| ARLnow.com - Part 3

Arlington Agenda: Sept. 14 – 20

Published September 14, 2015 at 3:45PM | Updated September 14, 2015 at 5:29PM

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Monday

LinkedIn Career Seminar*
Link Locale (3140 N. Washington Boulevard)
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Crafting a LinkedIn profile for the 2015-2016 job market can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Get started with personal branding for the job search, including LinkedIn and other social platforms. Email [email protected] to register.

Tuesday

Arlington Thrive’s Bingo Happy Hour*
Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill (2424 Wilson Boulevard)
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Join Arlington Thrive’s Young Professionals group for a happy hour with food and drink specials. Entry and the first bingo card are free. Network with other workers and learn about an organization working to end homelessness. RSVP on Eventbrite.

Friday

Wine in the Water Park and ArtJamz
Crystal City Water Park (1750 Crystal Drive)
Time: 6-9 p.m.

Enjoy wine and live music in the Crystal City Water Park to kick off a relaxing weekend. Experts from Washington Wine Academy will help you pick out a wine just for your tastes. ArtJamz is also offering a free painting session from 6 p.m. while supplies last.

Standup Compedy: Deon Cole
Arlington Cinema and Draft House (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: Shows starting at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.

You’ve seen him on Conan, now you can see him in Arlington. The hilarious star of Black-ish will be doing standup at Arlington Draft House on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are $25.

Saturday

Backyard Beer Fest*
Gateway Park (1300 Lee Hwy)
Time: 12 – 10 p.m.

For the first time ever, Arlington will be hosting hours of unlimited beer tasting overlooking D.C. Taste craft beers, try out local food trucks and play favorite lawn games. Tickets are $35 for 3 hours of tasting and $45 for 4 hours of tasting.

Players and Pets Fashion Show @ Mad Rose Tavern*
Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Boulevard)
Time: 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

The first event was cancelled due to thunder, so Players and Pets is back! Joining Wilson Ramos (and surprise guests) are members of the local news community. The local celebrities will be walking dogs that are up for adoption as well as some of their own pets.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

Open Houses in Arlington This Weekend

By Eleanor Greene

Published September 11, 2015 at 12:45PM

There’s really a lot going on this weekend in Arlington, and whether you’re looking to spend some dough or save it, there are plenty of interesting events to check out. Likewise, this is a great weekend for open houses in every price range, so get looking.

As always, see our real estate section for a full listing of open houses. Here are a few highlights:

4627 36th Street S.
1 BD / 1 BA Condominium
Agent: Lynn Robinson-Grant, Long & Foster
Listed: $317,900
Open: Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

3835 9th Street N.
2 BD / 2 BA Condominium
Agent: Karrina Brown, Re/max Executives
Listed: $550,000
Open: Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

1114 16th Street S.
2 BD / 2 BA Single Family Detached
Agent: Keri Shull, Optime Realty
Listed: $599,900
Open: Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

1947 Woodley Street N.
3 BD / 2 Full, 2 Half BA Townhouse
Agent: Kevin Adler, Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $699,950
Open: Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

3708 5th Street S.
4 BD / 3 Full, 1 Half BA Single Family Detached
Agent: Kelly Lichtenberg, Long & Foster
Listed: $825,000
Open: Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

1117 17th Street S.
4 BD / 4 BA Single Family Detached
Agent: Robert Johnson, Arlington Premier Realty
Listed: $1,199,000
Open: Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

Arlington Agenda: Sept 9 – 15

By Eleanor Greene

Published September 9, 2015 at 6:00PM

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Thursday

Second Annual Hot Sauce Contest*
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company (3471 Washington Blvd.)
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company, home of the hot-sauce Wall of Fire, invites you to submit your best sauce. Tickets are $20 and proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arlington Passages Film Premiere and Benefit
Arlington Cinema and Draught House (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7-10 p.m.

Check out this series of new films about what it’s like to bike in Arlington and who’s riding around town. The films are produced by production company Modacity and tickets to the event are $7.50.

Saturday

DC Dog Fest Walk n Roll
Pentagon Row (1201 South Joyce Street)
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

This community dog walk supports Canine Companions for Independence. Register yourself or a team of friends — your fundraising efforts will help people with disabilities and earn you a great prize.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest
Gateway Park (1300 Lee Hwy)
Time: 1 – 7 p.m.

This community jazz event is taking over all three acres of Gateway Park. Enjoy six hours of world-class music, plus food and drinks. Plus, activities especially for kids. Admission is free.

Arlington Police, Fire and Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5k
DoubleTree Hotel (300 Army Navy Drive)
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.

The race to commemorate those fallen on 9/11 will benefit charities that focus on the healing of military personnel and civilians affected by the attacks. Race entry is $50 and is available on race day.

Sunday

LLT 5k and Kids’ 1 Mile Dash
Bluemont Park Trail (601 N. Manchester Street)
Time: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT) is a volunteer organization to empower middle and high school Latina students to become successful leaders. Proceeds from this run will support LLT’s programming throughout the year.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

Marymount Student Spent Part of His Summer Vacation Fighting Wildfires

By Eleanor Greene

Published September 9, 2015 at 3:45PM

When Nathaniel Valenti, 20, missed his first day of classes at Marymount University this year, he had a good excuse — he was fighting wildfires.

The junior criminal justice major from Dover, Delaware, spent 14 days as a part-time federal employee, getting close to the big fires that have been raging in the west all summer. One fire he helped to contain had burned 8,700 acres near Toston, Montana.

“The first night we were holding the line and there were trees torching 20 or 30 feet away from me,” Valenti said. “That’s when the entire tree just goes up in flames, with really high flames and intense heat.”

That became a normal sight for him.

After completing a 40-hour firefighting course at West Virginia University last summer, Valenti spent the end of this summer enduring thick smoke and 90-degree weather while in firefighting gear, including a helmet, goggles and fire-retardant clothing.

Valenti had no firefighting experience before this summer, but he did have a role model in the profession. His father, Michael Valenti, is the state forester of Delaware and has been fighting fires in the western states most summers since 1998. This summer, the younger Valenti went with his dad, who was the chief of their 20-man crew.

“I was very happy the planets aligned so that we could do this together,” the elder Valenti said.

The group slept in tents as far as 15 miles from the flames, to avoid the smoke. Each morning they drove as close as they could before hiking to the fire lines. They didn’t leave the fireground all day, so everyone, including rookie Valenti, carried 25-pound packs that included an emergency fire shelter, food and more than a gallon of water.

“Once you go out for the day, you can’t get water anywhere else,” Valenti said. “So in addition to what you carry, you drink a lot in the morning and in the evening.”

Although he was new to firefighting, Valenti is not new to camping and being outdoors. He has gone on extended 14-day backpacking and trips with his Boy Scout troops. Valenti, his three brothers and father are all Eagle Scouts.

Michael Valenti said this has been an exceptionally bad year for wildfires and the need for firefighters is high. He urged anyone who is interested to go to their state’s department of forestry for more information on how to get involved.

One person he doesn’t have to convince is his son.

“Growing up on the East Coast I never really understood the impact these fires can have on communities and towns — even entire states,” Nathaniel Valenti said. “I was glad to be able to go out there and make a difference. Whenever we had a reason to be in towns, people would come out and thank us. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do it again next year.”

Pet of the Week: Ajax

Published September 9, 2015 at 11:20AM | Updated June 21, 2018 at 4:49PM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Ajax. He’s a year-and-a-half old pup who loves to hike and runs around happily outside during thunder storms, much to the surprise of his people.

Here’s what Chris, one of Ajax’s humans, had to say about him.

Hello from Ajax!

While this year and a half old lab/shepherd mix enjoys the city life… deep down he is a country boy. Almost every Friday afternoon he talks his human parents into taking him on a hiking adventure to the Shenandoah National Park for the weekend, where he conquers difficult rocky slopes, takes in beautiful mountaintop views, and of course takes up half the tent through the nights.

Ajax is a resuce dog from Awol Mutts and has been a part of our little family for over a year now. Contrary to popular belief, he is not named after the cleaning product, but after the Greek hero Ajax the Great. Always happy, overly courageous, and sometimes very needy; he demands a minimum of about 5 miles running/walking a day. I’m not sure if we’re keeping him in shape, or he’s keeping us in shape at this point.

Ajax knows more commands than he can count on all four of his paws, and has some weird habits. He prefers to lay down with his body in this weird twisted position as seen in one of the pictures. Every day when dad gets home from work, Ajax has prepared a mini scavenger hunt with all of dad’s socks. And one of Ajax’s favorite things to do… is go outside and sprint frantically in circles in thunderstorms (go figure – somehow he enjoys them).

Weird, and high maintenance, he’s the best friend we ever could have asked for.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the [email protected] a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Arlington and Northern Virginia.

#Pet of the Week

Open Houses in Arlington this Weekend

By Eleanor Greene

Published September 4, 2015 at 12:45PM

It’s Labor Day weekend — how did that happen already? If you’re sticking around town this weekend, it could be a time to tour a couple of homes and still have a couple days to yourself to enjoy the last days of summer.

As always, see our real estate section for a full listing of open houses. Here are a few highlights:

30 Old Glebe Road
1 BD / 1 BA Condominium
Agent: Grant Doe, Long & Foster Realty
Listed: $200,000
Open: Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

2505 Walter Reed Drive S.
2 BD / 1 BA Condominium
Agent: Peggy Parker, Long and Foster Realty
Listed: $309,800
Open: Saturday from 1-4 p.m., Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

3917 17th Street N.
3 BD / 2 BA Single Family Detached
Agent: Keri Shull, Optime Realty
Listed: $625,000
Open: Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

410 Fenwick Street
3 BD / 2 BA Single Family Detached
Agent: Elizabeth Twigg, Mcenearney Associates
Listed: $650,000
Open: Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

1010 20th Street S.
3 BD / 3 Full, 1 Half BA Single Family Detached
Agent: Patricia Hines, American Realty Group
Listed: $809,000
Open: Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

4502 7th Street N.
4 BD / 3 Full, 1 Half BA Single Family Detached
Agent: Noel Harmer, Keller Williams Realty Falls Church
Listed: $1,299,999
Open: Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

Pet of the Week: Boogie

Published September 2, 2015 at 12:45PM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Boogie. He’s a Cairn terrier mix who loves people, especially when they know his name and that he’s the unofficial mayor of Pentagon City.

Here’s what Kimberly, one of Boogie’s humans, had to say about him.

Boogie, a 10-year old Cairn terrier mix, is known as the Mayor of Pentagon City because of the friendly greeting he gives every human and canine he meets in the neighborhood. With his signature lion-like mane and constantly wagging deer-like tail, he’s developed quite a following since moving to the neighborhood 6 years ago, and he takes pride in the fact that so many people greet him by name.

Adopted 8 years ago from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington after being found as a stray, Boogie quickly took to apartment living. A strong silent type, he rarely makes a sound but still is easily able to convey his desire for a walk, a snack, a snuggle or a belly rub.

When he’s not chasing squirrels in Virginia Highlands Park, he can usually be found strolling the neighborhood with one of his human parents, grabbing lunch with one of his many human friends at outdoor cafes, or relaxing in front of the Pentagon Row shops waiting for passersby to pet him. Next time you see him, say hello!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the [email protected] a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Arlington and Northern Virginia.

#Pet of the Week

Arlington Agenda: Aug. 31- Sept. 6

By Eleanor Greene

Published August 31, 2015 at 5:00PM | Updated September 1, 2015 at 10:45AM

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Wednesday

APAH Affordable Housing Month Open House
Columbia Grove Apartments (1010 Frederick Street S.)
Time: 8-8:45 a.m.

Want to learn more about affordable housing in Arlington? The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) welcomes community members to learn answers to important questions, including how affordable housing is financed.

Thursday

Pride on the Rocks*
Redrocks Arlington (2501 9th Road S.)
Time: 6-10 p.m.

As part of NoVa Pride, Redrocks Arlington is hosting an event with food and drink specials, and trivia that starts at 7:30 p.m. Redrocks will donate 10 percent of all profits that evening to NoVa Pride.

Saturday

Slam Allen
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd.)
Time: 8-9:30 p.m.

Slam Allen has been a singer and performer of soul and blues music for over two decades and has performed around the world, including the famed Chitlin’ Circuit. Tickets are $20 and $10 for students and seniors.

Sunday

Do the Light Switch @ Westover Farmers Market
Westover Farmers Market (Washington Boulevard & McKinley Road N.)
Time: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE) will have a booth set up at the farmers market to trade in incandescent bulbs for a free LED bulb. Limited to one per household.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

Open Houses in Arlington this Weekend

By Eleanor Greene

Published August 28, 2015 at 2:00PM | Updated August 31, 2015 at 2:03PM

There’s lots going on this weekend as the weather warms back up. Between watching the full moon on Saturday night and pondering whether Tropical Storm Erika will come our way, take a look at some of the open houses this weekend has to offer. There’s not much for folks looking for townhouse options, but for condo and detached home seekers, we’ve got you covered.

As always, see our real estate section for a full listing of open houses. Here are a few highlights:

3315 Wakefield Street S.
2 BD / 2 BA Condominium
Agent: Sean Judge, Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $397,500
Open: Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

3028 Glebe Road S.
3 BD / 3 Full, 1 Half BA Condominium
Agent: Heather Bennett, Redfin Corporation
Listed: $529,900
Open: Sunday from 12-2 p.m.

5881 2nd Street S.
5 BD / 2 BA Single Family Detached
Agent: Keri Shull, Optime Realty Llc
Listed: $624,900
Open: Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

846 Edison Street
3 BD / 2 BA Single Family Detached
Agent: Keri Shull, Optime Realty Llc
Listed: $699,900
Open: Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

1600 Oak Street
3 BD / 3 BA Condominium
Agent: Maria Sison, Keller Williams Realty
Listed: $1,149,900
Open: Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

3816 37th Street N.
5 BD / 5 Full, 1 Half BA Single Family Detached
Agent: Christine Rich, Long & Foster Real Estate
Listed: $1,425,000
Open: Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

#open house

More Details on Queen Ammanisa, the Uyghur Restaurant Coming to Crystal City

By Eleanor Greene

Published August 27, 2015 at 4:45PM

The area’s first Uyghur restaurant will be opening this fall in Crystal City, according to one of its owners, Emam Maimaiti.

The restaurant will open in the space of the recently closed Charlie Chiang’s (320 23rd Street S.).

The new restaurant will be called Queen Ammanisa and feature Uyghur food from province Xinjiang in Northwest China, a place formerly known as Turkestan, Maimaiti explained. Uygur cuisine is being discovered in other parts of the United States, Maimaiti said, but he and his partner Fatima Baikeli are anxious to bring it to the D.C. area.

Uyghur cooking is a product of its geography and therefore is a mix of Persian and Chinese cuisines. It has kebabs and noodles “like you’ve never had before,” Maimaiti said. Lamb, mutton and beef are common in Uyghur food, as are carrots, raisins and lots of vegetables, he wrote in an email. Uyghur food is often halal too, due to the ethnic group’s predominantly Muslim culture.

As for the name, the partners had planned to name the restaurant Amannisahan, as posted on the window of the building now, which was the name of their previous restaurant in Beijing, where the suffix “han” means queen. They have decided to change it to the English translation, “Queen Ammanisa.” Queen Ammanisa was a queen and musician from the region who lived in the sixteenth century.

The owner would not reveal a specific opening date but hopes that the restaurant will be able to open mid to late fall.

Arlington Pet of the Week: Pepper

Published August 26, 2015 at 2:00PM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Pepper, who loves to knock things over.

Pepper has never met a person she doesn’t like — and doesn’t want to cuddle with. This little cat has lots of energy for running laps, too. Here’s what Pepper has to say for herself.

Hi, my name is Pepper! I was named after smart, powerful babe Pepper Potts (who happens to date Iron Man).

I love eating cottage cheese and knocking over any drinks I come across. I also enjoy running outside whenever the door opens and doing laps in the apartment hallway. I haven’t quite realized what scratching posts are for yet, but I do like to stretch my claws on a nice pair of jeans or the ottoman!

So far, I’ve never met a human I didn’t like. I am very soft and love to snuggle with you while you watch TV. I follow my human through the house and help her do anything and everything. If she’s home, I’m hardly ever more than an arm’s length away.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the [email protected] a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Arlington and Northern Virginia.

#Pet of the Week