Fort Ward Observer, December 3, 2009

Fort Ward Observer
Volume 1, Issue 3
December 3, 2009
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster

Highlights

This issue includes information on the following Fort Ward Park activities plus much more.
City archaeological and historical research underway
Congress funds Fort Ward Park in 2010 budget.
Community research reveals park intent and purpose.
Community research confirms City knowledge of graves.
City meets with Seminary Civic Association.
Fort Ward Museum Historian co-author’s Mr. Lincoln’s Forts.
Homeowners express continuing concerns about storm water
Fort Ward Park Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group Appointed and to meet on December 8, 2009.

Purpose

Fort Ward Park was established by the City of Alexandria in 1964 through a collaborative effort which began in the early 1950’s between local homeowners, citizens, historians, civic associations, City park and planning department managers and local elected officials. The purpose of this report is to provide community interests with information on what is being considered, proposed and underway in Fort Ward Park and its surrounding area.

Good Things are Happening at Fort Ward Park

A number of actions have been taken this past month to address ongoing problems, more effectively manage and assist visitors, and protect the history, culture and natural resources of Fort Ward Park. Specifically city and community leaders have taken the following actions:

a. City Archaeology and Historical Research Underway:
The Office of Historic Alexandria is busy preparing for necessary historic research and archaeological surveys at Fort Ward Park. With the recent approval of 2010 funds by the City

Council managers and staff have been working on a “Scope
of Work” for a contract to do archaeological research. This investigation is the first part of what will be a multi-year project to locate, identify, evaluate, and interpret the full range of historical and cultural values and resources within Fort Ward Park. This information will be a foundation for good decision-making and can be used by the city to assist revisions to the existing master plans for the park. Once a contract is agreed to the actual research and survey work will take place in 2010.

b. Fort Ward Park History Workgroup Meets in October: On Saturday October 17, 2009 Lance Mallamo, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria, convened the first meeting of the city’s Fort Ward Park History Workgroup. Mr. Mallamo told the audience that their role was to assist the city with research about the history and culture of the park. He emphasized the importance of this group’s role indicating that this effort would help to jump-start research on the park. He added that the city isn’t going to be able to do the work themselves. “We want to work with you. We want the focus to be what you want it to be”.

He described the work underway, including the test-use of radar to look for graves inside the park, as well as funding that is being provided by the City Council for archaeological research.

Susan Cumbey, Director of the Fort Ward Museum gave the group some background on the creation of the park and noted that this was the best place in metropolitan Washington, D.C. to see a reconstructed Civil War fort. She noted that this park was created as part of the Alexandria’s commitment to the Civil War Centennial in 1964 and that it was the first public preservation project in Alexandria.

People in the audience were engaged in discussion about the research effort and stressed the need for the city to:
Repair the city’s creditability with the community by being honest and open about past mistakes. Work and communicate with the community.
Recognize that the entire park is historic, sacred and rare.
Take a holistic approach to park management.
Involve the people who are connected historically to the park and who have been undervalued and left out of discussions and
decisions.
Tell the untold story of Native and African American history including an indoor display exhibit on African American history and culture for the Museum.
Improve the city’s understanding about this resource and what the park is about.
Look at the park as part of Alexandria’s upcoming the Civil War Sesquicentennial.
Link all efforts to finding funds.
Take down the city’s October 2008 Facilities Study & Recommendations displayed on the Alexandria website.
Take down the fence around the maintenance/ nursery yard and allow access to park graves.

Discussions included ideas for ways to interpret the history of the park, the gate that restricts access to Clara and Robert Adams graves, funding, and commemoration of the area where people lived and are buried. Tom Fulton of the city Archaeological Commission said that the park represents a “transformational change” worthy of historical significance. Pam Cressey told the group that “you can’t dream too much and that only the citizens of Alexandria can come up with the powerful ideas about this park“.

Ms. Cressey also noted that she wanted input on a Scope of Work the her office is preparing for the contract for archaeological research.

c. Fort Ward Park History Workgroup Meets in November: On Saturday November 7, 2009 Lance Mallamo and Pam Cressey of the Office of Historic Alexandria convened the second meeting of the Fort Ward Park History Workgroup. Mr. Mallamo opened the meeting with information on the city’s Fort Ward Park & Museum Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group. He noted that the City Manager was still confirming appointments to the group. Once the 10 members are confirmed and an announcement is expected.

Mr. Mallamo said that he did not think the Work Group’s earlier proposal to remove the maintenance/ nursery yard fence should be made until the Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group meets.

Ms. Cressey gave the group a report on the October 20 and 21, 2009 test of the radar detection equipment used to identify graves in the park. The tests included the maintenance/ nursery yard; the Jackson Family graves, graves at the entrance to the maintenance/ nursery yard, and other areas. With the permission of church officials the team also scanned the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Tom Fulton of the city’s Archaeological Commission assisted the team with scanning work.

Fran Terrell, Chairperson of the Seminary Civic Association, indicated that her organization created a Family Workgroup to help with research. She said that relatives of people that lived and are buried in the cemetery are helping to identify additional graves.

Ms. Cressey said that she expected to have a report on the test results in about two weeks. The results of the radar test will be used to help the city complete the scope of work for the archaeological research contract. The research which will start in 2010 is expected to take three-years to complete.

Mr. Mallamo added that he had submitted a $75,000 request for 2011 funding from the city to continue the archaeological research.

Ms. Cressey presented a Draft Report on an Inventory of the History of Fort Ward Park to the History Workgroup. The presentation gave the meeting participants an overview of the city’s report which is filled with interesting and important information about the historic and cultural values and resources of the park before, during and after the Civil War.

The purposes of this inventory are to:
1) Identify known resources;
2) Predict probable locations of additional resources predicted from a variety of sources;
3) Assess the significance and integrity of the resources;
4) Recognize the threats facing and opportunities presented by each resource;
5) Establish best practices for the care, investigation and enhancement of the resources; and
6) Delineate historical zones to assist in park planning.

The report will be provided to the company selected for the archaeology contract. It will give the consulting archaeologists an overview of the history of the site. Pam stressed that the history of the park needs to be researched before any digging can begin. She added that the city wants to start the contract work by early 2010.

Members of the workgroup, which is open to all, were encouraged to provide comments on the draft report to Ms. Cressey by no later than Friday December 11, 2009.

A number of smaller sub-groups were formed to further develop ideas and report at the next meeting on December 6, 2009 at 10:00 am at the Fort Ward Museum. The groups include:
Goals and Priorities Group
Research Group
Museum Group

The newly created Seminary Civic Association’s Family Group was offered the opportunity to report at the next meeting. There was also a brief discussion about the idea of workgroup members writing an article on the park and its history for publication. Several members of the workgroup indicated their interest.

d. Congress Funds Fort Ward Park: On October 30, 2009 Congress signed into law legislation that will provide $75,000 for Fort Ward Park Preservation. Federal funding for Fort Ward Park, which must be matched with non-federal monies, was requested at the urging of the Office of Historic Alexandria, the Mayor and City Council, by Congressman Jim Moran and his staff. At a time when local, Commonwealth and federal budgets are tightening managers and elected officials gave Fort Ward Park their priority attention.

The federal funding comes from Save America’s Treasures which is one of the largest and most successful grant programs for the protection of our nation’s endangered and irreplaceable cultural heritage. Grants are available for preservation and/or conservation work on nationally significant intellectual and cultural artifacts and historic structures and sites. Intellectual and cultural artifacts include artifacts, collections, documents, sculpture, and works of art. Historic structures and sites include historic districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects.

The funds are to be used to preserve the Fort Ward Civil War Fort, improve access for the disabled, and update displays to include more recent historical developments in the park's history.

e. Community Research Reveals Original Park Intent & Purpose: Although city officials have repeatedly denied that there is a master plan for Fort Ward Park community researchers have gathered city information that indicates that there are master plans for the park. In addition to the actual master plans information has been obtained that describe the city’s original intent and purpose for creating the park. City plans developed in 1962 and revised in 1979; Recreation Department, General Services Department, Department of Public Works, City Council and City Manager correspondence; federal land acquisition grant applications; and the city’s 1981-82 application for the Fort Ward Historical Park to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, have been researched. These city documents describe the purpose of the park as:

“ a proposal to acquire not only valuable land in terms of historical character, but also preserve as much land as possible to be left in a natural state”.
Eugene L. Barnwell, Director, Alexandria Recreation Department land acquisition proposal for Fort Ward Historical Park. 1954.

“To preserve a historical site and further provide a recreational area which should remain as much as possible in its natural state..” “To provide for the recreational interest and pursuits of those persons desiring areas left in their natural state…”.
Lee Fones, Director, Alexandria Recreation Department land acquisition proposal. 1955.

“Although the park’s principal importance is historical, it also can be used in its natural state as a recreational and picnic area”.
Eugene L. Barnwell, Director, Alexandria General Services. Sunday Star, Washington, D.C.. 1962.

“ to retain said land for permanent open space purposes, and the open space use of said land shall be: Park and outdoor recreation activities and uses compatible with maintaining the open space character of the lands involved; implementation of historic site and preservation of lands of historic and scenic value”.
City Council approval of Contract for Grant to Acquire Open Space Land Under Title VII of the Housing Act of 1961. 1963.

“…Fort Ward is a 35-acre Historic Park owned and operated by the City of Alexandria, Virginia“. “Fort Ward today serves as a 35-acre historic park and museum”.
Alexandria City Council action for listing on the National Register of Historic Sites. 1981

f. Community Research Reveals Past City Knowledge of Park Graves: Although the Directors of the City Recreation Department, Office of Historic Alexandria, advisory commission members, and local elected officials expressed surprise earlier this year when community interests raised questions about the African American graves within Fort Ward Park, community research has revealed that numerous city officials were aware of grave sites in the park as early as 1962.

Community researchers, using city information, have documented a number of graves and family grave sites on master plans and in documents related to the City’s condemnation of private lands for the park. Interviews with current and past city employees, as well as adjacent neighbors, indicate that city managers were specifically aware of the grave sites in the area that is now a maintenance/ nursery yard. In fact it appears that some city employees were directed to remove gravestones so that the city could convert the area into a place for city vehicles, plants, supplies and debris.

The city’s conversion of certain parts of the park for maintenance and nursery yard areas, which were placed on top of African American graves, was done without normal city reviews and permits. Past actions reflect a complete disregard for people who are buried in the park and their families who live continue to live in the city.

g. City Official Meet with Seminary Civic Association: On October 23, 2009, at a regular Seminary Civic Association meeting, Lance Mallamo of the Office of Historic Alexandria met with association members to update them on public and private efforts to protect, restore and enjoy Fort Ward Park.

The highlight of the meeting was Mr. Mallamo’s remarks on current and future city efforts including the use of radar to identify graves; a cell phone tour of African American history which is 90% complete; the relationship of the park to the City’s Strategic Plan; and a National Trust for Historic Preservation grant the city hopes to receive to help with historical and cultural research.

The National Trust grant will enable the city, and its communities, to work with Dr. Edna Greene Medford of Howard University. Dr. Greene Medford is Associate Professor and former director of the Department of History’s graduate and undergraduate programs. Specializing in nineteenth century African-American history, she teaches courses in Civil War and Reconstruction, Colonial America, the Jacksonian Era, and African-American history.

Mr. Mallamo told the audience that his office is focused on understanding the resources of Fort Ward Park. The work will be holistic in nature and include: a re-evaluation of the Museum mission statement; a better understanding of what brought African American families to settle in the area; with an emphasis on early Native American history and African American history during the period between the Civil War to the end of the Civil Rights movement.

Mr. Mallamo encouraged the meeting attendees to help the city gather information on the history of the park.

Dave Cavanaugh of the Alexandria Archaeology Commission, and Glenn Eugster of the Seminary Hill Association, Inc. also made remarks to the group about community research and the importance of civic engagement in local decisions.

g. Fort Ward Museum Historian Co-Authors Mr. Lincoln’s Forts: The city held a book signing and authors’ reception on November 14, 2009 at Fort Ward Museum to celebrate the publication of the new and revised edition of Mr. Lincoln’s Forts: A Guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington (Scarecrow Press, 2009) by Dr. B. Franklin Cooling III and Walton H. Owen II.

The new edition of Mr. Lincoln’s Forts is the long-awaited successor to the first edition published in 1988. According to the foreword by Edwin Bearss, Chief Historian Emeritus for the National Park Service, “...Mr. Lincoln’s Forts is a classic, a publication against which future endeavors in the field will be measured.”

It features expanded and revised content, including illustrations not featured in the original edition. The book is the premier historical reference and tour guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the extensive network of forts constructed to protect the Federal capital. The author’s research indicates that Fort Ward is the best preserved of the forts in the defense system and one of the most significant sites discussed in the book.

The authors are specialists in Civil War history, and in the Washington area forts. Dr. Cooling is a professor at the National Defense University and a well-known Civil War historian and author. Alexandria’s own Wally Owen is Assistant Director and Curator at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site,

h. Seminary Hill Association Annual Meeting: On November 12, 2009 the Seminary Hill Association, Inc. held it’s annual meeting at the Virginia Theological Seminary. The program featured I-395 Transportation Issues: How They Affect You and All Seminary Hill Homeowners. Speakers included Councilman Rob Krupicka; Ronaldo Nicholson from the Virginia Department of Transportation; and Nancy Jennings from Marlboro Estates. Despite meetings and planning at all levels of the government it was apparent, as Nancy Jennings stated in her remarks, that, “Traffic is getting worse and will continue to get worse”.

Meeting participants, who included Councilman Smedberg and Councilwoman Pepper and Hughes, were encouraged by Joanne Lepanto, President of the Association, to get involved in local decisions because the world is run by people that show up.

The meeting included election of Officers and Area
Representatives. The following persons were elected to serve the Association.
Nancy Jennings, President
Jack Sullivan, Treasurer
Bruce McCarthy, Secretary
Lillian Stanton Patterson, Area 1
Carter Fleming, Area 2
Dick Hobson, Area 3
Beth Arnson, Area 4
Dick Hayes, Area 5
Glenn Eugster, Area 6
Pat Lidy, Area 7
Rick Ward, Area 8
Bruce McCarthy, Area 9

For more information about the Seminary Hill Association go to: www.seminaryhillassn.org


Unresolved Issues and Concerns

a. Possible Topics for the Fort Ward Advisory Group: For nearly three years homeowners, family-members, church officials, historians, park and recreational users, advisory commissioners, past and current city employees, civic association board members, Commonwealth managers, and leaders from national non-profit organizations, and others, have raised concerns about the management and use of Fort Ward Park. Although elected officials and city managers have taken some action to respond to these concerns many of the problems and matters of concern need attention.

The Mayor and City Council has charged the Advisory Group with the task for making suggestions to city managers about the management and use of Fort Ward Park. Hopefully the Advisory Group will arrange for walking tour of the park and take time to read city and community historic research, as well as the public record of community concerns and comments from the last three years. Some of the most pressing use and management issues which have been identified include:

Recognition of the original park purpose and intent
Management of crowds and inappropriate park uses
Regulation of noise levels from park users
Damage to African American graves within the park
Security for the park and Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery
Stormwater damage to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery graves
Regulation of alcohol use by park users
Integration of multiple city jurisdictions within the park (I.e. Recreation, Horticulture, Arborist, Stormwater, Historic Preservation, Museum, Maintenance, etc.)
Clarifying the status of the October 16,2008 Fort Ward Facilities Study and Recommendations
Clarifying the extent of the District maintenance office/ yard location and operation
Abatement of stormwater “pond” and flooding of adjacent private property
City compliance with city laws, ordinances and permits (i.e. Special Use Permits, others….)
Recognition of the need for basic planning and management documents (i.e. statement for management, updated master plan, Special Use Permits, etc.) before the public expenditure of funds for park development
Maintenance/ nursery yard location, activity and condition
Public access to the graves of Clara and Robert Adams, and other, within the maintenance/ nursery yard
Management of invasive plants along park boundaries
Management of natural, wildlife and scenic values and resources
Sustainable levels of park maintenance (i.e. damaged tree removal, debris, pedestrian bridge, maintenance/ nursery yard, City Arborist Memorial, etc.)

Hopefully the Advisory Group will create an objective and open process for city managers and community interests to identify and discuss these and other issues in order to agree on balanced solutions which will protect the park, encourage people to enjoy the area, and respect adjacent private property owners.

c. Community Interests Contact City Manager About Water Runoff Concerns: Residents who live nearby and use Fort Ward Park continue to voice concerns about water runoff flowing from the park into the ravine between the park and Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Residents believe that the city’s lack of park maintenance and storm water management have created a de facto “beaver-dam”.

This “beaver-dam” has created a pond of stagnant water which is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread the West Nile Virus and for other noxious insect vectors. Additionally, children could potentially wander away from the nearby playground and drown in this pond.

Given the fact that the City of Alexandria, through its Recreation Department and Transportation & Environmental Services Department, has created and maintained this public health nuisance over the years residents and park users have asked the city to take action.

On November 19, 2009 area residents contacted James Hartmann, the City Manager, and requested the city to immediately take all necessary measures to abate this public health nuisance. This nuisance has been an ongoing concern of residents who have contacted Alexandria city officials regularly over the last three years with no palpable response. Recreation Department Director Jim Spengler, as well as Transportation & Environment Director Rich Baier has been assigned by the City Manager to look into this matter.


Future Efforts of Note

a. City Budget Process Underway: Alexandria is working on the budget for 2011 and they want your input. The City of Alexandria expects Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 to be another challenging year based on early economic forecasts. As the City begins the budget process, they would like your input regarding the FY 2011 Operating Budget and Capitol Improvement Program. Whether you are supporting a service or opposed to an expenditure this is one of the chances you have to make your opinion known. The City of Alexandria encourages public comments on the issues presented on their web-sites. To comment go to: http://Alexandria.gov


Inside Alexandria

Conversations and correspondence with various City staff, local elected officials, advisory commission members, and citizens have revealed information about actions and activities being discussed for Fort Ward Park.

a. Fort Ward Park & Museum Area Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group Appointments: On June 23, 2009 the City Council approved Resolution No. 2349 establishing an Ad Hoc Advisory Group for Fort Ward Park and Museum Area. City Recreation Department leaders indicated on November 24, 2009 that the following appointments have been approved.

As appointed by the City Manager, the Stakeholder Advisory Group shall consist of ten members, as follows:

Park and Recreation Commission (3 members)
Richard Brune
Ripley Forbes
Robert Moir
Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (3 members)
William Schreiner
Charles Ziegler
Ralph Thomas Fulton
Environmental Policy Commission (1 member)
Philip Voorhees
Citizens at large (2 members)
Frances Terrell
Adrienne Washington
Citizen living within a one-mile radius of Fort Ward Park. (1 member)
Linda Ries

The purpose of the Group is to have City staff work with the Advisory Group primarily “to solicit recommendations on balancing park uses, implementing education and outreach opportunities and reviewing the success of recently implemented changes. This Advisory Group would advise staff with a goal of recommending an appropriate balance between the different uses of the park, including active, passive/environmental and historic/archeological interests“.

b. Fort Ward & Vacant City Land: Recent discussions with city managers and elected officials about the idea of selling-off city lands has gotten the attention of Marlboro Estate homeowners. Deputy City Manager Mark Jenks and Recreation Department Director Jim Spengler were recently contacted by residents about neighborhood concerns about a parcel of land owned by the city between North Van Dorn Street, Fort Ward Park and the homes at the end of Fort Ward Place and Ellicott Street.

The land, which was originally dedicated as public parkland as part of the Marlboro Estates subdivision approval process, is currently zoned R-8. According to the city's website "the R-8 zone is established to provide and maintain land areas for low density residential neighborhoods of single-family homes on 8,000 square foot lots. Nonresidential uses of a noncommercial nature which are related to, supportive of and customarily found in a residential neighborhood are also permitted".

In response to concerns Mr. Jenks indicated that “….when we did the sort of City-owned parcels to consider selling that no City owned parcel near Ft Ward was on the list that went to Council. Parks staff helped sort the list so they protected the site in
question. There are no park or park-related parcels on the City land sale candidate list”.

Mr. Spengler indicates that “The parcel you mention is already documented by the City as both a part of Ft. Ward Park and as public open space. It is not listed as a parcel the City is trying to sell to raise funds. It should be more clearly identified within the park boundaries when a new master plan is done for the park“.

Upcoming December Events

Saturday: December 5, 2009

FORT WARD PARK HISTORY GROUP
10:00 a.m., Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Contact Susan Cumbey, 703.838.4848

TUESDAY: DECEMBER 8, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL will hold its only legislative meeting of the month at 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 King Street. For more information contact Jackie Henderson, 703.746.4550.

ALEXANDRIA AD HOC FORT WARD PARK AND MUSEUM AREA STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY GROUP will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. For more information contact Laura Durham, 703.746.5493.

WEDNESDAY: DECEMBER 9, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON GOAL 1 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN – There is Quality Development and Redevelopment, Support for Local Businesses, and a Strong, Diverse, and Growing Local Economy will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Council Workroom, City Hall, 301 King Street. For more information contact Brandi Collins, 703.746.3854.

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON GOAL 4 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN – Alexandria Is a Community with Public Schools Amongst Northern Virginia’s Best and Where Our Recreational Programs Provide Youth the Opportunity to Succeed will hold a meeting at 6:00 p.m., Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street. For more information contact Jack Browand 703.746.5500 or Jim Spengler, 703.746.5502.

ALEXANDRIA HISTORICAL RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION will hold a meeting at 8:00 a.m., Lloyd House, 220 North Washington Street. For more information contact Lance Mallamo, 703.838.4554.

THURSDAY; DECEMBER 10, 2009

SEMINARY HILL ASSOCIATION INC. will hold its regular monthly board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the parish hall of Emmanuel Church-on-the-Hill on Seminary Road at Quaker Lane. For more information contact Nancy Jennings at: nrjennings@comcast.net

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CONVENTION AND VISITORS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF GOVERNORS – TOURISM MARKETING FORUM will hold a meeting at 9:00 a.m., Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. For more information contact Stephanie Brown, 703.746.3302.

SATURDAY: DECEMBER 12, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL will hold its regular public hearing at 9:30 a.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 King Street. For more information contact Jackie Henderson, 703.746.4550.

MONDAY: DECEMBER 14, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON GOAL 3 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN – There Is an Integrated, Multimodal Transportation System that Efficiently and Effectively Gets People from Point “A” to Point “B” will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Minnie Howard Library Media Center, 3801 West Braddock Road. For more information contact Rich Baier or Yon Lambert, 703.746.4025

TUESDAY: DECEMBER 15, 2009

HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA RESOURCES COMMISSION will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m., Lloyd House, 220 North Washington Street. For more information contact Lance Mallamo, 703.838.4554.

WEDNESDAY: DECEMBER 16, 2009

ALEXANDRIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMMISSION will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m., Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union Street, Suite 327. For more information contact Pamela Cressey, 703.838.4399.

ALEXANDRIA BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE (BRAC) ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Alexandria Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. For more information contact Pat Escher, 703.746.3812.


What can I do to help with Fort Ward?

a. Get Involved in Local Decisions! If you have an interest in the future of your community and want to get involved you can donate some of your time to this group of community and neighborhood organizations, and homeowners, and help save Fort Ward Park and our surrounding area. A group of community leaders has created an informal partnership to help save Fort Ward Park. The group needs volunteers with passion, skill and experience in marketing/ communication, historic research, law, finding grants, fundraising, and other areas. If you have time and are interested contact J. Glenn Eugster at 703-845-8947 or by e-mail at: glenn_eugster@comcast.net

b. For Further Information: If you would like to:
receive more information on the Fort Ward Observer;
be added, or removed, from this mailing list;
request past editions of this newsletter, or,
make contributions to this report in the future.
Please write or call: Glenn Eugster
By e-mail: glenn_eugster@comcast.net
By telephone: (703)845-8947 (before 9:00 pm)
By mail: 4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

It is important to note that although I am sharing this information with a broad and diverse group of people, I do not have a mandate to speak for anyone. This information is offered so that you will be informed and, hopefully, engaged in your community, City, and this park. I speak only for myself and those who may think as I do.