Author: Kalina Newman

Graduations To Mark End of APS School Year

By Kalina Newman

Arlington Public Schools will begin to mark the end of the 2017 school year over the next week with graduation and promotion ceremonies.

Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for the following times and places.

  • Arlington Career Center PEP (Friday, June 16, 10 a.m. in the Career Center)
  • Stratford (Friday, June 16, 1 p.m. in the H-B Woodlawn auditorium)
  • Arlington Career Center GED (Friday, June 16,  7 p.m. in the Washington-Lee High School little theatre)
  • New Directions (Monday, June 19, 11 a.m., Arlington Central Library)
  • H-B Woodlawn (Tuesday, June 20, 5 p.m., H-B Woodlawn cafeteria)
  • Comprehensive high schools (Wednesday, June 21, DAR Constitution Hall – Washington-Lee at 10 a.m., Yorktown at 2 p.m., Wakefield at 8 p.m.)
  • Arlington Community High School (Thursday, June 22, 9:30 a.m., Washington-Lee auditorium)
  • Langston Continuation Program (Thursday, June 22, 1 p.m., Washington-Lee auditorium)

The last day of school for APS is as follows.

  • Tuesday, June 20: High schools
  • Thursday, June 22: Middle schools (promotion ceremonies that day)
  • Friday, June 23: Elementary schools (a number also have celebrations that day)

The first day of school for the next school year is Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Arlington Agenda: June 12-18

By Kalina Newman

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

50th Anniversary of Loving Day
Busboys and Poets (4251 Campbell Avenue)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Busboys and Poets in Shirlington will host a celebration of “Loving Day,” the 50th anniversary of the landmark Loving vs. Virginia decision, legalizing interracial marriages for couples across the country.

Tuesday

Primary Results Watch Party With Arlington Democrats
Bell20 American Tavern (1999 Jefferson Davis Highway)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Right after the polls close, join Arlington Democrats to watch the results from the Virginia primary to select candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor and House of Delegates. There is a phone bank session before happy hour.

Wednesday

We All Scream: The Fall of the Gifford’s Ice Cream Empire
One More Page Books (2200 N. Westmoreland Street)
Time: 7-8 p.m.

Gifford’s was a beloved ice cream company in the D.C. area for more than 70 years. Few knew what was going on behind the scenes: missing cash and a devastating suicide, now in a novel by Andrew Gifford, the last family heir.

Remember Arlington’s Vanished Businesses *
Phelan Hall, Marymount University (2087 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Hear columnist and historian Charlie Clark lead a talk on Arlington’s vanishing businesses. The meet-and-greet will begin at 7 p.m., dinner at 7:25 p.m. and the program at 8 p.m. Dinners are $28 for members and $30 for non-members.

Thursday

3 Short Films to Stop Islamaphobia *
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join Amnesty International of Northern Virginia for three short films aimed at combating Islamophobia and dispelling myths about Muslim refugees. Remarks to follow by Naureen Shah and Rev. David Lindsey of Little River.

Friday

Community Chorus Spring Concert
Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Road)
Time: 7-8 p.m.

“Earth, Wind and Fire” is the theme of the Arlington Community Chorus spring concert at the Kenmore Middle School black box theater. The concert will feature choral, solo and ensemble performances. Admission is free.

Jackie and The Treehorns at The Rhodeside Grill
Rhodeside Grill (1836 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 9:30 p.m – 12 a.m

Come out for a free live rock concert while you enjoy food and drinks at the Rhodeside Grill. Local heroes Jackie and the Treehorns headline the night. Cart Horse open the night at 9:30 p.m. The show goes on until midnight.

Saturday

Columbia Pike Blues Festival
Columbia Pike and S. Walter Reed Drive
Time: 1-8:30 p.m.

Presented by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, the Columbia Pike Blues Festival has a full lineup of blues, R&B and funk performers of national and regional note, including a headline performance by Bettye Lavette.

Summer Crawfish Boil with Bluegrass and Virginia Craft Beer
Rustico Ballston (4075 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 12-4 p.m.

Chef Stephen McRae will be serving up fresh Louisiana crawfish, sausage, corn on the cob and red potatoes, while beer director Greg Engert will be pouring eight different beers. Two bluegrass bands will also perform, with fun games in the courtyard.

Nauck Annual Antique & Classic Car Show
Drew Model School and Community Center (2500 23rd Street S.)
Time: 12-5 p.m.

Everyone is invited to come show off or view antique and classic cars at the Nauck car show. There will be a fish fry and a BBQ, and also a men’s health forum to educate the public on men’s custody rights, child care, police encounters and more.

Sunday

WineMaker Dinner *
Osteria de Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: Noon – 5 p.m.

Enjoy an evening featuring four courses and five wines. Cuisine is paired with wines to enhance each course. A truly unique experience designed for the most enthusiastic wine lovers and foodies; tickets for the event are $75.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Coming to Pentagon Row

By Kalina Newman

An organization that’s working to end prostate cancer will hold a charity fun run and walk on Father’s Day in Pentagon Row.

Participants can take part in a 5K run/walk, a one-mile walk or a “Kid’s Superhero Dash for Dad” on Sunday, June 18 at 8:15 a.m. Snooze for Dudes is for those who cannot attend the race but still would like to contribute.

Funds raised from the races benefit ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer, a national nonprofit that works to stamp out prostate cancer.

There is no fundraising minimum, but participants are advised to consider making a self-donation or to raise at least $100. All registered participants and volunteers receive a personal fundraising page and coaching on how to raise money.

Money raised will go towards providing research for new treatments, free prostate cancer testing and education for men and families about prostate cancer.

This year alone, 7,730 men in D.C., Maryland and Virginia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to ZERO.

“Our Capital Area Run/Walk gives members of the community a voice in the fight to end a disease that affects 1 in 8 American men, as well as the opportunity to connect with others who have been impacted,” said Shawn Supers, Mid-Atlantic chapter director for ZERO. “We’re raising awareness and funds to ensure that each man knows he is not fighting prostate cancer alone.”

Participants can park in the mall lot on the corner of Army Navy Drive and S. Joyce Street or in the Pentagon Row garage. Dogs are permitted to race as long as they are kept on five-foot, non-retractable leashes.

Photo via ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer

Arlington Agenda: June 6-11

By Kalina Newman
War memorial in Clarendon

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.

Tuesday

A Salute to Our Military and First Responders *
Army-Navy Country Club (1700 Army-Navy Drive)
Time: 6-9 p.m.

Arlington Historical Society presents the program, which includes a presentation of “The Day War Came to Arlington, a gripping account of 9/11 from inside the President’s bunker. General admission is $70, couple’s tickets are $120.

Wednesday

Wine Tasting *
Osteria de Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 5-7 p.m.

There will be a complimentary wine tasting at the bar with wines also available to purchase at a discount price. Happy hour specials are also at the bar from 3-7 p.m., which includes dollar oysters and five dollar wines.

Thursday

History of the Mason Family’s Occupation of Roosevelt Island
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

The Arlington Historical Society hosts Bradley Krueger to discuss his research of Theodore Roosevelt Island. This program is free and part of a monthly series. Krueger is the Cultural Resources Specialist for the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

W. Kamau Bell LIVE at Arlington Drafthouse
Arlington Drafthouse & Cinema (1524 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Bell has released two stand up comedy albums: One Night Only and Face Full of Flour. Face Full of Flour was named one of the Top 10 Best Comedy Albums of the year by iTunes and Punchline Magazine. Tickets start at $35.

Saturday

Employment Mentoring for Skilled Refugees *
St. George’s Episcopal Church (3445 Washington Blvd)
Time: 3-6 p.m.

A NOVA Friends of Refugees event, combines employment mentoring for skilled refugees with a fun program of cultural enrichment for spouses and children still adjusting to their new country. Food and drink will be provided.

Armed Forces Cycling Classic
Various locations
Time: 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday

A two-day cycling event benefitting members of the U.S. armed forces that brings together amateur and professional bicyclists for competition throughout Arlington. Races include the Clarendon Cup, Corporate Challenge and Crystal Cup.

Central Arlington History Tour
Clarendon Metro station (3100 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 9 a.m.-7 p.m

Sponsored by the Center Hiking Club, take an easy all-day walk of 10-12 miles touring historic points in central Arlington, including colonial, Civil War, trolley and W&OD Railroad sites. $2 fee, bring a lunch and comfortable shoes.

West Columbia Pike Food Truck Party No. 2
Columbia Pike at S. Four Mile Run Drive
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Come and join the West Columbia Pike neighborhoods for their second food truck party of the year. Bring a chair to relax along the trail or set up for a picnic. There will be new bike parking and pet stations available as well as music.

Sunday

The Arlington Youth Triathlon *
Washington-Lee High School (1300 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7:30-10:30 a.m.

The Arlington Triathlon is a youth triathlon and is part of the USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Youth Triathlon Series.  The race is produced by Triathlon Family USA, Inc., which also manages the Arlington Triathlon Club.

Free Crescendo Concert *
Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre (1611 N. Kent Street)
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.

Crescendo, the youth chamber music program of the Arlington Philharmonic will hold its final concert. Admission is free. The Crescendo musicians will perform movements from the Mendelssohn Octet, Dvorak American, and Borodin.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Lee and Glebe Intersection Upgrades Underway

By Kalina Newman
1/4

The first phase for the upgrades on the intersection between Lee Highway and N. Glebe Road are well underway after construction began March 6.

A spokeswoman for the county’s Dept. of Environmental Services (DES) said the installation of spaces for underground utilities should be done by the end of the year.

After that is complete, utility cables will be transferred underground from the overhead poles. Each individual wooden overhead pole will then be removed and any remaining existing overhead utilities will be rearranged.

Improvements include wider sidewalks, upgraded traffic signals, enhanced left-turn lanes and the installation of left-turn lanes for N. Glebe Road. The area will also get four new bus shelters with real-time arrival information, new streetlights and crosswalk markings.

Currently the construction hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays.

Workers may close a single lane of traffic in one or both directions along Lee Highway, Glebe Road or both during construction. Vehicles turning left or right might also be detoured as construction moves into the intersection itself.

Additionally, some bus stops in the area will be relocated and some sidewalks will be closed or rerouted to allow for construction. Off-street parking in the area may also be reduced in the coming months.

DES says it does not expect any changes to be made to the current design plan for the project.

Shirlington Street Improvement Project Begins This Winter

By Kalina Newman
1/3

Construction is set to begin this winter on improvements to S. Walter Reed Drive between S. Arlington Mill Drive and S. Four Mile Run Drive near Shirlington, a plan in the works since 2014.

S. Arlington Mill Drive will get new left and right turn lanes to make crossing easier for pedestrians and bicyclists.  The realignment will be installed temporarily to allow residents to test out the proposed changes, and will remain in place until the work begins.

During the test period, staff will monitor the intersection’s usage to determine signal timings and markings prior to construction.

In addition, the project will include new crosswalks and curb ramps, ADA-compliant bus stops, upgraded traffic and pedestrian signals and new street lighting, among other improvements. S. Walter Reed Drive’s lanes will be restriped and widened slightly.

It is hoped the project will improve bicycle and pedestrian access to Shirlington. The intersection serves as an access point to the neighborhood’s commercial area, while county vehicles are also based at nearby facilities.

The funding for this project is provided through a slew of county sources as well as the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Revenue Sharing Program.

Lineup Announced for 2017 Rosslyn Jazz Fest

By Kalina Newman
1/2

The lineup is set for the 27th annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest.

The free event is scheduled for Saturday, September 9 in Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway). It regularly draws over 5,000 music fans to the park for world-class jazz music along with local food trucks and a beer and wine garden.

The lineup this year consists of four different music groups:

New this year, a Spotify playlist is available to listen to the artists’ work before the festival. Timings will be set at a later date. The event is presented by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District and Arlington Arts.

Arlington Agenda: May 30-June 4

By Kalina Newman

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.

Friday

Oz’s Summer Yappy Hour Kick-off
Oz Restaurant & Bar (2950 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 4-7 p.m.

While you enjoy food and drinks, your pets will enjoy treats provided by Kriser’s Natural Pet Store. The first 10 dogs to arrive will receive a complimentary toy and with the purchase of a happy hour special, you’ll be entered to win a gift basket.

Jay Chandrasekhar LIVE 
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2930 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Jay Chandrasekhar is an accomplished director, stand-up comic, comedy writer and actor. He’ll be live at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, performing comedy that has landed him as one of Variety’s Top 10 Directors to Watch.

Saturday

First Colombia Pike Summer Movie Night
Penrose Square (2503 Columbia Pike)
Time: 8:25-10:25 p.m.

Come to Penrose Square for a blast from the past outdoors 80’s movie night. Hosted by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization. In case of inclement weather check the Facebook page or the Twitter feed to find about a potential cancellation.

E60 Fitness Grand Opening
E60 Fitness Arlington (1524 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Come tour the facility, meet trainers and enjoy fun, food and games at the E60 Fitness grand opening celebration. Vendors in attendance include Mighty Meals and Noble Nutrition and raffles will be held for prizes from Lululemon and Sweet Leaf.

13th Annual Testicle Festival *
Arlington American Legion Post 139 (3445 Washington Blvd)
Time: 6-11 p.m.

The Montana State Society hosts the 13th annual D.C. Testy Fest, “The Original Sack Lunch.” Live music will be provided by the Wil Gravatt Band. Wash down the food with a limitless supply of Crown Royal and beer. Tickets are $25.

39th Annual Leeway Overlee Community Day & Yard Sale *
Leeway Overlee Civic Association (601 22nd Street N.)
Time: 9 a.m. -1 p.m.

The community will be out in force to exchange information and greetings, sell unneeded household items and pick up a few bargains. The civic association has arranged live music for the event. Over 100 families set up tables for the festivities.

Culpepper Garden Springtime Party *
Culpepper Garden (4435 N. Pershing Drive)
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

Culpepper Garden, Arlington’s only senior living community that boasts 340 apartments for those 62 and over, celebrates its affordable independent and assisted living at this festive fundraiser reception in their gardens.

Sunday

15th Annual Green Home and Garden Tour
Ball Seller’s House (5620 3rd Street S.)
Time: 1-5 p.m.

The Green Home and Garden Tour highlights participants from 18 homes that practice a variety of environmental actions such as energy efficient technologies, solar elements, water-saving technologies, and more.

Bark in the Park *
James Hunter Park (1229 N. Herndon Street)
Time: 3-6 p.m.

Join Clarendon Alliance and Clarendon Animal Care for the third annual Bark in the Park celebration with live music, BBQ by Smoking Kow and local pet-friendly businesses on hand. Bounce house, face-painting and balloons included.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Father’s Day Auto Festival Returns to Crystal City

By Kalina Newman

The fifth annual Father’s Day Auto Festival returns to Crystal City on Sunday, June 18, where a bevy of vehicles from sport cars to antiques will be on display.

The family-friendly festival is from 2-6 p.m. at 220 20th Street S., and will feature a range of automobiles for viewing.

Presented by the Crystal City Business Improvement District, the festival has a new partnership with automotive website Carsfera. The collaboration allows dozens of new cars to be added to the line-up.

In addition to the display show, there will be other activities like a mini race car painting booth, a race track, moon bounce and live music. A Toyota Prius will also be on display for local artists to creatively paint throughout the event.

The event is free to attend, and it is also free to register a vehicle to display, but online registration is required for the latter.

Photo via Crystal City BID

Citizen Group Looks To Showcase Art’s Importance in Arlington

By Kalina Newman

There’s a new group of art enthusiasts in town. Called Embracing Arlington Arts, the new citizen group focuses on informing others about the importance of art in the Arlington community.

Some of the main goals of Embracing Arlington Arts include raising public awareness of the art events within the community, celebrating the contributions artists have made towards the county and honoring the diversity within Arlington arts.

Within Arlington County there are over 50 art groups and hundreds of independent visual artists, with specializations that range from the preforming arts to dance, symphony and children’s theater. These artists hail from dozens of different cultures, such as Bolivia, Mexico, Argentina and Vietnam. Together there are over 4,000 annual programs that attract over 600,000 people.

Several Arlington political members have joined the group, including Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), Del. Alfonso Lopez (D) and County Board vice chair Katie Cristol.

“The arts are important to Arlington in so many critical ways,” said Janet Kopenhaver, the chair of Embracing Arlington Arts, in a press release.

Kopenhaver said nearly $7.5 million of economic activity in Arlington is derived from audience expenditures associated with arts events.

The group already has an active social media presence and will host the first annual celebration of the arts in Arlington on October 5.

Taste of Arlington Will Close Roads This Weekend

By Kalina Newman

A number of roads will be closed this weekend in Ballston to accommodate the 30th annual Taste of Arlington.

The outdoor event spans Wilson Blvd from N. Randolph Street to N. Nelson Street, and this year will include more than 50 restaurants, live music and food trucks. Tickets are still available online, or can be bought on the door.

More on the road closures, from an Arlington County Police Department press release:

The 2017 Taste of Arlington event will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2017. The following road closures will occur from approximately 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20th, 2017 through 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, 2017.

  • Wilson Boulevard will be closed between N. Randolph Street and N. Monroe Street, all North/South cross streets will be blocked.
  • N. Quincy Street will be closed with modified traffic between N. 5th Street and N. 9th Street.
  • All traffic trying to cross Wilson Boulevard on Pollard, Piedmont, Oakland, Nelson and Monroe Streets will be turned around.
  • N. Randolph Street will be open between the Ballston Parking Garage/Loading Dock to N. 9th Street, the area garages will not be closed.
  • Other area roadway restrictions may be in place to keep traffic impacts near the event and area neighborhoods to a minimum.

In addition, street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call 703-558-2222.

Image via Ballston BID