Author: Jennifer Currier

Tickets On Sale for BalletNova’s Nutcracker

By Jennifer Currier

BalletNova Nutcracker (Ruth Judson)It may seem way too early, but it’s time to start making plans for the holidays, starting with BalletNova’s annual production of The Nutcracker over first weekend of December.

Tickets for the show are now on sale.

Members of the dance school will put on six full-length productions of the ballet at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theater (125 S. Old Glebe Road). The show is approximately an hour and a half long, plus one 15-minute intermission.

Tickets cost between $13 to $35, depending on the show date and location of the seats. There are also discounts available for groups, students under 18 and seniors over 65.

The studio encourages patrons to reserve seats early, as all the performances have sold out in the past. Performance dates and times are:

  • Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online.

There is also a Nutcracker Tea and mini-performance scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City.

Photo via BalletNova Center for Dance/by Ruth Judson

2016-2017 Decal Competition Now Accepting Entries

By Jennifer Currier

"A Nod to History," the winning 2015-2016 vehicle decalArlington County high school students can now submit their entries for the 2016-2017 Vehicle Decal Design Competition.

Now in its twelfth year, the annual contest is open to all students who live or go to school in Arlington.

“This contest is an opportunity to practice your design skills, as well as participate in the workings of local government,” Susan Anderson of Arlington Treasurer’s Office said in a letter to students. “It is truly a unique accomplishment for all the winners to highlight on their college applications and resumes.”

The letter also explained the winning design will be displayed on registration stickers on more than 160,000 vehicles and will become a part of a decal exhibit at the county administrative building.

Submissions are due to the Treasurer’s Office on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m, either via e-mail or a mailed CD.

Each design should be in JPEG format and have a resolution of no less than 300 DPI. Next year’s decals will have a red background with the design measuring 1.5 inches by 2.25 inches. Students must also submit an application with a short essay describing the design and why it visually represents Arlington. More detailed submission instructions are available on the county’s website.

After the submission period closes, a “Citizens Panel” will select four finalists — each will receive a cash prize — to be announced on the county’s website on Dec. 10. Residents will then vote for their favorite design online or by mailing a paper ballot to the Sun Gazette newspaper.

Voting will be open for approximately five weeks, and the winner is expected to be announced at a County Board meeting on Jan. 26, 2016.

Last year’s design contest winner was “A Nod to History” by Yorktown High School student Tommy Casey.

Arlington County Holding Blanket and Coat Drive for Syrian Refugees

By Jennifer Currier

Syrian Refugee Blanket and Coat Drive (via Arlington County)Arlington County is joining a national effort to collect blankets and coats for Syrian refugees in Turkey.

The drive started on Saturday and will run through Dec. 4, collecting new or gently used blankets and winter coats for donation.

There are two locations in Arlington where residents can bring items to donate:

Donated items must be clean and neatly folded. Sheets will not be accepted.

Arlington’s neighbor to the south, Alexandria, is also participating in the blanket and coat drive. According to Arlington County, more than 40,000 blankets have been collected in Northern Virginia over the past two years.

Photo via Arlington County

‘Cards Against Humanity’ Parody to Use Humor to Address Arlington Issues

By Jennifer Currier

Cards from the Cards Against Urbanity party gameA playable parody of the popular, irreverent card game “Cards Against Humanity” is getting an Arlington spin.

Cards Against Urbanity was created by some local planners, architects and economic development professionals to get players thinking about urban planning while poking fun at the cities they live in.

The game, which was inspired by Arlington, is now getting its own local edition, just in time for an event in Courthouse tomorrow night.

Arlington Cultural Affairs is hosting a Cards Against Urbanity game night Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Courthaus Social (2300 Clarendon Blvd), the restaurant where Lisa Nisenson and her co-creators decided to make the idea for the game a reality.

“I’m a longtime civic activist, so I know how frustrating it is to try and learn all the things about how the city works, so that’s where this came from,” Nisenson said. “We just want people to have a good time and get to know their community in a creative way.”

The deck used during the game night will include some new cards specifically relevant to Arlington.

Players could come across black question cards with prompts like “The tolls on the I-66 should be used to fund ____” and “Arlington is world famous for ____.” We’re told there may also be a card referencing the ARLnow.com comment section.

Some of the white cards address relevant community issues and in-jokes with answers like “Cardboard classrooms” and “Brown flip flops.”

These cards were added to the original deck distributed to backers last year after the game’s Kickstarter campaign exceeded its goal. Nisenson said some of the original cards — including “A desire named streetcar” — could apply in the local edition of the game.

Guests in the crowd will also have the opportunity to make suggestions for new cards.

“We want people to be really clever,” Nisenson said. “We hope to add the best, most clever suggestions to Arlington’s deck.”

The event is free and appropriate for all audiences. Snacks will be provided, and there will be a cash bar.

This is the first of three game nights in Arlington. The next one scheduled for Jan. 12, with another planned for later in this spring.

County Board to Consider Raising Taxi Fares

By Jennifer Currier

Taxicabs in Courthouse, protesting Uber (file photo)

The Arlington County Board is considering amendments to the County Code’s section on taxicabs that would raise taxi fares and surcharges.

The proposed amendments include raising the initial charge on all taxi trips from $2.75 to $3 and raising the mileage and waiting charge from $0.35 to $0.36 for every one-sixth of a mile or 56 seconds.

The amendments also include a new $25 cleaning fee, “to be imposed when passengers dirty or foul a cab such that it needs to be removed from service for cleaning.”

One surcharge will be removed under the proposed changes: a special $2 fee for handling footlockers — small trunks often used by members of the military. The report from county staff notes that no other local jurisdiction charges such a fee.

At its meeting this coming Saturday, the Board could authorize advertisement of these changes, which would then be discussed and voted upon next month.

That meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12. If the Board votes to approve the amendments, they are expected to be placed in effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

About this time last year, the Board approved licenses for 60 wheelchair-accessible taxis, bringing the total number of licensed taxis in the county to 847.

Saturday’s meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in the Board Room at 2100 Clarendon Blvd. This month’s regular meeting was also extended to a third day due to the large number of agenda items, with recessed meetings scheduled for next Tuesday and Thursday.

File photo

Arlington Man is Recruiting John Stamos as a Groomsman

By Jennifer Currier

Hurley I Run for Stamos (courtesy of Brendan Hurley)A born-and-raised Arlingtonian is asking a celebrity to “have mercy” on him and join his wedding party, all because of a bet.

Brendan Hurley currently lives in Ashton Heights and got engaged back in January.

However, not long before he proposed, the 29-year-old bet a friend $20 he could get John Stamos to be a groomsman in his wedding. The friend accepted the bet, and Hurley has made it his mission to win.

“I got engaged after I made the bet, and my fiancé told me she had picked six bridesmaids,” Hurley recalled. “I remembered Stamos, so I got six of my friends to sign up and told one specifically that if Stamos shows up, he’s out.”

Hurley added that sixth friend isn’t particularly happy with him, and his bride-to-be isn’t thrilled either.

“She jokingly says she doesn’t want him to come because she doesn’t want him to take all the attention,” he said, laughing. “I know she’ll be absolutely gorgeous that day, so I told her not to worry about it.”

Hurley’s making several efforts to bring Stamos to Virginia for the big day in May 2016.

The first step was getting active on Twitter — something Hurley said he would never do — by directly tweeting at the Full House celebrity. He’s used the social media platform to recruit the support of some friends and a John Stamos fan page.

He also started a blog that he updates periodically. Some of the posts mention reaching out to bigger media outlets like BuzzFeed and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Hurley I Run For Stamos Finish (courtesy of Brendan Hurley)

The most recent entry was about Hurley completing this year’s Marine Corps Marathon while wearing a custom shirt that he designed and La Tee-Shirt on Lee Highway printed.

It read, “I run for Stamos.”

“That shirt got a lot of hooting and hollering,” Hurley said. “I think that’s going to be my racing shirt from now on.”

Hurley even offered to buy his plane ticket and give him the $20 for winning the bet if he shows up.

Despite his efforts, the celebrity hasn’t responded… yet.

“I’ve got some time,” Hurley said. “I’m not giving up hope.”

Photos courtesy of Brendan Hurley

Meatless Burger Restaurant Planned for Lyon Park

By Jennifer Currier

2300 N Pershing Dr via Google MapsA new restaurant is planning a move to Lyon Park and prove its meatless burgers taste just like the real thing.

Alt’s Meat Alternative Food is slated to move to 2300 N Pershing Drive, according to a building permit filed with the County.

The permit is for renovation of 850 square feet of office space into a “fast casual restaurant” serving meatless burgers and other alternative foods.

According to the restaurant’s nascent website, Alt’s is where “people go to eat tasty burgers without the guilt.” It lists the bacon “Altburger” with cheese as a menu item with less than 350 calories and 25 grams of protein.

The permit does not specify when the interior renovation of the space will begin.

Representatives for the restaurant could not be immediately reached for comment.

Hat tip to Martin L. Photo via Google Maps.

Beyer’s Predatory Towing Bill Added to Transportation Package

By Jennifer Currier

Don Beyer at the 8th District candidates forum, 5/5/14Arlington officials could soon have the full authority to regulate and combat predatory towing practices.

The State and Local Predatory Towing Enforcement Act introduced by congressmen Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) was added to an existing transportation bill as an amendment on Wednesday morning.

As it stands, federal law limits the ability of state and local governments to regulate the towing industry. The bill-turned-amendment would give them the ability to do so in an attempt to prevent predatory towing.

“State and local governments provide the best authority to regulate the towing industry and protect Virginians from unfair, predatory practices,” Rep. Beyer said in a press release. “We need more common-sense, consumer friendly solutions like this amendment to protect our constituents’ wallets.”

The predatory towing debate isn’t new to Arlington. The issue received national attention this past spring when ESPN sportscaster and WJLA alumna Britt McHenry was caught on camera losing her temper at an employee at Ballston-based Advanced Towing.

Shortly after the video of the incident was published online, Beyer’s bill was first introduced to the House.

In May, County Board Member Jay Fisette told ARLnow that under the legislation, he would support giving a towing veto to local businesses, requiring the owner’s approval before a vehicle is removed from their property.

The legislation Beyer’s bill would be amending, called the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act or STRR Act, is expected to pass in the House of Representatives by the end of the week, according to the Congressman’s office.

The bill is nearly 600 pages long and would authorize more than $300 billion for transportation across the country. Specific plans for the funds include improving infrastructure, highway safety programs and public transportation.

According to The Hill, Beyer’s and Hollen’s amendment is one of nearly 300 up for debate by the House before voting on the STRR Act.

Knights of Columbus Looking for Thanksgiving Volunteers

By Jennifer Currier

Knights of Columbus EDW Thanksgiving (via Facebook:Knights of Columbus Edward Douglass White Council 2473)The local Knights of Columbus chapter is continuing its 29-year history of serving Thanksgiving meals to those in the Arlington community who need them most.

The organization needs 90 volunteers for its annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner for the Needy, which falls on Nov. 26 this year. Volunteers will prepare, deliver and serve holiday meals to as many as 3,000 community members.

Over the last 29 years, the Knights have served more than 25,000 Thanksgiving meals to the poor, needy, elderly and homebound.

According to event co-coordinator David Nassar, volunteers are needed in three shifts between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., lasting three or four hours. All the preparation and serving will take place at the chapter’s headquarters, located at 5115 Little Falls Road.

One of the shifts is for morning deliveries, suitable for volunteers with a valid driver’s license and a car. They will make bulk deliveries of individually boxed meals to locations throughout the county.

Nassar added volunteers do not need any cooking experience or other specific skills to help out, just a “positive attitude and a desire to help others.”

Interested locals who cannot work on site can also consider donating money for food and supplies or donating a turkey, cooked to specifications on the event’s website.

Those interested in volunteering or donating can fill out this form, read more on Volunteer Arlington or e-mail [email protected].

Photo via Facebook/Knights of Columbus Edward Douglass White Council 2473

Guide to Trick-or-Treating in Arlington

By Jennifer Currier

Halloween decorations at a house on N. Jackson Street

The three day countdown to Halloween has begun, and that means it’s time to start solidifying plans for the haunted holiday.

Halloween falls on Saturday this year, giving you more time and flexibility to take part in festive activities happening in the area, especially trick-or-treating.

Unlike today’s dreary weather, the forecast looks promising for candy-seekers, with National Weather Service predicting temperatures around 50 degrees and some clouds.

As in years past, there’s no designed time for trick-or-treating in Arlington, but tradition indicates parents will bring their costumed kids through the neighborhoods around sunset — which is expected around 6:10 p.m. — and knock on doors until 8 or 9 p.m.

Here are some tips for planning your trick-or-treat trip:

  • Children should be accompanied by an adult.
  • Choose a neighborhood or street you’re familiar with or is known for getting in the spirit. For example, N. Jackson Street near Clarendon is traditionally a must-see.
  • Houses with the outside lights are the ones expecting and ready for trick-or-treaters.
  • Expect the older, non-costumed crowds later in the evening.
  • If you’re passing out treats, turn the outside lights off when you run out.

There are also other opportunities in the area for kids to get their candy.

The Arlington Historical Society is hosting its first trick-or-treat event at the Arlington Historical Museum (1805 S. Arlington Ridge Road) from 4-6 p.m. There will be candy, Halloween-themed story time and coloring.

Children of all ages who are in costume can also pick up a treat at the Cherrydale Branch Library (2190 N. Military Road) between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Finally, for the adults looking to celebrate, the Clarendon Halloween Bar Crawl will return from 1-9 p.m., one hour longer than last year.

File photo

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