Author: Michael O'Connell

Hot Dog Eating Contest to Be Held in Rosslyn Tomorrow

By Michael O'Connell

Rosslyn’s observation deck will be kicking off its Fourth of July festivities early with a hot dog eating contest and patriotic drinks.

The View of DC (1201 Wilson Blvd) is throwing an Independence Day party tomorrow (Wednesday) from 5-9 p.m. There will be red, white and blue cocktails and other specialty fare on hand for attendees.

In addition, Alexandria’s Village Brauhaus will be on hand to host a hot dog eating competition, inspired by the annual Fourth of July event in Coney Island, New York.

“We are excited to partner with Legend Hospitality to be able to put on the inaugural D.C. area Hot Dog Eating Contest,” said Village Bauhaus owner Bill Gross. “As a German restaurant with some of the finest wursts in the area we thought it would be great to use our fresh, handmade frankfurters for this event.”

Village Bauhaus will also be selling its onion- and beer-braised brats on pretzel rolls as well as giant pretzels imported from Bavaria.

If eating encased meat is not your thing, a number of other activities are planned, including music by Loose Ties, a U.S. knowledge quiz with District Trivia, life-sized games with prizes and other surprises.

“People should expect a fun filled day with great food and live music at an incredible venue,” Gross said.

Tickets for the Independence Day party are $10 and available online.

The View of DC visitors get to the 31st floor venue via Central Place Plaza (1800 N. Lynn Street), across from the Rosslyn Metro station. The observation deck is also hosting a fireworks viewing on July 4, but a ticket lottery for that event has already been held.

Arlington Agenda: June 17-23

By Michael O'Connell

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, June 19

Broadcasting “Aging Matters” with Producer and Host Cheryl Beversdorf
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 2-3 p.m.

Cheryl Beversdorf is producer and host of Aging Matters radio and TV programs featuring timely topics of interest to older adults and their families

Anytime Fitness Rosslyn Grand Opening*
Anytime Fitness Rosslyn (1919 N. Lynn Street)
Time: 4-7 p.m.

Enjoy delicious meals from Nando’s, refreshments from Bourbon Coffee, Fitness Games and a drawing for a chance to win an Electric Scooter and 1-year of membership.

Buying A Home In A Tight Market*
Arlington Community Federal Credit Union (5666 Columbia Pike)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Buying a home in this region is becoming increasingly competitive. Join us to learn about how to start the process and how to be poised for success.

Storytelling: A Tool for Community Engagement and Social Justice
Shirlington Library (4200 Campbell Avenue)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Through a hands-on, interactive approach, participants will learn the importance of storytelling, and how it can be used to engage community members.

Thursday, June 20

Summer Concert Series at Pentagon Row
Pentagon Row (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Kristen and the Noise performs as part of the weekly Summer Concert Series at Pentagon Row. Concert-goers can hear from both local and military performers playing a mix of popular hits and original music.

Friday, June 21

Fridays at the Fountain
Crystal City Water Park (1601 Crystal Drive)
Time: 5-9 p.m.

Enjoy a seasonal pop-up beer garden set within the Crystal City Water Park, featuring food from a rotating lineup of vendors, adult and kid friendly beverage selections, and live music.

Saturday, June 22

Summer Solstice Celebration
Bluemont Park (601 N. Manchester Street)
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.

Help EcoAction Arlington volunteers participate in trash cleanup and work in the pollinator garden. There will be an optional picnic immediately following.

Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception and Community Day
Arlington Arts Center (3550 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 3-9 p.m.

Celebrate the opening of Amanda Browder’s monumental fabric installation, City of Threads, and three new summer exhibitions.

Sunday, June 23

Wesley Housing’s Generosity Washington, DC 5K Run/Walk
Bluemont Park (601 N. Manchester Street)
7:30-10 a.m.

By running for Wesley, you’re helping to support our four Northern Virginia summer camps, which are hosted in our affordable housing communities.

Learn The Art and Science Of Storytelling With The Storymasters Toastmasters Club*
Cafe Sazon (4704 Columbia Pike)
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Storymasters will help you craft a compelling narrative, inspire others to follow your lead and connect with diverse audiences.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

JUST IN: APS Superintendent Murphy Announces September Retirement

By Michael O'Connell

(Updated 6/15/19) Dr. Patrick K. Murphy announced today that he would be retiring as superintendent of Arlington Public Schools effective Sept. 3.

Murphy, who has been APS superintendent since July 1, 2009, notified the School Board of his decision in a June 12 letter.

“As I think about the ebb and flow of changes that have occurred over the past 10 years, the progress we have made for children has been the most rewarding,” Murphy wrote. “Each year we offer new opportunities to allow children to flourish, grow and reach for new heights of success. I know great strides will continue to be made because of the dedication of the School Board, community leaders and APS staff and families, who all believe in the importance of excellence in public education.”

In his nine years as superintendent, Murphy has overseen continued growth in student enrollment, the opening of new schools, an increase in the high school graduation rate, and full-accreditation for all Arlington schools by the Virginia Department of Education.

“Dr. Murphy has guided the school division through unprecedented growth and change, and we thank him for his leadership and unwavering commitment to our students and their success,” said School Board Chair Reid Goldstein, in a statement. “During his tenure, APS leadership and staff have expanded opportunities for our students and further strengthened the quality of education in all our schools, solidifying Arlington’s reputation among Virginia’s top school divisions.”

“Now, with our recently adopted Strategic Plan as a roadmap, APS is in a very strong position, and we are poised to continue that success in the future,” Goldstein continued. “The School Board is excited to carry that work forward with new leadership and APS’ exceptional teachers and staff.”

The School Board is starting the process of identifying Murphy’s successor, APS said.

Murphy is the second member of APS leadership recently to announce his departure. Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Dr. Tara Nattrass announced that will be resigning at the end of this month.

Murphy’s retirement letter to the School Board can be found after the break:

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Arlington Agenda: June 10-16

By Michael O'Connell

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, June 10

2019 Run/Walk for Mental Health 5K – 50 States/50 Days
Benjamin Banneker Park (1680 N. Sycamore Street)
Time: 5-7 p.m.

Be part of our journey to raise awareness and understanding for mental illness in all 50 states in 50 days. Registration and check-in will open 5-6:15 p.m.

Pride Paint Night
Columbia Pike Branch Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 7-8 p.m.

Celebrate Pride month and learn about LGBTQIA+ contemporary painters while making your own palette knife masterpiece! All supplies provided. For adults. Registration required.

Tuesday, June 11

Washington Summer Sings
Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N. Irving Street)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

Clarendon UMC is once again hosting the Annual Sing-a-long of the Classics with Allan Laino conducting the Brahms Requiem.

Wednesday, June 12

Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference
George Mason University (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 1:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us at a half-day conference for a chance to hear inspiring and motivating speakers, and to network with experts and fellow entrepreneurs.

Thursday, June 13

Summer Concert Series at Pentagon Row
Pentagon Row (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Listen to the Country Current Navy Band playing a mix of popular hits and original music. Refreshments and cocktails will be available for purchase.

Arlington History Through Its Historic Districts
Reinsch Library Auditorium, Marymount University (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Arlington County’s Historic Preservation Program representatives will explore the history of Arlington’s development.

 

Friday, June 14

Father’s Day Surf n’ Turf Weekend! Friday-Sunday*
Copperwood Tavern (4021 Campbell Avenue)
Time: 4-11 p.m.

Celebrate all the special dads this Father’s Day with Surf n’ Turf Dinner all weekend long! Reserve your table now.

 

Virginia Tech Executive MBA Class Visit*
Virginia Tech Research Center (900 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 5:30-9 p.m.

Join Virginia Tech in Arlington on June 14 to get a glimpse into the Virginia Tech Executive MBA student experience. Registration closes 48 hours prior to the event start time.

 

Saturday, June 15

Meetup Walk with a Ranger
United States Marine Corps War Memorial
Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Go on a 3-mile hike with a National Park Service Ranger, get some exercise and see some sites on the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

 

Sunday, June 16

Father’s Day Brunch
fyve Restaurant Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton (1250 S. Hayes Street)
Time: 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Toast to Dad with a glass of sparkling wine and choose from a section of breakfast/brunch specialties and delectable desserts. Call 703-412-2762 for details & reservations.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Ballston-Based Nonprofits Aim to Make News Industry More Sustainable and Trusted

By Michael O'Connell
1/5

People are more interested in the news these days. Part of that is due to the political climate, but part of it is that there’s an abundance of news and news-like content online, which often makes it difficult for readers to know whom to trust.

“The political situation we’re in now has actually made people much more consciously aware of journalism, and what good journalism is and what it isn’t,” said David Chavern, president and CEO of the News Media Alliance (NMA), a Ballston-based nonprofit that advocates for the news industry. “Journalism is much more central to people’s consciousness in public conversation than it was certainly three or four years ago, 10 years ago.”

The Trump presidency has certainly accelerated the public’s focus on journalism, according to Chavern, but more people are having a harder time knowing where their news is coming from.

“There’s always been conspiracy theories,” Chavern said. “They were usually delivered to you by a crazy uncle over the dining room table. And that was clearly different from what was on TV and what was in the newspaper and in the driveway. Those are three clearly different sources of information. In the internet blender, all that stuff is delivered exactly the same way and it puts a big burden on readers to pay attention to where things come from. And what stands behind them.”

NMA’s mission, along with its partner organization the American Press Institute (API), is to promote good journalism through advocacy, education and training.

“Journalism plays a central role in a democracy,” said Jeff Sonderman, API’s deputy executive director and executive vice president. “We want people to be informed of what’s happening both in their government and more broadly in their community. We want people, in any given place, to be able to have a shared conversation with each other about what’s happening here. What do we want to happen in this community? How are we making decisions together? And journalism is really the medium that facilitates that, that both creates a platform for it and also shapes it into a responsible platform.”

Before moving to its Ballston headquarters (4401 N. Fairfax Drive) in 2012, API hosted training seminars for journalists at a facility in Reston. As fewer and fewer newsrooms had the money to pay for these seminars, API shifted its business model toward online and in-person training, and research.

“We’re really interested in supporting changes in journalism that make it more innovative and use new technology and storytelling in data and science, but in the service of making those organizations sustainable financially and otherwise, so that they can continue to exist and do the work that’s really are the core of what we’re working on,” Sonderman said.

With accusations of “fake news” running rife through the industry, API has done a lot of research about mistrust of media in order to inform its newsroom training. It’s also partnered with the Trusting News organization to help newsrooms adopt practical, everyday strategies for instilling trust in readers.

“Trust is the foundation of the relationship that any journalist wants to have with an audience,” Sonderman said. “It’s difficult to do all these critical things about serving democracy and informing citizens if there isn’t a foundation of trust to build that on.”

“Newsrooms need to be more transparent about their process. Something as little as adding a sidebar to a story explaining why the news outlet thought it was important to cover the story and how the reporter researched it can go a long way toward establishing a trusting relationship with readers,” Sonderman said.

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Local Nonprofit to Dedicate Garden Honoring Victims, Survivors of Gun Violence

By Michael O'Connell
1/6

A local non-profit is dedicating a garden in Courthouse in honor of the victims and survivors of gun violence.

The Arlington chapter of Moms Demand Action (MDA) is dedicating the garden on Friday (June 7) from 7-8:30 p.m. The event will begin with a rally at Courthouse Plaza (2100 Clarendon Blvd) and then proceed to the garden, where a formal dedication will take place.

“We’re planting hope and creating something hopeful,” said Celia Slater, who handles communications for MDA. “We’re planting to honor the people we love who’ve been killed. We plant seeds for lasting change.”

Speaking at the dedication will be Del. Rip Sullivan (D-48th), MDA lead Beth Fine, and Arlington Board Chair Christian Dorsey, who will be reading a proclamation from the Board.

Also speaking will be Carmen Lodato, whose mother was shot and killed in 2014 in her Alexandria home.

The dedication is part of The Plant Hope initiative of the annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day/Wear Orange event, which takes place each June to honor the more than 100 people who are killed daily by gun violence.

“It’s awful what happened in Virginia Beach,” said Slater, referring to last Friday’s shooting spree, in which a gunman killed 12 people at a Virginia Beach municipal building. “Everybody should be able to live and work without being afraid of being shot at your desk.”

Members of the public donated the initial flowers for the garden, which include sunflowers and other pollinator-friendly blossoms. Come fall, MDA will plant more flowers, with the hope of transforming the plot into a butterfly garden, Slater said.

Children, students and other volunteers painted hundreds of rocks, which will be placed around the garden.

“With so many school lockdowns, we wanted to make sure that we can show families and children that there are positive forces at work to end gun violence,” Slater said.

Photos courtesy of Moms Demand Action

Firefly Festival to Light Up the Night at Fort C.F. Smith Park Next Month

By Michael O'Connell

Families looking to enjoy the spectacle of bioluminescent beetles can check out the Firefly Festival next month at Fort C.F. Smith Park (2411 24th Street N.) in Arlington.

The annual event is being held Sunday, June 30 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and will include games, bug hunts, crafts, nature walks and talks about fireflies.

Families with children ages 3 and up are encouraged to bring a blanket and dinner, as they wait for the fireflies to make their appearance at sunset. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration is required and a $7 fee will be collected upon registration, according to the county’s website. Interested residents can contact Long Branch Nature Center or call 703-228-6535 for more information.

Photo by Bruce Marlin, via Wikimedia Commons

First Latino Judge Sworn In at Arlington General District Court

By Michael O'Connell
1/3

Daniel T. Lopez was ceremonially sworn in last Friday (May 17) as a General District Court judge, becoming the first Latino to serve as a judge in Arlington County.

“I’m very proud to represent my community,” Lopez told ARLnow.

Michael F. Devine, a circuit court judge for the 19th Circuit in Fairfax County, administered the investiture ceremony.

Lopez and his family were joined by members of the Arlington County Bar Association, as well as Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-49th) and Del. Patrick Hope (D-47th), who helped shepherd his nomination through the General Assembly.

“I was honored to be on hand with Delegate Hope to present the Commission at the Investiture of Daniel Lopez as a Judge of the General District Court for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit,” said Del. Lopez, who shares a last name with but is not related to the new judge. “Judge Lopez is immensely qualified and a truly wonderful person. If his work over the years as a substitute judge is any indication, he will be an exceptional judge for our community for years to come.”

A 22-year Arlington resident, Judge Lopez had previously served as a substitute judge in the Circuit Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. He said he was delighted to become a full-time judge.

“It’s something that I’ve been looking forward to for years,” he said.

Lopez was also pleased to be the first Latino to serve as a judge in Arlington. Judges should reflect the community they serve in, he said, and having a Latino on the bench in such a diverse county was a sign of great progress.

Friday’s investiture ceremony was not Lopez’s official swearing in. That will take place 3o days prior to July 1, when he signs the oath of office and begins his six-year term on the General District Court bench. Lopez will succeed Judge Richard McCue, who is retiring.

“My job is to uphold the Constitution and to be fair and impartial, and make sure everyone is welcomed and respected in the courtroom,” he said.

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The Votes Are In and Arlington Has a New ‘I Voted’ Sticker

By Michael O'Connell
1/4

Arlington County’s Election Board asked residents to vote on a new design for its 2019 “I Voted” sticker and they responded, picking the winner by a slim, two-vote margin.

Election officials, in partnership with the Arlington Artists Alliance and Arlington Public Library, solicited votes on the county website earlier this month. Voters cast their votes for five different designs over four rounds of voting.

John Musco’s design, “Shout It From the Skyline,” received 543 votes in the final round, edging out Anna Radjou’s “Voting, the Language of Arlington’s Diversity,” which received 541 votes.

The winning “Skyline” sticker will be distributed to voters who vote at the polls on Nov. 5.

Because the final voting was so close, election officials decided the second-place design will be given to voters who cast in-person absentee votes. Absentee voting for the November general election begins on Sept. 20.

Arlington first-grader Mira Shomali’s design, “The Arlington Stars and Stripes,” received an honorable mention. Her design will be adapted as a new Future Voter sticker, which will be given to kids accompanying their parents to the polls.

The county is currently in the run-up to a primary election, which decides the candidates for the November election.

Images via Arlington County

 

Arlington Agenda: May 6-12

By Michael O'Connell

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, May 7

Pilates in the Park at Pentagon Row
Pentagon Row Plaza (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 6-7 p.m.

Join Club Pilates for a free mat class every Tuesday at 6-7 p.m. in the plaza at Pentagon Row. #BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) — we’ll provide fabulous and knowledgeable instructors.

Wednesday, May 8

Smarty Pets: Estate Planning for Pets
Animal Welfare League of Arlington (2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Learn how to provide for your pet through estate planning at this free class with attorney Lauren Keenan Rote of Bean, Kinney & Korman. Register to reserve a spot.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Debate
Marymount University – Phelan Hall (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Arlington Committee of 100 is hosting a Commonwealth’s Attorney Debate between incumbent Theo Stamos and challenger Parisa Tafti. Optional dinner starts at 7:30 p.m. ($29 for members, $31 for non-members), and the debate starts at 8 p.m.

Thursday, May 9

Crystal City Crafts Market
220 20th Street S.
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Crystal City Crafts Market features a mix of arts, crafts, handmade jewelry, accessories, bath and beauty products and other local, handcrafted products as well as live-music and select food products.

ACTA Practice Series*
Quincy Park Tennis Courts (1021 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7-9:45 p.m.

The ACTA Practice Series is a weekly, social “drop-in” tennis offering for players who are looking to meet and play with others of similar skill levels. Players Cost: $55 ($52 plus $3 registration fee).

Friday, May 10

Fridays at the Fountain
Crystal City Water Park (1601 Crystal Drive)
Time: 5-9 p.m.

Fridays at the Fountain is Crystal City’s seasonal pop-up beer garden set within the Crystal City Water Park, featuring food from The Stand’s rotating lineup of vendors, adult and kid friendly beverage selections, and live music from local bands and musicians.

Saturday, May 11

2019 Tuckahoe Elementary Home & Garden Tour*
Tuckahoe Elementary School (6550 26th Street N)
Time: 12-5 p.m.

This annual home and garden tour features beautiful homes in Arlington and the surrounding area. Both newly constructed and renovated homes are included on the tour, which is an annual fundraiser for the Tuckahoe Elementary Discovery Schoolyard.

George Washington’s Forest History Walk
Ball-Sellers House (5620 3rd Street S.)
Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Walk in the footsteps of George Washington on a guided walking tour with a local historian as we trace his route through his forest in what is now Arlington. Free, but donations are accepted. All ages welcome. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather and bring water.

Nancy Alonso’s 20th Anniversary in Radio*
La Finca Mexican Restaurant (3227 Washington Blvd)
Time: 8-11:59 p.m.

Nancy Alonso, best known as The First Lady of Salsa, celebrates her 20th anniversary of radio broadcasting with live music by Joe Falero and his band, along with special guest DJs.

Sunday, May 12

Lubber Run Farmers Market Re-Opens
Lubber Run Farmers Market (2201 N. Henderson Road)
Time: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Come shop for freshly picked, locally sourced produce, humanely raised/sustainable meats, eggs, and fish, and tasty prepared foods. Enjoy coffee, breakfast, and live music on Saturday morning all through the spring summer and fall.

Mother’s Day Brunch
The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City Grand Ballroom (1250 S. Hayes Street)
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Treat mom to an unforgettable weekend with our brunch featuring live entertainment. Call 703-412-2728 for details and reservations. $99 per adult, $40 per child, ages 5 to 12, complimentary valet parking.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

ARLnow Weekend Discussion

By Michael O'Connell

Another Friday is upon us. Why not take some extra time this weekend to dust off your resume and submit it to Amazon?

The retail giant has started the hiring process for its HQ2 in Arlington. New employees will begin working at a temporary office in June.

Arlington foodies had a lot to talk about this week. Kona Grill restaurant closed in Rosslyn, Starbucks is planning a drive-thru location on Lee Highway, True Food Kitchen is preparing for its grand opening and Riverside Hot Pot is offering a new take on traditional Chinese fare in Clarendon. Also, like a phoenix, the Ballston IHOP is set to reopen this weekend after an April 9 fire.

Also this weekend, police will be closing several roadways in North Arlington on Saturday, May 4, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. for the 2019 Jamestown Elementary 5K race.

Here are some of the other stories you may have missed this week:

Let us know your weekend plans and feel free to discuss these stories — or any other topic of local interest — in the comments below.

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