWC Movie Night
LBV Monthly Coffee
May 1 – 4 P.M.
Home of Leigh and Bob Gonzalez
Home of Deenie McKay,
6306 Crosswoods Circle
May 11 – 7:30 P.M.
LBA Monthly Board Meeting
May 12 – NOON
LBV Co-Ed Lunch
Four Sisters, 8190 Strawberry Lane
Mosaic Center
May 14 – 10 A.M. – 1 P.M.
LBA Sand Day
Beach 4
May 14 – 4 P.M.
LBV Cyber Crime and Computer
Security
Robert Osgood, George Mason
University
Home of Terry Stone,
6318 Crosswoods Circle
May 19 – 11:30 A.M.
LBWC Spring Luncheon
Home of Leigh Gonzalez
6306 Crosswoods Circle
15
April 2016
A Busy Spring for LBWC
By Wanda Martinson and Susan Crawford LBWC Co-Presidents
Get ready for our biggest charity event of the year, the Lake
Barcroft Woman’s Club 2016 House Tour on Sunday, May 1
(10 a.m.-4 p.m.), featuring wonderful homes, stunning views, and
great community support for the Club’s 2016 charities: Culmore
Clinic, Morning Star/Hispanics Against Child Abuse and
Neglect and Stuart Educational Foundation.
Tickets are on sale now for $20 per person (advance
discount) from any LBWC member or by calling Carol Tether
at 703-914-2882, or Mary Ellen Jehn ([email protected]) at
703-820-4232. Tickets are $25 at the doors the day of the
tour. We have six amazing houses this year.
n Ashraf and Nazir Bhagat, 6374 Lakeview Drive
n Susan and Mark Escobar, 3323 Grass Hill Terrace
n Joyce and Bernie Grand, 6507 Waterway Drive
n Elaine and Jon Kent, 6306 Lakeview Drive
(Refreshments Served)
n Marie and Tom Mattson, 6301 Crosswoods Circle
n Abigail and John Ross, 3604 Pinetree Terrace
Raffle tickets are $5 each or six for $25 with a chance to win
$1,000. They are available in advance and at the door.
Did you see that life-size Easter Bunny at Beach 5 on Saturday,
March 26? As we go to print, we know Jeannie Meyer and Joan
Doupe will hit it out of the basket again and coordinate a great
time for children of all ages at the annual Woman’s Club Easter
Egg Hunt. Jeannie and Joan, we tip our Easter bonnets to you.
The Woman’s Club thanks all who made the February 27 WineTasting event such a terrific success. Rebecca Keegan and Jim
Jackson were our gracious hosts and even created a magnificent
centerpiece of vines and fresh grapes. Barbara Selig and Ed
Addis brought a fabulous selection of sparkling, white and red
French Wines along with delectable assortments of cheese and
charcuterie. Stair and Michael Calhoun assisted with pouring.
Voting for the best appetizers was a challenge because there
were so many delicious entries to judge. The deserving winners
in their respective categories were: endive with yummy chopped
toppings made by Susan Martin (paired with sparkling wine);
crabmeat and avocado on bread rounds made by Melinda McGlohon (paired with white wine); won ton lamb made by Nomi
Taslitt (paired with red wine). Thanks also go to the Woman’s
Club members who helped with many tasks and general good
cheer: Elizabeth Berry, Susan Crawford, Mary Ellen Jehn, Diane
Kilbourne, Wanda Martinson, Sharon Pacciana, Carol Tether,
Nomi Taslitt, Diane Weeks, and Cathy Williams.
The March Craft Group meetings at Mary Ellen Jehn’s home
were very well attended. The evening group showcased crafts,
continued on page 16
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Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Woman’s Club continued from page 15
“refreshments,” and boisterous camaraderie into the night. The
April 14 meetings hope to continue this lovely combination of
crafts and a good chat. The morning meeting is at Kathy Utgoff’s,
6345 Waterway, and the evening group is at Roxanna Douglas’s,
6332 Lakeview.
The Downtown Attractions tour on April 15 is a docent led tour
through the history of George Mason’s Gunston Hall Mansion
and Gardens. Eva Kosztarab and Wilma Kaplan are excellent at
finding so many interesting venues.
The Creative Floral Group met at Elizabeth Berry’s home on
March 15. Members each paid $20, which covered flowers and a
container. This talented group will meet again on April 14 to plan
centerpieces to be featured at the May 1 House Tour.
Leigh and Bob Gonzalez welcome Club members and their
guests to Movie Nights the second Wednesday of each month at
7 p.m. with treats and drinks, all for $5 per person. The March
9 movie selection was a Lebanese film, “Caramel.” Leigh sends
advance email reminders to the Special Interest Group Movie
lovers. All Club members are welcome with reservations. Next
movie night is April 13.
The Mahjong Group meets every other Wednesday afternoon
at 1 p.m. at different members’ homes. Next meetings are April
6 and 20. The group is made up of beginner players, who are
rapidly improving, as well as more experienced players. New
members are always welcome.
Eating Adventures met at Ireland’s Four Provinces in Falls
Church on Wednesday, March 16. The group honored Joan
Doupe on her 95th birthday. You can thank Joan for filling all
those Easter Eggs for your children and for providing lemonade
at so many Beach after-parade events. Guess we could call her
the energizer bunny.
Morning Book Club will meet at 10 a.m. on April 29 at Kathy
Utgoff’s, 6435 Waterway Drive, to discuss “All the Light We
Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr. Come join the discussion.
The Theatre Group attended the performance of “Sweat” at
Arena Stage on February 17 and is planning to attend “William Shakespeare’s Long Lost Play (Abridged)” by the Reduced
Shakespeare Company at the Folger Theatre on Thursday, April
28, at 7:30 p.m. The group welcomes others to join.
It’s hard to believe, but our Club’s calendar year is coming to a
close in May, and we’ll celebrate with the End-of-Year Luncheon and election and installation of officers at Leigh Gonzalez’s
home at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 19.
How do I get involved? The Club’s calendar year runs May to
May. Send your $30 membership fee (payable to Lake Barcroft
Woman’s Club) to LBWC Treasurer, Carol Tether, 6400 Lyric
Lane, 22044.
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18
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Quality Food, Locally Crafted Beers and
Live Music in Clarendon
By George McLennan and Debra M. Lee Barcroft News Staff
If you like good food and lots of choices
in craft beer, you’re going to love Sehkraft
Brewing. When you sit down, plan on
taking a few minutes to review the drink
menu of roughly 30 beers on tap, plus
several more in cans or bottles. Sehkraft
opened last November and is still working through the county and state permitting processes, but will soon have its own
brewed-in-house craft beer to add to the
mix.
The décor is truly eclectic. The owners
invited several different decorators and
artists to choose a section of the restaurant
and have their way with it. As a result,
there is an interesting mix of styles,
including American “found art,” unusual murals, graffiti and walls painted in
psychedelic-styled designs. To round out
the interior, there is at least one large TV
screen for nearly every view.
The restaurant is large and divided into
three sections, the bar on one end, the
main dining room on the other end and a
band stand and dance floor in the middle. While the overall look and style of
Sehkraft strongly suggests a cross between
brew pub, nightclub and sports bar, the
restaurant adds the unexpected dimension
of great dining. What’s more, it seems to
pull it off successfully.
Approximately 20 of the 30 or so beers
on tap are brewed in Washington, D.C.,
Maryland or Virginia. The waiter will be
delighted to help you make a selection.
Our favorites were the Anderson Valley Blood Orange Gose (very citrusy and
sour) and the Hardywood Park Bourbon
Sidamo (a robust stout with a hint of dark
chocolate). If you prefer wine, there is a
nice but smaller selection.
Sehkraft Brewing
925 N Garfield St, Clarendon (at 10th
and Washington Blvd.)
703-841-5889, www.sehkraftbrewing.com
Mon. 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Tue. – Sun: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Entrées: $11 - $36
The restaurant has an adjacent small
company-owned market and butcher shop
that serves the public, plus supplies most
of the meats and sausages offered in the
restaurant. The chef prides himself on
preparing dishes from ingredients sourced
from within 100 miles. In several visits
with a variety of friends we tried these
items from the menu:
n Veggie Flatbread – grilled flatbread
with roasted vegetables. Was slightly
soggy and needed more seasoning (D)
continued on page 21
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April 2016
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20
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Village Planning “Keep In Touch” Service
By Jane Guttman and Cindy Waters Special to Barcroft News
We all remember the snow storm in
January where two feet of snow fell in
our area. Luckily, power outages did
not occur, although we were all inconvenienced by the inability to easily get
around for several days.
In light of what could have happened,
however, a group of Village members
have gotten together to propose a way
to Keep In Touch with each other,
whether daily or an as-needed basis,
thus enhancing our communication
with members.
Two ideas have been proposed. Create
a “phone tree” framework using the
neighborhood Sections to help define
the geographic areas of service, to help
identify Captains of the areas, and to
assist those members who need help.
Primarily this service would be to
check on a member’s well-being using
a daily or predetermined time for a
phone call from a member/volunteer to
the member requesting the call. Daily
calls would be pre-arranged between
the member and the volunteer while
a full phone tree would be utilized
during weather or other emergencies.
Idea two is to provide food to those
members who might be in need of
such assistance, a recent hospital
stay, an illness or help for a caregiving spouse, etc. This service would be
made as easy as possible for the recipient member by the use of microwaveable dishes, disposable containers, and
a predetermined schedule of delivery
service by volunteers.
If you have other suggestions about
enhancing communication among
members and/or would like to get
involved with this initiative, please
contact Cindy Waters, LBV executive
director, [email protected],
703-354-0652.
Talk on Cyber Crime Scheduled;
Coffees and Party Planned for
Spring
Robert Osgood, George Mason University, will speak about Cyber Crime
and Computer Security on Saturday,
May 14 at 4 p.m. Mr. Osgood recently
retired from 26 years as an FBI agent
specializing in Computer Forensics,
Cyber-Crime, Enterprise Criminal Organizations, Espionage and CounterTerrorism.
The presentation by Mr. Osgood will
be at Terry Stone’s house, 6318 Crosswoods Circle. Contact Cindy Waters,
LBV Executive Director, at 703-3540652 or by email at lbvcoord@gmail.
com for further details.
continued on page 22
21
April 2016
Neighbors, continued from page 3
I travelled on my own when I was 12,
visiting my uncle and aunt for a summer
in Australia. After a year as an exchange
student in Bay City, Michigan, I knew I
was better suited to this culture. (Curious,
skeptical and critical are characteristics
not looked for in Japanese women.) I’ve
always been interested in the outside
world, wanting to go places, taking in languages and cultures. In college I studied
political science and decided to become a
journalist. I felt there was so much to find
out in this world. I question everything,
and like making up my own mind.
How did your parents feel about all of
this?
Ayako: They were more appalled than anything else. They certainly didn’t condone
my going to work for a newspaper. Few
women worked in Japanese newspapers.
At mine, women were never assigned to a
police beat, but I finally convinced my editor to let me cover a murder. A few years
later, the war in Vietnam was very much
in the news, and I desperately wanted to
cover it. But my editors couldn’t think of
sending a woman.
I accepted a one-year scholarship program in Paris for journalists from all over
the world. We travelled to six different
countries in Europe, a convivial group
where nobody agreed. I entered Columbia University two years later, earning an
M.S. in Journalism, worked for Forbes
for a couple of years, and then returned to
Tokyo.
After Kim became Tokyo bureau chief for
Newsweek, he interviewed and hired me
on the spot. We covered stories together,
and married ten months later, spending all
our time together, 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. Then Daniel was born.
When Newsweek brought Kim back to
Washington, I freelanced: a column in the
Japan Times, working with Japanese television, and writing op-eds for the Washington Post, the Financial Times, WSJ,
Foreign Policy and others. In 1990, Kim
was changing jobs, experimenting with a
daily briefing paper on Latin America. I
Restaurant, continued from page 18
watched him, and said why not focus on
Japan, then constantly in the news. We
had the right combination of knowledge
and expertise and could provide a real
service. So The Daily Japan Digest was
born in our basement, and for 15 years,
we provided crucial news and analysis for
the Japan policy community in the U.S.
and elsewhere. Our subscribers included
NSA, State, CIA and Pentagon, as well
as bankers, corporations and academics. I
was in demand as a commentator on radio
and television, though shunned by the
Japanese government, because I didn’t toe
their line.
Always that powerful streak of independence. We’d love to hear about your
two boys.
Ayako: Eric and Daniel. I must admit they
are extraordinary. I did my best to instill
my values. They came out even better
than that. When Kim got sick, they were
so, so helpful. I simply can’t speak highly
enough of them.
Before they were born, I had been so
focused on my career, I didn’t think I
wanted to have children. But Kim said:
“I want a little girl who looks just like
you.” I wanted to teach my sons how to
knit and play piano. Instead they became
cooks in serious degree. Kim and I loved
cooking, and fought about whose turn it
was to cook for the dinner party. Eric and
Daniel must have thought: “Cooking is
such a great thing.” Now, I can say: I feel
like eating…and they make it. Every year
at Christmas they come up with something
extraordinary. One year it’s Beef Wellington, another it’s Marseillaise Bouillabaisse.
So what’s next for you, Ayako?
Ayako: I love tennis, such fun with
infinite ways to improve, and ballroom
dancing with endless things to learn. My
mind is just bursting with ideas for writing, plays, movie scripts, books. I hope I
have enough time left in my life to do all
the things I’d like to do.
n The Wedge – chilled iceberg lettuce,
bay bleu studded cheese dressing
with home-smoked bacon pieces. “I
love this. I love this.” (A)
n Bistro Steak & Fries – bistro-style
grilled bavette steak (either sirloin tip
or flank steak) and fries. Very well
prepared and tasty but had a thread
of gristle running through it. The
crunchy fries were the best we’ve had
in a long, long time. (A-)
n Pork Shank – beer-braised bone-in
pork shank with braised root vegetables. Very tender. The vegetables
made this dish. Huge serving but one
of us finished the whole platter by
herself. (A)
n BBQ Beef Brisket – Sahkraft says this
is “as close to Texas as you can get.”
Comes with potato salad and cole slaw.
Great flavor. Very slightly dry but the
BBQ sauce made up for it. (B)
n Corned Beef Sliders – house-made
smoked corned beef sliced very thin
and served on a toasted slider roll
with kraut, Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing. Very good and
perfect for the smaller appetite. (A)
n Grilled Grouper – served with a
huge helping of roasted vegetable
succotash. The grouper was very
good and the vegetables were even
better. Very nice dish. (B+)
In our several visits we did not do the dessert menu justice by trying only the sour
cherry pie (A) and a bowl of a scoop each
of egg nog and gingerbread ice creams
(A). We like them both. Our waiter informed us that an independent pastry chef
stops in regularly to create the desserts so
the menu changes frequently.
The bottom line: Our entrées averaged
about $22 each. The whole meal came to
about $35 per person. We liked Sehkraft
quite a lot and plan to visit again.
There is free parking in the garage adjacent to the restaurant; most of the meat
dishes on the menu can be prepared with
steak, chicken or vegetarian item(s), and
there is live music most nights.
22
Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Village continued from page 20
Village Retains 100 Percent of
Membership
The Village Board announced that the
Village has retained 100 percent of
its members from 2015 to 2016.
Recently, three new people joined.
The total number of Village members
to date is 85.
Spanish Language Group Meets
The Spanish conversation group for
native and non-native speakers met on
Monday, March 14 at the Dearborn
Drive home of Jane Guttman. Volunteer Cecilia Herrera of Lyric Lane
provided native-speaker support.
Attendees were Robert Feldman of
Grass Hill Terrace, Millie Schreiber of
Mansfield Road, Mary Jo Wasylyk of
Beachway Drive, and Sheila Wayman,
Ridgeway Terrace. The group plans to
meet at the Woodrow Wilson Library
on April 18 from 11 a.m. to noon. If
you are interested in joining, please
contact Cindy Waters.
Photo by Will O’Neil
Future events are in the pipeline.
Deenie McKay of Beachway Drive
will host the Monthly Coffee on April
27 and Sheila Wayman of Ridgeway
Terrace will host it on May 18. The
Village Anniversary Party will be
held at the Goodwin House on May
22 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Stretch and
Balance classes will continue at Geri
Falek’s house, 3801 Lakeview Terrace. The Village Program Committee
is also planning a talk in September
on “Decluttering” (right in time for
fall cleaning) with Nina Fuerth. Also
under discussion are sessions on Home
and Respite Care for the November
Quarterly meeting and the formation
of a current events discussion group.
Russell, Chris, Kenny, Terri and Tam play Irish songs at the home of Anne and Will O’Neil,
March 19.
We are RE/MAX by invitation
YOUR LOCAL REALTORS...inviting you home!
MEL DAVIS
571-271-2034
[email protected]
703.350.9595
[email protected]
703.999.6237
[email protected]
BARBARA JONES
703.837.6338
[email protected]
CHRISSY O’DONNELL*
DIXIE RAPUANO
CAT TALLANT
PEGGY VERONEAU
IRENE XENOS
Agents listed from left to rignt.
703.801.2145
[email protected]
LISA DUBOIS*
703.969.6772
[email protected]
ANN GAMBER
703.447.0634
[email protected]
703.956.0418
[email protected]
703.626.8374
[email protected]
*Brokers/Owners
703.677.8730 | 4784 Lee Hwy | Arlington, VA 22207 www.byinvitationrealty.com
23
April 2016
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 at lachance3@
aol.com for approval. Please include your name
and day/evening phone numbers for verification.
Non-Lake residents may purchase a classified ad
by calling 703-941-2547 or emailing lachance3@
aol.com. Placement is on a space-available basis.
HOUSE CLEANING Honest, excellent
references in Lake Barcroft area. Low rates and
free estimates. Call Juliet/Luis 703-628-3434,
571-236-3700 or 703-354-3225.
VACATION RENTAL Villa in eastern Tuscany,
sleeps 2-18. Pool, gorgeous view. Private, serene,
yet 5 minutes from restaurants, shops, markets.
One large villa plus 2 apartments across a
courtyard. Rent all or part. Discount to fellow
Barcrofters: 703-824-9746.
VACATION RENTAL Nags Head, NC. Sound
front house for rent. 3 beds/3baths. Enjoy beautiful sunsets with direct sound access. Call Toby @
703-217-4265.
OCEAN CITY RENTAL Ocean front. Sea
Watch: 2BR and den. Golden Sands: 1BR. All
amenities. Discount by owner. Please call Melanie
at 703-864-9392 or Mrs. Nelson at 703-998-7827.
PUERTO RICO RENTAL Beachfront townhome, 3BR, 2 1/2 baths, sleeps 6. Immaculate,
fully equipped, all AC, plus 2 reserved parking
in gated community w/ pool. Centrally located.
Call Loida 703-845-8696 or visit www.vrbo.
com/232171.
Non Stop for Renée Gholz
By Anne O’Neil Barcroft News Staff
Every month, Renée Gholz, who is in
her hundredth year, telephones all
forty members of our Woman’s Club
Eating Adventures Group.
Renée, you have a special talent for
making new friends while keeping
the old.
Renée: (Laughs.) Yes. I still have
friends in El Paso, Texas, which I
left in 1961, and neighbors in New
Orleans, where I lived until 2004.
Then there’s Mike who sailed to the
Bahamas with my husband and me.
He gives good two-arm hugs.
That’s what we get when you call
us each month! How did you land
that gig?
Renée: Ten years ago, our previous
leader needed more time to nurse her
husband, so I said “Give me the list.” I
enjoy making the calls. Just last month
a member said she felt we became
friends from the monthly call.
How about the luncheon itself?
Renée: My son, Chico, and I enjoy
wider horizons, finding new restaurants off the beaten path. Several
friends have thanked me for introducing them to restaurants they never
would have known. Still, talking with
interesting and pleasant people is
more important than what we eat.
Delicious dining, delectable friends.
Who could ask for anything more?
Presorted
Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Merrifield, VA
Permit No. 7872
ASSOCIATION
P.O. 1085, Falls Church, VA 22041
We are your Lake Barcroft resident Realtors
We specialize in the Lake Barcroft
community. With our knowledge and
expertise of the area, we can help you
with all your real estate needs.
Call us.
Ana Azcarate
703.405.6602
Karen Freije
703.402.6133
Carol Hawley
703.975.6403
Jim Robertson
703.217.0283
Jennifer Talati
703.944.3874
Long & Foster Falls Church Office, 6299 Leesburg Pike, at Seven Corners, 703-534-9660