Author: Kalina Newman

Arlington PTA Leaders Speak Out Against Proposed Elementary School Changes

By Kalina Newman
1/3

(Updated at 9:15 a.m.) Leaders from Arlington’s Parent Teacher Associations are speaking out against Arlington Public Schools’ plans for a major elementary school boundary swap.

In a joint letter to the School Board, PTA presidents from seven Arlington elementary schools requested that members “not vote on any elementary school moves.” Rather, the PTA members presented a “holistic, twelve-month process” that incorporates more analyses and data review.

“We appreciate the complex nature of the task and the hard work of APS staff and believe adjustments to the process will result in more meaningful community engagement,” the group wrote in the letter.

In October, APS proposed a pair of options for shuffling up to a quarter of the county’s elementary school students, including moving the majority of McKinley Elementary School students to the new Reed Elementary School, among other switches.

The Arlington School Board is expected to take action on one of two final proposals during its meeting on February 6, 2020. If approved, it would take effect for the 2021-22 school year, per APS spokesman Frank Bellavia.

During a Q&A session Monday night between area PTA presidents and APS staff, PTA leaders alleged that the plans fair to address issues of diversity or equity.

“While demographics and economic diversity might not be considered by everyone an element of equity, it is a pivotal factor,” said County Council of PTAs president Maura McMahon. “To leave it out is a major concern for many people.”

APS officials repeatedly defended their choice to leave out demographics in the proposals, and emphasized that because entire school communities will be moving, they are not defining this as a boundary change.

“When we say we’re going to move a school community, we assume the entire community will move,”said APS Integrated Project Planner Gladis Bourdouane. “When we do boundary changes, we will of course consider changes that include demographics, but if the school moves, the communities will move together.”

The first proposal — which APS said would require boundary changes that would affect around 2,400 students — would make the following changes.

  • The majority of current McKinley students would move to Reed.
  • The Arlington Traditional School (ATS) program would move to the McKinley building.
  • Key Immersion School would move to the Arlington Traditional School building.
  • The Key building would become a neighborhood school.

In the second — which APS says would require fewer boundary changes and thus affect around 2,100 students — involves the following.

  • Campbell Elementary School moving to the ATS building
  • Key, along with its immersion program, would move to the Carlin Springs Elementary School building
  • The majority of students at Carlin Springs would move to the Campbell Elementary School building
  • Campbell building becomes a neighborhood school
  • The Key building becomes a neighborhood school

If neither plan is put into place, APS says, more extensive elementary boundary changes will be required.

APS has several community events planned in December to discuss elementary school planning, including a “What We Heard” meeting on December 9 at 7 p.m. at Swanson Middle School , and another in Spanish on December 16 at 7 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School.

Marymount Launches Dreamers Scholarship Program

By Kalina Newman
1/3

Marymount University has launched a new scholarship program for its Dreamer students, starting in the 2020-21 school year.

The school officially announced its Dreamers Scholarship Program last night at a kick-off party in the university’s Main House, where Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va) and university president Irma Becerra gave remarks.

“Marymount is a special place, it is a recognized as one of the most diverse universities in the south,” Kaine said. “Diversity is a value here, and the support for Dreamers is very, very admirable.”

The university on N. Glebe Road is home to over 50 Dreamers — young immigrant students protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. These students are unable to apply for federal financial aid, which creates an obstacle for paying for higher education.

New for this school year, Marymount became one of 25 colleges in the country to offer grants for students through TheDream.US, a scholarship program that assists Dreamer students. Five students at Marymount are currently receiving the grants.

“Students have enough stress in their lives, and the lack of financial support creates another level of stress — these are incredible students, and we want them to be successful,” Becerra said. “We would love to support them all. That’s what this new scholarship is all about.”

Last night’s announcement kicked off the search for scholarship funding for the remaining students.

“We are looking for any and all sorts of support,” Becerra said.

During the event, Marymount freshman and Dream.US recipient Ashly Trejo Mejia introduced Sen. Kaine during a speech in which she shared the struggles of immigrating to Virginia from Honduras as a young girl, and the fear of not knowing whether she could attend college.

“Marymount was one of those hidden treasures that I, and the rest of us, did not know we had here waiting for us,” Mejia said. “The day of my high school graduation was the most emotional day of my life — I was achieving something that our family members longed for. Coming to Marymount has been a blessing.”

County to Renovate Gunston Bubble Next Year

By Kalina Newman
1/2

(Updated at 10:35 a.m.) Arlington County has kicked off the renovation project for Gunston Park‘s “bubble.”

Officials have started the design phase of the Gunston Bubble Renovation Project, with the goal of eventually having a more “energy efficient and reliable” facility. The project is expected to start construction in the second quarter of 2020 and be completed by the third quarter, in time for next winter season.

The bubble is an all-weather, heated and covered athletic field that Arlington County describes as “a unique indoor turf facility available to rent for sports training and parties.”

“A lot has changed in building technology since the old bubble was completed,” said project architect Aaron Wohler. “The existing bubble structure is air-supported and needs to be constantly monitored and inflated. It gets hot during the summer, so much so that we limit summer hours.”

The new structure will be frame-supported, according to Wohler, with LED lighting and ceiling fans, windows, vents, and doors available to keep it cool during the hotter months.

Funding for the $1.3 million project was included in the county’s most recent Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). About $1 million will come from bonds.

The county will host an open house at the Gunston Community Center for community members to learn more about the project on Thursday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Planning Commission Approves of Amazon’s Request for More Density, Affordable Housing Package

By Kalina Newman
1/10

Arlington’s Planning Commission recommend the County Board vote in favor of several site plan amendments that would usher in the future home of Amazon’s permanent HQ2 in Pentagon City.

The commission voted unanimously in favor of Amazon’s request to remove a stretch of 14th Road S., and voted 12-1 in favor of a request to build two 22-story office buildings past current zoning restrictions.

The Arlington County Board will have its final vote on the amendments during its meeting next Saturday, December 14.

The unbuilt portion of 14th Road S. was originally planned to serve private residential buildings, per staff report to the Board. But since Amazon now plans to build its two office towers on the lot, there is “no longer the need for the planned 14th Road segment.”

In exchange for modifying zoning requirements to build said office buildings to an expected 2.15 million square feet — including retail space and a shared underground parking garage — Amazon offered the following community incentives:

The affordable housing contribution would be the largest single infusion of money into the AHIF, which has fallen short of its housing goals in recent years.

“The $20 million contribution to AHIF will allow the County to fund over 200 units of committed affordable housing, which will help meet only about one-third of the County’s annual goal for new units when it occurs,” Michelle Winters, director of the Alliance for Housing Solutions, told ARLnow. “This contribution is very welcome, although we know that it is only a small part of what Arlington needs to do for affordable housing in the coming years to help replace some of the thousands of affordable units lost over the past several decades.”

During next weekend’s meeting, the County Board will decide between two options for allocating the funds, per Aaron Shriber of Arlington’s Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development: the $20 million will either be divided into three separate payments for a variety of projects, or will be pooled into one, unannounced project within the vicinity of Metropolitan Park.

“The problem is [for the second option], that we need to identify the site, but we would love to use that money for a project — [Amazon] is looking at a fairly aggressive construction schedule, and that means the money would come in very soon,” said Shriber. “I do not think we should take lightly the large contribution we were able to receive.”

Amazon representatives also emphasized the company’s intentions to be as environmentally friendly as possible, with LEED Platinum certification and support for transit and green energy.

“We’re close to completing an agreement on a large solar project and will update you when it’s finalized,” said Amazon’s real estate chief John Schoettler told the commission. “It will fully power our HQ2 campus and will be located in Virginia.”

The upcoming solar field is part of a worldwide sustainability project, the company announced today. The Virginia field is expected to produce 80 megawatts of energy and received kudos from Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) for helping “lead to a cleaner and healthier environment.”

(One megawatt can power about a thousand homes.)

The company is also pushing its employees to commute via public transit, bike, or carpool instead of driving solo — despite requesting zoning modifications that would allow one parking space per every 1,100 square feet of gross floor area, over 2,000 spaces total.

(more…)

Synetic Theater Mural in Crystal City Now Complete

By Kalina Newman
1/3

A mural featuring detailed pink and mint line work on the outside of Synetic Theater, on S. Bell Street in Crystal City, is now complete.

In July, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) launched a design challenge for the mural, in partnership with developer JBG Smith, for individual artists to submit their portfolio for consideration. After receiving 24 entries, a jury of representatives selected five finalists to create conceptual designs.

Runner-up ideas featured tropical florals, silhouettes of people, and geometric shapes. In October, winning artist Jay Shogo was chosen for his wavy line art representing “the experiences and connections we all share with others,” according to the mural website.

“Each design concept that was submitted by our finalists was captivating and thoughtful, and we appreciate the level of artistry that went into creating them,” said Jason Najjoum, Managing Director of the Synetic Theater, in a statement.  “Jay’s dynamic use of flowing lines make for a thrilling design.”

Although two of the five finalists were from the area, Shogo hails from Japan. His artwork can be found everywhere from New York City and Los Angeles to Australia and Korea.

“Jay’s design is sophisticated and bold and serves as a beautiful addition to the Crystal City streetscape,” said Crystal City BID president Tracy Sayegh Gabriel. “There have been exciting productions at Synetic Theater for years, but the street environment hasn’t matched the energy behind the doors — until now.”

The mural was painted in November.

Synetic Theater, which performs at 1800 S. Bell Street in Crystal City, is a physical theater company noted for telling “classic stories through movement, music, technology and visual arts” — but without words.

Photos via Crystal City BID 

Local Christmas Tree Sales Kick Off in Arlington

By Kalina Newman

With the Thanksgiving holiday over, the Christmas season now begins. And for Arlington residents in search of a Christmas tree, there are a number of options around the county for finding the perfect pine.

The Optimist Club of Arlington began its annual sale Friday in Wells Fargo Bank lot along Lee Highway (2213 N. Glebe Road). All workers are volunteers from around Arlington, including members of youth athletic teams, high school honors societies, and Optimist Club members. The lot will be open every day until December 23, with the following hours:

  • Monday through Thursday: 2-8 p.m.
  • Friday: 12-8 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Clarendon United Methodist Church, meanwhile, is selling trees and wreaths to support a variety of the church’s mission projects. The volunteer-run lot — at the intersection of 7th Street N. and N. Irving Street  — will be open until December 21, or until supplies sell out. The schedule is:

  • Sunday: 12-6 p.m.
  • Monday through Friday: 6-8 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Arlington South Lions Club is hosting its annual Christmas tree sale at the corner of S. Four Mile Run Drive and Columbia Pike. The sale continues until December 22, or until the club run out of trees. The lot is open:

  • Weekdays: 12-7 p.m.
  • Weekends: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Knights of Columbus kicked off its 25th annual Christmas Tree Sale on Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Center near Crystal City, at the corner of 23rd Street S. and S. Hayes Street. The Knights are selling most trees for between $35-90, though some larger and more expensive trees are available. The lot hours are:

  • Weekdays: 6-9 p.m.
  • Weekends: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

“As usual, we feature fresh cut Fraser and Douglas Fir trees in varying sizes up to 9 feet,” the Knights said in a press release, noting the sale will end on Dec. 22 or when the supply of trees runs out. “We will also have wreaths in 3 sizes (10″, 16″, and 24″ measured from the inside wire), white pine roping available by the foot, and tree stands. Come early to get the best trees!”

Additional Christmas tree sales to check out include a fundraiser for Mount Olivet United Methodist Church (1500 N. Glebe Road) and its boys and girls scout troops. The sale will be held this weekend, beginning on Friday, December 6 from 4-9 p.m.

At St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (400 Lorcom Lane), two hundred Christmas trees have been delivered, with sales continuing this weekend. On Saturday, the trees will be available from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and then on Sunday the lot will be open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Peter Golkin 

Startup Monday: Digital Intelligence Startup Fivecast Expands from Australia to Arlington

By Kalina Newman

Editor’s Note: Sponsored by Monday Properties and written by ARLnow.com, Startup Monday is a weekly column that profiles Arlington-based startups and their founders, plus other local technology happenings. The Ground Floor, Monday’s office space for young companies in Rosslyn, is now open. The Metro-accessible space features a 5,000-square-foot common area that includes a kitchen, lounge area, collaborative meeting spaces, and a stage for formal presentations.

After traveling back and forth from Australia to Arlington six times in one year, Duane Rivett his team at Fivecast came to a realization — they needed a permanent US presence, and Arlington was the perfect fit.

“Almost a month ago,” Rivett said, “I packed everything up and moved my family to Arlington to open our space in Ballston.”

Fivecast uses its artificial intelligence software, Fivecast Insights, to mine through publicly available data and extract potential threats in terrorism or cybersecurity. It has clients in the fields of law enforcement, defense, and national intelligence.

“We can’t disclose our clients,” Rivett said, “But we have a federal agency as a customer, and being close to tech-heavy areas such as Reston, Herndon, Sterling — it’s great.”

The company was founded in 2017 as a spin-off from Australia’s Data to Decisions Cooperative Research Centre. In July, Fivecast secured $2.6 million in venture capital funding, which was used for its international expansion into Arlington.

“Fivecast is a perfect example of what can be produced at the intersection of local technology driven industries like defense and a thriving deep technology ecosystem – high growth, global businesses that will retain and create skilled jobs and expertise in [Arlington],” said investor Dr. Elaine Stead in a statement.

Going forward, Rivett says he’s going to continue to work with a recruitment agency to expand Fivecast’s presence in Arlington — and getting his family, including two kids now in Arlington Public Schools — acclimated to America.

“It’s different for sure, but the kids really enjoyed getting to celebrate Halloween,” Rivett said. “That was a great time.”

Arlington Agenda: December 2-8

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.

Tuesday, December 3

Information Session
The Sycamore School (4600 N. Fairfax Drive)
Time: 8-9 a.m.

Interested parents, educational advocates, and additional members of the Arlington community are welcomed for this information session and tour of The Sycamore School. Parking will be validated.

Thursday, December 5

Workshop: Make Felted Holiday Ornaments (Adults)
Art House 7 (5537 Lee Highway)
Time: 7-9 p.m. 

Adults are encouraged to attend this workshop on the art of needle felting. Art House 7 will supply wool and felting needs, and participants will leave with a Christmas ornament. Advanced sign up required.

Friday, December 6

Avant Bard Presents: Happenstance Theater* 
Theatre on the Run (3700 S. Four Mile Drive)
Time: 7:30-8:45 p.m.

The Avant Bard Theatre will put on “Happenstance Theater,” a dark comedy about refugees escaping a dystopia and balancing life at the end of the world. Ticketed performances run Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Arlington Chamber Annual Meeting 
Sheraton Pentagon City (900 S. Orme Street)
Time: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s 95th annual meeting will celebrate the Chamber’s achievements in 2019, while looking ahead to the future. Registration includes lunch, parking and program, which closes December 3 with spaces limited.

Miracle on 23rd Street
Melwood (750 23rd Street S.)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The time-honored tradition returns to Crystal City, with the lighting of the Christmas tree, photos available with Santa, face painting, hot cocoa, poinsettia sales, and a canned good drive benefiting AFAC. Festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m.

She Kills Monsters
Wakefield High School (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Wakefield High School theater presents “She Kills Monsters,” the story of a young girl and her journey to self-discovery after the death of her teenage sister. The ticketed event is $10 for students and $15 for adults.

Saturday, December 7

Virginia for Pete Buttigieg — Info Session and Holiday Party*
The Chatham (4501 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The 8th Congressional District of Pete for Virginia invites area supporters to learn how to volunteer with the team, hoping to earn Pete Buttigieg the Virginia Democratic presidential primary next year.

Gifts That Give Hope Alternative Gift Fair 
Arlington Science Focus School (1501 N. Lincoln Street)
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

At this 9th annual alternative gift fair, shoppers purchase donated nonprofit services for the community. Representatives from eighteen featured nonprofits will be available, and shoppers can purchase their services for those in need via donations.

Winter Wonderland Annual Holiday Event
Penrose Square Apartments (2501 9th Road S.)
Time: 12-3 p.m. 

This year, the apartment community invites its Arlington neighbors for a day of holiday festivities including food trucks, a moon bounce, a live band, and a ballet performance from dancers at the Cuppett Performing Arts Center.

Pet Santa Photos
Dogma Bakery (2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

For its 10th year, Dogma is hosting a pet photography fundraiser in order to rase money for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue. $25 for each sitting, plus a digital photo.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Wreaths Across America Ceremony Set for December 14

By Kalina Newman

(Updated at 10:50 a.m.) Thousands of volunteers will gather at Arlington National Cemetery later this month to honor veterans by laying wreaths at their graves.

The annual Wreaths Across America event will be held this year on Saturday, December 14, beginning with an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m.

Volunteers are still being sought to help lay the wreaths, while the group that organizes the annual event is also seeking sponsors to help pay for the wreaths. As of today (Monday), more than 70,000 wreaths have been sponsored — just over a quarter of the 253,000 graves across the cemetery.

Similar to years past, cemetery officials are strongly recommending attendees use public transit to get to the wreath laying event. Because so many volunteers are expected, officials suggest using the nearby Rosslyn and Pentagon Metro stops instead of the cemetery station.

“The annual tradition provides another opportunity for visitors to honor the service and sacrifice of our service members, veterans and their families laid to rest within our hallowed grounds,” the cemetery said via social media.

More from an ANC press release:

The annual Wreaths Across America event will be held at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. The gates to these cemeteries will open at 8 a.m.

Volunteers should anticipate large crowds and difficulties with driving vehicles in the vicinity of Arlington National Cemetery due to road closures. To ensure the safety and security of its visitors, the cemetery has restricted personally owned vehicles from driving onto cemetery grounds during the duration of the event and is encouraging visitors to use Metrorail or Metrobus.

“We encourage volunteers to arrive early and recommend taking Metro to the Pentagon or Rosslyn stations and walking into the cemetery,” said Executive Director Karen Durham-Aguilera. “It’s a short 15-minute walk from these stations and the most seamless way to access our hallowed grounds on this special day.”

Event Details

The Arlington National Cemetery gates – Main Entrance, South Gate and Ord & Weitzel -will open to the public at 8 a.m. All volunteers must pass through the cemetery’s security screening process before entering the cemetery.

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be accessible to DoD ID card holders only; however, parking will be limited to the Tri Services parking lot located across from the Spates Community Center and Henderson Hall.  Due to ongoing construction, the sole entry point to the cemetery from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be the Old Post Chapel Gate.

There will be a brief opening ceremony inside the cemetery at the McClellan Gate at 8:30 a.m. General wreath placement will also begin at this time with the exception of those trucks in vicinity of the opening ceremony. They will begin wreath placements no later than 9 a.m.

Use Metro to Access the Cemetery

Due to anticipated congestion at the Arlington Cemetery Station, Metro recommends volunteers exit via the Rosslyn or Pentagon stations and walk to the cemetery. From these locations it is a short 15-minute walk to one of the cemetery entrances.  If exiting at Rosslyn, you must enter the cemetery via the Ord & Weitzel gate by walking along the North Meade Street sidewalks. If exiting at the Pentagon, you must enter through the cemetery’s South Gate entrance by walking along North Rotary Road.

Pentagon Parking

Limited general public parking will be available at the Pentagon North and South Parking lots. There will be Wreaths Across America volunteers and signage positioned in the parking lots guiding visitors to walk to the nearest cemetery entrances. For those parking in Pentagon South Parking, recommend walking to the cemetery’s South Gate entrance for screening and entry to the grounds. For those parking in Pentagon North Parking, recommend walking to the cemetery’s main entrance on Memorial Ave. by using the Route 27 pedestrian walkway.

There will be additional parking lots available for volunteers at a reduced $7 per day rate, within walking distance to the cemetery.  These garages are located at:  1616 Fort Myer Drive; 1300 Wilson Blvd.; and 1655 North Fort Myer Drive.

Family Pass Holders/Handicapped Placards

ONLY family pass holders and those with handicapped placards will be allowed to park in the ANC Welcome Center parking garage.

Instructions:  Family pass holders and those with handicapped plates/placards will need to go to Pentagon North Parking where their pass will be verified. They will then be directed to the ANC Welcome Center parking garage. Once the parking garage is full, drivers will be directed to other parking options.

Note: This is a change from last year. There is NO pre-registration required for family pass holder parking this year.

Ride Share Drop-off Locations

For those volunteers who plan to arrive via a ride share (i.e. Uber, Lyft), the drop off location is the Hayes lot (599-549 Army Navy Drive). From this point, volunteers will need to walk to the cemetery’s South Gate entrance.

Photo via Flickr/Jeff Reardon 

Affordable Housing Provider AHC Serves Over 40 Turkeys To Community Members

By Kalina Newman
1/3

Local affordable housing provider AHC Inc. has given back to nearly a thousand Arlington residents this Thanksgiving season.

Over the last week, across six AHC apartment communities including the Gates of Ballston, Hunters Park, and Virginia Gardens, dozens of volunteers prepared and served 40 turkeys to 800 people.

Volunteers included groups from Amazon, Embassy Suites in Crystal City, the Marymount Women’s Lacrosse Team, and the masonic Arlington Lodge #58. The Arlington Food Assistance Center contributed food to the events.

“Thanksgiving is one of AHC’s favorite times of the year,” said AHC’s Celia Slater. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to show our appreciation for our residents and to celebrate a holiday that all can share.

This marks the 15th year AHC Inc. has been hosting Thanksgiving celebrations in its communities. The nonprofit is Arlington’s oldest and largest nonprofit affordable housing developer, managing 23 properties across Arlington with 3,000 low- and moderate-income residents. AHC also manages properties elsewhere in Virginia and Maryland.

Photos provided by AHC Inc. 

Arlington Tree Canopy Fund Applications Due Next Month

By Kalina Newman

Applications to receive a grant from Arlington’s Tree Canopy Fund are now being accepted.

The community program funds grants for a county-administered contractor to plant a tree on private property.

New for spring 2020, the Tree Canopy Fund will also sponsor grants for property owners who may have issues with utility lines and/or have tighter yard space.

Per the application website, those eligible to apply for and receive trees include:

  • Civic and homeowner associations
  • Community nonprofit organizations
  • Civic service clubs
  • School-related groups planting on private property
  • Ad hoc neighborhood groups
  • Individuals
  • Places of worship

Those who received tree grants from previous years and now have trees that are “not thriving” can also submit requests for their tree to be considered for a warranty replacement.

The applications are due next month on Friday, December 20.

The Tree Canopy Fund was launched in 2009, after approval from the Arlington County Board two years prior. Per its website, the fund was founded with the “goals of arresting the decline and restoring and increasing the County’s tree cover over time.” Since 2009, over 1,213 trees have been planted.

Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler

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