The Power of Two - Lake Barcroft

september 2010
If you’ve spent much time on the Lake this summer,
you’ve probably seen a few pontoon boats that are out of the ordinary
– colorful, distinctive and downright different. Here are the
stories of three of the more intriguing watercraft on Lake Barcroft.
The Pink Flamingo belongs to Chris Buehler, who lives on the
Lake Barcroft stretch of Columbia Pike. He purchased it from
Donna Black when she moved from the Lake in 2007. Donna
obtained the boat from the father of her former yoga teacher,
who lives in a Lakefront home on Crosswords Circle.
“The motor was running, but the rest of the 20-plus-year-old
boat was in pretty rough shape,” Donna recalled. “I knew I
wanted certain features such as having a design where the captain
does not have to sit alone and that the bow not be overweighed
because everyone always wants to sit in the front for a
continued on page 4
President’s rePort
The Maintenance and Improvements
Committee: The unsung heroes of the
Lake By J. Warren Russell
As we say good -bye to summer, I’d like to thank
everyone on the Maintenance and Improvements Committee
who have toiled in the hot summer sun to keep Lake Barcroft’s
common areas well groomed, properly maintained and looking
good. Theirs is a somewhat thankless job -- most of what they
do goes unnoticed, but what they do to preserve safety, improve
security, and keep everything in working order is an important
contribution to the quality of life around here. This volunteer
committee has large responsibilities to maintain the 16 cul-desacs,
5 beaches, the median strips along Lakeview Drive and
Waterway Drive, the 2 gardens and all the other common areas
-- an area that totals over 50 acres. Under the leadership of
Joel Gregorio, the committee is loosely divided into various skill
sets with maintenance supervisors -- Aras Butas, Peter Downs
N E W S L E T T E R
Show Boats: Stories behind some of
Lake Barcroft’s wondrous watercraft
By Kim I. Mills Barcroft News Staff
The Pink Flamingo
Clear-cutting of Lakeside property.
and Greg Pedersen; landscape garden and hardscape design --
Betsy Washington; security -- Kim Smith; building contractors
-- Kevin Howe; along with continued technical expertise from
past improvements committee leaders -- Michael Niebling, Jerry
Mendenhall and George McLennan. These are the unsung
volunteers who oversee the various fixer-upper projects. Just this
summer, they have built and installed a new Beach 4 life guard
stand; removed graffiti throughout the community; repaired
drainage at Beaches 2 and 3; replaced the seats on several swing
sets; removed dead or diseased trees; replanted native trees; and
provided free mulch to the community. They have even been
known to pick up dog poop from those who are inconsiderate
continued on page 2
Photo by Christopher Buehler

2 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Published by
Lake Barcroft Association, Inc.
Daphne Butas, Editor
6409 Crosswoods Drive
Falls Church, Virginia 22044
Telephone: 703-256-4169
Email: dapher@orecg.com
Photography
Joel Gregorio, Photo Editor
George McLennan, Photographer
Production/Layout
Dominique Cavich and Don Christian
Reporters
Monica Boland, Arts
Aras Butas, Automobiles
Daphne Butas, General Assignment
Al Cromley, General Assignment
Charlotte Flounders, Places to Go & Things to Do
Sara Franco, Kids Corner
Kevin Howe, Nature
Moe Jafari, In the Kitchen
Debra Lee, Restaurant Reviews
Martha McIntosh, Health and Fitness
Jody McKitrick, Neighbor Profiles
George McLennan, Restaurant Reviews
Kimberly Smith, General Assignment, Security
Sandy Tugwell, Poet Laureate
Betsy Washington, Horticulture
Todd West, WID Reports/Engineering
Publications Committee
Mark Cavich, Chairman
Don Christian
Carol Donlan
George McLennan
The Lake Barcroft Newsletter is published
monthly by the Lake Barcroft Association.
Please submit articles to
dapher@orecg.com or
Barcroft News, c/o
6409 Crosswoods Drive, Falls Church, 22044
Deadline for the Oct. newsletter is Sept. 17.
Advertising Rates
1/2 page $225/mo.
1/3 page $150/mo.
1/4 page $125/mo.
1/8 page $100/mo.
back cover $3900/yr.
business card service ad $400/yr.
Advertising Sales
Chris and Vince Lawson
Telephone: 703-941-2547
Fax: 703-941-1535
Email: lachance3@aol.com
President, continued from page 1
enough not to pick up after their pets. So far this year, the LBA has spent about $33K
out of our $70K budgeted for maintenance alone. It would cost all of us even more,
if not for the cooperative relationship with the WID, who is always responsive on any
project affecting the Lake or water quality. If you see something that needs fixing,
please let us know. If you have building skills and are willing to help as a volunteer, that
is even better. The Improvements Committee could use some hobbyist woodworkers
to help build benches, picnic tables, garden trellis and arches.
Along with this routine maintenance, the Improvements Committee is also responsible
for designing and implementing longer-term projects that improve the community as
a whole. While the Lake is clearly the key feature of the community, it is also primarily
a WID responsibility, so this group concentrates on the land areas surrounding
the Lake. Most noteworthy, the Improvements Committee is overseeing a multi-year
project to redesign the community garden between Lakeview and Dearborn Drives. If
you have not been down there recently, please go, walk around and observe the work
in progress, see and smell the beautiful native plants and view wildlife in a natural and
serene setting.
On another note, please take time to read the insert in this newsletter about the Resource
Protection Area (RPA) guidelines. These guidelines have also been posted to the
LBA website for your reference. Since last month there have been four more reported
RPA violations. The county is not fooling around; code enforcement is seriously investigating
each and every incident. Please make sure you understand how the RPA affects
your property and your responsibilities as a property owner to protect the runoff areas.
The Labor Day Games were another huge success. Thanks to Ralph Petta and Lisa
Levine for their organizational skills in marking the end of the season with such a funfilled
event.
Finally, mark your calendars for our annual Civic Affairs meeting on October 20, at
Belvedere Elementary School. The LBA Board and the WID will give updates, we will
host several of our local public officials and there will be time for questions and answers.
The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. and end about 9:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity
to learn more about your community and interact with your elected officials.
Best wishes for a glorious fall and hope to see you soon in, on or around the Lake.
New 2010 Lake Barcroft Directories are coming—
we need delivery volunteers!
Please contact Mark Cavich at mark@cavich.com to sign up.

Photo by Mark Cavich
September 2010 3
Neighbors
A series of profiles on 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 profiled, please contact Daphne Butas.
Traci Cooke By Jody McKitrick Barcroft News Staff
The Cooke family (L–R): Traci, Jack, Ellie, David, and Bennett
Name: Traci Cooke
Age: Over 40, but not by much!
Occupation: Cooke household CEO
I agreed to be President of our local elementary school PTA, Sleepy Hollow ES last
year. All three of my children were at Sleepy Hollow last school year (K, 2nd and
4th), so I figured it was time to pay some dues! It’s been a pleasure and challenge, for
sure. I’m going into my second year and am proud of all the work the PTA did last
year; it had good fundraisers for the school and students; it started a new after school
continued on page 17
2009–2010 Officers and directOrs
J. Warren Russell, President . . . . 703-750-0596
Cindy Waters, Vice President . . . . 703-354-1133
Eva Kosztarab, Secretary . . . . . . . 703-354-6214
Steve Klein, Treasurer . . . . . . . . . 703-642-8745
Mark Cavich, Director . . . . . . . . . 703-992-7085
Rick Clayton, Director . . . . . . . . . 703-333-3057
Sally Determan, Director . . . . . . . 703-845-0363
Stuart Feldstein, Director . . . . . . . 703-941-1723
Joel Gregorio, Director. . . . . . . . . 703-256-5652
Jim Kilbourne, Director . . . . . . . . 703-256-7382
Pat Payne, Director . . . . . . . . . . . 703-671-1061
Kimberly Smith, Director . . . . . . . 703-624-1182
Betsy Washington, Director . . . . . 703-941-6325
LBa cOmmittee chairpersOns
Architectural Review
Jim Kilbourne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-256-7382
Community Watch/Security
Kimberly Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-624-1182
Environmental Quality
Betsy Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-941-6325
Finance & Audit
Steve Klein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-642-8745
Improvements
Joel Gregorio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-256-5652
Legal
Stuart Feldstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-941-1723
Membership
Rick Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-333-3057
Publications
Mark Cavich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-992-7085
Special Events
Pat Payne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-671-1061
Water Safety/Beach Maintenance
Sally Determan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703-845-0363
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
Pontoons, continued from page 1
better view. I also wanted the boat to be fun so I thought pink
flamingos would be fun.”
As she did research for her refurbishing on the Internet, “I found
every flamingo was pictured with a palm tree. The pictures I
found became the inspiration for the mural on the sides of the
boat.” She placed lighted palm trees in tables at the front of the
boat for stability and moved the seating back a bit, which keeps
the front of the pontoons above water when the boat is full.
“Hack sawing off rusty bolts and shopping on the Internet on
Pontoonstuff.com became my passion,” she said. “The decking,
carpets, seating, bimini, batteries and all the electrical equipment
were purchased new. The motor and railings were reused
after some modifications.”
The boat sat on jacks in her driveway from early spring until
after Labor Day. “Hand painting the flamingos with the Barcroft
references (Barcroft flamingo lifeguard, pirate flamingo
and volleyball-playing flamingos) took most of the summer to
complete,” she said. “Ron Oxley gave advice on the removal of
the motor and replacement of the decking. He also lent some
muscle when the old steering needed to be removed.”
Donna’s then-partner, Curtis Haymore of Lakeview Drive, and
his brother Kelly helped design the electrical configurations.
“Curtis did the majority of the installation of the electrical system
and was a part of every step of the journey, from towing the
boat to our Lakeview Drive home, removing all structures down
to the pontoons and installing the new parts, to riding on the
boat as it was launched into the Lake for the very first time,”
Donna said. “Sinking did briefly cross our minds as that part of
the journey took place.”
Total material costs were about $7,000. “It was a labor of love
and I enjoyed the process as well as the result,” she said. “I
haven’t been able to pass an older boat since without thinking
what new theme could be applied to it so that the population of
unique boats on Lake Barcroft could represent all the wonderful
and unique people who make up this community.”
Chris Buehler says he is often followed by paparazzi of the Lake
when the boat is in full lighted regalia. “The two palm trees and
the flamingos on the side consume a lot of power, so there is a
1,000-watt inverter on a separate battery for the lighting and
electronics in addition to the eight six-volt batteries for propulsion
(almost all pontoon boats on the lake have a single pool of
batteries to power the motor and electronics).”
Because of the inverter, The Pink Flamingo can double as a
float-in movie theater. Chris hangs a screen between the palm
trees and uses a laptop and projector for the show.
Another pontoon of distinction is The Barcroft Belle, a replica
of a Mississippi riverboat that belongs to Lea and Jim Bellas of
Waterway Drive. “My mother was a Southern belle so I was
on a riverboat really young,” Lea said, insisting The Belle looks
quite authentic.
The Pink Flamingo
The age of The Belle is a bit of a mystery. It was designed and
built by the original homeowner, who passed it along to the
next owners, who then passed it to the Bellas family when they
moved here in 1986. Of the boat’s creator, Lea said, “I believe
he was a captain in the Navy. I was told he did the entire boat
by hand and designed it – all done out of stuff from a local
hardware store.”
The Bellas’s oldest son, Sam, restored The Belle in 1997, but
a winter storm blew off the smokestacks. “After the storm, we
took the original paddle wheel, the Barcroft Belle sign, the captain’s
bench, the steering wheel and bell off the boat and kept
them inside,” she said.
The boat then languished for some years until son Zach Bellas
and some friends started working on it last May. “Zach led the
whole thing,” Lea said. “I was just here to move things around,”
although Jim says she was the creative force.
The stacks were recreated with six-foot air conditioning ducts.
Zach and friends replaced the floor; lots more work ensued.
Zach is still working on retrofitting the paddle wheel to turn in
the water, and be easily pulled up to reduce drag. “The original
materials holding up the paddle wheel were replaced when
we got the boat,” she added. “It appears that it was originally
designed to turn in the water but when we got it, a rope was
holding it out of the water.”
As for the cost of refurbishing: “A small fortune,” Lea
said. “Someone was at Home Depot almost every day and so
there are a lot of receipts. I doubt they will ever be added up.”
Zach’s friends donated a lot of time and expertise. “The largest
cost was to have some of the wood pieces cut using the old
pieces as templates,” Lea said. “We hired that out as well as the
priming and work that required great heights. I’m sure we ran
way over budget, but it was worth it.”
And finally, The Wisteria is a floating garden, featuring large
pots of wisteria plants that have entwined themselves around a
continued on page 5
Photo by Joel Gregorio

September 2010 5
Pontoons, continued from page 4
bent metal framework. Originally, the boat belonged to Ginny
and Bill Marsh. In the early years, the pots contained kudzu because
it grows so fast, but when they found out wisteria would
survive the winter, the Marshes switched. Pat and Patty Patrick
of Cavalier Corridor purchased the boat from Ginny’s second
husband, George Elliott. (Ginny died in 2006.)
“Unfortunately, George doesn’t have any additional information
about the early years on The Wisteria,” Pat said. “Ginny
and George had a lot of fun taking friends out on The Wisteria.
Cruising on Lake Barcroft with drinks, snacks, great company
and good conversation was living on Cloud Nine.”
Among the distinguished guests known to have cruised on The
Wisteria are U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy and
his wife, Mary.
Neighbors have given the boat a number of names through the
years, including The Pagoda Boat, because of the shape of the
metal framework, and more recently, The Chia Boat—for reasons
obvious to fans of late-night TV commercials.
“We call it The Wisteria Barge because that is what Ginny
and George Elliot called it,” Pat said. “Recently when we were
cruising on the Lake, we encountered a young guy, around 10,
swimming with his family, who called it The Botany Barge. We
The Wisteria
liked that one, but will probably stick with The Wisteria Barge
name.”
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6 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Ride Sally, ride By Monica Boland Barcroft News Staff
This year marks the 25th anniversary
of the Annual Classic Mustang Raffl e,
the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club’s
increasingly successful fundraiser. On
Sept. 25, the winning ticket of the raffl e
will be drawn at the annual Mason District
Park Festival held in Annandale.
“It’s a ton of fun,” said Rotary Club President
Karey Starnes. “The energy and atmosphere
on that day is almost electric.”
Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross
will pull the fi rst ticket at the festival.
“We call the winner right away and
through all of the screaming in the background
we tell them that they’ve won,”
Starnes said. “If the person is local, they
will show up within 10 minutes.”
The winner will become the fourth owner
of a light blue 1966 Mustang Convertible
with less than 70,000 miles on
it. “This car is rather special,” said Rotary
Club Chief Communications Offi -
cer and past president Ben Hester. “It is
actually the same color as the fi rst one we
gave away in 1986.”
The Mustang raffl e began after one Rotary
Club member visiting Ocean City
saw a classic car raffl e on the boardwalk
and decided it would be a fantastic way
to increase fundraising. In 1986, the Rotary
Club paid $7,500 for a 1965 Mustang
Convertible.
“We printed 1,000 tickets and decided
we would sell them for $25 a piece until
June or until we gave the car away,” Hester
said. “We never thought we would
sell 1,000 tickets, but by mid-May, we
were out of tickets.”
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Encouraged by the initial success of the
raffl e, Rotary Club members decided to
make it an annual event. “It brought us
where we are today,” Hester said. “So far,
we’ve grossed a little over $850,000. And
it all started in 1986 with that baby blue
Mustang.”
Hester said that every cent of the proceeds
is given back to the community
through the Rotary Club’s high school
scholarships and sponsorship of youth
programs at the high school, middle
school and elementary school level.
Both Hester and Starnes stressed the importance
of distributing money raised by
the Rotary Club to local charitable organizations
and schools. The Rotary Club has
made quite an impact on local schools,
J.E.B. Stuart High School especially.
In May, the Rotary Club won the Fairfax
County Partner of the Year Award. “Thank
you to them,” Starnes said appreciatively.
“It was just a wonderful surprise.”
Members of the J.E.B. Stuart Interact
Club will participate in this year’s Mustang
Raffl e. The Rotary Club sponsored
student organization will raise funds to
eradicate polio through the Purple Pinkie
project, aptly named after the purple
dye painted on a child’s fi nger to show
they have been immunized.
“Last year, the Interact Club set up a
booth at the Mason District Park Festival
and for a dollar, you could get your pinky
or all 10 fi ngers dyed purple,” Starnes
said. “We’re really looking forward to
doing that again this year.”
Other family-friendly events at the festival
include a variety of different music,
dance routines, pony rides, moon
bounces, face painting, food vendors
and other crafts. “You know, all of those
things that kids enjoy,” Hester said.
One highlight of the festival is the presence
of the local fi re and police departments.
“The fi re department brings
their big hook and ladder trucks and the
police department has a helicopter that
continued on page 7

September 2010 7
Diet or exercise? Is one more important
than the other? By Martha McIntosh Barcroft News Staff
Not everyone can work out or eat right 100 percent
of the time. But you can prioritize diet or exercise depending
on your goals or situation. Since it is estimated that 55
percent of the adult population in the United States is either
obese or overweight (National Institutes of Health, National
Heart Lung, and Blood Institute, 1998), weight loss is probably
a goal for most individuals. Cutting calories from your diet is
the most direct route to getting thinner. It is easier to cut out
calories than it is to spend the time necessary to burn those
calories exercising.
If you are already at a healthy weight and eating right (i.e. a
heart healthy diet), adding aerobic exercise to decrease the risk
of coronary artery disease or its co-morbid conditions (i.e., high
blood pressure, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance) is important
and can be helpful even if you don’t reduce calories. Active
muscles also gobble up glucose from the blood for fuel, which
helps keep blood-sugar levels stable.
Exercise appears to help more than diet when you are fatigued
or mildly depressed. According to a University of Georgia
study, exercise causes the brain to pour out invigorating neurotransmitters
that produce a surge in energy. Research by the
Mustang, continued from page 6
lands on the athletic field, a siege tank that their SWAT team
uses and several of the patrol cars that all of the kids can look
in,” Hester said.
“The police department supports us throughout the year,” he
said. “They’re very good to us and have been for years. And they
always buy a lot of tickets.”
Starnes said that Mason Police District Officer Chip Connor
has to buy the very last ticket each year. “Last year, we named
him our Citizen of the Year,” she said. “He’s a special person and
has been a friend of the community and us.”
The festival usually draws several hundred people. The Rotary
Club will have the Mustang detailed before presenting it to the
first prize winner at club meeting. The second and third prize
winners will each take home $500.
The winner of the Mustang will also be invited to drive in the
Annandale Fall Festival and Parade on Oct. 23. “A member of
our club who was the winner several years ago usually drives
his car in the parade too,” Starnes said. “We carry banners and
University of Vermont indicates that a 20-minute workout can
be enough to positively increase your mood for approximately
12 hours. Not only may exercise be as effective as medications
for treating mild or situational depression, but it also leads to
changes in the brain that improve your ability to handle stress.
Even though the vending machine calls your name in the late
afternoon at work, or the chocolate ice cream beckons you after
an argument with your spouse, the better answer is a lunchtime
workout or a walk around the block.
There are some areas where you need to work on doing both
diet and exercise. Cancer prevention seems to need a one-two
punch. Eating a more healthy diet has been found to help ward
off cancer, but other studies indicate that the more consistently
you work out, the greater the cancer protection.
Going back to the issue of obesity, it appears that a combination
of diet and exercise is the best strategy in maintaining weight
loss over the long haul. Certainly, both diet and exercise are important
elements in maintaining your overall health but when
forced to choose, consider the most useful approach for your
goals or situation.
the Interact kids throw candy and wear costumes. We’re always
there for the Fall Festival.”
Hester said that the Mustang Raffle has gone up in its gross
every year because members have learned to branch out to venues
that attract people interested in antique or classic cars. The
2009 gross ticket sales was $80,336.
“Every weekend, we’re at a classic car show or we’re down at Shirlington
where there are a lot of diners in the evening,” he said.
Starnes said they have at least three car shows coming up between
now and the drawing, as well as The Taste of Falls Church
on Sept. 11. “In addition to that, we also sell to our neighbors,
friends and co-workers,” she said. “The raffle really gets every
one of our members and their spouses and their kids involved.”
Hester said that the raffle also helps expose the Rotary Club to
the local community. “Everything has a Rotary logo on it, we
talk to people about Rotary and we want them to know what
their money is going to,” he said. “We get Rotary out there 100
percent.”
Tickets can be purchased online at www.bxrrotary.org/raffle.
Newsletter submissions are due on the 17th of each month
in order to appear in the following month’s issue.

8 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
August in Spain: Reflections on food and
cooking By Moe Jafari Barcroft News Staff
So, I am writing this as a supplement to my usual
column, because the family and I are in Madrid, Spain as of
now and then going to Barcelona (“Barthelona”). The food is
fabulous, the people are very nice and the Euro is expensive.
This is my first time in Spain and I am putting away, “Moe the
cheap Arse” for 2 weeks and learning to soak it all in. The Iberian
ham, Jamon, is fantastic; the beer Mahou is great (doble cana,
por favor); the Albarino wine is amazing (you have to go and buy
several bottles, go see Steve at Total Wine and use my name) and
the cigars, excuse me Puros, are fresh. What could make it better?
Oh, YES! The women are Beautiful! Funny, I caught both
my sons wishing their heads were on Chinese restaurant table
tops. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Ok, so what does this have to do with food and recipes, you
ask? Everything! Stop take the time, enjoy and eat. Europeans
are slow walkers, eaters and... well, don’t kid yourself , they can
drink with the best of them!
I found myself running across the same people 3-4 times a day
on the same street. So, now I am learning we don’t need to see
and do everything. A church is a church, but the bars, well not
all Tavernas are alike, and one needs to sample the appetizers,
wine and beer at each.
Tw o g o r g e o u S H o m e S w i t H La k e v i e w S !
Sold! $765,000
3619 Tallwood Terr list: $779,000
• New gourmet kitchen
• 5 bedrooms, 3 baths
• Spacious rooms
• Sunroom, Hot tub, Stone patio
We have stopped at several Tavernas around the city center and
each time I order a drink they bring food! Food that I never
ordered, mind you. No, it’s not peanuts and chips! This is fresh
food I would have been happy to pay 20EU ($32 USD) for, but
instead this is how the Tavernas distinguish themselves, as well
as keep you drinking. Okay, so now they know my weak spot!
None of the food is fried, processed or comes in a food wrapper.
My body isn’t quite sure what to make of this, but I am enjoying
every bite.
I am enjoying roasted peppers with tuna on top of crusty bread
with EVOO, and that is only one of the many selections they
offer. Our plates come with 3-4 selections!
How about local cheese with smoked salmon or sliced tomato
over EVOO crusted bread. Or sliced tomato with fresh oregano
topped with anchovies, or Jamon (Spanish cured ham) on top of
a croissant pastry dough? My favorite is all that gets placed in
front of me with a bowl of cured green Spanish Olives stuffed
with anchovies. Honey stick a fork in me... I am ready for more!
The recipes are as simple as I have written in past newsletter
issues, not much to them, but , wow the flavors will knock you
off your chair, just don’t spill the Rioja. Ciao!
6511 Jay Miller dr list: $799,000
• Huge country kitchen with
family room
• multi-level deck with Hot tub
• Stone fireplace, granite wet bar
and entertainment area
Sold! $799,000
J enniferTalaTi
703.944.3874 cell
703.534.9660 office
jeNtalati@yaHoo.com

September 2010 9
The scoop on poop: How to be a pick up
artist By Betsy Washington Barcroft News Staff
A few weeks ago I discovered an
entertaining Dog Blog created just for
Northern Virginia dog owners, and of
course, their dogs! The Northern Virginia
Dog Blog is full of interesting tips on
training, care, and just plain fun stories
and videos, and of course local events and
contests related to man's best friend. The
blog is sponsored by a group of county
and town governments in Northern Virginia
that want to make our communities
as dog friendly as possible by informing
owners about local services. Regular articles
are posted by award winning author
Susan McCullough of Vienna, whose
bestselling books include: Housetraining
For Dummies, Senior Dogs For Dummies
and Beagles For Dummies. You can
also find her articles in the Washington
Post, and popular publications like Dog
Fancy, AKC Gazette, AKC Family Dog.
And there is plenty of space for readers
to share their own stories, tips, and questions.
You can find the Northern Virginia
Dog Blog at: http://www.northernvirginia-dog-blog.com/.
This entertaining blog has a practical
mission too. The Northern Virginia
Clean Water Partners sponsor this blog
for the purpose of maintaining an informal
dialogue with area residents about
issues related to the health and safety of
local streams and rivers, and opportunities
to reduce water pollution caused
by dog waste. Thus, amongst the entertaining
videos and articles, you can find
amusing stories like, "How to Be a Pick
Up Artist", and "Poopy Politics, Part. 2."
Most dog walkers in our neighborhood
are excellent pick up artists and walk
their dogs with plastic newspaper bags
stuffed in their pockets and billowing
from their leashes so they can clean up after
Fido. Unfortunately, The Center for
Watershed Protection claims there are 16
million dog walkers in the United States
who do not pick up after their pets.
The recent report on the impaired water
quality of Holmes and Cameron
Run states that dog wastes contribute as
much as 90% of the total fecal coliform
in our watershed. Now that's a lot of
dog poop, and it is something that is
easily reduced by picking up after your
four- legged friend, both at home and on
walks around Lake Barcroft.
Remember to carry an extra plastic bag,
just in case nature calls more frequently
than expected. Tie the bag securely, and
carry it home to place in your trash or
flush down your toilet. Dog poop is disgusting
and stinky and can be a health
risk even when hidden under a bush or
buried in ivy. Be a good neighbor, both
on and off your property. Pick up after
your four- legged best friend! Your
health may depend on it!
You can read more about County regulations
and watershed protection at:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/
newsletter/dogwalker.htm Elizabeth Kingsley and Pepper of Lakeview
Drive on a Saturday morning walk.
Elizabeth cheerfully reminds us to bag it.
Photo by Joel Gregorio

10 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Just what does the $30.00 Woman’s
Club membership pay for?
By Jennifer Talati Lake Barcroft Woman’s Club President
EASTER EGG HUNT
■ 3,300 plastic eggs filled with jelly
beans
■ 4 Golden eggs containing a gift certificate
for each age group
4TH OF JULY PARADE
■ Helium Balloons
■ Beverages and cookies
HALLOWEEN PARADE
■ 200 Goody bags
■ Beverages and cookies
■ Pizza and beverages for the JEB Stuart
Marching Band
WE ALSO CONTRIBUTE
MONIES FOR THE FOLLOWING
EvENTS:
■ Ice Cream Social
■ Culmore Cleanup
FOR YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS, RELY ON
■ JEB Stuart All Night Party
■ JEB Stuart Band
Lastly, dues pay for our Woman’s Club
directory, insurance, contributions to the
Community Garden in memory of deceased
members, and New Resident Brochures
distributed by the Newcomer’s
Club. All left over monies go to charities,
such as ACCA, Haven of Northern
Virginia, and the JEB Stuart Educational
Foundation, Inc. Please join by sending
your check, made out to the Lake Barcroft
Woman’s Club, to Carol Tether
at 6400 Lyric Lane, Falls Church, VA
22044.
September Kickoff Luncheon –
September 15th at 11:30 a.m. We
hope to see members and those interested
in joining the Club at 11:30 a.m. on
The The Power Power of of Two Two
6308 Beachway Drive
$619,000
• Lovely Contemporary on 1/2 Acre Lot
• Vaulted Ceilings and Walls of Windows
• Beautiful Gardens with Private Backyard
• Updated Kitchen with Skylight
• Hardwood Floors and One Car Garage
• 3/4 Bedrooms and 3 Full Baths
Karen & Nan
Karen Freije Nan Brent
703-402-6133 703-220-2216
Wednesday, September 15th at the home
of Dorothy (Dottie) Samenow, 3244
Mansfield Road. A potluck lunch will
be served. The highlight of the meeting
will be the presentation of the charities
nominated for this year. We will elect
three of the charities to serve as the focus
of our fundraising efforts. Here’s a great
chance to meet old friends, and new
members plus the opportunity to learn
more about the Woman’s Club. All Lake
Barcroft women are welcome. For more
information about joining the Woman’s
Club, contact Jenny Talati at 703-845-
3434 or jentalati@yahoo.com or call
Carol Tether at 703-914-2882.
Craft Group – September 16th at
9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Bonnie Blyth
will lead us into another season of crafts.
Join us for either the morning or evening
group. Our first Fall meeting will be on
September 16th at 9:30am or 7pm at
6509 Jay Miller Drive. Contact Bonnie
at 2beadorknit2bb@gmail.com or call
her at 703-750-0596 if you are interested
in participating.
Downtown Attractions – September
22nd at 10:30 a.m. Dominique
Phung has arranged a wonderful tour
for our group. On September 22nd, at
10:30am we will be visiting Dumbarton
Oaks in upper Georgetown to see
the museum and gardens. A docent-led
tour (1 1/2 hours long) will be followed
by a picnic in nearby Montrose Park.
Carpools from Lake Barcroft will be
arranged. If you would like to join the
group, please email Eva at downtownattractions@gmail.com
and send your $8
check by August 27th payable to Eva
Kosztarab at 6327 Waterway Drive, Falls
Church, VA 22044.
The information sheet for the tour
says, “Neither the gardens nor galleries
are fully accessible... The gardens have
cobblestones, brick walks and steep areas
www.karenandnan.com continued on page 11

September 2010 11
Woman’s Club, continued from page 10
without handrails. Traversing the garden
may be difficult for some visitors.”
Movie Night Group – September
22nd at 7:00 p.m. Come join us for
this year’s first Movie Night, held at the
lovely home of Leigh & Bob Gonzalez at
6306 Crosswoods Circle. We will start
with a short meeting over soft drinks,
white wine and popcorn, and discuss
what the group has liked in the past or
maybe would like to see more of in the
future. This will be a great chance to exchange
ideas. After a short discussion,
we will pick a movie from Bob’s amazing
collection of DVD’s (he has over 3,000,
they are even categorized)! It will be a lot
of fun and we hope you can join us. If
you plan to attend, please contact Leigh
Gonzalez at leigh.gonzalez@verizon.net
or 703-914-1208, so she can organize for
the size of the group. We charge $2.00
per person which covers the refreshment
expenses.
Eating Adventures – October
13th at 12:30 a.m. Due to the Membership
Luncheon, there will not be
a lunch for this group in September.
Mark your calendar for October 13th
at 12:30pm. Eating Adventures will
meet at the “Mad Fox Brewing Company”,
444 West Broad Street, Falls
Church City, 703-942-6840 Located
in the shops at the Spectrum Building
between N. Virginia Avenue and Chanel
Terrace; enter parking garage, go
to mall, and enter restaurant via side
door. If you are interested in joining the
group for lunch in October, please contact
Renee Gholz at 703-354-4555.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING
EvENTS
September 15th: 11:30 a.m.
September Membership Luncheon.
Presentation of charities and voting
by membership on nominated charities.
To be held at the home of Dottie
Samenow, 3244 Mansfield Road
September 16th: 9:30 a.m. & 7:00
p.m. Crafts Group. Bonnie Blyth
6509 Jay Miller Drive. Contact Bonnie
Blyth at 2beadorknit2bb@gmail.com
Same Rate, Seven Days a
Week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All existing customers referring new customers
will receive a $40 credit towards their next visit
for any plumbing or gas work. To receive this
discount, all referrals must provide the past
customers name.
Larry Bast
Bast Enterprises, Inc.
(703) 932-5012
Master Plumber • Master Gas Fitter • Highway Heavy
For full rate details and company history go to
www.bastenterprisesinc.com

12 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Groundbreaking Tree Replacement
Program By Betsy Washington Barcroft News Staff
Our majestic urban forest is one of Lake Barcroft’s
greatest natural assets, second only to the Lake itself. Our towering
trees cool the Lake and neighborhood, stabilize the surrounding
hillsides and shoreline preventing erosion, sequester huge
amounts of carbon, and provide food and shelter for hundreds
of species of wildlife. Unfortunately, our urban forest is aging
and many trees are reaching the end of their natural life spans.
An increasing number of trees on both private and community
property are showing serious signs of decline. While many trees
have died, been felled by wind, or have been taken down intentionally,
very few have been systematically replaced. This is cause
for increasing concern as more and more of our gentle giants die.
A couple of years ago, Lake Barcroft initiated a groundbreaking
program to replace the increasing numbers of dying trees on
common properties and sponsored a free Overstory Tree Give
Away Program in order to preserve our urban forest. Lake Barcroft
won a Friends of Trees award from the Fairfax County Tree
Commission this year for this innovative program.
Residents have been effusive in their support of the program.
Ginny Lukasik of Duff Drive, was enthusiastic in her praise. “It
is a wonderful, wonderful program! When we moved in three
years ago, we could see that many trees on our property had been
cut down in previous years. Trees are so powerful, and we worry
that the neighborhood is beginning to lose the lovely wooded
character that drew us here. This is a great program which is
Bilevel
Rambler
Split Level
so beneficial to the community.” Kay Cooper of Crosswoods
added that “Planting a tree, especially a native tree, in the right
spot is one of the most important conservation efforts a person
can make. I tell my friends from other communities about our
tree replacement program and they are truly amazed at the foresight
that LB is showing by this program.”
Once again, Lake Barcroft Association with matching funds
from WID is continuing this fine tradition by offering to provide
and plant a free overstory tree to residents on a first comefirst
serve basis. We will even help you select the perfect spot for
your new tree.
Fall is the perfect time to plant a new tree. Increase the value
and beauty of your own property and help preserve the health
of the Lake’s forest, by taking advantage of the Tree Replacement
Program. And be sure to thank WID and your Board
members for their incredible foresight in approving this exciting
new program.
Check out the supplemental table in this newsletter, listing native
trees and their ornamental and wildlife value. Or check out
the Lake Barcroft website for a list of native trees included in
the replacement program and more information: http://www.
lakebarcroft.org/docs/environment/treereplacement.html.
To sign up for your new tree, email Betsy Washington at
bwash99@verizon.net.
How Does Your Property
Compare to these Recent Sales?
Address Sold Price Seller Bed Bath Lot Carport/ Settlement 2010 Tax Price To 2010
Subsidy Garage Date Value Tax Value
6321 Aqua Terrace $550,000 4 3 0.26 0/2 7/10 $598,080 -8%
3609 Whispering Lane $650,000 $12,000 4 3 0.33 0/1 6/10 $582,430 12%
3411 Fiddlers Green $730,000 4 3 0.35 0/2 7/10 $590,480 24%
6511 Jay Miller Drive $799,000 3 3 0.31 0/2 7/10 $623,350 28%
6202 Beachway Drive $650,000 $13,977 4 2 0.29 0/0 7/10 $584,560 11%
6386 Dockser Terrace $670,000 4 3 0.27 0/2 7/10 $623,540 7%
3619 Tallwood Terrace $765,000 5 3 0.42 1/0 7/10 $614,280 25%
6104 Beachway Drive* $1,060,000 4 3 0.50 2/0 7/10 $1,019,010 4%
6311 Beachway Drive* $1,100,000 4 3.5 0.44 2/0 7/10 $957,000 15%
Source: MLS and Fairfax County tax records.
All real estate companies are included in this list.
*Waterfront
Choose Burma to Price and Sell Your Home!
(703) 642-1924
BURMA KLEIN
Associate Broker
Certified Residential Specialist
Burma@BurmaKlein.com

September 2010 13
Native overstory trees recommended for
Lake Barcroft By Betsy Washington Barcroft News Staff
Species Characteristics Ornamental Traits Wildlife
Betula nigra Fast growing, often multiple Showy creamy to salmon High wildlife value. Loves
River Birch trunks, light airy canopy allows peeling bark, yellow fall color damp to dry soils, can plant
grass beneath very close together in small
groves. Perfect near lake.
Tough.
Liriodendron tulipifera Fast growing, tall straight Fragrant flowers in May Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Tulip poplar trunks, stately narrow crowns Yellow Fall color host tree, Hummingbirds,
Songbirds, loves lower
slopes and moist soils
near lake.
Liquidambar styraciflua Medium growth, upright, Star-shaped leaves, turn Supports songbirds,
Sweetgum irregular, oval habit, great texture vivid colors in fall, prickly waterfowl, and small
sweetgum balls or fruit can mammals, tolerates
be ornamental, place where floodplains as well as upland
you don't have to rake them slopes, tough and adaptable.
*Nyssa sylvatica Moderate growing Fiery orange to red fall color, High wildlife. Many
Black Gum Artistic habit, pendulous lower small blue fruit attracts many songbirds love fruit. Other
branches songbirds in fall wildlife. Taproot, plant small
or from large container,
street tree, wet or drought
tolerant.
Platanus occidentalis Fast growth. Massive, tall strong Fabulous exfoliating creamy Supports songbirds and
American Sycamore trunk and spreading branches white bark, large lobed leaves wildlife, shoreline stabilizer,
tolerates flooding,
lakeshores. Adaptable.
*Quercus alba Slow to moderate growth Orange to Burgundy fall color Very High Wildlife: supports
White Oak Majestic, spreading, very long more wildlife (songbirds,
lived butterflies, mammals) than
all other trees. Tolerates wet
or dry soil
Quercus bicolor Moderate growth. Large, rugged Deeply ridged and flaky bark, High wildlife value. Tough:
Swamp White Oak oak with large, spreading stout handsome, leathery bicolor tolerates floods, droughts,
branches leaves, dark green above and urban stresses, surge
silvery white below in popularity
Quercus coccineus Moderate growing, tall trunk, Scarlet fall color, acorns High Wildlife Value, good
Scarlet Oak rounded crown urban or street tree, tolerates
dry hillsides, ridges
*Quercus prinus Moderate growing, tall, Chestnut fall color, acorns High Wildlife Value,
Chestnut Oak high-branched, spreading crown Very corky, deeply ridged and tolerates dry hillsides,
furrowed bark adaptable
Quercus rubra Fast growing, tall straight trunk, Red fall color, acorns High Wildlife Value,
Red Oak wide-spreading crown adaptable, good urban or
street tree
* Taprooted: May need to seek out at specialty native plant nurseries

14 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
The quest for fish in Lake Barcroft
By Al Cromley Barcroft News Staff
“September is an excellent time
for fishing in Lake Barcroft. It’s a fish
factory.” So says Tim Hardy, Lakeview
Drive, whom we would nominate as the
most avid, devoted, all seasons, rain or
shine, and canny fisherman in all of Lake
Barcroft. He has been at it for most of his
30 years, and is still looking for his first
six-pound largemouth bass. Our Lake is
teeming with: perch, carp, catfish, crappie,
bluegill¸sunfish, eels occasionally, and
others. However, largemouth bass are the
main target, and if you catch one that is
four pounds or over you can brag about
it. The biggest Tim ever caught was 5
pounds 12 ounces, he says.
But wait. Steven Biegalski is credited with
catching a largemouth bass in Lake Barcroft
that was 24.5 inches long, and that
weighed 9 pounds 2 ounces on May 5,
2002. Steve, now director of the Nuclear
Engineering Research Lab at the Univer-
sity of Texas, Austin, has a certificate of his
Barcroft catch from the Virginia Game ad
Fisheries Commission, which his sister,
Patti McCaleb, Whispering Lane, can
proudly produce. He said he caught it
across and a little to the right of Beach 2,
using a fly rod with a chartreuse popper.
To this, Tim expresses polite astonishment,
saying “it would be extraordinary,
a truly large fish, even in the Potomac…
but it’s possible.” Tim said he has never
heard of any bass over 6 pounds in Lake
Barcroft, “but every spring I make it my
goal.” “I have caught some huge hybrid
striped bass that WID stocked in 1999 to
balance out the gizzard shad population.
The biggest one I weighed on the digital
scale was just over 9 pounds, caught three
years ago in the fall.” The hybrid striped
bass have not been seen more recently.
They also tried to get rid of carp, but carp
still abound. Tim said he has seen them
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Tim Hardy with a Hybrid striped bass.
32 inches long and weighing more than
20 pounds. You can catch them with
dough balls in shallow water, according to
David Goslin of Ridgeway Terrace. “Wait
for the carp to suck up the dough ball and
you have a wild ride.” He gets in his paddleboat
and says he can catch largemouth
in a half hour, just 70 yards from his dock.
“I can go swimming, then decide to fish
for a little while, catch one, and still be in
time for dinner.”
He said he can also catch catfish. He uses
a big worm on a hook with a sinker left
on the bottom, and he has a fish “in 15
minutes.” Like all fishermen we talked to,
he always releases his catch.
The largemouth go after shad, a small
fish, five inches or so. “In the fall you can
see shad just under the surface, schools of
them…ospreys go after them too,” said
Tim. Shad die after cold weather. You can
see them swimming, very slow. The largemouth
bass go for dying shad each spring.
Fishermen we talked to seemed to favor
no particular spot on the Lake. Nor do
they talk about, “the one that got away.”
In fact, the Lake is populated by a lot of
folks who are very quiet about their pascontinued
on page 15
Photo courtesy of Tim Hardy

September 2010 15
Fish, continued from page 14
time. Many of them fish from water craft,
but not a lot from party barges, which
make too much noise, said Tim.
Many Lakefront residents fish from their
own docks, as does Susan Crawford of
Crosswoods Circle. Although fish like
seawalls, she said a visiting friend, on a
whim, flung a line “way out” and brought
in a three pound, 13 inch largemouth.
Paul Sewell, Whispering Lane, said he
and his son, “have spent many a day and
seen only one other person fishing. I hope
it stays that way.”
As to bait, there are all kinds. Tim Hardy
uses: crank bait, spinner bait, plastic
worms, poppers, various types of jigs, and
surface lures. If you are not into a lot of
fancy stuff, he advises three kinds: crank,
spinners, and jigs. You can buy them at
Dick’s sporting goods, Walmart, Kmart
and fishing pro shops.
This story would not be complete without
mention of another acknowledged
expert, Michael Korin, Cavalier Corridor,
who as of this writing is in Canada, possibly
catching bigger fish.
Fish resToCking By Al Cromley Barcroft News Staff
On June 22, 1972, after Hurricane Agnes emptied Lake Barcroft, it
would have been hard to imagine a new Lake, not only full of water, but
also teeming with fish.
But beginning April 30, 1974 Lake managers began a 25-year program
to stock the Lake with eight varieties of fish, according to Ken Kopka,
staff director of WID (Watershed Improvement District.) And now, “we
think we have it pretty well balanced,” he said.
Sometimes fish would be carefully placed in the Lake with nets and
sometimes they would come down a chute from a truck at Beach 4.
The first batch, two years after Agnes, consisted of: 5,200 largemouth
bass, 200 channel cat, 130 bluegills, 130 redear sunfish, and 100
pounds of minnows.
It wasn’t until 13 years later that the next fish arrived, 200 grass (nonreproducing)
carp. Then for the next two years, always in the spring and
summer, there were deliveries of: 5,000 walleye, 4,000 largemouth bass,
4,000 walleye, 4,000 largemouth bass, another 5,000 largemouth bass,
and 5,200 walleye.
Five years went by, and 8,000 largemouth bass were put in the Lake in
April, 1994, along with 2,000 fat minnows. The last fish to arrive were
2,375 hybrid striped bass ($2 per fish) in March of 1999.
Thus we have had 11 years of self-sufficient Lake population, and
Kopka mentioned no plans at this time for more visitors.

16 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Cavalier Corridor’s garden project
By Charlotte Flounders Barcroft News Staff
A small circular oasis of green trees, bushes and
flowers anchors the end of Cavalier Corridor. Years ago, Peg
Harmon purchased two benches for the spot for all to enjoy.
Winter storms and summer sun and rain took their toll, and the
benches deteriorated. Neighbors in the surrounding houses all
thought that something had to be done.
Their micro-park had lost its luster. Who better to take on
the project than the neighbors themselves? Everyone pitched
in to weed and clean the area. Pete Silvia and Deep Varshneya
fixed the sprinklers; Deep arranged for VDOT to fix the large
sinkhole that had developed on the street alongside their park.
Pete Silvia picked up the hardware for the benches, Patty Patrick
stained the wood, and then Deep and Patty did the final bench
assembly together.
Of course, completing the effort meant it was time for a celebration.
As the benches were returned to their original home, Peg
brought out a bottle of champagne for an instant block party!
The moral of this story is – don’t wait to take the initiative
to beautify your neighborhood because the teamwork of many
helping hands makes light work.
L–R: Patty Patrick, Pat Patrick, Peg Harmon, Pete Silvia, and Deep
Varshneya
Photo courtesy of Charlotte Flounders

September 2010 17
Neighbors, continued from page 3
program of classes for students to attend;
it created a website for communications,
and held a lot of fun community
building events. As anyone in charge of
a volunteer organization knows, you’re
only as good as your other volunteersand
we’re lucky at Sleepy Hollow to
have parents that really get involved and
chip in. I can say that I’ve also learned
that you won’t please everyone all the
time. My own little code is to take the
feedback you get, and put it to good use
for the majority of recipients. Next year
will be another great year, and I’m looking
forward to having all three kids at the
school again—I’ll never have them on
the same school schedule again!
How long have you lived in Lake
Barcroft? David and I moved onto Fiddlers
Green in 1997, just before we were
married. Since then, we moved to Farm
Hill Drive in 2001. Incidentally, we
swapped homes with the previous owners
of our Farm Hill house. I was pregnant
with our second child, and we decided
to look at open houses within the neighborhood
for a home that was a little bigger.
We kept running into this guy that I
worked with at AMS, who was also looking
for another home in LB, but he was
looking to downsize. One day Bill came
into my office and said, “We walked by
your house on Fiddlers Green, and it’s
just what we’re looking for, want to come
check out our house on Farm Hill, it’s
a five bedroom?” We did, we had independent
appraisals done, agreed on selling
prices and contacted Eva Kosztarab
(just to keep it all in the ‘hood) and she
handled our closing for us. Easiest house
we ever bought! Moving was interesting.
We each moved our households into
a truck. The truck kept our belongings
overnight, and the next day delivered to
the opposite house. A true swap!
What is your favorite time of year
in Lake Barcroft? I love the spring,
just before the beaches are officially open,
but when the weather is still warm enough
to enjoy the water and beach. I love being
able to have my kids get off of the school
bus, dump their gear, change and be at
the beach all within 15 minutes.
How did you discover Lake Bar-
croft? Completely by accident. I grew
up near Mount Vernon, David grew
up in Arlington, yet neither of us had
heard of Lake Barcroft. We were living
in Arlington and found an ad for a
home on Rustic Way in the Arlington
Sun Times. We went to check it out and
discovered the neighborhood...within a
couple of weeks we put a contract on the
Fiddlers Green house.
What do you like best about Lake
Barcroft? The neighbors. I love having
a large mix of families with kids, retired
couples, singles, couples without kids
etc... all on our very own street, and all
such nice and interesting people. We’ve
made some great friends through LB as
well, the kind of friends that you feel like
you’ve known forever, and hope you will.
What do you think sets Lake
Barcroft apart from other neighborhoods?
Well, of course the Lake,
which really draws the neighborhood
together. I can’t tell you how many people
I’ve met in the area that had no idea
that a Lake of our size exists this close to
DC. When they hear about the beaches,
the swimming and boating, they really
think I’m kidding.
Where did you grow up? All over
the place! I was an Army brat... we
lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Alabama,
Arizona, Florida, three places in
Germany and Kansas all before I was in
the 6th grade. We moved to Alexandria
the summer before 6th grade, and after
my dad did tours at Ft. Belvoir, the Pentagon
and White house, he retired and
we’ve been in Virginia ever since.
If you were having a dinner party
and could invite any three people,
who would they be? My mom,
father-in-law and mother-in-law, all who
have passed away. I’d love for them to
be able to see and spend time with our
kids, and to hang out with them one
more time... and they all LOVED dinner
parties.
What’s the last book you read? I
love to read, I’ve just finished The Help,
by Katherine Stockett and I also just
finished, I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced,
by Nujood Ali and Delphine Minoui.
Both were excellent!
Besides your family, what are
three things you can’t live without?
Reading, the beach/ocean and
friends.
Where was your favorite vacation?
Nevis, without a doubt! It’s a
beautiful, friendly place in the British
West Indies, David and I went there on
our honeymoon and keep talking about
going back to rent a house with kids,
they all would love it.
Which talent would you most like
to have? I’d love to have a musical talent
of any kind, an instrument or singing,
unfortunately, I have zip.
What accomplishment are you
most proud of? Maybe it sounds
trite, but absolutely my family. My kids
frustrate, amaze and crack me up each
day—I love watching them grow into
their own little people with their own
opinions, talents, quirks and sense of
humors, they are each so different and
I love that!
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help make
this newsletter
possible
through their
financial support.
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them with your
patronage
or give them
an opportunity
to bid on your
next project.

18 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
6th Annual BBQ on the Beach
By Trish Gomersall Newcomer’s Club President
About 100 residents and at least 50 kids spent the
afternoon of August 14th at the fun and carefree 6th Annual
BBQ on the Beach, sponsored by the Newcomer’s Club and the
Lake Barcroft Association (LBA).
Orrin Star and his bluegrass trio provided just the right music
to put everyone in the mood for a great time. The brats,
hamburgers and hotdogs were cooked to perfection, along with
some tasty potluck dishes that people brought to share. And the
beverages were plentiful—what’s not to like about $1 for beer
and wine.
The moon bounce was certainly a hit with the children and
even some parents too! Not only did the weather cooperate this
year and give us a spectacular day, but also, due to the numerous
volunteers who helped, the event was a complete success.
Warren Russell served as ringmaster while Wendy Diliberti and
Marilyn DiPaolo set up all of the food. Don Christian was the
Brat “grill meister” along with Kevin Howe, Rusty Metz, Chuck
Haberlein and Joe Reid on the other grill.
$1500 TAX CREDIT
Registration was accomplished thanks to: Winifred Mulligan,
Connie Lawn, Karen Snyder and Cindy Wolloch. Randy
Sanger was the head Bartender, with Sam West, Anna Novak,
David Schnedar and Paul Mulligan assisting. Sally Determan
assisted with setting up. Thanks to all of you – you are what
make this club so special. Overall, it was a great day to enjoy the
outdoors, meet new and older neighbors, and remember what
makes Lake Barcroft such a great place to live.
If you have not done so already, it is time to renew your membership.
Our memberships run from Barge Party to Barge Party
and this year’s event on September 11th at the beautiful, Lakeside
home of Peter and Sarah Cressy promises to be among the
very best ever. We are also making plans for an Octoberfest and
the Newcomer’s Christmas Party that is always a well- attended,
festive event. Remember, you don’t have to be new to the community
to join the Newcomer’s Club. The club is strictly social
and available to all fun-loving Lake residents.
Michael Liberatore, Inc.
BUILDERS – DESIGNERS
Custom Additions and Alterations
30 Homes and 350 Remodeling Projects
Completed Since 1951
Three generations—Lake Barcroft residents since 1953.
703-256-4040
MLiberatoreInc@aol.com

September 2010 19
Back to school safety tips
By Kimberly Smith LBA Security Committee
The charter of the LBA Security Committee has
historically been neighborhood watch and LBA employed patrols
conducted by off-duty police during beach season. I think
there is much more that can be accomplished to aid Lake Barcroft
residents with safety and emergency preparedness. Earlier
this year I wrote an article that included plans for preparing an
emergency preparedness guide for our residents. Those plans
are well underway. In addition, this committee will be writing a
series of articles on safety tips. We hope that you will find them
helpful.
To kick-off the series, we start with the following Back To
School health and safety tips, which have been adapted from
the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
BACKPACK SAFETY
■ Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a
padded back.
■ Pack lightly. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments.
Pack heavier items closest to the center of the
backpack. The backpack should never weigh more than 10
to 20 percent of the your child’s body weight.
■ Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over
one shoulder can strain muscles.
■ Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may
be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load.
Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up
stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.
TRAvELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Review the basic rules with your youngster:
School Bus
■ If your child’s school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make
sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus.
■ Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the
curb.
■ Do not move around on the bus.
■ Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing
the street.
■ Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.
■ Children should always board and exit the bus at locations
that provide safe access to the bus, or to the school building.
Car
■ All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or ride in an age-
and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.
■ Your child should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat
until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly (usually when the
child reaches about 4’ 9” in height and is between 8 to 12
years of age). This means that the child is tall enough to sit
against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent at the knees
and feet hanging down, and that the shoulder belt lies across
the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat;
the lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, and not placed
over the stomach.
■ All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear
seat of vehicles. If you must drive more children than can
fit in the rear seat (when carpooling, for example), move the
front-seat passenger’s seat as far back as possible and have
the child ride in a booster seat if the seat belts do not fit
properly without it.
■ Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers
are going to and from school. You should require seat
belt use at all times in your vehicle and limit the number
of teen passengers. Also, do not allow eating, drinking, cell
phone conversations or texting to prevent driver distraction;
and limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement
weather. Familiarize yourself with your state’s graduated
driver license law and consider the use of a parent-teen
driver agreement to facilitate the early driving learning process.
For a sample parent-teen driver agreement, see the last
two pages of the AAP Policy Statement, “The Teen Driver.”
Bike
■ Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long
the ride.
■ Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.
■ Use appropriate hand signals.
■ Obey traffic lights and stop signs.
■ Wear brightly colored clothing to increase visibility.
■ Know the “rules of the road.” www.aap.org/family/bicycle.
htm
Walking to School
■ Make sure your child’s walk to a school is a safe route with
well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
■ Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small
children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully
consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to
school without adult supervision.
■ If your children are young or are walking to a new school,
walk with them the first week to make sure they know the
route and can do it safely.
■ Brightly colored clothing will make your child more visible
to drivers.
■ In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider starting
a “walking school bus,” in which an adult accompanies a
group of neighborhood children walking to school.

20 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Fall in love this autumn with harvest
festivals By Daphne Butas Barcroft News Editor
As a new school year begins, we know in the back
of our minds that cooler days, falling leaves and harvest festivals
will soon follow.
If you are looking for places to go in Northern Virginia to take a
hay ride, sip some apple cider, pet some farm animals, get lost in
a corn maze or just pick some pumpkins for carving, then check
the list below for some reminders and new ideas about where to
celebrate the harvest this fall with your family and little ones.
COx FARMS
15621 Braddock Road, Centreville, VA (703) 830-4121
September 25 – November 7.
Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
(November hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
One of the largest fall festivals in Virginia! Activities include
unlimited hayrides, Giant slides, rope swings, farm animal feeding,
pumpkin patch, live entertainment and much more.
LEESBURG ANIMAL PARK
19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg, VA
(703) 433-0002
Open everyday from September 25 – November 7.
Hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (5 p.m. after Daylight Savings)
The farm play area includes an Indian teepee, giant slides, a
hay maze, unlimited hayrides, straw mountains, tot maze, rope
swings, tractors to climb on, a large inflated firetruck slide,
moon bounces, and much more.
MOUNT vERNON FALL HARvEST FAMILY DAYS
October 23–24, 2010
Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visit George Washington’s estate and enjoy autumn activities
including horse-drawn wagon rides, wheat treading in the
16-sided barn, a straw bale maze, early-American games, music
and demonstrations.
Get involved in
our community!
The Lake Barcroft
Newsletter is seeking
new writers and
photographers to join
our staff.
Share your thoughts,
ideas and photos with
the whole community.
Contact Daphne Butas
at 703-256-4169 for
more information.

September 2010 21
Pentagon Memorial
Eighteen Lake Barcrofters paid homage at the Pentagon Memorial to the 184 people who died there September 11, 2001, fifty-nine of them
aboard Flight 77. The visitors are seated on 14-foot wing-like benches, one for each fatality. Beneath each bench is a basin of circulating
water, illuminated at night. Wilma Kaplan of the Woman’s Club Downtown Attractions group organized the trip.
Photo by George McLennan

22 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Wednesday, October 13
LBA Board meeting
October 16-April 17
LB Hyperbolic Crochet Project
Smithsonian Sant Ocean Hall “The Crochet Reef”
Wednesday, October 20
7:30 – 9:30 PM
LBA Civic Affairs Meeting
Belvedere Elementary
Sunday, October 31
2:00 PM
Woman’s Club Halloween Parade
Lake Barcroft
Calendar
Include Your
2010 Lake
Barcroft
Activities Here!
E-mail Wilma
Kaplan
lakecalendar@
aol.com
NOT Affiliated with James Zamudio Tree Service
• Family Owned and Operated
• Complete Tree Service:
Preservation, Maintenance, and Removal
• Complete Yard Service: Landscaping & Hardscaping
• Bucket Truck and Crane Service
FREE ESTIMATES
800-213-6234 703-969-3949
www.zamudiostreeservice.net
Proudly Preserving the
Lake Barcroft Community
Since 1994
15% discount for
Repeat Customers
10% discount for
New Customers

September 2010 23
CAROL HAWLEY
Life Member
NVAR Multi-Million
Dollar Sales Club
36-Year Lake Barcroft
Resident
HOBIE
KAYAKS
PC Setup
PC Maintenance Jeff Latker
PC Troubleshooting JLatker@Verizon.net
PC Peripherals
Printer Problems
Home Network Setup, Service and Repair
Custom Built Computers and Servers
I love Lake Barcroft…
I sell Lake Barcroft
CAROL HAWLEY
Realtor
703-534-9660 • cell: 703-975-6403
E-mail: Scotties4us@aol.com
703-862-5245
Lillian Peterson
46 years experience
specializing in Barcroft and
Sleepy Hollow area
Life Member
Top Producers Club–43 years
703-534-9660 (work)
703-532-1617 (home)
703-447-9118 (cell)
PONTOON
BOATS
Dealer for Ray Electric Outboard Motors
Delivery Available
*Pontoon Boats *Canoes *Pedal Boats *Hobie Kayaks
*Jon Boats *Sunfish *Laser *Hobie *Dinks
*Expert Fiberglass & Mechanical Repair *Accessories *Parts
Phone: 703-491-3188 Fax: 703-491-2124
www.backyardboats.com 2380 Research Ct. • Woodbridge, VA 22192
Falls Church
Foot & Ankle Center
Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
Dr. Paul B. Cannon
104-A East Broad Street T. 703.237.1555
Falls Church, VA 22046 F. 703.237.2253
www.fcfac.com
A4D
All for Design Patricia Selig, I.F.D.A.
The Interior Design Branch of Selig Associates
3606 Ridgeway Terrace
Falls Church, VA 22044
Fax: (703) 256-9525 (703) 256-9095
E-mail:A4D@Seligassociates.com
Lawn and gardening • Leaf removal • Wood and stone work • Snow removal
Irrigation/sprinkler system service and installation
Serving the Lake Barcroft Community since 1989
Delfino Magallanes
Bill’s Handyman Service
Carpentry, Masonry, Plumbing, Painting,
Drywall, and Tile Repairs
Reasonable Rates, References
Licensed and Insured,
32 yrs. Experience
53Bill52@myway.com
703-863-2150
Office phone: 703-354-1232
Cell phone: 703-909-7988
4214 Downing Street
Annandale, VA
22003

24 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
C
W
CHADWICK
WASHINGTON
CHADWICK, WASHINGTON,
MORIARTY, ELMORE & BUNN, PC
A Full-Service Law Firm
Proudly Serving Community Associations
Throughout Virginia and the District of Columbia
Fairfax Office: 9990 Fairfax Boulevard, Suite 200
Fairfax, Virginia 22030-1720
703-352-1900
OUTDOOR LIVING ® SINCE 1945
Landscape Design & Installation
8 Acre Garden Center/Nursery
703-354-6725 www.campbellferrara.com
6651 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria
Sea Walls/Retaining Walls/Boardwalks
Landscape Design & Installation
Specializing in Patios, Dry-Stack
Stone Walls, Walkways & Stairs
Kuldar Kurrik
Cell 571-224-8689
kuldarkurrik@hotmail.com
Dont Call a Geek . . . Call a Neighbor!
Call Me for
ALL THINGS COMPUTER
Spyware & Virus Removal • Networking
Upgrades • Repairs • Tune Ups
HOME, SMALL BUSINESS, HOME OFFICE
Computer Ease LLC
703.795.0415
ASK FOR FIL
www.c-ease.com
Over 21 years specializing in
Residential & Commercial Exterior & Interior Painting • Power Washing
Drywall Work/Repair • Deck Seal & Stain • Rotted Wood Repair
Call for a free estimate!
703-263-0309 703-217-5409
rdmayen@aol.com or services@newlookpaints.com
References available from your neighbors!
Give your home a NEWLOOK this year!
MURPHY FUNERAL HOME
Family Owned
Robert J. Murphy, Founder
Barry M. Murphy, President
1102 W. Broad St. 4510 Wilson Blvd.
Falls Church Arlington
703-533-0341 703-920-4800

September 2010 25
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 items 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 and
evening phone numbers so we can verify information.
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 Reliable & experienced.
Good references. Flexible scheduling.
Reasonable rates. We bring our own equipment.
Weekly, biweekly, monthly, occasionally, one
time, move-in/out, offices. For free in-home
estimate, call Mayen/Raul at 703-321-5335.
lawn and Yard Care Fall leaf removal,
mowing, mulching, trimming, cleanups. Call Tim
Hardy 571-216-8799 for a free estimate. Lake
Barcroft native.
CaregiVer/nurse/nannY Barcroft
resident, references available. Please call
Pouran at 703-256-8217.
For Homes in Lake Barcroft
Remember One Name when You’re
Buying Selling Renting
Joan Sellers, GRI
Chairman of the Board, Weichert, Realtors
Top 5% Sales Nationwide
Catch the Sellers Market!
703-862-5626 703-931-2862

26 Lake Barcroft Newsletter
Mad for the newest local brewpub
By George McLennan and Debra M. Lee Barcroft News Staff
Mad Fox Brewing Company is a new, contemporary
brewpub with an open, family-oriented atmosphere in
downtown Falls Church. At the time of this writing it had
only been open for three weeks, yet seemed to be very popular.
On a Friday night during prime dinnertime there were
many waiting to be seated. Our wait, however, was only 20
minutes. The interior was completely packed so we waited
at an outside table on a very comfortable evening.
The beers are brewed on-site under the close supervision of
Bill Madden, brewer and Company CEO. Six 10- to 15foot
tall stainless steel “serving” tanks dominate one side of
the dining room. These tanks hold the finished brew that is
piped directly to the taps at the bar. About one third of the
interior is set up like a conventional dining room, but with
glass along one side so that customers can look inside the
brewery itself. A bar runs the length of the other third of
the interior with booths along the windows and high tables
with stools down the middle.
The menu features a broad range of dishes ranging from
18 types of pizza, sandwiches and salads to meat, poultry
and seafood entrées. Our companions and we started with
Beer Battered Onion Rings (dipped in Kolsch-style batter
and served with spicy chipotle dipping sauce) and Frickles
(fried in-house pickles with a spicy buttermilk and herb
dipping sauce).
For the main course we ordered the Grilled Lamb Chops
(herb marinated and served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes,
carrots, snow peas and sauced with Porter demi-glace)
St. Louis-Cut Ribs (half-rack, slow smoked and finished
on the grill with in-house Porter BBQ sauce, fries, fresh
coleslaw and in-house pickles), Stuffed Meatloaf (stuffed
with prosciutto and provolone then wrapped with apple
wood smoked bacon and served with Yukon gold mashed
potatoes, Brussels sprouts and pan gravy), and Pan-Seared
Sea Bass (actually local rockfish served on German-style
potato pancakes and market vegetables with tomato jam
and lemon butter sauce).
We washed everything down with beer samplers, which include
four, four-ounce glasses on a small tray filled with our
choice of brews. By the way, the Mad Fox-featured brews
will always include one light (not lite) ale, one medium
brew with a hoppy flavor, one malty which tends to be on
the sweet side, and one dark. Other brews will come and
go with the seasons and the whim of the brewer. When the
brewery is fully up and running the menu will feature 10
to 12 beers or more. Those we tried were the Scottish Wee
Heavy, Kolsch, English Summer Ale, Lindy’s Weiss and Altbier.
We enjoyed all of the beers and were very mixed in our
opinions as to which was best. For those of you not into
beer, Mad Fox offers a nice selection of approximately 35
wines.
One of our companions is an acknowledged aficionado of
root beer who was asked to accompany us to lend his expertise
in evaluating the in-house variety. He found the Mad
Fox brew to be, “sweet but herby” and one of the best he
has had.
We could not pass up an opportunity to extend the beer
theme to the desserts and ordered Birra Misu, the Lemon
Ginger Sorbet and Porter Ice Cream, which we shared all
around.
Our appetizers were hits. If you go, you must try the Frickles.
The lamb and the ribs were very tender and yummy.
The meat loaf was great, although not what you would call
a diet dish. The bass was somewhat bland and one of us
found it to be slightly fishy, but the potato pancake and
veggies were very good. The desserts were good, but not a
Mad Fox strength.
The bottom line: The tab for the four entrées came to $80.
The total with drinks, appetizers, dessert and tax came to
$136. Overall, we felt that the chef excelled on the meat
dishes and appetizers, but fell a bit short on the fish and
desserts. Of course we are basing our judgments on only a
few menu items and one visit. We like Mad Fox and will be
going back to further our experience.
We cannot close without saying a few words about our
waiter Dave. He knows his beers and all of the menu items
as well. His recommendations were solid.
MAD FOx BREWING COMPANY
444 West Broad Street, Suite I
703-942-6840, http://madfoxbrewing.wordpress.com/
Sun. - Wed.: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Thu. - Sat.: 11 a.m. - midnight
Entrées: $16 to $27
Osaka is a new Japanese restaurant in Annandale near the
Home Depot. It is a very pleasant place with pleasing décor
fitting the theme and very friendly and helpful staff. It is
also refreshingly quiet. Between the two of us we made a
couple of trips for lunch and one for dinner.
It seats about 50 to 75 people and features two menus.
One offers traditional Japanese entrées and the other sushi
and rolls. On our lunch trips we tried a variety of sushi
continued on page 27

September 2010 27
Restaurants, continued from page 26
and rolls, and so thoroughly enjoyed them that we rallied a
couple of friends to join us for a dinner having the potential
for a great experience.
Alas, the dinner was disappointing. We ordered the Beef
Teriyaki, the Salmon Teriyaki, Sukiyaki Beef (with zukini,
cellophane noodles and bok choi) and Soft Shell Crab
with Vegetables tempura style. The four dishes ranged from
good (the Beef Teriyaki) to merely okay for everything else.
The salmon was a bit dry with side vegetables of too many
onions and not enough zucchini, and the soft shell crab
was flavorless.
The bottom line: For the four of us the entrées came to
$70. With drinks the total tab was $84. While the food was
not bad, we have so many other great places to dine that we
are unlikely to go back to Osaka for dinner.
OSAKA
6669 Little River Turnpike (at Old Columbia Pike)
703-256-0152, www.dineatosaka.com
Mon. – Fri.: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.;
Sat.: noon - 10:30 p.m.; Sun.: noon – 9:30 p.m.
Entrées: $10 – $20
703-750-2800
FOR A PRIVATE CONSULTATION AND
SUPERIOR REAL ESTATE SERVICE
Lilian Crain at 703-941-7269
Associate Broker
LIFE MEMBER,
NVAR Top Producers Club and
Million Dollar Sales Club
Certified Residential Spacialist
Graduate of Realtors National
Institute
Served on NVAR Education
Committee
Serving Lake Barcroft
Residents Since 1975
Lilian Crain
Barcroft Resident Since 1973

ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 1085, Falls Church, VA 22041
Sandy Augliere
(703) 256-8743
Mike Korin
(703) 216-8467
P. STD.
Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Falls Church, VA
Permit No.872
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.
Ana Azcarate
(703) 405-6602
Lillian Peterson
(703) 447-9118
Nan Brent
(703) 220-2216
Jim Robertson
(703) 217-0283
Karen Freije
(703) 402-6133
Alicia Suarez
(703) 945-5463
Carol Hawley
(703) 975-6403
Jennifer Talati
(703) 944-3874
Long & Foster Falls Church Office, 6299 Leesburg Pike, at Seven Corners, 703-534-9660

Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance
“Resource Protection Areas” (RPA) and
how they may affect your property
By Betsy Washington Barcroft News Staff
The single most important factor in determining the quality
of a stream’s water is the amount of forested land in its
watershed. At one time vast forests stretched unbroken
across the Chesapeake watershed and were responsible for
the exceptional quality of the water in our region’s streams
and rivers and the enormous fertility of the Chesapeake
Bay. Almost every drop of rain that fell penetrated into the
soft, organic soil, because over a ton of leaves fell annually
on each acre of ground. Rainwater moved slowly down
hill irrigating the forests and replenishing groundwater
reservoirs. The roots of each tree in the forest absorbed
thousands of gallons of water in a single year. Forests at
the streams edge prevented erosion and absorbed and
removed excess nutrients. Leaves, seeds, and fruits that
fell from the trees nourished a vast diversity of aquatic life
that actually enabled the streams to clean their own water.
Even after major floods, our forested streams once ran clear.
These are services that a healthy stream provides free of
charge. A healthy forested buffer zone and Lake translates
into increased quality of life, enhanced water quality that
allows recreational swimming and fishing, and real savings
for our community.
Chesapeake Bay preservation aCt &
amendments
The continuing demise of the Chesapeake Bay environment
led the jurisdictions surrounding the Bay to form a unique
regional partnership in 1983 to work together toward the
Bay’s restoration and protection. This partnership realized
that each local area within each state (e.g. cities, counties)
should manage their own local watersheds with only general
oversight by the Federal and State governments. The
states would create the general structure for restoration
and protection, but the locals would establish specific
regulations for their specific needs. To that end, the
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act came into being.
The state of Virginia enacted the Chesapeake Bay
Preservation Act in 1988 requiring Virginia communities
that contain waters that drain into the Chesapeake Bay to
institute protective measures to improve the health of the
natural resources. The state created the Chesapeake Bay
Local Assistance Board (under the Virginia Department of
Conservation and Recreation), tasked with guiding local
jurisdictions to enact measures to safeguard the water
quality of the Chesapeake Bay.
As part of the Bay Act, Fairfax County enacted the
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance in 1993 that
contained regulations regarding land management practices
that occur in sensitive zones along all waters that drain
ultimately into the Chesapeake Bay. These sensitive
areas along streams and rivers are referred to as Resource
Protection Areas (RPAs) and are commonly called Riparian
Buffer Zones by ecologists.
The County’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance has
been amended several times (last in 2008) with the 2003
amendment being the most significant toward increasing the
protection of the watershed.
resource protection areas (rpas) Most significant
is the designation of rpas around all water bodies
with perennial flow, meaning tributary streams that flow
throughout the year except during periods of drought. The
amendments also changes the criteria for development and
redevelopment in RPAs, and changes the procedures and

2 Lake Barcroft
application process for obtaining construction permits, and
for granting exceptions and waivers to the requirements
of the Chesapeake Bay Protection Ordinance. Greatly
simplified, RPAs include all areas within 100 feet of
the Lake, together with areas within 100 feet of perennial
streams and wetlands connected with them. The last 50
feet before you get to the water or wetland receives even
higher levels of protection. In addition, areas within 100year
flood plains are similarly protected. The complete
definition is broader.
What this means for Lake BarCroft
Residents with homes or properties located within an RPA
should be aware of certain restrictions on development and
maintenance activities on their property. This applies to all
Lakefront properties and certain other properties in Lake
Barcroft. In residential areas built before the Chesapeake
Bay Protection Ordinance was enacted, the County tries to
be reasonable when applying Chesapeake Bay Ordinance
requirements. In general, development is not allowed in
RPAs. However, the ordinance protects existing homes and
other structures that were built in RPAs before the CBPO
was enacted. The ordinance also allows for maintenance
of existing property such as cutting of diseased and dying
trees, and clearing of noxious weeds, with prior permission.
It allows for construction of minor additions to existing
homes, or the addition of decks, and passive recreation
structures such as paths or boardwalks if residents obtain
necessary exemptions and waivers. Depending on the
extent of the encroachment into the RPA, and the effect
of the encroachment on the functionality of the RPA,
owners are required to obtain prior written approval from
the Department of Public Works Environmental Services
(DPWES). Many cases will need to have a water quality
impact assessment, and others may require a public
hearing. Depending on the findings of a water quality
impact assessment study, remediation may be required
to restore the functionality of the buffer zone lost because
of tree clearing or development, and the owner may be
required to densely plant a specified number of overstory
trees, understory trees and shrubs, and groundcovers to
restore a functioning buffer zone.
Why are rpas so important?
Vegetated riparian buffer zones are vital in protecting the
water quality of Lake Barcroft and the entire watershed.
They reduce the velocity and absorb much of the
stormwater runoff, recharging groundwater reservoirs.
They trap sediment and reduce or remove nutrients such
as nitrogen, phosphorous and other chemical pollutants,
from both surface water and ground waters. Vegetated
buffer zones prevent erosion and filter out sediments and
pollutants that can be hazardous to aquatic life. They
produce many other benefits not the least of which is
creating wildlife habitat, water temperature modification,
absorption of pollutants, and ultimately, healthy aquatic life.
In fact, vegetated buffer zones also help protect us from
disease producing pathogens such as bacteria and viruses,
"whose survivability increases with high nutrient levels and
suspended solids or sediments". Vegetated riparian buffer
zones (RPAs) result in increased water quality of the Lake,
and real savings to our community.
for more information, and links to County rpa
maps, the Chesapeake Bay protection ordinance,
and to forms to submit for approval or waivers,
go to: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/
environmental/cbay/
hoW the Chesapeake Bay aCt and
amendments affeCt Lake BarCroft
residents
Answers to commonly asked questions.
Q. How do I know if my property falls in a designated
Chesapeake Bay Ordinance RPA?
A. In general a Resource Protection Area (RPA) “contains
any land within 100 ft of a floodplain or stream with
perennial flow, meaning a stream or body of water that
flows all year except during droughts”. Properties within
approximately 100' of the Lake’s edge typically fall into the
protected buffer zone or RPA. This may include properties
that are not Lakefront. You can find out if part or all of your
property is in an RPA by going to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/
dta. Click on the link that reads ‘View “my property” and
Residential Sales within Assessment Neighborhoods’. Enter
your address and click search.
Q. What are the regulations that affect landscaping and tree
removal in an RPA?
A. Lawns, gardens, or other structures legally built or
installed prior to the enactment of the Chesapeake Bay
Protection Ordinance, can remain in place, but cannot be
expanded or modified without county approval. The removal
of existing vegetation to establish new lawns is prohibited.
In forested buffer zones, all layers of vegetation should be

Resource Protection Areas 3
preserved including overstory trees, understory trees and
shrubs, an herbaceous layer, along with a litter layer.
The Chesapeake Bay Ordinance, VAC 10-20-130.5a states:
■ “In order to maintain the functional value of the buffer
area, existing vegetation may be removed, subject to
approval by the local government, only to provide for
sight lines and vistas, provided that where removed, they
shall be replaced with other vegetation that is equally
effective in retarding runoff, preventing erosion, and
filtering non-point source pollution from runoff.”
■ “In order for the buffer to function as intended, it should
contain the full complement of vegetation that includes
all of the trophic layers: shade trees, understory trees,
shrubs, and ground cover, whether the groundcover is
vegetation, leaf litter, or mulch.”
■ “Clear cutting of any area is not permissible to achieve
sight lines or vistas.”
■ “Even noxious weeds and diseased or dying trees may be
removed only with special permission by Fairfax County,
and then must be replaced with equally functional layers
of indigenous vegetation. Indigenous vegetation may not
be removed from an RPA buffer zone to create lawns.”
Q. Why can't I plant lawn in an RPA?
A. Lawn grass has shallow roots and is not very effective
in absorbing or filtering stormwater runoff. In fact, Fairfax
County rates it as only 50 percent permeable and it
absorbs only 30 – 50 percent of the stormwater runoff,
sediments, and pollution as a forested buffer. A combination
of overstory trees, understory trees and shrubs, and
herbaceous plants is vastly more effective in protecting
water quality.
Q. Can I build an addition or deck in an RPA?
A. Homes that were constructed prior to July 1, 1993, may be
granted a waiver to build minor additions of up to 1,000
sq. ft. or up to 2percent of the lot area up to a maximum of
2500 sq. ft. of new impervious surface depending on how far
they encroach into the RPA. These additions pertain only to
attached structures. An administrative waiver must be applied
for before permission is granted.
Most decks attached to the house are treated as minor
additions and may be permitted through the written waiver
process described above. Attached patios may also be
covered under minor additions, described above, but check
with the County DPWES to be sure.
Q. What about detached structures like detached patios,
sheds or fences?
A. Approval of detached structures such as unattached
patios or structures that increase impervious surface,
require a special exemption process and public hearing.
Under county regulations, compacted gravel, stone dust,
and brick, and stone pavers are considered impervious.
fences may be constructed in an RPA if they, "do not
inhibit or alter surface flow and vegetation may only be
removed to provide for actual placement of the fence.
When removed, vegetation must be replaced with native
vegetation that is equally effective in retarding runoff,
preventing erosion, and filtering nonpoint sources of
pollution from runoff. Fences should be located to avoid
removal of trees."
Waivers for construction of detached, accessory
structures like sheds are not available in RPAs. However
small sheds less than 150 sq. ft. do not require a building
permit and may be permitted in certain circumstances on
grassy areas or lawn if they do not impact native vegetation,
trees or roots, or impede surface flow of water.
paths can be installed with prior written approval under site
amenities for passive recreation, but may be no wider than
4’. Other requirements may apply.
Q. What if I want to repair existing paths, patios, walls, or
other structures in an RPA?
A. Under redevelopment, paths, patios, and walls may
be rebuilt on the footprint of a former, "legally approved and
permitted" structure built before the Chesapeake Bay Act,
as long as there is no net increase in impervious surface.
Again, each case will be examined on its own merits and
written permission should be requested. Existing structures
that were built without legal County permits and inspections
cannot receive exemptions for redevelopment.
Grading, filling, construction of walls, etc. require
written permission and will be evaluated on a case- by- case
basis depending on the encroachment into the RPA and a
water quality impact assessment study.
Please be aware that there are many nuances and
interpretations of the rules outlined above from the

4 Lake Barcroft
Chesapeake Bay Protection Ordinance
and amendments, and that many
requests will need to be evaluated
on a case- by- case basis to assess
impacts to the RPA. When in doubt,
always call or write for permission.
for more detailed information,
refer to http://www.fairfaxcounty.
gov/dpwes/watersheds/cbpobrochure.pdf
Q. Yikes! Now that I know about
the Chesapeake Bay Preservation
Act and amendments and the RPA
regulations, how do I get permission
to make modifications to my property
or house, or take down dying trees in
RPA areas of my property?
A. For permission or for more
information, call the office of the
Department of Public Works and
Environmental Assessment (DPWES)
at 703 324-1720 to determine what
steps are necessary to receive
approval to work in an RPA. You
can find and download forms to
submit for permission, approval or
waivers and more information at:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/
environmental/cbay/
Q. What do I do if I have dead or
dying trees that threaten my house
or noxious plants that threaten the
health of my plantings?
A. According to Ms. Dickman, Fairfax
County Urban Forester for Mason
and Braddock Districts, “Removal of
dead, dying and diseased and noxious
vegetation is an issue that comes up
all the time in Lake Barcroft. Trees
have become too dense (or diseased)
and there is vegetation that should be
removed because it poses a risk to
houses and people. The ordinance
allows for such removal and thinning,
but the ordinance states, ‘subject to
approval by the Director of the Office
of Public Works and Environmental
Services (DWPES). Depending on the
scope of the request a Water Quality
Impact Assessment (WQIA) and fee
need to be submitted to the County.
Review of a WQIA takes anywhere
from 30-60 days or longer depending
on workload.’”
Occasionally requests come to the
Urban Forestry Management Division
(UFMD) staff to remove or trim trees.
Requests should be in writing and
explain what is proposed and what
type of replacement vegetation is
proposed, along with a plan or map
of the site. Their staff will evaluate if a
WQIA is required or if the request can
be handled by UFMD, and permission
can be given in a shorter time frame.
It depends on the scope of the work
proposed. It also depends on their
workload but the process is usually
faster than a full review of the WQIA.
You can contact Ms. Dickman at:
ineke.dickman@fairfaxcounty.gov
Q. How can I find out more about
the Chesapeake Bay Preservation
Ordinance amendments and Riparian
Buffer Zones?
A. Fairfax County has free
informational brochures available
online or for distribution, at: http://
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/
watersheds/cbpo-brochure.pdf
Fairfax County Public Libraries also
have videos on the amendments to
the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
and how they may affect you. You
can also find information on RPA's
and other environmental issues on
Channel 16. You can also find detailed
information and illustrations of what
is and is not allowed in the Riparian
Buffers Modification and Mitigation
Guidance Manual at: http://www.dcr.
virginia.gov/chesapeake_bay_local_
assistance/ripbuffmanual.shtml
Q. Can I get in trouble if I cut trees,
build additions, or encroach on RPAs
in other ways?
A. Yes you can. In fact, cutting
trees or removal of vegetation or
encroaching on or developing in an
RPA without proper authorization is a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine of
up to $2500 and up to a year in jail.
Violators will be required to submit a
plan to be approved by the County to
restore the RPA in accordance with
county guidelines.
Contractors may also be held liable for
any violations.
Q. What are the rules in Lake Barcroft?
A. Lake Barcroft has its own Tree
Preservation Guidelines which you can
find at: http://www.lakebarcroft.org/
docs/association/trees.pdf
The Lake Barcroft Architectural Review
Committee should be consulted for
approval of any additions, fences,
landscaping such as grading, retaining
walls, or patios that affect drainage
and surface flow, and tree removal,
whether in an RPA or not. You can
find an application form and more
detailed information about the process
on the LBA website under ARC or in
the LBA Directory.