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Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Visitor Center Renderings on Display at Mall

Published December 21, 2016 at 11:00AM

Renderings of the planned 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center are up at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City mall.

The renderings, located next to the elevator bank in the food court area, show the vision for the gleaming center, with a wall of glass allowing visitors to see the side of the Pentagon that was struck by Flight 77 on 9/11/2001.

The visitor center is set to be built within the highway cloverleaf at the junction of Columbia Pike and Washington Blvd, within easy walking distance of the existing Pentagon Memorial.

At last check, the visitor center was expected to be built by 2020.

The mall display encourages shoppers to donate to the project. The Pentagon Memorial Fund is asking for special individual donation of $90.11 to help build the center.

More on the project, from the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial website:

The Pentagon is the only 9/11 attack site without a visitor center or museum to explain the historic significance of the site. Among the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Memorial each year, few know that this memorial is different from all others in Washington, DC in that it is located where the event took place. Research showed that there is a unique teachable moment at the Memorial to explain the events on 9/11; the stories of the victims and heroes; the role of the Department of Defense and Pentagon; and how the United States and governments around the world are working to help prevent another 9/11.

With the guidance of the project’s official education partner, National Geographic, the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center’s interactive exhibits and education programs will give visitors a sense of the broad impact of the tragedy from a variety of perspectives. Stories of the courage and resilient spirit demonstrated by Pentagon employees, first responders and residents of the area will be shared throughout the exhibits…

There will be a multi-media interactive exhibit space, a Children’s Education Area, a Reflection Area, conference and meeting rooms, an Auditorium, and a Sky Terrace.

The 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center site is in a dramatic location, right where the attack of 9/11 took place and adjacent to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and Air Force Memorial. Its orientation corresponds to the path of Flight 77. This thoughtful arrangement creates a powerful backdrop to heighten the experience for visitors as they arrive at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center.

BBQ Restaurant May Be Coming to Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published December 21, 2016 at 10:00AM

A Texas-style barbecue restaurant chain is considering opening an Arlington location next year.

A press release yesterday from Dickey’s Barbecue Pit included an Arlington dateline, but only said that the new restaurant would be opening in “the state of Virginia.”

Asked for clarification, a company spokeswoman told ARLnow.com that the restaurant may open in Arlington.

“The exact location has not been decided yet, but they are looking at locations in Arlington and Alexandria,” said the spokeswoman.

The press release is below.

Arlington, VA — Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will be opening its tenth new location in the state of Virginia with a new store slated to begin serving delicious, Texas-style barbecue in 2017. The new store’s owner, Mario Aguilar, is excited to embark on this new adventure by opening his very first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location in the community he grew up in.

“The Dickey family congratulates Mario Aguilar on opening his first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location in Virginia,” says Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is growing rapidly across the nation, and we are always proud when we have the opportunity to add a new Owner/Operator to the Dickey’s family.”

Born and raised in Virginia, Aguilar has been part of this community his entire life and is excited to serve Dickey’s Barbecue to the people whom he considers his family. Aguilar has been a business owner for the past 12 years, owning multiple AT&T locations throughout Virginia. When he decided it was time to get into the restaurant industry he knew Dickey’s was the right place for him because he loves the food and the 75-year-old brand.

“Dickey’s is a great brand that is well-known throughout the nation and I am excited to be a part of it,” says Aguilar. “Dickey’s will do well in this community because there is a large need for slow-smoked barbecue, and I am proud to be the one to provide it.”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published December 21, 2016 at 9:10AM

Hunt Loses Mansion Legal Battle — Rodney P. Hunt, once one of the D.C. area’s wealthiest businessmen, has lost a legal battle to keep his $24 million Chain Bridge Road mansion. Hunt, who represented himself in court, asserted that the entity that bought the mansion at a foreclosure auction this summer was not its real owner. While Hunt was living there, the 20,000 square foot property hosted large “#RHPMansion” parties, one of which led to a drive-by shooting in McLean. [Washington Post]

‘Loss of Historic Architecture’ — The historic George Washington Carver Cooperative Apartments in the Arlington View neighborhood were torn down in February. The apartments’ 70-year history as a centerpiece of the working-class African American community there was, however, preserved via oral histories and historic markets. The property is now the Carver Place townhomes, which start at $689,000. So far, 38 of 73 have sold. [Falls Church News-Press]

Road Closure in Lyon Park — Washington Gas pipeline work is prompting a road closure in Lyon Park today and tomorrow. Cyclists who use the Arlington Blvd trail may also be affected. [BikeArlington Forum]

First Day of Winter — Today is the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also known as the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight. [Capital Weather Gang]

Flickr pool photo by John Sonderman

ACPD Warns of ‘Fake Gold’ Scam

By ARLnow.com

Published December 20, 2016 at 3:45PM

Arlington police are warning the public about a new scam that’s being reported around the area.

According to police, the scammers pose as motorists having car trouble. When someone stops to help, they say they need money and provide jewelry in return. The jewelry, however, is fake.

“With the holidays upon us, many are in the giving spirit,” police said in a press release. “For everyone’s safety and the guaranteed benefit of those in need, police recommend contributing to familiar organizations and charities in the community.”

The full ACPD press release is below.

The Arlington County Police Department is warning the public about scams involving fake gold. In two instances occurring in Arlington County, motorists have been flagged down by subjects to assist with what appears to be a disabled vehicle. The subjects then explain to the victims that they are down on their luck and are urgently in need of money. In exchange for the money, the subjects are providing the victims with fake jewelry.

Police are also aware of similar scams in the area in which subjects offer to sell several pieces of fake jewelry. While the victim is distracted, the subjects attempt to remove the victim’s real jewelry and replace it with fake jewelry. Citizens should be skeptical of anyone who approaches them offering to sell items such as precious metals or consumer goods such as electronics. Citizens should also be aware of their surroundings, remove valuables from plain sight, keep belongings such as jewelry close to their person and park in a well-lit, high-traffic areas.

With the holidays upon us, many are in the giving spirit. For everyone’s safety and the guaranteed benefit of those in need, police recommend contributing to familiar organizations and charities in the community.

Citizens who see a disabled vehicle in Arlington County should contact the Emergency Communication Center at 703-558-2222 to request assistance for the motorist. Individuals seeking more information about fraud can contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit at [email protected] or visit the police website.

Police: Man Tried to Lure Girl Into Van With Promise of Candy, Dogs

By ARLnow.com

Published December 20, 2016 at 2:00PM

Arlington County Police are investigating a reported child abduction attempt in Pentagon City.

The incident happened Monday around 4 p.m., near the Costco and Best Buy parking lot. Police say a 10-year-old girl was approached by a man after being dropped off by her school bus.

“The victim described the suspect as speaking with a British accent as he offered her candy and reported to have dogs inside his van,” police said in a press release. “When the victim refused, the suspect grabbed her backpack and jacket before the victim was able to escape. The suspect fled the area by vehicle.”

From the press release:

The suspect is described as a white male, possibly in his 20’s with black hair and wearing a black shirt and possibly red pants at the time of the incident. His vehicle is described as a white van with a sliding side door.

Police have increased patrols in the area. Anyone with information on the identity of this individual or details surrounding this incident is asked to contact Detective K. Bercovicz of the Arlington County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit at 703.228.4235 or at [email protected]. To report information anonymously, contact the Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866.411.TIPS (8477).

Confirmed: Punch Bowl Social Coming to Ballston Quarter Mall

By ARLnow.com

Published December 20, 2016 at 1:00PM | Updated December 20, 2016 at 1:40PM

We reported earlier this month that Punch Bowl Social was coming to Arlington. Now we know where it’s coming to: the renovated Ballston Quarter mall.

Punch Bowl Social says it will be opening a 25,000 square foot space at the mall in June 2018.

“Already a hit in other cities and a proven millennial magnet, Punch Bowl Social Ballston will include eight bowling lanes, one bocce court, three private karaoke rooms, a custom built 360 degree bar and various lounging and gathering spots — for groups both large and small — housed in an eclectic space melding mountain lodge, Victorian and modern industrial design themes,” the company said in a press release.

The full press release is below.

Punch Bowl Social, the leader in the “eatertainment” movement, announced today that it will open a 25,000 square-foot restaurant, bar and entertainment concept in Arlington’s Ballston Quarter in June 2018. Punch Bowl Social pairs a Hugh Acheson designed, scratch-made menu and craft beverage program with “old-school” social activities like vintage video games, shuffleboard, private karaoke rooms, bowling, Ping-Pong, bocce and skee-ball.

Already a hit in other cities and a proven millennial magnet, Punch Bowl Social Ballston will include eight bowling lanes, one bocce court, three private karaoke rooms, a custom built 360 degree bar and various lounging and gathering spots – for groups both large and small – housed in an eclectic space melding mountain lodge, Victorian and modern industrial design themes.

Punch Bowl Social founder & CEO Robert Thompson noted that Ballston Quarter is exactly the type of development where Punch Bowl Social flourishes. “The Ballston Quarter is poised to become the urban village for Arlington and the surrounding metro area,” he said. “The team behind the project is curating a unique, elevated experience that emphasizes attention to detail and quality offerings. These are the same considerations that drive Punch Bowl Social.”

The elevated experiences that Thompson references are what have ensured Punch Bowl Social’s singular position atop the “eatertainment” industry’s leadership roster. As noted in a multi-page spread in Inc. Magazine’s December/January issue, Punch Bowl Social has “broken from the pack.” The article pays homage to the brand and to Thompson’s uncanny – one could argue unparalleled – ability to market to the often elusive millennial, now the country’s largest demographic and a group sure to descend upon Ballston Quarter.

Joe Boehm, Executive Vice President, Real Estate at Forest City Realty Trust, the development company behind the Ballson Quarter, notes that it was these very factors that drew Forest City to Punch Bowl Social. “The Ballston Quarter will offer an experience that is purposeful, thoughtful and uncommon,” Boehm said. “We support this goal by partnering with anchor tenants capable of delivering on this promise. Punch Bowl Social is an industry leader with a proven track record. But more importantly, it offers an authentic experience that resonates across demographic groupings, literally offering something for everyone.”

Punch Bowl Social has made a name for itself with its remarkably balanced execution of the eat, drink, play concept. The brand prides itself on its food-forward approach, with an inspired menu created by the company’s culinary partner, celebrity chef Hugh Acheson. Acheson, a restauranteur, cookbook author, Top Chef judge and James Beard award winner, leads the ongoing culinary direction of the growing restaurant concept while underscoring its commitment to a seasonally inspired, scratch kitchen.

Punch Bowl Social Ballston marks the company’s first east coast location. Other cities include, among others, Detroit; Cleveland; Portland, Ore; Austin; and Denver, Colorado, where Punch Bowl Social originated.

PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL

Punch Bowl Social brings classic entertainment and real culinary chops together under the same roof, in an environment that is playful and surprisingly intimate. Punch Bowl Social’s scratch kitchen serves weekend brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks while the in-house mixologists focus on serving up craft beverages. For more information, visit www.punchbowlsocial.com

Things We Learned From Arlington’s 2016 Year in Review Video

By ARLnow.com

Published December 20, 2016 at 11:00AM

Arlington County has released its year-in-review video for 2016.

The annual video includes highlights of county-related goings on for the past year.

Actual important events and issues aside, here are some of the little things we learned from the video:

There’s no hazing ritual for new County Board members.
John Vihstadt is not offended by fellow Board members saying he is “lawyerly.”
Rosslyn-based ABC 7 appears to have been the county’s TV station of choice during the 2016 blizzard.
The blizzard happened on County Manager Mark Schwartz’s second week on the job and it was “a baptism by snow.”
Libby Garvey admits that the new live streams of commission meetings can double as a sleep aid.
The county has some sweet aerial footage of Arlington.
Being a county ombudsman involves lots of hand shaking.
“Planning is our bread and butter” — Jay Fisette.
The new Ballston Quarter mall is going to be pretty cool and is going to “transform” Ballston.
You can rent thermal cameras at the library.

Also from the video, we were told that the Fire Station 8 decision was “the essence of public engagement;” that 600 units committed affordable housing were approved, preserved or extended in 2016; that Arlington “functionally ended veteran homelessness” in the county and that a major theme of 2017 will be the county’s commitment to being “welcoming and inclusive.”

Clarendon Bar Vet Raising Money to Launch Tamale Truck

By ARLnow.com

Published December 20, 2016 at 10:00AM

A Clarendon bar veteran is raising money to launch a new food truck in Arlington.

Michael Terrence O’Connor says on the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe that he’s hoping to raise $15,000. The money will help with various startup costs for a food truck he’s planning to launch called CociNana.

The truck will focus on serving tamales, but will also offer other comfort food, says the fundraising website. The name is intended to honor the women who taught O’Connor how to cook.

“CociNana is an endearment to the many years of my youth I spent in the kitchens of my Grandmas, Tias, Aunties and other Nanas,” he wrote.

O’Connor, who has worked at Iota Club and Sehkraft Brewing, we’re told, says he’s already put a deposit down on a truck and has the necessary Arlington permits for it.

“Iota Mike,” as one reader said he’s known as, has so far raised just over $7,000. He says he’ll use the money to reduce his monthly payment on the truck, to get branding and merchandise for the truck, to secure kitchen and depot services, and to “meet regulatory hurdles, fines and procedures.”

Incentives for donating include gift cards, free tamales or even having your name inscribed on the truck.

“I am eternally grateful for all your support and look forward to seeing you out the window,” O’Connor wrote.

#food truck

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published December 20, 2016 at 9:00AM

Earlier School Closing Decisions — Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Murphy says the school system will try to make school closing decisions earlier this year, preferably the night before a snow or ice event. [InsideNova]

Remy Has Role in New Netflix Series — “Arlington Rap” guy Remy Munasifi has a prominent role in the new Netflix comedy series Brown Nation. [IMDB, Mashable]

Arlington Company Gets $1 Billion Investment — Rosslyn-based satellite internet company OneWeb has received a $1 billion investment from SoftBank. The Japanese company said it’s the “first step” in its $50 billion commitment to President-elect Donald Trump to create jobs in the U.S. [Reuters]

Flickr pool photo by Bekah Richards

Random, Last-Minute Arlington-Related Gifts From Amazon.com

By ARLnow.com

Published December 19, 2016 at 6:35PM

Looking for a last-minute holiday gift idea for a special Arlingtonian in your life? We’ve got just the list for you.

Below are the top dozen Arlington-related gifts to be found on Amazon.com.

Have other ideas? Let us know in the comments.

1. Arlington County Chronicles by Charlie Clark
Paperback: $15.98 or Kindle: $7.99

“Our Man in Arlington” columnist Charlie Clark knows the history of Arlington better than almost anyone. In this 224 page tome, Clark “regales with stories of politics, personalities and everything in between.”

2. Murder Across the Board: An Arlington County Mystery by Jane Barcroft
Paperback: $13.95

There are theories as to who Jane Barcroft really is, but guessing is half the fun. Jane’s two-book literary career started with this mid-aughts novel about “the April morning that the County Board meeting was gaveled to order by a fatal gunshot.”

3. Clarendon T-Shirt by GreatCitees
Large: $13.99 + $5.99 shipping

Available in both white and gray and a wide variety of sizes, this unisex t-shirt will have you “looking cool and stylish” while you announce to the world your love of all things Clarendon. Printed with “direct-to-garment printing technology.”

4. Sonic Highways by the Foo Fighters
Blu-ray: $29.98 or DVD: $11.39 or MP3: $9.99 or Vinyl: $16.98

Northern Virginia native Dave Grohl and company recorded “The Feast and the Famine,” one of the songs from their Sonic Highways album and HBO series, at Arlington’s legendary Inner Ear Studios (2710 S. Oakland Street). Read more about it here.

5. The Falafel Album by GoRemy
MP3: $4.99

Local funnyman Remy Munasifi released this comedy album in 2010 but it still holds up, with parody songs like “Saudis in Audis,” the “Metro Song” and “Passive-Aggressive Love Song.” Not included: Remy’s classic “Arlington Rap.”

6. How Your City Works!! Behind the Scenes in Arlington by Spencer and Avery Park
Paperback: $10.00

A pair of Arlington elementary school students wrote this 44-page book about how stuff works in our fair county. Almost as impressive as the inner workings of Arlington’s infrastructure: the fact that this was the authors’ second book.

7. Antique Arlington Map Cufflinks by Beluga Home Studio
Handmade: $39.95 + $5.00 shipping

A copy of a “circa 1900’s antique map of The Old Dominion State” was used to create these sepia-tinted cufflinks. The word “Glencarlyn” is featured prominently above “Arlington,” so if you live in the Glencarlyn neighborhood then double whammy.

8. Historic Photos of Arlington County by Matthew Gilmore
Hardcover: $30.56

“Historic Photos of Arlington County brings together many different images and perspectives on Arlington, from the non-recognizable rural nineteenth century to quite recognizable images from the 1970s. It captures the manifold aspects of the county in striking, black-and-white photographs.”

9. Retro, Vintage Style Arlington Shirt by Ann Arbor T-Shirt Co.
Large: $19.95

Let’s be honest about it, if you love Arlington enough to buy this ugly t-shirt, you’d probably pay the same amount for a stylish ARLnow t-shirt. Email us and we’ll tell you where to Paypal the money.

10. Grace Hopper and the Invention of the Information Age by Kurt W. Beyer
Paperback: $20.12 or Kindle: $11.99

Learn more about tech pioneer, Google Doodle honoree, United States Navy Rear Admiral and all-around badass Grace Hopper. Her work “laid the foundation for the development of user-friendly personal computers.”

11. Gravity (movie)
Online HD rental: $3.99 or Blu-ray: $7.98

The winner of seven Academy Awards, this film stars Arlington native Sandra Bullock. Last year “Sandy” Bullock told the Daily Mail that her Washington-Lee High School cheerleading uniform still fits like a glove.

12. Images of America: Arlington by the Arlington Historical Society
Paperback: $21.99

“Through this unique pictorial retrospective, readers will explore some of the county’s early villages, such as Glencarlyn, Queen City, Cherrydale, and Barcroft, and will enjoy viewing the transition from the early trolley lines and Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, which first brought growth to the area.”

Photos via Amazon.com

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant to Open Arlington Location

By ARLnow.com

Published December 19, 2016 at 3:45PM

An Ethiopian restaurant will be coming to the former Corner Tex-Mix space in Nauck.

The now-closed restaurant, near the corner of S. Glebe Road and S. Walter Reed Drive, was poorly reviewed and for much of 2016 the restaurant would only open periodically, keeping “odd hours” that were not immediately discernible to casual patrons.

Replacing The Corner Tex-Mix will be a second location for Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant, an eatery on 14th Street NW in D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood.

Reached by phone, Lalibela owner Taye Wogederes said he’s hoping to open the restaurant as early as January. It will serve traditional Ethiopian cuisine, along with beer and wine, and will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, he said.