4th of July Parade Cancelled due to Air Quality + Extreme Heat

Following Arlington County’s Code Purple (Very Unhealthy) Air Quality Alert, we are cancelling the 3–4 PM children’s bike parade.

Code Purple conditions mean air pollution levels may pose a health risk to everyone, not only sensitive groups. Combined with temperatures in the 90s, humidity, and peak afternoon sun conditions, we are following Arlington County guidance to cancel all outdoor activities.

Thank you for understanding — we look forward to gathering safely at our next Dover-Crystal neighborhood event on Sunday, September 6th!

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Become a Member/Renew Your Membership

Membership in DCCA is open to households located within the boundaries of the Donaldson Run Neighborhood. Our meetings/events are open to all neighbors. Fill out the membership form to pay your dues, sign up for text alerts for events, and more!

SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW TO PAY YOUR DUES (THE PAGE MAY TAKE A FEW SECONDS:

– OR –

PASTE / TYPE THIS CASE SENSITIVE LINK IN YOUR WEB BROWSER:

https://bit.ly/DoverCrystalMembership

Building Community in Dover-Crystal

Why Pay DCCA Dues? The Dover-Crystal Civic Association (DRCA) is a volunteer-run organization that relies upon membership dues to fund Dover-Crystal neighborhood events. Paying dues also ensures that you will be able to vote in DCCA elections and shows your support of DCCA’s advocacy on behalf of the neighborhood. Our mission is to promote civic engagement and enhance the quality of life in Dover-Crystal.

NEW! Community Events Calendar
2026-2027

EventDateTimeLocation
4th of July ParadeSaturday,
July 4
3 – 4 PM2490 N Randolph to 2801 N Quebec St
Labor Day Block PartySunday
Sept 6
5- 8 PMIntersection of N Randolph St & 27th St N
Holiday Lighting Competition 2026Sunday December 20Winners Announced
7:00 PM
*Seeking Judges
(Drive-By Only)
Summer Kick-Off Block PartyTBD5-8 PMIntersection of N Randolph St & 27th St N

About DCCA: Building Community Connections

The Dover-Crystal Civic Association is a volunteer-led nonprofit working to reconnect neighbors and create the sense of community that makes our neighborhood special. We’re also here to give residents a voice—serving as a neighborhood advocate on local issues like housing, infrastructure, and public safety. Whether you’re new to Dover-Crystal or a longtime resident, we invite you to get involved and help shape the future of our community together.

Letter from DCCA Leadership

Dear Dover-Crystal Neighbors:

The Dover-Crystal Civic Association (DCCA) is your neighborhood organization that brings you summer/fall block parties, the Fourth of July parade, and winter holiday lighting celebration – events that make our neighborhood a great place to call home.

We encourage you to get involved—whether by volunteering or contacting anyone on the leadership team about your ideas or concerns.

COMMUNICATIONS

Over the last year, we have rebuilt our communication channels: Mailchimp email software, new website, newsletters (hard copy/email), text alerts, neighborhood-only NEXTDOOR event posts, yard signs, and a new closed WhatsApp group. Many neighbors have shared that they did not receive an email or notice other communication methods. Here are some ways to stay updated on neighborhood events:

  1. Ensure that “president@dovercrysal.org” is added to your “safe sender” email list
  2. Check www.dovercrystal.org
  3. Check NEXTDOOR the week before traditional annual events
  4. Look for a hard copy paper flyer (hand-delivered/by mail)
  5. Join the closed Dover-Crystal Neighborhood WhatsApp Group

BLOCK PARTY DATES

To accommodate our many families with kids in sports and other September 2026 weekend holidays throughout the month, the Fall Kick Off Block Party will be held on the day before Labor Day on Sunday, September 6, 2026 from 5-8. There are no kids sports on holiday weekends. Also, we are holding the event later in the day due to trends in unusually hotter weather. We will never find a time that works for everyone, but we hope that this plan works for most everyone. Again, all feedback is welcome!

ARLINGTON COUNTY LIAISON UPDATES

Check back here for links to Arlington County surveys on infrastructure priorities, community facilities, land use planning, housing policies and more!

Cherrydale Library Closure Update: Arlington County delayed the closure decision for two years (Spring 2028). Please email president@dovercrystal.org to provide feedback regarding the proposed closure (for, against, unsure – need more info, or no opinion). Your input will be compiled and shared through Arlington County Civic Federation channels. Thank you.

Cherrydale Library Exhibit Celebration – July 11 (1-3 pm): The Citizens for Cherrydale Library and Friends of the Arlington Library invite you to join the opening photo exhibit “Libraries, Liberty, and Community:  Celebrating the Democratic Tradition of Public Libraries in America With Decades of Photos of Cherrydale Library.”

MEMBERSHIP

Please join or renew your DCCA membership by paying your annual dues ($20/household).  We look forward to welcoming you to the Dover-Crystal Civic Association and hearing your ideas for our community!

BOARD ELECTIONS

Biannual Board Elections will be held electronically in January 2027. If you are interested in a Board position (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, or Secretary) or volunteering to help support a neigbhorhood event, please email president@dovercrystal.org. More information to follow on Board elections in December 2026. Thank you for your support!

DCCA Leadership 2026:

Molly McKay, President@dovercrystal.org

Mary Randolph Gannon, VicePresident@dovercrystal.org

Patti Kelly, Treasurer@dovercrystal.org

Michelle Boardman, Secretary@dovercrystal.org

DCCA Event Planning Working Group Support:

  • Becky Carlson, Community Event Activities
  • Michelle Kile, Community Service Opportunities
  • Bruce Tiernay, Public Safety Liaison
  • Arthur Winer, President, Riverwood Civic Association
  • Your Name Here!

© 2026 Dover-Crystal Civic Association. All Rights Reserved.